The Must List: Week 1

It's finally here. The college football season is upon us. In what had to be one of the longest and craziest off-season's ever, the season has finally arrived. And thank God. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm tired of talking about violations, sanctions, and realignment. Time to settle all the scores on the field.

While the first week of the season is usually dull, and we have some lame duck match-ups to start the year, there are actually some must see games. LSU versus North Carolina in Atlanta is an intriguing game. Pittsburgh versus Utah is the over looked game of the week. And then there's Boise State versus Virginia Tech on Monday. So we can't complain about the lack of great games.

With the return of the college football season, means the return of the Must List. Every Thursday I'll preview the must see games every weekend and also post the drink and recipe of the week. So enjoy the return of the college football season and enjoy the Must List.

(Announcing Schedule and my college football previews.)

Thursday, September 2nd 
Southern Mississippi at South Carolina (ESPN, 7:30)- Nothing like pumping up the fans for the season and then starting the year with this lame duck game. Thankfully North Carolina State was replaced by Southern Miss, a team that can actually play offense. I'll be interested to see how the Old Ball Coach uses super Freshman running back Marcus Lattimore in the offense, but this game mostly bores me.

Pittsburgh at Utah (Versus, 8:30)- This is the game I'm most interested in on Thursday. This is a rematch of the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, the game that made Alex Smith a number 1 overall draft pick, where Utah busted down the door for BCS busters and paving the way for Boise State and Hawaii. Both teams are ranked and both teams are expected to compete for their conference crown. I'm predicting Pittsburgh will sh*t the bed in Salt Lake City, paving the way for complaints about why Dave Wannstache should be fired.

USC at Hawaii (ESPN, 11:00PM)- For all you late night junkies on the East Coast, here's your first chance to see Lane Kiffin and USC since the NCAA sanctions. I predicted USC will have an eff you season because of their anger for being punished for nothing they had to do with. They'll begin this eff you season in Honolulu.

Friday, September 3rd
Arizona at Toledo (ESPN, 8:00)- You can watch Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore Storm the Dorm in Toledo, Ohio!



Saturday, September 4th
Illinois vs. Missouri (FSN, 12:30)- Unless you want to watch Youngstown State at Penn State, there isn't a lot of variety for the morning games. While both of these teams aren't expected to be conference contenders, this is still a rivalry game that is worth checking out.

Purdue at Notre Dame (NBC, 3:30)- I'm interested in this game for a couple of reasons. I want to see what Mike Mayock is like as an analyst and I want to see what Notre Dame looks like under first year coach Brian Kelly.

UCONN at Michigan (ABC, 3:30)- Is UCONN as good as everyone thinks they will be? Michigan may be down at the moment, but the Big House is still a tough place to play. Ah, who am I kidding? The Big House will never be the same after this.

UCLA at Kansas State (ABC, 3:30)- Watch this game because it will be the last "tough" non-conference game Kansas State will ever play. Knowing Bill Snyder, he's already scheduled Phoenix University for a game in Manhattan for opening day next year.

Washington at BYU (CBS College Sports, 7:00)- Big things are expected of Washington this year and their first test of the season will be beating newly independent BYU in Provo. I would watch this game, but I can't find CBS College Sports on the channel guide.

TCU vs. Oregon State (ESPN, 7:45)- This will be the best game on Saturday. TCU is coming off a one-loss season and returning the majority of their offensive players. How TCU adjusts to a new defense will be the intriguing part. Especially since since the defense will have to try and stop Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Oh yeah, this game will be in Jerry World.

LSU vs. UNC (ABC, 8:00)- This game has become immediately intriguing since we have no idea if UNC will have any eligible players available for the game. Imagine if LSU loses this game? What will the Cajuns do to Les Miles? Would he even be able to return to Baton Rouge? And would it really surprise anyone if LSU lost? I wouldn't be shocked if LSU lost this game because Les Miles is the coach.

Monday, September 6th
Navy at Maryland (ESPN, 4:00)- Is this the first time Navy is actually a favorite before facing a BCS team? And you know what? I would put money and take the points on Navy. Ricky Dobbs is going to pass and run all over that Maryland defense.

Boise State vs. Virginia Tech (ESPN, 8:00)- This is the game we're all waiting for. Right now, Boise State may be the most polarizing team in the nation. There are a lot of people who want to see Virginia Tech whoop the Broncos. I'm picking Boise State for the simple reason, Virginia Tech in the past couple of years has inexplicably lost early season games. Remember a couple of years ago when Virginia Tech lost to East Carolina? It wouldn't be surprising at all if VT lost this game and Boise State haters cried in their beers.

Recipe of the Week, Grilled Pizza: Summer isn't really over until Monday. So for this weekend, let's do some grilling. Specifically, grilled pizza. I've heard about people grilling pizza before and raving about it. I'm going to try grilling a pizza on Sunday. It's going to take a lot of ingredients and will be cooked very fast on the grill. I'll have a recap of my grilling experience on Tuesday when I recap the college football action.

Alcohol of the Week, Rope Swing Summer Pilsner: Might as well wash down the grilled pizza with a Rope Swing Summer Pilsner. Rope Swing is a seasonal brew of the Red Hook brand. I got hooked on Red Hook beer from my uncle. He gave me a Red Hook a couple of weeks ago and it was love at first sight. I bought a six-pack of Rope Swing yesterday and tried one last night. Their delicious. They're not as strong as a regular Red Hook and are very smooth. If you see some Rope Swing in your grocery store, I suggest buying a six-pack.