Before watching Ohio State take on TCU at 8:00, you can watch Joe Burrow and LSU battle with Auburn at 3:30.
The best games of this weekend feature match-ups between Top 25 programs. If you don't have multiple TVs, you will have to decide between No. 12 LSU against No. 7 Auburn and No. 17 Boise State traveling to No. 24 Oklahoma State. Both games kick off at 3:30, with the battle of the Tigers, or as I call it the Sigfreid and Roy show, on CBS and the Boise/Oklahoma State game on ESPN.
The game of the week for Ohio State fans, and probably the rest of the country is the 8:00 tilt on ABC versus TCU. Hopeful for Gordon Gee that the Buckeyes take care of the "Little Sisters of the Poor".
Other games that you might find of interest are No. 21 Miami, FL at Toledo (yes at Toledo), No. 1 Alabama at Ole Miss, No. 22 USC at Texas and No. 10 Washington at Utah.
This weekend offers plenty of good viewing, so get ready to make an ass imprint in your couch.
The Marquee Three
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When: 3:30 TV: CBS Series: 29–22–1 (LSU) Favorite: Auburn (-10) |
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REASON TO WATCH You don't have a local high school team to root for. |
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The Basics
The battle of the Tigers is being played in Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium. Both teams sport 2–0 records and wins over Top 10 teams. This is the 11th time that these schools open conference play against each other.
LSU Notes
This is the third time in LSU history that the team plays a pair of Top 10 teams in the first three weeks of the season. 1995 and 1981 were the other times this occurred.
Ed Orgeron is 17–6 as LSU's head coach and is 1–3 against Auburn. He is sporting a 23–8 record over his last 31 games as a head coach. Under Orgeron's watch, the Tigers have not had a turnover in 2018 or over the past 16 quarters.
Last year, LSU trailed 20-0 in the second quarter. The Tigers rallied to win 27-23 and complete the program's largest come-from-behind SEC home victory. In 2016, it appeared that LSU scored the game-winning touchdown as time expired, but it was ruled that the ball was not snapped before the clock hit zeroes. Auburn won 18-13.
When Joe Burrow started against Miami in Week 1, it marked the 16th time in the last 21 years that the Tigers have had a new quarterback to start a season. LSU has only had five quarterbacks in that time span to start the season opener in consecutive years.
Auburn Notes
The home team has won 16 of the last 18 games in this series. Auburn's win at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2000 sparked an eight-game winning streak for the home teams in this series. LSU ended the streak in 2008 with a 26-21 victory at Auburn.
Gus Malzahn (47–22) is in his sixth season as Auburn's head coach. Prior to his stint with the Tigers, he was Arkansas State's head coach in 2012.
Jarret Stidham, Auburn's junior quarterback, has completed 68% of his passes for 386 yards and 2 touchdowns this season. When he is not passing, Stidham has Kam Martin and JaTarvious Whitlow to hand the ball off to. After two games, the duo has combined for 274 yards on 26 carries.
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When: 3:30 TV: ESPN Series: 0–0 Favorite: Oklahoma State (-2.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH The first time Boise State has played a Big 12 team during the regular season. |
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The Basics
Both teams enter this contest with 2–0 records. The game is being played in Boone Pickens Stadium and the Oklahoma State fans are going to stripe the stadium in orange and white.
Boise State Notes
This is the first time Boise State has played a team from the Big 12 in the regular season, however the Broncos are 2–1 against the conference in bowl games. Boise State defeated Iowa State (34-16) in the 2002 Humanitarian Bowl and Oklahoma (43-42 OT) in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. The loss was to Baylor (31-12) in the 2016 Cactus Bowl.
The Broncos are 13–16 when facing a ranked opponent and have won three of the last four. Boise's first win over a ranked team was a 35-30 victory over Fresno State in 2001. Take the team off of the blue turf and the Broncos are 3–11 against ranked teams on the road.
The last time Boise State played when both teams were ranked was against Arizona State in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos won 38-30. All-time, BSU is 9–6 when playing in these type of contests.
Since 2000, Boise State has the most wins in the FBS. The Broncos enter this game with 199 victories and is one shy of 200. Oklahoma is second with 197 and Ohio State third with 195.
Last week, Boise State tallied a school-record 818 yards of total offense. The previous record was 742 yards against Colorado State in 2011. The Broncos had 514 yards at halftime.
