College Football Predictions: 25 Games That Will Shape the BCS in 2011
This season may be over, but it's never to early to start predicting how 2011 will shape up.
There's always that one game that ultimately ends up deciding who plays for the top prize, a National Championship. Some key games last season include Oregon beating Stanford, Nevada upsetting Boise State and Auburn's comeback victory over Alabama.
College football is just magical. I know I love it because I never know what to expect from week to week. The pure excitement and joy of the players is truly something special to watch every Saturday.
The schedule may not be finalized, but we're gonna do it anyways. Here are 25 games that will have an impact on the BCS.
25. Ohio State vs. Michigan State
1 of 25
This game could determine how Ohio State's season unfolds. Five of its best players are currently suspended for this game.
Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey, Dan Herron, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas disobeyed NCAA laws and sold memorabilia. They are currently trying to appeal the five-game suspension hoping the number will be reduced.
If it is reduced I think only one game will be shaved off, which is extremely huge for Ohio State because that fifth game is this one.
They didn't play each other last season and split the Big Ten title. This season they face off, and if the Ohio State five aren't in the game, it could be ugly.
24. Boise State vs. TCU
2 of 25
Boise State made the jump to the Mountain West Conference, a place were TCU used to dominate. This will be TCU's last season in the MWC and I highly doubt the Horned Frogs are going to let Boise State steal their thunder.
They haven't released the schedule yet, but this game will happen. If Boise State wants another chance at a title run, it's going to have to win its conference.
Gary Patterson and Chris Petersen face off in what is sure to be a tough fight. Patterson has to replace his quarterback, but his top two tailbacks return and will carry the team. This could be Petersen's last season at Boise and there's no question he wants it to be a big one.
Never before has a Mountain West game had so much meaning.
23. Penn State vs. Alabama
3 of 25
One great coach will host another.
However, Joe Paterno has lost his best player from last year. Evan Royster has graduated and Joe Pa will need Silas Redd to have a breakout sophomore year.
He'll also need to figure out which quarterback will be the starter. Matthew McGloin finished the year strong while Robert Bolden started the year off pretty well.
Alabama has to replace top starters as well as figure out who will play at quarterback. Trent Richardson will own the backfield for Alabama but which receiver and quarterback will shine in 2011?
Whoever that may be, perhaps A.J. McCarron at quarterback and Marquis Maze at receiver, this game must be their coming-out party. Alabama is looking to continue the SEC dominance of the BCS. They'll need to make a statement win when the host Penn State in Week 2.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
22. USC at Notre Dame
4 of 25
Brian Kelly will be starting his second year as Notre Dame head coach. He has to be happy that his top wideout Michael Floyd decided to stay and play.
No matter who is throwing Floyd the ball, he's going to catch it. Floyd had 12 touchdowns and over 1,000 yard last year. Dayne Crist or Tommy Rees will be competing for the starting role.
USC will be looking for revenge from last year's loss. The Trojans could also be fighting for a bowl game this season if their appeal is lifted. We won't know for a few weeks, but we do know that USC wants its two-year bowl ban to go away.
If it doesn't, the Trojans will still be fighting for bragging rights and the hopes to ruin someone's season. And in this game, they'll be hoping to destroy Notre Dame's dreams of a championship run.
21. Arizona at Oklahoma State
5 of 25
The Cowboys blew out the Wildcats in the Alamo Bowl last December. However, Arizona was a struggling team after October. The Wildcats just couldn't win, losing every game in November and December.
Nick Foles is back to full strength and looking to knock off a hopeful Oklahoma State team in Week 2. Brandon Weeden returns with Justin Blackmon looking to win the Big 12. If the Cowboys want to make a title run, they'll have to beat the Wildcats who will be looking for revenge.
Weeden threw for over 4,000 yards last season and will do it again in 2011. Foles was injured in October and the team was never the same, even when he came back in November. The Wildcats need to play well, and if they're able to win this non-conference game, it will give them great confidence heading into Pac-12 play.
20. Ohio State at Michigan
6 of 25
New head coach Brady Hoke will try to return Michigan to the glory days, when they could actually compete against Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have ruled the rivalry as of late and Michigan looks to end it in 2011. Denard Robinson will be returning and have another great year. He shattered the stat books week after week, and 2011 won't be any different.
