College Football Week 3 Road Map

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Saturdays and Sundays in September are slices of heaven delivered to earth from the Football gods. With the NFL, you usually know what games you’re getting on TV, and it’s week two. Without BCS rankings and polls, going 0-2 isn’t the end of the world.

On the flip side of that coin, you have college football. You know most people complain about the lack of a playoff system in division one. But what regular season matters more in any sport? There is little margin for error in college football. One brutal loss early in the season can derail a program for a couple of years.

So many times when I’m couch potato-ing on a Saturday, I’ll zone out and completely forget about a really good game on. Week three of the college football schedule features some enticing matchups that could shape the rankings for several weeks. These first opening weeks might as well be called college football playoffs. Losses here will derail your season. Follow my roadmap below and you should reach your destination of football euphoria.

#12 Arkansas Razorbacks @ Georgia Bulldogs

Why Arkansas Can Win: Superstar quarterback Ryan Mallett has had two tune up games where he’s posted seven touchdowns. The 6’6 gunslinger threw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns in last season’s loss to Georgia. But Georgia doesn’t have a senior quarterback anymore, and has struggled early on offensively. Greg Childs is Mallet’s top threat at receiver and one of the most dangerous targets in the SEC. Linebacker Jerry Franklin is a name to watch out for. Dating back to last season the Razorbacks have won seven of eight games.

Why Georgia Can Win: The Bulldogs will finally be with one of the most talented receivers in the nation. A.J. Greene is set to make his debut and the timing couldn’t have worked out any better for head coach Mark Richt. Georgia suffered—in my opinion—a disturbing loss last week to South Carolina and scored just six points. It was a road game in the SEC, but just a short time ago Georgia entered the season ranked number 1. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 9-3 but have dropped six of eight against Top 25 opponents, including three straight at home. Aaron Murray is what he is, a freshman quarterback. A home crowd should help him out though.

Prediction: Arkansas 31- Georgia 16

Maryland Terrapins @ #21 West Virginia Mountaineers

Why Maryland Can Win: The Terps were victorious just twice last season (one of those against JMU in overtime) but have matched that total in early September. Jamarr Robinson has been the dual threat quarterback Head Coach Ralph Friedgen has always been yearning for. Robinsons legs combined with starting running back Davin Meggett (remember his dad, little Dave with the Patriots) could give the Mountaineers trouble on the outsides. Maryland allowed 85 total yards last week against Morgan State and slowed down Navy’s world famous rushing attack week one.

Why West Virginia Can Win: Dub-V has not been the same national power since Head Coach Bill Stewart took over for Rich Rodriguez and the Mountaineers have lost some prestige. WVU took a 10-0 halftime lead over Coastal Carolina at home and last week it took everything and the kitchen sink to beat their ugly cousins to the east, Marshall. West Virginia has nine returning starters on defense but will be without cornerback Brandon Hogan, after his DUI arrest. Running back Noel Devine is the one Mountaineer off to a hot start, with two 100 yard games. The pressure is on sophomore quarterback Geno Smith to replicate the playmaking abilities of Pat White and Jarrett Brown.

Prediction: Maryland 20- West Virginia- 18

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ North Carolina Tar Heels

Why Georgia Tech Can Win: Tech knew that Kansas was going to come out gunning for them last week in Topeka, a week after a home loss to FCS cupcake North Dakota State. But last week showed the Yellow Jackets aren’t the ACC championship team they were in 2009. One stat I do love about Head Coach Paul Johnson: He’s 5-0 in two seasons after a loss. So, zero back to back losses. Watch out for Tech’s new look 3-4 defense headed by former UVA coach Al Groh.

Why North Carolina Can Win: Georgia Tech has struggled against the run so far in 2010. Luckily for the Tar Heels, star runner Shaun Draughn is back in the lineup for Butch Davis. That sort of is where the luck stops for UNC. Marvin Austin, Quan Sturdivant and several other top Tar Heels will still be suspended. T.J. Yates almost lost his job as a senior after a poor spring. He needs to become the leader and probably will have to make a couple big throws for UNC to win this game.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 27- UNC 17

East Carolina Pirates @ Virginia Tech Hokies

Why East Carolina Can Win: The Pirates are now the eastern version of Texas Tech, a matchup most defensive coordinators dread on the schedule. Offensively the Pirates have yet to be stopped all season and will go into Blacksburg Saturday averaging 50 points per game. Dominique Davis has faced the Hokies before in the 2008 ACC Championship game. Several students told me this week that the campus at Virginia Tech is depressing. If ECU is able to get off to a hot start and isn’t playing catch up, there will be no wind to push the Hokies sails.

Why Virginia Tech Can Win: Because if they don’t win this game, are they going to even make a Bowl? It’s hard to pinpoint Tech’s weakness right now; I guess you could say offensive line and turnovers. Virginia Tech has twice the talent the Pirates do but the seven new defensive starters have been pretty noticeable. This is a MUST WIN game for Frank Beamer. A loss and some members of the fan base could be calling on Bud Foster.

Prediction: East Carolina 28- Virginia Tech 27

Air Force Falcons @ #7 Oklahoma Sooners

Why Air Force Can Win: The Falcons are sitting just outside of the top 25 after destroying conference rival BYU by 21 points last weekend. Air Force is averaging 423 rushing yards per game, first in the nation. Holy shit haha. Air Force is going to have to score on more than just on offense to beat the Sooners on the road. Watch out for cornerback Anthony Wright Jr. who had three return touchdowns last season.

Why Oklahoma Can Win: The Sooners have won 32 straight home games. Oklahoma embarrassed the poo-poo out Florida State last week and seemed to be poised for a Big 12 title. Landry Jones, DeMarco Murray, and Ryan Broyles are top five QB/RB/WR threat in the country. Oklahoma’s run defense has been in the top 20 in the country nine years running.

