The 100 College Football Games of 2012 That Will Determine the BCS Champion

Every game counts, whether it's a signature win that launches you to the top of the charts or a soul-crushing defeat that costs you a shot at the crystal football.

Since any team can win on any given Saturday, there are around 100 games that play directly (or indirectly) into the BCS formula for crowning the national champion.

Whether it's a marquee matchup or a game that affects the strength of schedule of the teams at the top, these 100 games are the ones that could make the difference between a trip to the White House or a trip to the Rose Bowl.

Presented in chronological order, here are those games.

*Schedule information from ESPN.com

Boise State Broncos at Michigan State Spartans

When: Friday, Aug 31, 2012. Where: Michigan State.

Boise State makes the trip to Michigan State in search of the signature win that could propel them into the BCS-title-game conversation. Michigan State wants to silence the Broncos early.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan Wolverines

When: Saturday, Sept 1, 2012. Where: Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

The winner of this game will only have to do one thing to get to the national championship game: keep winning. Either team could wrestle its way back to the top of the standings, but not without some help from teams ahead of them.

Auburn Tigers at Clemson Tigers

When: Saturday, Sept 1, 2012. Where: Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. (Home of the Atlanta Falcons.)

Clemson hosts Auburn hoping to kick the season off just as it did last year. After this, Clemson hopes not to repeat the last half of the year. Well, maybe the conference championship game.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Virginia Tech Hokies

When: Monday, Sept 3, 2012. Where: Virginia Tech.

During the 2011 season, Virginia Tech suffered its only two losses to the Clemson Tigers. The Hokies host Georgia Tech in their first game of the season and hope to repeat 2011's run, without the losses to Clemson.

Georgia Bulldogs at Missouri Tigers

When: Saturday, Sept 8, 2012. Where: Missouri.

Missouri will be welcomed to the SEC by Georgia in the second week of the 2012 season. Missouri will be looking to establish itself near the top of the SEC East with a win here. As the favorite to win the East, Georgia will be fighting to ensure that the Tigers don't earn their stripes quite yet.

Washington Huskies at LSU Tigers

When: Saturday, Sept 8, 2012. Where: LSU.

There are a few early matchups that are opportunities for other conferences to derail the SEC before it gets momentum heading toward the title game. The Washington Huskies is one of those squads.

If the Tigers lose this one, the national championship run of 2012 would be over before it began.

Olahoma State Cowboys at Arizona Wildcats

When: Saturday, Sept 8, 2012. Where: Arizona.

This is the very unlikely scene of an upset. Arizona was demolished by Oklahoma State last year, and 2012 should be no different. However, Arizona State did play USC to a mere seven-point loss. The potential is there.

Alabama Crimson Tide at Arkansas Razorbacks

When: Saturday, Sept 15, 2012. Where: Arkansas.

Alabama opens its conference schedule against Arkansas in Week 3. Arkansas will be trying to take advantage of the Crimson Tide's youthful defense. Alabama will be trying to keep repeat championship hopes alive.

Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers

When: Saturday, Sept 15, 2012. Where: Tennessee.

A win here for Tennessee helps Alabama's strength of schedule, assuming the Tide takes down the Volunteers. A win for Florida would do the same thing for LSU.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Florida State Seminoles

When: Saturday, Sept 15, 2012. Where: Florida State.

Florida State is on the rise. The Seminoles will be looking to begin their return to greatness against the Demon Deacons. A win here will also help the schedule strength of both the Clemson Tigers and the Virginia Tech Hokies should those teams beat the Seminoles in 2012.

USC Trojans at Stanford Cardinal

When: Saturday, Sept 15, 2012. Where: Stanford.

The USC Trojans are entering the season expecting to make a huge statement in their first year of postseason eligibility since the Reggie Bush debacle. The Trojans will be trying to dethrone the SEC in January, and it all starts here in Week 3 against Stanford.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan State Spartans

When: Saturday, Sept 15, 2012. Where: Michigan State.