Hoke knows that Robinson is the Michigan offense. He needs to work on the defense and by season's end he will have them playing much better football. Ohio State needs to think twice before it goes into the Big House this year, as it won't be a cake walk.
19. Florida State vs. Miami
7 of 25
Jimbo Fisher enters his second year as the Seminoles head coach and will try to blow out Miami once again. Fisher replaces Christian Ponder with E.J Manuel and the Seminoles will be just fine.
Miami now has a new coach and his name is Al Golden. He was the former coach of Temple. Golden wants to return Miami back into a national powerhouse, back when the Canes use to crush everybody. He'll probably use the U pitch to every recruit he talks to, and it could work.
Florida State is looking to get back to its old ways where it owned the ACC every year. The 'Noles need to start by reclaiming their rivalry between the Hurricanes. Let's hope Jimbo has a good kicker.
18. Notre Dame at Stanford
8 of 25
The last game of the season for both teams, and one of them could be undefeated.
The return of Andrew Luck makes Stanford a huge contender for the BCS Championship. The Cardinal may have lost Jim Harbaugh, but former offensive coordinator David Shaw will make it so the Cardinal don't miss a beat.
Notre Dame will be looking to spoil Stanford's season. The offensive mastermind that is Brian Kelly must have a clear signal-caller by season's end. I believe we'll see Dayne Crist start the season, but if he falters or gets injured, Tommy Rees can step in, as he finished out 2010 with a solid showing.
Stanford will need to shut down Michael Floyd, but I think Notre Dame has the tougher task in stopping Andrew Luck.
17. LSU at West Virginia
9 of 25
The Tigers beat West Virginia in a close one last season. They'll make the trip to Morgantown in Week 4. The previous week they travel to Mississippi State, which could be a trap game as LSU could be focused too much on the Mountaineers.
LSU loses its top running back but the level of talent on that team is very strong. The Tigers believe it is their year to sit atop the throne and represent the SEC in the BCS.
Jordan Jefferson may be the quarterback, but keep a watch out for Zach Mettenberger. The transfer QB has a very strong arm, and if Jefferson struggles, we could see him get some action.
The Mountaineers are led by Geno Smith. He will have to carry the team this season with the loss of Noel Devine. Luckily they play in the Big East, so there isn't too much worry about their conference. However, they have a shot here to crush the Mad Hatter's hopes of another title run.
16. Alabama at Mississippi State
10 of 25
This is a dangerous game for Alabama. If the schedules hold true, which they usually do, the Crimson Tide travel to Starkville the week after a tough game against LSU.
There's no question that game against LSU will be a big battle. It will take a toll on all the players and could end up being the deciding factor for whom represents the SEC West.
However, whatever the outcome of that game, Alabama will need to turn its attention to Dan Mullen and company. Otherwise, Mullen could embarrass them.
Replacing Mark Ingram and Julio Jones won't be easy. It may even set the Crimson Tide back for a few weeks. Nick Saban is a master recruiter.
Alabama cannot look past Mississippi State, especially if the Tide expect to win it all.
15. Florida State at Florida
11 of 25
Welcome back to the SEC, Will Muschamp. This time you're a head coach, and it's going to be a pretty difficult season.
No matter how 2011 turns out for the Gators, they can end it strong with a win over Florida State. The Seminoles thrashed the Gators in 2010 and will be looking to do the same this coming season.
Muschamp has a lot to figure out about his team. But by season's end, he will know what his team is capable of. The talent that Florida has can hang with any other team out there. How they play as a collective whole is a different story.
Jimbo Fisher hopes to start a new dominance over Florida. He won the state last year, so can he do it again this year? If he does, the Seminoles will be looking pretty good. Perhaps even BCS Championship good.
14. Texas vs. Oklahoma
12 of 25
You never know what to expect from the Red River Rivalry. And because of that, Oklahoma needs to be prepared for anything and everything. The Sooners have a strong shot at the BCS Championship in 2011.
Landry Jones returns and he is maturing with every snap. Ryan Broyles also returns, which will make Jones much more comfortable knowing he has a reliable receiver to throw it to.
Mack Brown has stated the quarterback race is wide open but I think it's a ploy to get Garrett Gilbert motivated to be better. Gilbert's experience far exceeds anyone else, and that should be the ultimate factor.
