College Football 2011: 72 Games That Form the Road to the BCS Title Game
This year figures to be another fantastic and exciting season of college football. With kickoff 2011 slated in less than 100 days from now, we're getting close to getting back the passion and pageantry that is college football.
The season will be full of incredible matchups, rivalries and shocking outcomes that we simply call games.
With this piece, we're going to rattle off 72 games that will have something to do, one or another, in affecting who gets their name slotted for a title shot in the BCS title game.
Oklahoma at Florida State: 9/17
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Oklahoma will be a likely top-five preseason team and maybe even the No.1-ranked team to open the gates. Landry Jones, Ryan Broyles and Tony Jefferson are just the tip of the iceberg of Bob Stoops' talented team.
Florida State will be coming into this game as a bit of an underdog, but surely will know that a win over the Sooners could boost them high in the rankings and the title hunt. E.J. Manuel will look to out-duel Landry Jones.
Stanford vs. Notre Dame: 11/26
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The Irish have BCS bow game aspirations this year, and Brian Kelly has even gone as far as to say he wants to face and beat an SEC team. Notre Dame should find itself somewhere in the top-25 rankings to open the season.
Stanford has to replace its rock star head coach in Jim Harbaugh, but Andrew Luck is back, along with Shayne Skov. The Cardinal feel they can top their Orange Bowl–winning season of 2010, in 2011.
Michigan State vs. Wisconsin: 10/22
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Wisconsin has had a sour taste in its mouth all winter and spring after losing to TCU in the Rose Bowl. But you can bet Brett Bielema will have the Badgers back on track in 2011, with the Rose Bowl and more on their agenda.
Michigan State won a piece of the Big Ten pie in 2010 and, like the Camp Randall Crew, have a bad taste in their mouth from a blowout bowl game loss to Alabama.
This could be a matchup that decides the Big Ten title.
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Florida @ South Carolina: 11/12
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Florida wants to take back the SEC East division. The Gamecocks could care less about what Florida wants to do, because they won it last year and return two of the best offensive players in the country in RB Marcus Lattimore and WR Alshon Jeffrey.
Will Muschamp is not delivering a message of "we're rebuilding" in Gainesville, and the Gators feel they can win the SEC this year. John Brantley should be in a good groove come this week, and this will be for the SEC East title and the right to go to Atlanta.
USC vs. Utah: 9/10
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The Trojans can't compete for any postseason bowl games for the second, and albeit final, year in a row, but they are still USC and still can play spoiler.
Utah moves into the Pac-12 conference and will not come as the timid, shy new kid on the block. The Utes are coming to win the conference, immediately.
With Utah as one of those darkhorse teams who could make a run, this game will have a rippling effect on the season.
USF vs. West Virginia: 12/1
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BJ Daniels is back for the Bulls and Skip Holtz will be coming into year two at USF. I think if things go right, the Bulls could win the Big East and make it into the BCS picture.
West Virginia has Geno Smith back at QB, and Dana Holgorsen should have Smith and the WVU offense in high octane mode. I also think the Mountaineers' pass rush will be potent this year off the edges.
Alabama at Mississippi St.: 11/12
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Dan Mullen has the Bulldogs thinking "why not us" in the SEC, and we all know that Mully can coach his tail off. I mean, there's a reason Gator fans were clamoring for him to return when Urban Meyer resigned.
Alabama is well...Alabama. The Tide are thick in NCS title contention and every week in the SEC could easily be on this list. I think the 'Bama defense may be good enough to carry the team to the title game alone.
Arizona @ Oklahoma St.: 9/8
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Talk about an early treat. The Wildcats will travel to Stillwater to take on the Pokes, and this should be one of the best QB duels of the entire season.
Nick Foles vs. Brandon Weeden, and whoever flinches first will likely see their team lose.
I wonder how 'Zona plans to cover and contain Justin Blackmon?
Miami vs. Ohio State: 9/17
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My thinking tells me that off-field distractions do hinder a team, whether small or big. Ohio State has some big off-field problems, and they certainly will affect the team at some point this season.
Already starting the year minus their QB, RB, WR, OT and another DE to start the first five games, the Hurricanes will see a refreshed Miami team in mid September.