With one of the toughest schedules in the country for 2012, Notre Dame will affect the schedule strength of quite a few title contenders beginning in Week 3 against the Michigan State Spartans. The more Notre Dame wins, the muddier the water gets at the top of the rankings.

Arizona State Sun Devils at Missouri Tigers

When: Saturday, Sept 15, 2012. Where: Missouri.

Arizona State and Missouri put on what should be a great Pac-12 vs. SEC show. The winner here can directly affect the strength of its entire conference. This match will have more weight than the LSU/Washington game, since these teams are far more evenly matched.

LSU Tigers at Auburn Tigers

When: Saturday, Sept 22, 2012. Where: Auburn.

The coaches' poll has LSU at the top by the scant margin of four points over Alabama. Auburn is on the rise but is not yet ready to take on the elite of the college football world without Cam Newton. Auburn will not go quietly without a fight, though, and anything can happen. If LSU were to lose this one, its championship hopes would be gone.

Clemson Tigers at Florida State Seminoles

When: Saturday, Sept 22, 2012. Where: Florida State.

Clemson attempts to move one win closer to the title game. Naturally, the Seminoles would rather they didn't.

Kansas State Wildcats at Oklahoma Sooners

When: Saturday, Sep 22, 2012. Where: Oklahoma.

Kansas State is a potential speed bump for Oklahoma. Oklahoma's defense is more than capable of dropping a game, and the Wildcats are more than capable of putting up some quick points if the Sooners lose focus.

Maryland Terrapins at West Virginia Mountaineers

When: Saturday, Sept 22, 2012. Where: West Virginia.

If the Big 12 and the ACC both have undefeated conference champions at the end of the year, it's games like this that will help the gurus sort out who really should get into the BCS title game. A win here for WVU will help the Mountaineers cement themselves as acceptable replacements for the missing Missouri and Texas A&M squads.

Michigan Wolverines at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

When: Saturday, Sept 22, 2012. Where: Notre Dame.

If Michigan loses to Alabama in the opener, every game is a must-win. Notre Dame is no exception. Michigan had better be ready.

Missouri Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks

When: Saturday, Sept 22, 2012. Where: South Carolina.

After taking on Georgia, Missouri's next challenge will be the other team at the top of their side of the SEC. South Carolina isn't interested in finishing second to anyone. This game will be intense.

Arizona Wildcats at Oregon Ducks

When: Saturday, Sept 22, 2012. Where: Oregon.

Arizona finished third in the FBS in the "passing yards" category. They had issues converting those yards into points, but they are not to be overlooked. If someone figures out how to get those kids in the end zone, they could light up the scoreboard like Oregon does.

California Golden Bears at USC Trojans

When: Saturday, Sept 22, 2012. Where: USC.

Cal isn't a powerhouse in the Pac-12 and will not likely defeat the Trojans. However, bear in mind that Stanford only beat the Golden Bears by three points last year. There's potential here for an Iowa State situation.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan State Spartans

When: Saturday, Sept 29, 2012. Where: Michigan State.

Ohio State is ineligible for the postseason in 2012. Michigan State is sure to find out that Ohio State will not be interested in letting the Spartans off easily.

Wisconsin Badgers at Nebraska Cornhuskers

When: Saturday, Sept 29, 2012. Where: Nebraska.

Wisconsin and Nebraska could be contenders for the Big Ten title. Look for this game to start the separation from each other.

TCU Horned Frogs at SMU Mustangs

When: Saturday, Sept 29, 2012. Where: TCU.

After a loss to SMU in overtime last year, TCU needs to step its game up if it's going to contend for anything in the Big 12.

Texas Longhorns at Oklahoma State Cowboys

When: Saturday, Sept 29, 2012. Where: Oklahoma State.

