College Football is finally here! While most teams play low level DI teams and even some play DI-AA teams opening weekend, there are also some games that you MUST watch. I take a look at some of the key games coming up this weekend.
Friday
#14 TCU at Baylor: The Horned Frogs get back on the field after a 13-0 season last year an a Rose Bowl victory. Many say that they are ranked to high in the preseason but we'll see what Gary Patterson has done this offseason to make up for the loss of Andy Dalton and his top targets on offense. The TCU defense that gave up only 12 points a game last season will be tested early and often while trying to stop Baylor's Robert Griffin III.
Saturday
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Duck's quarterback Darron Thomas is back |
#3 Oregon vs #4 LSU: This is the best match up in the opening weekend and one of the best all season as two top 5 teams will face off. Oregon starts their campaign to get one step further and win the national title while LSU looks to shrug off their recent offseason troubles at Cowboys Stadium. This will also be a battle between elite defense and elite offense.
#5 Boise St vs #19 Georgia: This game sets up very well for Mark Richt and his Bulldogs because in all likelihood 90% of the Georgia Dome will be in Red and Black. The Broncos knocked off Virginia Tech in a hostile environment at Fedex Field last season and it looks like they can do it again. This will also be the measuring stick for quarterback Aaron Murray, who some say is the best in the SEC.
South Florida at #16 Notre Dame: Brian Kelly enters his second season at the helm of the Irish program as he looks to bring them back to a BCS Bowl for the first time since an embarrassing Sugar Bowl loss to LSU in 2007. B.J. Daniels leads an underrated and athletic Bulls team that could surprise many in this opener. Daniels will also test a Notre Dame defense that has been terrible the last few seasons. There are always high high hopes in South Bend come football season but this looks like it could be the year that those hopes pan out.
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Cyrus Grey could be the best running back in the Big 12 |
Akron at #18 Ohio St: This should be an easy win for the Buckeyes but it should be interesting to see how Joe Bauserman and Braxton Miller preform. Also I'd like to see how Luke Fickell manages his team in his first game in command of The Ohio State football team.
Sunday
SMU at #8 Texas A&M: Could this be the beginning of the Aggies last season in the Big 12? Looks like it will. They start off vs the Mustangs, who are coming off of two straight bowl games, and look to keep the ball rolling with a win over a top 10 opponent. This should be the Aggies game from the beginning but don't be surprised if the Mustangs hang around during this instate rivalry.
Miami (FL) at Maryland: The Hurricanes will be playing their first game since the Nevin Shapiro scandal that will result in some huge coinsecquences and possible destroy the program. Look for Al Golden and the Hurricanes to try and prove themselves vs quarterback Danny O'Brien and the rest of the Terps in College Park.