With Big Ten title hopes, and maybe even more when the cavalry comes back, Al Golden's squad could derail all of that for the Buckeye Boys.
Texas. vs BYU: 9/10
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Like many in the country, I don't think Texas makes it to the BCS title game this year, but this is still Texas. There is talent in Austin, and Bryan Harsin will have the offense on track. He's one of the best play-callers in the country.
BYU has a franchise QB in the making in Jake Heaps, and the Cougar defense will be on track from the jump in 2011, unlike in 2010.
An early season treat of Cougars vs. Longhorns should be a prime game and could affect Texas overall Big 12 title hopes.
Arkansas at LSU: 11/25
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The Hogs travel to the worst place to play a game at for a visiting team in college football.
They boast Knile Davis, a host of receivers and a solid returning defense. Then there's Tyler Wilson, who has a chance to be better than Ryan Mallett at QB.
LSU has national title hopes this year, and it starts with winning the SEC. The Tigers have a new OC, and a Steve Kragthorpe vs. Bobby Petrino duel in the south surely will form the road to the BCS title game in New Orleans.
USC at Oregon: 11/19
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The Trojans travel to Eugene to play in Autzen Stadium, another place that is downright miserable to head up to as an opposing team.
Oregon beat USC last year at the Coliseum, which USC called their bowl game. With LaMichael James and Darron Thomas back, Chip Kelly's squad will likely be in the BCS title hunt.
A loss here could derail hopes of another BCS title game appearance, a Rose Bowl appearance or even a Pac-12 title.
Oklahoma at Texas: 10/8
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One of the best games to watch in any college football season, this year's Red River Rivalry should have some great storylines.
For starters, Texas has a revamped coaching staff, a re-energized Mack Brown and may even have a new QB at the helm. To prove their 5-7 season of 2010 was a fluke, a win over OU would go a long way in their cause.
The Sooners have their eye on the national title in 2011 and surely will go out of their way to not let their arch-b nemesis Texas be the team to halt their title run.
Michigan St. vs. Michigan: 10/15
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Mark Dantonio's squad won a share of the Big Ten in 2010, and with Kirk Cousins and Edwin back on offense, the Spartans will contend again.
But they also feel they can make a run at the title game and have been hard at work this spring.
Michigan will surely surprise some people this year, and it doesn't hurt that Denard Robinson stayed in the program, as he is one of the best players in the country.
TCU vs. BYU: 10/28
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A Friday night clash of two great programs both still looking to thrust themselves as major players in the BCS.
TCU will be moving on to the Big East, so this will be the final year they can use the "little" school mantra as their rallying cry.
Surely Gary Patterson will have his team well prepared and therefore a big drop off from the Andy Dalton days will be supplemented by outstanding defense. BYU and Jake Heaps will have their hands full and a win by both teams would go a long ways in their hopes of playing in a BCS bowl.
Georgia vs. Florida: 10/29
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The world's largest outdoor cocktail party will be rockin' and rollin' on Halloween weekend, that's for sure.
BCS implications, in some form or fashion, will be on the line. Georgia has a franchise QB in Aaron Murray and many expect Isaiah Crowell to have a huge impact as RB as a true freshman for the Dawgs.
Florida wants to remind everyone they are still the Gators and Will Muschamp does have way-back history with the Bulldog program.
Huge game.
Mississippi St. vs. LSU: 9/15
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.The Bulldogs could see themselves inside the top 25 to open the season and have the SEC title in their sights on their minds this year.
But LSU has BCS title aspirations and this highly contested SEC matchup surely will spark some fireworks around the country.
Kansas State at Miami: 9/24
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Yes, I have this game on this list, as both teams are dark horses for their respective conference titles.
Kansas State has to replace Daniel Thomas, but doesn't it seem like Bill Snyder always has his squad's prepared?
Miami, believe it or not, could win this year with great defense and special teams play. They have QB issues but with K-State perhaps starting the season inside the top 25, and a dark horse Big 12 title team, this is a key game.
North Carolina at Virginia Tech: 11/17
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Thursday night. Blacksburg. ESPN. Wowsers.
