10 College Football Games You Must See In Week 3
Last weekend featured what appeared to be a full slate of primetime, epic match-ups.
Many college football fans walked away from their television sets disappointed in the games that they witnessed, as many of them were not competitive.
Some things were revealed, however. Denard Robinson was not a one-game flake, and will be a pain for opposing defenses all season long.
Alabama ran over Joe Pa and the Nittany Lions with ease, featuring a very deep football team.
The Seminoles are not the team that many people expected, and the Hurricanes did not compete the way many expected them to in Columbus.
Games not listed on the top 10, but all college football enthusiasts should check out are:
Wake Forest v. Stanford, Maryland v. West Virginia,TCU v. Baylor, USC v. Minnesota (not)
This weekend does not have the flashy battles that fans can look forward to, but there are some very talented football teams squaring off.
It would be no surprise if one or two of these games became instant classics.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at North Carolina Tar Heels
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X-FACTOR: What better X factor is there than not knowing who is even playing for the Heels on defense?
As of Sept. 13, there have been no updates or even rumors on who is coming back to play on defense for the Heels.
We do know that RB Shaun Draughn is returning in the backfield, which will give the Heels more help and stability.
Key Stat: The "Rambling Wreck" are still an option team that lives and dies with QB Josh Nesbitt. Nesbitt had 2 rushing TD’s but only had 33 yards in the loss to Kansas.
If they can regain the swagger and confidence that they had before the Orange Bowl last season, they could start back on the right track this week.
Why Georgia Tech could win: RB Anthony Allen is a top-notch back who needs to live up the hype that he has been billed with by some analysts. .
This defense is rather inexperienced has been decent so far ranking 40th in America in yards per game. Put those two ingredients together and coach Johnson might have a victory on his hands.
Why North Carolina could win: Despite losing the opener to LSU, this team is still loaded with talent. The big names of Austin, Quinn, Burney, and Williams are not expected to be back, however with Draughn at least they can run the ball with ease.
This team came back and nearly beat a solid LSU team. Butch Davis is a very good coach, so expect him get the 'W'.
FINAL SCORE: NORTH CAROLINA 17, GEORGIA TECH 14
Air Force Falcons at #7 Oklahoma Sooners
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X-FACTOR: FB Jared Tew and RB Asher Clark are both questionable with injuries, and they are arguably the best players on this Air Force team.
If both of them prove to be healthy and are able to give it a go in Norman, it's a whole new ball game, so to speak.
Key Stat-
Air Force leads the nation in rushing with a ridiculous 423 YPG, which is nearly 100 YPG more than the team that is second, being Georgia Tech (331).
Oklahoma is 38th in the nation, allowing only 101.50 YPG. Could this play to be a factor in this contest? That answer lies in the play of the defenses, which Oklahoma has alot of.
Why Air Force needs a prayer to win:
Despite being the third highest team outside the top 25 to receive votes, Air Force’s top dogs are questionable to even take the field.
However, their defense is better than Florida State’s right now and unlike the Noles, the Falcons can still run the ball with QB Tim Jefferson.
So it would come as no shocker if AF was able to keep it closer than the disappointed Seminoles did.
Why Oklahoma will win:
Running back DeMarco Murray, Quarterback Landry Jones, and Wide receiver Ryan Broyles are one heck of a trio of stars.
Their offense looks to be loaded with star power, and their offensive line looked awfully good last week.
On defense, the linebacking corps, led by Travis Lewis, will be feasting on Air Force’s backfield.
FINAL SCORE: OKLAHOMA 38, AIR FORCE 17
Arizona State Sun Devils at #11 Wisconsin Badgers
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The first real tough test faces John Clay and the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend when the boys from Tempe to face off in Madison.
The Badgers are trying to prove to everyone that they should be considered one of the premier teams in the Big Ten this season. Despite not being overly impress to this point, the Badgers have a gifted offense, and a somewhat suspect defense.
The Sun Devils will be featuring a man who beat the Badgers before, even though they haven’t played each other in 42 years. Steven Threet, who transferred from Michigan, played quarterback when the Wolverines upset the Badgers in 2008.
X-FACTOR:
The Sun Devils better be prepared to stuff the run against the best O-Line in America. Vontaze Burfict is one of the elite LBs out there, and he will be on a collision course with John Clay.
