Top 10 Most Anticipated College Football games

[Damaramu 0]

Way to early to talk about it but god dammit....it's never early for football! Here's the Top 10 most anticipated games from cfbmedia.com. Another website I frequent and board I post on(the owner is a sooner fan *wink wink*nudge nudge*) I thought this was a good article:

 

http://cfbmedia.com/news/july7art12005.html

 

Top Ten Anticipated Games of 2005

 

July 7th, 2005

Josh Surgener

Senior Writer for CFB Media.com

 

We at College Football Media are just like all of you. Pulling our hair out, pacing around nervously, looking for something to tide us over until the 2005 College Football season gets underway. It is still 2 months away, but that gave us an idea. Lets appetize the full course helping of great college football that we are going to see this season by asking you the fans what your Top 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2005 were. Polling people around the nation, near and far, we have compiled YOUR list...not our...but you, the fans, list of the 10 games you cannot wait for the most! We decided to go a little further than that, and actually have our experts give their "Way Too Early Predictions" for each of the games that made the list! Let the water cooler discussions begin, who will beat who, and can any of these games be as great as they are billed up to be? Without further ado, I present to you, the first ever, CFBmedia.com Top 10 Anticipated Games of 2005!

 

10. LSU vs. Tennessee

 

You want to talk about HUGE conference games early on in the season? It doesn't get much bigger than LSU vs. Tennessee down in the Bayou of Death Valley. These are your front runners for the SEC Championship, with the winner likely to be a front-runner to meet up with USC in the Rose Bowl. Its been 4 years since the Bayou Bengals took on the Volunteers of Tennessee, and thank the scheduling gods that we have been given this late September delight! LSU will have already been battle tested coming into this game due to Arizona States visit to Death Valley the week before hand. Tennessee...well, is the same Tennessee team that absolutely shalacked Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. Rest assured, this may very well be only round one, of a series that might go two games deep (Conference Title Game) this year. To the winner, a mental edge, a remaining undefeated season, and a leg up on winning the SEC Championship!

 

Way Too Early Prediction: Tennessee- 34 LSU- 31

 

9. Auburn vs. Alabama

 

It's what they call the Iron Bowl down in the countryside of Alabama! Probably the most hatred filled rivalry game of all the rivalry games, the Tide and Tigers will lock it up once more to determine the bragging rights of the state of Alabama. Auburn went unbeaten last year, going 13-0 in what most considered the toughest conference to play in. They didn't win even a share of the National Title. Alabama started to come out of the slide they had been on for getting back to .500 ball for the first time since Mike Shula has been head coach. Both teams look to be Top 25 calibur for the Iron Bowl this year, which means, the State of Alabama will be split down the middle the week of November 19th! They once wrote that the Iron Bowl turns mortals into heros...Who will be this years hero? Whoever it is, you can bet that it will follow with a "Roll Tide Roll" or a "War Damn Eagle!"

 

Way Too Early Prediction: Auburn-26 Alabama-20

 

8. Boise State vs. Georgia

 

Hello, and welcome to the big time Boise State. You have lost only three times in the last three years, going an incredible 36-3! Your reward for such outstanding play, and one of the best offenses in the nation year in and out? A date with the Bulldogs of Georgia in the heart of Oga's Territory. So what should the nation expect from the smurf turf Broncos of Boise State? Offense to the 1 millionth degree! They avgd. an amazing 45 points per game last year! These guys can just flat out put the ball into the endzone, and they do it with style! Georgia will field a team that wont be the same Georgia we have seen the last three years, as they have lost some of their leaders in David Pollock and David Green. Don't let it fool you though, these Bulldogs are going to be very good, and will compete in the SEC! What it all boils down to, is this. Can Georgia come up with a way, between now and September 3rd to stop the Boise State powered offense? If they cannot, than this Mid-Major team, can surely shock the state of Georgia, and turn some heads in doing so.