This is a straightforward match. Does Texas have what it takes to defeat a rebuilding Oklahoma State? Hopefully so, especially for a program like Texas that has enjoyed so much success over the years.

Virginia Tech Hokies at Cincinnati Bearcats

When: Saturday, Sept 29, 2012. Where: Cincinnati.

Again, a match that helps establish conference dominance in the big picture. If the ACC is going to make a run for the BCS title, wins against teams like Cincinnati are a must.

Georgia Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks

When: Saturday, Oct 6, 2012. Where: South Carolina.

This is the marquee game for the SEC East. Since Georgia dodges the barons of the SEC West, they can afford to lose this game just like they did in 2011. Of course, to legitimately contend for a national title, it's best just to win all of your games.

LSU Tigers at Florida Gators

When: Saturday, Oct 6, 2012. Where: Florida.

Florida can climb back on top of the SEC almost any time they want. All it would take is one signature win over LSU, Alabama or Arkansas. Florida is more than aware of this fact. This is an easy game for LSU to overlook.

Florida State Seminoles at NC State Wolfpack

When: Saturday, Oct 6, 2012. Where: NC State.

In order for the ACC champion to have a legitimate claim to a berth in the BCS title game, it must run through the ACC like it's a lesser conference. The national champions out of the ACC have looked like men among boys week-in and week-out.

A commanding defeat of NC State would go a long way toward making that point.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Tigers

When: Saturday, Oct 6, 2012. Where: Clemson.

This is the game that derailed Clemson's national championship hopes last year. The Tigers have been looking forward to this game since the Yellow Jackets handed them their first loss of 2011.

West Virginia Mountaineers at Texas Longhorns

When: Saturday, Oct 6, 2012. Where: Texas.

Once again, West Virginia gets noticed. Texas is not the program it used to be. (Even as recently as 2009.) West Virginia should handle the Longhorns, but it will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination.

Arkansas Razorbacks at Auburn Tigers

When: Saturday, Oct 6, 2012. Where: Auburn.

Arkansas should have worked its way up the rankings by now, with or without a win against the Crimson Tide. If Arkansas plays as projected, the Tigers of Auburn will fall to the Razorbacks by halftime.

Arkansas shares this opponent with LSU, so the eye test will provide us all with a glimpse into how the Arkansas/LSU match should go.

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio State Buckeyes

When: Saturday, Oct 6, 2012. Where: Ohio State.

Again, Ohio State is not simply going to roll over because they can't play in the conference championship. Every battle against Ohio State and Urban Meyer will be hard-fought.

Arizona Wildcats at Stanford Cardinal

When: Saturday, Oct 6, 2012. Where: Stanford.

Arizona's passing proficiency has already been mentioned. Against a rebuilding Stanford team, Arizona may figure out how to put the ball in the end zone.

Alabama Crimson Tide at Missouri Tigers

When: Saturday, Oct 13, 2012. Where: Missouri.

Alabama comes off its bye week before trekking over to Missouri to play the Tigers. With LSU looming and some major games (like Arkansas) already behind them, the Tide could easily overlook the Tigers.

That would be a huge mistake and would most likely cost the Tide a shot at the 2012 title. Nobody is going to be looking to do the Tide any favors after what happened in 2011.

South Carolina Gamecocks at LSU Tigers

When: Saturday, Oct 13, 2012. Where: LSU.

A beast from the west against a beast from the east. The victor emerging from this test will be in control of its own destiny. South Carolina would have a very tough time trying to recover from a loss here, and the Gamecocks will play accordingly.

Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

When: Saturday, Oct 13, 2012. Where: Notre Dame.

Notre Dame attempts to spoil Stanford's season and run toward a BCS Bowl all at the same time. Stanford's rebuilding status may make that a legitimate possibility.

Texas Longhorns at Oklahoma Sooners

When: Saturday, Oct 13, 2012. Where: Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX.

