75 Best College Football Matchups of the 2012 Season

The start of the college football season is quickly creeping up and is now just over six weeks away.

From the start, there will be some intriguing non-conference matchups and of course, some conference battles that are highly anticipated.

It seems like the season starts earlier every year and all the action starts on August 30.

For over three months, college football will dominate the sports landscape with marquee games every week.

Here are the best 75 games of the upcoming 2012 college football season from start to finish.

Boise State vs. Michigan State (August 31)

This Friday night game is the perfect way to get the college football season started off the right way.

Not many teams lost as many players as Boise State. It will be very interesting to see how they fare opening up on the road against a perennial Top 20 team in Michigan State.

This game would go a long way toward Boise State earning some respect and what better way to start off the season.

Notre Dame vs. Navy (September 1)

Notre Dame might have the most brutal schedule in the country. While it starts off with somewhat of a cupcake in Navy, this game is a must-see because the teams are playing in Dublin, Ireland.

The kickoff is 9 a.m., making for a full Saturday to start off the college football season, as games will be televised for nearly 16 hours.

The Fighting Irish will likely start the season on the fight foot and probably feel right at home in Dublin.

Clemson vs. Auburn (September 1)

After an early morning game featuring Notre Dame and Navy, fans will will get to enjoy one of the better non-conference rivalries in college football.

This game has grown in recent years and is going to be played in the Georgia Dome. The teams will be evenly matched, with Clemson likely holding a slight edge.

As always, this game could go either way, and is one of the top three games of opening weekend.

Southern Mississippi vs. Nebraska (September 1)

These two teams have met in the past and Southern Miss proved up for the task.

Nebraska is at home, but this could have early season upset written all over it if they are not careful.

As one of the best mid-majors, Southern Miss will be a handful for the Cornhuskers to start off the year.

Michigan vs. Alabama (September 1)

There is no question that this is the biggest game of opening weekend, and one of the most intriguing non-conference games of the season.

The Crimson Tide are going to be tough, but will be young on the defensive side of the ball, so the best time to get them will be early in the season.

With that being said, this is still one of the top four teams in the country and the Wolverines will have their hands full.

The Michigan offense against the Alabama defense should be fun to watch.

Washington vs. LSU (September 8)

This game will pit the LSU defense against the Washington offense.

The Tigers have one of the best defenses in the country and the Huskies are very talented on the offensive side of the ball, like a lot of other teams in the Pac-12.

Quarterback Keith Price will have a hard time against the LSU defense, and the crowd will certainly be loud in Baton Rouge.

Georgia vs. Missouri (September 8)

This will be the first game for Missouri in the SEC and they will get a tough home test against the Georgia Bulldogs.

Georgia has talent all over the field and the Tigers will have their hands full.

Whoever wins the quarterback battle between Aaron Murray and James Franklin will likely hold the edge, but Georgia is a perennial Top Five team and will be tough to beat, even on the road.

Miami vs. Kansas State (September 8)

These two teams played a classic in Miami at the beginning of last season. In 2012, the game will be in Manhattan.

While Kansas State barely pulled out the game last year, don't expect it to be that close in 2012.

Quarterback Collin Klein will be a load to stop and this game will be fun from start to finish with the Wildcats holding the edge.

BYU vs. Utah (September 15)

The "Holy War" will once again be another battle between two bitter in-state foes.

This is one of the best rivalries in college football and both teams should be solid in 2012.

The Utes will get quarterback Jordan Wynn back after missing most of last season with an injury. BYU won 10 games last year and should be just as good in 2012.

USC vs. Stanford (September 15)

These two teams played a triple overtime thriller last season, with Stanford coming out on top.

Do not expect that this year, but this is one of the most difficult games on the USC schedule, particularly because it is on the road.

If they do stumble, this could be when it happens. Expect some points to be scored just like last season, but USC will probably be too much to handle for Stanford.

Florida vs. Tennessee (September 15)

These two teams were slight disappointments last season and will look to rebound in 2012.

This is a huge early season game for both teams as they are looking to put together better campaigns than in 2011.

