Big Games riding for the SEC and Big Ten in week two

Starting with tonight’s Auburn vs. Mississippi State game, the SEC has the most at stake in week two.  The SEC East race will take shape with Georgia and South Carolina clashing in Columbia, Florida needs a morale boosting win over South Florida, Tennessee can demonstrate that they are still a player in the SEC by beating Oregon and Alabama can show that even with a young defense, the championship still leads through Tuscaloosa.

The Big Ten has a little less at stake, but definitely has its reputation on the line. A win by the Miami Hurricanes in the Shoe on Saturday will firmly establish Miami’s return to being one of college football’s top programs.  The Buckeyes started the Hurricanes’ downfall in the 2002 BCS title game, and despite the talk otherwise, they are seeking redemption. 

Ohio State has something to prove as well.  The Buckeyes have a championship caliber team loaded with veterans, but there are still lingering doubts about their ability to win big games.  They have earned the #2 ranking on their reputation, not on the field necessarily.  Amazingly, Ohio State is seeking its first signature non-conference win since 2006 when they beat Texas 24-7.  A win over Miami will boost their confidence, and set the stage for run at another BCS title. 

Penn State rolls into Alabama as a huge underdog.  The Tide are #1, have a powerful offense and inexperienced defense that is hungry to prove they are just as good as last year’s squad.  The Nittany Lions are starting a freshman quarterback, but have a bruising offensive line led by Stefan Wisniewski and a strong backfield led by 1^st Team All-Big Ten running back Evan Royster. This game has old school, smash mouth written all over it.

Even though Penn State is not expected to win this game, Joe Pa has no intentions of going quietly.  They want to win, not just play well.  The pressure is on Bama because they are playing at home against a slightly inferior opponent.  Saban understands that championship teams win these types of games, and he will have his team ready for battle. 

Bragging rights in the dynamic SEC/Big Ten rivalry are also on the line in the PSU/Bama game.  It is no secret that these two conferences have a healthy disdain for each other.  The head to head record is fairly even over the last decade, but the SEC has the two championship wins over the Big Ten giving them the upper hand.  After a few down years, the Big Ten came roaring back in 2009 ending the season with two BCS wins and having three teams finish in the Top 10.  A win over Bama might just tip the scale in the Big Ten’s favor.

The game of the week might be South Carolina vs. Georgia.  Georgia has won four out of the last five in the series, but all except one was decided by a touchdown or less. With Florida looking vulnerable for the first time since 2007, the winner of this game has an inside track to win the SEC East.  This will be a classic fight won in the trenches.

Arguing that the reputations of Mark Richt and Steve Spurrier are on the line is a bit of a stretch, but there is a sense that they have both under-performed over the last few seasons.  This is a game both coaches desperately need to win.  Adding to the pressure is both teams have difficult SEC games over the next two weeks – SC at Auburn and GA against Arkansas.  A loss means facing a possible reality of starting 0-2 in the conference. 

It was difficult to assess which was stronger last week – the astonishment at the lack of execution by the Florida Gators or the joy felt by much of the college football community watching the Gators struggle post Tebow.  No one expected perfection from the Gators considering the losses – Tebow, Haden, Hernandez, Cooper, Pouncy, Dunlap, Spikes and Wright.  Getting a tough game from the Miami Redhawks was strange though.  The Gator faithful are rightfully nervous heading into the game against the Bulls.

South Florida is the little brother among the Florida’s schools.  Florida, Miami and Florida State get the top players and generally command all the headlines.  Skip Holtz would love to make a big splash early in his tenure by beating the Gators in Gainesville.  With B.J Daniels, Holtz has a weapon to make this an interesting game.  He also has his father to help.  Lou and Urban may be close friends, but everyone knows he’ll be helping his son this week. 

Don’t show sympathy for the Gators just yet.  There is plenty of talent on the roster to bury last week’s debacle.  With games against Tennessee and Alabama quickly approaching, a win over the Bulls is critical.  Meyer understands this, and he’ll have his team much more prepared for the challenge.

With Cam Newton and Michael Dyer leading the way, Auburn has dreams of winning the SEC West this season.  They’ll need to find a defense if they hope to accomplish the dream.  It begins against Mississippi State. 

Two years removed from an ugly 3-2 game, it is hard to believe that the Tigers and Bulldogs are now led by their offenses.  It is understandable though because Gus Malzahn and Dan Mullen have two of the best offensive minds in college football.  Their genius will be on display tonight in Starkville. 

To win the SEC, a team needs to have an elite defense.  Neither Auburn nor Miss St has one yet, but maybe this will be a coming out party.  Auburn looks the most capable.  The Tigers’ defensive line should be able to put pressure on both Bulldogs’ QB’s, and force some mistakes.  The secondary will have to be better than last week when they allowed Arkansas State to pass for 278 yards.  Chizik is a defensive specialist, and will make sure they are ready to go. 

Oregon’s high octane offense storms into Knoxville this Saturday looking to quiet the Volunteers, and get a big early season victory. The PAC 10 has not been friendly to Tennessee lately, and derailing the Ducks would prove they are not far from competing in the SEC again.  Like Holtz at South Florida, first-year head coach Derek Dooley would love to get a big win early in his tenure. 

Tennessee has a good opportunity to steal a win.  Oregon is traveling across the country to play a night game in front of 100,000 Volunteer fans.  The crowd will be loud, and Oregon may have trouble executing.  Getting pressure on Darron Thomas is a must if the hope to contain the Ducks.  If they don’t, it might be a long night. 

The SEC and Big Ten are looking to make early statements this weekend.  The conference heavyweights, Alabama and Ohio State, will be tested. Both are playing at home and should get the victory.  It is just week two, but the outcomes of these two games may influence who plays for the title.  Can’t ask for anything more than that.