College Football 2011: The Top 50 Games on the ESPN/ABC Television Schedule

It's time to break out your calenders.

This is a list of the best matchups scheduled (at this point) to take place on ESPN networks.

Keep in mind that the network will hold off on announcing coverage decisions for later in the year until they see who will be the biggest draw.

This list only includes games that have already been officially scheduled to air on an ESPN station or ABC.

Also keep in mind, that more and more of these games are being played Tuesday through Thursday.

So get out your highlighters and pens, or your blackberry if you are more technologically aware, and start making time to watch these games...

All times are EST, and all games are on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted.

50. Troy at Clemson

September 3, ESPN3.com - 3:30 p.m.

Yeah, it's Troy, and yeah it's only on ESPN3.com.

But still, this could be a better game than most people expect.

The Trojans are consistently at or near the top of the Sun Belt Conference, and have pulled off some big wins over BCS schools over the last decade.

Clemson has a new quarterback and some adjustments to make.

If Troy can keep it close into the second half, we could see an upset...

49. Syracuse at Pitt

December 3, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - TBD

Syracuse is going to be in the hunt for the Big East title, and Pitt should be right with them.

The Panthers new-look offense should be pretty cohesive by this point in the season, and running back Ray Graham is an explosive guy that will be hard to stop.

Quarterback Ryan Nassib and the rest of the Orange offense may have a tough time keeping up with all the points Pitt is going to throw on the board.

48. Cal at Arizona State

Friday, November 25, ESPN - 10:15 p.m.

By this point, you should be able to polish of the last of the turkey sandwiches while watching this game.

It's late, yes, but ASU linebacker Vontaze Burfict will provide enough entertainment to keep you awake, I promise...

47. Troy at FIU

Tuesday, October 25, ESPN2 - 8:00 p.m.

These two finished one and two in the Sun Belt last season, and should be the best teams in the conference yet again.

While you probably would not normally take the time to watch a game between two teams from the Sun Belt, this is your chance to say you did it, and watch some almost good football.

46. West Virginia at Syracuse

Friday, October 21, ESPN or ESPN2 - 8:00 p.m.

The Orange are pushing toward actually being relevant in the conference, and WVU is going to have an extremely high-powered offense.

All in all, it should be a pleasant way to pass a crisp, fall Friday evening.

 

45. Cal at Oregon

Thursday, October 6, ESPN - 9:00 p.m.

Anytime a chance can be had to watch Oregon's high-flying offense at work, it should be taken.

Of course, in last year's contest with Cal, it wasn't all that potent, putting up only 15 points in a victory.

Should be interesting to see what happens when the Golden Bears travel to Autzen...

44. Texas at Baylor

December 3, ABC - 3:30 or 8:00 p.m.

The Bears boast a speedy group of receivers and a dangerous quarterback to throw them the ball.

The 'Horns are going to have one of the least experienced secondaries in the conference.

Could we see the Bears pull out a win against Texas for the second consecutive season?

43. USC at Cal

Thursday, October 13, ESPN - 9:00 p.m.

This matchup will feature two teams from the same state, with Cal potentially battling to become bowl eligible.

Jeff Tedford seems to find a way to throw an incredibly talented running back on the field, and this one should be high scoring.

It will be played at AT&T Park, as the Golden Bears are having their stadium renovated, but should still be a good football game, even without the advantage of the college atmosphere.

42. USF at Pitt

Thursday, September 29, ESPN - 8:00 p.m.

Two teams with explosive offenses will face off in this one.

The Panthers will get to see if their new offense is effective in the conference, while USF hopes to stake their claim early to a shot at the conference title.

If the weather is a little chilly, Pitt has this one in the bag, as schools from Florida seem to struggle when tempatures dip below 60 degrees.

41. Oregon State at Wisconsin

September 10, ESPN or ESPN2 - Noon

The Badgers should be focused for this one.

After all, when you are used to a steady diet of Ball State, Northern Illinois and South Dakota in your non-conference schedule Oregon State can present a pretty big obstacle.

In all seriousness, Wisconsin should run away with this one, but at least a Big Ten squad is actually facing a BCS non-conference foe.

And when are you ever going to see Badgers and Beavers on the same field?