Texas revamped its entire coaching staff with the exception of Mack Brown, and Brown believes it will be the start of something special at Texas. What about you?
13. Nebraska at Wisconsin
13 of 25
Welcome to the Big Ten, Nebraska. Technically you're back in the Big 12 since you're the 12th team in the conference now, but there won't be any name changes of conferences, for now.
The Cornhuskers are led by Taylor Martinez, who scored a total of 22 touchdowns last season. Can he and the rest of the team transition well into the Big Ten?
We'll find out in this game, as it is the first tough test for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers have to stop running backs Montee Ball and James White. Those two combined for 32 touchdowns last season.
After this game, we could get a feel for just how well Nebraska's first season in the Big Ten will be.
12. Oklahoma State at Texas A&M
14 of 25
The Cowboys beat the Aggies by a field goal in 2010, so you know 2011 will be just as good. Justin Blackmon had over 100 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions.
Texas A&M will have a different quarterback this go around. His name is Ryan Tannehill, and he finished the season out for the Aggies with a good showing, beating Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas.
This Big 12 showdown will come down to the fourth quarter. It is a crucial game for the Cowboys, as they believe they belong in the talks for a BCS Championship.
Texas A&M will have something to say about that when they square off in Week 4.
11. Wisconsin at Ohio State
15 of 25
The suspended five will be back, and will have played a couple of games before this Big Ten showdown. They're going to need to bring their A game if they want to have a shot at the Big Ten title.
This is a divisional matchup of the best two teams in the Leaders Division. The winner of this game will most likely face off against the top team in the Legends Division in the first-ever Big Ten Championship game.
Ohio State will have to stop the rushing attack of James White and Montee Ball. Both will surely be 1,000-yard rushers when the season is over. Somehow, the Buckeyes will need to slow them down.
The Badgers will have to find a way to slow down the suspended five. Those players will be playing harder than anyone. They know they let their team down, and when they step back onto the field, watch out.
10. Boise State vs. Georgia
16 of 25
This first week of college football once again starts off with a bang. Boise State makes the long trip to Atlanta, Georgia hoping to start its season off with an impressive win.
The Bulldogs may have had a rough season last year, but they're no pushover. Georgia is still a top program and it would be a great win for Boise State. The Broncos will need Kellen Moore to be lights out once again, which won't be too difficult as he starts his Heisman campaign.
The Chick-Fil-A Kick Off couldn't be more exciting. A team still trying to prove itself and another that is looking to bounce back from a poor 2010 season. They played in Athens in 2005 and Georgia won easily. It won't be that easy this go-around for Mark Richt and company.
9. Texas A&M at Oklahoma
17 of 25
The Aggies have a chance to spoil the seasons of both Oklahoma teams in 2011. The Sooners could be undefeated by the time this November matchup comes around.
Ryan Tannehill beat them in 2010 and expects to do the same again this coming season. Oklahoma will want revenge on a team it typically controls every year.
If the Aggies want to beat the Sooners again, Cyrus Gray will have to rush for over 100 yards one more time. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry that game, and if he can do it again, the Aggies might just pull out the W.
8. Ohio State at Nebraska
18 of 25
This may not be the only time these two teams play this year. We could see this matchup again in the inaugural Big Ten Championship game.
They're in separate divisions, but I believe 2011 a new rivalry will be born. Nebraska's first year in the Big Ten is going to be a bumpy ride, but luckily it gets the Buckeyes at home.
If Ohio State's appeal of the five players suspended is not granted, this will be their first game back. Will they be rusty? Is this a chance for Nebraska to make a statement about belonging in the Big Ten?
Those are questions we won't know until the game is over. What we do know is that this game will make for some exciting football. Terrelle Pyror vs. Taylor Martinez: What a showdown it will be.
7. Alabama at Auburn
19 of 25
The Iron Bowl is always a great game. Last year may have been one of the best ever.
Both teams have lost top players, but by the end of the season, they'll each have established new ones. We know Trent Richardson will be the playmaker for Alabama, but will anyone else on the team step up?
The same goes for Auburn. Will it just be the duo of Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb who get things done, or will a fellow teammate help out?
It could be a role reversal and Alabama could be the undefeated one this time around. Auburn would love to ruin the Crimson Tide's hopes of a National Title.