The perennial battle royale for Big 12 supremacy. A loss here would carry much more negative weight than the positive weight a win would bring. Oklahoma cannot afford to lose this game.

West Virginia Mountaineers at Texas Tech Red Raiders

When: Saturday, Oct 13, 2012. Where: Texas Tech.

West Virginia continues its rookie run through the Big 12. The Mountaineers will need to dominate the Red Raiders from whistle to whistle in order to have any real hope at a Big 12 title.

Oregon Ducks at Arizona State Sun Devils

When: Thursday, Oct 18, 2012. Where: Arizona State.

Arizona State took the Trojans by storm last year, handing USC an unfamiliar 21-point loss. Stats aren't everything, but they definitely tell us that Oregon had better be awake and alert for the entire 60 minutes.

Alabama Crimson Tide at Tennessee Volunteers

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012. Where: Tennessee.

Alabama travels to Tennessee this year to wage war with the Volunteers. Derek Dooley has been building a team for a few years in the wake of Lane Kiffin. Alabama squeaked out a 12-10 win back in 2009 and was tied 6-6 entering halftime of this game in 2011.

Tennessee is always a potential season-spoiler for the Tide, and 2012 will be no different.

South Carolina Gamecocks at Florida Gators

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012. Where: Florida.

Another major battle in the SEC. Florida would absolutely love to hand South Carolina a loss here. South Carolina can't let that happen if a conference championship is a realistic goal.

Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012. Where: Michigan.

Michigan is looking to restore order in the Big Ten by returning Michigan State to "little brother" status. Michigan hasn't won this game since 2007 and is more than ready to end that streak.

Kansas State Wildcats at West Virginia Mountaineers

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012. Where: West Virginia.

West Virginia continues its march toward contention for the Big 12 title. Kansas State looks to earn a berth in at least another Cotton Bowl.

Iowa State Cyclones at Oklahoma State Cowboys

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012. Where: Oklahoma State.

Lightning very rarely strikes twice. Iowa State should not pull out a win here. Then again, they weren't supposed to win last year, either. Inarguably, the upset potential here is real, especially after OSU's losses to the NFL.

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Wisconsin Badgers

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012. Where: Wisconsin.

Minnesota has a few appearances on this list. They lost to USC last year 19-17 and lost to Michigan State 31-24. Playing teams of that caliber that closely makes them worthy of mentioning, even if they don't have the talent to produce those results every single week.

LSU Tigers at Texas A&M Aggies

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012. Where: Texas A&M.

Yet another potential upset for LSU. Texas A&M is a rough stadium to play in, and the team is easily overlooked due to the toughness of LSU's schedule and their lust for the Alabama game on the horizon.

California Golden Bears at Stanford Cardinal

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012. Where: Stanford.

Cal lost to Stanford by three points last year, and Stanford lost Andrew Luck to the NFL. That could be a recipe for an upset in 2012.

Clemson Tigers at Wake Forest Demon Deacons

When: Thursday, Oct 25, 2012. Where: Wake Forest.

Clemson beat Wake in 2011 by the scant margin of three points. Clemson will be looking for a more dominant victory in 2012, especially with the BCS title game in mind.

Cincinnati Bearcats at Louisville Cardinals

When: Friday, Oct 26, 2012. Where: Louisville.

For the teams that have Cincinnati on their schedules, a win here for the Bearcats would increase their quality as an opponent. Nobody cares if you beat a nobody. Cincinnati must run through its conference with no more than two losses if it will be treated as a quality opponent.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators

When: Saturday, Oct 27, 2012. Where: EverBank Field in Jacksonville, FL. (Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.)

Georgia must focus and prepare for this game just like they did for the likes of South Carolina. If not, the Gators are in for a upset over the Bulldogs.

Michigan Wolverines at Nebraska Cornhuskers

When: Saturday, Oct 27, 2012. Where: Nebraska.