If the Volunteers are healthy, they will be hard to stop for the Gators, particularly this early in the season with the youth of the Gators on both sides of the ball.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan State (September 15)

Who can forget the fake field goal in overtime two years ago when Michigan State pulled out the victory?

Here's to hoping this year can be just as exciting.

This is a huge game for both teams, as the Fighting Irish start the meat of a brutal schedule and Michigan State continues a tough non-conference slate.

This one will be very close between two evenly-matched teams with the Spartans likely to be the favorite at home.

Alabama vs. Arkansas (September 15)

These two teams will be battling all season for the SEC West title. This is as important an early season conference battle as any.

The Razorbacks have the talent on offense to compete with the Crimson Tide and they will be at home, which makes this one of the toughest games of the season for Alabama.

If Knile Davis is back healthy and Tyler Wilson has a career day, this game will be close, with the possibility of an upset.

BYU vs. Boise State (September 20)

Boise State is playing a somewhat difficult non-conference slate and a date with BYU will be no easy task.

The Cougars won 10 games last season and Boise State will have their hands full, even at home. This is a Thursday night ESPN game and is one of the best Thursday night games of the year.

This is going to be very close. BYU has a legitimate shot to come out on top.

Clemson vs. Florida State (September 22)

Conference play really starts to heat up during the fourth week of the season and one of the best ACC games of the year is Clemson and Florida State.

With the exception of Virginia Tech, these two teams are likely the class of the conference.

The Tigers have a high-powered offense and the Seminoles may have the best defense in the country.

Florida State at home is a tall task for Clemson.

Kansas State vs. Oklahoma (September 22)

Landry Jones is back for yet another season and Oklahoma may have one of the best offenses in the country in 2012.

Kansas State can also put some points on the board, but in a completely different way.

What is intriguing about this game is that it pits two of the top 10 quarterbacks in college football.

Look for this to be close for a while, but the Sooners may just have too much in the end.

LSU vs. Auburn (September 22)

If Auburn wants to cement itself as a legitimate contender for an SEC title, this is a game they need to win.

The Tigers are at home and even though LSU is one of the best teams in the country, the Tigers have what it takes to pull off the upset.

Expect this to be a grind-it-out, low-scoring affair.

Michigan vs. Notre Dame (September 22)

This is the oldest rivalry between any FBS schools and as two of the most storied programs in college football history, there is no question that this is a huge game every year.

Michigan, a perennial Top 10 team, is again in the Top 10 in 2012. While Notre Dame may not be ranked that high, they are still going to be tough to beat.

Last year, the "Big House" saw quite a game. Expect much of the same this year in South Bend.

Stanford vs. Washington (September 27)

This is another Thursday night game that should feature a lot of points.

The Washington Huskies showed what they can do on the offensive side of the ball last season and the Stanford Cardinal also like to put points on the board.

With Washington at home, this game will be real close and go a long way toward determining how the Pac-12 plays out.

Ohio State vs. Michigan State (September 29)

These two teams played a yawner last season, with Michigan State winning 10-7 in Columbus.

Do not expect that to be the case this season.

Urban Meyer will have the Buckeyes putting more points on the board and Michigan State will challenge for the conference title once again.

This one is going to be very close all game.

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (September 29)

Texas A&M plays Florida in their SEC opener, but takes on Arkansas in their second SEC game.

These two teams have played in recent years and because of how close they are in proximity, this could develop into quite a conference rivalry.

The Aggies will not be nearly as good as the Razorbacks next season, but the crowd will certainly be loud for this one.

Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech (September 29)

Virginia Tech may not have been as good as their ranking last season, and will have a tough non-conference task at Fed Ex Field in Washington, D.C. against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Cincinnati lost some talent on both sides of the ball, but still has a lot coming back.

This one will be very close all game with turnovers likely deciding it.

Wisconsin vs. Nebraska (September 29)

Nebraska had some success in their first season in the B1G and will likely be in the same boat this year.

Wisconsin lost some talent, but Montee Ball will be a load to stop for the Badgers.

