10 must-see college football games in 2014
Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard (31) reacts during the second half of a Big Ten Conference championship game against Ohio State on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Indianapolis Credit: AP / AJ Mast
Circle these dates
Aug. 28: Boise State vs. Ole Miss (in Atlanta)
MWC Broncs need national win over SEC for boost to earn favorite role for non-Big Five school major bowl berth.
Sept. 6: Michigan State at Oregon
Big Ten favorite meets Pac-12 favorite in mini-Rose Bowl that will weigh heavily at end in picking 4-team playoff.
Sept 6: Michigan at Notre Dame
Last scheduled meeting in 41-game series won't affect playoff but symbolizes lost rivalries as Irish form alliance with ACC.
Sept. 20: Clemson at Florida State
Outcome likely will determine Atlantic Division and ultimate ACC champ as Seminoles did last year in 51-14 blowout.
Oct. 4: LSU at Auburn
SEC opener for both schools should determine top challenger to Alabama for West Division and inside track to SEC title game.
Oct. 11: Oregon at UCLA
Ducks' toughest Pac-12 road game features Heismanesque QB clash between Marcus Mariota and Bruins' Brett Hundley.
Nov. 8: Baylor at Oklahoma
Bears QB Bryce Petty leads nation's top offense against Sooners' tough defense in key game to decide Big 12 title.
Nov. 8: Ohio State at Michigan State
This could decide Big Ten East.
Nov. 22: USC at UCLA
Winner likely takes Pac-12 South and advances to conference title game for spot in four-team College Football playoff field.
Nov. 29: Rivalry Week
Slew of rivalry games topped by Auburn at Alabama Iron Bowl in SEC West shapes playoff picture for selection committee. Key games include Stanford at UCLA (11/28), Oregon at Oregon State, Florida State at Florida, South Carolina at Clemson, Michigan at Ohio State, Notre Dame at USC and Utah State at Boise State.<NO>[/WEBBOX]