 

Way Too Early Prediction- Georgia: 37 Boise State- 31

 

7. Iowa vs. Michigan

 

Step aside Ohio State and Michigan, your little brother is here to stay! The Iowa Hawkeyes have been on a monster run since 2002, compiling a record of 31-7, along with 2 Co-Conference Championships. They boast what alot of people consider either the best or second best (to Ohio State) linebacking corp in the entire nation with Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway leading the way. Oh yea, their not to shabby on offense either, scoring over 28 points per game with their 6th string running back!!! Iowa has their first hurdle against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus...But for the Hawks, it all comes down to this game. Can they beat the defending Big 10 Champions at Kinnick? Henne vs. Tate...Hart vs. Greenway and Hodge...It has all the billings to be the marquee match up of the entire Big Ten season!

 

Way Too Early Prediction: Iowa-24 Michigan-13

 

6. Miami vs. Florida State

 

Wide Right...Wide Left...Hurricanes Postponing Games...Anything can and will happen when these two schools get together. Infact, some of the most exciting games in history have been played between the two bitter rivals, Miami and Florida State. You want to talk about foreshadowing...last year a hurricane caused the two teams to postpone their Monday Night Game for a week, in which the Hurricanes tied the game with 30 seconds left and eventually won the game on a Frank Gore touchdown in overtime. Miami, is, well Miami. The talent pool never runs short for the Hurricanes, who look to improve to 7-0 in their last 7 meetings with Florida State. Playing for pride, in-state bragging rights, and an early jump on the race for the ACC crown are all at stake here...and we wouldn't like it any other way!

 

Way Too Early Prediction: Miami-27 Florida State-24

 

5. Florida vs. Tennessee

 

The SEC is going to be absolutely nasty this year. The bottom of the SEC, is going to be the bottom of the SEC. But my friends, the top of the SEC is going to be something that sports anaylsts can only dream of! Welcome in Urban Myer to Gainesville, and what better way to do so then to do it against Phil Fulmers Tennessee Volunteers. Myer, the former head coach of the Utah Utes, lead the school to it's first and only undefeated season ever, including a lopsided win over Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl last season. Tennessee comes into this season as most peoples #2 team in the land, right behind the USC Trojans. We all remember the missed extra point last year, the "phantom" no-call personal foul penalty, and the huge 50 yard winning field goal by James Wilhoit to win the game. This is for sure, Gainesville will be rocking when these two top 10 teams take the field on September 17th!

 

Way Too Early Prediction: Tennessee-31 Florida-20

 

4. Miami vs. Virginia Tech

 

Big East...ACC...it really doesn't matter. Miami and Virginia Tech are in a league that only Florida State can say they are in. Everyone talked about how soft the Big East was, and how different it was going to be for the Hurricanes and Hokies as they joined a "real" league. To give them credit, Miami did struggle a bit, but much of that was accredited to poor quarterback play. What did the Hokies think about all of the nonesense? Oh, they just went out and won the conference title in their first year in the ACC. That same Hokie team, that most said wouldn't finish in the top 5 of the conference. Deep into the season, this game could make or break both teams in their quest for the ACC Championship, and maybe...just maybe, a National Title birth.

 

Way Too Early Prediction: Virginia Tech-21 Miami-20

 

2b. Oklahoma vs. Texas

 

Everyone ready for a shootout? Red River style. In one of the nations fastest growing rivalries, the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns look to hook it up once more. The game itself is played in one of the most beautiful scenic stadiums, with half of the crowd wearing the burnt orange of Texas, and the other half sporting the crimson and cream of Oklahoma. Oklahoma makes it's trip to this years shootout winning all 5 of it's past 5 meetings with the Horns. Some by way of blow out, some by way of a Roy Williams "knock out." To put it blunt, Oklahoma has absolutely dominated Texas the last 5 years. So what makes this year any different? 14 Starters are missing from the Oklahoma team that went to two straight National Title games, and a Quarterback/superstar by the name of Vince Young. Texas brings their top rated run offense into the Shootout a year older, and a year wiser. Losing Cedric Benson hurts, but they are absolutely loaded at running back and have Selvin Young who looks to step in and fill Cedrics shoes. Depending on what happens with Texas and Ohio State, both the Sooners and Horns could easily be undefeated going into the RRSO, and the winner will likely represent the Big 12 South in the Big 12 Championship Game. Don't look for any friendly gestures in this one, just pure football being represented by two of the greatest football programs in history!