6. Oklahoma at Florida State
20 of 25
This Week 3 showdown could be a make or break for either team. In 2010 the Seminoles made the trip to Norman, Oklahoma and were completely embarrassed. Poor decisions and several turnovers cost them the game.
In 2011, the Sooners travel to Tallahassee looking to do the same thing. However, Jimbo Fisher and the Noles will be prepared to defend their home turf.
Landry Jones threw for 380 yards and four touchdowns the last time these two met. Expect similar numbers from the Junior. The Seminoles will be led by E.J. Manuel, who will have to be smart with the ball. If he's not, Oklahoma is going to make him pay.
5. Wisconsin at Michigan State
21 of 25
Another possible matchup for the first0ever Big Ten Championship game. These two met last year and Michigan State came out on top. Expect another close game in 2011.
Kirk Cousins threw 20 touchdown passes with over 2,800 yards. Edwin Baker rushed for 1,200 yards last season. The play of these two will determine how well Michigan State does.
They didn't show up in the Capital One Bowl, but I think that excruciating loss motivates them for 2011.
The Badgers did not have a 100-yard rusher in this game a year ago. They'll need to have one in 2011 if they want to win. Next season is all about the ground-and-pound for Wisconsin. The Badgers cannot leave it behind in Madison when they travel to East Lansing.
4. LSU vs. Oregon
22 of 25
Both teams are expecting great things for 2011. They both believe they can play in the BCS Championship game. Whoever wants it more will win this game.
The first week of the 2011 college football season is going a be a great one. This game is played on a neutral field at Cowboys Stadium.
All eyes will be on Darron Thomas and LaMichael James. They came up short the last time they faced an SEC opponent. Can they come out on top this time around?
It's hard to bounce back from losing the first game of the season. Both of these teams will have a great 2011, but the one who wins this game will ride the momentum train throughout the rest of the season.
3. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
23 of 25
The last game of the season for both teams, and it could be for the Big 12 title. Both teams have a strong chance at being undefeated, which would make this in-state rivalry one heck of a game.
Each team has a great quarterback and an outstanding wideout. Brandon Weeden and Landry Jones are evenly matched, as well as Justin Blackmon and Ryan Broyles.
The deciding factor in this game is who can run it better. Both teams lost their leading rushers to graduation. By this game, we will know who the feature back is for each team.
Roy Finch, for Oklahoma, and Joseph Randle, for Oklahoma State, will both be sophomores and should be the starters. This position is the offensive major question mark for each team.
Who can run the ball better? The answer will be the winner of this game.
2. Oregon at Stanford
24 of 25
Other than wanting to get his degree, I think Andrew Luck returned to college football to beat the Oregon Ducks. He was unable to in 2010 and it cost him a shot at the National Championship.
Next season is the beginning for the Pac-12. Oregon and Stanford are in the same division, which means this game will probably decide who represents the North Division. If a team doesn't win the division, it can't win the Pac-12, and don't have a realistic shot at the national title either.
The importance of this game is huge. Both teams could be undefeated and highly ranked. When it's all said and done, the winner has a great shot at the BCS Title.
Who outshines who in this game? Does Andrew Luck get his revenge or will Oregon continue to roll through the Pac-12?
1. LSU at Alabama
25 of 25
Currently both teams are scheduled to have the same bye week. It just so happens to be the week before they play each other.
The Saban Bowl winner will probably be the SEC West champ. With the way things have gone down the past few years, the SEC champion is probably going to win the BCS Championship.
LSU and Alabama both expect 2011 to be a National Title year. They want to extend the SEC streak to six. Each team has the talent to do so, but who will prevail?
There's no question the SEC is the best conference in the nation. And as of now, these two teams look to be the best. So one would think whoever wins this game will win it all.
They're both replacing starting tailbacks but Alabama knows what to expect from Trent Richardson. LSU has a big question mark at running back. Both Miles and Saban are excellent recruiters. The question is, which one will get the guy who can make an impact right away?
Expect the defenses to control the game. Last season LSU won, 24-21. I don't know if the score will be in the 20's again, or perhaps lower for 2011.
What I do know is that bye week will come in handy for both teams, and we might have a top-five showdown in Tuscaloosa.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