Oklahoma State Notes
The Cowboys are 13–5–1 against current members of the Mountain West Conference. Wyoming was the last MWC team OSU played and the boys from Stillwater won 48-24 in 2003. This is the first time a Mike Gundy coached team will play a team from the Mountain West Conference.
113-30. That is the combined score of Oklahoma State's victories over Missouri State and South Alabama. Senior quarterback Taylor Cornelius has thrown for 728 yards and established the new OSU records for passing yards after two games of play. Running back Justice Hill is averaging 8.1 yards per carry and receivers Tyron Johnson and Tylan Wallace each had 130 yards receiving.
Oklahoma State has a an eight-game winning streak against non-conference opponents. If the Cowboys win, they will improve to 21–4 over their last 25 games. OSU has won 17 straight games when leading at halftime.
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When: 8:00 TV: ABC Series: 4–1–1 (Ohio State) Favorite: Ohio State (-13) |
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REASON TO WATCH After a 45 year hiatus, Ohio State plays the Sisters of the Poor. |
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The Basics
This will be the seventh time Ohio State and TCU square off. The last meeting was in 1973 when the Buckeyes won 37-3 in Ohio Stadium. This will be the first time these schools play outside Columbus.
Ohio State Notes
The last time Ohio State played a regular season game in the Dallas area was in 1977. The Buckeyes defeated SMU 35-7 in a regular season game played in the Cotton Bowl. OSU has a three-game winning streak against TCU.
Mike Weber is 61 yards away from becoming the 26th Ohio State player to amass 2,000 career rushing yards. After two games, Dwayne Haskins has passed for an impressive 546 yards and 9 TDs.
TCU Notes
Gary Patterson was hired by TCU in December of 2000 and has a record of 162–57 with the Horned Frogs. When playing against a Big Ten opponent, Patterson is 5–1. During the 2014 season, he was vocal in his displeasure of being bumped by the Buckeyes in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
QB Shawn Robinson is the first TCU quarterback to win his first three starts since Jeff Ballard won his first 11 games between 2005-06. Robinson and his teammates only have to travel 18 miles to play in AT&T Stadium. Since 2009, The Horned Frogs are 44–17 (.721) in road and neutral site contests.
For more on the game, check out The Rundown.
Thursday's Throwdowns
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When: 5:30 TV: ESPN Series: 13–10–2 (Boston College) Favorite: Boston College (-5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Both teams are undefeated and Hurricane Florence could make an impact.The road team has won four straight in the series. |
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The Basics
This is the third consecutive year that Wake Forest has started the season 2–0. The Demon Deacons are playing their first five games of 2018 at home. Wake Forests offensive line, the Beef Boys, has only allowed one sack this year. Boston College (2–0) has outscored its opponents 117-38 this year.
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TENNESSEE TECH (FCS) |
When: 8:00 TV: Facebook Video Series: 0–0 Favorite: Utah State(OFF) |
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WHY WATCH? Don't. |
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Friday Night Lights
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When: 6:00 TV: ESPN Series: 0–0 Favorite: Memphis (-27) |
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REASON TO WATCH You don't have a local high school team to root for. Brandon Wright (GSU), leads the nation averaging 55.0 per punt. |
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Saturday's High Noon Showdowns
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When: Noon TV: FS1 Series: 5–0 (Penn State) Favorite: Penn State (-35) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Trace McSorley has thrown a TD in 30-straight games. The Buckeyes travel to Penn State on the 29th. |
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The Basics
The last time No. 11 Penn State (2–0) faces Kent State (1–1) for the sixth time on Saturday. The Flashes lone loss this year was to Illinois in the season opener. The last time these schools played was 2016 and the Nittany Lions won 33-13. Penn State scored the last 20 points of the game.
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When: Noon TV: BTN Series: 5–3 (Indiana) Favorite: Indiana (-14.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH IU is trying to start 3–0 for the 17th time in program history. Ball State has won 3 out of the last 4 against Indiana. |
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The Basics
The last time the Hoosiers (2–0) and Ball State (1–1) played was 2016. Indiana won 30-20 in Bloomington. Ball State has lost its last four games against Big Ten opponents by an average score of 23-18.
