Destination Glendale: The 25 Most Influential Games of 2010

The 2010 college football season is less than a month away; players are in fall camp, and College Football Live is back in ESPN's regular rotation. What a wonderful time of year! 

While the schedules have been out for months now, it's time to take a closer look at what we're dealing with. 2010 boasts a number of intriguing out of conference matchups like Alabama/Penn St., Ohio State/Miami, and Oklahoma/ Florida State and Boise State/Virginia Tech. 

While these games are always highly anticipated and enjoyable to watch, what games will truly impact and influence the participants in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game? 

While the BCS's stated goal is to match the two best teams, it really matches the two best teams not in the same conference. A subtle difference? Maybe so, but this means conferences must rely on their champion to carry the weight. 

This countdown is current until the first kickoff, and may rapidly change after only week one. Nonetheless, by doing so, I'm making a few predictions: 

1. Most likely NCG matchup will be between the champions of the SEC, Big Ten, or Big XII. 

 2. For the first time, teams from Non-Automatic Qualifier Conferences have a legitimate shot at making the big dance. 

3. An impotent USC leaves the Pac-10 with a darkhorse chance and one team must emerge from the pack (no pun intended) and start dominating. 

4. The Big East is the Big East. An undefeated team may just not be good enough to get in, then again...it might. 

5. The ACC may have the most parity of any, but a true contender looks unlikely, which therefore greatly diminishes the chances of the league sending its champ to Arizona. 

Honorable Mention

These games just missed the cut, but many will likely move up when the the season starts to play itself out...

 North Carolina vs. LSU: 9/4/10

Seemingly, LSU is on the decline while North Carolina is on the rise. This game should be interesting. It's a definite must-win for Les Miles and the Tigers if they have any chance to make a championship run. Likewise, the Tar Heels need a trophy like this to justify the hype. 

Florida State at Oklahoma: 9/11/10

This rematch of the 2001 Championship Game (2000) season features college football blue-bloods desperate to start off their season favorably. FSU under Jimbo Fisher could make splash this year, while OU is desperate to shake off 2009. 

West Virginia at LSU: 9/25/10

If the Tigers can shake the Tar Heels, then this game becomes much more meaningful. The Mountaineers also have a shot at breaking Cincinnati's stranglehold on the Big East.  A big win over the Tigers in Death Valley would serve them well in their title pursuit in a wide open Big East. 

Virginia Tech @ North Carolina: 11/13/10

This could be a huge game. It also could be meaningless come November. The upstart Heels look to take down perennial favorite Virginia Tech. Additionally or the Hokies, this game could propel them into the ACC and National Championship picture. 

Penn State @ Ohio State: 11/13/10

Like the other games on this page, this clash of college football titans could turn out to be HUGE game with a trip to Pasadena or Glendale on the line. However, in all likelihood the Nittany Lions will be out of the national title hunt by November and the Buckeyes will have tougher games both in and out of conference.  

Georgia Tech @ Virginia Tech: 11/4/10

If the ACC doesn't cannibalize itself, this could and will likely be for the Coastal Division Championship. However, it remains to be seen whether these teams can get out unharmed and play for more than the Orange Bowl.

Virginia Tech @ Miami: 11/20/10

The ACC Coastal Division in loaded this year, and between Virginia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech, it would be a shame for one of these teams to come in at 4th place. Who knows where they will fall but it could be these two old Big East rivals battling it out.

West Virginia @ Pittsburgh: 11/26/10

My how times have changed. In 2007 a bad Pitt team knocked off the Mountaineers in Morgantown to not only win the Backyard Brawl but also take their rivals out of the championship picture. Both teams are contenders in 2010 but Pitt has to be the favorite with WVU likely assuming the role of spoiler. But with so many unknowns, including Cincinnati and the Big East overall, this game may not be meaningful to those outside of I-79 corridor.

Arizona @ Oregon: 11/26/10

Like WVU/Pitt, the Wildcats ensured the demise of the promising Ducks campaign of 2007. Now both are contenders in a league where juggernaut USC can only inflict pain on others. If both teams can remain unbeaten or nearly unbeaten this could be a huge game, but the Ducks likely have more demanding competition than the Wildcats.

