Week 2 Preview

As expected, the first week had its fair share of fireworks and season making moments. We saw some classics and the expected handful of beatdowns.

Recap of last week: As expected, both Florida and Texas had little trouble with their opponents and with the injuries to both Sam Bradford and Jermaine Grisham of Oklahoma, the road to a championship game match got a little easier. Tennessee looked strong in Lane Kiffin debuts as did USC with freshman QB Matt Barkley. Both teams especially USC have tougher challenges in week 2. Notre Dame and Michigan also had strong first outings and prepare for a clash this week. The Missouri v Illinois and Cincinnati at Rutgers games weren't very good and turned out to be bad blowouts. In terms of my top five games of the week, they all lived up to what I expected out of them. If Sam Bradford didn't go down early, my picks might have been 5 for 5, but still 4 for 5 ain't bad. Miami (FL) at No. 18 Florida State was the last game of the loaded first week and may have been the best. A last second goal line stance by the "U" preserved a big victory in the rivalry. With Sam Bradford injuring his shoulder early in the game, the No. 20 BYU vs No. 3 Oklahoma game in the new Texas Stadium had a few twists not many probably saw coming. BYU made a statement despite the Bradford injury with a big victory to start the year and has a chance to run the table and get in the national title conversation.

In the No. 13 Georgia at No. 9 Oklahoma State game, it was a close one throughout as predicted and Oklahoma State was able to put Georgia away late and start off the year with a nice victory. I was definitely expecting a good game when No. 16 Oregon visited No. 14 Boise State on opening night, but what transpired at the end overtook the game. Boise State was able to prove that last year was not a fluke, but the postgame brawl afterward with Oregon's running back, LeGarrett Blount, stole the headlines the next day. Look for Boise State to make a serious run along with BYU for a BCS and/or possible title game bid. And in what I saw as the main event matchup of the week, No. 5 Alabama was able to prevail over No. 7 Virginia Tech in Atlanta. It was filled with good defense and Alabama was able to overcome some mistakes in the first half to get a major win to start their season. Look for both to half a very good season and for Virginia Tech to rebound strongly.

Now we turn to this week and there may not be as many big games, but there are certainly some that are noteworthy at this point in the season and one in particular may very likely impact the loser's national title hopes.

Similarly to last week, there are a few games that are worth noting (mostly due to last week's developments). These games include:

No.9 Brigham Young at Tulane: Will BYU show up on the road and prove that they are a serious threat for the national title game after last week's big win?

Idaho State at No. 13 Oklahoma: Oklahoma shouldn't have any problems with Idaho State despite a couple major injuries on their offense. But it will be a good way to gage how the team will look for the short-term future and if they are prepared for tougher teams without QB Sam Bradford or TE Jermaine Grisham on the field.

Miami (OH) at No. 12 Boise State: Similarly to BYU, how will Boise State show up the week after a big win. In their favor, they are playing at home and will most likely be another step towards a possible undefeated season and BCS game.

Purdue at Oregon: How will Oregon rebound after the big loss at Boise State last Thursday and the aftermath that followed the game and the loss of the senior HB? The Ducks have Purdue coming to town and need to be ready to go or they will most definitely start the year 0-2.

Now to the big five matchups of Week 2:

5)Stanford at Wake Forest: This game probably is not going to get a lot of attention, but for some reason I'm drawn to it. Wake Forest came out of no where a few years ago and won the ACC and played in a BCS bowl. I kind of see Stanford on that type of rise. I am not saying they will be playing in the Rose Bowl or win the PAC-10, but they could surprise a few team this year. They are coached by a tough-minded, young coach who just a couple years ago led the Cardinal to a big upset over USC. Wake Forest has the potential possibly to surprise a few teams in the ACC this year as well. This game could turn out to be the game of the week. Pick: Stanford

4)Clemson at No. 15 Georgia Tech: A big Thursday night game which features two teams with a lot of potential. Both have had teams on the field that could have challenged for an ACC title. Clemson features a major college back in CJ Spiller and Georgia Tech runs a tough to stop triple option. This game should be as hyped as last week's Oregon at Boise State game. This game could come down a couple big plays or mistakes. Pick: Georgia Tech

3)UCLA at Tennessee: Time for Lane Kiffin's first test of the year and this game is a good way for Tennessee to see how they might fare against Florida next week. These two has swapped wins the last two years and is a rubber match of sorts. It could become heated and should be a back and forth struggle. Both teams want to make cases that they are challengers for their respective conference's titles (the Pac 10 and SEC, respectively). The Volunteers feature one of the best players in the country on defense in safety Eric Berry. Home field may be enough to tip the scales. Pick: Tennessee

2)No. 18 Notre Dame at Michigan: Both teams are rebuilding and working to get back to past glory. Notre Dame is ranked while Michigan is adjusting to being an ordinary team. Both have had 3-9 seasons (Notre Dame in 2007 and Michigan in 2008). Both coaches are on the hot seat. Both teams have a lot of pressure to win this year. Notre Dame clearly has more talent and has more pressure on them to win this game. Both were able to start the year strong and made major statements last week. If Notre Dame plays like they are capable of they just might turn this one into a blowout. Notre Dame might be playing in the Big House, but talent trumps home field. Pick: Notre Dame

1)No. 3 USC at No. 8 Ohio State: This is by far the biggest game of the week. It features the only game with two top 10 or ranked teams overall facing off. USC was impressive last week while Ohio State escaped with a win against Navy at home. USC embarassed Ohio State last year and the Buckeyes are looking for revenge at home this year. USC might be starting a freshman, but he showed a lot of poise last week and this hostile environment will definitely be a test for him. Ohio State's use of the option with their agile and quick QB Tyrelle Pryor could be a difference maker in their favor. I don't know if we will see a blowout again, but I still think that USC is reloaded and ready to go again against Ohio State. Pick: USC


BONUS!!

With tonight being the kickoff to the NFL season, I will take my breakdown of the college games to the NFL games every week as well. Tonight the opening game features the defending Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Tennessee Titans. Anyone who follows football knows that last year the Titans defeated the Steelers 31-14 and some Titans stomped on the infamous Steelers' Terrible Towels after the win. The Steelers took the move a little personal and is a small backdrop to tonight's kickoff game. The two best teams in the AFC last year (based on record) start off this year's campaign and it should be nothing short of a smash-mouth game. It should be close and feature defense and a lot of running. The Steelers are focused and ready to start off the defense of their title with a big win. Pick: Steelers

It should be another good week of games and now both college football and the NFL are back. It feels like Fall to me.