Nebraska is at home, but they were manhandled last season by Wisconsin. This could be a little payback for the Badgers.

The Cornhuskers certainly have had this game circled on their calendar for a while.

Tennessee vs. Georgia (September 29)

This is one of the better rivalries in the SEC. This year Tennessee will be looking for a little payback on a lot of teams. Georgia is one of them.

The Bulldogs knocked off Tennessee 20-12 on the road last season and it is hard to imagine the Volunteers going into Athens and coming out with a win.

But, anything can happen and if healthy, the Vols are dangerous.

West Virginia vs. Texas (October 6)

For anybody who wants to see points scored, there is no better game to watch all season than this one.

These may be two of the most explosive offenses in the country and this one could be in the 40s by the end of the third quarter. 

While there are a lot of teams that are hoping to contend for the Big 12 title, these are the two front-runners. 

Few games will be more entertaining than this one.

Georgia vs. South Carolina (October 6)

Georgia and South Carolina are the class of the SEC East again this season. The winner of this game will likely be in position to play in the SEC title game.

The Gamecocks got the best of the Bulldogs last season and if they can do the same this season, they should find themselves playing one of the SEC West juggernauts for the championship.

Do not expect the 45-42 score from last season, but points will be scored; that is for sure.

Nebraska vs. Ohio State (October 6)

Nebraska will get a tough toad test when they travel to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes.

By this time, the Ohio State offense will likely have hit full stride and could be hard to stop.

Nebraska will try to control the ball with the run, making for an interesting game.

Miami vs. Notre Dame (October 6)

This game is another challenge for Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish will likely be up for it.

These are two programs that were so good at one time and are now trying to return to national prominence.

There is no question that this will be entertaining and it brings back memories of the past when these two teams met in the '80s, in what was once called "Catholics vs. Convicts."

Washington vs. Oregon (October 6)

Once again, points will be easy to come by in this one and expect this game to be played in the 50s.

The Ducks are one of the Top Five teams in the nation, but a team like Washington has the offensive firepower to hang with them for a while.

Oregon at home will be the big-time favorites in this one.

Arkansas vs. Auburn (October 6)

This game is another chance for Auburn to make their mark against the SEC West.

The Tigers are at home once again in this one and if they do not beat LSU, this is a game they need to win in order to keep their conference title hopes alive.

The schedule certainly does not favor the Tigers.

Boise State vs. Southern Mississippi (October 6)

Southern Miss showed just how good they were last season, defeating Houston in the Conference USA Championship game.

There may not be a better game all season long featuring two teams from non-BCS conferences.

The Golden Eagles have plenty of talent to compete with anybody and Boise State is going to have their hands full on the road.

Texas vs. Oklahoma (October 13)

The Red River Rivalry is one of the greatest in all of college football and with the development of the Texas defense, this will be quite a game.

The young and talented Longhorn defense against the experienced and explosive Oklahoma offense will certainly be fun to watch.

Texas has aspirations of contending for a Big 12 crown and to do so, they would need to win this one.

Stanford vs. Notre Dame (October 13)

Here, once again, is Notre Dame as their brutal schedule continues.

The Fighting Irish will be at home in this one and if they plan on reaching double-digits in wins, this is one they need to have.

Stanford is talented, but not as much as a lot of teams on their schedule.

Still, this one is likely going to be very close.

South Carolina vs. LSU (October 13)

There are not many big-time conference matchups during the October 13th weekend, which makes this game that much more intriguing.

South Carolina has the talent to be a Top 10 team and traveling to Baton Rouge will without question be no easy task.

It is hard to imagine them coming out with a win, but if they do, there could be national championship aspirations for the Gamecocks.

USC vs. Washington (October 13)

While USC has had some undefeated teams over the years and is the best team in the country, they always seem to slip up somewhere and this could be that time. 

Washington may not be ranked when the season begins, but they have the talent to be there by the middle of the season. 

The Huskies have an offense capable of keeping up with USC and this could be a thriller.

