This is absolutely my favorite time of year, when all the predictions, dialogue and analysis ends and we get to see it all play out on the field.

Here’s our predictions for a few of this weekend’s games.

#13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State. For all the talk about the Cowboys and the raucous environment in Stillwater, keep in mind the Georgia Bulldogs are a team who have been extremely successful on the road under Mark Richt, compiling a 30-4 record during his tenure. Despite losing their starting QB and RB to the NFL Draft, I think Richt will have his team ready, but Zac Robinson and 60,000 strong will be waiting. In a close one, Oklahoma State emerges victorious 24-20.

#20 Brigham Young vs. #3 Oklahoma (Dallas). BYU wants to prove they belong in the BCS discussion. Oklahoma will prove they aren’t ready for prime time just yet. Oklahoma 35, BYU 20.

#5 Alabama vs. #7 Virginia Tech. If Darren Evans were healthy, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick the Hokies. Alabama has to replace their starting quarterback, three offensive linemen and, until Wednesday night, looked like they might be without their top wide receiver, Julio Jones, and starting running back, Mark Ingram until the NCAA ruled they could play. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Frank Beamer and company emerge victorious, but something tells me Alabama is ready for this game. Alabama 24, Virginia Tech 14.

Maryland at #12 California. Last season, Maryland upended the Bears in College Park. This season, Cal welcomes the Terps to the West Coast as they kickoff what they hope will be a BIG season, led by Heisman candidate Jahvid Best. It’s payback by the Bay for Maryland. California 34, Maryland 17.

#11 LSU at Washington. Unlike the past several seasons, LSU is flying far below the radar to begin 2009. New Washington head coach, Steve Sarkisian, will get the Husky program headed back on the right track, just not this season. LSU 34, Washington 13.

#8 Mississippi at Memphis. This has traditionally been a close game for both teams early in the season. Memphis last won 10-6 in 2004, with four of the past five contests being decided by a touchdown or less. Look for Houston Nutt’s Rebels to make a statement against the Tigers that they are ready for big things in 2009. Ole Miss 38, Memphis 17.

Cincinnati at Rutgers. Has any game between two unranked teams meant so much at the beginning of the season? Both are expected to contend for the Big East Championship and a berth in, likely, the AllState Sugar Bowl. Greg Schiano will ride the home crowd to victory on Labor Day. Rutgers 23, Cincinnati 20.

Miami (FL) at #18 Florida State. Remember when this game was dubbed “The Game of the Century” every season? Here’s how far it has fallen…..tickets were still available to this game from the ticket office this week. Either way, this one is still big for FSU and “The U”. Whichever coach, Bobby Bowden or Randy Shannon, is dealt the loss will begin to hear the drumbeat for change. I believe the drumbeats of victory sound for the Seminoles. Florida State 24, Miami Hurricanes 17.

Enjoy the opening weekend of the 2009 College Football season!

Recently, I talked about some teams who are utilizing the 12th game to their advantage by scheduling some non-conference marquee matchups.

But what games – in and out of conference – will have the biggest impact on the perception of the national media, the BCS standings and who plays for the BCS National Championship this season?

Here’s the MrBCS.com Top 10 College Football games for 2009.

September 3rd: Oregon at Boise State. It won’t take long for it to feel like mid-season with these two BCS contenders facing off on opening night. Last year in Eugene, the Ducks fell to Boise State in what some Oregon players called “an embarassment.” They get to do somethig about it on Thursday night. Boise State can, and likely will, make the BCS as an at-large without this win. Oregon will not. This one is huge for the Ducks.

September 5th: Virginia Tech vs. Alabama (Atlanta). Last year, Alabama used this game with Clemson to get their season off to a fast start, eventually running their record to 12-0. The Hokies, who lost their starting running back Darren Evans, will look to do the same and can clear their most significant hurdle between them and the BCS Championship game by emerging victorious at the Georgia Dome.

September 12th: USC at Ohio State. Will it be rout #2 for the Trojans or redemption for the Buckeyes? The winner of this one takes a big, big step in the polls and BCS rankings with a victory in Columbus.

October 3rd: USC at Cal. Will USC’s championship dominance come to an end or will another Pac-10 power emerge in 2009? This game couldn’t come at a worse time for the Bears who will be coming off an emotional road game at Oregon the week before.

October 10th: Florida at LSU. The last time these two teams played in Baton Rouge, the Bengal Tigers won by converting an amazing 5 of 5 fourth downs, all in the 4th quarter. Look for LSU to provide the biggest road test for the Gators in 2009. This one is not for the faint of heart.

October 10th: Alabama at Ole Miss. Houston Nutt always had his teams at Arkansas playing their best when their backs were up against the wall. How will the Rebels fare in their biggest test of the season? The winner of this game will likely play for the SEC Championship.

October 17th: Texas vs. Oklahoma (Dallas). Don’t plan anything on this Saturday. The 2009 Red River Rivalry will be one for the ages. In addition to two top five teams facing off, this one is juiced by the bad blood following the Longhorns exclusion from the Big XII and BCS title game despite having defeated the Sooners 45-35 in 2008. You won’t want to miss this one.

October 31st: USC at Oregon. If the Trojans survive the trip to Berkeley against Cal, this is their last stop between an undefeated season and a shot at the BCS National Championship.

November 7th: Ohio State at Penn State. The belief here is that the undefeated Nittany Lions will be facing a one-loss Buckeyes squad. This should be Joe Paterno’s biggest challenge to another undefeated season. Should the Buckeyes win, look for the Rose Bowl to deal either USC or Ohio State to another BCS game to avoid a rematch of September 12th.

November 28th: Oklahoma State at Oklahoma. Just when you think the Sooners have wrapped up the (fill in the blank here) the OSU Cowboys seem to disrupt the party. If Oklahoma State can defeat the Georgia Bulldogs on opening weekend, they could be in line for a BCS at-large berth -or more – with a victory here.

One final point to consider. If there are more than two undefeated teams (Florida, Penn State, USC and Texas/Oklahoma), who will be shut out? MrBCS.com believes the storyline of the Gators will be too much to ignore, especially given their current poll position. As for their opponent? Look for it to be the Texas Longhorns (provided they are undefeated) or the USC Trojans. If multiple undefeated teams exist again this season, it should really get the momentum recharged for a playoff and plus one plan.

What do you think? Is there a game you’re especially excited about this season?