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When: Noon TV: BTN Series: 4–0 (Nebraska) Favorite: Nebraska (-11.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH To see if Scott Frost can win his first game as Nebraska's head coach. To see if the Cornhuskers can get to 10–0 against the Sun Belt. |
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The Basics
Nebraska (0–1) is coming off of a tough 33-28 loss to Colorado. Troy (1–1) defeated Florida A&M 59-7 last week. The Trojans won the Sun Belt title last year and are expected to repeat in 2018. Frost's first win at his alma mater might happen this week, but it might not be easy.
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When: Noon TV: BTN Series: 7–1 (Maryland) Favorite: Maryland (-15.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Maryland has won 12 consecutive home-openers. Temple has players from 8 different countries. |
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The Basics
Maryland (2–0) is taking on Temple (0–2) for the ninth time. The series began in 1997 and the last game was won by the Terps in 2012.
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When: Noon TV: FSN Series: 1–0 (Rutgers) Favorite: Kansas (-2.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Rutgers is 14–6 in non-conference road games since 2004. Kansas RB Pooka Williams rushed for 125 yards and 2 TDs last week. |
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When: Noon TV: ABC Series: 74–6–2 (OU) Favorite: Oklahoma (-17) |
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REASONS TO WATCH OU (16) has the nation's longest active road winning streak. Iowa State beat Oklahoma 38-31 in Norman last year. |
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The Basics
No. 5 Oklahoma (2–0) is ranked in the AP poll's top five for a record 407th time. The Sooners are taking on Iowa State (0–1) for the 83rd time. Since 1999, OU is 12–1 against the Cyclones with the average score being 39-12 in favor of the Sooners.
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When: Noon TV: ESPN2 Series: 2–0 (Miami) Favorite: Miami (-10.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Toledo is hosting Miami for the first time, ever. This is the 9th time Toledo has hosted a Top 25 team. |
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The Basics
Toledo (1–0) defeated VMI 66-3 in its season opener on September 1. No. 21 Miami (1–1) started the year with a loss to No. 25 LSU. Last year, the Rockets lost to the Hurricanes in Miami, 52-30, despite leading 16-10 at halftime.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| NOON | FLORIDA STATE at SYRACUSE | ABC or ESPN |
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| NOON | HAWAII at ARMY | CBSSN |
| NOON | UTEP at TENNESSEE | SEC NET |
| NOON | MURRAY STATE at KENTUCKY | SEC NET ALT |
Saturday's Tweeners
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When: TV: ESPN EXTRA Series: Favorite: OFF |
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REASON TO WATCH You can't, game is postponed due to hurricane. |
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When: 2:30 TV: NBC Series: 2–0 (Notre Dame) Favorite: Notre Dame (-14.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH The last time these schools played was 1996. Vanderbilt is trying to start 3–0 for the second straight year. |
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The Basics
Both teams enter this game with 2–0 records. The last time these programs played, Notre Dame escaped with a 14-7 victory at Vanderbilt. The Commodores' quarterback, Kyle Shurmur, is making a surge up Vanderbilt's career passing charts. This is only the second time Vandy has played in Notre Dame stadium. The Irish won the first game 41-0 in 1995.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 12:30 | GEORGIA TECH at PITTSBURGH | ESPN EXTRA |
| 2:00 | UC DAVIS at STANFORD | PAC-12 NET |
| 3:00 | ESPN GOALLINE | ESPNGL |
The Dirty 3:30
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When: 3:30 TV: ESPN Series: 2–1 (Wisconsin) Favorite: Wisconsin (-21.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH UW's Jonathan Taylor has 398 rushing yards in 2018. |
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The Basics
BYU (1–1) travels to Madison to take on undefeated Wisconsin (2–0). The Cougars are looking for their third road win over a Big Ten opponent in the past four years.
Wisconsin has won 41 consecutive home games against non-conference opponents. Since 2004, the Badgers are 87–10 at Camp Randall. Only Ohio State (90–10) has a better home record among P5 schools.
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When: 3:30 TV: ESPN Series: 3–0 (Minnesota) Favorite: Minnesota (-15.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Can the Gophers start 3–0 for the third straight year? |
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The Basics
Minnesota is 2–0 for the second straight season and will host Miami (0–2) in Minneapolis for the fourth time on Saturday. The Gophers are 31–4–1 all-time against teams from the MAC.
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When: 3:30 TV: ESPN Series: 1–0 (UM) Favorite: Michigan (-35.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH You like watching bad football. |
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The Basics
Michigan (1–1) host SMU (0–2) in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines won the first meeting against SMU 27-16 in 1963. Michigan is 24–5–1 all-time against current members of the American Athletic Conference. The five losses and tie were to Navy.