The Hokies do it mega supreme on Thursday nights, as the atmosphere is electric. They will be doing the Blacksburg bounce, awaiting Butch Davis' Tarheel squad that has two of the best DEs in the country in Quinton Coples and Dante Paige Moss.
Frank Beamer always has his team in the midst of the ACC title hunt and this year will be no different, as the Hokies could position themselves into a BCS bowl.
Clemson vs. Auburn: 9/17
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This will be a very, interesting matchup. Will Russell Wilson be the starting QB for Auburn during this game? Hmm.
Yet, Clemson feels this year is their year and Tahj Boyd has given the QB position a boost of energy with Kyle Parker gone. Dabo Swinney has felt his seat get a bit hot and knows this is a key season for him.
The Champs likely will take a step back this year as they will be young, but there is still a wealth of young talent on the roster.
Arizona at Arizona State: 11/19
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The nasty rivalry in the desert will have some BCS title game effects in various and domino ways. For one, both teams are prime contenders for the Pac-12 title and could make runs that put them in the title game hunt.
I'm interested to see this game to see how Nick Foles attacks ASU CB Omar Bolden. Both players are great NFL prospects and a game with much at stake usually brings out the best in teams and players.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin: 10/29
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This is always one of the best games to anticipate for and watch as a CFB fan. This year the Buckeyes have found themselves in hot water with the NCAA, but still figure to be one of the better teams in the country.
Wisconsin has Big Ten title thoughts, too, and have shown in years past they are not afraid if the flagship Ohio State program. This could be the matchup that shapes the Big Ten race for both teams.
Penn State vs. Alabama: 9/10
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Two of the most stable and storied programs in the sport face off in an early season matchup.
Two of the best coaches in the sport's history go to battle. Joe Paterno likely doesn't have as much a hands-on approach anymore, but seeing him on the sidelines vs. Nick Saban surely will be a sight to see.
PSU will surely be jacked up for this game, and if Alabama isn't ready, those BCS title game hopes will be out the window.
West Virginia vs. LSU: 9/24
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Another great game and matchup that will feature LSU. The Tigers, according to some are a bit overrated, as no one really believes Jordan Jefferson is a championship-winning QB.
WVU, on the other hand, has perhaps a Heisman dark horse at QB in Geno Smith. Out-dueling Smith early in the season will surely be a huge tool to use to shut skeptics up for Jefferson's cause.
Michigan vs. Notre Dame: 9/10
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Big Blue vs. the Golden Domers is a traditional game, and as most years, it will be an interesting contest.
Denard Robinson gave the Irish defense fits last season and put the Wolverine offense on his back.
Notre Dame surely will be looking to get revenge, while also exposing their rivals in the Midwest for being a year away from coming back to relevancy.
TCU at Boise State: 11/12
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You've got to love this matchup, and this one certainly will have a huge BCS title game effect.
Boise State boasts one of the greatest CFB players in history in QB Kellen Moore, as will have a great running game along with a very, very solid defense led by Billy Winn at DT.
TCU features Tank Carder at LB in their 4-2-5 scheme. Seeing how Moore fares against the Horned Frog defense will be a treat to watch.
Alabama vs. Tennessee: 10/22
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Derek Dooley has said last year was year "zero" and this is year "one," as he had to do so much around the Vol program that he couldn't fully get things in order to start things off the proper way he wanted to.
Now he has taken care of all of his P's and Q's and cleaned things up, so look for the Knoxville Neats to make a big jump in 2011, especially with QB Tyler Bray back.
Just another big-time SEC game for the Tide.
Arkanas vs. Texas A&M: 10/1
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I love big-time non-conference matchups. You have to credit each school for scheduling this game, and going through on a salivating game for fans.
Ryan Tannehill vs. Tyler Wilson. Mike Sherman vs. Bobby Petrino. SEC vs. Big 12. However you slice it, this is a huge game, and it will play a role in shaping up the road to New Orleans for the BCS title game.
Georgia vs. South Carolina: 9/10
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The Bulldogs travel to the Cockpit early in the season, in a pivotal and humongous SEC East divisional game.
