Welcome to the Age of Parity in college football.
This is the era that will be written about years from now as the time when college football transformed from a top-heavy, dynasty-laden sport to one in which upsets rule and anybody really can beat anybody.
Remember the days when you could pencil in most of the top 25 for wins against any non-ranked opponent?
Remember the days when the athletes at big-time conferences were just too big and too physical for smaller schools to compete with?
Remember the days when you’d never even heard of Appalachian State?
Well those days are long gone, my friend. The new era of topsy-turvy, BCS-busting football has arrived.
For better or worse, we can no longer guarantee wins for top-flight teams against bottom-feeders – even within conferences. Take the SEC, for example. While the top teams (Florida, LSU) still dominate, have you noticed the strides made by once-defunct programs like Ole Miss and Vanderbilt?
Even FBS (formerly Division I) teams are in danger when playing FCS (formerly Division II) teams, these days. In the first two weeks of the 2009 season, four FBS teams have fallen to FCS opponents.
And the powerful BCS is looking less and less dominant, too. Last weekend alone, six BCS conference teams (Colorado, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Virginia, Washington State, Kansas State ) were upended by teams from non-BCS leagues (Toledo, Central Michigan, Houston, TCU, Hawaii, Louisiana-Lafayette, respectively).
And this, of course, was just a building block on top of what happened the previous weekend, when Boise State beat Pac-10 favorite Oregon and BYU stunned 3rd-ranked Oklahoma.
So, now that we’re all getting accustomed to such shock and awe on a weekly basis, there’s only one logical question: which teams will be victims of parity this week?
Could it be 8th-ranked Cal traveling to take on 2-0 Minnesota? Could it be 24th-ranked North Carolina, facing feisty Eastern Carolina at Chapel Hill? Could Toledo back up a dominant win over Colorado with a stunner over the Buckeyes?
And could Lane Kiffin’s young Tennessee Volunteers ride the upset wave and shock college football with a win in Gainesville over the Florida Gators?
Okay… maybe there’s not that much parity. But you get the point.
To week three we go…
Looking back (My Week Two Picks):
Overall: 8/13 (18/29 on the season)
Top Five: 3/5 (5/10 on the season)
Upset Special (UNLV over Oregon State): 0/1 (1/2 on the season)
Top five games to watch this weekend:
5. #3 USC at Washington (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC):
Really? This game is a top five game to watch this weekend? Here’s why: USC is coming off an emotional, physical win over Ohio State last weekend, and a letdown seems likely. Secondly, the Trojans have been susceptible to losing to mediocre Pac-10 teams in recent years. And finally, don’t you think Steve Sarkisian, who came to Washington following eight years on the USC sidelines, would love to be the one to upend his former team’s title hopes?
No, I’m not saying the Huskies will win. I’m just saying it might be a lot closer than Vegas odds makers say it will. Keep an eye on this one.
Prediction: USC 38, Washington 27
4. Texas Tech at #2 Texas (Sat. 8:00 EST, ABC):
You want points? This is your game to watch this weekend. Texas Tech averaged 44.6 points per game last season, fourth best in the nation. The Longhorns weren’t too bad either, averaging 43.9 points, just one spot below the Red Raiders in the national rankings.
Oh, and this one has a little bit of a storyline, too. Texas Tech (and Michael Crabtree’s legendary touchdown catch) was all that stood in the way of the Longhorns playing for a Big 12 and, potentially, national title last season. Colt and Co. want revenge.
Prediction: Texas 41, Texas Tech 24
3. Tennessee at #1 Florida (Sat. 3:30 EST, CBS):
Lane Kiffin, I feel bad for you. You provoked a sleeping giant with comments in the off-season, promising Vols fans a win over the mighty Gators. Then you accused Florida coach Urban Meyer of cheating on recruiting, though Meyer was later cleared of all wrongdoing. And now your young team, fresh off a home loss to UCLA, travels to Gainesville to take on arguably one of the best college football teams in history.
