Week 3 Preview

Week 2 like the first week had its fair share of surprises and upsets were in the air again. The biggest domino to fall was No. 5 Oklahoma State losing to Houston. We saw a couple OT games some ranked teams struggle early and escape with a victory. Georgia and South Carolina gave us some flashbacks of the Miami (FL) at Florida State game in Week 1.

Recap of last week: BYU and Boise State both had big wins in Week 1 and proved in Week 2 that they are definitely for real by beating Tulane and Miami (OH), respectively, by a combined score of 102-3. The two teams they beat, Oklahoma and Oregon, were able to rebound and win and look to be back on track for now. Oklahoma, however, has lost TE Jermaine Grisham for the year. When it came to the top 5 picks for Week 2, I finished 2-3, which brings my record to 6-4. It took a couple late second comebacks to upend a couple picks and one comeback that fell short. First, the Stanford at Wake Forest game lived up to the hype I built up for it. Stanford showed up and dominated for three quarters, but we all know that football is four quarters long. In the fourth, Wake Forest tied the game and took the lead with only 2seconds on the clock. If Stanford can finish strong and Wake Forest play strong in the first half; both can make some noise this year. Speaking of crazy comebacks, the ACC battle between Clemson and 15 ranked Georgia Tech was a wild one. Georgia Tech in the first half looked like it was going to run away with the game, but Clemson woke up and tied the game at 24 and created a game on Thursday night after all. The two teams would swap field goals before Georgia Tech put up another 3 points in about a minute to go and held off the Tigers and escape from a big comeback loss. The game indeed came down to a couple big plays and mistakes, which weren’t costly in the end for Georgia Tech. Two Thursdays in a row we saw crazy action.

Lane Kiffin is 1-1 and failed against a slightly better opponent in Week 2. Tennessee led early and fell a couple yards short of taking the lead in the closing seconds. The Volunteers made multiple mistakes and it was enough for UCLA to get a win at Rocky Top. Going into this week against Florida, Tennessee cannot play like this did against UCLA or might get blowout. No. 18 Notre Dame at Michigan lived up to the big buzz around it and the ending was as close as you can get. Michigan and Notre Dame traded blows all day and it was a one of the best games in their historic rivalry. Notre Dame came back late on in the 4th quarter to take a 3 point lead. However, the young Michigan team drove the field and Tate Forcier, the Michigan QB, threw a TD to take a 4 point lead with 11 seconds left. The Fighting Irish ended up on the losing end of a 38-34 score and now have to prepare Michigan State was increased pressure while Michigan enters Week 3 with new life and 2-0. This week the top game lived up to the hype and man was it good. Ohio State was at home this year and they showed up and gave USC everything it had. It was No. 3 (USC) vs No. 8 (Ohio State). After being embarrassed in southern California a year ago, Ohio State came out motivated especially after a lethargic game at home against Navy in Week 1. However, when it counted QB Matt Barkley got it done and the Trojans won another big one. Pete Carroll’s freshman QB was not especially sharp but with the help of the bruising HB Joe McKnight was able to lead the team on the winning drive and score under a minute to USC up by 3. Much credit is definitely deserved in a losing effort for Ohio State.

That brings us to this week. There is a slate of good games on deck. Continuing like the first two weeks, here are some matchups that will test some of the teams involved in terms of their season.

No. 8 California at Minnesota: California is ranked in the top 10 and is most likely the biggest challenger to knocking off USC. How will they do against what seems like a formidable Minnesota team? This is a good road test for the Bears.

No. 11 Ohio State at Toledo: Ohio State takes to the road after a tough loss. Will Toledo catch Ohio State still thinking about last week or will the Buckeyes make a statement?

Eastern Michigan at No. 25 Michigan: Michigan is 2-0 so far after going 3-9 last year and is ranked again. Let’s see if the Wolverines can continue their success against a team they should beat.

No. 3 USC at Washington: Washington’s head coach is a former USC assistant and knows the Trojans better than few coaches. USC over the last few years since their last title game appearance has dropped a road PAC 10 game. Will this be the one? Can USC continue to look strong and stay on course hoping for Florida or Texas to stumble? How healthy will QB Matt Barkley be? It looks like Aaron Corp will get the start of now.

