College Football 2011: 8 Coaching Matchups We Can't Wait to See

College football is about the matchups.

Offense vs. Defense.  All-American quarterback vs. All-American linebacker.  Left tackle vs. Defensive end.

How about Coach vs. Coach?  Or maybe I should say, Ego vs. Ego.

While you should never overlook some of the classics like Mack Brown vs. Bob Stoops, the 2011 college football season presents us with some new showdowns.

Here is a look at the eight coaching battles we can't wait to see this season.

8. Gary Patterson vs. Chris Petersen

This one is simple.

TCU's Gary Patterson and Boise State's Chris Petersen are two of the best coaches in the game today.

They have faced each other before in a bowl game, but now the Mountain West championship may be on the line on the blue turf.

7. Mark Richt vs. Will Muschamp

Will Muschamp has the pedigree, but this is his first year of calling the shots as a head coach.

Hopefully he realizes the pressure that comes with playing rival Georgia.  Mark Richt is well aware as he has a 2-8 record against the Gators.

Richt might see an opening to reverse that trend against Muschamp.

New blood on the Florida sideline definitely adds to the excitement of the game this season.

6. Steve Spurrier vs. Dabo Swinney

Steve Spurrier may be a member of AARP, but he's still as frisky as ever.

He loves to needle other coaches and Dabo Swinney is a great target.  Clemson is a big rival but not a conference rival.

Plus, South Carolina has simply been superior to the Tigers in recent years.

Swinney actually got the better of Spurrier in 2008, but has since suffered back-to-back losses. Since he's on the hot seat, Swinney needs to stop this from becoming a trend.

5. Brian Kelly vs. Skip Holtz

It's not like these two have any serious history, but the idea that Lou Holtz' boy is coming into Notre Dame Stadium with his South Florida Bulls is intriguing.

Of course, Lou Holtz will recuse himself from making a prediction on the game because of his high morals and impartiality.

The legacy of Lou Holtz won't be lost on Brian Kelly; he completely understands the value of beating Skip Holtz.

Let's be honest, South Florida has a legitimate shot at pulling off this week one upset.

4. Lane Kiffin vs. Rick Neuheisel

In 2011, neither USC or UCLA is overly relevant.

But that doesn't mean it won't be interesting to watch these two egomaniacs do battle in Southern California.

Clearly, the football monopoly in Los Angeles isn't officially over.

3. Gene Chizik vs. Nick Saban

There appears to be a mutual respect between Gene Chizik and Nick Saban.

But when you coach on opposite sides of the Iron Bowl, there's also a serious burn deep down that drives you to crush the other one.

While Saban is arguably the best coach in the game, Chizik moved up a number of rungs on that ladder.

This is just another great chance to see two of the best do battle.

2. Brady Hoke vs. Luke Fickell

At Michigan, you have the intense and determined Brady Hoke.

Hoke has completely embraced the rivalry with Ohio State, and has implemented a daily reminder to his players how important this game is for the Wolverines.

Fickell's ascension as the top Ohio State coach was a little messier, and he is remaining less public.

But a fire burns in Fickell as well, so when these two meet in November it's going to be interesting to see how much of an impact coaching has in "The Game."

1. Dana Holgorsen vs. Todd Graham

These two have a history from their days in Conference USA and by their words this offseason they have ratcheted up the hatred in the Backyard Brawl.

The week leading up to this game is going to be fun.

The players at West Virginia and Pittsburgh are going to feed off their coach's egos and intensity which could make this one of the most hotly contested Backyard Brawls in years.