Let’s be clear: this one isn’t a game to watch because it will be close. Frankly, I’ll take Temple’s chances to beat Penn State at Happy Valley over the Vols’ chances in Gainesville. But this one will be fun to watch to see just how badly Meyer and his Gators run up the scoreboard on Kiffin. 50 points? 60? 70?
Prediction: Florida 58, Tennessee 16
2.# 14 Georgia Tech at #20 Miami (Thurs. 7:30 EST, ESPN):
This week’s Thursday night match-up promises to be a dandy. Georgia Tech, which needed a late field goal to get past Clemson at home last week, lays its ACC title hopes on the line against a surprising Miami team, which got a week off following an impressive win over Florida State week one.
Miami has lost four consecutive games to Georgia Tech, and last year’s 41-23 loss in Atlanta was really never close. But this may be a new Miami team. If QB Jacory Harris plays as well as he did against the Seminoles, the Hurricanes absolutely can win this game.
Prediction: Miami 27, Georgia Tech 24
1. #19 Nebraska at #13 Virginia Tech (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC):
This game intrigues me for a lot of reasons. First, Virginia Tech is in need of an impressive win over a ranked opponent after an opening week loss to Alabama. Secondly, this game should show us just how good a 2-0 Nebraska team (whose wins are over Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State) really is.
Lastly, do you remember this game a season ago? The Huskers mounted a huge comeback late to make the game very interesting in Lincoln. This is a confident Nebraska team looking for its signature win. If the Hokies aren't careful, Saturday night may prove to be just that.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Nebraska 21
Upset Special:
Northwestern at Syracuse (Sat. 7:00 EST):
Hey, give the Orange some credit. Syracuse has opened its first season under new coach … with competitive losses against Minnesota (23-20 in OT) and Penn State (28-7 in Happy Valley). I know, only at Syracuse would anything called “competitive losses” be seen as a great thing. But the moral of the story is that the Orange is playing surprisingly well so far this year, and the squad is hungry (more like starving) for a win. Meanwhile, Northwestern comes off a less-than-stellar home win over Eastern Michigan. Hey, the Orange have to get a win sometime, right?
Prediction: Syracuse 20, Northwestern 19
For your viewing pleasure:
10 Boise State at Fresno State (Fri. 9:00 EST, ESPN): Boise State 30, Fresno State 23
8 California at Minnesota (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN): Cal 28, Minnesota 21
East Carolina at 24 North Carolina (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN2): North Carolina 26, ECU 14
Michigan State at Notre Dame (Sat. 3:30 EST, NBC): Michigan State 24, Notre Dame 20
Tulsa at 12 Oklahoma (Sat. 3:30 EST, FSN): Oklahoma 35, Tulsa 24
18 Utah at Oregon (Sat. 3:30 EST, ESPN): Oregon 33, Utah 30
Arizona at Iowa (Sat. 3:35 EST, ABC): Iowa 21, Arizona 10
17 Cincinnati at Oregon State (Sat. 6:45 EST, FSN): Oregon State 31, Cincinnati 21
West Virginia at Auburn (Sat. 7:45 EST, ESPN2): Auburn 34, West Virginia 26
23 Georgia at Arkansas (Sat. 7:45 EST, ESPN): Georgia 27, Arkansas 22
Heisman Hunt:
Tim Tebow (QB – Florida)
Maybe this is a little too obvious, but the Gators are going to put up some serious points Saturday against Tennessee (3:30 EST, CBS). And if you haven’t noticed, Tebow is kind of one of the Gators’ star players. The Heisman contender is due a big breakout game, and he will have no more motivation to grind a team into the ground than this weekend in Gainesville. Look out, Lane Kiffin.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
College Football Weekend: Preview and Predictions (Week Two)
Well, College Football's 2009 season really started with a real punch.
I mean, a bang. Started with a bang.
The offseason was filled with so much hype for the coming college football season it seemed impossible that week one could actually live up to it. But, amazingly enough, it did.
