10 games to watch for college football opening weekend.

1103953 As most of you already know college football is just around the corner. Soon you will have more games too chose from then you'll know what to do with. This list is to prevent you from spending an unproductive weekend on your couch. Here's my Opening Weekend edition of 10 games to watch in college football. 10. Colorado State @ Colorado : At first glance not to appealing but in state rivalries are always fun and these two teams tend to produce interesting matchups year in and year out.  Prediction : Colorado State 27 Colorado 24 9. #11 LSU @ Washington : This would appear to be a blow out with the Huskies coming off of an 0-12 season and the Tigers in the top 15, but with how often the PAC 10 and SEC square off I had to include it. It's nice to see an SEC team get out of their comfort zone for once. Prediction : LSU 45 Washington 21 8. #8 Ole Miss @ Memphis : The Rebels are entering the season with high expectations under Houston Nutt, but the fact remains they are the only team from the SEC West to never appear in the conference title. The schedule is set up for them to do it this year with no Florida, but it starts on the road with the rival Tigers. Prediction : Ole Miss 34 Memphis 10 7. Nevada @ #23 Notre Dame : Does this ever really end? It seems every year we are left wondering how ND ended up with their absurdly high preseason ranking. Some Domers are even predicting BCS appearances and Lou Holtz has slated them for the National Championship. The schedule does set up for a decent season but I don't see a 10 or 11 win season. That would mean they would have to beat BC or MSU for a change. As far as Nevada, they return playmaking QB Kaepernick and had one of the best run games in 08. Does anyone remember San Diego State last season? This is my upset special. Prediction : Nevada 42 Notre Dame 38 6. Maryland @ #12 Cal : The Golden Bears were embarrassed last year and are going to be seeking revenge. Jeff Tedford has put together a defense that could be the best in the Pac 10, and with Heisman contender Jahvid Best carrying the football some Bears fans are smelling roses. Prediction : Cal 35 Maryland 14 5. Miami(FL) @ #18 Florida State : Oh how times have changed. In the 90's this game would have had national championship implications. Now both programs are dwarfed by the Gators. This should still be a good game though with implications in the ACC. If Bowden ever wants to catch Paterno the time is now Prediction : FSU 24 Miami 21  4. #20 BYU vs #4 Oklahoma (Cowboys Stadium) : Bronco Mendenhall says his team is ready for a game like this, but I'm not sure how many voters believe him. The Mountain West is looking for respect, and this would be a good place to start. The only problem is what's standing in their way. Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford is ready to make another National championship run and will not overlook this game. Add in a chance to see the new Cowboys Stadium and this one's a must watch.  Prediction : Oklahoma 52 BYU 31 3. #16 Oregon @ #14 Boise State : This one's a thursday night opener and has all the makings of a classic. Last year the Broncos went into Autzen and stole the thunder from the Ducks. This year Oregon has a chance to return the favor with QB Masoli leading the charge, but  it won't be easy. Boise State is returning 17 starters including QB Kellen Moore from a team that went undefeated in the regular season. Add in that this is the biggest game in smurf turf history and you have a nightmare scenario for the Ducks. Prediction : Boise State 41 Oregon 37 2. # 13 Georgia @ #9 Oklahoma State : Who doesn't love a top 15 matchup between the SEC and Big 12? Answer: BIG 12. Last  year at the biggest stage they were embarrassed and once again allowed the SEC to claim dominance over college football. After the Cowboys Holiday Bowl loss they have to defend the conference's honor as well as their own. OSU is not the only one who has something to prove. The Bulldogs were preseason #1 last season and really had a let down. Add in that they're replacing Moreno and Stafford, and this looks like a big test. Prediction : OSU 40 Georgia 28 1. #5 Alabama vs #7 Virginia Tech : At last the weekend's primetime game and only matchup between top 10 teams. The ACC is depending on VT to deflect questions about the perceptions of the conference's weakness. A victory over the Tide would all but assure the Hokies will be given national championship consideration. Bama has something to prove in this one. After cruising to a 12-0 start. They fell in a close one to the Gators and were subsequently embarrassed in the Sugar Bowl by the Utes prompting calls for change to the system. Prediction : Virginia Tech 38 Alabama 35 true

2009-08-25T18:10:09Z

92467 27 10 games to watch for college football opening weekend.

2009-10-19T21:36:24Z