Games to Watch -- Week 3

When Tony and I were compiling our list of most intriguing games of the season, this week featured the most games.  That seems surprising since a lot of teams are still burning off their FCS or mid-major opponents.  Still, the bulk of the ACC/B1G challenge occurs this week (five games), and we're finishing up most of the marquee non-conference games.

We'll be denoting games that were selected in our Most Intriguing Games (MIG) posts during the summer.



Thursday, September 17
7:30 PM
Clemson at Louisville, ESPN.  I think this game will determine the direction of the ACC Atlantic. Clemson is trending up, and Louisville down.  If that continues, then the perception of the Atlantic will be solidified.  But, if the Cardinals can pull an upset, then ACC Wheel of Destiny could go into overdrive.

Friday, September 18
8 PM
Florida State at Boston College, ESPN.  Another ACC Atlantic matchup that will shape the division.

Saturday, September 19
Noon
Illinois at UNC, ESPN2.  On its own, this game may not be that interesting, but it is one of five ACC/B1G matchups over the course of the game.   MIG

12:30 PM
Northwestern at Duke, ACC Network.  Another ACC/B1G matchup. What's interesting here is that Northwestern is trending up, while Duke might be trending slightly down.  I don't know which team has the edge here.  MIG

3:30 PM
Virginia Tech at Purdue, ESPNU.  The Hokies are the only ACC team to play two B1G teams this year.  They already played the best, and this time they get to face off against one of the worst.  Hopefully, it's another good tune up opportunity for the replacement quarterback(s) to get into a groove.  MIG

Georgia Tech at Notre Dame, NBC.  This is going to be a very telling matchup.  GT has scored over 60 in both of their games, while Notre Dame lost their starting QB last week.  I expect ND to temper GT's scoring, but I don't know if they'll be able to overcome it.  If GT can lay 60+ on the Irish, then the rest of the ACC might have to be put on alert.

Auburn at LSU, CBS.  I guarantee that the Tigers will win.  That being said, Auburn played like crap last week, and appears to be in the overrated category.

Nebraska at Miami, ABC.  The latest ACC/B1G matchup, but this one has some history behind it.  Back in the 80s and 90s, this could very well have been a national championship game.

ECU at Navy, CBS Sports.  Honestly, the only reason I care is because I think it will determine what time VT plays ECU next weekend, and I have a vested interest in getting the 3:30 slot.

6 PM
South Carolina at Georgia, ESPN.  A key SEC East matchup.  I do believe this one has played a key role in determining the East champ the last couple of years.

7 PM
Colorado State vs. Colorado (in Denver), CBS Sports.  The Buffs need to regain control of their State, and Squash CSU's New Year's Six - busting hopes right off the bat.  MIG

Texas Tech at Arkansas, ESPN2.  It's an old Southwest Conference rematch.  MIG

7:30 PM
Florida at Kentucky, SEC Network.  After a close overtime loss last year, Kentucky is still looking to break a near 30 year streak of losing to Florida.  This year's game could determine bowl eligibility for either team. MIG

Cal at Texas, FOX.  Texas already got embarrassed on one big non-conference stage.  If they repeat that result here, might the coach's seat start to heat up? MIG

8 PM
Stanford at USC, ABC.  When we chose this over the summer, we said Stanford would be looking to this game to bounce back after a down year last season.  Instead, they're going to be trying to rebound from their week 1 loss.  MIG

Pitt at Iowa, BTN.  This just seems like two tough teams going after each other.  Of course, it could just be perception as Iowa shares a color scheme with the Steelers, while Pitt shares a stadium.  MIG

Penn State at Rutgers, BTN.  PSU already lost one game to an old Big East team, will they go for two?  They just squeaked out a win last year, so Rutgers is looking for revenge on their own turf.  MIG

9:15 PM
Ole Miss at Alabama, ESPN.  Ole Miss has dropped a lot of points on lesser opponents.  But Alabama is Alabama.  Will Ole Miss pull an upset, or come crashing down?