From Boise State's upset on the blue turf to "The Punch" to Dez Bryant's ridiculous cathches to BYU's historic victory to Sam Bradford's shoulder to two blocked field goals in the final seconds of a game in Iowa... the 2009 campaign got off to a pretty fast start.
So, we should be all psyched up for week two, right? Another weekend jam-packed with hard-hitting rivalries, potential upsets and brewing rivalries?
Um...not so much.
Week two appears, on paper anyways, to be a bit of a letdown after the fireworks of opening weeeknd. Only one game pits two Top 25 opponents - USC vs. Ohio State. And while this battle in Columbus has been built up as one of the biggest games of the 2009 season, I'm not biting.
That's because I can clearly remember the beat-down USC laid on the Buckeyes just a season ago in Los Angeles. Sure, the Trojans may not be quite the team they were at this point in 2008, but the Buckeyes don't look like they've improved much themselves (especially after Saturday's scare against Navy).
But, rest assured college football fanatics, perhaps the greatest asset about this sport is its unpredictability. And there are plenty of games on the slate that could end up being season-altering moments.
So, while you get all fired up for what likely will be a two touchdown-plus USC win in Columbus Saturday night, keep a close eye on games like Notre Dame-Michigan, UCLA-Tennessee, South Carolina-Georgia, and Oregon State-UNLV, just to name a few.
Because, as we learned in week one, in college football, surprises can hit you like a punch to the head.
I mean punch to the gut.
Looking Back (How My Week One Picks Looked):
Overall: 10/16
Upset Special: 1/1 (Baylor over Wake Forest)
Five Games You Can't Miss this Weekend
5. Clemson at #15 Georgia Tech (Thurs. 7:30 EST, ESPN):
Could the ACC have had a worse opening weekend? Virginia Tech loses the blockbuster matchup against Alabama. NC State lays an egg on opening night against South Carolina. Then Duke and Virginia go and lose to schools the size of some community colleges. Monday night's fantastic Florida State-Miami duel made up a bit for the awful weekend that preceded it, but it was still a rough, rough start.
Clemson and Georgia Tech now take the spotlight this week. This game could go a long way in determing the eventual conference champ. Look for Georgia Tech's rush offense to be a bit much for the Tigers' defense to handle.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 30, Clemson 17
4. South Carolina at #21 Georgia (Sat. 7:00 EST, ESPN2):
Lost in all the "Punch-gate" talk following Thursday night's games was the fact that South Carolina went into Raleigh and dominated a pretty good (or at least what we thought was a pretty good) N.C. State team. But Steve Spurrier's team still has some issues, they only put up 7 points after all, and they will get an even bigger bellweather test this weekend against Georgia.
The Bulldogs will be angry after last Saturday's loss at Oklahoma State. Can you imagine how upset they'd be if they dropped to 0-2 this weekend? The pressure is on.
Prediction: Georgia 26, South Carolina 14
3. UCLA at Tennessee (Sat. 4:00 EST, ESPN):
After UCLA took out full-page newspaper ads last summer featurning Rick Neuheisel announcing that the "football monopoly in L.A." was over, it seemed that there might never be a more brash (or unfounded) "hello" moment for a college football coach. Well, Rick Neuheisel, Lane Kiffin just made you look silly, didn't he?
Now the two coaches (loudly) attempting to get their programs back on top face off in what could be a season-defining game. UCLA may be the slightly better team on paper, but Tennessee is at home. And the Vols haven't forgot their loss at the Rose Bowl a year ago.
Prediction: Tennessee 35, UCLA 24
2. #18 Notre Dame at Michigan (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC):
Oooh, this one is just oozing with intrigue. Both Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez are sitting on seats that couldn't be any hotter, even after impressive opening week wins for both coach's squads. But, if anything, those wins raised expectations even more for this week.
If Notre Dame's defense plays the way it did last weekend against Nevada, the Wolverines will struggle mightily to move the ball on the Irish. Michigan's offense did look strong against Western Michigan last weekend, but that was Western Michigan. This is Notre Dame. In the Big House. With the coach's job on the line.
Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Michigan 23
1. #3 USC at #8 Ohio State (Sat. 8:00 EST, ABC):
Yes, yes, this has to be the number one game to watch this weekend, if for no other reason than to see how badly the Trojans beat up on the Buckeyes. I know, Buckeye fan, I'm just a Big Ten hater and Navy is really that good and the Trojans are starting a true freshman at the Horseshoe. The fact of the matter is this: USC simply has better talent at almost every position on the field. Ohio State will keep this one close early, but it will be shades of 2008 by the end.
Prediction: USC 38, Ohio State 20
Upset Special
Oregon State at UNLV (Sat. 11:00 EST):
The Mountain West is slowly but surely putting a lot of pressure on the BCS big-wigs. After a BYU victory of Oklahoma last Saturday (and a dominant Colorado State win over Colorado), the conference has to be feeling pretty good about itself. Next up? A UNLV win over the Beavers of Oregon State. Call me crazy, but I think the Rebels are ready for their breakout from pretender to contender. UNLV went into Sun Devil stadium and beat a then-15th ranked Arizona State team early last season. This year, they get another Pac-10 contender at home.
Prediction: UNLV 34, Oregon State 30
For Your Viewing Pleasure
#19 North Carolina at Connecticut (Sat. Noon EST, ESPNU): North Carolina 27, UCONN 16
Central Michigan at Michigan State (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN2): MSU 42, Cent. Mich. 21
Fresno State at Wisconsin (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN): Wisconsin 28, Fresno State 23
#9 BYU at Tulane (Sat. 3:30 EST, ESPN2): BYU 45, Tulane 13
Vanderbilt at #11 LSU (Sat. 7:00 EST, ESPNU): LSU 23, Vandy 10
Air Force at Minnesota (Sat. 7:00 EST, Big Ten Network): Air Force 30, Minnesota 27
Purdue at Oregon (Sat. 10:15 EST, FSN): Oregon 34, Purdue 14
Heisman Hunt
Max Hall (QB - BYU):
After leading the Cougars to week one's shocking upset of third-ranked Oklahoma, Hall gets his chance to break out statistically against the Green Wave (Sat. 3:30 EST, ESPN2). Tulane allowed over 400 total yards against Tulsa in its opener. Think Hall might find a few holes in that defense?
I mean, a bang. Started with a bang.
The offseason was filled with so much hype for the coming college football season it seemed impossible that week one could actually live up to it. But, amazingly enough, it did.
From Boise State's upset on the blue turf to "The Punch" to Dez Bryant's ridiculous cathches to BYU's historic victory to Sam Bradford's shoulder to two blocked field goals in the final seconds of a game in Iowa... the 2009 campaign got off to a pretty fast start.
So, we should be all psyched up for week two, right? Another weekend jam-packed with hard-hitting rivalries, potential upsets and brewing rivalries?
Um...not so much.
Week two appears, on paper anyways, to be a bit of a letdown after the fireworks of opening weeeknd. Only one game pits two Top 25 opponents - USC vs. Ohio State. And while this battle in Columbus has been built up as one of the biggest games of the 2009 season, I'm not biting.
That's because I can clearly remember the beat-down USC laid on the Buckeyes just a season ago in Los Angeles. Sure, the Trojans may not be quite the team they were at this point in 2008, but the Buckeyes don't look like they've improved much themselves (especially after Saturday's scare against Navy).
But, rest assured college football fanatics, perhaps the greatest asset about this sport is its unpredictability. And there are plenty of games on the slate that could end up being season-altering moments.
So, while you get all fired up for what likely will be a two touchdown-plus USC win in Columbus Saturday night, keep a close eye on games like Notre Dame-Michigan, UCLA-Tennessee, South Carolina-Georgia, and Oregon State-UNLV, just to name a few.
Because, as we learned in week one, in college football, surprises can hit you like a punch to the head.
I mean punch to the gut.
