2009 College Football Preview: Must Watch Games

With the college football season just weeks away, KSJ will look at the players, coaches, teams, conferences, and issues surrounding college football. Here's the previous installments.

Every year there are college football games to mark down on your calendar. For me I have to watch the Oklahoma-Texas game every year. That game alone has been a must watch for the past decade. Texas and Oklahoma have played in five national championship games in this decade. And this year shouldn't be any different.

In the past certain games in college football where always must watch. The rivalry between Steve Spurrier and Bobby Bowden made the Florida-Florida St. rivalry a must watch. Also the Miami-Florida St. was a must watch.

There are just certain games that you just can't take your eyes of off. And I have complied a list of must watch games for this season.

Oklahoma vs. Texas in Dallas, Oct. 17- Like I said at the top, this game has been a must watch for the past decade. And this year should be no different. Especially how the season ended for both of these teams last year. Despite beating Oklahoma, Texas was leapfrogged over by the Sooners into the Big XII championship game and the national championship game. This game will have extra meaning for Texas as both teams will be in the hunt for this season's national title.

USC at Ohio St., Sept. 12- The best part about this game is that it comes early in the season, when most college football games are usually a snooze fest. Last season the Contraceptives destroyed the Buckeyes in the Coliseum. This year the Buckeyes will look to avenge the loss against a young USC team looking to replace a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Also Ohio St. usually avenges these loses at home. They were beat in Texas in 2005, then avenged that lost the next season in Columbus. Look for the same thing this season against USC.

Virginia Tech vs. Alabama in Atlanta, Sept. 5- Remember last season when an ACC team with high expectations(Clemson) faced off against Alabama in the Georgia Dome? Clemson was ran over by a tougher SEC team in Alabama. This year Virginia Tech heads to Atlanta with high expectations looking to beat Alabama. The Crimson Tide are rebuilding while Virginia Tech returns the majority of their starters on both sides of the ball.

Florida at LSU, Oct. 10- Florida usually struggles in Baton Rouge. The Gator lost to LSU two years ago as the Tigers were on their way to the National Championship. This year Florida faces off against a young but talented LSU team. If Florida has one loss this season, then it will be against LSU.

Georgia at Georgia Tech, Nov. 28- Last season Georgia got off to a huge lead against Tech, then faltered in the 2nd half losing 45-42. This season will be a little different. Tech will be the favorite for the first time in a while and Georgia will be the team rebuilding. Tech can't make the same mistake as Georgia last year, and overlook their instate rival.

Oregon at Boise State, Sept. 3- What a game to kick off the college football season. The Ducks travel to Boise to avenge their loss to the Broncos from last season. Boise St. is looking to once again crash the BCS party. Oregon is looking to gain traction with their new coach Chip Kelly. I can't wait for this game.

Oklahoma at Kansas, Oct. 24- This game will most likely feature the two teams that will play in this season's Big XII championship game. Oklahoma beat up an injured Kansas squad last season 45-31. Oklahoma shouldn't sleep on this game. They have to travel to Lawrence and face off against a team that can keep pace with them in the offense department.

BYU vs. Oklahoma in Arlington, TX, Sept. 5- Another early season game featuring a mid-major facing off against a BCS opponent. BYU could give Oklahoma a run for their money, but I seriously doubt it. That doesn't mean that it won't be a must watch game thought. This will also be the first regular season football game to be played in King Jerry's new crib.

LSU at Alabama, Nov.7- This game has become a must watch since Nick Saban left LSU to coach for the Miami Dolphins only to return to coach LSU's rival in Alabama. LSU beat the Crimson Tide in Saban's first season, but Alabama returned the favor in Saban's first game back at Baton Rouge. This game has must much meaning to the LSU fans than it does to Alabama fans, which makes this game all the more interesting.

Nebraska at Virginia Tech, Sept. 19- Nebraska will continue their rebuilding process against Virginia Tech early in the season. Last year the Hokies barely beat Nebraska 35-30 in Lincoln. In the past Virginia Tech has faltered in these early season games, it will be interesting to see if the same happens against Nebraska.

Here's a tribute video to the Oklahoma-Texas game.