The Top 5 Games of The Weekend

If you thought last weekend's football action was intense, this weekend promises to leave you gasping for another beer. With that said, and hoping that I don't lose my mind before the games officially start, here's the Top Five games that I believe will earn their spots on televisions all across the country.

#5) #22 Georgia Tech vs. #19 North Carolina

Why is this game important? Ask yourself this. When's the last time North Carolina was mentioned as a good team before basketball season? And when's the last time Georgia Tech had a chance to clinch a spot in the ACC Championship? Both teams have a chance to make some serious noise in this game, but only one will have the chance to drop the hammer like there's no tomorrow. In fact, for these two teams, there might not be. Butch Davis wants this game because he feels that his team is revamped and ready to win the big games when they matter.

This is a good way to start.

Final Score: Tar Heels 27, Georgia Tech 23

#4) #12 Ohio State vs. Northwestern

This Buckeyes team isn't playing for the National Championship. But they're looking to get more than just a win in this one. Northwestern is playing for the conference as well. The Cats gave Minnesota a shocker at the end of last weekend's game. Now they're looking to add Ohio State to the list of shockers this season. A win here gives Northwestern a three way tie for second so to speak in the conference. But a win for the Buckeyes will give them a little hope of winning the Big Ten.

With that said, Ohio State can squeak this one out, but it won't be easy against a motivated Northwestern team.

Final Score: Buckeyes 17, Wildcats 14

#3) #21 Cal vs. #7 USC

This is a game that is important for more reasons other than control of the Pac-10. Cal is looking to hand USC their second loss and shatter their hopes of sneaking into the BCS Championship. For USC, they know that unless the Top Four teams in the country (Alabama, Texas Tech, Penn State & Florida) lose before the end of the season, they are most likely out of the BCS Title Hunt. But they are so used to winning the conference with ease that having to fight for it is uncharted water for them.

Having said that, I smell a huge upset in SoCal this weekend. My buddy in Berkeley is going to enjoy getting hammered this weekend for all the right reasons.

Final Score: Bears 30, Trojans 20

#2) #8 Oklahoma State vs. #2 Texas Tech

The Raiders are coming off the biggest upset of last weekend. The Cowboys rebounded from that nailbiter they had in Austin. Now they both are looking at possibly winning the Big XII away from powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma. But to do that, one of them must fall in primetime on Saturday night. With arguably the best wide receiver in the country and a potential Heisman upset candidate, Texas Tech will win a close game and improve their resume for the #1 spot in the country heading into their matchup with Oklahoma.

But don't be surprised if Oklahoma State returns the favor and wins one against the Lone Star State.

Final Score: Red Raiders 39, Cowboys 33

#1) #1 Alabama vs. #15 LSU

Is it possible for Nick Saban to lose this weekend? Is it possible that Les Miles is Saban's kryptonite? Could LSU bounce back and shock the Crimson Tide in Baton Rouge? Possible, possible & possible. Alabama is looking unbeatable this season, but LSU always steps it up a notch when they play their former coach. LSU knows what is at stake in this game. If Alabama wins this weekend, then it's most likely that Alabama and Florida will renew an old school rivalry in Atlanta next month. But if LSU loses, they will have made it harder for a member of the SEC to play for the National Championship.

But either way, Saban needs to get the monkey off his back. I would say that this weekend, he can finish what Stafford & Tebow started earlier this season. In fact, he will.

Final Score: Crimson Tide 47, Tigers 21

Honorable Mentions

#4 Florida vs. Vanderbilt (A win guarantees Florida a trip to Atlanta)

#3 Penn State vs. Iowa (A questionable QB could possibly spell doom for Penn State)

Clemson vs. #24 Florida State (Can the Noles bounce back from the upset or fall further into the ground)

Purdue vs. #18 Michigan State (A Spartans win and Lions upset makes things interesting atop the Big Ten)

Cincinnati vs. #20 West Virginia (A win for Cincy gives them a shot at the Big East)