Looking Back (How My Week One Picks Looked):
Overall: 10/16
Upset Special: 1/1 (Baylor over Wake Forest)
Five Games You Can't Miss this Weekend
5. Clemson at #15 Georgia Tech (Thurs. 7:30 EST, ESPN):
Could the ACC have had a worse opening weekend? Virginia Tech loses the blockbuster matchup against Alabama. NC State lays an egg on opening night against South Carolina. Then Duke and Virginia go and lose to schools the size of some community colleges. Monday night's fantastic Florida State-Miami duel made up a bit for the awful weekend that preceded it, but it was still a rough, rough start.
Clemson and Georgia Tech now take the spotlight this week. This game could go a long way in determing the eventual conference champ. Look for Georgia Tech's rush offense to be a bit much for the Tigers' defense to handle.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 30, Clemson 17
4. South Carolina at #21 Georgia (Sat. 7:00 EST, ESPN2):
Lost in all the "Punch-gate" talk following Thursday night's games was the fact that South Carolina went into Raleigh and dominated a pretty good (or at least what we thought was a pretty good) N.C. State team. But Steve Spurrier's team still has some issues, they only put up 7 points after all, and they will get an even bigger bellweather test this weekend against Georgia.
The Bulldogs will be angry after last Saturday's loss at Oklahoma State. Can you imagine how upset they'd be if they dropped to 0-2 this weekend? The pressure is on.
Prediction: Georgia 26, South Carolina 14
3. UCLA at Tennessee (Sat. 4:00 EST, ESPN):
After UCLA took out full-page newspaper ads last summer featurning Rick Neuheisel announcing that the "football monopoly in L.A." was over, it seemed that there might never be a more brash (or unfounded) "hello" moment for a college football coach. Well, Rick Neuheisel, Lane Kiffin just made you look silly, didn't he?
Now the two coaches (loudly) attempting to get their programs back on top face off in what could be a season-defining game. UCLA may be the slightly better team on paper, but Tennessee is at home. And the Vols haven't forgot their loss at the Rose Bowl a year ago.
Prediction: Tennessee 35, UCLA 24
2. #18 Notre Dame at Michigan (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC):
Oooh, this one is just oozing with intrigue. Both Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez are sitting on seats that couldn't be any hotter, even after impressive opening week wins for both coach's squads. But, if anything, those wins raised expectations even more for this week.
If Notre Dame's defense plays the way it did last weekend against Nevada, the Wolverines will struggle mightily to move the ball on the Irish. Michigan's offense did look strong against Western Michigan last weekend, but that was Western Michigan. This is Notre Dame. In the Big House. With the coach's job on the line.
Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Michigan 23
1. #3 USC at #8 Ohio State (Sat. 8:00 EST, ABC):
Yes, yes, this has to be the number one game to watch this weekend, if for no other reason than to see how badly the Trojans beat up on the Buckeyes. I know, Buckeye fan, I'm just a Big Ten hater and Navy is really that good and the Trojans are starting a true freshman at the Horseshoe. The fact of the matter is this: USC simply has better talent at almost every position on the field. Ohio State will keep this one close early, but it will be shades of 2008 by the end.
Prediction: USC 38, Ohio State 20
Upset Special
Oregon State at UNLV (Sat. 11:00 EST):
The Mountain West is slowly but surely putting a lot of pressure on the BCS big-wigs. After a BYU victory of Oklahoma last Saturday (and a dominant Colorado State win over Colorado), the conference has to be feeling pretty good about itself. Next up? A UNLV win over the Beavers of Oregon State. Call me crazy, but I think the Rebels are ready for their breakout from pretender to contender. UNLV went into Sun Devil stadium and beat a then-15th ranked Arizona State team early last season. This year, they get another Pac-10 contender at home.
