College Football Games You Don't Want to Miss in 2012

On January 9, the Crimson Tide rolled to a 21-0 victory over LSU in the 2012 BCS National Championship game. It was Alabama's 14th national championship in school history.

It's safe to say a rematch of last year's title game wouldn't be a surprise. Both teams are absolutely loaded. Oklahoma and Southern Cal will also have a lot to say about who the best team in college football is this year.

On January 7, 2013, a national champion will be crowned in Miami. Who will it be?

There are many teams who've realigned to different conferences and will face tougher competition. There are other teams who lost valuable starters, but are aided by their tremendous depth.

With the upcoming season being the last before the NCAA moves to a playoff system, the margin for error for a team hoping to make it to Miami is going to be very thin. Every game counts.

Week 1

Game: 2 Alabama (SEC West) vs. 8 Michigan (Big Ten Legends)

Date: Saturday, September 1

Time: 8:00 P.M. ET

Location: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX

TV network: ABC

Last meeting: Michigan 35, Alabama 34 (2000 Orange Bowl)

Analysis

The Crimson Tide's first game after winning the national championship will be against the Michigan Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. While Michigan isn't on Alabama's level of competition, they are closer than you might think.

With Brady Hoke bringing stability and renewed motivation to Michigan, his players are poised for a BCS Bowl in 2012.

Still, Alabama is as good, as deep and as disciplined of a team as there is in college football. Don't expect Michigan to back down, but also don't expect them to win.

Prediction: Alabama 28, Michigan 16

Week 2

Game: 6 Georgia (SEC East) at Missouri (SEC East)

Date: Saturday, September 8

Time: 7:45 P.M. ET

Location: Memorial Stadium, Colombia, MO

TV network: ESPN2

Last meeting: Georgia 14, Missouri 0 (1960 Orange Bowl)

Analysis

For the first time in more than a half century, the Bulldogs will face the Tigers, as Missouri plays their first game as a member of the Southeastern Conference.

While both teams ranked in the low-30's in total offense last season (Georgia 30th, Missouri 33rd), the determining factor could be Georgia's defense who finished 23rd, while Missouri's defense finished 44th.

Expect a shoot-out at Memorial Stadium, with the Mizzou faithful sure to be fired up for the first SEC game in team history.

Prediction: Georgia 40, Missouri 38

Week 3

Game: 2 Alabama (SEC West) at 10 Arkansas (SEC West)

Date: Saturday, September 15

Time: 3:30 P.M. ET

Location: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR

TV network: CBS

Last meeting: Alabama 38, Arkansas 14

Analysis

In 2011, Arkansas scored almost 37 points per game, while Alabama gave up a measly 8.2 points per game (best in the nation). 

If Arkansas wasn't in the SEC West—even if they were in the SEC East—they could possibly go undefeated. However playing in this division is almost guarantees them two losses.

The Hogs know they can hang with Alabama, but actually winning the game is a different story. This could be a close game, although I predict Alabama will lead throughout.

Prediction: Alabama 24, Arkansas 12

Week 4

Game: 14 Clemson (ACC Atlantic) at 7 Florida State (ACC Atlantic)

Date: Saturday, September 22

Time: TBA

Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

TV network: TBA

Last meeting: Clemson 35, Florida State 30

Analysis

While Florida State is poised for a run at the national championship and this game is in Tallahassee, the Tigers have just as much offensive talent as the Seminoles. Clemson beat them last year and are still young.

The game figures to be won or lost when Florida State's defense is on the field. The Seminoles defense finished last year ranked fourth in the country.

Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd will have a lot to say about how good the 2012 version of FSU's defense is.

Prediction: Florida State 31, Clemson 30

Week 5

Game: 18 Ohio State (Big Ten Leaders) at 13 Michigan State (Big Ten Legends)

Date: Saturday, September 29

Time: TBA

Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

TV network: TBA

Last meeting: Michigan State 10, Ohio State 7

Analysis

Ohio State was a streaky team in 2011. Besides their loss to Miami (FL) (24-7), the Buckeyes didn't lose a game by more than seven points. They were 1-4 on the road, with their lone road win coming at Illinois (17-7).

Michigan State was 7-0 in East Lansing last year. But now that Kirk Cousins is longer under center, it will be very interesting to see how Andrew Maxwell handles the quarterback duties for the Spartans in an important conference match-up.

Another point of interest is going to be how Urban Meyer handles his first Big Ten opponent as head coach of the Buckeyes.

The weather should be fine for this one, which is not something you can usually say about Big Ten football. Expect another close game.

Prediction: Ohio State 20, Michigan State 17

Week 6

Game: Miami (FL) (ACC Coastal) at Notre Dame (IA Independents)

Date: Saturday, October 6

Time: 7:30 P.M. ET

Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN

TV network: NBC

Last meeting: Notre Dame 33, Miami (FL) 17 (2010 Sun Bowl)

Analysis

If you watched college football in the 1980's, you know all about this rivalry.

