If you have been following along with Stiletto Sports the last few weeks then you may have heard my College Football lament. I even have an open poll going on all season asking everyone “Which do you love: College Football or NFL?” Every week I love doing my NFL picks and articles. I even love reading the analysis on ESPN (I know! It scares me that I do too!)

But when it comes to college football, I just don’t get excited prior to the games. You can put me in front of any game and I’ll watch it, probably pick a team and be screaming at the TV by the end, but I have a hard time getting amped up before the games…..

Until this week!

There are two huge in-state rivalry matchup games that are making this week of college football interesting! Throw in a matchup of two closely ranked teams and a matchup of the No. 1 team against another in the top 25 and now I have a College Gameday to get excited about! And the best part  is all the great games come on after I get home from work!

Who are you picking for College Gameday? Leave me a comment below or on Twitter to let me know! Are you a college football fanatic? Remember to take our Stiletto Sports Poll and let me know!

What I’m Watching:

3:30 pm No. 17 Michigan State vs. No. 18 Michigan

My Pick: Michigan State

Why I’m Watching: Because MSU-UM  is finally a Relevant Rivalry Once Again! This is the 103rd matchup between these in-state rivals. And while Michigan State always thought of it as a huge game of the season, Michigan always just kinda mildly amused by this “rivalry.” To them, it like just another game of the season.

Until the last two years when MSU took down the Wolverines back to back, and are poised to go three in a row this year!

It’s also my pick for Game of the Week so stay tuned for Game Day Recipes and my, um, expert, analysis!

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8:00 p.m. #23 FSU vs. No. 13 Miami

My Pick: FSU. I could go on and on that it’s because they are good, their QB is hot, blah blah. But you want my honesty? It’s because I met Chris Daughtry in Tallahassee so I’m quite fond of that lil college town.

Why I’m Watching:

If you think Michigan-Michigan State is a huge rivalry, it’s nothing compared to the bloodshed of the Florida State-Miami Rivalry. It’s a huge in-state brawl. Yeah, you always hear about the animosity between FSU and Florida, especially since they are only about 2 hours apart. But Seminoles will admit that really, Miami is their biggest rival, especially being in the same conference. But this is the first year that’s actually mattered in a looong time.

It’s such a huge matchup that in 2006, the Miami – Florida State game became the most-watched college football game in ESPN history–in regular and postseason. Last year’s showdown on Labor Day was so exciting and had so many viewers (second most watched game in ESPN history….) that it became an “Instant Classic” and was rebroadcast the next night. And both teams weren’t even ranked last year! This is the first time since that 2006 epic game that both are in the top 25. This is going to be huge.

“This is the reason you come to Florida State. To play in these games.”- FSU coach Jimbo Fisher.

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7:30 p.m. No. 12 LSU vs. No. 14 Florida

My Pick: I guess I’ll go with Florida.

Why I’m Watching: Because I think it’s truly funny that these two teams are ranked No 12 and No 14 after reading this:

LSU [already] has six interceptions and no passing touchdowns in its last four games…. Florida is 84th nationally in total offense and LSU 91st. -ESPN

So they are ranked 84th and 91st in offense (aka they suck) and yet nationally they are very high in the Top 25 in the country. Yeah. That makes sense.

Yes, LSU is 5-0 and Florida is 4-1 but the first 5 games of the season have not been good for these two normally-powerhouse schools. I like that this game is going to expose them both a little and see who really wants this season.

(Florida Fans: Check out Florida Gators Gameday Recipes!)

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3:30 pm No. 1 Alabama vs.  No. 19 South Carolina.

My Pick: Alabama. It shocks me how much I’m enjoying the Crimson Tide. I was so against them for the last two years, especially once they won the championship. But for some reason, they have grown on me like a fungus.

Why I’m Watching: Can anyone stop Mark Ingram and Nick Saban? Maybe, but it probably won’t be the Gamecocks. Mark & Co. have been going into their matchups this season and exposing the other teams–unranked and ranked. They made Florida look like a high school football team last week. Their only stumbling moment was against Arkansas where the Razorbacks actually took over for part of the game. But then the Tide came in from behind and swept Arkansas away.

(Alabama Fans: Check out Alabama Crimson Tide Gameday Recipes)

Who are you picking for College Gameday? Leave me a comment below and let me know! And remember to check back in a few! Michigan-Michigan State Gameday Recipes will be up soon!

About the author: Jennifer Taglione is the owner of this fabulous website Stiletto Sports. Despite writing well over 500 posts, she still maintains that she is not a sports writer! She is however a huge fan of Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Mark Sanchez, the Celtics, and totally kicks butt on March Madness brackets! Connect with her by following her on Twitter @StilettoSportsJ and subscribing to her weekly newsletter. For more info check out the About the Editor page!

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