On Teams That Play a Real Game in the Season Opener (NCAAF)

Each week this college football season, or until I get tired of it, I will be posting the three games of the week with the largest BCS implications. Not just for the title game, but for who will be invited to the BCS.

While most big-time NCAA football teams play a de facto exhibition game to start the season, at home against an overmatched opponents, a very few play a real game. In fact, there's only one game that matches Top 25 opponents, so we'll start with that one:

1. #15 Tennessee at #12 California. Both of these teams are are at the fringes of title consideration this year, talented but overshadowed by others in their conferences. The winner of this game establishes themselves as a real contender, while the loser is pretty much out of at-large contention. Since Cal probably can't take USC, and Tennessee probably won't beat both Florida and Georgia, they would both be well-advised to win this game. Adding flavor for California is the fact that last year, when they were touted as a real competitor for USC, Tennessee crushed them.

2. #19 Florida State at Clemson. As Wake Forest proved last year, the ACC Atlantic is pretty much anybody's for the taking. While they both disappointed last year, the Bowdens' teams have the most talent in the division, and the winner will be in the early driver's seat to reach the ACC title game.

3. Wake Forest at Boston College. Thank goodness the ACC opens with conference games. The Bowden Bowl matches the two most talented teams in the ACC Atlantic, but this game matches the two most accomplished. With NC State and Maryland returning solid teams as well, any team in this division could finish first or last. For Boston College, who has been one win away from the conference title or title game for three straight seasons, and who is starting fourteen seniors, it's now or never. For Wake, this is the first step toward defending their ACC title.

Predictions: Tennessee, Clemson, BC.