College Football 2011: Top 10 Non-Conference Games
It's what every team plays for. For three months, 120 teams fight week in and week out for the crystal trophy that symbolizes a year's worth of blood, sweat and tears. The SEC has won the last five national championships. Will it get a sixth? Will it go to the newly renovated Big-10 or Pac-12? Regardless, it's never too early to start thinking about next season.
10. BYU at Texas (Sep. 10)
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In only the third meeting of all time between the programs, this showdown in Austin, TX has all the makings to be a great game. BYU will likely only face one other ranked team in 2011, that being TCU in late October. A win over Texas and making a BCS game is not out of the question. Both teams come off of disappointing seasons, but undoubtedly Texas has more to prove in 2011.
Prediction: Texas’ “new” high power offense proves too much for a weak BYU defense. Texas win 34 - 20.
9. Arizona at Oklahoma St (Sep. 10)
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This game has the makings to be an all out air-raid. Both teams are led by senior quarterbacks—Brandon Weedon for OSU, and Nick Foles for Arizona. OSU wideout sensation Justin Blackmon will be on national display, and Coach Stoops will need to pull out all the stops to slow down the orange and black.
Prediction: This game may come down to who has the ball last. With Blackmon running all over the Zona D, OSU wins 37 - 31.
8. USC at Notre Dame (Oct. 22)
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After an eight year losing drought, the Fighting Irish got their revenge against USC in last year's typhoon at the Coliseum. Both coaches enter their second season at the helm, needing successful seasons to quiet uneasy boosters. The key will be the development of quarterback Matt Barkley, now an upperclassmen and focal-point of the Trojans offensive unit.
Prediction: While Lane Kiffin has proven to be a bust at every head coaching position he has held, and somehow has managed to work his way into a high profile job, the depth and skill at USC will prove to be too much for the overpowered Irish. Trojans win 31-26.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Alabama at Penn State (Sep. 10)
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Like last years contest, this game will focus on the profile of two hall-of-fame coaches. Paterno enters his 46th season as the Nittany Lions head ball coach with little left in his career to accomplish. Both teams are likely to start the season ranked, with Alabama more realistically in the top five teams.
Prediction: Watch Trent Richardson to have a big game for the Crimson Tide. Tide roll 38-23.
6. Florida State at Florida (Nov. 26th)
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This classic rivalry will once again finish off their collective regular seasons against one another. Both have been masters off recruiting for the past few years, with the Seminoles loosening the stranglehold of the Gators. The Florida State Seminoles will have the nations eyes on them, as many analysts have gone as far as ranking them in the top five in some preseason polls.
Prediction: In a game likely to have BCS Championship implications, Florida St will look to begin the new era of instate supremacy. Seminoles win 24-21.
5. Ohio State at Miami (Sep. 17th)
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The witless five of “The” Ohio State University will still be serving their five game suspension, and so will Buckeye coach Jim Tressel. The question going into this game will be how the scarlet and grey will hold up without the the sweater-vest patrolling the sidelines.
Prediction: Even with the suspensions to the Buckeyes, bringing in a new coach will prove too soon to expect a major upset by the Hurricanes. Buckeyes cruise 34-17.
4. Arkansas at Texas A&M (Oct. 1)
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In a game that may be the host of ESPN’s College Gameday, these Southern powerhouses will battle for conference bragging rights. Both teams lose important figures from both sides of the ball, but both also figure to enter 2011 ranked in the top 10-15 in the polls. These teams will have plenty of motivation heading into this one.
Prediction: Texas A&M’s defense will struggle replacing LB Von Miller, and Arkansas' speedy receivers will cause havoc for the Aggie D. Razorbacks battle for a tough 23-21 victory.
3. Boise State vs. Georgia (Sep. 3rd)
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What better way to kick off the 2011 season than with one of the best non-conference games of the year? The Boise Broncos will more than likely need a perfect regular season to keep their national championship hopes alive. Heisman candidate Kellen Moore returns for his senior season hoping to bring home a lot of hardware, including that crystal football.
Prediction: Since Boise’s upset over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, I refuse to pick against those pesky Broncos. Kellen Moore keeps the Bronco season rolling with a 30-24 victory over the Bulldogs.
1B. Oregon vs. LSU (Sep. 3rd)
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Both teams figure to enter 2011 ranked either in the top five or even the top three teams in the polls. This showdown in Jerry’s world will be an early indicator of how both teams will fare during the season.
Oregon brings its high-octane offense against LSU’s stingy defense. Will Oregon come out hungry to prove themselves after a heartbreaking loss in January to Auburn, or will the loss prove too much to overcome. A weak passing game has been the anchor to a however strong overall team. If Jordan Jefferson can step up and play effectively, LSU may be too powerful for the Quack Attack.
Prediction: Oregon having to replace three starting offensive linemen and six of their starting front seven defensively, LSU’s size advantage will prove to be too much for the Ducks. LSU wins 27-23.
1A. Oklahoma at Florida State (Sep. 17th)
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Hopefully 2011’s showdown between Oklahoma and Florida State will be more evenly matched than last year's beat-down by the Sooners.
Both bring back solid returners from last season and incredibly talented incoming classes. The winner of this game may very well be placed in the forefront of the national championship picture. It will be key for Florida State to find a way to slow down speedster receiver Ryan Broyles.
Prediction: While I expect the Seminoles to perform better than their pathetic flop last season, Oklahoma is too balanced to be stopped. Sooners roll on, 27-24.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