Florida State vs. Miami (October 20)

Florida State has the talent to be a Top Five team. Whether or not they will live up to expectations remains to be seen.

This in-state rivalry is one of the best in college football and these two teams may be the tops the state has to offer.

This one is certain to be hard-hitting and intense throughout.

Michigan State vs. Michigan (October 20)

These two teams certainly do not like each other and this rivalry seemingly gets more intense every year.

With Brady Hoke now firmly entrenched at Michigan, this rivalry is here to stay.

Michigan is at home, but this game may be too close to call at this point. It will certainly be fun to watch though.

Kansas State vs. West Virginia (October 20)

Kansas State will be traveling to Morgantown to take on a Mountaineer team that is very hard to beat at home.

This contest could have conference title implications and should be one of the most entertaining Big 12 games of the season.

Points will be scored and two of the nation's best at quarterback will be on display.

South Carolina vs. Florida (October 20)

Steve Spurrier returns to Gainesville once again for this SEC East battle.

The Gamecocks will likely be the favorite in this one, but with the season at the midway point, a young Gator team will be much improved and hungry for a victory.

Don't count out Florida in this one, but the talent of the Gamecocks will be too much to handle.

BYU vs. Notre Dame (October 20)

This game is a battle of the best two independents in college football.

Notre Dame will be nearing the end of the grueling part of their schedule and looking for some relief.

They probably aren't going to get that against the Cougars, as BYU will be up for the challenge in this one.

Virginia Tech vs. Clemson (October 20)

Virginia Tech and Clemson have met in some big games, including the 2011 ACC Championship.

This encounter will be no different, as they will be battling once again for the conference crown. 

This game will have huge implications and Clemson is at home which is an added bonus for them.

Cincinnati vs. Louisville (October 26)

The Big East does not have many marquee games, but this Friday night showdown between two rivals, could be the most important of the entire season.

These are likely two of the top teams in the conference and with the national spotlight on the conference, this game will be huge for the Big East.

Louisville is at home and will be tough to beat, particularly with the expected development of such a young team.

Ohio State vs. Penn State (October 27)

These two teams had a somewhat entertaining game last season and 2012 is likely to be no different.

While many people do not think these two teams will be near the top of the conference, they will be in that next group and this is a very important game.

By this time, Ohio State will likely be hitting on all cylinders and probably tough to stop.

Florida vs. Georgia (October 27)

Florida and Georgia have one of the most heated rivalries of anybody in the SEC.

They have consistently been near the top of the SEC East and this game will be a chance for the Gators to prove they are back.

By this time in the season, the Gators will be more mature and the Bulldogs could have a fight on their hands.

Georgia just has too much talent though.

Michigan vs. Nebraska (October 27)

This game is another chance for Nebraska to knock off one of the big boys in the B1G.

Michigan is on the road and this could be a trap game, considering they are coming off Michigan State the previous week.

Denard Robinson, will likely have no trouble running all over Nebraska, though, in this one.

Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma (October 27)

This is the end of quite a brutal stretch in the schedule for Notre Dame.

They finish up against the Sooners of Oklahoma in what is likely the toughest game of the entire stretch.

The Sooners have quite an offense and it will be on full display in this one. Do not expect Notre Dame to be able to hang around for too long.

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin (October 27)

This is the third game in what is certainly the biggest weekend of the B1G regular season. It is a rematch of last season's championship game.

These two teams may not be as good as they were last year, particularly Wisconsin, but still have conference title hopes.

We all remember how the regular season game between these two teams ended last year as well.

Virginia Tech vs. Miami (November 1)

The ACC has seemingly made a living out of Thursday night games and this will be a big one.

Virginia Tech and Miami will square off in a game that could have a whole lot on the line.

Logan Thomas and Virginia Tech may just have too much for the Hurricanes, even if they are at home.

TCU vs. West Virginia (November 3)

West Virginia seemingly has all of their big games at home and this one is no different.

Both of these teams are new to the conference and while West Virginia is the better of the two, TCU is no slouch.

This game could have title implications and West Virginia will be coming off a tough part of their schedule. This one could be a doozy.

