Division 1-A Games
*+x GAME OF THE WEEK x+*
"Destiny's Children" #2 Texas at #4 Ohio State
Ohio State is one of the best in the Big Ten. Texas is one of the best in the Big XII. As Texas beat Michigan by a field goal in last year's Rose Bowl, Texas wants to challenge another Big Ten powerhouse, Ohio State. Michigan is already the baddest bad boys in the Big Ten, and if you can beat Michigan, Ohio State should be a great challenge. For the most part, it has been. It's Saturday PRIME TIME college football at the Horseshoe as the Longhorns of Austin, TX ventured into Columbus, OH. This may not be just the best game this week, but maybe the Game of the Year. Many had Ohio State beating Texas, I had faith in Houston's own Vince Young. Young and his young footballers won a tough game in a tough stadium with much tougher fans. You know, I have much more respect in the Texas offense now. Texas is among the elites, and this game shown it against Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State. If you don't put Texas up there with USC and whomever else is a title contender, then you're nuts. The game was basically over as Texas recorded a safety against Ohio State to put the game away. (25-22; Texas)
"Sunshine State Soliders" #9 Miami (FL) at #14 Florida State
The University of Miami is in Coral Gables, FL. Isn't Miami a beautiful place (except when there's really bad weather)? Well, no one informed The Weather Channel that some dangerous hurricanes were going to attack Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahasse, FL on Monday night. Both teams will have some returning starters, new QBs, so the slate is basically clean, and winning is anyone's guess. The key word for this game was irony. I wasn't expecting Miami's kicking game to falter because "traditionally," FSU blows field goals. As much as I like Miami, they just didn't come to play from what I've seen. Two field goals failed due to bad snaps. FSU converted a field goal while it was all touchdowns for FSU. Also, Miami allowed the most sacks (9) in school history. The streak is over as FSU upset Miami. Yeah, you read right. Upset in Tallahassee! (10-7; FLORIDA STATE)
"I Owe Ya'" #8 Iowa at Iowa State
When I was matching Division 1-A colleges and universities with the conferences they play in, I usually confused the two Iowas. I thought Iowa and Iowa State University are both Big XII schools. But as I learned a few years ago, Iowa is in the Big Ten, and Iowa State is in the Big XII. The trophy on the line is the Cy-Hawk trophy, awarded to the winning Iowa institution on the gridiron when these two meet. It has the logos of the Hawkeyes and the ISU Cyclone. Would Iowa continue their winning ways against their rivals in Ames? This rivalry has been around since 1894. Iowa's won nine straight going up against their in-state rivals in the weak Big XII North, Iowa State. The red-hot Iowa Hawkeyes had a few turnovers against them. ISU made the most of those. In the first half, the Cyclones upstaged the Hawkeyes 16-0 with all of those points off of turnovers.
