College Football 2012: Predicting the Winner of 50 Revenge Games

This list is all about revenge.

But contrary to what you may have been taught as a child, it's acceptable, at least in this instance.

Beginning with early season non-conference match-ups, and winding up with late season rivalries, 50 "revenge" games made this list, along with a pick for the winner of each one of them.

It's still somewhat early for making predictions, but who cares?

At least we get to talk about football.

Cincinnati at Louisville, TBA

2011 Result: Cinci - 25 L'Ville - 16

Cincinnati is losing most of their offensive production.

Quarterback Zach Collaros and running back Isaiah Pead are both gone, and between them they accounted for 38 touchdowns.

They do have the best-named quarterback in football returning in Munchie Legaux.

As for Louisville, the team is loaded with young talent such as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Will he be enough to knock of the Bearcats at home?

Winner: Cardinals

Pitt at Cincinnati, TBA

2011 Result: Cinci - 26 Pitt - 23

Pitt suffered through a rough season in 2011, but 2012 will be a different story.

New head coach Paul Chryst knows how to run an offense, and with quarterback Tino Sunseri and running back Ray Graham returning, he has plenty of weapons to utilize.

The Bearcats have, as has been mentioned, the indomitable Munchie Legaux, and it's questionable whether they can hold it together after the attrition they suffered.

Winner: Panthers

Marshall at West Virginia, 9/1

2011 Result: WVU - 34 Marshall - 13

Marshall is returning wide receiver Aaron Dobson and quarterback Rakeem Cato.

Both players will be key to any sort of success the Herd enjoys.

The problem for Marshall is their opponent.

West Virginia is only going to pick up where they left off last season, scoring 70 points against Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

Winner: 'Eers

Auburn vs. Clemson, 9/1

2011 Result: Clemson - 38 Auburn - 24

This series has turned really interesting.

In 2010, Clemson came as close to knocking off Auburn as anybody else.

Last season, they handled their business.

This season, it will be interesting to see whether the explosive offense of Clemson will be enough to beat an Auburn team that has been making significant strides.

Should Gene Chizik's quarterback, whether it be Barrett Trotter or somebody else, have a moderate level of success early in the season, Dabo Swinney's club will lose.

Winner: Aubie

Oklahoma State at Arizona, 9/8

2011 Result: Okie State - 37 Arizona - 14

Last season's match-up was pitiful.

Mike Gundy's team was just too good for Arizona to keep up with.

This season, the Wildcats are without their sole star from 2011, Nick Foles.

The absence of Foles means they will struggle mightily to keep up with the Cowboys.

Winner: 'Pokes

Iowa State at Iowa, 9/8

2011 Result: Iowa State - 44 Iowa - 41

This game was wild last season, and State emerged on top in a surprise overtime win.

The Hawkeyes have some holes to fill, namely at running back where they can't seem to get anybody to stay, but as this game is at Kinnick Stadium, the Cyclones are in trouble.

Winner: Hawkeyes

Miami at Kansas State, 9/8

2011 Result: K-State - 28 Miami - 24

Al Golden has his work cut out for him at Miami.

There is no arguing the fact that talent is all over the field, but the discipline it takes to mold that talent into a winning squad has been sadly lacking.

Last season's edition of this meeting was a great game, but the 'Canes fell just short at home.

On the road, against a very talented Wildcats team, the Fighting Goldens will struggle again in 2012.

Winner: 'Cats

Wisconsin at Oregon State, 9/8

2011 Result: Sconnie - 35 State - 0

The Beavers were not exactly the best example of a quality football team in 2011.

Sadly, they won't be much better in 2012.

Quarterback Sean Mannion will be a solid contributor, but in this game, against a very solid defense, he will struggle.

Oh yeah, the Badgers have that Montee Ball guy back, as well.

Winner: Badgers

Notre Dame at Michigan State, 9/15

2011 Result: Irish - 31 Sparty - 13

This seemed to be the one good game the Irish played last season.

Maybe "complete" would be a better word.

Either way, this will be an interesting match-up.

The Irish, barring another season with an inordinate amount of turnovers, will be a contender for a BCS game.

The Spartans will be fighting for their own berth in a BCS game in a wide open Big Ten.

Both teams feature stingy defenses, but the Spartans have a more settled picture of their quarterback position.

Given the game is in East Lansing, expect the Spartans to come out on top.

Winner: Sparty

Arizona State at Missouri, 9/15

2011 Result: ASU - 37 Mizzou - 30 OT

The Devils are in trouble this season.

Vontaze Burfict is gone, Brock Osweiler is gone, and a new coach means a rough season in 2012.