Michigan has to win this game. Nebraska has to win this game. Unless, of course, they just want to settle for a BCS Bowl instead of a BCS title. Of course, someone has to lose, and that team will likely not be in the hunt for the crystal football.

Michigan State Spartans at Wisconsin Badgers

When: Saturday, Oct 27, 2012. Where: Wisconsin.

A marquee game in the Big Ten, Montee Ball will likely be the difference maker in this game. This should put Wisconsin in the driver's seat for the BCS hardware.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Oklahoma Sooners

When: Saturday, Oct 27, 2012. Where: Oklahoma.

This is another game that the Irish will seek to use as a foothold on the climb to a BCS bowl. Oklahoma has to win this game. The Big 12 is a premiere conference, and a loss to Notre Dame is not yet acceptable for a team of Oklahoma's caliber.

TCU Horned Frogs at Oklahoma State Cowboys

When: Saturday, Oct 27, 2012. Where: Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma State will be fighting to tell TCU that it has some work to do before it can hang with the big boys. If TCU has earned some good wins so far, this win will look very good for Oklahoma State.

USC Trojans at Arizona Wildcats

When: Saturday, Oct 27, 2012. Where: Arizona.

The Trojans travel to Arizona to do battle with the Wildcats. Arizona will be looking to upset the Trojans' BCS title run to put together a BCS run of their own. (Toward a BCS bowl, not the title game.)

Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami (FL) Hurricanes

When: Thursday, Nov 1, 2012. Where: Miami.

The road to the ACC title goes through Miami, and Virginia Tech will be looking to repeat last year's win over the Hurricanes. (Maybe by a few more points this time, though.)

Alabama Crimson Tide at LSU Tigers

When: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. Where: LSU.

Four teams in the top five could be undefeated entering this week of college football: Oregon, USC, LSU and Alabama. If that's the case, then there is a tie for the game of the week.

Alabama and LSU will face each other first. LSU will be looking for revenge following a 21-0 shutout of the Tigers in last year's title game. Alabama will be looking to continue its repeat run toward a national championship.

Oregon Ducks at USC Trojans

When: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. Where: USC.

Oregon and USC could be giving us a preview of the Pac-12 Championship on this day. The winner will be on the inside track toward the crystal football. Either way, both teams will immediately begin preparation for the probable rematch in December.

TCU Horned Frogs at West Virginia Mountaineers

When: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. Where: West Virginia.

This will be the first conference game held between these two teams. West Virginia can establish itself as one of the better teams in the Big 12 by simply winning.

Oklahoma State Cowboys at Kansas State Wildcats

When: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. Where: Kansas State.

Kansas State attempts to dethrone OSU while it's rebuilding from the losses of Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden. OSU attempts to prove that last year was a team effort, not just superstars carrying the team.

Missouri Tigers at Florida Gators

When: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. Where: Florida.

This will be a good barometer for where the Tigers stand in the SEC. Florida is a middle-of-the-road team in the East, and a win here would establish Missouri as at least top-half material.

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan State Spartans

When: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. Where: Michigan State.

This late in the season, if either team's Big Ten title hopes are still alive, they won't be after a loss here. The Big Ten Legends division could be decided by this game. (If the division doesn't already belong to Michigan.)

Michigan Wolverines at Minnesota Golden Gophers

When: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. Where: Minnesota.

Minnesota attempts to hand Michigan a shocking loss that the Wolverines couldn't recover from. (Michigan attempts to keep a straight face.)

Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders

When: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. Where: Texas Tech.

This game affects the schedule strength of every Big 12 team that defeated Texas already. Oklahoma fans should be rooting for Texas Tech. Of course, if Texas is still in the hunt for a conference title, a win here would certainly help their cause.

Florida State Seminoles at Virginia Tech Hokies

When: Thursday, Nov 8, 2012. Where: Virginia Tech.

One of the games of the year in the ACC. Whether Virginia Tech or Florida State is on track for the conference championship, the winner establishes dominance much as Clemson did early in 2011.

