College Football Rankings 2011: The Make-or-Break Game for Every Top 25 School

Each college football season, being ranked in the top 25 from the beginning gives that extra motivation toward the goal of an undefeated season.

And each season there are plenty of schools that overachieve and underachieve.

That being said, it may only be one game that costs a team its season.

Or, it comes in a roller-coaster form because of a difficult schedule.

In any event, there's usually that one defining game that can, well, make or break a school's season.

This list is comprised of that one game for those ranked in the preseason Top 25.

25. Penn State (vs. Iowa)

Other than the Crimson Tide in their second game, Penn State doesn't have a ranked team until Nebraska in mid-November.

However, the Iowa Hawkeyes make the trip to Happy Valley in early October and are the Nittany Lions' second conference game.

If it wins, Penn State will be 2-0 in the Big Ten at that point, but if it loses, it'll make winning the Big Ten Leaders Division over Wisconsin and Ohio State that much more difficult.

This game can build much needed momentum heading into the second half of the season.

24. Texas (vs. Oklahoma)

After the disappointing 2010 campaign, the fact that Texas plays well against the No. 1-ranked Sooners will be vital.

For one, it'll build an excellent amount of confidence for the rest of the season, while getting the Longhorns' program back to where it belongs.

Not to mention, if Texas wins it'll arguably be the upset of the year.

23. Florida (at Kentucky)

Before the Gators begin the absolute rigors of the SEC in 2011, it's very important for them to be on a roll.

It begins with Tennessee at home in Week 3, but the first road test is versus Kentucky in Week 4.

If Florida loses, it'll reduce its confidence heading into Alabama, at LSU and at Auburn the following three consecutive weeks.

However, if the Gators win (although that's expected), they'll only have that much more momentum before the gauntlet begins—thus keeping their chances of winning the SEC East alive.

22. Georgia (at Ole Miss)

I know it's Ole Miss, but it's on the road and there's a chance Georgia may only be 1-2 heading into this one.

Georgia has Boise State and South Carolina in the first two weeks, so it's not going to be an easy opening in 2011, to say the least.

That being said, if the Bulldogs are to be upset by the Rebels, well, then say goodbye to the season in Athens.

Losing to arguably the SEC's worst team will kill their confidence, but a W will get them back on track (if there happens to be a rough start).

21. Missouri (at Kansas State)

Chances are the Missouri Tigers open up their 2011 campaign at 3-1.

Let's face it: Sure, they beat the Sooners last year, but you know Oklahoma will be chomping at the bit to avenge its 2010 loss against Mizzou.

However, after the Sooners the Tigers have a bye week and then go on the road to Kansas State.

Now, the Wildcats are no pushover, and with the expectations in Missouri, if it loses a game to an inferior team that it has two weeks to prepare for most, if not all, hope will diminish.

Not to mention it would be the Tigers' second loss within the conference, and they have yet to play Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.

20. Mississippi State (vs LSU)

In Week 2 Mississippi State goes on the road to Auburn, Ala. to take on the Tigers.

It's a game the Bulldogs can win, but it's not going to set them back too much if they lose.

For one, no one is really expecting Mississippi State to go unbeaten, but the game against LSU at home is huge.

Add in the fact that it's the Bulldogs' 2011 home opener, and Davis Wade Stadium will be rolling.

But a loss?

Well, that would just make them 0-2 against two superior SEC West opponents and with a lot of ground to make up in college football's best conference.

19. Auburn (at Arkansas)

Prior to the Arkansas game, Auburn should be either 3-2 or 4-1.

And, although 5-0 isn't out of the question, for all the Tigers have lost, it's a bit of a stretch.

That said, Arkansas is roughly in the same boat as it too lost its star quarterback and is beginning anew under center.

It's going to be a big game for both teams, but for Auburn, a win gives it a bunch of momentum with LSU, Florida, Georgia and Alabama still left on the schedule.

18. Notre Dame (at Pittsburgh)

Notre Dame's Week 4 matchup in Pittsburgh is by no means its toughest game.

It's not even its toughest game within the first month of the season.

However, if the Irish happen to be 1-2 or 2-1 before the Panthers, being 1-3 after Pitt will be disheartening.