25. Pittsburgh at Utah: 9/2/10

This Week One rematch of one of modern college football's most significant games—2005 Fiesta Bowl—has the Panthers heading west to Salt Lake City to take on the always-feisty Utes.

The January 2005 beatdown in the desert helped change the landscape of college football, and showed a non-BCS schools can play with the big  boys on the big stage and be successful (albeit critics still mitigated the victory over the champs of a weakened Big East). This victory opened the door for Boise St., Hawaii, and TCU in the future.

Although this game may not get a lot of publicity, as of today, both teams have a shot at being darkhorse National Championship contenders. It is not probable, but possible. As 2009 demonstrated, even an undefeated Big East team won't get the nod over undefeated Big XII and SEC teams, but if the Panthers keep win out, anything can  happen. Utah has a harder shot and would need to go undefeated and hope for a lot of luck. Either way, the dream dies for one of these schools on September 2.

24. LSU @ Arkansas: 11/27/10

This game for the Bronze Boot, has been wildly entertaining the last few years with overtimes in 2007 and 2009.  Both teams have a legitimate shot at the big dance if they win out and knock off Alabama and Auburn. This is a big “if,” but there are no guarantees in the SEC and the season could unfold any number of ways. Both teams could make it; LSU is loaded with talent and Arkansas has the experience, especially at quarterback.

Depending on how the season goes, a one-loss SEC Champ would clearly be in the running. If the road to Atlanta rolls through Little Rock in late November, this game could be a crucial piece in the national title puzzle.

23. Oklahoma at Cincinnati: 9/25/10

The Sooners are leaving the leaving the friendly confines of Norman to take on the two-time defending Big East champs in Cincinnati. Two years ago, this moderately interesting matchup ended up greatly benefiting the Sooners in their run to the National Championship game in what was a three-way tie in the Big XII South with Texas and Texas Tech. All three teams had one loss in conference, but OU's total BCS ranking was higher, due in large part to a stronger schedule. Beating the eventual Big East champs helped tremendously.

Both teams are legit national title contenders this year. Although Cincinnati has many question marks with a new coaching staff and key players, they seek to repeat an undefeated regular season and a victory over OU would certainly provide credibility in their title run. The Sooners, looking to rebound after an injury-plagued 2009 campaign, would again benefit by beating the Bearcats in what looks to be a weakened Big XII.

22. Oregon State vs. TCU (Arlington, TX): 9/4/10

Oregon State has apparently been assigned the role of non-AQ assassin by the good folks at the BCS. In part one of “Operation: Fly in the Ointment,” has the Beavers traveling to Gerry World to take on the TCU.

This is the biggest non-conference game of the year for the Frogs, who again hope to make a BCS and national title run from the Mountain West Conference. Currently ranked No. 7 in the Coaches' poll, TCU needs to win, and maybe win big to supplement there MWC schedule like they did with Clemson and Virginia last year. Also, it proves a common opponent with new foe Boise State for the sake of comparison should both teams end up undefeated.

Oregon State, who in their own right has a legitimate shot at the Rose Bowl and maybe a the National Championship game if they take care of business, will also need to rely on this game if they have aspirations beyond Pasadena. 

21. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati: 12/4/10

The 2009 Pitt-Cincy game turned out to be one of the greatest and most entertaining games of the year, perhaps of the decade. Between weather, Hail Marys, and demonstrations of pure will and athleticism, the Bearcats edged the Panthers for the Big East title. For this game to even approach last year's, both teams need to take care of business, otherwise it could pack as much punch as the Apple Cup. 

As previously mentioned, both teams know what they need to do in 2010. If either or both are undefeated, this game could propel the winner to the National Championship game, depending on what else is going on. Unfortunately for the Big East, they likely don't control their destiny, but that's why they play the games.

20. Penn State @ Alabama: 9/11/10

Despite being one of most highly-anticipated games of 2010, this matchup of two of college football's most storied programs does not rank higher simply because the loser could still bounce back if the game is not a blowout. Additionally, most predictions have the Nittany Lions pegged as the third or even fourth best team in the Big Ten this year after losing a number of starters, making this Alabama's game to lose.

