Are you ready for some football? After a long off-season with NCAA sanctions and injuries throughout camp, we have finally made it to week 1. As usual, week 1 will be very interesting, with some great matchups and possibly major upsets. Some of the matchups this week could make or break a team for a BCS bid like Boise St. and TCU. Other teams like Notre Dame will show off a new regime under Brian Kelly. Here are the top 5 five games to watch:

Boise St. at Virginia Tech

You never hear Boise St, or even a non-BCS team, mentioned as the matchup of the week. However, with a National Championship at stake and a Monday night matchup versus a top program like Virginia Tech, it is time to accept it and see if the Broncos are for real. For Virginia Tech, they also have a lot to prove. If they beat third ranked Boise State, then they could be the front-runner to win the ACC. It's a Monday night matchup, what else could you ask for?

Oregon State at TCU

One of the biggest games in recent years, TCU will face Oregon State in a matchup that will be full of offense and weak defenses. Andy Dalton (QB) for TCU and Jacquizz Rodgers (RB) for Oregon State will lead their respective offenses. This game is going to be a shootout.

LSU at UNC

In usual circumstances, this matchup would be highly touted. However, with the recent 16 suspensions against UNC, they have no chance of beating an experienced LSU team. LSU wins this game in an easy fashion.

Purdue at Notre Dame

These teams might not be ranked, however this game is going to be a battle and a game that you should not miss. This is an evenly matched game, with new faces at QB and experienced defenses. Be sure to tune in.

Kentucky at Louisville

This matchup is not as exciting as the rest.  These two teams will be led by two new head coaches, Joker Phillips for Kentucky and Charlie Strong for Louisville.  This game is important to both programs, as whoever wins will have the momentum into the coming weeks.

Player to Keep Your Eye On: Kellen Moore, Quarterback, Boise State. He will be tested this week with an always-stingy Virginia Tech defense. Will he be able to handle the pressure of the big game and the Hokie defense?

With the College Football season kicking off in just a few hours, it’s time for our experts here on the site to weigh in with their preseason picks for the top 25 teams in the nation. These aren’t polls, these are the opinions of our College Football editor, Danny Hobrock, and staff College Football writer, Jared Levine.

There is no exact science here and it is strictly opinion at its best as even where the educated College Football follower is involved, there are differences of opinion. We’d like to hear your feedback and if you enjoy the rankings and commentary we’ll provide it for you each week. Send us an e-mail to let us know.

We're back at it again, just in time for your fantasy draft. You have already seen the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, now let's finish it off with the tight ends. I'll give you several ways to score big in your fantasy leagues. We'll take a look at the big scorers to take early and some other ones that you can wait until later in the draft that still should be a solid contributor. We will start it off with the tight ends that score fantasy points like receivers.

5) Visanthe Shiancoe - 2009 Stats - 56 rec 566 yards 11 TDs

Shiancoe had a solid 2009, thanks to a large part played by Mr. Wrangler, Brett Favre. Favre may have made all of the throws, but Visanthe definitely has the rare hands to make all the catches. As good as 09' was for Shiancoe, I expect a better 2010. Sidney Rice was Favre's favorite target last year. He could throw the deep ball up and Rice would go and get it. Rice scored a lot of the touchdowns due to this. He also took away a lot of the redzone looks from Shiancoe. Rice has been placed on the PUP list to start this season. This guarantees Sidney missing at least the first 6 games. During this stretch, Favre will come to rely on Shiancoe. After Rice comes back, Brett will already have built this chemistry with Visanthe and still look for him in critical situations.

4) Jermichael Finley - 2009 Stats - 55 rec 676 yards 5 TDs

Jermichael had a breakout year in 2009 and will continue this wave of new young tight end talent. Finley will benefit from being a pass catching tight end on one of the top passing teams. He has a great young franchise quarterback in Aaron Rodgers that can go through all the reads and make everything throw. The Packers are too deep at wide receiver for teams to always dedicate a top defender to guarding Finley. There are not too many linebackers or safeties for that matter that have the size plus speed to follow Finley all over the field. Rodgers will look for Jermichael, especially in the redzone, and has the tools to deliver the ball in stride and/or to the perfect location.