"Blue, Gold, and Maize" Notre Dame at Michigan
Do you love your blue and maize, Michigan? Do you love your blue and gold, Notre Dame? The boys of South Bend ventured into Ann Arbor fresh off of beating the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field in somewhat of a blowout. I don't know, being ahead by 14 points or more is like a blowout. From South Bend to Ann Arbor is about 125 miles due east northeast. As a small fact, Ann Arbor is about 40 miles west of Detroit. As the game went along, Ann Arbor's faithful weren't pleased. They get the ball back sometime after around 4:15 in the fourth quarter, down 17-3. It's 4th and about 3 and the Wolverines hook up for a beautiful 20+ yard touchdown pass. Now it's 17-10 with life breathed back into Michigan. Wolverine fans have something to cheer about now. No timeouts left either way. They went three and out and not converting a crucial fourth down after a False Start penalty. So ND knocked off the Wolverines, now they have to worry about Michigan State next week. Can they start 3-0? Next week, read up. (17-10; Notre Dame)
"Citrus Crush" West Virgina at Syracuse
The 'Cuse is in the house! No, literally. To the Carrier Dome we go. The West Virginia Mountaineers will have to do without their big man "PacMan" Jones. With West Virginia being highly favored against their central New York counterparts, they didn't disappoint. (15-7; West Virginia)
"Kings of Kentucky" Louisville at Kentucky
This would be a dream matchup in college basketball. Put them on the field in football, and Louisville is much more superior. But remember, anything can happen, so don't be surely confident. But as it turned out, Kentucky tried to make a game out of it, not to mention Kentucky trying to deadlock the game at 31. That deadlock didn't happen, and the Cardinals have a successful start to their season. It may take some luck to knock off the Louisville Cardinals. (31-24; Louisville)
"Wicked Vick" Virginia Tech at North Carolina State
Virginia Tech was ranked #8 heading into Raleigh, NC. Yeah, going south of Virginia to meet the Wolfpack. The game featured some sloppy play and unncessary roughness, especially by VT. NC State had a shot at winning it all, but after an attempt at the End Zone was picked off by VT, I was predicting an upset. It almost happened. But you know what's said about almost. Almost isn't enough, of course. NC State could feel primed for an upset, but a bad decision in the passing game hushed Raleigh up. (20-16; Virginia Tech)
"Down and Dirty South" South Carolina at Georgia
Fresh off of his win against Central Florida, Steve Spurrier's crew is ready to take on the team who made mashed potatoes out of Boise State- Georgia. The game is in Athens, GA. If home field advantage meant getting the easy win, Georgia would have already won the game. Could the Gamecocks knock off the Bulldogs? In a close one... no. Georgia wins another one at home. (17-15; GEORGIA)
"Sun Valley High" Arizona State at LSU (changed to Arizona State at LSU)
Amid Hurricane Katrina's devastation, Baton Rouge is home to two strong universities- Southern University of the SWAC, and former National Champions, LSU. Les Miles led his Tigers merry men to take on Arizona's best football team, the Arizona State Sun Devils. This is a good matchup. LSU is slightly favored more, in my view. Arizona State is good, but could it be possible for the Sun Devils to maybe make an upset against the Tigers? LSU converted a beautiful 4th Down conversion late, and not only does LSU win, but Louisiana has some pride and something to be happy about despite the devastation of Huricane Katrina. LSU fans back in Baton Rouge cheered on the Tigers and they have something to live up to. I never felt so emotional about a win since maybe Tom Kristensen winning his seventh Le Mans. It's not about the game. It's about heart and pride, and LSU had plenty as they knocked Arizona State down a few more levels in the rankings.
"The Fairly Odd Houstons" Sam Houston State at Houston