 

Way Too Early Prediction: Texas- 10 Oklahoma- 6

 

2a. Ohio State vs. Michigan

 

Hail to the Victors Valiant! Drive, drive on down the field, men of the scarlet and grey! Argued amongst many as the greatest rivalry in sports, will write a new chapter in it's illustrious history when the Buckeyes of Ohio State and the Wolverines of the University of Michigan clash in what could be the deciding game for the Big Ten Championship this year. The moments made in this game, or shall I call it "The Game" have stood the test of time, making for some of the most memorable in College Football history. Desmond Howards pose, "The party begins for the Ohio State Buckeyes," Bo beats Woody in 69', Woodson and Boston...you get the picture. Michigan, the 2 time defending Big Ten Champions will enter the season as the odds on favorite to take the Big Ten crown for a 3rd straight year. Returning the best offense in the Big Ten, and a favorable schedule, the Wolvarines have all the pieces in place for a National Title run. Standing in their way, their nemisis, the Ohio State Buckeyes who have had their number as of late, taking 3 of the last 4. Ohio State is poised for a run of their own. You can talk about Ohio State vs. Iowa. You can talk about Michigan vs. Iowa. The Big Ten comes down to this...The winner of Ohio State-Michigan, will determine the Big Ten Champion, yet again.

 

Way Too Early Prediciton: Michigan- 17 Ohio State- 14

 

And the Number 1 Anticipated Game of 2005 is.............

 

1. Ohio State vs. Texas

 

Lets just call it "The Showdown in the Shoe." Two perrenial powers clash for the first time ever, on September 10th, 2005. Texas and Ohio State are annual Top 5 programs, who both reign in the Top 5 in wins, winning pct., conference championships, heisman trophy winners, all americans...The list goes on and on. This time around, they both field teams who come into the season not only supposed to contend for their respective Conference Titles, but for a National Title as well. Both teams carry Heisman Award candidates in Vince Young and Ted Ginn Jr. Both teams carry defenses that were stiffling at times last season. For the Longhorns, they come into the Shoe carrying a 10-1 season last year with a win in the Rose Bowl over the Michigan Wolvarines. The Buckeyes return nearly everything from a team that struggled early on, but came on strong at the end of the season, winning 5 of their last 6 games. So what happens when two of the biggest fan bases, Universities, and football states collide? We'll find out on September 10th. When you are asked, "what were you doing when Ohio State and Texas played for the first time?" the answer will likely be as everyone elses."I was watching one of the most anticipated games in College Football History."

 

Way Too Early Prediction: Ohio State- 24 Texas- 17

 

tOSU vs. Texas should be interesting because I mean it's two of the most hated programs in the country going at it! I think it'll be fun to watch.

 

Also did he actually say that OU and Texas was a fast growing rivalry? He did and when confronted about it on the message board he tried to say that even though they have been playing since 1900 the games weren't a real rivalry until 96. Yeah whatever.

 

Anyways I'd also like to make a way to early prediction.

The Tennesse Volunteers will win the National title by beating the USC Trojans 35-28 in the Rose Bowl.

[Art Sandusky 0]

What?! I'd put Texas ahead of Tennessee easily at this point, and probably a couple of others if I started my research early this year.

 

Really poorly written article. How do you fuck up UGA's name? Oga? The fuck?

 

He's right about Tennessee/Florida though. Fuck Florida, because no post mentioning them is complete with out a "fuck Florida."

[Guest Brian]

You just wanted to show off your sig.

[Art Sandusky 0]

Oh, and Boise State has more than a fighting chance of beating Georgia. Seriously.

[Damaramu 0]

You just wanted to show off your sig.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Yes that's it.......not that I haven't made a bunch of other posts with this sig or anything.