3) Brent Celek - 2009 Stats - 76 rec 971 yards 8 TDs
The Eagles are a very young and talented team. Kevin Kolb developed with this young group of offensive weapons, including one of the top tight ends in the game, Brent Celek. Celek and Kolb already seem to be on the same page. Just watching Kolb in his limited time in the regular season in 09' and the preseason so far in this year, he seems to have a firm grasp on the offense and know where his weapons will be. With Maclin missing time, Celek seems to be benefiting more than any other player. He's a bigger target and with the Eagles losing their workhorse back, Brian Westbrook this year, they could look to depend on Kolb's arm over Lesean McCoy's feet. If that is the route they go, then Celek will put up numbers like what Dallas Clark did last year.

2) Antonio Gates - 2009 Stats - 79 rec 1,157 yards 8 TDs

What can you say? Gates is the prototype of what you want a tight end to look like. He also plays with captain check down. Philip Rivers has always looked to check down to Gates or LT in the past. With LT now in New York, is it possible for Gates to even get more 5 yard passes and break tackles to turn into long gains for Rivers passing stat? I believe this is what will happen. Ryan Matthews will get a heavy workload in the running game, but there are questions behind the reliability of this O-line. Vincent Jackson is still MIA. So, if they decide to go pass heavy, Gates will undoubtedly be the #1 option.

1) Dallas Clark - 2009 Stats - 100 rec 1,106 yards 10 TDs

Clark is built more like a wideout and this is what the Colts use them as. He also benefits from playing with the best Quarterback in the game today. Peyton Manning can manipulate a defense and put the ball wherever he wants. Manning also makes any receiver that plays with him a viable threat. They can take advantage of Pierre Garcon's speed, by having the corner and the safety having to protect the deep route. Then you have one of the top receivers in the game on the other side in Reggie Wayne, in which every D has to game plan against. After you throw Austin Collie or Anthony Gonzalez out there in the slot, then defenses have no other choice but to match a linebacker or a safety up against Clark. This can turn out bad; even against elite linebackers...just ask Brian Cushing who got burnt all day by Clark. Cushing gave up 15 receptions in that game. There is no reason to believe that Peyton won't manipulate defenses again in 2010.

• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)
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2009 final record (overall, division): 5-11, 3-3
Division finish: 3rd NFC West
Offensive rank (Points, Total Yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards): 25th, 21st, 15th, 26th
Defensive rank (Points, Total Yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards): 25th, 24th, 30th, 15th

2009 Individual Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Julius Jones, 663 yards, 2 TD; Justin Forsett, 619 yards, 4 TD
Passing: Matt Hasselbeck, 3,029 yards, 17 TD, 17 INT
Receiving: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, 911 yards, 3 TD; Nate Burleson, 812 yards, 3 TD
Tackles: David Hawthorne, 117 total tackles; Jordan Babineaux, 104 total tackles
Sacks: Patrick Kerney, 5.0 sacks; Lawrence Jackson, 4.5 sacks
Interceptions: David Hawthorne and Deon Grant, 3 interceptions

2010 Season Outlook

Key Matchups

September 12 vs. San Francisco 49ers: In order to set tone for the divisional race, the Seahawks are going to have to start off strong and bring their best. Their defensive line is going to get pushed off the ball, so their linebackers are going to have to have a phenomenal day to contain Frank Gore, because if he gets into the secondary, he’ll be nearly impossible to catch.

November 21 at New Orleans: This game is going to be an enormous test for Seattle’s passing game. With their lack of speed in the defensive backfield, the Seahawks are going to get picked apart by the Saints’ multiple-receiver sets and will have to abandon the run early. If Golden Tate has a breakout performance in this game, it will definitely give the Seahawks a better chance of upsetting the defending Super Bowl Champions.