Sam Houston State is in Huntsville, TX. They have to feel good about beating Bacone in a monstrous shutout. The Bearkats hope to do the same to the Houston Cougars. Houston is reeling from being beaten by the Oregon Ducks. All last season, all of Houston's win were in-conference games. Houston is C-USA as SHSU is Southland. It was 17-10 at the half with the Houston Cougars being the dominating kitties in this game. The Cougars' spunk came on strong for the eventual win. Easy win, but can they do well against the up and coming UTEP? Find out next week. (31-1?; HOUSTON)
"Everything that Happens in New Mexico..." UNLV at New Mexico
Do you love Las Vegas? Want to live there? Want to attend classes there? You can with the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, home to the Rebels. UNLV has to hit the road to New Mexico to meet the Lobos. When I switched over to this game, UNLV knocked in a short field goal to make it 17-9, down by eight. Albequerque, New Mexico, USA becomes host to this Mountain West matchup and possibly, the ugliest mascot in college football. Last year, UNLV finished 2-9, and New Mexico finished 7-5 and lost to Navy in the Emerald Bowl. UNLV made a game out of it, even recovering an Onside Kick. But a bad call on offense in passing the ball sent UNLV packing. (24-22; NEW MEXICO)
"The Few Miles War" Mississippi (or Ole Miss) at Memphis
As Conference USA was changing, Memphis stayed in C-USA rather than find fame in some other conference. The boys in Memphis, TN, USA welcomed Ole Miss of the SEC. Memphis finished 8-4 and losing to Bowling Green in a blowout in the GMAC Bowl. Ole Miss, however, finished 4-7 and almost dead last in the SEC West (Mississippi State was last in the SEC West). With the game played in Graceland, the Rebels met the Tigers. The Liberty Bowl is the battleground for these two who went at it for a long time. First-time staring QB Patrick Byrne got his ankle is banged up early in a saddening moment. Worst thing is that this all happened on Memphis' opening drive. There is a big rivalry between Memphis, TN and Oxford, MS. The first half was all about Special Teams as Memphis lead the rebels 6-3. Afterwards, Memphis needed six points being down by 10-6. 2nd and Goal, and Memphis got picked off near the End Zone, and Ole Miss' solid defense held against the Tigers' offense with 24 seconds left. (10-6; Mississippi/Ole Miss)
"Great Northwesterners" Boise State at Oregon State
In Division 2 NCAA sports, there is a such conference as the GNAC, or the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Two of the finest in the Northwest in Division 1-A are Boise State and Oregon State. Oregon State came off of beating down Portland State of Div. 1-AA, and Boise State accepted a difficult loss at Georgia and now have lost two straight. Boise State doesn't play their first game on the blue turf until September 21st, when they host Bowling Green. So for now, they play Oregon State in Autzen, OR. Boise State's great season last time, this seems more like Boise State is falling apart, losing three straight and likely be low in the rankings. (30-27; OREGON STATE)
"Get in the 'Zona!" Northern Arizona at Arizona
Both of these two teams are too good to leave Arizona, apparentely. Northern Arizona's Lumberjacks are part of the Big Sky conference, while the Pac-10's Arizona came up short in Salt Lake City, Utah. With the game being played in Arizona Stadium, this was a chance for Arizona to recollect their thoughts and have more confidence.
"Empire State Encounter" Buffalo at Syracuse
Poor execution and bad plays made the game between Syracuse vs. West Virginia as a low-scoring game. The Orange should have an easier go against MAC team Buffalo. As a battle between two New York institutions, Buffalo finished 2-9 in the MAC East, next to last place only to winless Central Florida. The Buffalo Bulls are looking to climb up the ranks in the MAC as Syracuse is looking to do as splendid as the Orange's basketball program. Both lost their first games, so you know someone's getting some consolation. There aren't ties in college football anymore. You either win, or go home. (31-0; SYRACUSE)
"Full Metal Yellow Jacket" North Carolina at Georgia Tech