The Tide are expected to win. However, if they don't, even a home loss early in the season would not necessarily devastate their season. If they win out in the SEC, Alabama could find themselves back in the National Championship game depending on how thing play out across the country.

Likewise, if Penn State takes care of business in the Big Ten, and depending on how things shake out in the SEC and Big XII, Penn State could also make it to Phoenix.

 Although I'll rank this No. 20, it's a clear No. 1 as far as pure college football fan; this is as good as it gets.  

19. Iowa @ Arizona: 9/18/10

This game is likely more important for Iowa than for Arizona, as and early loss by the Hawkeyes would seriously damage their shot at a title run. In their own right, the Wildcats are have a legitimate chance to make their first post season trip to Pasadena but more importantly, hope to stay in-state come January and assume the role of USC and LSU in recent years by hosting a championship game.

If Iowa wins this game, it would gain a quality road win and strengthen its chances going into Big Ten play. If the Hawkeyes went undefeated, they would be tough to deny a shot at the championship game.

18. Oregon State @. Boise State: 9/25/10

Starting the year with the highest preseason ranking in school history, Boise State needs to beat the Beavers at home and hope the Beavers have a successful season like the Ducks did last year. Oregon State provides the Broncos with their second opportunity to beat a BCS school, and after this game it's smooth sailing in the WAC into December.

If the Broncos lose to Virgina Tech, the Broncos are simply done and this game becomes a resume builder for Oregon State, which has title hopes of its own.

17. Miami @ Ohio State: 9/11/10

In yet another title game rematch, the 'Canes blow into Columbus for some early-season action. Sure Miami is a contender, but the Buckeyes have circled 2010 as their year, and this is their game to lose.

For the third consecutive year, OSU has scheduled a high-profile opponent and needs good win at home to boost their credibility. If the gamble pays off it will certainly help their cause against other zero- or one-loss programs, but if the Buckeyes lose at home it's likely all over. Sure they can still win the Big Ten, but likely would lose control over their own destiny in their quest for a national title.

16. Oregon @ Oregon State: 12/4/10

Enough Beaver, I promise. 2009's Civil War was an epic battle with the Rose Bowl on the line. This year's game will be in Corvallis and very well may determine the Pac-10 championship again with USC out of the picture. Should both teams remain undefeated, it may mean a trip to the desert in early January on the line.

Oregon seems to be the preseason favorite, but it is certinaly not an overwhelming pick. Stanford, Cal, and other schools will be in the hunt, and all will hope to avoid the big dog Trojans playing spoiler. This is always an interesting game, and with high expectations on both sides, may be the most imporant battle in the Civil War's history.

15. Ohio State @ Wisconsin: 10/16/10

Back to the Big Ten. The Buckeyes are the clear favorite, but Wisconsin is a strong contender with a lot of returning starters and a darkhorse in the national title picture. With this game being in Madison, the Badgers will be ready. This is still Ohio State's game to lose, and one of its toughest challenges of the year. If the Buckeyes can hold on, they will be in great shape to make a run. 

14. TCU @ Utah: 11/6/10

Utah is out for revenge this year, and would love nothing more than to leave on top before they join the Pac-10. The original BCS buster, the Utes play and interesting non-conference schedule featuring Pitt, Notre Dame, and Iowa State with notable conference matchups with BYU and of course the Horned Frogs.

TCU will likely be favored in this game with many components of its high-powered offense and athletic, unforgiving defense. It is certainly preferable for Utah to play this game in Salt Lake City, but home field guarantees nothing. Utah has a shot, but its preseason rankings do them no favors. Nonetheless its schedule may be sufficient if it runs the table, including defeating TCU. 

13. LSU @ Florida: 10/9/10

In 2008 and 2009 this game has been the battle of the previous two national champions, a unique and uncommon regular season battle. 2007 was nothing short of epic and inspired the Tigers to a national championship and seemed to exhaust the Gators.