Prediction: UNLV 34, Oregon State 30
For Your Viewing Pleasure
#19 North Carolina at Connecticut (Sat. Noon EST, ESPNU): North Carolina 27, UCONN 16
Central Michigan at Michigan State (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN2): MSU 42, Cent. Mich. 21
Fresno State at Wisconsin (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN): Wisconsin 28, Fresno State 23
#9 BYU at Tulane (Sat. 3:30 EST, ESPN2): BYU 45, Tulane 13
Vanderbilt at #11 LSU (Sat. 7:00 EST, ESPNU): LSU 23, Vandy 10
Air Force at Minnesota (Sat. 7:00 EST, Big Ten Network): Air Force 30, Minnesota 27
Purdue at Oregon (Sat. 10:15 EST, FSN): Oregon 34, Purdue 14
Heisman Hunt
Max Hall (QB - BYU):
After leading the Cougars to week one's shocking upset of third-ranked Oklahoma, Hall gets his chance to break out statistically against the Green Wave (Sat. 3:30 EST, ESPN2). Tulane allowed over 400 total yards against Tulsa in its opener. Think Hall might find a few holes in that defense?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
College Football Weekend: Preview and Predictions (Week 1)
Go big or go home.
That might as well be the motto this weekend for a pair of non-BCS teams looking to make big statements against Top 25 opponents.
First, on Thursday night, 14th-ranked Boise State gets a shot at No. 16 Oregon in what likely will be the Broncos' biggest game of the season.
Then, on Saturday, No. 25 Brigham Young travels to Arlington to face No. 3 Oklahoma, the defending national runner-up.
Nothing like starting your season off with a bang, huh?
Boise State and BYU are among the nation's top threats to the BCS system in 2009. If either team wants to carry the banner for the anti-BCS crowd, they most likely have to win this weekend.
Five Games You Can't Miss This Weekend:
5. South Carolina at NC State (Thurs. 7:00 EST, ESPN)
This is a must-watch game for several reasons. Not only will the Wolfpack be looking for revenge after last seasons 34-0 drubbing at the hands of Steve Spurrier's squad, but this game will also go a long way in determining whether they can compete for an ACC title this year. Plus, this is the first nationally-televised game of the season, so you know you have to watch. Oh, and it's also the return of Erin Andrews to the sideline following Videogate.
4. #20 BYU at #3 Oklahoma (Sat. 7:00 EST, ESPN)
This is clearly a huge game for the Cougars, but it's a big one for the Sooners, too. Lose here, and OU will need an undefeated run through the loaded Big 12 just to have a shot at playing for the title a second straight year. Max Hall will present an early challenge for Bob Stoops' defensive unit that allowed 251.5 passing yards per game a season ago. This one may be a lot closer than you think.
3. #13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC)
There are few teams in the county receiving as much bandwagon-love as the Cowboys, who enter 2009 as the top sleeper pick in the loaded Big 12 South. But before Mike Gundy's boys get to the Big 12, they first need to worry about one of the power programs of the SEC. The Bulldogs lost star QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno to the NFL, but this team is still loaded with talent. If the Cowboys are for real, we'll know after this one.
2. #16 Oregon at #14 Boise State (Thurs. 10:15 EST, ESPN)
Why is this game (No. 16 vs. No. 14) ranked ahead of Georgia-OSU (No. 13 vs. No. 9)? Simple: this one has immediate BCS implications. Boise State "should" win every other game on its schedule this year. So, if they win Thursday night, look out, BCS-backers, the Broncos are your best bet to be this year's Utah. Oregon, meanwhile, wants to make up for last year's loss to the Broncos in Eugene, as well as send a statement to the rest of the country that they are a national title contender, too.
Prediction: Boise State 35, Oregon 31
1. #5 Alabama at #7 Virginia Tech (Sat. 8:00 EST, ABC)
Is there any doubt about this one? Rarely do we see a game with this many national implications this early in the season. Both of these teams expect big things in 2009, but both have unresolved issues. For the Tide, it's whether an offense that lost seven starters will respond effectively. Meanwhile, the Hokies have injuries galore at running back. Both of these teams have a chance to be great - BCS title great - in 2009. But for whoever loses Saturday night, that chance is most likely all but gone.