Throw in the fact that the Tigers will be looking to exact a measure of revenge after blowing a close game last season, and this one will get ugly.

James Franklin and the rest of the Missouri offense have the talent to put up a ton of points, and the Sun Devils will have a tough time keeping up.

Winner: Tigers

Utah at BYU, 9/15

2011 Result: Utah - 54 BYU - 10

Last season's episode was not even a game.

BYU had a pretty solid season, and yet, when they faced Utah, it was as if they checked their football prowess at the door.

While BYU will again be pretty solid, under the leadership of Riley Nelson, Utah is going to be scary good.

That defense is ridiculous, and Jordan Wynn may return from injury.

The "Holy War" is going to be a better game this season, but the result won't be any different.

Winner: Utes

Alabama at Arkansas, 9/15

2011 Result: Alabama - 38 Arkansas - 14

This matchup is extremely interesting.

Last season, the Tide's tremendous defense was too much for Tyler Wilson and co. to handle.

That said, this season's edition of the Tide is like the lite edition of 2011.

Solid, but not quite as much substance to it.

Meanwhile, the Hogs get back running back Knile Davis, and have been steadily improving defensively.

Call me crazy, but I'm takin' the Hogs.

Winner: Razorbacks

USC at Stanford, 9/15

2011 Result: Stanford - 56 USC - 48 3OT

This was one of the best games of last season, culminating in a great win for the Cardinal.

Matt Barkley and crew will be looking for revenge, and as long as Lane Kiffin does not hold them back, they will win going away.

Winner: Trojans

Boston College at Northwestern, 9/15

2011 Result: Northwestern - 24 Boston College - 17

You may or may not be a fan of these teams, but you have to admire their perseverance.

Both teams have struggled in recent seasons, with the Wildcats having a slightly better record for the past few seasons.

Without stud linebacker Luke Kuechly, the eagles are going to be worse this season than they were in 2011.

Expect Pat Fitzgerald's squad to take advantage.

Winner: Wildcats

Temple at Penn State, 9/22

2011 Result: PSU - 14 Temple - 10

The Owls hung around with the Nittany Lions last season at home, but will find it more difficult at Happy Valley in 2012.

Bill O'Brien will be settling in by this point, and while the Nittany Lions are still going to be anemic on offense, defensively they are going to be very tough.

Temple will be without star running back Bernard pierce, who will be playing on Sundays, and the prospect of facing over 100,000 hostile fans will not be kind to them.

Winner: Nittany Lions

Clemson at Florida State, 9/22

2011 Result: Clemson - 35 FSU - 30

Last season, the Tigers caught the 'Noles coming off of a disappointing loss and took advantage of it.

This season, they will have to overcome a trip to Doak Campbell Stadium, as well as deficiencies along both lines to beat Jimbo Fisher's squad.

The Seminoles will have the year in 2012 that many predicted for them in 2011, and emerge as ACC champs.

Winner: 'Noles

Michigan at Notre Dame, 9/22

2011 Result: Michigan - 35 Notre Dame - 31

The quarterback situation at Notre Dame is tremendously unsettled.

Andrew Hendrix and Tommy Rees, among others, will be battling it out in practice to see who wins the spot.

However, if their play last season is any indication, neither of them is likely to be the answer.

The Irish will be looking for revenge on their home field for the dagger Denard Robinson nailed them with in the final seconds last season, but will come up short.

Winner: Wolverines

Stanford at Washington, 9/27

2011 Result: Stanford - 65 UW - 21

This was a beating last season, and the Huskies are capable in 2012 of exacting a measure of revenge.

Washington quarterback Keith Price is a dark horse Heisman candidate, and has the tools and skill to put up some crazy good numbers.

The Cardinal still have some great athletes remaining, even after Andrew Luck's departure, but a trip to Husky Stadium is going to be tough.

Winner: Huskies

Wisconsin at Nebraska, 9/29

2011 Result: Wisconsin - 48 Nebraska - 17

Nebraska hoped for a kinder introduction to the Big Ten.

It was ugly.

Expect a team loaded with talent to be out for some revenge on their home turf against a Wisconsin team that has garnered a reputation for being a bit of a bully.

Stopping Montee Ball will always be a tricky proposition, and the Badgers' defense is stout, but this Husker team has the potential to be special.

Winner: Fighting Pelinis

Tennessee at Georgia, 9/29

2011 Result: Georgia - 20 Tennessee - 12

Derek Dooley needs some good things to happen for Tennessee soon if he wants to stay on as head coach.

This season might be the time.

Quarterback Tyler Bray is going to be returning from injury, and this kid is legit.

