The Return of the Must List

With the return of the college football season, means the return of the must list. Here's a list of this weekends games that everyone should pay attention to.

TV Schedules, Announcers, Sideline Reporters via Awful Announcing

Thursday
South Carolina @ NC State (ESPN 7 EST)- Really the only reason to watch this game is because it's the return of Erin Andrews after her little nude video was released. The return of Andrews tonight also coincided with an epic Whitlock column.

Oregon @ Boise State (ESPN 10:30 EST)- This game has huge BCS implications. If Boise St. wins this game, then look out. The Broncos could once again run the table and once again break through the BCS party. Also this is an important game because it's the first time a ranked BCS team will travel to the blue turf of Boise.

Saturday
Minnesota @ Syracuse (ESPN2, Noon)- This game is important for two reasons. First it's the return of the awful announcing of Pam Ward. I suggest everyone watch this game for announcing quotes from Ward to post over at Awful Announcing. The second reason why this game is important because Greg Paulus makes his first start as the Syracuse quarterback. Think he will be tea bagged?



Sorry. I just wanted to mention this game for I could once again post this video ;-)

Georgia @ Oklahoma State (ABC, 3:30 EST)- This game has been overshadowed for some reason and I don't know why. You have an Oklahoma St. team that is a sleeper in the Big XII. And you have a Georgia team that is trying to move on from the Knowshone Moreno-Matthew Stafford era. Should be a fun game.

Nevada @ Norte Dame (NBC, 3:30 EST)- A true test to see if Norte Dame is headed in the right direction under Charlie Weis. Last year Norte Dame almost lost to a pathetic San Diego St. team. This years game should be a little different. Nevada is very explosive running team which will test the Norte Dame offense. Could you imagine the backlash if Norte Dame lost this game? Don't be surprised if they do lose this game.

BYU @ Oklahoma (ESPN, 7 EST)- This could be a trap game for Oklahoma. BYU usually plays up to their competition, while Oklahoma usually plays down to their competition(see 2007 Fiesta Bowl game). Also this will be the first non-preseason game or concert to be played in Jerry Jones' new crib.

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (ABC, 8 EST)- Remember last year's game featuring an ACC team versus Alabama? If you don't, let me remind you. Clemson was last year's ACC team to beat and they were thrashed by Alabama. Clemson went into a free fall and eventually the Tigers fired their coach, while Alabama reached a BCS bowl game. Could we see a repeat of last year's game? Virginia Tech enters the game as the ACC team to beat. It will be an interesting game to watch to see if Virginia Tech is ready to compete for the national championship and where the ACC is headed. It will also be interesting to watch to see how Alabama is rebuilding.

Maryland @ California (ESPN2, 10:30 EST)- I had to throw in this game because I'm a homer. Plus Cal is looking for revenge from last year's embarrassing loss to Maryland, especially Cal running back Jahvid Best. One of the interesting facts about this game will be how Maryland fans travel to the game. I'm sure Maryland fans will spend the night in San Francisco then travel to Berkley for the game. Only one problem though, the Bay Bridge will be closed this weekend. So if you are a Maryland fan and you are traveling to the Bay Area, here's a website that should help your travel to Berkley.

Monday
Miami @ Florida State (ESPN, 8 EST)- Remember when this game was a must watch? It feels like it was twenty years ago, but it was only the beginning of this decade when both of these teams where competing for National Championships. Now both of these teams are looking up to their rival Florida while trying to rebuild. This game will show who has done the better job rebuilding so far.