Upset Special of the Week:
Baylor at Wake Forest (Sat. 3:30 EST)
No, this isn't that big of an upset. The Deacons are only five-point favorites at home, after all. But this is a key game because I expect the Bears to beat Wake handily - I'm talking two touchdowns-plus handily. Baylor has all the pieces to have a breakout season, and this road win will be the Bears' coming-out party.
Prediction: Baylor 34, Wake Forest: 17
For Your Viewing Pleasure (Other Notable Televised Games):
Navy at #6 Ohio State (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN): Ohio State 38, Navy 20
Minnesota at Syracuse (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN2): Minnesota 27, Syracuse 19
Nevada at #23 Notre Dame (Sat. 3:30 EST, NBC): Notre Dame 27, Nevada 24
Western Michigan at Michigan (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC): Michigan 24, Western Michigan 17
Missouri at Illinois (Sat. 3:40 EST, ESPN): Illinois 33, Missouri 31
Maryland at #12 California (10:00 EST, ESPN2): Cal 42, Maryland 16
#11 LSU at Washington (Sat. 10:30 EST, ESPN): LSU 38, Washington 17
Ole Miss at Memphis (Sun. 3:30 EST, ESPN): Ole Miss 30, Memphis 14
Cincinnati at Rutgers (Mon. 4:00 EST, ESPN): Rutgers 21, Cincinnati 7
Miami at #18 Florida State (Mon. 8:00 EST, ESPN): FSU 28, Miami 16
Heisman Hunt (Player Performance to Watch):
Jahvid Best (RB - Cal): Best will launch his Heisman candidacy Saturday (10:00 EST, ESPN2) against a Maryland team that ranked 71st in the country last season against the run. Best was held to just 90 total yards in last season's 35-27 loss at Maryland. Both the Bears and Best will be looking for revenge this weekend.
Enjoy opening weekend, college football fans...
That might as well be the motto this weekend for a pair of non-BCS teams looking to make big statements against Top 25 opponents.
First, on Thursday night, 14th-ranked Boise State gets a shot at No. 16 Oregon in what likely will be the Broncos' biggest game of the season.
Then, on Saturday, No. 25 Brigham Young travels to Arlington to face No. 3 Oklahoma, the defending national runner-up.
Nothing like starting your season off with a bang, huh?
Boise State and BYU are among the nation's top threats to the BCS system in 2009. If either team wants to carry the banner for the anti-BCS crowd, they most likely have to win this weekend.
The Broncos don't face another team likely to be ranked the rest of the season, meaning one loss (even against a quality Oregon team) would derail any BCS thoughts.
And the Cougars, though they face fellow BCS-busters TCU and Utah, would need to run the table in impressive fashion to convince voters to put an 11-1 non-BCS team in position for a BCS bowl.
So, what happens if Boise State and BYU lose this weekend? Well, to put it mildly, the fans of BCS schools nationwide (not to mention their BCS league commissioners) will point their fingers and say "See, we knew they couldn't compete with the big boys."
But if one (or both) wins... look out. Both teams have legitimate shots to run the table the rest of the way and qualify for one of college football's biggest bowls. Factor in possible runs by TCU and Utah (and maybe Nevada), and you could have yourself a college football season of madness.
For the Broncos and the Cougars, their greatest tests come on opening weekend. By Saturday night, we will know whether either team can be this year's mid-major darling or whether they will be relegated to competing for a conference crown and a mid-level bowl.
No pressure or anything.
Five Games You Can't Miss This Weekend:
5. South Carolina at NC State (Thurs. 7:00 EST, ESPN)
This is a must-watch game for several reasons. Not only will the Wolfpack be looking for revenge after last seasons 34-0 drubbing at the hands of Steve Spurrier's squad, but this game will also go a long way in determining whether they can compete for an ACC title this year. Plus, this is the first nationally-televised game of the season, so you know you have to watch. Oh, and it's also the return of Erin Andrews to the sideline following Videogate.