Okay, you know I'm usually going to knock basketball powerhouses with football programs. The usual goal is to have your university's/college's athletic programs on top of America. If one program is thriving while another isn't, you have to work to make that other program work as successfully as the thriving program. In basketball, North Carolina beat the basketball team the nation thought was going to finish undefeated en route to the title, Illinois. I believe GT reached the Final Four this past season. Both teams are talented and on the rise. The game isn't played in Chapel Hill. Instead, it's played around downtown Atlanta. The Yellow Jackets and Tar Heel blue dotted the gridiron in Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. Ranked GT beat the Tar Heels by a touchdown without the P.A.T. (27-21; GEORGIA TECH)
"Reconstruction" California at Washington
California was pretty favored last year. Washington had a horrible 1-10 season last year. Washington lost in a heartbreaker in Seattle against the Air Force. Washington has Pac-10 action as they met the California Golden Bears of Berkley, CA. California finished 10-2 last year losing only to Southern California and Texas Tech (Hoiliday Bowl). The game is played at the scenic Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (56-17; California)
"Hey Sophomore, Welcome to Division 1-A!" Oklahoma State at Florida Atlantic
While their Bedlam rivals in Norman were upstaged by Texas Christian University (TCU), OkSU met the Florida Atlantic Golden Panthers. Oklahoma State is a highly-talented Big XII team, while Florida International is one of the two Sun Belt teams in their sophomore season in the highest class of college football. The game is in Boca Raton, FL, not too far from FAU's rivals (Florida International) in Miami. The good news is that FAU gets some national attention and you get a chance to learn a new fight song. The bad news is that the Owls got whipped every which way. OkSU's next game is vs. another Sun Belt team- Arkansas State, while FAU goes way north to play at Minnesota. (2?-3; Oklahoma State)
"Steeling a Win" Pittsburgh at Ohio
42-21. Dave Wannstedt tasted his first defeat as head coach of the Pittsburgh Panthers, apart from his coaching of the NFL's Miami Dolphins. I wasn't expecting Notre Dame to completely outclass and beat down Pittsburgh at home. They had to find some way to to put the 42-21 blowout behind them. So they travelled to Ohio to have a chance at making up for that upset loss, and it all begins by travelling to the talent goldmine of the MAC. They went to Ohio. Not Ohio State, but Ohio. The Bobcats. The Bobcats hosted the Steel City Panthers. To start the game, Pittsburgh ripped a beautiful 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, even with a penalty flag for Ohio being declined (offsides). The game was deadlocked at 10 when Pittsburgh ran out of timeouts and knocked in a quick field goal inside 10 seconds. As the game went into overtime, Panthers QB Tyler Palko threw several picks, even one in OT as Ohio ran the ball back all the way into the other endzone to seal the win and give Frank Solich his first win as head coach. For Pittsburgh, they've lost three straight (Utah (2005 Fiesta Bowl), Notre Dame, and Ohio), and they may lose four because they play at Nebraska next week. Ohio plays at Virginia Tech next week. (16-10; OT; OHIO)
"Bad Doggies!" Washington State at Nevada
The best team in Washington? Washington State only until Washington gets back on track. The Cougars of Washington State met the Nevada Wolfpack. You don't see too much about Nevada. All you'll basically hear of is Reno, Carson City, and especially Las Vegas. Division 1-A's ugliest logo (Washington State) hit it off against Nevada's offensive and defensive packages. It was 27-0 in favor of WSU at the half. Ever since, Nevada got fed to the lions... er, cougars. Nevada has a rivalry game for the Fremont Cannon next week against UNLV. (55-21 WASHINGTON STATE)
"Thundering Roar" Kansas State at Marshall
Kansas State University can be found in Manhattan. No, not in New York, but a city called "The Little Apple," Manhattan, Kansas. Kansas State had a horrible season last season, as only a few years ago, KSU played against Ohio State in BCS Bowl Game action, being ranked #5 in the nation back in the 2002-2003 season. The Wildcats met against the newest flag bearers for Conference USA, the Marshall Thundering Herd. Marshall upset KSU in Manhattan, KS back in 2003 when KSU was #6 in the nation. But today, they played in Huntington, West Virginia. A questionable call was made as the Marshall QB threw the ball when he had a chance to run for extra yardage and a chance to win by one. Instead, KSU's defense tipped the pass all for another Wildcat to pick the ball off. Expect Marshall to watch PLENTY of film and run lots of laps with this tough loss. (21-19; Kansas State)
