Colleges

Five games to watch

By Brian Landman
Published August 31, 2007

Tennessee at Florida, Sept. 15

No offense to Western Kentucky and Troy, but the Tim Tebow era as the Gators' next, great quarterback begins in earnest. Or is this the game that stamps Erik Ainge as the SEC's best quarterback and the Vols as the SEC's best team for the first time since their championship run in 1998?

West Virginia at USF, Sept. 28

The Mountaineers are a trendy pick to get to the Bowl Championship Series finale, but this Friday night game in Tampa might be the biggest hurdle. The Bulls' street cred - and bowl possibilities - would be off the charts if they upset West Virginia a second straight year.

Ohio State at Michigan, Nov. 17

This game could be on the list every year, even if there weren't title implications, but the Wolverines could be one game shy of a national title shot and the young Buckeyes should be vastly improved and could be chasing a Big Ten title. And lest anyone has forgotten, last year's game was a classic.

Boise State at Hawaii, Nov. 23

Okay. Maybe this won't be a Boise State team looking for perfection and a BCS bid. Maybe Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan won't be chasing the Heisman. But then again, maybe both will be possible, and what else is there to watch on Friday, anyway?

UCLA at Southern California, Dec. 1

Is this USC team one for the ages? There's no shortage of big games for the Trojans before this showdown, but the Trojans saw their title hopes end against the Bruins last year and no one in Los Angeles or Gainesville has forgotten.

Brian Landman, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 09:47:33]