Alabama vs. LSU (November 3)

We all know the story between these two teams and this year could be much of the same.

They are two of the Top Three teams in the country and this year the regular season game is in Baton Rouge.

By this time in the season, the Alabama defense will be seasoned and very tough, but LSU will have had time to develop their quarterback, Zach Mettenberger.

One thing is sure, this will be extremely close.

Oregon vs. USC (November 3)

While Alabama and LSU will be battling in the East, Oregon and USC will be squaring off out West.

The Top Four teams in the country playing each other on the same day is without question something the college football world is looking forward to.

This game will be hard-fought and high-scoring. There is no doubt that this is one of the most anticipated games of the entire season.

Nebraska vs. Michigan State (November 3)

Nebraska and Michigan State meet in East Lansing in what should be a relatively close game throughout. 

The Cornhuskers will once again have a strong running game and Michigan State has the perfect defense to stop that.

Look for the Cornhuskers to struggle on the road in this one.

Florida State vs. Virginia Tech (November 8)

These two teams met in the 2010 ACC Championship and will play here in another Thursday night game.

With the exception of Clemson, these two teams are likely the class of the ACC.

Virginia Tech is at home, which gives them a chance against quite a talented Florida State team.

This one will be low-scoring, with turnovers likely telling the story.

Kansas State vs. TCU (November 10)

TCU will get tested more in the Big 12 than they ever have. This game will just be another in a long line of challenging matchups for the Horned Frogs.

The big question is whether or not the TCU defense will be able to contain Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein.

This one should be very interesting as these two teams have a chance to be playing for a conference crown.

Arkansas vs. South Carolina (November 10)

South Carolina and Arkansas are two teams that most people would consider a tier below the top three teams in the SEC.

That makes this game that much more important.

These two teams are going to be hungry and South Carolina will be at home looking to get a big victory to propel them to the top of the conference.

Penn State vs. Nebraska (November 10)

These two teams met last season under emotional circumstances and in 2012, the game will feature two of the best running backs in the conference.

Silas Redd from Penn State and Rex Burkhead from Nebraska will go head to head.

This one is going to be a close, grind-it-out affair that could come down to the final possession. Nebraska will have the slight edge at home.

West Virginia vs. Oklahoma State (November 10)

Mike Gundy will have his hands full this season after all the talent he lost, but there is a lot coming back on the defense.

The Mountaineers will have no problem moving the ball, but the Cowboys defense has been known to force a few turnovers and they will need to force about five to be able to win this one.

They are at home, and anything can happen. Either way, this game will be exciting.

USC vs. UCLA (November 17)

This game may not seem like much and USC is likely to win this by at least three touchdowns, but this city rivalry should have an added dimension because of Jim Mora Jr. taking over the UCLA program.

UCLA is at home, which will give them a fighting chance and maybe a chance to knock USC off and ruin their national championship hopes.

Odds are that will not happen.

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin (November 17)

Ohio State and Wisconsin had an epic battle last season and the Buckeyes came out on top courtesy of a long touchdown pass at the end of the game.

This year, the Badgers will be looking for some revenge and they will be at home.

There is no question that this game will be very entertaining from start to finish.

Oklahoma vs. West Virginia (November 17)

This game could be for the Big 12 title and Morgantown will be rocking for one of the biggest games campus has seen in quite some time.

These two teams are the early favorites to win the conference crown and there is no question that this game will be played in the 40s or 50s.

Both of these teams love to put points on the board and not many games will be more entertaining this season.

Stanford vs. Oregon (November 17)

Oregon and Stanford will be trying to knock off USC and win the Pac-12.

The Ducks play USC two weeks earlier, so there could be a lot on the line as far as national championships if they win this one.

Stanford will have other thoughts on their mind. This one, however, could feature a lot of points from the Oregon offense.

LSU vs. Arkansas (November 23)

The day after Thanksgiving is not only known for shopping, but also some excellent football and this game is the best of the day.

With how late in the season it is, the SEC West title could be on the line.

