5. LSU at Alabama, Nov. 3
The Tigers' four toughest foes -- Virginia Tech, Florida, Auburn and Arkansas -- all come to Baton Rouge, but this one could be LSU's make-or-break road game. Furthermore, it would be in Tigers coach Les Miles' best interest not to lose his first meeting with new LSU arch-enemy Nick Saban.
8. Florida State vs. Alabama, Sept. 29
The BCS stakes in this one may wind up being minimal, but it still figures to be a significant statement opportunity for either Saban or for Bobby Bowden's revamped coaching staff as both attempt to resurrect fallen powers. Furthermore, it's the 77-year-old Bowden's first-ever meeting against his home-state team.