Arkansas Razorbacks at South Carolina Gamecocks

When: Saturday, Nov 10, 2012

Where: South Carolina

This is one of the games that could cost South Carolina the East again in 2012. Georgia will be rooting for the Razorbacks. Georgia dodges all three of the West's big dogs, and that gives the Bulldogs a huge advantage over the Gamecocks. A win here would shatter Georgia and establish South Carolina as the premiere team in the East.

Arizona State Sun Devils at USC Trojans

When: Saturday, Nov 10, 2012. Where: USC.

This is another game on the upset-alert system. Arizona State is talented enough to put together a quality game that could give the Trojans a run for their money. The Sun Devils proved it last year with a 21-point win over the Trojans.

West Virginia Mountaineers at Oklahoma State Cowboys

When: Saturday, Nov 10, 2012. Where: Oklahoma State.

This is West Virginia's next-to-last opportunity to establish a high ranking in the Big 12. A win here would cause even the most casual football fan to recognize West Virginia as a threat. (Just in case they missed the 70 points the Mountaineers hung on Clemson in last season's Orange Bowl.)

Kansas State Wildcats at TCU Horned Frogs

When: Saturday, Nov 10, 2012. Where: TCU.

Teams that have defeated TCU will be rooting for the Horned Frogs in this match. As we all found out last year, every thousandth of a point counts in the BCS model. As far as the Frogs are concerned, though, this is a prime opportunity to cement their rank in the conference. (Either above or below the Wildcats, of course.)

Texas A&M at Alabama Crimson Tide

When: Saturday, Nov 10, 2012. Where: Alabama.

Alabama runs the gigantic risk of overlooking a team with a stout defense here. Texas A&M comes on the heels of the LSU game that the Tide spent the entire season preparing for. It's easy to take a deep breath after a match of that magnitude.

Texas A&M will be banking on that. If they put up enough of a lead early on, they could catch the Tide out of rhythm and out of luck.

Georgia Bulldogs at Auburn Tigers

When: Saturday, Nov 10, 2012. Where: Auburn.

As Georgia's season winds down, the schedule gets a little easier. It would be quite easy for them to hit cruise control and lose focus. Auburn will hope that is the case here.

Oregon Ducks at California Golden Bears

When: Saturday, Nov 10, 2012. Where: California.

The team that almost beat Stanford last year gets a crack at the Oregon Ducks. Cal got destroyed by the Ducks in 2011, but that is a very good reason for the Ducks to lose intensity. The game comes on the heels of the USC showdown, so the Ducks are susceptible to the same threat of relaxation that Alabama is this week.

Penn State Nittany Lions at Nebraska Cornhuskers

When: Saturday, Nov 10, 2012. Where: Nebraska.

Nebraska will have come out of the most trying stretch of games on its schedule entering this week. In the last five weeks, Nebraska will have played Wisconsin, Ohio State, Northwestern, Michigan and Michigan State. Just as they are starting to breathe easily, the Nittany Lions come to town.

It will be easy for the Cornhuskers to overlook Penn State, especially considering the transfers out of Penn State.

NC State Wolfpack at Clemson Tigers

When: Saturday, Nov 17, 2012. Where: Clemson.

Another must-win for Clemson. After last year's total collapse late in the season, any team is going to show up to play hardball when Clemson's name comes up. Clemson must bear down and find the strength to finish strong.

Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan Wolverines

When: Saturday, Nov 17, 2012. Where: Michigan.

Iowa stunned the Wolverines last year but must come to Michigan for the showdown in 2012. Michigan could easily look past the Hawkeyes with its eyes on the Ohio State rivalry game on the horizon. This could be a combination that leads to another upset by Iowa.

Stanford Cardinal at Oregon Ducks

When: Saturday, Nov 17, 2012. Where: Oregon.