Both programs want to get to Atlanta, and we all know just about every pivotal SEC game has some type of shaping role in the National championship race.
There are so many great matchups in this game, consisting of Alshon Jeffrey vs. the UGA secondary and the Gamecock pass rush vs. Aaron Murray.
Utah vs. Arizona: 11/5
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Another great game to see due to great coaches and great players all around. Mike Stoops and Kyle Whittingham are two of the best defensive coaches in the country.
Seeing how Nick Foles constantly adjusts the Wildcat offense to the game plan Whittingham instills in the Ute defense will be a lovely observation.
This has Pac-12 title implications.
Michigan State at Notre Dame: 9/17
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Brian Kelly has the Irish thinking, feeling and practicing as to expect to be playing in a BCS bowl this year.
If the Irish can settle on a QB to get the ball to Michael Floyd on the perimeter to complement a defense with solid talent, then it's feasible to see a BCS run being made.
But the matchup of MSU RB Edwin Baker vs. Notre Dame LB Manti Te'O will be a fun one to watch.
Kansas State vs. Texas: 11/19
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Two teams looking to make a move on the Big 12 title this year meet up in mid-November. This almost has an NCAA tournament feel to it, as one has to think that the loser of this game likely will be just about done in the Big 12 race.
Will K-State have watched enough film of Texas during the season to have figured out the multi-formation attack Bryan Harsin will have the Longhorn offense running?
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech: 11/10
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The Hokies make the trek into Atlanta in early November, and Bud Foster will likely have gone without sleep all week.
Foster, the defensive chief for the Hokies, will undoubtedly have watched countless hours of tape on Paul Johnson's triple option offense to prepare VaTech for the unorthodox offensive attack.
A matchup of will and wit between Foster and Johnson makes for an exciting matchup and game with ACC- and BCS-shaping potential.
Texas at UCLA: 9/17
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Remember the "Rout-66" game between these two programs? You know, when UCLA whipped up on Texas, in Austin, 66-3?
Yeah, shockingly the Bruins upset Texas again last year and the Longhorns feel enough is enough. But Texas does have talent and feel they can compete and win the Big 12 this year.
But both programs have questions at the QB spot, so who knows which two QBs will be the starters in this game.
Oregon at Stanford: 11/12
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The Ducks head a few hours south to play the Cardinal in Palo Alto (or Stanford, CA) on the Farm. This was a huge game last year, and one can make an argument that if Stanford won they would have played Auburn for the title.
However, watching Shayne Skov and Delano Howell chase around Darron Thomas and LaMichael James will be nice.
Plus it's always a prime sight to see the next No.1 QB pick play in a huge game.
Oklahoma State at Texas A&M: 9/24
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A lovely Big 12 matchup, we get to see two high octane offenses do work within the first few weeks of the 2011 season. This is definitely a BCS title-shaping game.
The Pokes have a potent offense and a deadly QB-WR combo in Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon.
I can't wait to see Blackmon matchup vs. Aggies' CB Coryell Judie.
USC at Arizona State: 9/24
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The Trojans head to Tempe to take on the Sun Devils, in which the ASU will be looking to avenge a close loss they suffered in LA last season.
Vontaze Burfict, the all-world LB for ASU will look to match wits with USC QB Matt Barkley, ala Antonio Pierce vs. Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLII.
With the Trojans looking to play great football in 2011 and the Sun Devils looking to win the Pac-12, this is a pivotal game out west.
Clemson vs. Florida State: 9/24
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On the same day as the USC-Arizona St. game, Clemson will take on Florida State for a huge game in the ACC.
Clemson feels they can win big this year, while Florida State wants to capture the ACC and toss their hat in the BCS title game ring.
E.J. Manuel must be prepared for Kevin Steele's defensive scheme or the Noles offense will be stagnant.
Miami at South Florida: 11/19
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What will Miami's record be at this point in the season? Will their QB play still be the Achilles' heel of the team, or will Jacory Harris have stepped up and taken over the position?
Will BJ Daniels have shown complete maturation and refinement in his game for the Bulls?
Will South Florida be the top team in the Big East?
