College Football: The 25 Best Games on TV in 2011
Not just on ESPN, but you can count on virtually every television network (that airs college football) having a great game each year.
To kickoff 2010 there was Boise State vs. Virginia Tech, then mid season brought us Stanford at Oregon and then finally, the Iron Bowl of Auburn and Alabama.
As for 2011?
Well, first check out this slideshow, prior to your local listings, to help set your schedule this fall.
Note: All games are nationally televised.
Oregon vs. LSU
1 of 25
WHEN: September 3rd, 2011
WHERE: Arlington, Texas
Both schools bring in an excellent recruiting class and should be ranked in the top 10 come time for the official preseason rankings.
The key match-up to watch will be the Oregon offense against the LSU defense.
Chip Kelly's Ducks return QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James, while Les Miles' Tigers have LB Ryan Baker and CB Morris Claiborne both back.
Also, keep an eye on LSU QB Jordan Jefferson and Oregon CB Cliff Harris, as both can be game changers.
A game this early, with such a high level of importance will be great to watch.
That said, whoever loses should not be discounted from the national title discussion, as both play tough schedules and could move back up with quality wins down the stretch.
Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma
2 of 25
WHEN: December 3rd, 2011
WHERE: Boone Pickens Stadium on Lewis Field, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Last season, the Sooners ruined the Cowboys shot at their first Big 12 Championship Game.
Well, since there's only 10 schools in the Big 12 (so much for logic) this game could determine the conference champion.
Both schools have solid defenses, but the offenses are the strong points.
If another shoot-out occurs like in 2008 or 2010, 2011 will be very exciting.
That said, we can only hope that the best is saved for last, especially if this game is to have championship implications.
Florida vs. Alabama
3 of 25
WHEN: October 1st, 2011
WHERE: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
The two schools with the most appearances and wins in the SEC championship game, Florida and Alabama is always a game to look for.
That said, the 2011 match-up has a "somethings got to give" sort of feel.
The Gators have the more experienced offense, but the Tide has the better defense. These units are stacked with talent and gain the most attention when it comes to the media.
However, the key match-up will come between the Florida defense and Alabama offense.
With less experienced players coming in that regard, it will be those who step it up that give their school a crucial advantage.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Boise State vs. Georgia
4 of 25
WHEN: September 3rd, 2011
WHERE: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Heading into this game, both starting QBs will be the focal point.
Kellen Moore (3,845 with 35 TDs) of Boise State will be looking to return the Broncos back to the BCS, after missing the party in 2010.
However, Aaron Murray of Georgia is planning on building his own reputation after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 24 TDs as a freshman.
Thus, the main question will be which defense plays better, because in the end that will be the difference.
Alabama vs. LSU
5 of 25
WHEN: November 5th, 2011
WHERE: Bryant–Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
When the Tide meet the Tigers in 2011, it will be SEC football/business as usual.
The great thing here is that both schools are in the western division of the SEC, so they're battle usually determines the representative in the conference Championship Game.
Come time for the Saban Bowl to kickoff, both schools have players with something to prove.
Alabama QB A.J. McCarron has experience, but he'll only win be looked at as a legitimate player if the Tide continues to win.
As for LSU, QB Jordan Jefferson had a disappointing 2010 campaign (in comparison to his 2009 season), so he needs to get back on track.
Defensively, keep an eye on Alabama CB Robert Lester, as he led the SEC with eight picks in 2010.
Notre Dame vs. Michigan State
6 of 25
WHEN: September 17th, 2011
WHERE: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
Since the turn of the century, nine of the last 11 games in the "Battle for the Megaphone Trophy" have been decided by a touchdown or less.
Last year was no exception either, as the Spartans scored a TD on the play of the year by faking a field-goal down three in overtime.
This season, you should expect the same, as both schools have excellent pieces returning on offense. However the Irish have a slight edge on defense, Mainly because LBs Greg Jones and Eric Gordon are gone for Sparty, whereas Notre Dame has LB Manti Te'O and safety Harrison Smith back.