Prediction: Air Force 23- Oklahoma 38

#8 Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Washington Huskies (written by contributor Colin Kirschner)

Washington beat USC –the good one–last year at home, so the Huskies know how to prepare for big games.  This game will be an exciting one which usually doesn’t come to mind when you think of Corn Huskers or Huskies football.  Both quarterbacks, Jack Locker of Washington and Taylor Martinez of Nebraska will make some highlight real plays.  Look for Nebraska to try and move their traditional up the middle rush to the outside this week, as they try and contain the Steve Young like athletic ability Locker demonstrates. 

Both teams have threats outside at the receiver position in wide receiver Jermaine Kearse for Washington. So far in 2010 he’s hauled in 14 receptions, 287 yards, and 4 touchdowns.  Husker wide receivers Niles Paul (6-1, 220 pounds) and Brandon Kinnie(6-3, 220 pounds) will help control the middle against the Huskies undersized corner’s and take advantage of double moves on the outside all day. 

Nebraska wins the running the game advantage though, having two strong running backs in Roy Helu Jr. and Rex Burkhead. Both have the ability to bounce off and run through arm tackles.  To add to Nebraska’s run game, quarterback Martinez is like a gazelle in the open field off the read option.  Quarterback play will ultimately decide the game, Martinez ability to find the open man and be active on his feet will show the Big Red faithful he is here to play and not to party!

Nebraska  28 Washington 17

#10 Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers (written by contributor Colin Kirschner)

The past few years you could say this game would have been a no brainer to pick, and this year is no different. Florida should win, but it might not be as easy this time around the block.  Florida’s offense has struggled as late due to poor communication on the offensive line and poor play from quarterback John Brantley. Look for offensive coordinator Steve Addazio to make Brantley comfortable early setting him up in the shotgun spread.

Tennessee struggles with small speed backs constantly taking bad angles and breaking down in space for the open field tackle. UF running back Jeff Demps will have a field day against middle linebacker  Nick Reveiz, who lacks the athleticism to play in the SEC.  Tennessee has little hope in this game as transfer Matt Simms is still inconsistent with his decision making as well as his footwork.  Florida’s experience at in the secondary (Janoris Jenkins and safety Ahmad Black) will make this game one dimensional for Tennesse, allowing the athletic Florida defense to focus on Volunteer running back Tauren Poole.

Florida 35 - Tennessee 20

Arizona State Sun Devils @ #11 Wisconsin Badgers

Why Arizona State Can Win: ASU has looked impressive at home, albeit against two cupcakes in Portland State and Northern Arizona. Wisconsin’s secondary looked lost against San Jose State. Quarterback Steve Threet (Michigan transfer) will need to connect with receiver Mike Willie from the opening gun. Preseason projections had ASU near the basement in the Pac-10. A win in Madison would put the Sun Devils on the Doppler radar as a team ready to strike.

Why Wisconsin Can Win: The Badgers need to get back to the basics and hand John Clay the football. Wisconsin is 22-2 the last two seasons when they reach the 200 yard rushing mark. Fifth year senior quarterback Scott Tolzien has been shaky to say the least. ASU has been toying with its offensive line. Badger defensive end J.J. Watts needs to rattle the Sun Devils young blockers.

Prediction Arizona State 21 – Wisconsin 26

Baylor Bears @ #4 Texas Christian Horned Frogs

Why Baylor Can Win: If you take one thing away from this article, you need to remember the name Robert Griffin. The gunslinger has seven of the eight Bears touchdowns in 2010. Kendall Wright is Griffins number one option. Baylor has won 13 consecutive games when they score at least 30 points.

Why TCU Can Win: Andy Dalton very well may be the most experienced quarterback in the nation. His 31 wins are the most among active FBS throwers. Running back Ed Wesley went off last week for 219 yards and two touchdowns. TCU is 57-6 at home since 1999.

Prediction: Baylor 24 – TCU 51

Clemson Tigers @ #16 Auburn Tigers

Why Clemson Can Win: Clemson’s offense hasn’t missed a beat yet in 2010, but the Tigers haven’t been tested like this yet. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Parker could have a field day against a weak Auburn secondary, who narrowly escaped Mississippi State last weekend.  Running back Andre Ellington looks similar to James Davis and has a 60 yard TD scamper this season. Safety DeAndre McDaniel is as NFL ready as they come. He plays like a linebacker but had eight interceptions last season.

Why Auburn Can Win: War Eagle! Auburn has already been scared this season, unlike Clemson. Quarterback Cameron Newton looks weird in an Auburn uniform. Fans are used to seeing Jason Campbell or an un-athletic white pocket passer behind center. Newton has the size (6’6” 250) legs and arm to give Clemson some serious problems. Freshman running back Michael Dyer is going to be a star in the SEC. This stage could be his breakout game. Auburn has beat Clemson in 13 straight meetings. This is their first regular season matchup since 1971.

 Prediction: Clemson 14 – Auburn 21

#9 Iowa Hawkeyes @ #24 Arizona Wildcats  

 Why Iowa Can Win: Ricky Stanzi. The quarterback has been called by some coaches the best decision maker in the country. Too many times though, Stanzi missed open receivers. Arizona needs to generate a pass rush to fluster the adult film star for Iowa.

Why Arizona Can Win: Running back Nic Grigsby scored five touchdowns this season. The senior is dangerous and can wear down a defense. Arizona hasn’t allowed a touchdown yet this season. Wildcats junior wide out Juron Criner is back in the lineup. His nine touchdowns tied a Pac-10 lead last year. Keep an eye out on the coaching matchup between Kirk Ferentz and Mike Stoops. Both coached together in Iowa in the 1980’s.

Prediction: Iowa 29 – Arizona 21