Key Stat: Wisconsin has won eight of the past nine games against the Pac 10. They also are ranked 17th in the nation averaging 245 rushing yards per game. The Sun Devils are amazingly seventh in the nation allowing only 58 YPG against the run. Something has to give.
Why Arizona State can win: They have a pretty solid front seven for sure. It is just their secondary that is the question mark. However, Threet knows a lot about those Badgers, so do not be shocked if he connects over the top with WR’s Kerry Taylor, Aaron Pfugrad, and Mike Willie.
Why Wisconsin will sneak off with another win: Bret Bielema is a winner and just knows how to win these non conference games. John Clay is solid as a rock even at what seems to only be 75% and backups Montee Ball and Zach Brown can help carry the load.
The defense is a "bend but don’t break" unit that is just good enough at the moment. But when they play the Michigan's, Iowa's, and Ohio State's of the Big Ten, we'll see.
FINAL SCORE: WISCONSIN 26, ARIZONA STATE 17
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#6 Nebraska Cornhuskers at Washington Huskies
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Before Nebraska takes part in their last conference games in the Big 12, they will match up with Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies. The Huskies are looking to use home field to their advantage, and put points on the board against one of the best defenses in the entire country.
In past seasons, Washington has not been afraid to schedule top programs, and a win could make them a real contender in the Pac-10. Nebraska will be trying to win a tough game on the road, and notch themselves into the top 5 in the rankings.
X- FACTOR:
Huskies receiver Jermaine Kearse is a outstanding player who will be matched up against one of the best defenses in the entire nation, and arguably the best corner in the nation, Prince Akumara. Jake Locker better be able to thread the needle to Kearse or else the Blackshirts will have their way with the Huskies early and often.
Key Stat: Washington is 62nd in the nation against the run, giving up 129 YPG. Nebraska is 3rd in the nation rushing for 324.5 per game. If Washington gives up big carries in the first couple of drives, it is going to be a long day for Sarkisian and UW.
Why Washington could win: Unlike his road woes, Locker is sensational at home and has the weapons (Polk, Kearse, Aquilar, Goodwin) to challenge this Huskers D.
If Washington can come up with a few three and outs and get this offense back on the field, they have a puncher's chance. Also, Nebraska has lost two of its past seven road games since last season.
Why Nebraska will win: Bo Pelini’s defense is still filthy good and Jared Crick will be putting pressure on Locker every single series.
Plus, they finally have a QB running their system in true freshman Taylor Martinez, so their offense seems to have turned the corner into one of the Big 12’s best.
FINAL SCORE: NEBRASKA 24, WASHINGTON 20
Clemson Tigers at #16 Auburn Tigers
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This is one of the great matchups of the weekend which will be in the spotlight for all college football fans to enjoy. These two teams haven’t played a regular season game in many years, but it is a battle of the Tigers in what is sure to be a smashmouth style game.
Clemson is looking to knock off Auburn in their own house, and if they are able to come up with a win, they will definitely be considered to be a top team in the ACC this season.
Auburn has already gotten two victories this season after their thrilling overtime win against Northwestern in the Outback Bowl last season.
They have a very talented defense, and some dynamic playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Many fans are expecting a big time matchup with Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
X-FACTOR: The College Gameday factor is always put into place when predicting a game because usually the crew is set to hype up both teams while siding with the favorite usually.
However, as far as the game is concerned, safety DeAndre McDaniel becomes the X factor as he can come up in the box and make a bone crushing hit as well as pluck a ball in the secondary.
Key Stat: Auburn is ninth in the nation in rushing YPG. Cam Newton is a large part of that, averaging 120 yards a game. Clemson’s defensive line was supposed to be stout, yet through two games it is giving up 166 YPG, which ranks 85th in the land.
Why Clemson can win: QB Kyle Parker’s receiving corps is weak but that is not stopping him from hanging 30 points on the board. They also have capable backs in Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper.
The offense has been great in two games against North Texas and Presbyterian, however a road game in SEC country is a bit tougher. The defense will show up in this game, which should keep them in the game for 60 minutes.
Why Auburn can win: It helps to be at home in these tough games in which the team that has the ball at the end will probably win. This game should go back and forth, but Auburn clearly has a better offensive line, running back and by far receivers; which is the difference in this one.