November 28 vs. Kansas City: The Chiefs are another team who the Seahawks can only stop with a great game from the linebacking corps. Jamaal Charles and Dexter McCluster will go crazy in the secondary if they are able to get past the second level of the defense, and the Seahawks are going to have to hope Matt Hasselbeck can air it out in order to catch back up if the Chiefs establish an early lead.

Key Losses

Seneca Wallace, QB; Nate Burleson, WR; Patrick Kerney, DE

Key Returning Players

Lofa Tatupu; MLB; Matt Hasselbeck, QB; T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR; Aaron Curry, OLB

For the past few months our College Football editor, Danny Hobrock, has been making his way across Division 1 College Football campuses around the nation in an effort to bring you up close and personal to the best NCAA football programs in America.

Alas, after living out of a suitcase and visiting 83 schools in less than 4 months, Danny has finally returned home just in time for the season's first 2010 College Football Kickoff this Thursday evening.

Click on the text or any team logo to find each team's in-depth preview page and read Danny's thoughts on each team's prospects and keys for success this year.

For those of you looking forward to Danny's work, we are proud to announce that the critically acclaimed, "College Football Saturday in 500 Words or Less" column will once again appear here first, on Xtra Point Football, each Sunday throughout the season prior to syndication throughout the nation. Here's the Preseason Edition.

• 2010-11 NFL Season Previews

Conference Previews

Big 12 North Conference, Big 12 South Conference, Mountain West Conference, Big East Conference, ACC Atlantic Conference, ACC Coastal Conference, PAC-10 Conference, Big Ten Conference, SEC East Conference, SEC West Conference

Team Previews

Nebraska Cornhuskers, Missouri Tigers, Kansas State Wildcats, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Colorado Buffaloes, Texas Longhorns, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Baylor Bears, TCU Horned Frogs, Utah Utes, Brigham Young Cougars, Air Force Falcons, Colorado State Rams, Wyoming Cowboys, San Diego State Aztecs, UNLV Rebels, New Mexico Lobos, Pittsburgh Panthers, Cincinnati Bearcats, West Virginia Mountaineers, Rutgers Scarlet Nights, Connecticut Huskies, South Florida Bulls, Syracuse Orange, Louisville Cardinals, Florida State Seminoles, Clemson Tigers, Boston College Eagles, North Carolina State Wolfpack, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Virginia Cavaliers,  Miami Hurricanes, Virginia Tech Hokies, North Carolina Tar Heels, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Duke Blue Devils, Oregon Ducks, Washington Huskies, Oregon State Beavers, USC Trojans, Arizona Wildcats, California Golden Bears, Stanford Cardinal, UCLA Bruins, Arizona State Sun Devils, Washington State Cougars, Ohio State Buckeyes, Iowa Hawkeyes, Wisconsin Badgers, Penn State Nittany Lions, Michigan State Spartans, Michigan Wolverines, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers, Illinois Fighting Illini, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky Wildcats, South Carolina Gamecocks, Tennessee Volunteers, Vanderbilt Commodores, Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas Razorbacks, LSU Tigers, Auburn Tigers, Mississippi Rebels, Mississippi State Bulldogs, Boise State Broncos, Fresno State Bulldogs, Nevada Wolf Pack, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, East Carolina Pirates, Houston Cougars, Southern Methodist Mustangs, Navy Midshipmen, Army Black Knights

• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)
• NFL 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

2009 final record (overall, conference): 8-5, 7-1
Bowl Game: Hawaii Bowl (L 45-10 vs. Southern Methodist)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: 2nd WAC
Offensive rank: 2
Defensive rank: 96

2009 Individual Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Vai Taua, 1,345 yards, 10 TD; Colin Kaepernick, 1,183 yards, 16 TD; Luke Lippincott, 1,049 yards, 9 TD
Passing: Colin Kaepernick, 2,052 yards, 20 TD, 6 INT
Receiving: Brandon Wimberly, 733 yards, 6 TD
Tackles: Jonathon Amaya, 89 total tackles
Sacks: Kevin Basped, 9.5 sacks (8 solo, 3 assisted)
Interceptions: Khalid Wooten, 2 interceptions

2010 Season Outlook

Key Matchups

September 11 vs. Colorado State: The Rams aren't a powerhouse by any means and don't reside in an AQ conference, but the Wolf Pack lost to this team a year ago and needs to rebound at home. A four-loss regular season isn't at all bad, but when you have the nation's top rushing attack and you could have very easily made it a three-loss regular season if not for a slip against the nation's 71st ranked rushing defense, it tends to stick with you.