40. Utah at BYU

September 17, ESPN2 - 9:15 p.m.

Things have changed since these two teams met last season for the "Holy War."

BYU is enjoying their new-found independence, while the Utes are entering their inaugural season as part of the Pac-12.

Bronco Mendenhall has a ton of returning talent on offense, including quarterback Jake Heaps, and Utah is slated by some to challenge in the Pac-1`2 North division.

While that may be a little far-fetched, they are still a talented team, and this is one rivalry game that is always entertaining.

39. Stanford at Arizona

September 17, ESPN 10:45 p.m.

The Wildcats should be much in the national consciousness early in the season.

They have three straight opportunities to knock off top-10 opponents.

Oklahoma State, Stanford and Oregon in consecutive weeks.

Of all of those games, Stanford may be the one the Wildcats have the best shot at taking out.

On their home turf in the Pac-12 opener, the Wildcats will present a solid obstacle against Stanford.

38. USF at Syracuse

Friday, November 11, ESPN2 - 8:00 p.m.

It's late in the season, and the Carrier Dome should be rocking.

The Bulls and Orange will both be in the thick of the Big East race, and a chance to see Bulls' quarterback B.J. Daniels in his final season should not be missed.

The Orange are hoping to shake off last season's crazy bowl win, and get a few that are more convincing...

37. BYU at Texas

September 10, ESPN2 - 7:00 p.m.

Hopefully Mack Brown's squad is not looking ahead to getting revenge on UCLA.

BYU will present all kinds of trouble for the 'Horns if they do.

Even if Texas is improved this season, the Cougars will give them all they can handle.

This game will be an early season indicator of how much the Longhorns have actually progressed.

36. UConn at Pitt

Wednesday, October 26, ESPN - 8:00 p.m.

While UConn will not have near the caliber of team they had last season, this game is still going to be one to watch.

New Pitt head coach, Todd Graham is implementing his complicated offense, and the Panthers are going to be flat fun to watch.

I know, it's hard to imagine any Big East team being fun to watch, but it's on a Wednesday, and will keep you from football withdrawals until Saturday.

35. Arizona at Oklahoma State

Thursday, September 8, ESPN - 8:00 p.m.

Arizona was somewhat of a disappointment last season.

This season, it will be tough to rebound.

While Nick Foles and Juron Criner will form a part of a very productive passing game, Foles will have to operate behind a completely revamped offensive line, that boasts one start between them.

Fortunately for the 'Cats, OSU plays minimal defense, so the game will be closer than it should be.

At worst, it's a matchup of two middle of the pack non-conference foes...

34. West Virginia at South Florida

Thursday, September 1, ESPN - 8:00 p.m.

This matchup will feature the two best quarterbacks in the conference.

South Florida's B.J. Daniels and WVU's Geno Smith both have the ability to extend plays and find their man downfield.

The Mountatineers are the prohibitive favorite to win the conference, but Daniels and the Bulls are no slouch, and may put a damper on those plans.

33. Wisconsin at Michigan State

October 22, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - 8:00 p.m.

Last season, the Badgers and Spartans ended the season with identical records.

The Spartans got shuffled off to the Capital One Bowl, where they got shellacked by Alabama.

Many felt they should have gone to the Rose Bowl in place of the Badgers, as they handed them their only loss of the season.

This year, by some scheduling fluke, the Badgers visit East Lansing for the second consecutive season, with the loss still fresh in their minds.

Both of these teams once again have BCS aspirations, and a primetime showdown seems like the perfect opportunity for them to make a statement.

32. BYU vs. TCU

Friday, October 28, ESPN 8:00 p.m.

Gary Patterson has developed his Horned Frogs into a team that is capable of getting to a BCS game regularly.

While they will take a step back this season, they are going to be exciting to watch, especially on defense.

BYU returns nearly everybody from their offense, and is enjoying their newfound independence.

Tanner Brock and Tank Carder may disrupt the Cougars' offense, and their BCS dreams in this game...

31. Stanford at USC

October 29, ABC -  8:00 p.m.

If you enjoy quarterback play, this one is for you.

The game is in primetime, featuring two of the best quarterbacks in the country, Matt Barkley and Andrew Luck.