 

And yes! Ok the deal is I hate the dude that wrote this and he's a pompous jackass tOSU homer on the MB over there. And I just wanted to see someone with intelligence rip it to shreds. You think I'm bad? Go visit that board. The homers are out of this world! I almost renounced my homer card I became so frightened of these people.

 

Anyways I'd also like to add that if Tennessee wins the National Title Peyton Manning will celebrate his alma-maters accomplishment and then the next week get stomped by the Pats in the AFC title game. It's just the way the world works....(that was a joke by the way for anyone that took it seriously)

 

Oh and will someone please explain to me why tOSU is rated so high!? I'm seeing them Top 10 on a lot of lists......and I don't remember them being able to score well at all last season.

[Angel_Grace_Blue 0]

Alabama split down the middle?

 

Bullshit. From what I've seen in the two years I've been here, if you live in Auburn, or the closely surrounding areas, you are an Auburn fan, otherwise, it's Bama.

 

Edit: By 'here' I mean Auburn.

[UZI Suicide 0]

I'm quite anticipating USC's visit to Cal this year. Should be a great game.

[Damaramu 0]

Well who the hell is going to beat USC anyways? They won't face anyone that has a real shot at knocking them off until the National Title game. Which I'm positive they will be in. It'd take a massive stumble for them to lose.

Though I think that game against Arkansas will rule.

[iggymcfly 0]

Tennessee won't even make it to the SEC Championship, let alone the national championship. I'd say Florida and Alabama both have better all-around squads, and maybe even LSU does too.

 

If I were going to make an early prediction for the national championship, I'd still say USC over Michigan, because USC's obviously the best team in the country, Texas is going to choke at some point, and the ACC and SEC are too balanced for someone to make it out of the regular season undefeated.

[Art Sandusky 0]

Whoa now, I'll take Tennessee having about a 50-65% chance of being SEC champions, or at least in a BCS bowl due to a kooky in-season conference loss or something. They aren't national contenders, but they'll be like the Georgia Bulldogs of 2002.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

Last year my team to watch was Auburn, who went undefeated and promptly got fucked out of a share of the title.

 

This year, it's LSU. Tennessee's dangerous, but they're overhyped.

[Crimson Platypus 0]

Tennessee won't even make it to the SEC Championship, let alone the national championship. I'd say Florida and Alabama both have better all-around squads, and maybe even LSU does too.

 

If I were going to make an early prediction for the national championship, I'd still say USC over Michigan, because USC's obviously the best team in the country, Texas is going to choke at some point, and the ACC and SEC are too balanced for someone to make it out of the regular season undefeated.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Michigan won't be in the national championship game, no Big 10 team will be. The conference is just too stacked at the top. Iowa, OSU, UofM, and Wisconsin all play each other this year, can you honestly see any of them going undefeated through Big 10 play? I can't. As much as I would love to see a Big 10 school win the title (yes, even Michigan) I just don't see it this year.

[Slayer 0]

Ohio State vs. Texas

Come on, localized black hole!

[Damaramu 0]

Did anyone see Trev Alberts Top 5 whatevers?

 

His Heisman contenders were(in no paticular order):

 

1) Matt Leinart

2) All of USC's offense(he said they had 5 contenders on offense for heisman)

3) Chad Henne

4) Vince Young

5) Gerald Riggs Jr.

 

His reasoning for not having Peterson on the list was weird. He said without Jason White he won't accumulate the numbers. I know what he's trying to say. Defenses won't be keying on White anymore. But without White wouldn't the offense be more focuses around Peterson allowing him to put up Heisman numbers?

And where's Michael Hart on that list? I mean I know he's just a sophomore too but that dude is awesome.

 

His Top 5 Overrated were(once again in no paticular order):

 

1) OU

2) Tennessee

3) Miami

4) Notre Dame

5)???? didn't hear about it.

 

Now why are OU, Notre Dame, and Miami overrated?

