Week Two TV Guide

[Thu] 4.30 ESPN Clemson v Georgia Tech (-5) - I'm a sucker for the Georgia Tech offense. Dwyer took his first carry 74 some yards to the house last week and really didn't have to do much else in a tuneup game. The team also fumbled five times. We'll see if that's going to become a trend or if it's a one off thing to start the season. CJ Spiller is a little banged up but says he's ready to go. Obviously he's the key for Clemson, so hopefully for my viewing pleasure this evening he's healthy. If he is, we could have a real game. Clemson freshman QB Kyle Parker started the season well. That's a good sign for the Tigers, but let's see how he looks against a real team.

9.00 ESPN2 Central Michigan v Michigan St. (-14.5) - All I have to say here is I wish we would get Stanford v Wake instead of this in the 9.00am ESPN2 slot. Though I am looking forward to checking Michigan St. out. That's the great thing about these early season 9.00 games. Just getting a feel for these teams. Is Michigan St. legit for third place in the Big 10? Can they beat Notre Dame next week? We'll know a bit more by noon Saturday. Historically C. Michigan isn't horrible, but unless Arizona is going to be a top half Pac 10 team, and that is possible, it looks like C. Michigan may be a bit down this year after their 19-6 loss last week.

9.00 ESPN Fresno St. v Wisconsin (-8.5) - A more exciting game on paper if it was taking place in 2007, but not bad for a 9.00 ESPN game. Wisconsin snuck by NIU. The game wasn't as close as it appeared however with the Badgers giving up two late TDs. Fresno St. on the other hand took care of FCS competition in overwhelming fashion. Wisconsin is looking like a bottom half Big 10 team, which means this should be a close game. We know Fresno St. can put up points, I would expect them to be moderately successful against a weaker Big 10 defense.

12.30 ABC Notre Dame v Michigan (+3) - This is an answer providing game. We will have so many answers to the numerous questions about these rebounding programs. Notre Dame haters are counting on Nevada's pass defense being awful, but on that opening week performance, it does look like they will be good enough to be a top 25 team. The real question is are they good enough to only lose twice because you know they'll be in a BCS bowl with a 10-2 record. USC will be one of those losses. The Michigan's are our hope for the second and third loss.

12.30 ESPN2 BYU v Tulane (+17.5) - Why is this game on TV? A let down on the road for BYU? Unlikely, now that an undefeated season has even more promise.

1.00 ESPN UCLA v Tennessee (-10) - I should make it known that I am a UCLA fan first off. Second, I think they are much too young to go to Knoxville and win. However, take away the first quarter, and that opening weekend was a real breath of fresh air for UCLA fans. Seeing a QB in Kevin Prince who actually has the presence, arm and decision-making of a real QB, that's real progress for us. Just keep him healthy. Tennessee is coming off a real ass kicking and are making strides. The difference between the teams here is twofold. One is Neyland, the other is the Vols have enough key offensive starters returning while UCLA is starting a bunch of kids outside of Terrance Austin. If UCLA wins its because they have enough possession to keep their defense from being out on the field all game long. The defense, the experience and strength of the team, keeps the Vols under 17, and the offense doesn't turn the ball over. Those things all happening are unlikely.

4.00 ESPN2 S. Carolina v Georgia (-8) - Under normal circumstances this is a classic take Georgia situation. But that was before Joe Cox existed as a starting QB for the Bulldogs. Nobody looked as bad last weekend as he did. But that's because South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia didn't play on the weekend, he played on Thursday. Garcia was worse. Neither of them will get a break either, because these defenses are merciless. Georgia is at home and has more talent so they'll win, but it may well be by less than 8. It's possible neither team will even score 8.

5.00 ESPN USC v Ohio St. (+6.5) - Barkley's first test. He looked solid, too solid against San Jose St. If the line gives him adequate protection I don't see him being a liability at all. Again, it will be a run first attack for the Trojans. Ohio St. is all kinds of embarrassed right now. I hope we see Pryor really turned loose in this game. He just doesn't have the weapons around him he did last year and I'm looking forward to seeing him take the next step. And the Ohio St. defense against Navy? You guys won, so you get a pass, but wow. I guess the line is only this close because its at the Shoe.