A main reason is because the schedule gets pretty rough with Purdue on the road, Air Force, USC and Navy—all games they could lose if the will to win gets knocked out before October.

17. Michigan State (vs. Michigan)

With two important games on the road in Notre Dame and Ohio State prior to the Wolverines, Sparty will have the bye week to help prepare for the in-state rival.

And even if Michigan State were to only be 3-2 going into the Michigan game, a W is a must as it then plays Wisconsin and Nebraska in consecutive weeks.

Being 4-2 at worst is much more doable than 3-3 when facing two conference title contenders back to back.

Plus, who would want to go into facing the Badgers and Cornhuskers on a losing streak?

No one.

16. Ohio State (at Illinois)

After all of Ohio State's offseason ineptitude, the expectations aren't going to be nearly as high.

Because if they are, it's unrealistic.

But talent does remain, and this is a game that could very well keep the season alive.

The Buckeyes have to play Miami, Michigan State and Nebraska prior to the Illini, and all three of those schools have the ability to beat OSU.

However, adding Illinois to the list of losses would be extremely detrimental.

One big reason would be because Wisconsin, Michigan and Penn State all await after the bye week.

15. TCU (at San Diego State)

Other than the Air Force Academy, only the San Diego State Aztecs provide TCU a challenge before Boise State.

The Aztecs are only the Horned Frogs second conference game to that point (Air Force is the first).

So, after their bye week they have five in-conference games that are crucial to defending their Mountain West title.

The Aztecs are coming off a solid 9-4 campaign, and running back Ronnie Hillman is a dark-horse Heisman candidate.

But if TCU falls, say goodbye to the conference and say hello to the BCS in 2012.

14. Arkansas (vs. Auburn)

Previously mentioned was this being Auburn's make-or-break game.

Well, it's also Arkansas' as it may be fighting to stay above .500 heading in.

Before the Tigers come to town, the Razorbacks face off against Alabama and Texas A&M. Yikes.

And if Auburn pulls of the W, the tables turn away from Arkansas, which will significantly reduce its shot at winning the SEC West.

Granted it still has LSU and Mississippi State on the schedule, but Steve Atwater's alma mater will need a lot of help down the stretch.

13. Virginia Tech (vs. Miami)

Everyone on Virginia Tech's schedule was unranked in college football's preseason poll.

For one, that should say something about the ACC (minus the Hokies and 'Noles), and whether Va-Tech will be challenged all year.

Well, the Hurricanes pose as the only threat to the ACC Coastal division, while Duke, Virginia, UNC and Georgia Tech all are at least a few steps back.

Chances are, the winner of this one goes onto the ACC championship game.

12. South Carolina (vs. Auburn)

If there's a year when the Gamecocks win the SEC outright, 2011 is the year.

They have a lot returning, but like everyone else who's actually done it, they have to perform when it actually counts.

Therefore, the game against Auburn acts as their make-or-break battle.

Last season South Carolina had two shots at the Tigers and fell both times. The first one was a barn-burner, while the second wasn't even worth watching. Expect Steve Spurrier's club to come out with a fire, but don't think Auburn will give it away.

And if the Gamecocks lose? Well, it makes them vulnerable for Mississippi State, Florida and Arkansas later on.  

11. Nebraska (at Wisconsin)

This is the game that could potentially set the tone for not only Nebraska and Wisconsin, but for the entire Big Ten as well.

It obtains that level of magnitude for an opening conference game.

Now, although it won't completely ruin the school who loses season, but it will take away one enormous W that has national title implications.

For the Cornhuskers, it's their inaugural Big Ten game, so look for them to make a statement and send a message to the rest of the conference.

10. Wisconsin (at Michigan State)

Thought this one was going to be Nebraska for Wisconsin, didn't you?

Although that game is important, Sparty is more so as they bested the Badgers in 2010 en route to creating a tie for the Big Ten title.

Also, Wisky gets the 'Huskers at home, while Sparty gets the Badgers in East Lansing, Mich.

Not to mention, it's also Wisconsin's first true road game of the year as the only travel prior, is a neutral game versus Northern lllinois at Soldier Field.

9. Texas A&M (vs. Oklahoma State)

It's the first major test for a school with very high hopes in 2011.