The final test for the Pac-12 North. Either team could drop enough games to make themselves irrelevant before this game, but that is unlikely. What's more likely is that Stanford and Oregon both have one loss when this game kicks off.

The winner will get to rematch USC in the conference championship. The loser will likely be left out of the entire BCS picture.

Oklahoma Sooners at West Virginia

When: Saturday, Nov 17, 2012. Where: West Virginia.

West Virginia's last powerhouse test of the conference. If the Mountaineers upset the Sooners in this game, they will make a huge impact on the conference. Also, they will likely knock Oklahoma completely out of national title contention.

Of course, if the Mountaineers are undefeated at this point, they'll be a lock for the BCS Championship game in January.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Wisconsin Badgers

When: Saturday, Nov 17, 2012. Where: Wisconsin.

Ohio State will not be a contender for the conference championship due to the sanctions previously mentioned in this article. They are banned from the game. Wisconsin should enter this game in the lead to represent the Leaders division in the conference championship.

The real threat here is that Ohio State, by winning, could hand Wisconsin its first loss. That would knock the Badgers out of the discussion for BCS title invitation. (Assuming there are at least two undefeated teams waiting in the wings.)

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Nebraska Cornhuskers

When: Saturday, Nov 17, 2012. Where: Nebraska.

Minnesota will be engaged in yet another upset attempt here. Nebraska should be ready for it. If not, then this would be another Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State situation.

LSU Tigers at Arkansas Razorbacks

When: Friday, Nov 23, 2012. Where: Arkansas.

The other two titans of the SEC West battle for final conference standings in the Battle for the Golden Boot. There is the real possibility that the winner goes to the conference championship, but the loser could reasonably go as high as the Sugar Bowl.

Auburn Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Alabama.

Alabama hosts the Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl on rivalry weekend. Auburn will be looking to spoil what could be a perfect season for the Tide. The bottom line is that Auburn will be fighting for bragging rights, even if both teams are out of national title discussions.

If Alabama beats Auburn for a perfect season, the SEC title game is waiting as the reward.

Georgia Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Georgia Tech.

Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. That's what this rivalry is called. Georgia will be expected to assert SEC dominance over Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech will be fighting for the ACC's right to be considered for the national title game.

If Georgia loses to Georgia Tech, the consequences are staggering. Especially if Georgia turns around and wins the SEC.

Florida State Seminoles at Florida Gators

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Florida.

The Sunshine Showdown is between a middle-of-the-road SEC team and a top-tier ACC squad. Florida State will be expected to demolish the Gators. If all goes according to that plan, the ACC would gain a strong argument for inclusion in the BCS title game.

South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Tigers

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Clemson.

The Palmetto Bowl pits what could reasonably be two divisional champions against each other this year. Again, this is an SEC vs. ACC showdown, and the results will be interpreted accordingly. If Clemson is still undefeated when this game kicks off, then this could be the most meaningful Palmetto Bowl in recent memory.

Michigan Wolverines at Ohio State Buckeyes

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Ohio State.

The Game is huge, with or without NCAA sanctions. Ohio State can hand Michigan a loss, ruin the Wolverines' national title hopes and just go home. It's also possible that Michigan could even lose its berth in the conference championship game by losing The Game.

It's safe to say that Michigan will be playing to win The Game.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: USC.

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry will be the last chance Notre Dame has to make a name for itself heading into bowl season. USC could be undefeated and drooling for that crystal hardware when the Irish come to town. The Trojans would be elated to win the crystal football in their first year out from under NCAA sanctions.

Oklahoma State Cowboys at Oklahoma Sooners

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Oklahoma.

The Bedlam Series will take place on the Sooners' home field in 2012. Oklahoma should be looking to take home the conference title by winning this game, although that may already be locked-in for them.

The important thing to remember is that, if the Sooners are undefeated after this game, the Big 12 is a major conference that will definitely be considered for the national championship game.

