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Looking ahead: 4 early football matchups to watch

by By Frank Therber, Indiana Daily Student; SOURCE: Indiana U. , University Wire

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We are fewer than 70 days from when one of the most anticipated college football seasons kicks off. With all the noise this offseason, thanks largely to new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, and coaching situations across the country, there are a multitude of games that will gain the spotlight.

Without further ado, let's take a look at some can't-miss contests of the 2009 season.

Sept. 12 -- University of Southern California at Ohio State

Nothing spells primetime like this matchup under the lights, taking place in a state where football is valued almost as much as life itself. The Buckeyes have plenty to avenge after the 35-3 rout they experienced last year in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. For the better part of the last half-decade, all Ohio State and coach Jim Tressel have heard is how the Buckeyes can't compete with the Southeastern Conference and teams such as USC.

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor will have a year of experience under his belt and a raucous crowd on his side, hoping to finally get the quality out-of-conference win for the Buckeyes.

Sept. 19 -- Tennessee at Florida

"I can't wait to sing 'Rocky Top' all night long after we beat Florida next year." These are the words of first-year Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who takes over for Phillip Fulmer. Kiffin, not football , is what has made news this offseason in Knoxville, Tenn. While the NCAA is looking into five possible violations committed within the Volunteer program since Kiffin took over, the Rocky-Toppers are excited as ever.

Though no Southeastern Conference schedule can ever be considered easy, the Vols have home games against Georgia, Auburn and UCLA. If Kiffin & Co. can find a way to pull out these wins and back up the coach's statement about the defending national champs, Tennessee could be playing at the Georgia Dome for a shot at the SEC Championship.

Oct. 10 -- Michigan at Iowa

The Wolverines' Rich Rodriguez, who is coming off a 3-9 record in his inaugural season in Ann Arbor, Mich., will have to face a deadly ground attack and the notorious 70,000-plus at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes, who upset then-No. 2 Penn State last year, have a solid running back, sophomore Jewel Hampton from Indianapolis. Hampton rushed for more than 450 yards while backing up All-Big Ten running back Shonn Greene. This game will be a true test for the Wolverines and could signal Rodriguez's status for the long term.

Oct. 17 --?? University of Southern California at Notre Dame

Notre Dame will come into this game having lost to USC by more than 20 points six of the last seven seasons, and more than 30 points five of the last seven. If the Domers have any hopes of beating the Trojans during the dynasty coach Pete Carroll has formed throughout the last decade, this is the year to do it. The Irish have home field and return 10 starters on their high-powered offense. The Trojans lose Heisman finalist Mark Sanchez but still possess a ball-hawking safety in Taylor Mays and punishing running back Stefan Johnson. If the Irish drop one or two games leading up to the Oct. 17 bout, this game could be a deciding factor in the future of Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis' future in South Bend.

Copyright 2009 Indiana Daily Student via U-Wire

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