College Football 2011: The 15 Best Conference Games

With a few programs changing conferences, and the alignment of those conference changing it only makes sense to consider the best in-conference games for this fall.

Nebraska facing a Big Ten team or Utah playing someone from the Pac-12 takes on a entirely different dynamic in 2011.

It's common practice to look at the best non-conference games each season, but there are also some great games being played within each conference.

Stay with us for a little longer and take a look at this fall's 15 best conference games.

15. Wisconsin at Ohio State (Oct. 29)

This game has lost some luster since Jim Tressel won't be on the sideline and Terrelle Pryor has left for professional football.

But Wisconsin cost Ohio State a shot at the BCS Championship Game as the Badgers handed the Buckeyes their only loss of 2010.

There's still a legitimate shot that the winner of this game could win the Leaders division and play in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game.

Wisconsin's running game, which is led by James White and Montee Ball, could be the difference in this game.

Prediction: Wisconsin 24, Ohio State 16

14. West Virginia at South Florida (Dec. 1)

Maybe a Big East game making this list seems like a waste of a spot.

But WVU and South Florida have played some great games, and this late-season match up has a great chance of being an ad hoc championship game.

The Bulls have actually been one of the few schools who have been able to shut down the Mountaineers' offense.

Can Skip Holtz' team continue this trend with Dana Holgorsen now calling the plays?

Prediction: West Virginia 30, South Florida 24

13. Florida State at Clemson (Sept. 24)

While everyone is handing Florida State the top spot in ACC Atlantic, Clemson is sort of an afterthought.

But the Seminoles must go into Death Valley against a young, but talented Clemson team.

This game is also a nice early season opportunity to see two young quarterbacks—Tajh Boyd (Clemson) and E.J. Manuel (FSU)—in their conference opener.

The likely difference in this game is the coaching of Jimbo Fisher compared to Dabo Swinney.

Prediction: Florida State 24, Clemson 21

12. Ohio State at Nebraska (Oct. 8)

Because this is one of those new battles after conference swapping, college football fans are going to be intrigued to see these two powerhouses go at it.

Ohio State and Nebraska haven't played since 1956.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has Ohio ties and he'd love nothing more than to show the Buckeyes a thing or two of what he's learned since he left.

This is the game every Nebraska fan has been talking about since the Cornhuskers agreed to join the Big Ten.

OK, maybe the season-ending game with Iowa is a big contest also.

Prediction: Nebraska 27, Ohio State 17

11. Oklahoma vs. Texas (Oct. 8)

The Red River Shootout or Red River Rivalry doesn't need to have national implications to be a big game.

Last year is the perfect example.

Texas, suffering through one of its worst seasons since Mack Brown arrived in Austin, almost rallied for a win before losing 28-20.

The Sooners have national title hopes, so nothing would be better for Texas than to ruin those dreams.

Prediction: Oklahoma 24, Texas 20

10. Arizona State at Utah (Oct. 8)

Maybe this one doesn't make your list, but when Arizona State travels to Pac-12 newcomer Utah the Pac-12 South could be on the line.

This is also a match up of two lesser-known, but quality quarterbacks in Utah's Jordan Wynn and Arizona State's Brock Osweiler.

There are many who think Utah is the team to beat, but the Utes will get their first taste of playing tough opponents every week.

Prediction: Arizona State 28, Utah 13

9. Ohio State at Michigan (Nov. 26)

For the first time in more than a decade, Michigan is the team on the rise.

Ohio State is still the more talented team, but the Buckeyes could be reeling big time by the time these two meet and that could help first-year coach Brady Hoke get a win for the Wolverines.

It's not hard to believe Rich Rodriguez won't be coaching, but how odd is it going to be to not see Jim Tressel on the sidelines for this big game?

This game isn't a top game because of the talent on the field.

It remains the best rivalry in college football so it deserves to be on this list.

Prediction: Ohio State 21, Michigan 17

8. Arkansas at Alabama (Sept. 24)

It's possible you could pick every conference game Alabama plays, especially this year as the Crimson Tide could win every one of them.

Arkansas is a great early season battle for Nick Saban's team.

The Razorbacks could be Alabama's second-toughest SEC game this year.

It should also be exciting to get an early look at Alabama's defense.

Prediction: Alabama 30, Arkansas 20

7. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (Dec. 3)

Oklahoma State has not figured out a way to beat the rival Sooners in eight years.

Of course the Cowboys scored some serious points last year, but it still wasn't enough.

How sweet would it be for the Cowboys if they ended the losing skid and denied Oklahoma a shot at the BCS Championship Game, as well as the Big 12 title.

OSU should still be able to put up the points with catalysts Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon back for coach Mike Gundy.

Prediction: Oklahoma 42, Oklahoma State 37

6. Alabama at Auburn (Nov. 26)

The Iron Bowl should be on this list every year. The only thing that might change is where to place it in the rankings.

The only reason this one has slipped to sixth is because expectations are actually somewhat muted for Auburn.

What you don't want to miss is how Alabama responds to last year's close loss in Tuscaloosa.

There's also the whole Toomer's Corner back story that CBS is sure to overplay throughout the game.

Prediction: Alabama 33, Auburn 14

5. South Carolina at Georgia (Sept. 10)

The best in the SEC will be in the West again, but the South Carolina-Georgia game could decide who plays in the SEC title game.

What, no Florida?

Not this year.

The Gamecocks will be favored here, but this will be the turning point for Aaron Murray and Mark Richt. The key for Georgia is stopping Marcus Lattimore.

Prediction: Georgia 21, South Carolina 17

4. TCU at Boise State (Nov. 12)

It's almost a shame that TCU will be leaving the Mountain West for the Big East next year.

Because annual battles between Boise and TCU would have had real potential. Now imagine if Utah hadn't left for the Pac-12.

The Mountain West was ready to pressure the big boys.

Now we just have to enjoy Kellen Moore's final season and this one-time conference game between these regular BCS busters on the blue turf in November.

Prediction: Boise State 28, TCU 21

3. Texas A&M at Oklahoma (Nov. 5)

Oklahoma is seeking some revenge.

Texas A&M put it on the Sooners last year in College Station.

There's a reasonable chance these two could be undefeated coming into this game.

Then we'll get to see two outstanding quarterbacks in Landry Jones and Ryan Tannehill.

The Sooners will need to stop A&M's powerful running back Cyrus Gray to get the win.

Prediction: Oklahoma 36, Texas A&M 24

2. Oregon at Stanford (Nov. 12)

Can Andrew Luck help Stanford avenge its only loss of 2010?

If anyone can do it, Luck is the right person.

Oregon is still going to have one of the most potent offenses in the nation with Darron Thomas at quarterback and LaMichael James running the ball.

Can Oregon's defense do enough to win this game?

Prediction: Stanford 35, Oregon 31

1. LSU at Alabama (Nov. 5)

Week in and week out the SEC has one "must-watch" game.

The LSU-Alabama game in 2011 is the "must-watch" game of the season.

Both teams are considered BCS title contenders, but only one can make it. This is the game that will likely decide who plays in the conference championship.

Who would have thought that Jordan Jefferson would be the stable quarterback? By the time these two play, though, that may change.

Prediction: Alabama 27, LSU 24