These two teams are not short on critics, but Notre Dame is definitely the team that is trending up.

While Miami has a new starting quarterback (Stephen Morris), most Hurricanes fans will say that's a good thing. Jacory Harris was a turnover machine and seemed to be frequently clueless.

At home, the Hurricanes are competitive (4-3 in 2011). On the road, however, they seem to lack discipline (2-3 in 2011).

In a game featuring two teams with a lot of talent that display inconsistent focus, I'm giving the advantage to the home team.

Prediction: Notre Dame 28, Miami (FL) 23

Week 7

Game: 15 Texas (Big 12) vs. 4 Oklahoma (Big 12)

Date: Saturday, October 13

Time: TBA

Location: Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX

TV network: TBA

Last meeting: Oklahoma 55, Texas 17

Analysis

When Texas and Oklahoma play in mid-October, they will continue one of the best traditions in all of sports: The Red River Rivalry, which began in 1900 .

Outside of the SEC, Oklahoma (and USC) has the best chance to make it to Miami for the National Championship. Believe that Bob Stoops will not stop reminding his players of that.

If this turns into a passing game, Oklahoma (finished fifth in the nation in 2011) should take it easily. If this game becomes a ground-and-pound contest, Texas has the upper hand (21st in the nation in 2011, averaging over 202 rushing yards per game).

Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Texas 21

Week 8

Game: 9 South Carolina (SEC East) at 23 Florida (SEC East)

Date: Saturday, October 20

Time: TBA

Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

TV network: TBA

Last meeting: South Carolina 17, Florida 12

Analysis

Stephen Garcia is out, Connor Shaw is in. That is good news for Gamecocks fans.

The bad news? South Carolina lost Stephon Gilmore, Melvin Ingram and Alshon Jeffery to the NFL, all of whom were stars on last year's squad.

While South Carolina was 11-2 in 2011, Florida went 7-6 in Will Muschamp's first year as Gators head coach. Having this game at The Swamp will help the Gators' chances, but I still think South Carolina wins handily.

Prediction: South Carolina 27, Florida 13

Week 9

Game: Notre Dame (IA Independents) at 4 Oklahoma (Big 12)

Date: Saturday, September 27 

Time: TBA

Location: Gaylord Family-Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK

TV network: TBA

Last meeting: Notre Dame 13, Oklahoma 7 (1962)

Analysis

There isn't a lot of history between these two teams. They have both been national powers at some point, so their respective fan bases expect a lot.

The Oklahoma game will be the first road game after four consecutive home games for the Fighting Irish, with their previous three opponents being less of a threat each successive week. Notre Dame could very well fall into a false sense of security before September 27.

Props to Notre Dame for putting this game on their schedule. But I think it's safe to say the Sooners will defend their home field with a convincing win.

Prediction: Oklahoma 44, Notre Dame 27

Week 10

Games: 2 Alabama (SEC West) at 3 LSU (SEC West); 5 Oregon (PAC-12 North) at 1 USC (PAC-12 South)

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: Alabama/LSU: 8:00 P.M. ET; Oregon/USC: TBA

Location Alabama/LSU: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA; Oregon/USC: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA

TV network: Alabama/LSU: CBS; Oregon/USC: TBA

Last meeting: Alabama 21, LSU 0; USC 38, Oregon 35

Analysis, Alabama/LSU

Not much needs to be said about this one. Both teams figure to be ranked first and second (in either order) in the country, with LSU looking for payback after being shut-out in the BCS National Championship game.

Tiger Stadium will reach deafening decibels on November 3. Count on it.

Analysis, Oregon/USC

Points, points and more points. Take the over in this one.

Both teams should be ranked in the top 10 in the nation by this point in the season (if not ranked in the top five). Matt Barkley came back to college for a game just like this.

Make sure you don't miss a minute of it.

Prediction: Alabama 15, LSU 13; USC 45, Oregon 39

Week 11

Game: 7 Florida State (ACC Atlantic) at 16 Virginia Tech (ACC Coastal)

Date: Thursday, November 8

Time: 7:30 P.M. ET

Location: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA

TV network: ESPN

Last meeting: Virginia Tech 44, Florida State 33

Analysis

The last time these two teams met was in the 2010 ACC Championship. In the inaugural conference title game (2005), the Seminoles were victorious over the Hokies, 27-22. However you slice it, these two teams are the class of the ACC.

With Heisman hopeful Logan Thomas leading the way for Virginia Tech, they know they're good enough to beat a national title contender in Florida State on November 8.

At the same time, the Seminoles are so good because they're fully capable of beating quality opponents on the road. Since 2010 (when Jimbo Fisher became head coach), the Seminoles have a 8-4 record in games away from Doak S. Campbell Stadium.

As for the Hokies, they are 11-2 at home since 2010.

