It’s a great time to be a football fan. It’s the last weekend of preseason games in the NFL. Even better, collegiate teams are beginning their quest towards bowl games. There are some quality teams showcased tonight. Lane Kiffin makes his debut as head coach at Southern Cal head to paradise to play the University of Hawaii Warriors. South Carolina hosts Southern Miss. Miami (FL), Pittsburgh and Ohio State all play their opening games tonight. There may be upsets, but the top teams are expected to breeze through the games. Pitt may have some trouble with Utah. The Panthers are starting a brand new quarterback. The Utes have the only victory in the series, a 35-7 win in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.

A key for the number one team, Alabama will be missing for at least the first game. Defending Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram injured his knee in practice and will miss the game against San Jose State. It’s uncertain if he’s going to miss more time, but Ingram will be back sooner rather than later. Trent Richardson will be the featured back in the first game. One key match up during the opening weekend is the contest between North Carolina and Louisiana State. The Tar Heels will be without defensive tackle Marvin Austin. The defense is suppose to be one of the best in FBS. They’re expected to have quite a few defensive players drafted in the top 15 in the 2011 NFL Draft. Les Miles is looking to get to the echelon it once enjoyed when Nick Saban was the coach. IT starts against the Tar Heels.

Boise State has an early opportunity to prove its ranking with a Monday Night showdown against Virginia Tech in FedEx field in Washington D.C. Many experts thought the Broncos were undeserving of their rank. This is the great opportunity to prove it. Watch your favorite teams as the opening kick off of the collegiate season begins tonight. There’s some really great games to start the season and it’s going to be a great weekend for football.