College Football 2011: Top 10 National Title Matchups for Week 4

Every week is elimination week in college football and Florida State was the latest victim of a loss this past week. Oklahoma went to Tallahassee and came away with a win, further solidifying them among the nation’s elite for 2011. 

Moving into Week 4 there are numerous contests that would shape up to be great title games. After three weeks, teams are beginning to find their identities and the great teams are finding separation from the good ones.

Looking at the undefeated teams in the top 10, nine teams stand out as contenders at this point in the season. Looking forward, here are 10 matchups that could cause the nation to fill up the DVR in January.

Oklahoma State vs. LSU

Oklahoma State has played at a very high level this season. They have used their offensive weapons quite well so far as the Cowboys lead the nation in passing yards. They also come in at the third spot in points scored.

Guys like Justin Blackmon and Tracy Moore have done wonders after the catch and Joseph Randle has ran well, coming in second in the Big 12 in total rushing yardage. The defense is atrocious however. The Cowboys allow 413.7 yards a game defensively and will have trouble stopping any team with an offensive threat.

LSU has been almost the total opposite of Oklahoma State, coming in the bottom half of the country in the offensive categories, but the Tigers only allow 207 yards a game. They also have some formidable weapons of their own on offense in Reuben Randle, Spencer Ware and Michael Ford.

LSU has a lot of talent and the obvious edge defensively, but this would be a great matchup to watch. 

Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Alabama has been very stingy with yards on defense this season. So far through three games the Tide has allowed only 170 yards a game on average. The defense comes in at second nationally with points scored against and also has an edge in the running game.

The rushing attack combo pack with Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy has been quite dangerous for opposing squads. Lacy is averaging 10.9 yards a carry and Richardson is following with an average of 6.3. Lacy has nearly half the carries and only 11 less yards. That’s a nasty thought for whoever has yet to play Alabama.

Oklahoma has played decent football so far this season but nothing amazing stands out. They did get a huge win at Florida State but the Sooners seem to be a very efficient team. They aren’t flashy and don’t need to be, they just win.

Ryan Broyles would be a huge matchup against the Alabama secondary and Javon Harris would look to add a pick or two against the young Bama quarterbacks but this would be a tough game down to the end. Lots of defense and efficient offense would be this game's storyline.

LSU vs. Stanford

LSU bring nasty defense to this game in hopes of rattling the assumed best quarterback in college today. The Tigers offense would also have to be very efficient and rely on the running game against a very formidable Stanford defense.

Stanford brings Andrew Luck to the game and for most that is enough. Luck is a great quarterback but he also has a good surrounding cast. LSU would have to key on Stepfan Taylor as well, as he is averaging 8.3 yards a carry with 54 rushes in the books. The most impressive part of that is Taylor’s longest run is only 10 yards. Taylor earns every bit of the 8.3

This would be a good defensive battle with solid offense but at the end of the day a turnover would likely tip the favor of the game.

Boise State vs. Oklahoma

This is a game that would likely be very similar to the game that was played in the Fiesta Bowl many moons ago. To this day the Boise win over Oklahoma is one of the cornerstones to the argument that the Broncos deserve a shot at the title.

This season they started with a win against Georgia and have a clear line of site to an undefeated season once again. Kellen Moore is completing an impressive 78.9 percent of his passes and has the Broncos ranked sixth in total passing yards. The rushing attack needs work however, as does the defense.

Oklahoma would look to out man Boise in many areas and if they could force Boise into the run, would stand a great chance at running away with the game. I would expect it to be early close, but the favor is likely in the hand of the Sooners.

Oklahoma State vs. Alabama

This is another matchup that would be great to watch. Alabama’s great and tenacious defense against a very explosive offense in Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys would likely score some points but Alabama would be able to control the ball with their very steady running game. Lacy may break a few big runs himself and steal some of the fireworks from the Cowboys offense.

Alabama has the sure edge in the game but Oklahoma State wouldn’t be a push over for the Tide.

Texas A&M vs. LSU

Texas A&M is in a great position in 2011. They are playing great football and have all the tools to take it all the way this season. A&M brings the currently 18^th best passing offense to the matchup and pure efficiency at quarterback in Ryan Tannehill.

The Aggies defense is also quite formidable, allowing only 267 yards a game. Tony Jerod-Eddie would be a player to watch for the Aggies as he would attempt to wreak havoc in the backfield of the Tigers.

LSU would attempt to lock down the passing game with its tough cover corners and would force A&M into running the ball. LSU wouldn’t expect many points on offense but would hope to force a turnover or two to change the game in their favor.

Wisconsin vs. Boise State

Wisconsin found its offense with the arrival of Russell Wilson this year. Wilson has blasted onto the scene, leading the nation in passing efficiency and has thrown for 791 yards and eight touchdowns.

Wisconsin also plays nasty defense. Something that would likely give them the edge in this matchup. Boise State would look to play hard and Kellen Moore would surely make plays but Wisconsin has too much firepower in the end for the Broncos.

Wisconsin may be the most complete team they have been in years and they would be crazy not to want redemption against a non-qualifier. 

Nebraska vs. Oklahoma

Nebraska has crept into the top 10 with a less than traditional Nebraska defense but a very good rushing offense. Taylor Martinez fits the Nebraska offense very well as he has rushed for 384 yards already this season and leads the Big 10.

Rex Burkhead has added another 250 yards this season on the ground. Martinez is only completing 48.4 percent of his passes, so the game plan would be to crush the run and force the pass.

Oklahoma could likely force Nebraska to a passing game and that would push the Cornhuskers into a direction that is a strength for the Sooners. This would also revisit another old rivalry that has been left to yesteryear by the recent conference realignments.

Boise State vs. Alabama

Boise State has a good football team and a strong tradition of winning. Alabama has that too. This game would be a tough test for Boise. Alabama has a furious defense and has the edge on LSU in the linebacker department.

The linebackers for Alabama would be the difference in this game as they would control the center of the field and eliminate the quick passing game. Boise is already struggling with the run so it would be terribly difficult for Boise State to make it past the Tide.

Nebraska vs. Texas A&M

Both of these teams bring a unique tradition to the top 10 this season. It has been a while since A&M and Nebraska have been among the nation’s elite. Playing in the Big 12 for years, they were conference rivals but after the realignment they are no longer facing each other with regularity.

Nebraska would like to churn up yards on the ground offensively and they likely would. The Aggies would give up some yards but the Cornhuskers would not be as efficient as they would like to be, as the Aggies have been stingy on defense this season.

Texas A&M would force turnovers in the passing game and would have the quick strike ability with Tannehill.