Michigan Wolverines vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Game Headlines Four Must-Watch Season Openers in College Football

By Danica Rhoades
CFB Writer

It’s finally here! The start of college football is just hours away. With so many games being played, and NCAA football withdrawals at an all time high, it can be hard to decide what to program into the DVR. Here’s a look at this weekend’s must watch games. Obviously there is a great deal of interest to check out the Alabama Crimson Tide, and we’ll get to that. But first…

Boise State at Michigan State

This match-up of two often under-rated ranked opponents has certainly caught the attention of many football fans. However, what’s most notable is the level of upheaval and uncertainty for both programs. This battle of unknowns is sure to provide a lot of drama and insight into where each team really stands this season.

Both Michigan State and Boise State had successful seasons in 2011, with the Spartans losing three games and the Broncos losing one. Since that time, both teams have also lost their star quarterbacks and several key players.

Both teams also have significantly different goals for the season. Michigan State seeks to earn a trip to the Rose Bowl. Boise State seeks to prove that they can continue as a dominant force, despite losing the greatest quarterback in school history.

Michigan State’s Andrew Maxwell will start at quarterback. Maxwell is a senior who served as Kirk Cousins’ backup. He has played in nine games (18/26, 171 yards, 1 touchdown).

Kellen Moore’s backup the past two seasons, Joe Southwick (40/54, 400 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) will lead the Broncos. Southwick has the most experience of the four players who competed for the starting spot, yet many fans are leery of Chris Petersen’s decision to give him the starting job.

Wise fans know, however, that it is never smart to bet against coach Pete (as he’s known to Bronco Nation). Boise State is 50-3 in the last four seasons, and has never lost a season opener during coach Pete’s reign.

Ohio at Penn State

After going 9-4 last season, Penn State was set to have a strong 2012 season. That is, until all manner of unfortunate circumstances drastically changed the landscape of the Nittany Lions’ program, perhaps permanently.

With the death of Joe Paterno, campus-wide scandal, significant upheaval in personnel and harsh NCAA sanctions, the road ahead for Bill O’Brien’s team is not an easy one.

For Ohio, this is an exciting opportunity to take down one of the big programs on their turf. The Bobcats went 10-4 last season, wrapping up the season with an exciting win over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Regardless of the outcome or even the quality of play, this game marks a new era at Penn State, and in Beaver Stadium, and should not be missed.

Michigan versus Alabama at Cowboys Stadium

What could be better than starting the season with a BCS Bowl–worthy match up? In fact, in the long history of their programs, Michigan and Alabama have met only three times, all of which came in bowl games.

In this first regular-season face off of two potential national championship contenders, there is plenty on the line for both teams.

Alabama comes into the season trying to make a second consecutive national championship title a reality. Michigan comes into the season still trying to prove that, despite their 2008 nine-loss and 2009 seven-loss seasons, they are still a powerhouse and are not to be trifled with.

Michigan fans are eager to see Denard Robinson back in action. Many believe he is a likely Heisman Trophy contender this year. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide faithful are undoubtedly eager to see who among their ranks will rise to Heisman status now that Trend Richardson has departed for the NFL.

Clemson versus Auburn at the Georgia Dome

This game has it all. Rival teams sharing the same mascot, a neutral site, a history of thrilling face offs and the potential for the upset of a ranked team. What’s not to love?

Last season Clemson stunned the Cam Newton-less Auburn Tigers and went on to surprise several other unsuspecting ranked teams, eventually winning the ACC title.

Auburn certainly hasn’t forgotten the loss and seeks to regain the upper hand in this rivalry on Saturday night.

Of course, taking down 14th-ranked Clemson is easier said than done. Auburn starts a new quarterback, Kiehl Frazier, and lost their top rusher due to a violation of team rules.

There is plenty of reason to hope, however. Clemson ended the 2011 season on a questionable note, getting blown out in the Orange Bowl by West Virginia 70-33. Their performance highlighted some significant defensive weaknesses, which could be Auburn’s key to victory this week.

Enjoy the weekend college football fans!

Follow Danica on Twitter: @DaniRho11


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