TCU Horned Frogs at Texas Longhorns

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Texas.

The as-yet-unnamed rivalry between TCU and the Texas Longhorns represents TCU's last chance of the season to establish its rank in the conference. This should be a close game, and the outcome will affect the entire Big 12 conference in terms of schedule strength.

Michigan State Spartans at Minnesota Golden Gophers

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Minnesota.

Minnesota's last chance to upset a potential national title contender. Anything can happen on rivalry weekend, especially with a Michigan State team that won't look quite like itself in 2012.

Missouri Tigers at Texas A&M Aggies

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Texas A&M.

Missouri will have established its rank in the SEC East at this point, and Texas A&M will have established itself in the SEC West. This is for bragging rights and maybe even bowl eligibility. The winner's division will likely receive a few hundredths of a point toward strength of schedule.

Wisconsin Badgers at Penn State Nittany Lions

When: Saturday, Nov 24, 2012. Where: Penn State.

Penn State's final attempt at taking out a contender. Wisconsin should be staring down the barrel of the Big Ten Championship the next week, and Penn State could give them that soul-crushing defeat at the end of the year that negates all the victories beforehand.

Wisconsin should bear down and push through this game to make sure it's in the best possible position when the final rankings come out.

Oklahoma Sooners at TCU Horned Frogs

When: Saturday, Dec 1, 2012. Where: TCU.

Oklahoma's last chance to drop a game in a possible national championship season.

Texas Longhorns at Kansas State Wildcats

When: Saturday, Dec 1, 2012. Where: Kansas State.

This game affects the schedule strength of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State especially. The teams from Oklahoma should be rooting for the higher-ranked team in this game to win. That would help them the most. Especially if they're in a group of one-loss teams hoping to catch a break into the title game.

Boise State Broncos at Nevada Wolf Pack

When: Saturday, Dec 1, 2012. Where: Nevada.

If Boise State is still in the discussion for the crystal football, Nevada is definitely a threat to their condition. If Boise is sitting in the top five, they should make sure this is a blowout.

Pac-12 Championship

When: Friday, Nov 30, 2012.

Unlike last year, USC will be eligible for placement in the Pac-12 Championship game in 2012. Not only are they eligible, but they are more than ready. The big question on Pac-12 fans' minds isn't whether USC will make it to the conference title game. It's whether they can hold the season together and go to the BCS title game afterward.

ACC Championship

When: Saturday, Dec 1, 2012. Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. (Home of the Cam-o-lina Panthers.)

If there is an undefeated team left in the ACC after this game, there is a chance that they could make it to the BCS championship game. That will depend on which conference champions are undefeated, of course, but this is where the ACC will make its closing argument for a spot in the title match.

Big Ten Championship

When: Saturday, Dec 1, 2012. Where: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Home of the Indianapolis Colts.)

The Big Ten is hoping to have a zero-loss team still standing when the dust from this game settles. Were it not for two Hail Marys last year, Wisconsin would have been the only team other than LSU to enter bowl season with no losses.

This year, Big Ten fans are hoping it will be different. This game could give them their answer.

SEC Championship

When: Saturday, Dec 1, 2012. Where: Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. (Home of the Atlanta Falcons.)

The SEC Championship has been a play-in to the BCS title game during the BCS era, especially recently. Assuming the champion hails from the western division, 2012 should be no different.

The real question is whether it will be the Big 12, Big Ten or Pac-12 champion who faces the SEC champion in the BCS title game. Of course, if Alabama, LSU, Georgia or South Carolina drops any one of their 12 games throughout the season, the SEC may be out of it altogether this year.

BCS National Championship Game

When: Monday, Jan 7, 2013. Where: Sun Life Stadium in Opa Locka, FL. (Home of the Miami Dolphins.)

This is the obvious slide. While the other 99 games decide who gets here, this is the one that you start playing for in Week 1. This game, and this game alone sends someone home crowned the national champions.