Trent's Touchdown: Six Games to Watch in Week One

Due to the Olympics, my whole sports attention was focused on Beijing.  I completely forgot that other sports existed (hence why I haven’t said one word about the Red Sox or soccer).  Thus, I was caught off-guard when my father mentioned the Clemson game this coming Saturday.  I had forgotten that college football was right around the corner.

For those of you who know me, this means one thing: the first edition of Trent’s Touchdown.  I’ll run down the week's top six matchups and throw in an extra point at the end.

Anyway, enough with the babbling—on to the Touchdown (all games are Saturday unless otherwise noted).

1) No. 24 Alabama vs. No. 9 Clemson (in Atlanta)—8:00 on ABC

Ever since Clemson got their clock cleaned by Auburn in the Peach Bowl, I’ve been looking forward to this game.  We all know how good Clemson will be on both sides of the ball, but their offensive line is suspect.  In order to win, they need to open holes for James Davis and give Cullen Harper time to throw.  I don’t exactly trust their linebacking corps either.

Alabama had a disappointing year in terms of record, but they kept every game close and had a great recruiting class.  Their running game is solid if John Parker Wilson is having accuracy problems.  They’ll give Clemson a test, but the Tigers should win.

2) No. 6 Missouri at No. 20 Illinois (in St. Louis)—8:30 on ESPN

What a difference 12 months makes.  Last year, no one really cared for either of these teams—now they’re both in the top 25.  Missouri is led by QB Chase Daniel, who will be in the running for the Heisman Trophy.  The no-huddle spread offense of Missouri should give Illinois fits.

However, Illinois will counter with Juice Williams, who either finally made the leap last year or just flashed in the pan.  Williams is trying to develop himself into a pocket passer, which should be fun to watch.  I have $5 that says he’s running around before the end of the first quarter.

3) Appalachian State at No. 7 LSU—5:00 on ESPN

Oh come on, I had to mention it.  LSU will utterly thrash them, but after what happened in Ann Arbor, this game needed to make the list.

4) No. 3 USC at Virginia—3:30 on ABC

Despite all the things that have made me start to turn against USC, I do love their non-conference schedule this year.  They travel to Virginia and then get home games against Notre Dame and Ohio State.

Once again, USC inserts yet another All-American into the QB spot, giving Mark Sanchez his due (I like Mitch Mustain).  Though their offense will be a question mark until we actually see something, their defense will be top notch.

While Virginia got by last year on guile and experience, they won’t have the same luck this year, as they only have 10 starters returning.  Look for USC to walk in this one.

5) Hawaii at No. 5 Florida—12:30 on ESPN Gameplan

This game comes a season too late for Hawaii.  After being ridiculed for a marshmallow schedule last year, Hawaii finally reins in a real opponent, but they're without Colt Brennan and June Jones.

Florida, on the other hand, has the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and one of the best offenses in the country.  While their defense is questionable, Hawaii should give them some good practice, which they will need before taking on the SEC.

6) No. 18 Tennessee at UCLA—8:00 on ESPN

Once again, I’ll give props to Tennessee for opening against a real opponent.  How Tennessee won the SEC East last year is still a mystery to me, but don’t expect a repeat.  With Erik Ainge gone, Tennessee hands the reins over to Jonathan Crompton, who will try to get the ball to Arian Foster and just stand aside.

Normally, I would give UCLA a chance, but since they really don’t have a QB (apologies to Kevin Craft), I really don’t expect much from them.

Extra Point

7) The extra point will be the same lament I have every year at this time.  It’s tough picking good games at the beginning of the year since most colleges pick teams like St. Mary’s Nunnery as opponents.

While this does have its problems (look at Hawaii last year), most teams face no ill effects from this.  While we all want the Appalachian State/Michigan replay, that only happens once in a lifetime.

That said, major props to USC going out and taking on all comers.  If they win it all, no one can complain about their schedule.

Well, someone will complain, but we just won’t listen.