Kansas State vs. Oklahoma: 10/29
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The Sooners will take on the Wildcats and surely will be the favorites in this game, but K-State may be one of those teams that comes out of nowhere to contend around the Big 12 this year.
Surely the Wildcats will be stoked and up for this game, will the Sooners be, too? BCS title game implications circle all over this one.
Michigan State at Nebraska: 10/29
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On the same day Oklahoma takes on K-State, Michigan State will say hello to a new and formidable conference rival: Nebraska.
I honestly do not think Big Red is coming to the the Big Ten to feel things out in year one and I feel Bo Pelini thinks his team can take over the conference—this year.
How will the Spartans defend Taylor Martinez?
Utah at BYU: 9/17
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The Holy War. Wowsers. These programs don't like each other, and in fact, there is hatred involved. The rivalry goes back to late 1800s.
Kyle Whittingham says he does view this as a critical rivalry and game for his program, and even though the Utes are in a new conference, they still hate BYU and vice versa.
How does Jake Heaps and Bronco Mendenhall counter the Utes defensive game plan?
Alabama vs. Arkansas: 9/24
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A fantastic SEC matchup, this will be one the elite games to shape up not just the SEC West or even the entire SEC, but the National title picture.
Alabama will be ranked somewhere in the top five, maybe even as high as No. 2. Their defense basically is stocked with future NFL draft picks and will be foaming at the mouth at Tyler Wilson.
If Wilson has a huge game against the Tide defense, does that vault him into the Heisman talk?
Miami at Florida State: 11/12
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You want to see a college football game with a slew of speed and athleticism? Then watch this game. Oh, right, also these two programs can't stand each other and it goes back a long ways.
Jimbo Fisher certainly will prepare FSU well, as the thought of losing to Miami alone, aside from stopping their ACC and national title game hopes, has to get his juices going.
Al Golden gets his first taste of the FSU-Miami rivalry as a head man for the Canes.
Kansas State at Oklahoma State: 11/5
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Oklahoma State comes into this season looking to get away from being the "other" program in the Sooner State.
Mike Gundy is one of the top offensive coaches in the game, and the Pokes have a solid team coming back this year. A Big 12 title is on their mind, and as a BCS Conference champion, you're that much closer to getting to New Orleans.
K-State has similar thoughts going into 2011.
Arizona State at Oregon: 11/15
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Good luck Sun Devils. Playing at Autzen Stadium sucks.
The fans are loud, brutal, clad in green and the Ducks' mascot rides out on the field on a motor cycle.
Then you have to actually play the game, and Oregon is good. Real good. Their offense rarely huddles, if ever, and runs a play basically five seconds after the last one.
Headache central.
USC at Notre Dame: 10/22
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USC makes the sacred trip to South Bend in October following tradition as suit. The Trojans can't compete for any title this year, outside the AP title, but they surely have to be up for Notre Dame.
The Irish beat them in a confusing, rainy and wet game last year in Los Angeles, and Matt Barkley didn't play.
The Irish will be more organized and be laying faster in Brian Kelly's second year.
Miami at Virginia Tech: 11/8
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This will be one of those games that football purists and coaches will love to watch film on, as they will love to break down the strategies of both coaches.
Al Golden is a defensive-minded coach and surely will have his Miami team hanging their hat on that side of the ball in 2011.
We all know the prowess of Bud Foster for Virginia Tech defensively, so scoring points will be at a premium during this game.
Michigan State at Ohio State: 10/1
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The dawn of October brings us a prime matchup in the Big Ten. Spartans vs. Buckeyes is always a great game, and these are two of the top teams in the conference.
Kirk Cousins will get a young Ohio State defense opposing him, so this will be a great test for the Buckeyes defense, as they have to deal with Cousins and Edwin Baker.
What will Braxton Miller's role be at this point for Ohio State.
South Florida at Notre Dame: 9/3
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Notre Dame opens the season with a team that is looking to win its conference and make a BCS bowl run itself in USF.
Both teams know that a loss to open the season is not desirable on many fronts, as you always want to start the year off on a high note, and with each program looking for a BCS bowl appearance, a loss is not acceptable.
Credit each program for not scheduling a cupcake to open up 2011.