Tauren Poole is gone, and Slowing down Aaron Murray and the Bulldog's passing game is no picnic.

Should be another close game, but the Georgia defense will give them the edge in this one.

Winner: Dawgs

USC at Utah, 10/4

2011 Result: USC - 23 Utah - 14

Utah is going to be ready for this one.

Matt Barkley and the rest of his uber-talented USC squad are going to have a target painted on their backs, and Utah is going to be one of the teams hosting them in 2012 with a shot at knocking them off.

Utah's defense is better than you might think, and they have the weapons on offense to make things interesting.

Will it be enough?

Winner: Trojans

Washington at Oregon, 10/6

2011 Result: Oregon - 34 Washington - 17

Chip Kelly has proven his offense can terrorize the Pac-12 and Wisconsin.

Unfortunately for Washington, they are part of the Pac-12, and their defense is less than stellar.

Even Alamo Bowl-like heroics from Keith Price might not be enough to keep up with the speedy Ducks at Autzen Stadium.

Winner: Ducks

Georgia at South Carolina, 10/6

2011 Result: SC - 45 Georgia - 42

Georgia had this game in the bag, and blew it in the waning minutes.

With Marcus Lattimore returning, and a solid core on the defensive side of the ball, the Gamecocks will look to make a bid for the SEC East crown.

Williams-Brice Stadium is not a fun place to play, especially for bitter rivals, and if the Dawgs are going to lose one, this might be it.

Winner: Gamecocks

Nebraska at Ohio State, 10/6

2011 Result: Nebraska - 34 Ohio State - 27

The Huskers came back in the fourth quarter to win this one last season, thanks to some inspired play from running back Rex Burkhead.

A trip to the Horseshoe is not going to be much fun in 2012 for Bo Pelini's team.

Ohio State, in spite of a bowl ban, will be a formidable opponent, as quarterback Braxton Miller matures and the defense continues to evolve.

Expect this to be another close one, with the Buckeyes getting their revenge.

Winner: OSU

Stanford at Notre Dame, 10/13

2011 Result: Stanford - 28 Notre Dame - 14

The Golden Domers struggled through this one last season.

And while the Cardinal's good fortune was not solely reliant on the success of Andrew Luck, the others who contributed are gone.

Mainly, Jonathan Martin and David DeCastro on the offensive line.

This opens the way for Notre Dame's very good defense to wreak havoc in Stanford's backfield all day long.

David Shaw's team is in trouble.

Winner: Irish

Texas vs. Oklahoma, 10/13

2011 Result: Oklahoma - 55 Texas - 17

Call it what you will, the "Red River Shootout" will always be known by that name for me.

Now that I have that out of my system, let's move on.

Texas has another year of struggling behind an inept quarterback ahead of them, and it will be surprising if the score of this season's edition of this rivalry is not as lopsided as last season's.

Sorry Longhorn fans, it's going to be another long season.

Winner: Sooners

South Carolina at Florida, 10/20

2011 Result: SC - 17 Florida - 12

Last season, this turned into a battle of two inept offenses struggling to score against good defense.

The 2012 edition of this game finds the Florida offense even less inspiring, while South Carolina has it's own key players to replace.

"The Swamp" is not a friendly place to play for opposing teams, and Florida's defense will still be solid.

How solid remains to be seen.

Winner: Gamecocks

Florida State at Miami, 10/20

2011 Result: FSU - 23 Miami - 19

Neither of these teams had a particularly great 2011.

Al Golden's group had to deal with suspensions, scandal, et. cet..., while the 'Noles just flat did not perform the way many expected.

Florida State is better prepared going into the season, with more experience and some great talent on defense.

Winner: State

Michigan State at Michigan, 10/20

2011 Result: MSU - 28 Michigan - 14

Michigan fans and players have got to be sick of "little brother" beating up on them.

It's been four years in a row that Sparty has emerged from this matchup victorious.

That said, Mark Dantonio's squad loses it's leader in quarterback Kirk Cousins, as well as it's top three receivers.

Defensively, they will be fine, but won't be enough to slow Denard as the Wolverines finally eke out a win against Sparty.

Winner: Michigan

Virginia Tech at Clemson, 10/20

2011 Result: Ugliness, both times

The first time these two teams met, Va. Tech was pummelled, 23-3.

The two teams proceeded merrily on their separate ways, and wound up meeting each other again in the ACC title game.

Second verse, same as the first.

The Hokies struggled to do anything positive, as Clemson hammered them, 38-10.

But there is hope for the downtrodden masses of Hokie fans.

Frank Beamer's defense is going to be experienced, deep and talented this season, and Clemson has some issues on their offensive line.

