5 College Football Teams with Something to Prove Next Week

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For some teams, Week 1 was a nightmare as they opened 2012 with a loss. Some of these teams tried to open their season with a higher-ranked opponent to prove they could be a contender this year.

However, some teams fell flat against what they considered a "cupcake" team.

But, there are teams that made this list that want to prove their jump to a new conference wasn't a bad move—one that will result in them being in over their heads in the new league. 

These five teams have to prove not only to their fans, but to the college football world that they are not overrated or bad squads. 

Pittsburgh Panthers

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Week 1 against Youngstown State was supposed to be an easy win to start the 2012 season under new head coach Paul Chryst. 

However, what turned out was anything but an easy win, as Youngstown State blew the Panthers out 31-17. 

In Week 2, the Panthers have a chance to turn their season around by going on the road and defeating co-Big East Champion Cincinnati. The game will be televised on ESPN as their Thursday night primetime game, with no other college football on television. 

Pittsburgh has to have a great showing in Week 2, or else it could be a very miserable season for Panthers fans. 

Texas A&M Aggies

Kelly Lambert

The Aggies came under a ton of scrutiny when they left Texas and the Big 12 for the SEC. This will be their first test against an SEC opponent, as the Florida Gators come to College Station. 

If playing the Gators isn't tough enough, this will be the Aggies' first game of the season; as their original season opener was postponed due to Hurricane Isaac. 

Texas A&M will be have a lot of eyes on them watching how they perform in their opening game as an SEC member. If they win, it will prove that they can contend with the elite members of the conference.

However, if they lose they'll be ridiculed for making the move away from the Big 12. 

Michigan Wolverines

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Michigan was embarrassed in their opening game versus Alabama, losing 41-14. They come back home to "The Big House" to try to get their season back on track against Air Force. 

They should be able to defeat the Falcons easily with a dominating defensive performance and by putting up 40 or more points.

But if this offense struggles against Air Force, then it will send more doubt into the Wolverines' fanbase as to whether quarterback Denard Robinson can lead this team to a Big Ten championship.

One bad game happens to every team, but two consecutive bad games is a trend and a sign of things to come in 2012. 

Missouri Tigers

Kelly Lambert

When Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC, they did not come under as much questioning as to why they were leaving as Texas A&M did. But, in their first game against an SEC opponent, they will have as many eyes on them as the Aggies. 

However, out of the two former Big 12 members, Missouri has the tougher opponent to open their SEC schedule as they play No. 8 Georgia.

Missouri must come out with the same offensive fire power they showed in their Week 1 62-10 victory. 

Stanford Cardinal

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Stanford looked good for all of one half in their opening game versus San Jose State.

However, in the second half, they gave up 14 straight points allowing San Jose State to tie the game at 17.

Luckily for Stanford, they were able to kick the go-ahead field goal and hold off San Jose State from scoring in the fourth quarter, eventually winning their first game without quarterback Andrew Luck, 20-17.

Week 2 has Stanford playing Duke. Stanford has to come out with a better offensive attack in Week 2, or else they will lose at home to Duke.

 

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