Five college football games not to miss during the 2010 season

While I have never and will never buy into the soccer hype many Americans display every four years, the World Cup does mean one thing: this dreaded, stagnant, Cubs-out-of-contention annual dead period in sports is almost over.

With that, here is your fall sports fix for the week — five college football games you can’t afford to miss for tailgating on 17th Street.

5. Notre Dame vs. USC, Nov. 27

The Trojans have won eight straight games against the lately mediocre-at-best Irish, but that was when there was something to play for in Los Angeles.

If proven winner and new coach Brian Kelly doesn’t show he can win the big games, especially on the road under the Dome, it could be more of the same for the Irish and their ever-testy fan and alumni base come bowl season.

4. Ohio State vs. Miami, Sept. 11

While Ohio State has the offensive firepower to win the national championship, they also still have questions surrounding their ability to compete with the SEC, among other power conferences, like the Big 12.

One thing Jim Tressel’s squad cannot afford to have, however, is an early setback to a quality and highly athletic group of players in the Hurricanes.

3. Iowa vs. Ohio State, Nov. 20

If there ever were a time when the Rose Bowl was a second option, this is it. With national championship aspirations for both defending BCS winners serving as a realistic possibility, the winner could be headed to Tempe, while the loser could smell roses.

2. Boise State vs. Virginia Tech, Sept. 6

With talks of the current postseason system and BCS conference situation heating up, the Broncos might have their best shot at a championship run right in front of them. Nothing would initiate more talk than a win against Frank Beamer and the Hokies in September.

We’ve seen how disciplined the Broncos have been in the past, and if Boise does win that game, what are the odds they lose a game all year?

1. Florida vs. Alabama, Oct. 2

A mid-year rematch of the SEC Championship game will pit two teams who currently share more hate for each other than Michigan and Ohio State. Florida saw last season what devastation an in-conference loss can do to national title hopes.

This game will also give Florida the chance to avenge the loss that knocked it from the national championship game last season. Both future Hall of Fame coaches know that, in the South, any game is more than a game, but this year each has hopes of winning his second championship in the last three years.