Prediction: NC State 27, South Carolina 16
4. #20 BYU at #3 Oklahoma (Sat. 7:00 EST, ESPN)
This is clearly a huge game for the Cougars, but it's a big one for the Sooners, too. Lose here, and OU will need an undefeated run through the loaded Big 12 just to have a shot at playing for the title a second straight year. Max Hall will present an early challenge for Bob Stoops' defensive unit that allowed 251.5 passing yards per game a season ago. This one may be a lot closer than you think.
Prediction: Oklahoma 35, BYU 27
3. #13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC)
There are few teams in the county receiving as much bandwagon-love as the Cowboys, who enter 2009 as the top sleeper pick in the loaded Big 12 South. But before Mike Gundy's boys get to the Big 12, they first need to worry about one of the power programs of the SEC. The Bulldogs lost star QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno to the NFL, but this team is still loaded with talent. If the Cowboys are for real, we'll know after this one.
Prediction: OSU 37, Georgia 23
2. #16 Oregon at #14 Boise State (Thurs. 10:15 EST, ESPN)
Why is this game (No. 16 vs. No. 14) ranked ahead of Georgia-OSU (No. 13 vs. No. 9)? Simple: this one has immediate BCS implications. Boise State "should" win every other game on its schedule this year. So, if they win Thursday night, look out, BCS-backers, the Broncos are your best bet to be this year's Utah. Oregon, meanwhile, wants to make up for last year's loss to the Broncos in Eugene, as well as send a statement to the rest of the country that they are a national title contender, too.
Prediction: Boise State 35, Oregon 31
1. #5 Alabama at #7 Virginia Tech (Sat. 8:00 EST, ABC)
Is there any doubt about this one? Rarely do we see a game with this many national implications this early in the season. Both of these teams expect big things in 2009, but both have unresolved issues. For the Tide, it's whether an offense that lost seven starters will respond effectively. Meanwhile, the Hokies have injuries galore at running back. Both of these teams have a chance to be great - BCS title great - in 2009. But for whoever loses Saturday night, that chance is most likely all but gone.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 23, Alabama 20
Upset Special of the Week:
Baylor at Wake Forest (Sat. 3:30 EST)
No, this isn't that big of an upset. The Deacons are only five-point favorites at home, after all. But this is a key game because I expect the Bears to beat Wake handily - I'm talking two touchdowns-plus handily. Baylor has all the pieces to have a breakout season, and this road win will be the Bears' coming-out party.
Prediction: Baylor 34, Wake Forest: 17
For Your Viewing Pleasure (Other Notable Televised Games):
Navy at #6 Ohio State (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN): Ohio State 38, Navy 20
Minnesota at Syracuse (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN2): Minnesota 27, Syracuse 19
Nevada at #23 Notre Dame (Sat. 3:30 EST, NBC): Notre Dame 27, Nevada 24
Western Michigan at Michigan (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC): Michigan 24, Western Michigan 17
Missouri at Illinois (Sat. 3:40 EST, ESPN): Illinois 33, Missouri 31
Maryland at #12 California (10:00 EST, ESPN2): Cal 42, Maryland 16
#11 LSU at Washington (Sat. 10:30 EST, ESPN): LSU 38, Washington 17
Ole Miss at Memphis (Sun. 3:30 EST, ESPN): Ole Miss 30, Memphis 14
Cincinnati at Rutgers (Mon. 4:00 EST, ESPN): Rutgers 21, Cincinnati 7
Miami at #18 Florida State (Mon. 8:00 EST, ESPN): FSU 28, Miami 16
Heisman Hunt (Player Performance to Watch):
Jahvid Best (RB - Cal): Best will launch his Heisman candidacy Saturday (10:00 EST, ESPN2) against a Maryland team that ranked 71st in the country last season against the run. Best was held to just 90 total yards in last season's 35-27 loss at Maryland. Both the Bears and Best will be looking for revenge this weekend.
Enjoy opening weekend, college football fans...
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