The Cardinal have a shot at their second consecutive BCS appearance, while the Trojans will be looking to ruin their shot.

Expect plenty of fireworks from Stanford, as the USC secondary is less than stellar, and Andrew Luck will feast on the deep ball all night long.

30. Florida State at Boston College

Thursday, November 3, ESPN - 8:00 p.m.

Great way to start the month of November.

Boston College has not been that great in recent years, but should be a little better this season, especially if Chase Rettig shows significant improvement at quarterback.

While it probably won't be enough to knock of an extremely talented Seminole squad, they should be able to make a game of it.

29. USC at Oregon

November 19, ABC - 8:00 p.m.

This game will likely be billed as a contest between two nearly evenly matched teams, as the Trojans have some great talent on offense.

The problem for them, is that the game is at Autzen, and their defense is going to be atrocious.

This one will feature a ton of points form the Ducks, and as an added bonus, the crowd is so loud that you won't be able to hear the horrible blabber going on in the name of commentary.

28. Iowa at Nebraska

Friday, November 25, ABC - Noon

In their inaugural season as a member of the Big Ten, the Huskers will take on their natural rival, Iowa in the first "Heroes" trophy game.

You would think the Big Ten would have learned their lesson with "Legends" and "Leaders," but apparantly not.

Anyway, the Huskers are good enough to make the BCS title game, but Iowa seems to thrive when they are under the radar.

Either way, it's a great opportunity to finish off those Thanksgiving leftovers.

27. Boston College at Miami

Friday, November 25, ABC - 3:30 p.m.

If Miami is hanging around in the ACC race at this point, it will be a great opportunity for BC to play spoiler.

Jacory Harris has yet to perform well under pressure, and BC has the front seven to cause him all kinds of trouble.

Forget that family game of Monopoly, and watch this game.

Isn't that why we have Thanksgiving?

26. Pitt at Iowa

September 17, ESPN or ESPN2 - Noon

This game faces off two teams with reputations for gritty, hard nosed football in a matchup of overlooked programs.

The Hawkeyes and Panthers are both going to find themselves outside of the top 25, but one or both of them could sneak in by the end of the season.

If you are looking for an early season slugfest, look no further.

25. North Carolina at Virginia Tech

Thursday, November 17, ESPN - 8:00 p.m.

Even in the wake of the whole Butch Davis thing, the Tarheels still have a very talented group on defense, especially along the front seven.

The Hokies have to replace Tyrod Taylor, but Logan Thomas seems more than capable.

The conference is wide open, and this late season matchup could impact both BCS standings and the ACC race.

24. Ohio State at Nebraska

October 8, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - 8:00 p.m.

The old 'big dog" of the conference taking on the aspiring ruler of the roost.

This will be interesting if only for seeing the Ohio State offense stifled the way their defense has been stifling for so long.

The Buckeyes may put up a fight in their first game after their well documented suspensions are over, but they will find Lincoln an inhospitable place to visit.

23. West Virginia at Maryland

September 17, ESPN or ESPN2 - Noon

West Virginia will be the best team in the Big East.

Maryland will be a surprise team in the ACC.

Randy Edsall finds himself taking over a Terps squad that is loaded with talent.

West Virginia may find themselves with two losses before conference play begins...

22. Wisconsin at Ohio State

October 29, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - 8:00 p.m.

The Buckeyes will be looking for revenge in what could be a battle for the Big Ten's Leaders Division crown.

The Badgers hosted the then top-ranked Buckeyes last season, and layed a whooping on them, much to the delight of a raucous crowd in Madison.

This season, Ohio State hopes to shake off all the offseason doldrums with another Big Ten title, and a victory in this game is a must.

21. Navy at South Carolina

September 17, ESPN2 - 6:00 p.m.

Navy's offense gives teams fits.

There is no reason to think they won't give the Gamecocks young defense some trouble at first.

While Steve Spurrier's squad is quite capable of going undefeated, a letdown against Navy is not too hard to imagine, especially for longsuffering SC fans.

20. Texas at Texas A&M

Thursday, November 24, ESPN - 8:00 p.m.

The 'Horns are in for another long season, at least within the conference.

Texas A&M will be competing for the conference title, and could be sitting in the BCS top 10 at this point in the season.