First of all OU will lose 2-3 games this year and most people have them placed at 7-10 on the Top whatever list. At the end of last season weren't most 7-10 teams 2-3 loss teams? So how is that overrated? I haven't heard anyone even mention them in relation to a BCS bowl(not even me. i think they'll lose to Texas and Tech)

Notre Dame? Who is saying Notre Dame is going to set the world on fire?

And Miami....once again who is saying Miami will set the world on fire?

I mean Ohio State needs to be on that list if we're listing overrated teams. I hear so many people saying they're going all the way.

[therealworldschampion 0]

I don't think Tennessee is going to get through that schedule of theirs undefeated. I mean they have to go to Florida, LSU, and Alabama(a game that I think will be a total war, especially since it's in Tuscaloosa), deal with a visit from Georgia, and then take a trip to South Bend, where strange things do happen with high-ranked teams. However if they get through October undefeated, they'll get to the SEC title undefeated.

 

I see USC in the Rose Bowl, and maybe Michigan if they can get out of Iowa City with a win. LSU is a possibility, but it depends on how they respond to Les Miles. I think Purdue is a potential darkhorse since they're returning all of their defense and have a loaded offense, as long as Brandon Kirsch adapts well as the new QB. Also helping them is that there's no OSU or Michigan on their schedule this year, and their toughest game being at home against Iowa.

[snuffbox 0]

The Big Ten will have the best games this year. Still underrated (but last season wasnt nearly as bad as the experts embarrassment during the basketball tourny) but its going to be awesome to actually have the teams playing other more this year.

 

Wisconsin seemed so great last year until that bizarre late-season meltdown.

 

Michigan won't be in the national championship game, no Big 10 team will be. The conference is just too stacked at the top. Iowa, OSU, UofM, and Wisconsin all play each other this year, can you honestly see any of them going undefeated through Big 10 play? I can't. As much as I would love to see a Big 10 school win the title (yes, even Michigan) I just don't see it this year.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Damaramu 0]

Lloyd Carr is a retard if he can't win something meaningful with Chad Henne and Michael Hart. Those dudes are awesome and they were just freshmen!

[Damaramu 0]

Hell I think Michael Hart is close to the level of Adrian Peterson. I don't think he's as good on a pure RB standpoint but I think he is an AWESOME running back and hell I'd have him on my team any day.

[therealworldschampion 0]

Lloyd Carr is a retard if he can't win something meaningful with Chad Henne and Michael Hart. Those dudes are awesome and they were just freshmen!

 

Lloyd tends to get outcoached in big road games(ex: Notre Dame in 2002 and 2004, Iowa and Oregon in 2003, Ohio State in 2004)...

[teke184 0]

Last year my team to watch was Auburn, who went undefeated and promptly got fucked out of a share of the title.

 

This year, it's LSU. Tennessee's dangerous, but they're overhyped.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I'm not sure exactly how things will work out now that the BCS is officially turned upside down, but LSU is less likely to get screwed than Auburn was.

 

1. LSU plays a stronger schedule than Auburn did last year.

 

Taking out common SEC West opponents, the schedule differences are as follows:

 

Auburn-

 

Georgia Tech

Ball State

Western Kentucky

South Carolina

Kentucky

Georgia

 

 

LSU-

 

North Texas State

Arizona State

Tennessee

Vanderbilt

Florida

Appalachian State

 

 

Arizona State and North Nexas State are better than Georgia Tech and Ball State. Western Kentucky and App State balance each other out.

 

Tennessee, Florida, and Vandy outweigh South Carolina, Kentucky, and Georgia.

 

 

2. LSU doesn't have the stink of extreme disappointment on them like Auburn had after their 2003-2004 underwhelming year.

 

LSU, while they didn't go to a BCS game or finish in the Top 10 in 2004-2005, weren't predicted to win the National Championship then lose their first 2 games like Auburn did in 2003.

