Posted: September 12, 2013
TCU at Texas Tech – This is a game to look forward to. Texas Tech has put up some points in its first two games, but TCU’s defense should play better than either SMU or Stephen F. Austin. This will be a measuring stick game for TT. Excitement is high with new coach Kingsbury. This game should give an indication if TT will make some noise in the Big12 this year. I still do not know what I am getting with TCU. TCU did not play well in the opening game to LSU and the 10 point final margin is misleading. Starting QB Pachall is out for awhile. This game is important for both schools and is the ESPN Thursday night game. Once the Pats are whipping up on the Jets, all football eyes will be on this game. Despite the one hour earlier start, this game could still be in the 1Q by the time that happens. I expect Texas Tech to be right in this to the end and I think they have a great shot at what would be a mild upset. If that comes to pass, I recommend the Horned Frogs bury their sorrows with a great steak at Cagle Steaks, somewhere in the middle of nowhere outside of Lubbock.
UCLA at Nebraska – The Bruins had a strong showing in their opener beating Nevada 58-20. But now they play the Blackshirts in Lincoln. But are they the real Blackshirts or imposters. The Huskers gave up a ridiculous amount of yards in their opener, squeezing out a 37-34 win over Wyoming. The Husker D rebounded with a solid showing against Southern Miss scoring twice. But is that real or a mirage? This game will be more representative if the Husker defense has what it will take to win the BIG10 Legends division as I predict they will. The Bruins won last year out West. Nebraska goes for pay back. I think they get it.
Alabama at Texas A&M – Are these teams playing? I had not heard about this game. I can not add anything to the massive hype this game has gotten. ‘Bama wins big.
Tennessee at Oregon – Tennessee fans think they are back after huge wins against Austin Peay and Western Kentucky. Really? Win a conference game first. Oregon is Oregon. This game may only interest me and people in Tennessee and Oregon, but I am curious to see if Tennessee is in fact on the way back. They do not need to win to show they can make noise, but I think they need to show up. I am also curious because the Quest heads to Oregon in a few weeks and I want to see world beaters. UT could lose 100-0 and be a better program than they were under Dooley and “Fire Lane Kiffin”
Washington at Illinois – Yes, I am interested in this game, mainly because my eyes were opened by the Huskies performance in Week 1 against Boise State. I was not surprised they won, but by the fact that it was not really a game. Now they go on the road to Illinois. Not exactly the most hostile place in college football, but a road game against a senior QB who has played well in the first 2 games for the Fighting Illini. Illinois has been a surprise, thoroughly dominating a double digit favorite in Cincinnati in Week 2. I also want to see the purple and orange colors together. My eyes, my eyes!
Vanderbilt at South Carolina – SC will try to come from behind in the SEC East and that road starts against Vandy. SC should come into this game on edge after the loss to Georgia and the rumblings about the defense in that loss. This is bad timing for Vandy, because if SC does not come out flying, the grumbling could become deafening.
Ole Miss at Texas – The Longhorns come into this game with a new defensive coordinator after giving up 679 yards last week to BYU. I am already seeing lists of replacements for Mack Brown. I predicted Texas would be much improved and finish third in the Big12. This could still happen, but I am willing to admit that I was wrong. Ole Miss enters this game riding high after an opening week win against Vanderbilt and following that up with beating Southeast Western North. So the Rebels are riding high. Texas not so much. This is a crucial game for Texas. Imagine a scenario where the Aggies pull another upset and beat ‘Bama and then the Longhorns go out and lose to the Rebels. Uh oh!
Wisconsin at Arizona State – In a combined three games, neither team has given up a point. The three games are all against inferior opponents (and that is offensive to inferior opponents everywhere), but that still is an impressive mark. Vegas have the over under at 52.5, so they expect some amount of points. Arizona State is a 5.5 point favorite in this one. That certainly qualifies for…things that make you go hmmm. All I can say is that I am thankful for a good game to stay up late for.
There are four Pac12 versus Big10 match ups this week. Ohio State plays California so the Big10 is guaranteed at least one win. But if they lose the other three, the reputation plunges deeper into the abyss, especially after last years Week 2 0-3 showing.