While Texas should win a few more games than last season, this won't be one of them, but at least it should be entertaining.

19. Maryland vs. Miami

Monday, September 5, ESPN -  8 p.m.

The race to the ACC title game is more wide open than James Harrison's mouth.

While Virginia Tech and Florida State seem to be the favorites, these two teams may have a say in the race before it is all over.

Both have new coaches taking over and both have a plethora of returning talent.

Besides, after a long first weekend of college football, this game will be a great way to end your Labor Day weekend...

18. Notre Dame at Pitt

September 24, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - TBD

With all the expectations surrounding this year's edition of the Irish football team, every game will seem to have an added modicum of pressure.

A road trip to Pitt is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their focus on a BCS game, or to fail miserably.

ND linebacker Manti Te'o will have a field day if the Panthers have not adjusted to their complicated new offensive scheme by then.

17. USC at Arizona State

September 24, ESPN or ESPN2 - 10:15 p.m.

Due to NCAA sanctions, the Trojans cannot play in the postseason.

That doesn't mean they can't ruin somebody else's chances.

Arizona State has the defense to slow any offense, and a loss to the Trojans, while not ending their hopes of a shot at the Pac-12 title, would put a serious kink in them.

As an alternative, it's late enough that if it becomes boring, you can just crash for the night...

16. Notre Dame at Stanford

November 26, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - 8:00 p.m.

Notre Dame is hyped out of this world yet again, but it may be justified this season.

A matchup with Stanford, this late in the season could be a contest for an at-large BCS berth.

Andrew Luck will find it tough sledding against a tough Notre Dame defense, but should be able to help the Cardinal pull it out at home.

15. Auburn at Clemson

September 17, ABC - Noon

These two teams had a close battle last season, and you had better believe that Clemson will be out for revenge.

The Cam Newton-less Auburn squad may find it difficult to contain the athletic Tajh Boyd.

Boyd, Clemson's projected starter at QB, has a laser for and arm, and great mobility to go with it.

Death Valley will be wild, and the orange and purple color scheme makes for great TV...

14. Pitt at West Virginia

Friday, November 25, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - TBD

This game is scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving, but the time won't be announced until we know how many couches will be available for burning.

It's the "Backyard Brawl" for crying out loud, what better do you have to do than watch two intense rivals battle it out?

Especially when the two of them are battling it out for conference supremacy.

13. Ohio State at Miami

September 17, ESPN or ABC - 7:30 or 8:00 p.m.

The 'Canes suffered a loss to the Buckeyes last season, which could be almost wholly attributed to the less than stellar play of quarterback Jacory Harris and his wide receivers.

Harris threw four picks, two of which should have been caught, in the loss.

This season, everything is pointing toward a prime opportunity for the Hurricanes to get their revenge.

The game is in Miami, the Buckeyes have a new coach, new quarterback and some key suspenions to deal with.

Should Harris limit some of those mistakes, the Buckeyes are going to find Miami less than hospitable.

12. Oklahoma vs. Texas

October 8, ABC - Noon (Dallas, TX)

Come on, it's the Red River Shootout (Rivalry).

Do you need another reason?

Even with the 'Horns coming off of a dissapointing season, nothing can be taken for granted in this game.

Upset potential here?

11. LSU at Mississippi State

Thursday, September 15, ESPN -  8 p.m.

LSU had better be prepared for this one.

Starkville will be rockin' and the cowbells will be out in force.

Vick Ballard and Chris Relf highlight an explosive Bulldog offense, but the defense does not have the playmakers to hang with the LSU offense.

The Bulldogs should make it interesting for a while, but LSU will pull away at the end.

10. South Carolina at Georgia

September 10, ESPN - 4:30 p.m.

This is one of the most underrated rivalries in the sport.

These two will make it mean even more this season.

The winner of this game will be the early favorite to take the SEC East division and head to the SEC championship game.

If you venture down to Sanford Stadium, try to make sure you don't wear the Gamecocks' colors, it's not safe.

9. Nebraska at Wisconsin

October 1, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - 8:00 p.m.

Camp Randall Stadium is a tough place for opposing teams to get a win at, especially in night games.

Nebraska ventures into Mad-Town for their first Big Ten conference game with expectations through the roof and the potential to make a run at the Big Ten title.