Arkansas is at home and has the offensive firepower to put some points on the board. This game has a chance to be very close and an upset is possible.

Wisconsin vs. Penn State (November 24)

Interested in some real B1G football? Then this is the game to watch.

These two teams love to run it down the throat of the opposing defense and this game will be a perfect example of that.

This game will still feature some points as Wisconsin can score quick, but the Penn State defense will be tough as usual.

TCU vs. Texas (November 24)

This game has a chance to develop into quite a rivalry as these teams will now be playing every season.

The Texas defense will be a challenge for the TCU offense and vice versa.

Being at home, Texas will have a slight edge in this one and with how young of a team they have, playing TCU at the end of the season does nothing but help a young Texas squad.

Florida vs. Florida State (November 24)

Even though these teams are not in the same conference, when they play there is a lot on the line.

Florida State could still have hopes for a national championship when these two teams square off and the Gators will be looking to squash that.

The winner of this may be able to call themselves the best team in Florida.

Notre Dame vs. USC (November 24)

When it comes to college football rivalries, few are better than this one. 

This is the final game of a brutal schedule for Notre Dame and they will have to travel out to Los Angeles.

The Trojans could be playing for a national championship this season, but to do so they will have to beat rival Notre Dame.

These two teams genuinely hate each other and this one will be one to watch.

South Carolina vs. Clemson (November 24)

This is another rivalry where the teams play near the end of the season every year. This year Clemson will be at home.

These schools hate one another and there is no question that this game is as important as any on their schedule.

It is hard to tell right now where these teams will stand when they play, but odds are they will both be in the Top 20 at the end of the season.

Michigan vs. Ohio State (November 24)

The best rivalry in college football could have the B1G conference title on the line when they meet in the final game of the regular season.

This year, the Buckeyes will be at home and looking to enact a little revenge.

Denard Robinson will be playing in his final regular season game and looking to beat the Buckeyes on his way out.

Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma (November 24)

The Bedlam Series always takes center stage this time of the year and in 2012, Oklahoma will be a huge favorite, barring any major injuries. 

With that being said, a lot can happen between now and then, meaning it is still too early to really tell.

One thing is certain, the Sooners will bring an explosive offense to the table.

Oregon vs. Oregon State (November 24)

While the Civil War is not likely to be as close as a lot of the other games on the list, there is no question that the intensity is at an all-time high when these two teams meet.

The Ducks will likely run up and down the field on the Beavers, and the game should be a blowout.

But, with a name like the Civil War, there is no question this is one of the best rivalries out West.

Auburn vs. Alabama (November 24)

The Iron Bowl is one of the best rivalries in college football. The intensity is as great as any rivalry in college football.

This year, Alabama will be a heavy favorite, particularly because the game will be in Tuscaloosa.

But, as always with this game, it is hard to tell exactly what will happen when these two teams square off.

Texas vs. Kansas State (December 1)

Texas and Kansas State will meet in the final weekend of the season and it will be interesting to watch the Texas defense go up against the Kansas State offense.

These two teams are different in a lot of ways and that makes this game that much better.

Will the vaunted Texas defense be able to stop the explosive Kansas State offense?

Louisville vs. Rutgers (December 1)

This Big East will once again take center stage during the final week of the season and these two teams are the most likely to be playing for the conference crown and a BCS berth.

Both have very good defenses and this could be a low-scoring game.

But, with Rutgers at home and the Big East possibly on the line, it has all the makings.

Oklahoma vs. TCU (December 1)

TCU will get to finish off their inaugural season in the Big 12 with a game against the favorite to win the conference.

The Oklahoma Sooners will be on the road, so there is a chance this game could be an upset.

The Horned Frogs have the talent to hang with the Sooners and it will be interesting to see if they can spoil the Sooners' national title hopes, if they have any.

Navy vs. Army (December 8)

The Navy-Army game is played every year at the end of the season and it is the only game of the week, meaning the entire college football world has the chance to tune in.

There are few rivalries as good as this one and this year the teams will meet in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field.

No matter who wins, this is always an emotional game with a lot on the line.

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