 

 

LSU finished at 9-3, with the Auburn and Iowa losses being due to 1 blown play each. (Ronnie Prude got a leaping call against Auburn that let Auburn make another attempt at a blown PAT, leading to a 10-9 Auburn win. Prude also blew an assignment at the last second of an Iowa game, leading to a game-losing TD.)

 

Conversely, Auburn finished at about 7-5 in 2003. To be fair, though, 3 of those losses were to a great Ole Miss team and to co-National Champions LSU and USC as well. Those losses, except for Ole Miss, weren't even close though.

 

 

3. Oklahoma's complete breakdown against USC last year means there's no consensus #2 pick going into the season.

 

While Auburn never rose higher than #3 last year because consensus #1 and #2 picks USC and Oklahoma never lost, LSU's going to most likely enter the season as one of about 5 potential #2 teams and I doubt that most sportswriters will unanimously agree on who #2 should be.

[Damaramu 0]

I honestly think Texas will enter the season ranked #2.

[Guest]

Watch out for Boise State, they are going to shock UGA in Athens.

[Vampiro69 0]

Watch out for Boise State, they are going to shock UGA in Athens.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I totally agree with you on this Georgia has a ton of people suspended for the first game of the season, so Boise can beat them.

 

Another game I am looking forward to is the Washington-Notre Dame game. Look for Wilingham's revenge to beging on the Irish.

[Guest]

Even if UGA didn't have people suspended, Boise would still win. This team has so much talent, is stuck in a small media market (if you can even call it small), and I truly think that they are a top 5 team.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Well who the hell is going to beat USC anyways? They won't face anyone that has a real shot at knocking them off until the National Title game. Which I'm positive they will be in. It'd take a massive stumble for them to lose.

Though I think that game against Arkansas will rule.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

UCLA came close last year, which says a lot about how they feel in regards to the rivalry ever since Carroll took over the Trojans. They certainly came a lot closer than the national title game

[Damaramu 0]

Well this year UCLA will enter the Coliseum. I don't think they'll win. Hell I wonder how they'll feel when the team USC pounded comes into their house and beats them? Probably won't feel too good.

 

But anyways how the hell will USC not be in the national title game? I mean I keep hearing it's tough to go into Oregon but still....Oregon's not that good are they? Maybe going into ASU(they do go into ASU right?) will be a challenge but USC seems to play to the level of their competition. When they play good teams they beat the fuck out of them. When they play bad teams they play them close. Cal seems to be the only one to not get pounded when USC plays good teams. I mean maybe Cal has a shot but not after those offensive losses. I don't think they'll be able to handle USC at USC.

 

So really.....who doesn't have USC going to the Rose Bowl? Now I don't think they'll win it but they'll definitely go.......well if they play Texas they'll win it.

[teke184 0]

I think Texas may start off as #2 but, as usual, they'll find some way to fuck it up.

 

 

That's not limited to losing to Oklahoma, losing to Texas A&M, or losing to the Big 12 North champion, all of which have kept the Longhorns out of BCS bowls in the past.

[Bored 0]

Texas' undefeated season will end really quick at Ohio State in the second week of the season. You can recover in the polls from an early season loss, especially against a top ranked opponent on the road, and make it to the Rose Bowl but until they can get off the schnide against Oklahoma I seriously doubt they can get there. At Missouri the week before The Red River Shootout could also be a trap game.

[Damaramu 0]

I think Texas may start off as #2 but, as usual, they'll find some way to fuck it up.

 

 

That's not limited to losing to Oklahoma, losing to Texas A&M, or losing to the Big 12 North champion, all of which have kept the Longhorns out of BCS bowls in the past.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Where do they play A&M at? And I really think they'll beat OU.

 

I hear a bunch of people say OU will lose to A&M. Please we've lost 1 home game in 6 years and we own A&M in Norman.

OU's a horrible road team though. Probably the worst road team of teams at the top. They'll lose to Texas, Texas Tech, and possibly UCLA(though i don't think UCLA can stop the run).

[teke184 0]

They're playing at A&M on 11/25...

 

A loss that late in the year would blow a HUGE hole in their post-season plans.