No. 18 Utah at Oregon: We saw Oregon take on a non-BCS school in Boise State in Week 1 and got handed a tough loss. This time they host Utah and could be facing another loss. This game could provide us with some interesting TV and results.

Michigan State at Notre Dame: Well Notre Dame better be ready for that other Michigan school or it could fall to 1-2. Michigan State has troubled Notre Dame in recent years and will be a big test for teams as they look to make a statement. Notre Dame was in a big game a week ago and is facing a must win with the pressure that is on them.

Texas Tech at No. 2 Texas: Texas was 11-1 and didn’t get to play for the Big 12 title and thus had no chance to play for the national title. Well, that one loss came to Texas Tech in that last second pass and catch between QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree. Both are gone and Texas Tech isn’t anywhere as dangerous. Texas should win the game, but the Longhorns are coming for revenge and are focused on not letting what happened a year ago happen again. It should be good!

That brings me to my top 5 matchups of Week 3:

5. No. 10 Boise State at Fresno State: Boise State has looked very good to start the season thus far and Fresno State presents a good challenge. This might be the last big test between Boise State and an undefeated season. The game is at Fresno State and both teams have had a lot of success over the last few years and are at the top of their conference. Look for Boise State to show how good they are with a crucial win for them. Pick: Boise State

4. Florida State at No. 7 Brigham Young: BYU is ranked in the top ten and upset Oklahoma in Week 1 and had an impressive win a week ago. Florida State entered the season ranked before Miami (FL) knocked them off on Labor Day. BYU feels it can achieve unparalleled success this year and Florida State is a big obstacle in their way of that success. If BYU can play they way they have in the first two weeks they should be able to get by Florida State and stay on course for a BCS birth and even an outside chance at the national title game. Florida State in the last few years has not been the dominant team we have become accustomed to seeing them. This is an important game for both. BYU is home and looks poised to prove they belong with the elite this year. Pick: Brigham Young

3. Tennessee at No. 1 Florida: The time for talk is almost over and one of the most build up games of the year is about to kickoff. On paper, it doesn't look like a top matchup. It doesn't feature two ranked teams and only Florida has a possibility of playing for the national title. However, it is a battle in the SEC and we have seen how those games tend to play out. Many of the games are close and combative. Florida has heard all the words that Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin has said since his arrival in Knoxville. Tim Tebow doesn't need any "bulletin board material" to get fired up for any game. The only reason that this game is this high on my list is mostly the swirl of hype around it. I don't expect Tennessee to really challenge Florida. I don't know if the Gators will win by 50, but it will definitely be a double digit win. Florida is too good and Tennessee showed the holes they have a week ago. Pick: Florida

2. No. 14 Georgia Tech at No. 20 Miami (FL): One of two ranked matchups this week. Last Thursday we saw Georgia Tech hook up with Clemson. The two gave us a lot of drama down to the wire and I expect Georgia Tech and Miami (FL) to compete in a close battle with ACC bragging rights on the line. They both would love a big win in hopes of making it to the ACC title game with a BCS birth at stake. Georgia Tech has gotten the better the Hurricanes in recent years, but the "U" seems to have some of its old swagger back. Miami (FL) is back in the spotlight and are poised to show they are back in primetime. If the Hurricanes can contain Georgia Tech's offense, then they can really take over this game. Pick: Miami (FL)

1. No. 19 Nebraska at No. 13 Virginia Tech: The other ranked matchup of Week 3. Nebraska used to dominate college football, but in recent years has been subdued in the Big 12 with teams like Oklahoma and Texas dominating for the last decade. Virginia Tech is competitive year in and year out and has been one of the best teams in the ACC. The Hokies suffered a tough loss in Week 1 to Alabama and have little room for error the rest of the way. Both schools pride themselves on having successful seasons with double digit win totals and we will see two tough teams lock horns this weekend. Defense and special teams will be key for both and its what these two teams are best at. Virginia Tech usually takes care of the little things and if they do they should be able to overcome whatever Nebraska throws at them. Pick: Virginia Tech

Lets see how this week plays out. Without a doubt, there will probably be a surprise or two as we have seen.