In any event, this game should be your prototypical barn-burner, so be sure to tune in and watch them duke it out.
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State
7 of 25
WHEN: September 24th, 2011
WHERE: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas
The Cowboys have a slight edge on defense, but a not as much as you think on offense.
For as explosive as Oklahoma State will be in 2011 (much like 2010), their run-game will suffer with the loss of RB Kendall Hunter.
As for the Aggies?
Well, expect them to be more run balanced and clock controlling than their counterpart.
That said, a heavy dose of RB Cyrus Gray will be used. This is mainly because QB Ryan Tannehill still needs to workout some kinks, but nonetheless this one should be close.
LSU vs. Arkansas
8 of 25
WHEN: November 25th, 2011
WHERE: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
In the regular season finale for both schools, both also expect to be in the conference title race.
Both teams have offensive stars, including the potential for a game within the game between LSU QB Jordan Jefferson and Arkansas RB Knile Davis.
Both should be the focal point of their respective offenses, thus, the key to stopping them.
Defensively, it's basically a wash, as Arkansas has LB Jerry Franklin and safety Tramain Thomas returning, while the Tigers have LB Ryan Baker and CB Morris Claiborne back.
With all that said, if it comes down to this game to see who represents the SEC West, strap it up and get it done because it doesn't get any better than this.
South Carolina vs. Florida
9 of 25
WHEN: November 12th, 2011
WHERE: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
The game that could very well determine the representative of the Eastern Division in the SEC, both schools have increased expectations for this fall.
That said, this season's match-up should be much more interesting. Neither school loses too much, with a variety of key pieces back for this one.
Stephen Garcia (pending, but still a key asset) and Marcus Lattimore for South Carolina, as well as No. 1 recruit DE Jadeveon Clowney, while John Brantley and Jeffery Demps return for Florida.
When the chill of November rolls around, this game should be your prequel to the Turkey Bowl.
Wisconsin vs. Nebraska
10 of 25
WHEN: October 11th, 2011
WHERE: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
The inaugural Big Ten game for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Wisconsin residents must be flattered.
However, the game itself should be old-school smash mouth football.
Both schools love to run the ball and play defense, so whomever can control the clock and force turnovers will have the advantage.
Florida vs. Florida State
11 of 25
WHEN: November 26th, 2011
WHERE: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
From 2004-2009, the Gators won six consecutive games over the Seminoles. Well, Florida State got out of the slump last season at home in Tallahassee.
Come time for kickoff in The Swamp however, it won't be so easy turning two over Florida.
With a year under his belt, QB John Brantley will have had virtually a calender year to prepare for the 'Noles. This will be the key factor from a Gators standpoint.
Also, even with FSU bringing back a lot of talent, the question is how quickly QB E.J. Manuel can get the timing down with his WRs.
Florida State vs. Oklahoma
12 of 25
WHEN: September 17th, 2011
WHERE: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
After getting crushed by the Sooners in 2010, the Seminoles will be seeking revenge in 2011.
Florida State has the defensive edge, but the Sooners are more experienced offensively.
Oklahoma returns QB Landry Jones, as well as WRs Ryan Broyles and Kenny Stills, while the 'Noles have CB Greg Reid (also a return man), OLB Nigel Bradham, CB Xavier Rhodes and DE Brandon Jenkins.
So, what it could come down to is the play of FSU QB E.J. Manuel, and if he grows up before our eyes, or if Sooner OLB Travis Lewis and DE Fran Alexander dominate from the start.
Stanford vs. Oregon
13 of 25
WHEN: November 12th, 2011
WHERE: Foster Field at Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
The outlook for both Stanford and Oregon heading into the Autumn Wind is practically identical.
Stanford has QB Andrew Luck, RB Stepfan Taylor, but lost a key WR in Doug Baldwin.
Oregon has QB Darron Thomas, RB LaMichael James, but they lost WR Jeff Maehl.
Defensively, the Cardinal returns LBs Shayne Skov and Chase Thomas, while the Ducks have CB Cliff Harris (also a dangerous return man) and FS John Boyett.
