College Football is Back!

Seven months. Debacle after debacle. But finally, the wait is over. College football is back! In the offseason we saw the struggles of big-time programs such as Oregon and Ohio State, while LSU watched multiple players work their way into trouble with the law. And Miami, once widely considered a top football program in the country, finds itself facing what could turn into the death penalty. But none of that matters now because on Thursday teams put on pads and take the field for what is sure to be another year filled with on-field drama and excitement. Week one puts some interesting match-ups on the field. If you only have time to watch a few, here are my games to watch.
1. Akron @ #18 Ohio State - Saturday, noon Eastern Time
At first glance, this game looks like an easy win for Ohio State. But factor in natural first-game jitters to go along with the Buckeyes playing their first game without either Coach Jim Tressel or Quarterback Terrelle Pryor along with a multitude of other suspended players. Fortunately for them, they are scheduled against an Akron team that finished 1-11 last season. It will be important for Ohio State to move the ball early and often and boost their confidence. I predict a closer game than most would suggest, with Ohio State pulling away late.
Final Score: 31-10 Ohio State
2. #3 Oregon vs. #4 LSU- Saturday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, in Dallas, TX
The first prime time game of the year features the "We Got Busted Bowl". Oregon has to come out and prove that last year was not a fluke and put all the distractions of the offseason behind them. LaMichael James has to remind the world why he is a Heisman candidate, while Darron Thomas has to prove that his name should be on that short list as well. LSU has a bit of a different problem. With many of there players in trouble with the law, they will be quite short-handed. One can only imagine the nightmares Head Coach Les Miles will have Friday night. Even with his full roster, Oregon was going to be tough to beat. Now without Jordan Jefferson, the Tigers have to prepare Jarrett Lee for what will likely be the toughest game of his career. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Oregon will have too much star power. The Ducks will go up big, early and the game will be over by halftime.
Final Score: 51-17 Oregon
3. #5 Boise State @ #19 Georgia - Saturday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Finally Boise State has a real challenge on their schedule. I promise you that this will be the game on my TV when Saturday night rolls around. Kellen Moore has a lot to prove without big-time target Austin Pettis but there's a reason the Broncos are always competitive. Georgia has the advantage of being able to play with much less pressure knowing that they line up against a tough team every week. Boise knows that if they blow this one their season is over early. With that being said, Chris Peterson undoubtedly has his Bronco squad primed and ready for battle making this the best match-up this week. I predict this game to go down to the wire with the Broncos kicking a field goal as time expires to win this game and keep their BCS Buster hopes alive.
Final Score: 17-16 Boise State
These are only a few of the fantastic match-ups to open the season. But as we have seen in the past, any game can end up a good one and do not be surprised to see a good team fall early. My final word: Upset watch of the week: Notre Dame