This year in Gainesville, the Tigers hope to find redemption and end their two-year losing streak. The Gators see the boys from Baton Rouge as another bump in the road. Should the Tigers regain their swagger, this game could be instrumental in determining  the national title picture. Would a one-loss Gators team get in again? This is always a good one. 

12. Florida vs. Georgia (Jacksonville, FL): 10/30/10

Georgia and Florida always bring it. Florida is the clear favorite in the SEC East, but the Dawgs are never an easy out, and are desperate for redemption with Mark Richt rumored to be on the hot seat.

It's been a bittersweet couple of years for Georgia with a successful but underachieving 2008 and disastrous 2009. Georgia is ranked again in the preseason and has BCS aspirations of its own. If it has any chance, it needs to get past Florida. 

11. Oregon @ USC: 10/30/10

This game is pretty one sided; it's Oregon's to lose. While the Trojans can't advance Rose Bowl, they can sure derail the title chances of their fellow Pac-10 foes. Oregon is the favored team this year, but it will need to get by the Trojans to make a national title run. It doesn't help that the Ducks are playing at USC, but they should have enough to overcome. 

10. Wisconsin @ Iowa: 10/23/10

If the predictions come true, the Heartland Trophy will likely serve as the Big Ten runner up trophy, unless the Badgers or Hawkeyes take down the Buckeyes. If they do, that large snouted beast could stamp the tickets to Glendale.

Iowa has to be favored at home, but Wisconsin returns an excellent team.  This is a separation game; the winner will challenge for a championship and the loser is done. 

9. Auburn @ Alabama: 11/26/10

The Iron Bowl. What can you say? Auburn had a great run of six years dominating the Tide, but Alabama is currently on a two-game streak of its own. Auburn almost, almost, ended the Tide's run last year but fell short.

Auburn is expected to be much improved, but with home field advantage, you have to like Alabama's chances. Nonetheless, this rivaly game is as big as any and anything could happen. Auburn is a trendy pick, if it lives up to the hype this could be an Iron Bowl for the ages with national championship implications. 

8. Alabama @ LSU: 11/6/10

Saban Bowl III? Whatever you call out, LSU is out for blood. The Tide narrowly escaped Baton Rouge in 2008 and LSU led Bama in the fourth quarter last year before injuries and lost momentum due to poor officiating.

LSU is loaded with talent—unproven talent—but talent nonetheless and whatever the Tigers have will be unleashed on champs on this day. This will be Alabama's toughest road game of the year and if it survives they stand a great chance to repeat. For LSU, this would be the signature win it has craved the last two seasons. 

7. Texas @ Nebraska: 10/16/10

The Huskers seem to be back. After remaining out of the spotlight for the better part of the last decade, the most winning  program of the last 50 years has made some big moves and is ready to exit the Big XII on a high note and follow up their offseason rebuke of Texas with victory on the field.

Nebraska was so very close to ruining the Longhhorns' chances in 2009, and hope to finish the task at home. Nebraska has an outside chance at winning the conference, and this game would certainly go a long way in their quest. If Texas can withstand the Huskers they will be in prime positon to make another run. 

6. Florida @ Alabama: 10/2/10

We have the current No. 1 vs. No. 3, conference rivals, and the last two national champions. The only reason this game is not No. 1 is due to the fact that that these teams will likely meet again in Atlanta for the SEC Championship game, assuming the predictions are correct.  Nonetheless, this game is very important and clearly puts the winner in the driver's seat. 

Would the SEC's reputation be strong enough to lift the loser of this game should that loss be the only one of the year and that team wins the SEC? Would that team get in over an undefeated Big East, ACC, or Pac-10 team? Who knows, but it would be hard to think they would get in over an undefeated Buckeyes team. 

Bottom line: whichever team leaves Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2 is the clear frontrunner for the BCS Championship Game. 

5. Big XII Championship Game

Looking back to 2009, this game would have turned out to be No. 2, but this year there are too many others factors outside the Big XII to pencil this in as a de facto semi-final. Although mainstays Texas and Oklahoma are currently in the top 10, both have a lot of lingering questions and are not the same teams lead by Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford.