When the two schools meet in mid-November at Stanford, it may be the Pac-12 championship game.
The winner not only immediately becomes the conference favorites, but establishes themselves for a shot at the national championship.
Michigan State vs. Wisconsin
14 of 25
WHEN: October 22nd, 2011
WHERE: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan
The one game that got away from the Badgers in 2010, Michigan State prevented Wisconsin from going unbeaten in the Big Ten last year.
Once game-day arrives, this could be a prequel to the conference's first ever championship game, as they are in separate divisions.
Also, if both can capture the magic from 2010 otherwise, then Sparty and Wisky may become new rivals!
As for the game, MSU returns QB Kirk Cousins, RB Edwin Baker and WR B.J. Cunningham, while the Badgers have a great dual-RB system in James White and Monte Ball.
Both have cut their losses defensively, but last season players stepped up, so don't expect the dark-side to just collapse under itself.
Nebraska vs. Ohio State
15 of 25
WHEN: October 8th, 2011
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
For their first year in the conference, Nebraska has an excellent double whammy to begin their Big Ten expedition.
They first travel to the aforementioned Madison and then get Ohio State in their backyard as coach Tressel and company rejoin the program.
Therefore, having the Buckeyes for their Big Ten home opener should get the competitive juices flowing even more.
So, what to look for at this point has to be how Ohio State performs prior to Nebraska and then thereafter.
Also, the Cornhuskers have a solid group of players returning in 2011 with QB Taylor Martinez, RB Rex Burkhead, WR Brandon Kinnie, DT Jared Crick, OLB Lavonte David and CB Alfonzo Dennard.
Nebraska vs. Michigan State
16 of 25
WHEN: October 29th, 2011
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
It's been awhile since these two schools have faced-off (2003 Alamo Bowl), and all five have been won by Nebraska.
What's interesting is current Huskers head coach Bo Pelini was on the opposite side of the field (as Spartans defensive coordinator) when these schools last met.
Fast-forward to present day and we obviously see some new faces across the board.
Both schools have excellent offenses, both on the ground and through the air.
Nebraska however, has the slight edge on defense, since Sparty lost two-time All-American LB Greg Jones and his trusty side-kick Eric Gordon.
Now, although CB Prince Amukamara is gone for the Cornhuskers, CB Alfonzo Dennard remains.
But, if the youngsters on the Spartan D step up and slow down Taylor Martinez, as well as the rest of coach Pelini's offense, then it could become a chess match.
Stanford vs. Notre Dame
17 of 25
WHEN: November 26th, 2011
WHERE: Foster Field at Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
Last season, Stanford thoroughly whipped Notre Dame in the Golden Dome.
However, 2011 could be much different, especially with all the talent Notre Dame has returning.
So, does that prevent us from going back to square one?
Well, yes and no.
Yes, because Andrew Luck and Stepfan Taylor remain on the Cardinal offense, while LBs Chase Thomas and Shayne Skov as well as SS Delano Howell take control of the D.
No, because Dayne Crist and Michael Floyd come back to the Irish O, whereas LB Manti Te'O and FS Harrison Smith return to the defense.
With all this said, let's just say there's most likely going to be more at stake than just the Legends Trophy.
Georgia vs. South Carolina
18 of 25
WHEN: September 10th, 2011
WHERE: Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs could arguably have the two toughest games than anyone else to begin their 2011 campaign.
First it's Boise State in the Georgia Dome, then the Gamecocks.
It will be a big test for QB Aaron Murray, and also if the Gamecocks can stay on track.
Last year South Carolina finished on a two game losing streak, while also having some offseason issues.
Georgia on the other hand, doesn't have as much returning, but does have the pieces to rebuild the program after a disappointing 6-7 record last year.
Arkansas vs. South Carolina
19 of 25
WHEN: November 5th, 2011
WHERE: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Arguably the toughest game on the Gamerocks schedule this fall, the Razorbacks come off a year in which they earned their first BCS birth.
