Alabama is going to have to play defense by having a good offense. They have to turn this game into a pinball-Arena style shootout or play keep away with budding star RB Terry Grant. They must score and score often. Another big play from return specialist Javier Arenas — another budding Tide star — might be the key to victory.
Alabama is better top to bottom but Arkansas' strength matches up against a Tide weakness. It's not impossible and being at home will help, but I see this as an Arkansas victory and a long evening for me.
The other big matchup pits 2-1 Tennessee against the undefeated defending National Champion Florida Gators, who haven't been tested yet this year. This game has huge SEC East implications. We'll know more about both teams by Sunday morning.
Week Three of Sun Belt action finds our heroes with several games in which they just might be able to pull off an upset or two.
The action starts Friday night with Oklahoma State visiting Troy. Normally, I’d be all over this game as a potential upset special, but considering Troy is coming off of games against Arkansas and Florida, they just may be out of gas for this showdown. Saturday’s slate provides a few more options for Sun Belt glory with Minnesota traveling down to Florida Atlantic and with Southern Methodist traveling to Arkansas State. Both of these match-ups provide an excellent opportunity for the SBC to get an elusive non-conference victory. In other action, Louisiana-Monroe travels to Texas A&M, Louisiana-Lafayette hosts McNeese State, and Middle Tennessee gets the opportunity to become LSU’s latest victim.
My favorite game of the week will be on ESPNU Saturday at 3:30 EST. The fightin’ Neds of FIU get their long-awaited rematch against the Miami Hurricanes. Don’t forget to bring your concealed weapons permit.
So, hey, about November 23. My dream of an undefeated Boise State-Hawaii showdown is slightly curbed, seeing as how, well, one of the teams is now 1-1. Boise State got sort of trounced by Washington, while Hawaii barely held onto a win against a mediocre Louisiana Tech team.
So maybe neither are as impressive as their pre-season hype made them out to be. But they're still mid-major powerhouses. And Hawaii's still 2-0, albeit dropping in the rankings.
Moving forward, the WAC has three road games against ranked non-conference college kids. Winless Utah State goes to play No. 3Oklahoma, and if you're in any NCAA elimination leagues this year, um, this is your game to pick. LA Tech travels to California and Fresno State plays Oregon — the most winnable of these three.
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