Nebraska is also reasserting itself as a force in the North during its final year in the conference, but several other teams and conferences may have the inside track on the Big XII this year. Regardless, this is sure to be a huge game, if not THE game, in determining the participants in the BCS National Championship game.

4. Boise St. vs. Virginia Tech (Landover, MD): 9/6/10

Boise State and Virginia Tech has probably been the most hyped football game of the 2010 season, but for good reason. Labor Day night at FedEx Field will answer some big questions about the season. Really this game, or more accurately the implications of this game, are unprecedented. Never before in the BCS area has a non-automatic qualifier been ranked so high in the preseason, and never before has a non-automatic qualifier seemingly controlled its destiny in the same manner of an SEC, has Big XII, or Big Ten school in the past.

If the Broncos win—and especially win big two time zones away in a prime-time game against a perennially highly-ranked opponent—2010 looks bright. Boise would have another out of conference game at home against Oregon State and then the typical WAC schedule the remainder of the year. In 2008 and 2009 both eventual national champions were ranked No. 5 in the Coaches poll just like Boise State. Historically, that ranking means you rise when others fall, but this is of course unprecedented.

However, this game is not just about Boise State. If the Hokies win, they are also primed to make a title run of their own. The Coastal Division has four ranked teams (Virginia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech) and all of them are good enough to win the ACC. Tech is the highest ranked and therefore has the best shot of any of the other teams, but they would have to win this game, defeat the other three and then they would have a legit shot at the championship too, especially if Boise wins out. Otherwise their best case scenario would be that of Oregon’s last year.

In the end, this game will likely jumpstart a title campaign for the winner and end the loser's hopes.  

3. Oklahoma vs. Texas: 10/2/10

The winner of the Red River Rivalry has gone on to win the Big XII the last six seasons, and the year before that OU still advanced to the national championship game. In fact, four of the last seven winners of this game advanced to the championship game (2003, 2004, 2005, 2009). Oddly, in 2008, the loser still made it! This game has it all: rivalry, state pride, contempt for the opponent, and some of the best football in the nation.

Both teams have a lot to prove. Texas needs to show its resiliency after losing a lot of senior leadership in their championship run, while the Sooners have to bounce back after a disastrous and injury-plagued 2009 run. If recent history is any indication, this is a HUGE game in determining the national title picture and 2010 seems to indicate the same.

2. Ohio State @ Iowa: 11/20/10

The Ohio State Buckeyes have the very same feel as 2006, but hope for the outcome of 2002. While Ohio State made surprised run to the BCS National Championship Game in 2007, it was clear they were in over their heads and only there due to the misfortune of others—a good team but not an elite team. In 2008 the Buckeyes benched an experienced senior quarterback and threw prized recruit Terrell Pryor into the deep end, with the hope he would gain the necessary experience needed to make a serious run in upcoming years. These is the year, and make no mistake, the Buckeyes are loaded. With the No. 2 ranking, it’s theirs to lose.

2010 is also reminiscent of 2006 as the Big Ten boasts two very good, if not elite programs. The predicted “best of the rest” reside in Iowa City this year and the Hawkeyes are primed for a title run of their own. Hoping to build off their Orange Bowl championship, Iowa likely mitigates whatever advantage Ohio State has on the field with home field advantage. This is a big, big game with two very good teams played late in the season and likely with tickets to Pasadena and even Glendale on the line for the winner. Looks like the long-awaited Big Ten Championship game came one year early…

1. SEC Championship Game

Where else could you place this game but No. 1? Six of the 12 eventual national champions (including the last four) in the BCS era took their victory laps around the Georgia Dome prior to hoisting the crystal ball. All trends must eventually come to an end, but I don't see it happening in 2010.  With six ranked teams (four in the West and two in the East) in the preseason Coaches' poll, the SEC is again loaded. Want Balance? Try No. 1 and No. 3 in the two divisions. 

Some luster may be taken off this game from last year's battle of unbeaten teams, since favorites Alabama and Florida do square off earlier in the season, but if it's a one-loss vs. undefeated, expect the winner to advance to Glendale.