Texas A&M vs. Texas: 11/24
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Aggies. Longhorns. Two of the staple and flagship programs in Texas and two programs who are rivals.
Also two programs that come into 2011 with Big 12 title hopes and much to prove.
Mack Brown is looking to show 2010 was an aberration. Mike Sherman is looking to prove he can take A&M to the next level.
Utah at Arizona State: 10/8
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The Utes will travel to Tempe to take on new Pac-12 South Division rival Arizona State in a game between a new kid on the block looking to take over vs. an incumbent kid looking for more respect on the block.
All neighborhood politics aside, this game has huge implications. A prime position within the Pac-12 standings along with the chance to spread their wings on a national scale are both at stake.
Ohio State at Nebraska: 10/8
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This is the game many Buckeye fans are eyeing since they get their cavalry back this week. Terrelle Pryor could be back at QB and Mike Adams back at OT, among others.
Nebraska could care less. The Cornhuskers are going to come into this game looking to show the Big Ten their business and that the conference is now theirs.
What better than to beat the flagship program in their first year to show Big Ten country is now owned by Big Red.
LSU vs. Florida: 10/8
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While the country will be focused on Tressel and Pryor's return to Ohio State, folks in the South will be anticipating the Tigers/Gators game.
Florida has a talented squad this year and will have an NFL feel to it with Dan Quinn and Charlie Weis as its coordinators.
LSU has equal amounts of talent and speed and will be looking to knock the Gators off in the SEC.
Alabama at Auburn: 11/26
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Alabama had Auburn beat last year, then I guess the Tigers ate their spinach, because they were completely different team in the second half.
Now, the Tide gets Auburn in Tuscaloosa with revenge on their mind. Uh oh, Gene Chizik.
Alabama's offense has questions at the QB position, but with Trent Richardson back behind a good offensive line, running the ball looks to be the staple of the 'Bama offense yet again.
Kansas State vs. Texas A&M: 11/12
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Bill Snyder and Mike Sherman are two great coaches and will each have a solid team this 2011 season.
Both view their teams good enough to win their divisions and overall the conference.
K-State will need to shore up their run defense as opposed to last year, while the Aggies need to show they're for real and step with the big dogs.
Miami at North Carolina: 10/15
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This is certainly going to be a staple game around the ACC in 2011, as I don't expect much from Miami, but they still are Miami and there is talent on the roster to compete.
Butch Davis comes into 2011 looking for the Tar Heels to make a step up into a national power. They have the talent to do so, especially defensively.
Who finishes with more tackles: Kevin Reddick or Sean Spence?
Stanford at USC: 10/29
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David Shaw brings his squad down from No-Cal to So-Cal on Halloween weekend, as the Trojans play host to the Cardinal.
A fantastic and wire-to-wire game last year at Stanford, the Trojans have the Cardinal on their 2011 revenge list after a heartbreaking lost.
Could we see a duel between the top two NFL QB prospects in the country in Andrew Luck vs. Matt Barkley?
Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M: 11/5
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This is another pivotal Big 12 matchup, as the Aggies will be upset-minded coming into Norman.
This would pay dividends for Mike Sherman's team if they could pull out a win, as Oklahoma is one of the premier programs in the country and will be one of the truly elite teams in 2011.
Beating the Sooners is one thing. Beating the Sooners in Norman is totally different animal.
Florida vs. Alabama: 10/1
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The Crimson Tide rolls into Gainesville on the opening day of the October. I'm prime to see how well the Gator defense matches up with the Alabama power running game.
Also, how does John Brantley fare against the star studded 'Bama defense? What will be Charlie Weis' game plan on how to attack Nick Saban defensively?
So many matchups. Such a huge game. A must see.
Arkansas vs. Mississippi State: 11/19
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Dan Mullen has done a great job of installing his spread option offense in the MSU program, and now in the third year, Mullen will surely look to dramatically increase his 14-11 record.
Bobby Petrino is in a rare situation. He lost his star QB, but his team has a chance to be better than last year's, as that doesn't happen often.
Both coaches have SEC title aspirations and it's feasible to see both in contention to get to Atlanta at this point in the season.