"Happy Happy Joy Joy Valley" Cincinatti at Penn State
Battle of the Bigs is up. The classic Nittany Lions of Penn State welcomed the Big East newcomers, Cincinatti. From Clevland, OH to Beaver Park, PA, it's time for the Bearcats and Nitanny Lions to face off! Which feline breed would exceed and succeed? Nitanny Lions, of course. Meow! (42-24; PENN STATE)
"The Tortoise and the Tiger" Clemson at Maryland
Fresh off of beating Texas A&M, the once National Champions Clemson met one of their own in this Atlantic Coast Conference matchup, Maryland. The Maryland Terrapins are looking to take down the kitties out of South Carolina. The game is played in College Park, Maryland, the home of the Terrapins. Byrd Stadium wasn't cheering too much as #25 Clemson beat their ACC counterpart by four. (28-24; Clemson)
"Bulldogs of a Different Breed" Mississippi State at Auburn
The Bulldogs are in some trouble now. The Auburn Tigers accepted a tough loss as Georgia Tech beat them in Auburn. Now, Jordan-Hare welcomes the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. The Auburn Tigers are looking to rebuild up a nice win streak after being undefeated this past season. The Tigers meet another school's bulldogs in a BIG rivalry game later this season. But for now, the Tigers looked to beat Mississippi State. The Tigers saw Georgia Tech and completely did a slate-cleaning number on the MSU Bulldogs. (28-0; AUBURN)
"Fly Like an Eagle... Into the Future" Army at Boston College
Army doesn't know football. Army is an Independent school in NCAA Division 1-A Football, and are part of the Patriot Leauge in NCAA Basketball. Boston College is all juiced up and ready to go against the Black Knights of Army. As far as I know, this is the biggest college in Division 1-A football. If you follow college hoops, you may have heard of Boston University. Regardless, this little college in Chestnut Hill, MA seen some action with the Eagles and the Black Knights. As normal, Army isn't expected to win any National Champioships anytime soon as the boys from West Point, NY, fall to another one, this time, the Boston College Eagles. (44-7; BOSTON COLLEGE)
"" Stanford at Navy
Among Army, Navy, and Air Force, Navy is perhaps the best of the three military institutions. The Midshipmen played at home against the Stanford Cardinal. You may have seen this game on College Sports TV (CSTV), if you have it, so we go to Annapolis, MD. Pac-10 meets the Navy independents.
"Fort Worth Fighting For" TCU at SMU
"TCU beat Oklahoma? OMG!" Doggone right. 17-10 over TCU, and if you think this is going to get old anytime soon, you'll likely be wrong. Think about it. If you are in a non-BCS conference and knock off a bigtime program like Oklahoma, you'd want to gloat and show off, wouldn't you? This is a battle between two schools seperated by not much. TCU, of Fort Worth, is an ex-Conference USA team, while Dallas' SMU is an ex-WAC school in Conference USA. The battle is for the Iron Skillet. It's Fort Worth vs. Dallas. And Dallas won the Iron Skillet. (21-10; SOUTHERN METHODIST)
"Golden Oppurtunity" Tulsa at Oklahoma
Oklahoma's getting roasted by the media. They lose to a newcoming Mountain West team, now they have a shot against a WAC team turned C-USA in Tulsa. Boomer Sooner! Oklahoma has to keep their composure if they want to make the most out of this season. Would this be a golden oppurtunity for the Golden Hurricane? Or is this a chance to say that Oklahoma isn't crashing and burning? Well, the Sooner faithful have reason to cheer as Oklahoma won by more than double Tulsa's score. (31-15; OKLAHOMA)
"Bad 'Bama Jamma" Southern Mississippi at Alabama
Southern Mississippi plays in a beautiful setting. I think I remember watching Southern Miss play against Houston in overtime last season (S. Miss won). Thanks to Hurricane Katrina, a lot of that beauty has been tarnished. With heavy hearts (none heavier than in Louisiana), they went to one of their next door states, Alabama. The Crimson Tide is ready to cover the Golden Eagles in crimson.
