Here are ten things to watch on the opening weekend of the 2011 college football season:

1. Can quarterback Jarrett Lee get the job done for No. 4 LSU? Against No. 3 Oregon at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday night, the Tigers will be without projected starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who is suspended indefinitely after being arrested on felony charges of second-degree battery. Lee was forced into action as a redshirt freshman in 2008 (after Ryan Perrilloux was dismissed from the team) and threw 16 interceptions, including seven that were returned for touchdowns. With star receiver Russell Shepard also suspended for alleged NCAA rules violations, the Tigers might hand the ball to tailback Spencer Ware a lot to take some pressure off Lee.

2. Will Georgia's "Dream Team" help the No. 19 Bulldogs put last season's nightmarish campaign in their rearview mirror? Against No. 5 Boise State in Saturday night's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, the Bulldogs will be counting on freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell, receiver Malcolm Mitchell and juco transfer Jon Jenkins to deliver big performances. A UGA coach described Crowell as the "real deal," and he'd better be as good as advertised because the Bulldogs don't have much depth behind him. But Jenkins and sophomore Kwame Geathers, who will rotate at nose guard, might be the most important players for UGA in the second year of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's 3-4 defense.

3. How good will Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist be coming back from a second knee injury? Crist will test his repaired left knee against South Florida in Saturday's opener at Notre Dame. Crist, who missed parts of the past two seasons after injuring both knees, beat out teammate Tommy Rees and two underclassmen for the starting job during preseason camp. If Crist stays healthy, the No. 16 Irish might have a chance to challenge for a BCS bowl bid. If Crist struggles, Irish coach Brian Kelly won't hesitate in turning to Rees, who played well in Crist's absence in 2010.

4. What will No. 18 Ohio State look like in Saturday's opener against Akron? The Buckeyes won't have former coach Jim Tressel or former starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor on the sideline. Leading rusher Dan "Boom" Herron and top receiver DeVier Posey are suspended for five games, along with two other starters. The Buckeyes probably won't be tested by the Zips, but OSU interim coach Luke Fickell needs to figure out whether he'll go through his first season with either senior Joe Bauserman or freshman Braxton Miller as his starting quarterback.

5. Alabama still hasn't settled on a starting quarterback heading into Saturday's opener against Kent State. The No. 2 Crimson Tide figures to play two quarterbacks -- AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims -- for at least the first game. McCarron has a better knowledge of the offense and makes fewer mistakes, but Sims outplayed him in scrimmages during training camp. Alabama coach Nick Saban will let them settle the battle on the field.

6. How good is defending BCS national champion Auburn? The No. 23 Tigers open the season against Utah State at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday. Auburn lost Heisman Trophy winner Cameron Newton, along with All-America defensive lineman Nick Fairley, four starting offensive linemen and a boatload of other starters. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn handed the keys to quarterback Barrett Trotter, who has mighty big shoes to fill against a very difficult schedule.

7. How will Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson fare? All eyes will be on Robinson in new Wolverines coach Brady Hoke’s first game against Western Michigan on Saturday. Robinson, who passed for 2,570 yards with 18 touchdowns and ran for 1,702 yards with 14 scores last season, will play under center more in offensive coordinator Al Borges’ system. The Wolverines want Robinson to be more patient and stand in the pocket longer.

8. How good is Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas? Thomas, who will start in Saturday’s opener against FCS foe Appalachian State, has drawn comparisons to Newton because of his size and scrambling ability. Tech coach Frank Beamer will be happy if Thomas can replace Tyrod Taylor’s production. If the No. 13 Hokies are going to win another ACC Coastal Division title, Thomas will have to take care of the football and tailback David Wilson will have to be really good.

9. How fast will No. 24 West Virginia's offense be in Sunday's opener against Marshall? New Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen believes returning quarterback Geno Smith is a perfect fit for his frenetic spread offense. Smith completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 2,763 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. He'll easily surpass those totals this season, starting with Sunday's opener against the Thundering Herd.

10. Will No. 7 Stanford be as physical and tough under new coach David Shaw? Former Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh, who left for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers after the 2010 season, instilled a blue-collar mentality at Stanford. Shaw hopes the Cardinal emulates that toughness in Saturday’s opener against San Jose State. At least Shaw has quarterback Andrew Luck coming back for another season.