Penn State at Ohio State: 11/19
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The Nittany Lions travel to Columbus in mid-November, and one has to wonder where will Ohio State be at during this point of the season.
Especially mentally. Will the Buckeyes be mentally and emotionally drained from the off-field distractions and the added pressure of the possible return of the suspended five?
Or will they be hitting full stride and be sitting in the thick of the Big Ten race?
Oklahoma State at Texas: 10/15
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This should be a great one. The Pokes get a chance to catch Texas coming off of an emotional roller coaster week, as the week before is the Red River Rivalry game vs. Oklahoma.
The Fighting Gundys are looking to show they're for real and a win over the Longhorns will look awesome for the 2011 resume.
Another excellent game within the Big 12.
Clemson at Virginia Tech: 10/1
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This is another great matchup with potential BCS implications, as the ACC will have a few teams that have an eye on the conference title.
Clemson and VaTech are two of those teams.The outcome of this game definitely will shape up the ACC title race and national rankings going forward.
Oregon vs. Arizona: 10/15
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Oregon is the preseason favorite in the Pac-12. The Ducks won the title last season, and fell short in the national title game.
They come into the 2011 season with some holes to fill on defense, but their offense is good enough to carry them for most of the season.
Arizona has a star QB in Nick Foles, and stud WR Juron Criner returns as well. The Wildcats feel this is their year they make a move up the Pac-12 standings, way up.
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: 12/3
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There is no more Dr. Pepper Big 12 Title game anymore, due to the departure of Nebraska and Colorado, so the conference moved this prime time matchup to the "Championship Weekend" block.
This game should definitely be fun to watch if you love offense as the Sooners and Cowboys have great skill players.
Do not be shocked if this is a matchup of two top 10 teams and be the key game to decide the Big 12 title.
Clemson at South Carolina: 11/26
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The Palmetto Bowl will have huge national implications this year, as South Carolina figures to be the preseason favorite in the SEC East.
Clemson will look to make a mark this year, and have reportedly been re-energized this spring. The Tigers and Gamecocks routinely have talented rosters, and talented teams + high stakes in games, usually = classics.
Florida State at Florida: 11/26
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The same day of the Palmetto Bowl also will bring us the FSU-UF game, which is always a good one to watch.
With Florida thinking they can win the SEC this year in Will Muschamps first year, having the talent to think that way and the coaches to put them in position to do so, right now you have to see things the Gators' Way.
Unless you're Florida State, as the Seminoles have ACC title and BCS title hopes in their own right. Plus, Florida State likely will open the season in the top 10, so looking at this right now, you easily see why it makes this list.
Ohio State at Michigan: 11/26
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One of the best rivalries and games in not just CFB, but sports, period, this game always has BCS implications.
This year will be no different.
The upstart Wolverines have new leadership, and Brady Hoke has gone out of his way that the Ohio State game is the most important game on the Wolverine schedule and will always be, year in and year out.
This year will be no different.
Oregon at LSU: 9/3
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Not sure about you, but this is a playoff game in my opinion and its going down at the house Jerry Jones built. Whoever loses this game is basically out of the title game picture.
I'm not sure a two-loss team goes to New Orleans, and LSU has a daunting SEC schedule. Oregon has to play USC, Stanford and Utah among other formidable opponents.
So each team will come into this opening day game with late-season desperation.
Boise State at Georgia: 9/3
71 of 72
This is another game that is similar to the Oregon vs. LSU game, and it takes place on the same day.
Boise State was two missed field goals away from playing in another BCS bowl. This year, I feel Kellen Moore will look to elevate his game to another level, and lead the Broncos back to the BCS again.
Georgia is on the come-up and will be looking to show they are "back" right off the bat. This game will have a rippling effect on the BCS title-game road and it's going down on kickoff weekend.
Alabama vs. LSU: 11/5
72 of 72
Another outstanding SEC game, and it just so happens it's a pivotal SEC West divisional contest. I think the winner of this game, right now, wins the SEC and goes to the BCS title game.
This may be "the" game that shapes up the BCS title game road to New Orleans.
Alabama. LSU. I'm done talking.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