"'Blazin 'Bama" UAB at Troy
The UAB Blazers almost made a big upset by almost beating Tennessee. The Volunteers seemed tough to beat, so maybe they can better their luck by beating the Troy Trojans. Formerly Troy State, the Troy Trojans made a big upset last season, beating the Big XII's Missouri. There is more prestige in the Big XII than in the Sun Belt. This matchup is a bit more favorable between C-USA's Blazers and the Sun Belt's Troy. C-USA got it done. (27-7; Alabama-Birmingham)
"Rice Rockets" Rice at UCLA
November 26th, Rice plays their bitter rival, Houston, for the Administaff Bayou Bucket. The Owls joined Conference USA so they can be in the same league with the Houston Cougars. Rice University is only miles northwest of the Texas Medical Center, and they have wonderful Rice Village just away from there. But the Owls head to the a college football's paradise- the Rose Bowl. The UCLA Bruins go from Los Angeles to play in Pasadena, CA. While Pasadena, CA, USA will be the site of this season's National Championship game, we got C-USA vs. Pac-10. Pac-10 held together. (63-21; CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES)
"Wake Up!" Wake Forest at Nebraska
As seen on TBS, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons of Winston-Salem, NC is wanting to avenge their loss against the SEC's Vanderbilt. Now they head way west northwest to play in Lincoln, NE to meet the Cornhuskers. A great team in the ACC is Wake Forest. Probably not an ACC powerhouse (Miami, Virginia Tech, Florida State, etc), but they meet a team who was once National Champs, the Big XII North's Nebraska. As you already know, the Big XII North likely isn't going to exceed or beat the Big XII South in football. So, you could say this is a good matchup between two middle of the road teams. The Big XII won while the Demon Deacons go home to Winston-Salem teary-eyed. (31-3; NEBRASKA)
"Bulldogging the Bulldogs" Louisiana Tech at Florida
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs met the Florida Gators. One has been to a good number of Bowl Games, and the other hasn't seen a National Championship since 1996. Louisiana is still smarting from Hurricane Katrina's devastation, so you already know that Louisiana Tech know they have something to play for- pride. LT is playing against one of the toughest teams in the southeast- Florida. The Gators play with pride all the time, so rest assured that if the Wyoming game was a piece of cake, you haven't seen anything yet. (41-3; FLORIDA)
"No Sweat..." #7 Virginia Tech at Duke
The Hokies of Virginia Tech visited one of two North Carolina's college basketball powerhouses (try saying that fast!) with Duke. With the game played in Durham, NC, Virginia Tech beat North Carolina State on the road in Raleigh, now it's Durham's Blue Devils. Duke lost at East Carolina, now they face a much tougher opponent. Remember not to count anyone out yet. Anything can happen, and usually does. Duke got blanked bigtime. Duke may have to stick to basketball. (45-0; Virginia Tech)
"Stealth Bombers" San Diego State at Air Force
Learn to fly higher than you've ever flown before. I'm sure this is what Air Force students are taught as they get their education and hope to serve our nation in the skies. Though it is a military institution, it isn't one of the independents. The Air Force Falcons comprise one of the three military groups in 1-A football. The San Diego State Aztecs made their trip away from Qualcomm Stadium to play at Falcon Stadium. (4?-??; AIR FORCE)
"Freight Train" Akron at Purdue
The Purdue Boilermakers had plenty of locomotion as they played host to the Akron Zips. Ohio's Akron meets Indiana's Purdue. The game wasn't even close even if Akron tried to mount a horrific upset. (49-24; PURDUE)
"No Fly Zone" Temple at Winconsin
