Most important college football games of 2016

Oklahoma hopes to get back to the College Football Playoff but will face a tough test right off the bat. Houston has high aspirations itself, led by Heisman Trophy candidate Greg Ward Jr.

The Les Miles debacle that ended last season showed how high the standards are in Baton Rouge. Some LSU fans expect the Tigers to get back into National Championship contention, especially with running back Leonard Fournette. The Badgers pose a huge threat in Week 1.

Two of the biggest college football powers face off in Week 1, with what should be a treat for fans. Both programs are looking to replace departing quarterbacks and certainly have a shot at winning their conferences, if not more. The pressure will be on Alabama, especially as the defending champs.

It's been an unfortunately eventful offseason for the Ole Miss program, with an NCAA investigation and the Laremy Tunsil draft day debacle. Week 1 couldn't come soon enough for Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze, but things could snowball quickly if the Seminoles can win this game — a game that could have College Football Playoff implications.

Boise State's Week 2 matchup against the Cougars is far from insignificant. On paper, Washington State looks like Boise's toughest foe and could be the biggest threat to an undefeated season. Washington State returns much of its offense from 2015, including quarterback Luke Falk.

After losing to the Rebels in consecutive seasons, Alabama must have this game circled on the schedule. It's quite an SEC opener for what's becoming a budding rivalry, even though these two squads will be tested before their first SEC game.

This Big Ten vs. Big 12 matchup could have huge College Football Playoff implications, as the inaugural College Football Playoff champs in Ohio State play a team that appeared in last year's CFP. Ohio State has an inexperienced squad that will face a huge test in Norman.

It's early for a game to determine so much in the Pac-12, but that's certainly the case between these rivals. The Cardinal won at USC by 10 points last season.

Most expect a regression for Baylor with the loss of head coach Art Briles, but no one truly knows how the Bears will fare in 2016. After a cupcake three-game out-of-conference schedule, they open their Big 12 slate against a very formidable Oklahoma State team.

The SEC East could come down to the Tennessee at Georgia contest. Both teams ultimately disappointed fans in 2015, but each has high hopes for this season.

The Ducks and Cougars played an overtime track meet last season, with Washington State winning 45-38. This season's matchup isn't expected to be much different in a game that could have huge Pac-12 implications.

Head coach Mark Richt is attempting to rebuild the Miami brand, and beating a marquee rival like Florida State would have a huge impact. The Seminoles won 29-24 in Tallahassee last season.

The Red River Showdown was shockingly claimed by Texas last season. It was just one of Charlie Strong's five wins last year. Oklahoma certainly wants revenge for its only regular-season loss of 2015, while a Texas win could go a long way in keeping Strong in Austin for another year.

Could this matchup be a preview of the SEC Championship? The Crimson Tide and Vols are considered by many to be front-runners in their respective divisions, and the implications could go well beyond just the SEC.

Clemson vs. Florida State has quickly become a rivalry and annual battle for the ACC. Clemson is likely to be heavily favored this season if it turns out to be as good as many expect.

Last year's Michigan vs. Michigan State game had one of the most incredible finishes in the history of college football, as the Spartans returned a dropped snap by Michigan's punter for a game-winning touchdown. This game has been anticipated by the college football world for the past year.

Les Miles has lost five consecutive games to Nick Saban and Alabama, and the controversy over the possible firing of Miles last season is partially due to that cold streak. As usual, this matchup could determine the SEC West.

USC vs. UCLA could have a huge impact on the Pac-12 during rivalry week as the last game of the conference season. Of course, it also could be difficult for the Trojans to not overlook the Bruins, as they face Notre Dame the following week.

The Spartans completely shocked Ohio State last season, winning in Columbus without starting quarterback Connor Cook to keep the Buckeyes out of the College Football Playoff. It goes without saying that Ohio State is looking for revenge.

The Fighting Irish face another tough schedule this season, capped off with the USC rivalry. Notre Dame won 41-31 last season.

It's certainly not impossible that the Florida rivalry could have College Football Playoff implications. The Gators made great progress last season, while the Seminoles are hoping to rebound this year.

Arguably the biggest rivalry in college football could determine a spot in the College Football Playoff, with both teams among the Vegas favorites. Urban Meyer ousted Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines 42-13 last season.

The Iron Bowl has gained national prominence over the last several years and has usually had a National Championship impact. Auburn has struggled in the rivalry recently and lost last year's matchup 29-13.

The rivalry between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma usually has Big 12 title implications and could also have an impact on the College Football Playoff. The Sooners embarrassed Oklahoma State in the Bedlam game 58-23 in Stillwater last season.

One of sports' most historic and greatest rivalries, Navy and Army have been playing annually since 1930. Navy has a long reign of dominance in the rivalry, with a streak that's now at 14 games.