5 Can’t Miss College Football Games (When The Rest of Them Suck)

By Travis Pulver

Fall is here and while the NFL gets most of the crap games out of the way early; they call it pre-season (watch at your risk), in college they do not do something neat like that. No, instead, most teams wait a few weeks before playing anyone of consequence. It’s like they have to wait for it to cool down some before they can actually play some real football! If you want to actually watch a competitive football game or two before the leaves start changing colors then read on.

Utah Utes versus Pitt Panthers, Thursday, September 2 at 8:30 EDT

There is not much to cheer for in the opening week unless you actually think that Marshall has a chance against Ohio State. If you want to watch two of the best young players in college football then find a bar that is showing the Pittsburgh/ Utah game. Both teams are ranked in the top 20 in pre-season polls and are chock full of talent. Jordan Wynn (for Utah) is one of the best sophomore quarterbacks in the nation; if he does not get mentioned as a Heisman candidate this year, he will be next year. Pittsburgh running back Dion Lewis has already had his name tossed around Heisman circles as a freshman and will undoubtedly be in the race this season as well.

Boise State Broncos versus Virginia Tech Hokies, Monday, September 6 at 8:00 EDT

Most of the so-called national title contenders schedule some real fluff to start the season; I guess they think that a good blow out win to start the season will impress the voters (thank goodness the BCS smells out the crap-tastic match ups like Alabama/ San Jose State and Texas/ Rice). Every so often there is a pair of teams with the marbles to make a statement coming out of the gate in the first week of the season. This season it is the Boise State Broncos and Virginia Tech Hokies; both are top ten teams and will be ready to prove they deserve a shot at the title; if you are only going to watch one game in September then it has to be this one!

Miami Hurricanes versus Ohio State Buckeyes, Saturday, September 11 at 3:40 EDT

Ohio State will either make or break their national title hopes off this game; Miami stands to announce their retunr to the ranks of the elite. Head coach Jim Tressel has a talented team that could very well make a run for it with Heisman contender Terrelle Pryor at the helm. However, while they will run it early and often they will have to find a way to stop the Hurricanes own Heisman contender, quarterback Jacory Harris. If it comes down to a shoot-out the Buckeyes will likely find themselves playing for the consolation game rather than the BCS title come January.

Penn State Nittany Lions versus Alabama Crimson Tide, Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 EDT

I almost have to wonder if the Nittany Lions will be on television a lot because the networks know the ratings will sky rocket if Joe Pa keels over on the sideline. Paterno has been at it longer than anyone and it is great to see him get Penn State back on top. Alabama will have their hands full defending their BCS title against a stingy Nittany Lions defense. Lose this battle between top 10 powerhouses and the folks in Alabama might tear down Saban’s statue before it’s even up (do it anyway; he doesn’t deserve it). This match-up should be one for the ages.

Texas Longhorns versus Texas Tech Red Raiders, Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 EDT

These two interstate rivals always put on a heck of a shoe regardless of where they are ranked (or if they are). The eyes of Texas will be watching Garret Gilbert closely to make sure he can keep the Longhorns in the hunt for the national title. It will be interesting to see what Tommy Tuberville, who is known to love the run, does with a team that has lived by the pass for so long.