Texas A&M had an unexpected 2010 season that allowed it to finish 9-4. Well, they're getting (and to quote Led Zeppelin) "A Whole Lotta' Love" leading into the 2011 season.

The pressure is on, but after the Cowboys, the Aggies' only extreme game comes against the Sooners.

And we all know that is whom you must beat for the Big 12 title.

8. Oklahoma State (at Texas A&M)

Yes, Oklahoma State's game is Texas A&M.

It's also ironic that both happen to be ranked next to one another, but nonetheless, Okie State is in a similar position.

Much like the Aggies, the Cowboys should take care of all other conference foes (with the exception of Oklahoma) this season.

That being said, this game is really going to decide who gets to play the Sooners for the Big 12 title. The winner moves on, while the other sobs for the better part of 2011.

7. Boise State (vs. Georgia Bulldogs)

I know it's a Week 1 matchup, but since the Utah Utes busted the BCS in 2004, we've all been anxiously awaiting a non-AQ school to crash the national championship game.

Well, Boise State is once again in prime position to do so, and playing an SEC school off the bat will most certainly suffice.

Win and it creates a surge of confidence that the Broncos have most likely never had—especially since Georgia should be improved in 2011—but more so because they're in the SEC.

A loss doesn't diminish their BCS busting hopes, but it definitely will make their national title hopes a fat chance, at best.

6. Stanford (vs. Oregon)

In 2010, the Stanford Cardinal finished 12-1 and finished ranked No. 4.

Their only loss was to in-conference rival Oregon. That game, the Ducks embarrassed Stanford and proved to clearly be the conference's best team.

Luckily for the Cardinal, quarterback Andrew Luck is back, and this time the Ducks travel south to Stanford.

It's Stanford's biggest game and its only block en route to the hopes of a national title game.

5. Florida State (vs. Oklahoma)

Folks, Florida State football is back, and much thanks to Jimbo Fisher for doing work in Tallahassee.

It's been a while for the Seminoles, but there are national title expectations in 2011—and rightfully so, as they have a lot returning on both side of the ball.

There's just one problem: Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners.

In 2010, the Sooners smashed FSU and the 'Noles need to avenge that loss in 2011. However, if they do not, the BCS hopes are still alive, but they would need some help from the Big 12 if they are to see the national championship.

4. LSU (at Mississippi State)

It's their first SEC game, and the Mississippi State Bulldogs are a very solid football team.

Now, although LSU Tigers face Oregon in Week 1, whoever loses is by no means out of the national title discussion.

But if the Tigers are upset by the Bulldogs? Well, you may then also say goodbye to the SEC title.

It's bad enough that the schedule is difficult, but starting out 1-2 after three games could ruin their confidence—not to mention it would stir up the hot seat for head coach Les Miles, much like it did last year.

3. Oregon Ducks (vs. LSU)

I know this was not LSU's biggest game and that the Ducks were Stanford's, but the only team to defeat Oregon last season was a team from the SEC.

And yes, I know I'm high on the SEC, but they've only won the previous five national championships.

Therefore, this is a huge test for Oregon—also because it doesn't have an opponent at its level until Stanford in mid-November.

A loss here doesn't ruin the Ducks' conference championship hopes, but with their rather weak strength of schedule, one loss most likely won't sneak you into the national title.

2. Alabama (at Florida)

Much like at the beginning of 2010, Alabama is expected to run the table in 2011. Although the Tide failed to do so in 2010, past performance is no indication of future success.

With that, I give you an SEC rivalry game that can shift one school's confidence into overdrive.

Florida is improved from last season, while 'Bama is motivated from a disappointing season. A win here keeps it blasting through the SEC, while a loss will be very tough.

And it also takes place in The Swamp, where winning never comes easy.

1. Oklahoma (at Florida State)

Until the Sooners battle Texas A&M and Oklahoma State later on in the year, Florida State pits to be the only school that can knock off the preseason favorites.

As most remember, Oklahoma destroyed FSU at home in 2010.

Well, the Seminoles are anxiously awaiting the Sooners' arrival to Tallahassee in 2011 and will be out for blood after being embarrassed from a year ago.

It's Oklahoma's first true test, and the pressure of being No. 1 will be at full force.

So, will it be the first school to go wire-to-wire since Florida State in 1999?

Well, that's only more motivation for the Seminoles.

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