Expect a closer game in 2012.

Winner: Hokie

Boise State at Wyoming, 10/27

2011 Result: Boise State - 36 Wyoming - 14

Wyoming has an up-and-coming youngster at quarterback in Brett Smith, with the ability to do damage on the run or in the pocket.

The Broncos are experiencing massive changes, particularly at the offensive skill positions.

While I don't expect the Cowboys to come out on top, I do expect it to be closer than last season's meeting.

Winner: Broncos

Florida vs. Georgia, 10/27

2011 Result: Georgia - 24 Florida - 20

As has been mentioned, the Bulldogs have a very manageable schedule in 2012.

This annual tangle with Florida could present some interesting possibilities.

The problem for the Gators is finding production on offense.

Where are the points supposed to come from?

Winner: Dawgs

Michigan State at Wisconsin, 10/27

2011 Result: Split

Michigan State stunned the Badgers in East Lansing with a memorable "Hail Mary."

The second time they met, in the Big Ten title game with a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line, the Badgers eked out a close victory.

You better believe this Michigan State team will be out for blood.

And with a defense like that, they can probably draw some.

That said, the Badgers don't lose often at home.

With Montee Ball taking care of business, this will be a tough proposition for Sparty.

Winner: Bucky

Alabama at LSU, 11/3

2011 Result: Split

We twice had to watch these teams last season play in the "Game of the Century."

Not fun.

LSU took the first game, which had a final score with both teams in single digits.

'Bama took the BCS title game, in which LSU only crossed the 50-yard line once, and that for only about 30 seconds before being thrown back again.

Next season, both teams have SEC title aspirations, but both have lost key defensive players.

The game is at Tiger Stadium, which makes me lean toward the Tigers, but I won't be surprised if A.J. McCarron has another big game and pulls it out.

Winner: LSU

Oregon at USC, 11/3

2011 Result: USC - 38 Oregon - 35

Matt Barkley absolutely shredded the Oregon defense in this game, but Darron Thomas and LaMichael James were able to keep Oregon in it until the final snap.

Both of those guys are gone from Oregon, but Barkley is still hangin' around.

The Trojans have the potential to have an extremely special season, and getting to host Oregon only makes it a little bit easier.

Winner: Trojans

Ohio State at Wisconsin, 11/17

2011 Result: OSU - 33 UW - 29

Braxton Miller threw a touchdown bomb in the waning seconds of last season's meeting to win the game for the Buckeyes.

In a matchup that is slowly evolving into one of the best rivalries in the Big Ten, ohio State has had the clear advantage.

The last time the Buckeyes traveled to Camp Randall, they were number one in the nation and undefeated, and yet were absolutely ambushed by the Badgers.

The Badgers will have an incredible running game, and a stout defense, but the questions at quarterback may be too big to overcome.

Winner: Sconnie

Iowa at Michigan, 11/17

2011 Result: Iowa - 24 Michigan - 16

Michigan fell just short of winning this one last season at Kinnick.

This season they get to host the Hawkeyes.

Michigan has a legit shot at making a run to the BCS title game, while Iowa is trending downward.

However, the recent history of this rivalry would lead me to believe that this will be a close game.

Winner: Wolverines

Washington at Washington State, 11/23

2011 Result: UW - 38 State - 21

Washington is going to be a tough out in 2012.

While Mike Leach is going to eventually get Washington State turned around, it's not going to happen next season.

Keith Price is going to have a field day against a pretty sorry Washington State team.

Winner: Washington

Arizona State at Arizona, 11/23

2011 Result: 'Zona - 31 ASU - 27

This game is going to be interesting simply because two high-profile coaches are making their debut's.

Todd Graham inherits a program in mildly better shape at ASU then the one Rich Rodriguez takes over in Tucson at Arizona.

The simple fact remains, both of these teams are awful, but Arizona State at least plays some defense and has a running game.

Winner: Sun Devils

Notre Dame at USC, 11/24

2011 Result: USC - 31 Notre Dame - 17

This will be one of those games that seem to have become an annual rite of fall.

Another game in which Notre Dame is exposed.

The Irish, barring major injury, have a great defense.

However, they will struggle to score points like Steven Tyler struggles to get across a logical thought on American Idol.

Matt Barkley and the Trojans will finish off their regular season with another win in a big rivalry.

Winner: USC

South Carolina at Clemson, 11/24

2011 Result: SC - 34 Clemson - 14

Clemson was the best team in the ACC last season.

South Carolina had the fourth best record in the SEC.

And still, the Gamecocks absolutely hammered the Tigers in this bitter rivalry.

