Posted: September 5, 2013
Ugggh! I cannot remember a weekend with such a poor lineup of games. This would have been a good weekend for a quest trip, except for the fact that one of the three games worth mentioning is Florida at Miami. So instead, I am home with a stinker of a lineup. But at least the three games worth watching are on at noon, 4:30 and 8:00.
Florida Gators at Miami Hurricanes
My Florida Gators travel to Sun Life Stadium to take on the Miami Hurricanes. Rumor has it that the game is sold out. It is probably the first sell out for the Canes since the last time the Gators were in town, which I think was 2003. Oh wait, FSU goes there too. So they sell out only against Florida and Florida State. That’s good for Gator and Noles fans and there should be plenty of Gator fans there on Saturday. For such a tradition rich program, the Cane fans really disappoint in showing up. But, it is not all their fault as Sun Life stadium is 20 miles from campus. How absurd is that? C’mon Donna Shalala, let’s get a campus facility already.
Miami is on the upswing trying to return to their former glory. Florida looks like it may be taking the training wheels off of the offense this year. I expect a very hard fought game played in the absolute brutal noon heat of south Florida. Due to my bias, I will refrain from saying any more. Go Gators!
South Carolina Gamecocks at Georgia Bulldogs
It is my belief that this game is the SEC East Championship game. Winner will most likely play for the SEC title. Yes, I realize it is Week 2. But let’s look at this. Both teams avoid Alabama and Texas A&M from the West. The loser will need the winner to lose twice in SEC play. SC has Vandy, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Miss State, and Florida. There are not two loses in that schedule. UGA has LSU, Tennessee, Missouri, Vandy, Florida, Auburn, and Kentucky. There are possibly two loses there. But if UGA beats SC and then loses twice more to have a season with at least three loses; Clemson, and lets say LSU and Florida, then Richt’s seat is going to get very warm. Vegas has the line set at UGA -3. UGA being home, it is essentially a toss up. Give me Spurrier and SC.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Wolverines
This could be a good game to watch, but is it really that important. It is not a conference game. It is a BCS Championship elimination game, but is either team going to be standing at then end. Probably not. Therefore, while this could be a real entertaining game, it is not an important game. On a typical Saturday, this would be a game I overlook, but not with the slate on tap this weekend. And with a complete lack of anything worth watching going on late out west, c’mon seven overtimes. Oh wait, Arkansas isn’t playing.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Tennessee Volunteers
I mention this game because the Hilltoppers have a chance to start 2-0 in the SEC after beating Kentucky last week. With 2 wins in the SEC, WKU could finish ahead of Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Missouri, or Tennessee. Tennessee is a 14 point favorite so Vegas does not give them much of a chance, but if the Hilltoppers could get this one then Willie Taggert will really be kicking himself for bolting to South Florida for greener pastures (really?). Not to mention an extreme level of confidence going into Sun Belt Conference play.