That said, Arkansas looks to build off that year, while South Carolina eyes another SEC title game.
On paper, the Gamecocks have more talent with Garcia, Lattimore and Clowney, but Arkansas has RB Knile Davis back as well as QB Tyler Wilson who does have experience.
Also, Arkansas LB Jerry Franklin is one to look out for as he had 100 tackles with 6.5 sacks.
So, make no mistake about it when this game kicks off, skulls will be knocked around.
LSU vs. Florida
20 of 25
WHEN: October 8th, 2011
WHERE: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rough, Louisiana
Another great SEC match-up that always has (at the very least) conference title implications.
However, by this point in the season, here's a few questions that may come up at the water cooler.
1. Has Florida's John Brantley established himself as a solid QB, or has he underperformed?
2. What grade do you give new Gator head coach Will Muschamp?
3. Do you think LSU QB Jordan Jefferson has gotten back on track, therefore becoming upping his draft status?
Think of the questions as a mid-season report, because those who don't win, usually don't last (especially in the SEC).
Missouri vs. Oklahoma State
21 of 25
WHEN: October 22nd, 2011
WHERE: Faurot Field, Columbia, Missouri
With increased expectations for the upcoming season, this game could be a huge confidence booster to the winner.
Also, with no conference championship game this year, each game becomes that much more important.
Thus, we see both schools who have yet to claim a conference title.
Therefore, don't think the loss of QB Blaine Gabbert will slow down Missouri, while Oklahoma State needs to turn that usual mid-season hiccup from a loss to a win.
For these schools, this is a prerequisite game if they want to be on the same pedestal as Oklahoma.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin
22 of 25
WHEN: October 29th, 2011
WHERE: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
The only school to defeat the Buckeyes in 2011, Wisconsin is one team to always keep an eye on each year.
Also, the game comes as the anchor to Ohio State's rough four-game stretch.
It begins home against Michigan State, then at Nebraska (first game back for the suspended), at Illinois (where the Illini always play them tough) and finally home against the Badgers.
By the time they face off, coach Tressel and company should be back into the swing of things, but don't sleep on Wisky, since RBs Monte Ball and James White are back.
However, only one can represent the Leaders division of the Big Ten in the Conference Championship Game, and chances are it will be the winner of this game.
Auburn vs. Alabama
23 of 25
WHEN: November 26th, 2011
WHERE: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
Ah the Iron Bowl, one of college football's most intense and passionate rivalry games.
The past two years, the winner of this game has been crowned the National Champion, therefore there's no reason to believe that it can't happen again.
Also, it should be an interesting game, as both teams have some new faces playing important roles.
Auburn graduates 21 seniors and two juniors to the NFL draft, so virtually both sides of the ball will be young.
As for the Tide, replacements are needed at QB, RB, WR and DL.
That said, it's going to be fun to see how many new players welcome the moment of adversity and step up.
Texas A&M vs. Missouri
24 of 25
WHEN: October 29th, 2011
WHERE: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas
Once we're to this point in the season, Missouri and Texas A&M will be in somewhat similar situations.
In regards to Mizzou, this is their last big test (unless Texas pulls a 180 and is 7-1 or something when they face the Tigers) so they will either be in the hunt or playing the role of spoiler.
As for the Aggies, they have two key games prior to the Tigers in Arkansas and Oklahoma State.
Either way, both schools will be needing this win to establish themselves as a legitimate conference in 2011.
Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M
25 of 25
WHEN: November 5th, 2011
WHERE: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
So, if the Aggies have at least 4-1 or 5-0 conference record leading into the game against the Sooners, the Big 12 will be very interesting this fall.
The Sooners have a tough beginning schedule as they verse Tulsa (finished 10-3 last year) and Florida State in Tallahassee.
Then there's also Missouri and Texas prior to the Aggies.
Come game-day, both will have something to play for, because it's a rare season when neither are in the race for a conference title.
2009 was the most recent, but prior to that, 1996 was the year when neither school had a shot a the Big 12 Championship.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