Wisonsin's new-look offense agains the stout Nebraska defense will be the story of the night, in what could be a preview of the Big Ten title game.

8. Missouri at Arizona State

Friday, September 9, ESPN - 10:30 p.m.

These two teams are going to have a major influence on their respective conference title races.

An early season meeting between explosive Mizzou offense and the athletic ASU defense will be a great way to spend a Friday evening.

Hopefully, flamboyant ASU linebacker Vontaze Burfict can restrain himself from injuring someone in this game.

7. Boise State vs. Georgia* Atlanta, Georgia

September 3, ESPN -  8:00 p.m.

This game does not quite carry all the cachet of an Oregon/LSU matchup, but it is intriguing nonetheless.

Mark Richt is hoping to cool off his hot coaching seat with a victory against a top ten team to open the season.

Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore is taking his last shot at the BCS Championship before graduation, and a win over the Bulldogs is essential.

Should be a great match-up in A-Town.

(By the way, if you are anywhere near this game, make sure you stop by The Varsity for some pre-game nourishment)

6. Notre Dame at Michigan

September 10, ESPN - 8 p.m.

This one is a must watch.

While the game will most likely be pretty good, the sight of the largest stadium in the country filled to capacity for the Wolverines' first night game will be something to see.

This will be the first test for the Irish in a season that many expect them to make a run at the BCS.

The Wolverines may not be completely adjusted to their new offensive and defensive schemes, but Brady Hoke has them headed the right direction, and they should show significant improvement immediately.

Besides, when you have a chance to watch a guy like Denard Robinson play in a game between two of the most storied teams in the sport, you have to take it...

5. LSU at West Virginia

September 24, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 - TBA

This should be interesting.

Last season, LSU jumped out to a 17-0 lead before two interceptions by Jordan Jefferson helped the Mountaineers come roaring back.

LSU ended up winning the game, but not by a comfortable margin.

This season, WVU has offensive wizard Dana Holgorsen calling the shots, and it will be entertaining to see if Geno Smith and his offense have any success against that explosive LSU defense.

4. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State

December 3, ABC - 3:30 or 8:00 p.m.

It's been awhile since the Cowboys beat the Sooners.

Bedlam has belonged to OU since 2001.

The game is always wildly entertaining, and last season's produced some of the best highlights of the year.

There is no reason to believe this year's edition won't belong to the Sooners as well, especially since the 'Pokes still don't play defense.

Either way, it's a great rivalry game, and for those of you who enjoy scoring, this is your place.

3. Alabama at Penn State

September 10, ABC - 3:30 p.m.

Two teams with a long history of success and tradition meeting in one of the largest venues in the country, in a battle between members of two conferences with an intense rivalry...instant classic.

While the Tide have plenty of talent and won last season's meeting, Penn State is going to be tough in Happy Valley.

This one may be closer than some of the pundits are predicting, especially if the Lions can find a consistent quarterback and produce a pass rush.

2. Oklahoma at Florida State

September 17, ESPN or ABC - 7:30 or 8:00 p.m.

This is as close to an epic battle between two titans of the college football world as we have this season.

The Sooners and Seminoles should both be in the preseason top five, and these two teams both have their sights set on the BCS national championship game.

The 'Noles have so much depth and experience offensively, it's ridiculous, and it will be interesting to see how Oklahoma's defense matches up.

On the flip side, Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles will provide enough plenty of fireworks to light up all of Tallahassee iif given the chance, so the battle between those two and FSU's All-American cornerback duo will be the highlight of the game.

1. Oregon vs. LSU* Arlington, Texas

September 3, ABC - 8:00 p.m.

What a way to start the season.

Two teams with a shot at the title battling it out at Cowboy Stadium should be absolutely incredible.

Which team will make an early season statement?

While Jordan Jefferson has had his consistency issues for LSU, and Less Miles should never be allowed to manage a clock again, the Tigers have a relentless defense.

The Ducks will have to adjust and find a way to block for Darron Thomas and LaMichael James.

Oregon lost three starters to graduation, and had two guys retire due to injury in the offseason, leaving just one starter and a thin rotation on the O-Line.

Thank you, ESPN, for kicking of the season with a bang...