College Football Preview: Week 2's Five Biggest Games
The NFL has taken center stage with Week 1 set to begin on Sunday, but it's also a huge week in college football. There are a number of great games on the schedule and, more importantly games, that will have championship implications.
Without further ado, here are the five biggest games on the slate this weekend.
No. 5: Georgia at South Carolina
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The two SEC rivals will open conference play both ranked in the Top 25, with the loser more than likely falling out. This matchup may not be getting the hype that others are getting, but it will certainly result in one of the better games this weekend.
Georgia is going to be without stud receiver A.J. Green who is suspended for selling a used jersey of his. The Bulldogs had a slew of players suspended for their first game, but will at least be getting back starting receiver Tavarres King.
Steve Spurrier will be looking to improve the Gamecocks to 2-0 on the year. South Carolina's offense was impressive against Southern Mississippi scoring 41 points. Don't expect to see 41 points scored by either team in this battle.
Whoever wins this game will prove themselves to be stiff competition for the cream of the crop in the SEC.
No. 4: Penn State at Alabama
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The defending champs will face their first test against No. 19 Penn St. Alabama will be without star running back Mark Ingram, but Trent Richardson will be able to step in without a problem. The veteran-laden Crimson Tide are looking to win back-to-back national championships and further prove their dominance as a college football program.
Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions are starting a true freshman quarterback in Robert Bolden who will face an extremely tough task in Alabama. It will be Bolden's first game in a hostile environment against the No. 1 team in the land. Expect Joe Pa to lean heavily on Evan Royster running the football Saturday.
Seeing as both teams are ranked and the Tide are without Ingram, this game could be closer than many expect.
No. 3: Florida State at Oklahoma
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Jimbo Fisher and Bob Stoops will meet for the first time as both coaches try to get their programs back to the top.
The Sooners didn't impress against Utah St., only winning by a touchdown. They are going to have to turn it around quickly if they expect to beat a Florida St. team that is trying to reestablish itselvf as an elite program.
This will be the first time the two schools have played each other since the 2000 national championship in which Oklahoma won.
QB Landry Jones filled in for Sam Bradford when he was down last year and will have to play better than he did a week ago. This game has big implications and the winner will keep their national championship hopes alive.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 2: Michigan at Notre Dame
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The Fighting Irish and the Wolverines will rekindle their yearly rivalry this Saturday in South Bend. New coach Brian Kelly earned a win in his debut over Purdue 23-12. Dayne Crist was efficient in the victory, but will need to prove he can do it in a big game, which comes against a Michigan team that looked very good against Connecticut.
Notre Dame has an improved defense this season, but the true test will come against Michigan QB Denard Robinson. Robinson ran for 197 yards on 29 carries and threw for 186 yards in the win against the Huskies.
Brian Kelly will have to figure out a way to contain the versatile quarterback from running and throwing all over them. Both schools are just outside of the Top 25 and whoever wins this game will find themselves ranked. Rich Rodriguez's job is on the line this season and a win over Notre Dame would be a huge step in the right direction for him remaining the coach after this year.
No. 1: Miami at Ohio State
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Terrelle Pryor's and Jacory Harris's quarterbacking skills are very similar. They both are exceptional athletes who like to scramble in the pocket and have struggled throwing the ball in the past.
If Pryor's impressive performance against Marshall is a precursor of what is to come this season, then it appears that the Heisman trophy candidate has turned the corner.
Harris is still a bit of a wild card.
He hasn't shown the ability to be consistent as a pocket passer and he will get an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong against the No. 2 team in the land.
The Hurricanes would love nothing more to march into Ohio St. and potentially crush their national title hopes all the while increasing their chances at finding themselves playing for a national championship. These two schools have a history after playing in the national championship in 2003. The Buckeyes won in double overtime in a controversial manner.
Ever since that loss Miami has been scrambling to try and get back to the top of college football.
A win Saturday against one of the nation's best is the first step in doing so.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
