A look at 10 games that could — no, will — decide the national championship:

CALIFORNIA at TENNESSEE (Sept. 2) — Thanks to a powerful running game and staunch defense, California could be a nice dark-horse pick to play for the BCS championship. Probably not with one loss, though.

OHIO STATE at TEXAS (Sept. 9) — An early season all-in call to see who gets to chase the national title, and who gets to pin hopes to the conference season.

LSU at AUBURN (Sept. 16) — Auburn probably has the least harrowing schedule of all the SEC contenders. Not that it'll be any consolation in this Tigers vs. Tigers tilt.

NOTRE DAME at MICHIGAN STATE (Sept. 23) — Yes, Michigan could upset the applecart the week before, but the pesky Spartans are too often the Irish's downfall. After this, it should be smooth sailing for Notre Dame until a visit to Southern California (see below).

TEXAS at NEBRASKA (Oct. 21) — The Cornhuskers should have a nasty defense this year, and they'll be ready for the Longhorns.

WEST VIRGINIA at LOUISVILLE (Nov. 2) — West Virginia, the darling of many preseason pundits, has a decidedly manageable schedule before and after this game.

VIRGINIA TECH at MIAMI (Nov. 4) — This should be a tilt between two of the nation's best defenses, and the winner should play for the ACC title, and possibly more.

CALIFORNIA at SOUTHERN California (Nov. 18) — Even if Cal is likely to be out of the picture, the Trojans might not be. Could they get caught looking ahead to Notre Dame?

NOTRE DAME at SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (Nov. 25) — An early candidate for most-hyped game of the season for a reason.

FLORIDA at FLORIDA STATE (Nov. 25) — Both teams have to pass tough early season tests (at Tennessee and at Miami). But if they both pass, this could be one for the ages.