Top Ten (Non- PSU) Games I Can't Wait To See

With every passing day we move closer and closer to the start of the 2005 college football season. As excited as I am to see my Nittany Lions turn it around this year (and they will), I am just slightly less excited for some of the following match-ups. Some of these have personal significance (for instance my dislike of Pitt) and some are just going to be flat-out great games. Feel free to chime in on your thoughts and picks...


1. Notre Dame Vs. Pitt - September 3. I have inherited the Irish through marriage and because of their recent underdog status it has been fun to watch them and easy to cheer for them. Pitt is like that annoying little kid you knew growing up that always wanted to play with the bigger kids but cried to mommy when he got knocked down and skinned his knee. This year they claim to be "back" under new coach Dave Wannestedt... where have I heard that before. Here's hoping Charlie Weis and the Irish bring the Panthers back to reality, big time.

2. Boise State Vs. Georgia - September 3. No one is talking about this game. Everyone seems absolutely certain that the Bulldogs will roll right over the out-manned Broncos. Excuse me? Has no one been paying attention to college football that past 5 years? BOISE STATE is for real! This is my 5-star, double lock of the year, Boise State will cover whatever spread is on this game. The boys from the blue turf know full well that this will be the biggest game in their school's history. Georgia will be taking Boise lightly. Don't be surprised if the Broncos steal the win between the hedges.

3. Wake Forest Vs. Nebraska - September 10. the Demon Deacons picked the perfect time to visit the Big Red nation. Their program is still in flux and Wake has been surging in recent years. What will be interesting to see is how the Huskers defend against an offense very similiar to their old style. I predict a close one, right down to the wire.

4. Bowling Green Vs. Boise State - September 21. A rare Wednesday night treat. This game could be 75-74 final. Give the edge to the Broncos and their stellar home record, factor in the fact that this will probably end up on ESPN (where Boise always shines), and this could be one of the most entertaining games of the year.

5. BYU Vs. Notre Dame - October 22. Nothing like a good Catholics Vs. Mormons battle. This will be ND's first "easy" game after playing Pitt, Michigan, Mich State, Purdue, and USC.

6. Florida Vs. South Carolina - November 12. "Darth Visor" against his old team. This one will be fun to watch no matter how both teams are doing to this point. SC has the home field but the Gators have the better talent. Could come down to one big play at the end.

7. Texas Vs. Ohio State - September 10. I'd never thought I'd hear myself say this but... "Hook 'em Horns!"

8. Pitt Vs. Louisville - November 3. Pitt visits Papa John Stadium and gets smacked around by eventual Big East champs, Louisville.

9. Kansas St. Vs. Marshall - September 10. What in the world was K-State thinking taking a game AT Marshall? The Herd will be solid again and this could get embarassing for the Wildcats.

10. Vandy Vs. Wake Forest - September 1. First game of the season. Aaaahh, you can smell it in the air. Plus, both teams will be surprisingly well matched and this will be close. I'm hoping the Commodores roll out with a win.