Football officially kicked off yesterday and goes into high gear this weekend. It is a nice appetizer for when the real men start playing on Thursday. There are two intriguing games featuring teams in the Top 10. The SEC have been the unquestioned kings of football, but this weekend they could get knocked off their throne a bit. On the other hand, it wouldn't be surprising if they continue to show why they have been so dominant. My favorite teams, Notre Dame and Nebraska have BCS aspirations. The Irish have a challenging game at home against South Florida, while Nebraska gets to beat up on Chattanooga.
Games That Matter to Me
South Florida at #16 Notre Dame
Another season, another year of Notre Dame is back talk from the college football media. The Irish were 4-5 last year and in disarray after an embarrassing home loss to Tulsa. Then, behind freshman QB Tommy Rees, they reeled off four straight wins, and put Notre Dame back on the map. Most of that team returns, including on defense where the Irish really shined during their winning streak. QB Dayne Crist is back from injury and will once again be the starter. WR Michael Floyd is still the Irish's best offensive player, but Notre Dame hopes they can have a more effective running attack, led by junior Cierre Wood. South Florida is getting some hype out of the putrid Big East. QB B.J. Daniels returns, hoping to bounce back from a rough season. His numbers were down across the board and it earned him the ire of the few Bulls fans there are. Notre Dame's linebackers will need to be alert as Daniels is big and a threat to run with the ball. This game makes me nervous as it isn't a slam dunk win like some are saying. The Bulls coach Skip Holtz is the son of former Note Dame coach Lou Holtz, so he will be amped to return to Notre Dame Stadium. This one should be close, but I like the Irish.
Prediction: Notre Dame 24, South Florida 17
Top 10
Saturday, September 3
Tulsa at #1 Oklahoma
The Sooners start off their run for a National Championship with what could be a tougher than expected game against Tulsa. Tulsa ended 2010 on a tear and finished ranked for the first time since 1991. However, they will be without leading receiver Damaris Johnson, who is facing embezzlement charges. The Sooners bring back QB Landry Jones and WR Ryan Broyles. They face some questions on defense with the injury to Travis Lewis. The loss of Johnson will really hurt Tulsa, and the Sooners will have an easier time than they would have, had he played.
Prediction: Oklahoma 40, Tulsa 17
Kent State at #2 Alabama
Despite questions at quarterback and the loss of RB Mark Ingram and WR Julio Jones, Alabama has high hopes due to Trent Richardson at running back and returning most of a dominating defense. Both AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims will see time at quarterback but at some point this season the Tide will have to settle on one of them.
Prediction: Alabama 52, Kent State 10
#3 Oregon vs. #4 LSU in Arlington, Texas
The game of the weekend will take place at Jerry Jones playhouse. Last year's runners up, the Oregon Ducks are trying to shed the label that when matched against a tough defensive line, their offense shrivels like a prune. LSU is looking to overcome suspensions, including to starting QB Jordan Jefferson. Ducks sensational RB LeMichael James is coming off a rough showing on the ground against Auburn in the title game. The big question is, can the Ducks open up the holes necessary for him against a stout Tigers defensive line. Jarrett Lee gets the start at quarterback for LSU. He has experience, but most of that experience has been mediocre. I like the Ducks to place themselves immediately at the forefront of the national title chase.
Prediction: Oregon 21, LSU 14
#5 Boise State at #19 Georgia in Atlanta, Georgia
Last year, the Broncos opened up with a virtual road game against Virginia Tech in Washington, DC and knocked off the Hokies. Many assumed that cleared the way for them to the national title game but a shocking loss at Nevada ended that dream. They open this season with another road test, against the Bulldogs of Georgia. Georgia is coming off a 6-7 season that has their coach Mark Richt on the hot seat. A loss in this game and the natives may riot. The quarterback battle will be fun to watch in this one. Kellen Moore of Boise State against Aaron Murray of Georgia. I don't really think the Bulldogs should be ranked after their poor season a year ago and also losing A.J. Green. If this were in Athens, I would go Georgia, but Boise has won in "neutral" sites before and I think they will again.
Prediction: Boise State 27, Georgia 24
LA-Monroe at #6 Florida State
For some reason everyone is on the Seminoles bandwagon. Things have gotten so low at Florida State that going 10-4 makes everyone think that they are back to their perennial days in the Top 5. We will find out September 17th when they host Oklahoma, until then the Seminoles get to feast on teams like LA-Monroe.
Prediction: Florida State 44, LA-Monroe 14
San Jose State at #7 Stanford
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck begins his Heisman campaign, and the Cardinal begin life without coach Jim Harbaugh. San Jose State is a nice cushion to adjust to new beginnings.
Prediction: Stanford 51, San Jose State 10
LA-Lafayette at #9 Oklahoma State
The Cowboys enter the season thinking big with the returns of QB Brandon Weeden and awesome WR Justin Blackmon. Dana Holgersen left his job as offensive coordinator to become head coach at West Virginia, so it will be shown this year whether the success of the offense was the players or the coordinator.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 48, LA-Lafayette 13
Chattanooga at #10 Nebraska
Things were going swimmingly for the Huskers last year. The offense was clicking, the defense remained staunch, but then QB Taylor Martinez got hurt and things went downhill. The offense reverted back to its 2009 form and the Huskers dropped three of their last four games to finish a disappointing 10-4. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson was fired and replaced by running backs coach Tim Beck. Martinez is once again healthy and can hopefully stay healthy. Roy Helu is gone at RB, but Rex Burkhead played very well last season and should step in and fill Helu's role. Niles Paul is gone at wide receiver but he never lived up to expectations, so that isn't a huge loss. Jared Crick is back on defense and considered one of the top defensive lineman in the country. The schedule is tough this year but with Ohio State dealing with their issues, a Big 10 (really 12) title is certainly possible. Hopefully, this game will provide the offense some confidence that they can build on throughout the season.
Prediction: Nebraska 38, Chattanooga 6
Sunday, September 4
SMU at #8 Texas A&M
Texas A&M has been making headlines off the field as they have announced they will leave the Big 12 (really 10) and more than likely wind up in the SEC. However, for this year their focus is the Big 12 and also being in the Top 10 again for the first time in a long time. They start off against SMU, which has found itself in bowl games the last two seasons under June Jones. They are looking to continue their resurrection and are hoping they find their way into the Big 12 (really 10) to replace the Aggies. If that was decided in a head to head matchup they would be out of luck. Aggies should handle them relatively easily.
Prediction: Texas A&M 38, SMU 20
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