September 17 vs. Cal/September 25 @ BYU: If Nevada is looking for respect from the national media, this is where they'll earn it. Boise State earned their current level of respect by beating teams from AQ conferences (not that BYU is in an AQ conference at this point), particularly in bowl games, but the Wolf Pack can earn a little here if they can take down the Golden Bears or the Cougars.

November 26 vs. Boise State: They can't forget about Fresno State a couple weeks earlier and avoiding a costly conference slip up will be important, but their WAC title hopes will come down to this if they can again get through the conference schedule unscathed. More on this matchup in the 'Season Prediction' section below.

AP: Not Ranked

Coaches': Not Ranked

Key Losses

Luke Lippincott, RB; Alonzo Durham, OT; Kenneth Ackerman, C; Mike Bethea, LB; Jonathon Amaya, S

Key Returning Players

Colin Kaepernick, QB; Vai Taua, RB; Brandon Wimberly, WR; Virgil Green, TE; John Bender, G; Dontay Moch, DE; James-Michael Johnson, LB/span>

When Boise State bolted from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), it started a domino effect that now appears to have taken the focus of college football from the football field to the court room.

In a desperate effort to lure non-football athletic programs from Mountain West Conference (MWC) independent runaway, BYU, and keep them from affiliation with other conferences, the WAC drafted an arcane resolution to prevent anyone else from leaving so they could try to negotiate with BYU.

After signing a resolution on August 13th along with the other remaining WAC schools stating they would not leave the WAC, Fresno State and the University of Nevada fled the conference just five days later seemingly ignoring the resolution before the ink was dry as if it never happened or didn't exist. This blindside is now leading many to speculate that it was never a binding document to begin with. Or was it?

This resolution will now be put to the test as WAC commissioner Karl Benson tried to enforce the resolution by announcing yesterday that Fresno State and the University of Nevada must pay $5 million each for failing to abide to the corporate resolution they both agreed to earlier this month that called for both to remain members of the WAC through June 30, 2016.

According to reports, both schools were notified on August 27 with a "demand for payment" letter and have 60 days from that date to make payment. The August 27 notification also served as a reminder for both schools that the resolution calls for the two schools to compete in the WAC during the 2010-11 season and the 2011-12 season as neither school announced their decision to withdraw from the WAC prior to the June 30 deadline as required by WAC Bylaws.

"The WAC fully expects to receive the $5 million from both Fresno State and Nevada and will take legal recourse if necessary to obtain the money," said Benson. "As for the termination date, WAC Bylaws make it very clear that Fresno State and Nevada must remain in the WAC through the 2011-12 season unless the WAC authorizes an 'early out.' Fresno State and Nevada leaving the WAC following the 2010-11 season would cause irreparable financial harm to the remaining WAC members in terms of football scheduling and potential loss of revenue from television and bowl games. The damages that Hawai'i, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State and Utah State would incur could exceed as much as $2 million per school."

Here's the text of the resolution passed by WAC members on Aug. 13, as obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune.

It is baseball season, but there are plenty of ways to get your fill of football too. Our own Danny Hobrock is on the beat making his way across the College Football landscape exhaustively covering team after team. These previews will get you up to snuff with everything you need to know about the transition to each 2010 team.

Each team preview covers the team's outlook and projection for the 2010 season. We've got in depth coverage of each team's offense, defense and special teams. We'll cover who's in and who's out, and players from true freshmen to four year starters and pro prospects. Finally, we'll look at strategy and style of play on both sides of the ball, as well detailed information about coaches and players.

