College football is upon us.
Players are sweating more than Casey Anthony in a courtroom, grown men are tuning in to ESPNU to watch the Woo Pig Sooie Spring Game from April, and little kids are staying up til midnight playing NCAA 12 (including myself). America can hardly wait, and neither can I.
Sure, there are many things about college football that make the sport unbelievably unique. The Heisman Race, The Beefy O'Grady's Bowl, Blue Turf, etc. All of these are satisfying in their own selves, without a doubt.
However, college football is the most unique in that it drives the nation absolutely nuts Monday-Friday, anxiously waiting to hear Boomer Sooner about 28 times under the sun at Owen Field. Granted you have the "blue-balling" Thursday night game, and the occasional who-gives-a-rats-ass Friday night Sun Belt game, but its essentially a one week satisfaction.
That is what I think is the most unique about college football.
You can lose six games in the NFL and still win the Super Bowl (ask A-Rodg). You lose two Saturday's out of the year and you my friend, are Texas toast
So, what now you ask? How about a look at the "can't miss" games of 2011. Some of these games are full of hype and others may be some that you couldn't pick out of a hat. Let's give it a shot:
Week 1:
#3 Oregon vs. #4 LSU
Obvious choice here. Two ridiculously athletic teams, with both having one dominant side of the ball. It will be interesting to see how LSU and their tremendously fast defense can defend the high-octane Darron Thomas and LaMichael James. Oh, yeah, it's also at Jerry World. HELLO College Football! (Insert Keith Jackson voice over)
Week 2:
Arizona @ #8 Oklahoma State
Maybe not the match up of the two best teams, but arguably the most intriguing one. Can OSU, who boats a video-game offense of their own, stop Nick Foles and Arizona who chuck it like its on fire? Should see Bullet riding around a lot this game. Good news also, this is a Thursday night game, so feel free to watch 'Bama/Penn St. on Saturday too.
Week 3:
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| Could Landry be hoisting the stiff- arm trophy in December? |
#1 Oklahoma @ #5 Florida State
Didn't even have to look at the list of games here. Everyone has been thinking about this one since last year's game ended. Two of college football's best programs, both in the top 5, and a rematch of the 2000 National Title, IN WEEK THREE? #letsgo
Week 4:
#8 Oklahoma State @ #9 Texas A&M
Okay, some of you think I'm being a bit biased towards the Cowboys, but this is "supposedly" the best team they've ever had. So in that regard, wouldn't you want to see them get tested early? Kyle Field is a nightmare to play at. Hopefully Weeden and Blackmon can sleep through that midnight yell.
Week 5:
#11 Nebraska @ #10 Wisconsin
There are a TON of good games in Week 5, but I believe the winner of this one will be in the driver's seat for the Big Ten title. Nebraska, so talented on defense, trying to stop newly acquired QB Russell Wilson. Sounds luscious. Maybe some cheese-heads will make the trip over.
Week 6:
#23 Florida @ #3 LSU
Always an awesome scene late into the night at Death Valley, I think Florida surprises a lot of people under Will Muschamp this year. I can definitely see this game having an impact in the SEC, but in all honesty, which one doesn't?
Week 7:
#12 South Carolina @ #18 Mississippi State
Two teams that people thought they may NEVER hear being talked about in the SEC title race. Both rock solid on defense, and improving on offense. You know what that means: turnovers. BTW, get a look at Al Shon Jeffrey. He's the next Andre/Calvin Johnson.
Week 8:
USC @ #18 Notre Dame
Who remembers Matt Leinart to Dwayne Jarret on 4th and forever? I do. This is one of the best games, year in-year out. USC will be better, and Brian Kelly has to win these type of games if he wants to take Touchdown Jesus back to Rudy status. Need tickets? Call Reggie Bush.
Week 9:
SMU @ Tulsa
While we're at it, let's go ahead and give all three Oklahoma schools some pub in this write-up. But seriously, this will be such a fun game to watch. Lineman with splits of eight feet, and footballs flying everywhere. Could play a huge part in the C-USA championship race as well.
Week 10:
#4 LSU @ #2 Alabama
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| Love him or hate him, his gutsy attitude has restored swagger at LSU. |
Week 11:
#3 Oregon @ #6 Stanford
What a game it was last year. This might be a top 3 game of the entire season. We all know whats at stake, winner cake walks into the Pac 12 title game and blows out whom ever they play and possibly plays for a crystal ball. Does that sound fun or what?
Week 12:
#11 Nebraska @ Michigan
Nebraska's first ever trip to the Big House, and they could be leading the Big Ten, if they get past Wisconsin. Everyone knows about Denard Robinson, but what people don't know about? Can Brady Hoke put a somewhat decent defense on the field. We shall see.
Week 13:
#2 Alabama @ #19 Auburn
Lots of games to choose from this week, but none that really stand out, so we'll go with what's always such a competitive game. The Tide may be rolling as an unstoppable force at this point, but do the "Camcer Free" Tigers beg to differ. I have a feeling that Michael Dyer may tote it about 35 times this game. War Eagle!
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| This has become a reoccurring image in Bedlam. |
#1 Oklahoma @ #8 Oklahoma State
With 2010 being the first year that Bedlam ever had National Title implications, we couldn't ask for anything better than a repeat. This whole battle comes down to two things, and they seem to be the same two things every year: Can OSU stop OU, because OU has proven it can stop OSU; and do the Cowboys have what it takes between the ears to beat their abusive stepfather from Norman?
For now, all we do is wait. But when the band strikes up, the paint goes on the body, and the hot dogs are grilling, we will know it is time. Bring it.
