Likely Winners: Kansas (Toledo), Kansas State (Missouri State), Missouri (Western Michigan), Baylor (Texas State), Oklahoma (Utah State), Oklahoma State (Troy), Texas (Central Florida), Texas A&M (UL-Monroe), Texas Tech (Rice)
Likely Losers: Colorado (Florida State), Iowa State (Iowa), Nebraska
Upset potential: Colorado over Florida State
Hoo, boy. They may have had a tough schedule, but the conference went just 2-5, including 1-2 against BCS conference bottom-feeders. East Carolina's back-and-forth game with North Carolina ended with a last-second field goal to give the Pirates their first win of the season. Patrick Pinkney threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns. He's ... what's the word ... good at football.
ECU will break ground in the conference schedule, playing host to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. USM has had the Pirates' number in recent years, but the Pirates are favored to win this one and take the early lead in a wide open CUSA East.
Marshall may have given West Virginia an in-state scare, but that Marshall halftime lead disintegrated into a 25-point deficit once the dust settled. Fortunately — hopefully — their next game against FCS school New Hampshire will provide their first win of the season. But are we so sure? UNH has won its last two games against FBS schools (Northwestern last year, Rutgers in '04) and although they are coming off a loss to James Madison, they are still ranked 12th in the FBS poll. With first-string quarterback Bernard Morris doubtful to play with a hurty toe, you could see another upset here.
The most evenly matched game could be Tulsa's home game against BYU. The Golden Hurricanes' power to stage an upset is almost as potent as are beat reporters' ability to write preview articles in one-sentence paragraphs.
What if we all did that?
That might be annoying.
It already is.
The biggest challenge in the conference belongs to Central Florida, when they host No. 6 Texas this weekend. Wait, not challenge. Inevitable embarrassing loss. The two words sound alike.
The Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky were able to pound out some much needed revenge this last week annihilating West Virginia Tech 87-0 while Army was the only other independent seeing a mark in the win column last week. As we head into week three, I say everyone but Army pulls a win.
Notre Dame vs. Michigan
If you had asked me three weeks ago about this game, I, like most, would have said Michigan was going to destroy the Irish. Here we are, so many weeks later, and guess what, it’s hard to tell which program is in worse shape. Head coach Charlie Weis spent a lot of time this week working on the offensive front line, lord knows he needed to with a Division 1-A leading 15 sacks allowed. Weis also mentioned it’s time to let his young quarterback go, spreading out the offense.
Article comments
1 - Jerkwheat
I have to disagree with the sentiment that Alabama is better top-to-bottom than Arkansas. This is probably Nutt's most talented overall team since he has been there. Dick wasn't quite as bad as his numbers indicated against Troy, but all he has to be is average. Overall though, these two teams are about as even as could be. I can't wait to watch it. I expect to be throwing things at my tv and cursing Nick Saban by 7:25.
Plus, simple math shows that 1 Darren McFadden>100 Everyone Elses
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
For whatever reason, I'm really intrigued by that Michigan State-Pittsburgh game.
Eastern Michigan will upset NIU, putting at least one Washtenaw County team in the win column.
3 - Jerkwheat
I agree on State-Pitt. I expect it to be one of the better matchups of the day. That said, while State and Pitt are playing, my tv will be focused on the Chippewas and Purdue. I don't imagine I'll get to see DAN (not David) LeFevour too many more times on tv this year.
4 - Matthew T. Sussman
Prediction: Purdue 61, Central Michigan 55
5 - Chris McVetta
Cleveland State 55, Michigan 3
Like Lt. Frank Drebin: "I know a great place for Viking food."
6 - Matthew T. Sussman
A nice, hearty point for Geeves on seeing the FAU upset.
7 - El Bicho
"All that said, Notre Dame takes this one is a messy affair."
You were one three letters off.
8 - Evan
football and all the other sports suck
9 - Evan
there is only one sport that i do like and thats pinball