Today Danny is previewing the SEC West Conference teams - Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas Razorbacks, LSU Tigers, Auburn Tigers,  Mississippi Rebels, and Mississippi State Bulldogs. Clicking on each team's logo will take you right to the team's preview.

Check back often between now and the September 2nd season kick-off as new team previews are going up almost every day. Clicking here or on the NCAA Football in the right sidebar will take you to the page containing all the previews published to date.

• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

• Big 12 North 2010 Season Previews
• Big 12 South 2010 Season Previews
• Mountain West 2010 Season Previews
• Big East 2010 Season Previews
• ACC Atlantic 2010 Season Previews
• ACC Coastal 2010 Season Previews
• PAC-10 2010 Season Previews
• Big Ten 2010 Season Previews
• SEC East 2010 Season Previews

• NFL 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

SEC (West) Conference

1. Alabama Crimson Tide
2. Arkansas Razorbacks
3. LSU Tigers
4. Auburn Tigers
5. Mississippi Rebels
6. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Alabama Crimson Tide

1st SEC West

While they're my favorite to win the SEC Championship, winning the National Championship is far from a lock. They lose a lot of experience on defense and their special teams loses its kicker, punter and return man. The offense should come out firing, but it was the defense that really carried this team to the title in 2009. There's enough talent to come in and make another run at the title and with no team the clear cut favorite to win it all, the situation is ideal for a defending champion with a little rebuilding to do (experience wise, that is) to come in and make a go at repeating as national champs.

The conference schedule will pit the defending champs on the road against Arkansas, South Carolina, Tennessee and LSU. They do, however, catch a break with Florida coming to Tuscaloosa, as well as with Auburn coming to town for the Iron Bowl. What's more, 'Bama fans are well aware that a number of their opponents this season will have a week off to prepare. It's a perfect recipe for a team as talented as Alabama to drop a game or two this season, but in the end, Nick Saban won't let his players buy into the schedule hoopla and definitely won't let them use it as an excuse.

I made the argument that Florida, who loses arguably their best player at every position, should not be ranked as high as #3 in the country until this year's squad can prove they can live up to the standards set by the Gator squads of the past few years, no matter how much talent and potential they have. It's a bit different with Alabama. Just about everybody is back on offense, including two of the game's best running backs. 'Bama ranked 12th in rushing offense a year ago and they should see some improvement in their 92nd ranked passing offense. As the defense adjusts to the new personnel, the offense should carry them with only one real test in the first three weeks (vs. Penn State). If they've worked out the kinks by the time the trip to Arkansas rolls around, this year's Tide should be all right and I have no problem with them starting #1 without a clear cut favorite coming into this season.

Arkansas Razorbacks

2nd SEC West

This is assuming the defense, and especially the secondary, improve in 2010. If they do not and teams continue to put up big numbers in the passing game, that second place prediction could turn into fourth place or worse with a few more losses. Mallett and the passing game will be outstanding and the four-back rotation will make for a nice ground game, but it isn’t fair to expect them to engage in weekly shootouts to come up with wins.

If the shuffling in the secondary works and everybody performs up to their potential, we could be looking at a special season for the Hogs that could ultimately culminate in an SEC West title and trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game. They'll almost certainly have to beat Alabama to earn that right and more than one SEC loss could sink those dreams in a hurry, but the schedule isn't a killer and plenty of talent, especially on offense, returns for this to potentially be a year to remember. We'll see how opportunistic Bobby Petrino's squad is this season.

• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)
• NFL 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

2009 final record (overall, conference): 14-0, 8-0
Bowl Game: BCS National Championship (W 37-21 vs. Texas)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): 1, 1
Conference finish: SEC Champions
Offensive rank: 42
Defensive rank: 2

2009 Individual Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Mark Ingram, 1,658 yards, 17 TD
Passing: Greg McElroy, 2,508 yards, 17 TD, 4 INT
Receiving: Julio Jones, 596 yards, 4 TD; Marquis Maze, 523 yards, 2 TD
Tackles: Rolando McClain, 105 total tackles
Sacks: Marcell Dareus, 6.5 sacks (6 solo, 1 assisted); Eryk Anders, 6 sacks (5 solo, 2 assisted)
Interceptions: Mark Barron, 7 interceptions (1 touchdown)

2010 Season Outlook

Key Matchups

September 11 vs. Penn State: This is one of the biggest and most anticipated non-conference matchups in college football this season. The game will be played in Tuscaloosa and will be nationally televised, allowing the country to get its first real glimpse of what the Tide is made of this season.

September 25 @ Arkansas: Don't underestimate Arkansas. Their offense should be one of the best in the SEC with a Heisman candidate leading the charge. This will be an important contest for the Alabama defense with the Gators a week away.

October 2 vs. Florida: In what world is this not a key game? It might be a prequel to the SEC Championship in December, or could ultimately decide whether one of these teams is left out in favor of division rivals Georgia in the East or LSU, Arkansas or Auburn in the West. One loss may not be enough to keep either team out of the championship game, but with a few key departures littered across both rosters, winning this one would quell a lot of pressure moving forward.

November 6 @ LSU: 'Bama will play their two biggest divisional games on the road this year. The Auburn matchup at the end of the season is always big and could be a trap for a Crimson Tide team that could very well be looking at another trip to the BCS National Championship Game, but taking care of business against an LSU team that won't sit idly by while Alabama makes another run at the title is vital to Alabama's season.

AP: 1st

Coaches': 1st

Key Losses

Colin Peek, TE; Mike Johnson, G; Terrence Cody, NT; Brandon Deaderick, DE; Rolando McClain, LB; Kareem Jackson, CB; Javier Arenas, CB; Leigh Tiffin, K

Key Returning Players

Greg McElroy, QB; Mark Ingram, RB; Trent Richardson, RB; Julio Jones, WR; Barrett Jones, G; Marcell Dareus, DE, Dont'a Hightower, LB; Mark Barron, S

• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)
• NFL 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

2009 final record (overall, conference): 8-5, 6-2
Bowl Game: New Mexico Bowl (L 35-28 2OT vs. Wyoming)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: 3rd WAC
Offensive rank: 17
Defensive rank: 98

2009 Individual Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Ryan Mathews, 1,808 yards, 19 TD
Passing: Ryan Colburn, 2,459 yards, 19 TD, 11 INT
Receiving: Seyi Ajirotutu, 677 yards, 7 TD
Tackles: Ben Jacobs, 106 total tackles
Sacks: Chris Carter, 5 sacks (5 solo)
Interceptions: Phillip Thomas, 2 interceptions (1 touchdown)

2010 Season Outlook

Key Matchups

September 4 vs. Cincinnati: This one will be nationally televised and gives the Bulldogs an excellent chance to prove they belong in an automatic qualifying conference, which is what the Mountain West stands to be in a few years if BYU stays put. This will be a tremendous test for a defense that was, well, not very good last season. The pass defense wasn't half bad, though, and they'll need to be on their toes against the Bearcats.

November 13 vs. Nevada: Both of these squads ranked in the top 10 in rushing offense, but Nevada took it to another level, finishing first in the country in rushing with an average of 344.9 yards per game. For a Bulldogs front that was awful at stopping the run, it's a scary proposition playing a team that last year gained 461 yards on you. And remember, they've got a pretty big game the next week…

November 19 @ Boise State: If Fresno State wants to win the WAC, they'll have to knock off the Broncos. There's only one more opportunity to do it as members of the WAC and earn their first outright WAC title (they've so far only shared the title: 1992, 1993, 1999). So the time is now.

AP: Not Ranked

Coaches': Not Ranked

Key Losses

Ryan Mathews, RB; Seyi Ajirotutu, WR; Moses Harris, S; Robert Malone, P

Key Returning Players

Ryan Colburn, QB; Jamel Hamler, WR; Chris Carter, DE; Ben Jacobs, LB