Philidelphia is home to two great Division 1 institutions. In basketball, it's the St. Joseph's University Hawks. In football, it's the Temple Owls. The Owls flew their way from Philly to Madison, WI. The state of Wisconsin is football. Wisconsin has a lovely football team that's as good as their basketball team. Into the second quarter, Wisconsin led the Owls 30-0. Temple got blanked as did a few other teams did this weekend. Not even close doesn't even cut it with this game. (65-0; WISCONSIN)
"" Eastern Illinois at BYU
Eastern Illinois is likely a Division 1-AA team or lower. Of course, I'm not counting this isn't a Division 1-AA game, as the home team is a Division 1-A. BYU is probably best known for the beautiful comeback the BYU Cougars made back in the 1980s. Those were the days for Brigham Young, now they are taking on Eastern Illinois. The BYU Cougars spelled B-Y-E to Eastern Illinois. (-; BRIGHAM YOUNG)
"" Hawaii at Michigan State
Aloha Stadium is a wonderful place to play football, look out around the 50,000 or so Warriors fans, check out some of Hawaii's cuties, and all that. You probably be in an all-business area heading into Michigan State. The men of East Lansing welcomed the Hawaii Warriors of the WAC, fresh off of getting whacked by Southern Cal. The Spartans aim to keep Hawaii winless. The Spartans got it done. (42-10; MICHIGAN STATE)
"Carolina Crushing" The Citadel at Florida State
When you hear The Citadel, you're thinking this is perhaps this is some kind of royalty taking on the world. The Citadel are out of the Carolinas (South, I believe) while Florida State knocked off one of their in-state rivals, Miami. This is an easy game for the Seminoles, right? The Bulldogs don't stand a chance, right? They did for a while, then broke down like a 1980s Lincoln Continental. (62-10; FLORIDA STATE)
"Fresno Firestorm" Weber State at Fresno State
In 2002, Fresno State had their quarterback go #1 in the NFL Draft. That QB was Bakersfield, CA's David Carr. That successor would go on to leading the NFL's Houston Texans in being one of the best up-and-coming QBs. Three years later, and Fresno State remains one of the toughest teams in the WAC as they take on the Weber State Wildcats. (49-17; FRESNO STATE)
"Golden Gopher Football Clinic" Colorado State at Minnesota
Colorado State pulled off an upset as they knocked off Colorado. When you win, you have a chance at winning much more, granted you are capable enough to keep winning and limit mistakes. Colorado State is facing a much tougher opponent in Minneapolis. The H.H.H. Metrodome is home to not only the Minnesota Vikings, but also the Minnesota Golden Gophers. (56-24; MINNESOTA)
"Wear Red, Party Hard" Florida International at Texas Tech
The Big XII isn't going to be friendly to the Sun Belt. Even more so if you are one of two newcomers to Division 1-A. Florida International has been a Sun Belt competitor in basketball, and joined the football ranks back in 2004. They don't play their in-conference and in-state rivals (Florida Atlantic) until way later this season. Meanwhile, Texas Tech is looking to jump back into the postseason after making it to a Bowl Game with their hot quarterback Sonny Cumbie. Big XII topples the Sun Belt for two weeks in a row. As for FIU, they are going in-conference to meet Arkansas State. And get this. Texas Tech doesn't play on the road until October (56-3; TEXAS TECH)
"The Husky Comeback?" Northern Illinois at Northwestern
The Northern Illinois Huskies represent the MAC while Northwestern is a Big Ten unit. Can the less-favored NIU Huskies topple the Wildcats in Evanston, IL? It was close as NIU went for the upset after scoring with 6 seconds left in the game. The 2-pointer failed and while two Big Ten powerhouses failed, middle-of-the-road Northwestern won. (38-37; NORTHWESTERN)
"" New Mexico State at Colorado
Colorado couldn't believe starting winless to their rivals Colorado State. After facing a Mountain West bottom-dweller, they now play the New Mexico State Aggies of the Sun Belt. The Buffaloes are the defending Big XII North champions as they look to get their season back in order after accepting a tough loss to CSU.
