College Football Weekend: Preview & Predictions (Week One)

Go big or go home.

That might as well be the motto this weekend for a pair of non-BCS teams looking to make big statements against Top 25 opponents.

First, on Thursday night, 14th-ranked Boise State gets a shot at No. 16 Oregon in what likely will be the Broncos' biggest game of the season.

Then, on Saturday, No. 25 Brigham Young travels to Arlington to face No. 3 Oklahoma, the defending national runner-up.

Nothing like starting your season off with a bang, huh?

Boise State and BYU are among the nation's top threats to the BCS system in 2009. If either team wants to carry the banner for the anti-BCS crowd, they most likely will have to win this weekend.

The Broncos don't face another team likely to be ranked the rest of the season, meaning one loss (even against a quality Oregon team) would derail any BCS thoughts.

And the Cougars, though they still face Florida State along with fellow BCS-busters TCU and Utah, would need to run the table in impressive fashion to convince voters to put an 11-1 non-BCS team in position for a BCS bowl.

So, what happens if Boise State and BYU lose this weekend? Well, to put it mildly, the fans of BCS schools nationwide (not to mention their BCS league commissioners) will point their fingers and say "See, we knew they couldn't compete with the big boys."

But if one (or both) wins...look out. Both teams have legitimate shots to run the table the rest of the way and qualify for one of college football's biggest bowls. Factor in possible runs by TCU and Utah (and maybe Nevada), and you could have yourself a college football season of madness.

For the Broncos and the Cougars, their greatest tests come on opening weekend. By Saturday night, we will know whether either team can be this year's mid-major darling or whether they will be relegated to competing for a conference crown and a mid-level bowl.

No pressure or anything.

Five Games You Can't Miss This Weekend:

5. South Carolina at NC State (Thurs. 7:00 EST, ESPN)

This is a must-watch game for several reasons. Not only will the Wolfpack be looking for revenge after last seasons 34-0 drubbing at the hands of Steve Spurrier's squad, but this game will also go a long way in determining whether they can compete for an ACC title this year.

Plus, this is the first nationally-televised game of the season, so you know you have to watch. Oh, and it's also the return of Erin Andrews to the sideline following Videogate.

Prediction: NC State 27, South Carolina 16

4. #20 BYU at #3 Oklahoma (Sat. 7:00 EST, ESPN)

This is clearly a huge game for the Cougars, but it's a big one for the Sooners, too. Lose here, and OU will need an undefeated run through the loaded Big 12 just to have a shot at playing for the title a second straight year. Max Hall will present an early challenge for Bob Stoops' defensive unit that allowed 251.5 passing yards per game a season ago. This one may be a lot closer than you think.

Prediction: Oklahoma 35, BYU 27

3. #13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC)

There are few teams in the county receiving as much bandwagon-love as the Cowboys, who enter 2009 as the top sleeper pick in the loaded Big 12 South. But before Mike Gundy's boys get to the Big 12, they first need to worry about one of the power programs of the SEC.

The Bulldogs lost star QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno to the NFL, but this team is still loaded with talent. If the Cowboys are for real, we'll know after this one.

Prediction: OSU 37, Georgia 23

2. #16 Oregon at #14 Boise State (Thurs. 10:15 EST, ESPN)

Why is this game (No. 16 vs. No. 14) ranked ahead of Georgia-OSU (No. 13 vs. No. 9)? Simple: this one has immediate BCS implications. Boise State "should" win every other game on its schedule this year. So, if they win Thursday night, look out, BCS-backers, the Broncos are your best bet to be this year's Utah.

Oregon, meanwhile, wants to make up for last year's loss to the Broncos in Eugene, as well as send a statement to the rest of the country that they are a national title contender, too.

Prediction: Boise State 35, Oregon 31

1. #5 Alabama at #7 Virginia Tech (Sat. 8:00 EST, ABC)

Is there any doubt about this one? Rarely do we see a game with this many national implications this early in the season. Both of these teams expect big things in 2009, but both have unresolved issues. For the Tide, it's whether an offense that lost seven starters will respond effectively.

Meanwhile, the Hokies have injuries galore at running back. Both of these teams have a chance to be great—BCS title great—in 2009. But for whoever loses Saturday night, that chance is most likely all but gone.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 23, Alabama 20

Upset Special of the Week

Baylor at Wake Forest (Sat. 3:30 EST)

No, this isn't that big of an upset. The Deacons are only five-point favorites at home, after all. But this is a key game because I expect the Bears to beat Wake handily—I'm talking two touchdowns-plus handily. Baylor has all the pieces to have a breakout season, and this road win will be the Bears' coming-out party.

Prediction: Baylor 34, Wake Forest: 17

For Your Viewing Pleasure (Other Notable Televised Games)

Navy at #6 Ohio State (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN): Ohio State 38, Navy 20

Minnesota at Syracuse (Sat. Noon EST, ESPN2): Minnesota 27, Syracuse 19

Nevada at #23 Notre Dame (Sat. 3:30 EST, NBC): Notre Dame 27, Nevada 24

Western Michigan at Michigan (Sat. 3:30 EST, ABC): Michigan 24, Western Michigan 17

Missouri at Illinois (Sat. 3:40 EST, ESPN): Illinois 33, Missouri 31

Maryland at #12 California (10:00 EST, ESPN2): Cal 42, Maryland 16

#11 LSU at Washington (Sat. 10:30 EST, ESPN): LSU 38, Washington 17

Ole Miss at Memphis (Sun. 3:30 EST, ESPN): Ole Miss 30, Memphis 14

Cincinnati at Rutgers (Mon. 4:00 EST, ESPN): Rutgers 21, Cincinnati 7

Miami at #18 Florida State (Mon. 8:00 EST, ESPN): FSU 28, Miami 16

Heisman Hunt (Player Performance to Watch)

Jahvid Best (RB - Cal): Best will launch his Heisman candidacy Saturday (10:00 EST, ESPN2) against a Maryland team that ranked 71st in the country last season against the run. Best was held to just 90 total yards in last season's 35-27 loss at Maryland. Both the Bears and Best will be looking for revenge this weekend.


Enjoy opening weekend, college football fans...