Each Friday I will post the top 10 or so games of the upcoming weekend (could be more or less, just depends on what is on) and give a few reasons why I am interested in the games – some will be obvious, others may not. Games will include everything from College Football, to the English Premier League, to the NHL.

College Football:

• Friday Jan. 7th

#11 LSU (10-2) vs #17 Texas A&M (9-3) – AT&T Cotton Bowl – (Cowboys Stadium – Arlington, TX) 8:00 PM ET – FOX

I didn’t even realize the Cotton Bowl hasn’t been played yet – why are there so many non-BCS bowls after January 1st? Anyway, A&M comes in on a six game winning streak after losing three straight and a 3-3 start.  The Aggies will face a solid LSU team coached by the always entertaining Mad Hatter (Les Miles).  Both teams average over 28 points per game so expect some points if the offenses aren’t too rusty.

• Sunday Jan. 9th

#15 Nevada (12-1) vs Boston College (7-5) – Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl - (AT&T Park – San Fransisco, CA)  – 9:00 PM ET – ESPN

The Wolf Pack head to the Hunger Bowl with a share of the WAC title and one of the nation’s most potent running attacks lead by Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua.  Nevada’s will be tested by the B.C. defense that allows just 80 rushing yards per game – tops in the nation.  This could be an interesting game and will definitely feature an intriguing match-up when the Pack have the ball.

• Monday Jan. 10th

#2 Oregon (12-0) vs #1 Auburn (13-0) – BCS National Championship Game - (University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, AZ) 8:30 PM ET – ESPN

Photo via whosright.com

I’m not sure a whole lot of explanation is needed here – it’s what everyone (except you non-AQ schools) has been playing for since September.  The nearly unstoppable Cam Newton squares off against  LaMichael James and Oregon’s high-speed, high-scoring offense in Glendale for the national championship – this one shouldn’t disappoint.

National Football League:

• Saturday Jan. 8th

New York Jets (11-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (10-6) (Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN) 8:00 PM ET – NBC

The Jets head into the playoffs having lost three of their last five games and could be in trouble against Peyton and the Colts on Saturday.  Rex Ryan is a dismal 1-5 as the head coach and defensive coordinator against Peyton Manning lead teams and Rex’s secondary has struggled at times this year. The Jets wont be lacking confidence heading into the game and could easily get a road playoff win (had 2 last year).

• Sunday Jan. 9th

Baltimore Ravens (12-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) (Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, MO) 1:00 PM ET – CBS

The Chiefs lead the league in rushing yards per game (164) but the Ravens only allow 93 rush yards per game (5th best in the league) – so something’s gotta give on Sunday.  Kansas City was an impressive 7-1 at home this season but will face one of the most playoff tested teams in the league.  Joe Flacco and Ray Rice could give the Chiefs some trouble at Arrowhead this weekend.

Green Bay Packers (10-6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) (Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA) 4:30 PM ET – FOX

Photo via phillysportscentral.com

This playoff match-up features teams that ended the season in opposite fashion – the Packers won two straight whereas the Eagles lost two straight.  The Philadelphia offense has struggled to score points the last two weeks averaging just 13.5 ppg – I doubt that’s going to be enough to beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.  To make matters worse for Philly, Michael Vick should expect a plenty of pressure from Clay Matthews and the Green Bay who finished tied for second in sacks with 47.  I think the Eagles will need a BIG game from Vick to beat the Packers on Sunday.

English Premier League:

Sorry – no EPL games scheduled this weekend. It looks most teams are playing FA Cup matches on Saturday though.