Here we go! First weekend of some real solid matchups! Before we discuss the storylines for this week, will someone explain to me Tennessee coaches and their ridiculous clothing styles. From the Bruce Peal all-orange suit to the Derek Dooley pumpkin pants, what is going on in Knoxville?
Anyway... I'm late to posting as I'm preparing for the WVU game down at FedEx field, but here are the storylines I am most curious about:
FSU D
The loos of Reid and Jenkins to the Seminoles defense really wasn't noticed against their tough, tough opening schedule ofFCS I-AA opponents, and it may not really be noticed against an impressive Wake Forest team, but it's the first FBS school they play this season. Wake has been FSU's nemesis , winning four of the last six meetings. Can FSU shake off Wake this year and is the defense as good as advertised? So far in the first half it appears so. FSU is up 31-0 allowing Wake 62 total yards of offense.
Big-time Match-ups
USC's national title run could all end today in northern California. USC visits Stanford, who, just like wake, has a surprisingly good record against a perceived better program. Stanford has beat USC four of the last five meetings, but is rebuilding in 2012. A slow start against San Jose State left a lot of people doubting how competitive this game would be, but the rebound against Duke showed this team will be no slouch. Couple that with a lack of depth for USC, a few key injuries, and being on the road, USC may not be the heavy favorite they once were. A win or loss here will set the course for USC leading up to the showdown in the Coliseum with Oregon.
Tennessee and Florida both have shown flashes of brilliance this season. Tennessee overwhelmed a very talented NC State team, while Florida showed resiliency in a hostile Kyle field, battling back in the second half to spoil Texas A&Ms' first SEC game. This will be a key game for both coaches and programs. A loss for the Gators will have fans questioning Muschamp and whether he can bring the Gators back to SEC dominance. A loss for Dooley against their rivals in Gainesville will weigh heavy in the boards mind as they determine his fate come December. An impressive win here for either team will have to lead you to believe they are the competition for Georgia and South Carolina.
Notre Dame versus Michigan State! Now here may be the game of the day (outside of a WVU blowout)! Michigan State has one of the premier defenses in the nation outside of anyone in the SEC, while Notre Dame looks to finally have implemented schemes that fit their personnel. This game will be won in the trenches and expect an ugly box score, but the game will be physical. Michigan State is already the favorite for the Big Ten title and a loss won't change that, but a win for Notre Dame will surely vault them into the top 12-15. A wins down the road and the Irish may be back in the BCS.
Revenge?
How will UConn do against their old coach at Maryland? The game could be ugly, but a loss here may spoil all the good news coming out of College Park.
Disappointments
In the beginning of the year the Alabama vs. Arkansas game was one of the biggest week 3 match-ups. Now, Arkansas has lost to Sun Belt member Louisiana-Monroe and lost Tyler Wilson for this game. If there was ever any hope for Arkansas they needed every break they could get. Losing your star quarterback is not it. This should now be a bludgeoning. This game has the potential to make me look like the idiot I am for doubting Saban's ability to reload after all their defensive losses this offseason.
Speaking of...
So Louisiana-Monroe isn't new to SEC upsets. While the Tide were down a few seasons ago, the War Hawks were able to stun Alabama. This week they face a down Auburn team as well. Can they duplicate last weeks success? It isn't completely unrealistic, but I expect a let down game for the Sun Belt member this week.
Enjoy the games! I'll try posting pictures and updates on the WVU game as it moves along.
Anyway... I'm late to posting as I'm preparing for the WVU game down at FedEx field, but here are the storylines I am most curious about:
FSU D
The loos of Reid and Jenkins to the Seminoles defense really wasn't noticed against their tough, tough opening schedule of
Big-time Match-ups
USC's national title run could all end today in northern California. USC visits Stanford, who, just like wake, has a surprisingly good record against a perceived better program. Stanford has beat USC four of the last five meetings, but is rebuilding in 2012. A slow start against San Jose State left a lot of people doubting how competitive this game would be, but the rebound against Duke showed this team will be no slouch. Couple that with a lack of depth for USC, a few key injuries, and being on the road, USC may not be the heavy favorite they once were. A win or loss here will set the course for USC leading up to the showdown in the Coliseum with Oregon.
Tennessee and Florida both have shown flashes of brilliance this season. Tennessee overwhelmed a very talented NC State team, while Florida showed resiliency in a hostile Kyle field, battling back in the second half to spoil Texas A&Ms' first SEC game. This will be a key game for both coaches and programs. A loss for the Gators will have fans questioning Muschamp and whether he can bring the Gators back to SEC dominance. A loss for Dooley against their rivals in Gainesville will weigh heavy in the boards mind as they determine his fate come December. An impressive win here for either team will have to lead you to believe they are the competition for Georgia and South Carolina.
Notre Dame versus Michigan State! Now here may be the game of the day (outside of a WVU blowout)! Michigan State has one of the premier defenses in the nation outside of anyone in the SEC, while Notre Dame looks to finally have implemented schemes that fit their personnel. This game will be won in the trenches and expect an ugly box score, but the game will be physical. Michigan State is already the favorite for the Big Ten title and a loss won't change that, but a win for Notre Dame will surely vault them into the top 12-15. A wins down the road and the Irish may be back in the BCS.
Revenge?
How will UConn do against their old coach at Maryland? The game could be ugly, but a loss here may spoil all the good news coming out of College Park.
Disappointments
In the beginning of the year the Alabama vs. Arkansas game was one of the biggest week 3 match-ups. Now, Arkansas has lost to Sun Belt member Louisiana-Monroe and lost Tyler Wilson for this game. If there was ever any hope for Arkansas they needed every break they could get. Losing your star quarterback is not it. This should now be a bludgeoning. This game has the potential to make me look like the idiot I am for doubting Saban's ability to reload after all their defensive losses this offseason.
Speaking of...
So Louisiana-Monroe isn't new to SEC upsets. While the Tide were down a few seasons ago, the War Hawks were able to stun Alabama. This week they face a down Auburn team as well. Can they duplicate last weeks success? It isn't completely unrealistic, but I expect a let down game for the Sun Belt member this week.
Enjoy the games! I'll try posting pictures and updates on the WVU game as it moves along.
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