Western vs. Eastern Kentucky
The Battle of the Bluegrass kicks off rivalry week for these two schools. Eastern took last years contest knocking off the Hilltoppers, 26-21. That won’t be repeated this year. Western Kentucky liked the taste of revenge in their 87-0 victory over hapless West Virginia Tech and look to even the score with the Colonels.
It's safe to assume Saturday could be a difficult day for Mid-American Conference football teams. Of the 11 games on the schedule, 10 are non-conference games, and on paper, they don't look too promising.
The only conference game this week is Northern Illinois against Eastern Michigan, a game in which both teams are looking for their first win.
Northern Illinois was stunned last week after wasting a 31-14 lead against Southern Illinois and losing, 34-31. Perhaps an even bigger loss to the Huskies came when tailback Montell Clanton suffered an Achilles tendon injury that will likely keep him out the rest of the season. Clanton had rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown through two games.
Eastern Michigan is looking to snap a six game losing streak against NIU, and will look to jump start its defense, which allowed 38 points and 306 passing yards to Ball State's Nate Davis in last week's loss. Davis also threw for four TDs. Offensively, quarterback Andy Schmitt will look to spark an EMU offense that has struggled. The team managed just 262 total yards against the Cardinals last week.
In non-conference games, again, it could be a long week. Ohio travels to No. 18 Virginia Tech, while Toledo will try to salvage its first win of the season at Kansas. Ball State will play an improving Navy team (which showed brief moments of hope against Rutgers), and Purdue will face the best the conference has to offer in quarterback Dan LeFevour and Central Michigan.
The most intriguing non-conference game might be Akron at Indiana. After staying close with the No. 10 Ohio State into the second half a week ago, the Zips' defense has shown it can hang with one of the country's best teams. Led by Andre Jones' 10 tackles and a sack, Akron made things tough on Ohio State, but couldn't score any points offensively.
It will be a challenge against Indiana, which has won its first two games by scoring a combined 92 points.
Buffalo might have the most difficult week, as it takes on No. 12 Penn State. Western Michigan will look to pull somewhat of an upset against Missouri, while a regional game sees Miami battle with a familiar face in Brian Kelly and Cincinnati.
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