The Tigers have some severe issues to handle along their lines on both sides of the ball, and South Carolina is the type of opponent that can exploit them.

Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are going to get some yards, but not enough to take this one.

Winner: Gamecocks

Florida at Florida State, 11/24

2011 Result: State - 21 Florida - 7

The Gators are still a long way from competing in the SEC.

As a matter of fact, given the emergence of Tyler Bray at Tennessee and the teams South Carolina and Georgia can field, don't be surprised to see them finish worse in the SEC East than their third place 2011 position.

Of course, the Seminoles were not exactly world-beaters in 2011, in spite of some high preseason expectations.

The inability of Florida to move the ball will turn out to be their Achilles' Heel in this one.

Winner: 'Noles

Georgia Tech vs. Georgia, 11/24

2011 Result: Georgia - 31 Tech - 17

This is one of the more bitter rivalries in the country, but does not gain much national attention because neither team has been a major player on a national level in recent seasons.

This season, the Bulldogs will be.

Their defense played better as the 2011 season progressed, and they have the easiest schedule in the SEC.

At the end of the day, the Yellow Jackets just don't have enough offensive firepower to hang with Aaron Murray and the Dawgs.

Winner: Bulldogs

Oregon at Oregon State, 11/24

2011 Result: Oregon - 49 State - 21

Let's be honest with ourselves here.

In spite of the losses the Ducks have to deal with, they have far more talent than the Beavers.

Sean Mannion is a great quarterback, and will help the Beavers stay out of the cellar in the Pac-12, but by himself he does not have the talent to beat the Ducks.

Expect De'anthony Thomas to have a huge day against a porous rushing defense.

Winner: Ducks

Wisconsin at Penn State, 11/24

2011 Result: Sconnie - 45 PSU - 7

When these two teams have played in recent seasons, it seems as if one team forgets to show up.

Last season, it was Penn State.

In 2008, it was Wisconsin as they fell 48-7.

In 2007, it was 38-7 in favor of the Nittany Lions.

Next season, it appears that the two teams will be a little more evenly matched then they have been recently.

Bill O'Brien has his work cut out for him trying to replace a legend, and a win over a team with consecutive Rose Bowl appearances would be a big deal.

Winner: Nittany Lions

LSU at Arkansas, 11/24

2011 Result: LSU - 41 Arkansas - 17

The Razorbacks' trip to Baton Rouge last season was about as pleasant as an episode of the original Star Trek series.

It was extremely hard to sit through.

The Tigers were all over them.

This year, Tyler Wilson has another year of experience, running back Knile Davis is coming back and they get to host LSU this season.

Still, they are going to have a tough time scoring enough to beat LSU.

Winner: Tigers

Auburn at Alabama, 11/24

2011 Result: Alabama - 42 Auburn - 14

Sorry about the sign, Auburn fans, but I couldn't resist.

Alabama exacted a great measure of revenge on the Tigers in 2011, after giving up a significant lead in the 2012 edition of the Iron Bowl.

The 2012 game should be interesting.

With all of the talent the Tide lost on defense, the Tigers have a shot to move the ball and score some points.

That said, the Tigers are still to young and inconsistent to pick as the winner in this one.

Winner: Tide

Michigan at Ohio State, 11/24

2011 Result: Michigan - 40 Ohio State - 34

The Wolverines finally pulled out a "W" against their hated rivals in 2011.

Denard Robinson actually looked like a real quarterback for most of that game, and the Wolverines toughed out the win.

On the road in 2012, that will be even more difficult.

The Buckeyes still have one of the stouter defenses the Wolverines will face, and the chances of Denard throwing the ball that well in this game two years in a row are pretty slim.

Winner: Buckeyes

Virginia at Virginia Tech, 11/24

2011 Result: Va. Tech - 38 Virginia - 0

There was some question about which one of these teams would represent the state in the ACC title game last season,

Then Virignia Tech stepped off the bus.

When the smoke cleared, it was blatantly obvious that the Hokies were the better of the two teams, by a mile.

That said, Mike London has the Cavaliers heading in the right direction, and they will probably make this season's edition of the contest more interesting.

However, they just don't have the offense to contend with a Hokies' defense that returns ten starters.

Winner: Virginia Tech

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma, 11/24

2011 Result: Oklahoma State - 44 Oklahoma - 10

Oklahoma State came through in a big way in this one, winning their first game in this matchup in their past nine tries.

This season, the Cowboys are going to be without quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Justin Blackmon.

Meanwhile, the Sooners lose wide receiver Ryan Broyles, but Landry Jones returns, and if he can cut down on his interceptions when playing on the road, the Sooners should be the favorite to win the conference.

Winner: Sooners