FINAL SCORE: AUBURN 27, CLEMSON 23
#4 Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers
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Lane Kiffin’s comments about Florida are not around anymore to be a storyline going into this big time rivalry game this season.
All that’s left are two teams that are fighting for a spot at the top of the SEC, and this game will go far as to seeing which one is legit.
Tauren Poole has been exceptional as the running back for the Vols this season, and he will face one of the toughest tests of the season against a stout defense of the Gators.
Jeff Brantley and the Gators are looking to find more explosiveness this week, and are hoping to expose some of the many flaws in the Tennessee defense.
X-FACTOR: Quick, which RB has the most rushing yards through two games?
Tennessee Junior Tauren Poole does, averaging 136 per game. He has a quick burst and breaks through arm tackles with ease. If the Gators are not geared up to the stop run by overloading the box, then they could get gashed.
Key Stat: Florida is only 57th against the run giving up 124 YPG, meanwhile the Vols are 15th in the nation running for 257 YPG.
Why Florida should win: They are just flat out more talented overall and special teams could be the deciding factor in this one. The Gators have speed that kills, so if they just bust one long kick/punt return, then it could start to get ugly.
Why Tennessee will pull off the upset: The Gators have some off the field concerns, but one of the concerns that Urban Meyer should be addressing is his offense.
Matt Simms has solid playmakers backing him up, he just needs to not panic when under pressure. When he learns to throw the ball away and live to play another down, this Vols team will be a top 25 team.
They do not lack the players up front despite what some may think. This reeks of upset city despite of what happened last week.
Rocky Top will be sung all night long.
FINAL SCORE: TENNESSEE 26, FLORIDA 24
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan State Spartans
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X-FACTOR: Going against a mediocre secondary is a big advantage for the Irish going in this one. Forget Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph…..we know they are All-Americans; however, wideout TJ Jones needs to once again step up and light up this Sparty pass defense.
Key Stat: Michigan State ranks just 90th against the pass allowing 247 YPG, while the Irish are 20th in passing offense averaging 293 YPG.
Why Michigan State can win despite the key stat: Sparty has knocked off the Irish five of nine since 2001 and every meeting except two of them have been decided by seven points or less. QB Kirk Cousins has the weapons in the backfield, and down the field, he just needs to exploit the Irish secondary because they too are weak there.
Why Notre Dame is expected to win: QB Dayne Crist is back and Armando Allen is finally breaking off runs that Irish fans have all waited for. Plus, the front 7, specifically the LB core is no longer a push over position. Mante Te’o will smack you in the mouth.
The two teams that played in what is considered by many as the "game of the century" in 1966 are both trying to prove they are legit this season. It really could go in either team's favor.
FINAL SCORE: NOTRE DAME 23, MICHIGAN STATE 17
#9 Iowa Hawkeyes at #24 Arizona Wildcats
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X-FACTOR: If there is a weak link on this Hawkeye defense or let alone team, I would stare at their corners, because none of them really scare me.
So look for Cats QB Nick Foles to lock on to WR Juron Criner. At 6’4 he is a lanky athlete who can go up and take the ball over shorter defenders in Shaun Prater, Micah Hyde, Greg Lowe, William Lowe, and Jordan Bernstine.
Key Stat: Iowa is 25th in America running the football averaging 227 YPG, meanwhile Arizona is 47th giving up 115 YPG. If Iowa is going to win this game, Adam Robinson and Jewel Hampton better combine for over 100 yards, or else it will start to get really hot in Tuscon.
Why Arizona can pull off the upset: Crazy things at happen on the west coast when everybody is starting to fall asleep on the East coast. They are among the top teams in the Pac 10 this season and they have an NFL-caliber QB in Nick Foles who can exploit a suspect Hawkeyes secondary.
The one thing people are unaware of is that that this Cats D has as much speed as any team out there. Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore posses the one of the best duo of pass rushers in America!
Why Iowa should barely win: Last time I checked, defense win championships, and there is arguably not a better D in America than the Hawkeyes.
Adrian Clayborn, Tyler Sash, Brett Greenwood, and Broderick Binns are just a few of the freaks that have been playing lights out in Iowa City for the past two seasons now.