This is going to be a good one.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 23, Florida State 20

Week 12

Game: 4 Oklahoma (Big 12) at 11 West Virginia (Big 12)

Date: Saturday, November 17

Time: TBA

Location: Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV

TV network: TBA

Last meeting: West Virginia 48, Oklahoma 28 (2008 Fiesta Bowl)

Analysis

If West Virginia has any hopes of beating the Sooners, their Heisman candidate Geno Smith must play exceptionally well. He's an incredible talent, and the Mountaineers have more than a fighting chance of beating the Sooners.

Conversely, Oklahoma has a Heisman-caliber quarterback of their own (Landry Jones).

This game features the fifth (Oklahoma) and sixth (West Virginia) best passing attacks of a year ago. I'm picking Oklahoma to win, but West Virginia (if they haven't done so already) should make believers out of their skeptics.

Prediction: Oklahoma 41, West Virginia 35

Week 13

Games: 8 Michigan (Big Ten Legends) at 18 Ohio State (Big Ten Leaders); Auburn (SEC West) at 2 Alabama (SEC West); Notre Dame (IA Independents) at 1 USC (Pac-12 South)

Date: Saturday, November 24

Times: Michigan/Ohio State: 12:00 P.M. ET; Auburn/Alabama: TBA; Notre Dame/USC: TBA

Locations: Michigan/Ohio State: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH; Auburn/Alabama: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL; Notre Dame/USC: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA

TV networks: Michigan/Ohio State: ABC; Auburn/Alabama: TBA; Notre Dame/USC: TBA

Last meeting: Michigan 40, Ohio State 34; Alabama 42, Auburn 14; USC 31, Notre Dame 17

Analysis, Michigan/Ohio State

Since 1897, Michigan and Ohio State have played each other 108 times. Michigan leads the all-time series, with a record of 58-44-6.

Before last year's game in Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes had won seven straight games in the series by a combined score of 218-108. Their head coach in all of those games was Jim Tressel.

Both schools changed head coaches after the 2010 season. So far, Brady Hoke and the Wolverines have the upper hand. It will be very interesting to see how he and his team performs at the Horseshoe, in what will be Denard Robinson's last game against the Buckeyes.

Analysis, Auburn/Alabama

While Alabama leads the all-time series with a 38-32-1 record, they are 0-6 all-time vs. Auburn at home.

In 2010, the last time the Iron Bowl was played in Tuscaloosa, Alabama was leading Auburn 24-0 with five minutes remaining in the first half. Auburn eventually won, 28-27.

Since that game, Alabama has gone 13-1 and won a national championship (2011). In that time, Auburn has gone 10-5 and won a national championship.

The bitterness of this rivalry could cause the game to be close. But even though the Crimson Tide are the defending champs, a loss to their arch-rival in their own stadium still lingers.

Analysis, Notre Dame/USC

Other than Oregon, this is the biggest game on USC's schedule. A series that dates back to 1926, this is the traditional rivalry game each season for both teams.

Notre Dame holds a 43-34-5 edge in the series, not counting USC's 2005 win, which was vacated.

This time around, at home, it should be at least a two-touchdown margin of victory for the Trojans.

Prediction: Ohio State 22, Michigan 17; Alabama 30, Auburn 9; USC 30, Notre Dame 14

Week 14

Game: 15 Texas (Big 12) at 22 Kansas State (Big 12)

Date: Saturday, December 1 (Senior Day)

Time: TBA

Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS

TV network: TBA

Last meeting: Kansas State 17, Texas 13

Analysis

While the Wildcats beat the Longhorns last season, Kansas State's quarterback and best player Collin Klein only managed to gain 87 combined yards on 43 touches (17 pass attempts, 26 rushes).

Besides the Texas game (his worst of the season), Klein finished 2011 with 1,141 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns, to go along with his 1,918 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns.

In fact, the last four times these two teams have met, Kansas State is 4-0, winning by a combined score of 142-90.

Since the Longhorns lost to Alabama in the 2010 BCS National Championship, they've gone 13-12. While I expect them to be better in 2012, I think the Wildcats will win their fifth straight game in this series.

Prediction: Kansas State 31, Texas 23

Week 15

Game: Army (IA Independents) vs. Navy (IA Independents)

Date: Saturday, December 8

Time: 3:00 P.M. ET

Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

TV network: TBA

Last meeting: Navy 27, Army 21

Analysis

Yes, it's the only game of Week 15, but even if it wasn't it would still be the game of the week, because of one word: tradition.

Since November 29, 1890, Army and Navy have been playing football against each other in a highly intense, yet respectful rivalry.

Although this rivalry began 122 years ago, the two teams have had to cancel the game 10 different times, due to World War I and other major incidents (1894-98, 1909, 1917-18 and 1928-29).

Navy holds the all-time advantage over Army, with a record of 56-49-7. Although last year's game was close, the Midshipmen have dominated the rivalry as of late, winning the last 10 games in a row.

Prediction: Navy 24, Army 14