FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Yes, the season has yet to kick off and each week that passes once 2008 is underway might change how attractive or not a game matchup is with Colorado but let's make a run at ranking the head to heads.

The Buffs open with Colorado State and even if that game has lost some luster for some fans it is a contest that is usually hard fought while creating memorable moments. Grade B. 

Eastern Washington? Who knows how the game will turn out but Eastern Yawn just isn't going to excite many fans leading up to kickoff. How can you feel anxiety or joy when you don't even know the opposing team's players, coach or hell, the mascot. Grade F. 

West Virginia, on paper, has to get CU fans' attention. After all, they have become a fast-break, high-scoring circus but there is change on the field as coach Rich Rodriguez spit on his alma mater in a messy breakup to go to Michigan while sprinter back Steve Slaton ducked out for the NFL along with rugged fullback Owen Schmidt. This game will challenge the Buffs "D" because A-list quarterback Pat White is back in Morgantown and will show off his run, run, pass skills in Boulder for a night. Going by the marquee appeal only, this ride gets an A rating.

Traveling to Tallahassee to face Florida State seems like punishment and the outcome will likely be the same. The Seminoles are softer than their glory years but still stray dog dangerous and if they get any sort of quarterback play out of Drew Weatherford or any other stud recruit, they are going to be big in the ACC in 2008. Colorado couldn't move the football last year and unless their offensive line and receivers step way up the Buffs will get Southern spanked. This game, however, is not Eastern Washington, which is to say, a dog. Grade A.

Texas comes to town and it's been a while since the Buffs beat up on the Longhorns. UT has the offense, the defense and the skins on the wall with wins lately but an inspired CU team could compete. A lot of star power, led by Colt McCoy, for the Horns and an intriguing matchup between McCoy and Cody Hawkins makes this an intriguing matchup. This game could be a blowout for Mack Brown but the early, early feel is the Buffs might be ripped for this matchup. Grade A. 

Kansas State has bullied Colorado lately and the Buffs have to shake that monkey off their back. Until that happens, this game has added interest. Grade B.

Missouri embarrassed CU last year and has the tools to do it again. Can Dan Hawkins coach the Buffs out of harms way and keep it close against Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin? Can CU move the ball and ring the scoreboard? Grade B. 

Texas A & M is always a tight game it seems and with Mike Sherman imported to College Station to restore order this Saturday is going to require a lot more effort to conquer. Look for a lights-out competition and a close, razor close final. Early prediction is that Sherman is going to get the Aggies back on track in the Big 12 and nationally with recruiting but especially discipline, execution and an exciting brand of football. Grade A.

Rip Iowa State all you wish. Who dat that beat them Buffs? The Cyclones are going to get tough, face it, even if they never win the conference. This is a game that you expect to win but also realize you're going to get chewed on before you get past that mean dog on the block. Grade C attractiveness but the game could be better than that.

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy is a little crazy but he fields explosive offenses even if not always competitive teams. He's leading the old Texas Tech teams. But with some breaks and a smidge of defense, the Cowboys can be formidable and they'll punch CU in the face all game long, making for an entertaining game, as in the scoreborad ringing like a pinball game.

Who's more obsessed with each other than Nebraska and Colorado? In the Big 12? No, not OU-UT or A & M-UT or even KU-MU. It's gotta be the Huskers and Buffs. Even when the games aren't good the buildup is intense and with CU building and drill seargeant Bo Pelini the new general in Lincoln this promises to be a knockdown, dragout affair. You can also bet this series is about ready to go nuclear in the next couple of years as these teams strain to get back to their former powerful selves. Grade A-plus-plus.