25 Matchups We Can't Wait to See in 2013

Even before the 2012 season is over, fans can begin to look ahead and see what to expect in the 2013 season. 

While some nonconference games already are shaping up to be outstanding, many conference games will be just as good with conference titles and rivalry games on the line. 

As the 2012 season winds down, here is a look at 25 games to be excited about during the 2013 season. 

Florida State at Clemson

Seems that the past couple of years have seen the winner of this game go on and win the ACC, and 2013 should be no different. Both of these teams will be in the Top 15 entering the season and should put on a great show.

Ohio State at Michigan

Ohio State is now back in the conference title race, and after a perfect season in 2012, the Buckeyes are looking to continue that streak into the following year. The Buckeyes will be on the road for this game and will need to play their best to earn a win.

Oregon at Stanford

Last year Stanford came to Eugene and crushed the Ducks' national title hopes. In 2013, the Ducks will be looking to regain their conference supremacy, and the road to the title will likely go through Stanford.

Notre Dame vs. USC

In 2012, these two teams played an outstanding game despite Matt Barkley being out. This year the rivalry heads back to South Bend and the Irish will be looking to make it two straight wins over the Trojans.

Georgia at Clemson

It appears that the Clemson Tigers' 2013 schedule is shaping up to be a rough one. The Tigers play their conference slate but also have Georgia on the schedule this year. Look for this to be an outstanding offensive matchup.

LSU vs. TCU

As TCU continues to get more comfortable in the Big 12, they will face tough games, like this one against LSU. Both teams will enter with good depth, but the Tigers should be able to come away with a nice nonconference win.

Oklahoma at Notre Dame

In 2012, Notre Dame used this game as a springboard to making it to the national championship. After their win in Norman, the Irish get to welcome the Sooners to South Bend for a rematch.

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

Alabama has been on a roll for the past few years and is looking to capture their third title in four seasons. Regardless of what happens, Alabama continues to schedule quality opponents and will take on Virginia Tech out of conference in 2013.

UCLA at Nebraska

Last year both of these teams were surprisingly good, and they should improve in 2013. Last year they met in Southern California but will move the home-and-home up north and play in Nebraska in 2013. This could turn into a shootout in Lincoln.

Tennessee at Oregon

Back in 2010, Oregon made the trip out to Knoxville and left with a convincing win. This upcoming season, Tennessee returns the favor and heads to Eugene for an interesting nonconference game between the Pac-12 and SEC.

Mississippi at Texas

As Mississippi continues to improve, they will want to start winning big games like this one. In 2012 the Longhorns came to Mississippi so the Rebels will complete the home-and-home by heading out to Austin.

Alabama at Texas A&M

During the 2012 season, the game between Alabama and Texas A&M was one of the best. During the game, Johnny Manziel had his Heisman moment, and with the Tide heading on the road for this year’s game, he may have a chance at having another.

Texas at BYU

Texas is going to have a difficult time with their nonconference schedule. Along with a tough conference slate, the Longhorns will also be taking on Mississippi and BYU and will certainly have their hands full on the road against the Cougars.

Ohio State at Cal

While Cal may be going through some changes and a down point in their program, Ohio State needs to be focused for this trip to the West Coast. The Buckeyes certainly have the talent to win, but they will be challenged in this game.

Utah State at USC

For the past couple of years Utah State has been an up-and-coming team. This coming season, the Aggies head on the road for a huge test against USC. While the Trojans should win, the Aggies will certainly make this a very interesting game.

Oregon State at Oregon

As Oregon State continues to improve, the Civil War will gain more and more meaning. For a three-year stretch, these teams were playing for berths in the Rose Bowl or national title game. Assuming the Beavers improve in 2013, this should be a great Pac-12 game.

LSU at Alabama

For the past couple of seasons, the winner of this game has earned the right to be the SEC champion and play for the national title. As the game heads back to Alabama, there is no reason to believe the stakes will be any less then they have recently been.

Oklahoma at Kansas State

In 2012, Kansas State was able to come to Norman and earn a huge conference win. The win was the difference in the Wildcats earning a conference title. This coming year, both teams will lose some of their top-end talent, but this will still be an important conference matchup for both programs.

West Virginia at Baylor

In 2012, these two teams were scoring left and right. This year the Mountaineers make their first trip to Baylor, and while some of the key offensive weapons for both teams will be gone, scoring should still not be an issue.

Oklahoma at TCU

The Big 12 certainly will have a lot of contenders this coming year, and two of those teams will be Oklahoma and TCU. Both teams will have a shot at the Big 12 title, and this game will be a huge test for Oklahoma as they head out onto the road.

Michigan at Michigan State

This past year Michigan was able to break the hold that the Spartans had on the rivalry. As the series heads back to East Lansing, both teams will need this win if they hope to earn a trip to the Big Ten title game.

UCLA vs. USC

While this rivalry rarely needs any additional fuel, the Bruins took down USC last year to earn the Pac-12 South crown. As we head into 2013, the Trojans will be moving on without Matt Barkley and looking to regain the dominance they once had in the conference.

Clemson vs. South Carolina

Seems like these two teams always put together an outstanding game. This coming season, both teams have the talent to make a run at the national title, and this matchup could act as a playoff game for both programs.

Baylor at TCU

The Big 12 continues to produce intriguing games as Baylor heads on the road to play TCU. Both teams are just on the outside looking in for the conference race, and a win for either program could be the push that they need to put them over the top.

LSU vs. Texas A&M

Texas A&M has been a great addition to the SEC. Last year’s game against LSU was outstanding, but what will be interesting to see is how the LSU defense adjusts to Johnny Manziel and tries to shut him down.