"" Liberty at Connecticut
Storrs, CT is the site of this matchup with the Patriot Leauge's Liberty facing the Big East's Connecticut Huskies. Connecticut is getting much better in their offense. Too bad I couldn't say the same for Liberty. Connecticut put on 59 points. You can do the math, and that's about 8 touchdowns and one connected field goal. (59-0; CONNECTICUT)
"" Central Michigan at Miami (Ohio)
Miami of Florida has a Bye week this week and go on to play Clemson. The other Miami is playing in the MAC conference against one of the teams to retain use of their Native American Indian nickname, the Central Michigan Chippewas. At the half, both teams were seperated by a field goal. (38-37; Central Michigan)
"Beehive Boot-y Call" Utah State at Utah
The state of Utah is home to about three Division 1-A schools: Brigham Young University, Utah State, and Utah. Utah and Utah State played... Utah won it all. Who's going to step up against the Utes? (31-7; UTAH)
"Singing the Blues" North Texas at Middle Tennessee
You got the Mean Green of North Texas, and in the other corner, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. The Blue Raiders are out of the WAC conference as the Mean Green are a Sun Belt team out of Denton, TX. (14-7; North Texas)
"Hoo-Hah!" Nicholls State at Indiana
Nicholls State is one of many Louisiana institutions affected by Hurricane Katrina. This Division 1-A program faced a tough opponent in Bloomington, IN, home to the Hoosiers. Indiana has done pretty well in both football and basketball, even recalling the 1976 Hoosiers' basketball team who went undefeated and inspired a movie (I believe "Hoosiers" was based on). The movie here is Indiana trying to avenge their horrible finish last season.
"Wildcat Wild Ride" Idaho State at Kentucky
The Idaho State Bengals are not a Division 1-A team, unlike their rivals Idaho. From Potato Country heaven to the university where you'll find the Rupp Arena, Kentucky, we have Saturday football for you. Kentucky has a snowball's chance in Hell of making it to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. Then again, they may make it after all, just to watch the SEC game in person ^_^. But they face a Division 1-AA team, so usually the Division 1-A team in question is better-favored. (49-21; KENTUCKY)
"Brahma Bulls" Florida A&M at South Florida
South Florida is the latest Big East family member, but they face the Rattlers of Florida A&M. So this in-state matchup, the Bulls stampeded the Rattlers. Didn't think a bull can kill a rattler? You do now, player! (37-3; SOUTH FLORIDA)
"" Samford at Baylor
Baylor is probably the worst Big XII South team. The Big XII is still a solid football conference. They can also prove their worth in basketball as the Baylor Lady Bears are the defending Women's College Basketball champions going into next season. Let me tell you as much as I know about Samford. Samford is part of the Ohio Valley Conference in basketball and in football. I believe their nickname is the Bulldogs. So Bulldogs and Bears in Waco, TX. They won't be a factor in the Big XII, but they were against Samford. (48-14; BAYLOR)
"" Bowling Green at Ball State
After being OWNED by the Iowa Hawkeyes, Ball State stays home and plays against MAC rival Bowling Green. Omar Jacobs came up short in his last game against Wisconsin. Now they take own a Ball State program who was out of steam in their effort to upset Iowa. Bowling Green is a bowl contender, and their university's name alone isn't the reason. They play solid football and never give up. If Bowling Green was a bowling ball and Ball State as their 10 pins, Bowling Green bowled for a bigtime strike against the Ball State Cardinals. Next for the Falcons- the blue field against the winless Boise State Broncos. (40-31; Bowling Green)
"Vandals in Vegas" Idaho at UNLV
Idaho plays in a dome, so they are introduced to Sin City. The Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels met the Idaho Vandals of the WAC. The ex-Sun Belt Vandals are hoping to not get beat down and struggle in the WAC conference.
"Rocky Mountain Cool" Wofford at West Virginia
The West Virginia are fresh off of beautifully upsetting the Syracuse Orange (yeah, right! Come on, this is the gridiron, not the hardwood!). They now meet Division 1-AA's Terriers of Wofford. Wofford represents SOCON. No, not the PS2 first-person shooter that's better known for its online play, but the Southern Conference.
(38-6; RUTGERS)
"" San Jose State at Illinois
"" Southeast Missouri State at Kent State
The Kent State Golden Flashes had plenty to say to Southern Missouri State. The trashtalking was done on the field in a convincing blowout. Speaking of trash, Southeast Missouri State was recycled and sent back to their Division 1-AA or lower competition. (33-12; KENT STATE)
