Week 2

After a disappointing opening week in which the two marquee match-ups (LSU/Oregon and BSU/UGA) ended in double-digit victories, week 2 will try to satisfy us with many more games between big-time schools.  It was more difficult this time around, but these are the five games I think you should make time to watch.

 Missouri @ Arizona State (9/9 at 10:30 pm ET, on ESPN/ESPN3)

Under new dual-threat QB James Franklin, Missouri entered the season with high expectations.  While he's one hell of a gifted athlete, he was far from dominant against a weak Miami (OH) team last week in the Tigers' disappointing 17-6 victory.  But while he might not be Blaine Gabbert just yet, he's still an exciting player to watch and the match-up between him and star ASU MLB Vontaze Burfict will be worth your time.

 When ASU has the ball, watch out for QB Brock Osweiler.  He's a physical specimen at 6'8, and has many weapons to work with.  Like Missouri, ASU has high expectations for the season, having returned 20 starters, and easily dispatched of over-matched UC Davis last week.  This is their first test, however, and Missouri isn't in the FCS.

Prediction: But I'll still have to go with ASU and their hard-hitting defense by 9.


Alabama @ Penn State (9/10 at 3:30 pm ET, on ABC) - Game of the Week

Alabama is locked and loaded, and possibly the best team in the country.  Penn State struggled last season, but will be fighting tooth and nail at home.  Both teams have struggled to find a starting QB, with AJ McCarron likely going for the Tide and Rob Bolden for the Nittany Lions.  McCarron will have more weapons, including speedy WR Marquis Maze and one of college football's most vicious defenses behind him.

Defense will be PSU's top priority as well, and you can be sure JoePa and staff know full well that getting McCarron to the turf will be a key to victory, as Bama did to them last season in their 24-3 victory.  Both teams had easy practice games in week 1, but Saturday's game in Happy Valley should deliver some big hits and a memorable defensive struggle.

Prediction: Alabama pulls away late and wins by 16.

South Carolina @ Georgia (9/10 at 4:30 pm ET, on ESPN/ESPN3)

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle.  Mark Richt got to be feeling that hot seat about now.  After another disappointing loss against a team that should've been at a talent disadvantage, Richt might have just one more chance to turn this season around.  Against South Carolina.  USCe looked uncomfortable on D all afternoon against East Carolina in a 56-37 win, and that's good news for Richt, as he couldn't get anything to click against the Boise front seven.  But whether USCe's struggles were due to game-planning against UGA all week is so far unknown.

A safe bet is that USCe QB Stephen Garcia will start against UGA, which will be a curse for a Dawg defense plagued by injuries.  If UGA is unable to contain Garcia and WR Alshon Jeffery, then it'll mean UGA's OL play will determine the outcome of the game.  If they can't open holes for Isaiah Crowell and give Aaron Murray some time, it'll be over by the 3rd quarter.

Prediction: This might be the final nail in the coffin for Mark Richt.  South Carolina by 6.

BYU @ Texas (9/10 at 7:00 pm ET, on ESPN2/ESPN3) 

There's been a lot of talk about BYU and young QB Jake Heaps, and they were able to come through on the hype by going into a hostile SEC environment and coming from behind for the 14-13 win.  But Texas ain't Ole Miss.   While they might be coming off a losing season and a sluggish win against Rice, they still have loads of talent that will give BYU fits.  Garrett Gilbert still isn't the star Longhorn fans had hoped he'd be, and their WR talent still isn't there, but team speed, size, and home-field are all in Texas' favor.  I'm far from sold on the Longhorns at this point, but it would take a mammoth effort from the Cougars to pull this off.

Prediction: Texas has some trouble, but makes a few more big plays and wins by 12.

Notre Dame @ Michigan (9/10 at 8:00 pm ET, on ESPN/ESPN3) 

Eyebrows have been raised in South Bend as Brian Kelly's record with Notre Dame fell to 8-6 with an upset loss to South Florida.  While expecting him to have turned this program around in a season and a game seems unrealistic, it still bodes ominously for the Fighting Irish's games against other top programs.  The Wolverines looked solid in a 34-10 cruising over in-state rival Western Michigan, and many fans still believe QB Denard Robinson will be a leading Heisman candidate.  Along with RBs Michael Shaw and Fitzgerald Toussaint, who had excellent opening days, this should be one exhilarating offense to watch this Saturday.  The question here is: will Michigan's defense be able to do anywhere near the damage South Florida inflicted last week?  Or will they continue to get burned in coverage and give the Irish QBs much needed confidence?  Either way, look for a fun, high-scoring match-up between these two traditional powers.

Prediction: In the closest big game of the week, Notre Dame goes into the Big House and shocks the Wolverines by 3.