Perfect Matchups for ESPN's College Gameday in 2013

ESPN's College Gameday, the most consistently good pregame show for any sport in America, is smart enough to not lock in its schedule during the preseason.

The folks at Bristol have watched (and influenced) enough college football to understand its fickleness. The best game of Week 10 sometimes can't be predicted until Week 5 or 6, so the schedule is created on a week-by-week basis.

At other times, the games basically pick themselves. There are some weeks where something catastrophic would have to happen to prevent Gameday from gracing a certain college—campus' that are locks to host Chris Fowler and the crew.

In cases like those, feel free to book your tickets right now.

Alabama at Texas A&M

When: Week 3

The only thing that could have kept Gameday from College Station was some sort of misguided NCAA investigation—one that could have potentially rendered the sport's best player unable to suit up because he signed his own name (cue John Proctor reference) on some footballs, helmets and glossy pictures.

Finally, we now officially know that's not going to happen, according to ESPN.

Billed before the year as the "Game of the Year," 'Bama at Texas A&M is (by far) the easiest call on this list. It's the rematch of Alabama's only loss last season, and it's the Tide's toughest only tough road game in 2013.

Anyone who wants the Tide to three-peat will be tuned in, buttocks on the edge of their seat, gasping with every play. Same goes for everyone who wants them to flop. 

Oklahoma at Texas

When: Week 7

The Red River Rivalry has lost a little luster with Texas' minor drop-off, but with the Longhorns projected (in some circles) to be elite once again this year, their game with the Sooners will be irresistible.

As will the atmosphere in Dallas, where Gameday has opted to host three Oklahoma-Texas games in the past five years. Even though it skipped a trip to the Cotton Bowl in 2012, the venue remains one of its most tried and truest.

Oklahoma has won the last three, embarrassing its rival with blowouts in the last two (which combined for a score of 118-38). However, in 2013, it has a redshirt freshman quarterback and goes up against the nation's most experienced team.

Is it finally time for a change? 

LSU at Alabama

When: Week 11

For the first time in what seems like forever, LSU at Alabama might not be the highlight of its week. In fact, it probably won't be. Week 11's showdown between Oregon and Stanford has a better chance of being a de facto BCS semifinal.

Alas, that Pac-12 battle takes place on Thursday, which should be great for ESPN's mid-week ratings, but makes it obsolete for Gameday.

And no one is complaining about the consolation venue.

LSU was technically "down" last year—at least by its own, impossible standard—and still should have beaten Alabama in Baton Rouge. A missed field goal and late T.J. Yeldon score helped seal the Tide's deal, but the rematch should offer plenty of intrigue.

The Tigers did, after all, win the last time they visited Tuscaloosa. 

Stanford at USC

When: Week 12

College Gameday loves going to the Coliseum—a lot.

It's been there for USC games in each of the past three years, and four of the past five. This year, the Trojans' only other blue-chip home game (against UCLA) conflicts with some other Gameday fodder (see next slide).

Ipso facto, they'll be there for Homecoming.

It should be a good game, too. Stanford knocked USC off its No. 1 perch last year with a seven-point win in Palo Alto. With the Cardinal now harboring delusions of crystal trophy grandeur, the Trojans have a chance for payback in a big way. 

Ohio State at Michigan

When: Week 14

Michigan vs. Ohio State is a great game for the final week, for reasons more than tradition and rivalry.

It allows the Wolverines to play end-of-season spoilers for their enemy, an Ohio State squad that went undefeated in 2012 and is projected by many to repeat that accomplishment. It gives them a chance for sweet, sweet schadenfreude.

Last year in Columbus, Michigan was unable to stop the Buckeyes' thunder. However, back then, the consequences were small. Ohio State was playing for pride, not for the chance to fly another championship flag.

"The Game" is always personal. This year, it's also important.