A few thoughts on Saturday's early games:
Illinois vs. Missouri -- 11:30 a.m. CT on Fox Sports Net (oops -- a correction from our print version, which listed a 2:30 p.m. start time -- though fans on South Georgia Island can still tune in on time).
It will be interesting to see who steps up in the now-permanent absence of RB Derrick Washington, who has been dismissed for what amounts to an arrest -- neither a guilty plea nor a trial and conviction at this point, but a charge by prosecutors. Granted, it's a felony sexual assault charge, but Missouri has chosen to preemptively cut ties with its star running back rather than await the outcome of the legal process. It'll be worth watching to see if the school's crisis-management strategy was spot-on in the dismissal of Washington or if they moved too quickly. Suffice it to say, programs around the nation are also taking notes, though I'm sure there's more to the story than has appeared in the media.
Sophomore Kendial Lawrence and junior De'Vion Moore will both get carries, but don't be surprised if coach Gary Pinkel instead relies on QB Blaine Gabbert's arm early and often against a relatively weak Illini secondary. This is the final game in a four-game series that began in 2007, and the Tigers have averaged 43 points per game in the three prior matchups. Illinois played tough in the first two, but managed just one fourth-quarter touchdown in last year's 37-9 defeat.
Colorado State vs. Colorado (in Denver) -- 12 p.m. MT (1 p.m. CT) on The Mtn.
Nothing like an in-state rivalry game to start the season. It seems like Buffs' coach Dan Hawkins just can't catch a break, but this is without a doubt a must-win game for the guy. No intramurals here, brother. Junior QB Tyler Hansen gets the nod as starter, which is a welcome change from his habit of shredding redshirts midway through the past two seasons.
UCLA at Kansas State -- 2:30 CT on ABC
This game will be viewed by more than half of the nation, as you can see here. And it shapes up to be well worth the coverage. Pac-10 vs. Big 12. West Coast vs. Heartland. Urban vs. Rural. Gold vs. Silver. Sky Blue vs. Purple.
The Bruins managed to cage RB Daniel Thomas for the better part of last year's 23-9 victory in Pasadena, but can they repeat that performance in the Little Apple? UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel is no stranger to the Big 12, so he's likely to have his team prepared for the hostile environment that awaits them. One question for these Los Angelenos is the status of stellar PK Kai Forbath (last year's Lou Groza Award winner as the nation's best kicker), who is battling an injury somewhere below his waist -- either a groin or a knee depending on where you get your news. Either way, it doesn't help his primary role: kicking the football and scoring points.
Texas vs. Rice (in Houston's Reliant Stadium) -- 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN
Lots of new names for the Longhorns' offense, led by sophomore QB Garrett Gilbert in his first start as Texas' signal-caller. By the end of the day, several stallions will emerge from the stable of talent that coach Mack Brown has assembled in Austin. But will they be one-game wonders or the kind of playmakers that Texas needs to repeat as conference champion? That answer will probably remain undetermined, since the Owls shouldn't present too much of a problem.
1 comment:
It's a great day for college football!
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