If Ricky Stanzi avoids a costly pick, they have just enough in the passing game to get by.
If the Hawkeyes can play four quarters of football, they walk out intact. Otherwise, this is a very losable game.
FINAL SCORE: IOWA 13, ARIZONA 12
#7 Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders
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Some consider this matchup to be the premier matchup of the week, especially in the state of Texas, outside of the TCU fateful. Many fans still remember the thrilling win by Texas Tech and Michael Crabtree over the Longhorns from a couple of seasons ago. But, this season Tommy Tuberville is looking to make a statement, and beat the big dog.
X-FACTOR:
DT Colby Lewis must stuff the run and be that pit bull up front. Whether it is shutting down the run or throwing QB Garrett Gilbert around like a rag doll, he has to be a major factor in this game.
Key Stat: Texas is 34th in the nation against the pass allowing 165 through the air. Texas Tech is once again one of the best teams at throwing the pigskin around ranking 11th with 334.5 YPG.
Matchup of Game:
Texas Tech WR’s against Texas Secondary. Texas CB Aaron Williams against Texas Tech WR Detron Lewis is the matchup to watch. Williams is a projected first-round pick and Lewis is trying to make a name for himself on national TV.
Why Texas should win: Their defense is still damn good at every position, especially in the secondary which is the only way the Tech is able to move the ball these days. If Hook’Em gets any pressure on the Taylor Potts, they win this one by two scores.
Why Texas Tech will pull off the upset: Once again this game is in Lubbock and it is on National TV at night. Baron Batch will be able to run the ball by taking a few to the house.
Texas is young up front on defense so if Tech protects Potts expect similar numbers as we have seen in the past. They have four WR’s who can stretch the field with ease, but going up against arguably the best corners in the nation will be quite the challenge.
Look for Gilbert to struggle and cough it up a few times. This weekend will be remembered as the weekend of upsets and close scares to several Top 10 teams. Let the dominoes start to fall.
FINAL SCORE: TEXAS TECH 38, TEXAS 34
#14 Arkansas Razorbacks at Georgia Bulldogs
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This is what can only be described as a must win for Mark Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs. Yes, they are still without their top NFL prospect wide receiver A.J. Greene, but the point of no excuses is ever approaching in Athens.
In a season where the Dawg House is hoping to make it to the SEC Championship, those hopes would all but be extinguished if they lost Saturday and began conference play 0-2.
Last season's game was a true shootout between the two teams, as the Bulldogs pulled out the victory 52-41. Arkansas is a very potent offense with a quarterback that is trying to load his resume for Heisman consideration.
X-FACTOR: If the Hogs expects to come away from the Hedges with a victory, then they better run the ball better. RB Broderick Green seems to be the guy in the backfield despite the RBBC (Running Back By Committee) approach that Bobby Petrino is using this season.
Key Stat: Razorbacks are fourth in the nation averaging 361.5 passing YPG. The Bulldogs are 23rd in the nation giving up a pedestrian 139.5 YPG.
Matchup of Game: Razorbacks WR’s Greg Childs 6’3, Joe Adams 5’11, and Cobi Hamilton 6’3 against UGA corners Brandon Boykin 5’10, Branden Smith 5’10, and Vince Cuff 5’11.
Why Arkansas should win a tough one on the road: Because Ryan Mallett is an absolute stud who seems to be locked and loaded two games in the season. His receiving corps looks like the best in the nation and he has a solid O-Line who protects him well.
The reason I have Pig Suey winning the SEC this season is because of the overall speed they have on defense. DE Jake Bequette, LB’s Anthony Leon and Jerry Franklin seem to be playing their “A” game right now and are ready to unleash their wrath on the Dawgs.
Why Georgia can win: The Bulldogs are an impressive team even without AJ Greene. They lack the stud wideout, however they still have capable ones.
For a big O-Line, they really struggled to run the ball on the ground against So. Carolina. Washaun Ealey needs to be able to break a few big gains to ease the pressure on Freshmen QB Aaron Murray.
FINAL SCORE: ARKANSAS 21, GEORGIA 19
Feel Free To Discuss!
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You can find more college football analysis and other sports information from myself (Joe Favia) and fellow sports enthusiast Dan Vasta at: OCSPN.COM
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