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When: 3:30 TV: ESPN Series: 1–0 (USF) Favorite: USF (-10) |
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REASONS TO WATCH The game is being played at Soldier Field. Illinois can start a season 3–0 for the time since 2011. |
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The Basics
Surprisingly, both teams enter this contest with undefeated records. This will be the fourth time the Illini have played in Soldier field. The team is looking for its first win in the historic stadium. South Florida defeated Illinois 47-23 last year in Tampa.
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When: TV: ESPN Series: Favorite: OFF |
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REASON TO WATCH You can't, game is postponed due to hurricane. |
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| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 3:30 | DUKE at BAYLOR | FS1 |
| 3:30 | LEHIGH at NAVY | CBSSN |
| 3:30 | GEORGIA SOUTHERN at CLEMSON | ABC or ESPN |
Afternoon Siesta
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When: 6:00 TV: ESPN Series: 49–11–2* (Bama) Favorite: Alabama (-21) |
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REASON TO WATCH After vacations and forfeits, Alabama is only 6–4 in Oxford. |
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*After vacations and forfeits.
The Basics
No. 1 Alabama (2–0) travels to Ole Miss (2–0) to face the Rebels for the 66th time on Saturday. In 2016, the Crimson Tide had to rally from a 21-point second quarter deficit to defeat Ole Miss 48-43 in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels are 33–48–3 all-time in SEC openers and are 1–12 against teams ranked No. 1.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 4:00 | NORTH TEXAS at ARKANSAS | SEC NET |
| 4:00 | UTSA at KANSAS STATE | FSN |
| 4:30 | OHIO vs VIRGINIA (at VANDERBILT) | ACC VIDEO |
| 5:00 | NEW HAMPSHIRE at COLORADO | PAC-12 NET |
| 5:00 | SAN JOSE STATE at OREGON | PAC-12 NET |
| 6:00 | OLD DOMINION at UNC CHARLOTTE | ESPN 3 |
| 6:00 | IDAHO STATE at CALIFORNIA | PAC-12 NET |
| 7:00 | ARKANSAS STATE at TULSA | CBSSN |
| 7:15 | MIDDLE TENNESSEE at GEORGIA | ESPN2 |
Prime Time Players
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When: 7:30 TV: BTN Series: 0–0 Favorite: Northwestern (-21) |
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REASON TO WATCH You don't have a local high school team to root for. |
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The Basics
Northwestern (1–1) is facing Akron (1–0) for the first time. The Wildcats are 19–11–1 all-time against MAC opponents. Pat Fitzgerald's team has a three-game winning streak against non-conference opponents in night games. Terry Bowden is 32–44 as Akron's head coach.
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When: 7:30 TV: BTN Series: 7–2 (Purdue) Favorite: Missouri (-6.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH To see if Purdue can earn its first victory of 2018. |
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The Basics
Missouri (2–0) travels to West Lafayette to take on Purdue (0–2). The Tigers have an eight-game winning streak and have outscored their first two opponents by a score of 91-27. The Boilermakers have never lost to Missouri in West Lafayette and defeated the Tigers 35-3 last year in Columbia.
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When: 7:30 TV: BTN Series: 16–1 (Iowa) Favorite: OFF |
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REASON TO WATCH You don't have a local high school team to root for. |
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The Basics
Iowa (2–0) leads the Big Ten and ranks second in the nation in scoring defense (5.0 ppg). Northern Iowa (0–1) has defeated Iowa once in 17 tries. The Panthers defeated the Hawkeyes 11-5 at Cedar Falls back in 1898.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 7:30 | LOUISIANA MONROE at TEXAS A&M | SEC NET |
| 7:30 | LA LAFAYETTE at MISS. STATE | SEC NET ALT |
| 7:30 | EASTERN ILLINOIS at ILLINOIS STATE | NBCSCH |
| 7:30 | UTAH at NORTHERN ILLINOIS | ESPN NEWS |
Prime Time Players Part 2
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When: 8:00 TV: FOX Series: 5–1 (USC) Favorite: Texas (-3.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH USC plays in Austin for the first time in 52 years. |
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The Basics
No. 22 USC (1–1) travels to Texas (1–1) for the first time since 1956. The Trojans are undefeated when playing the Longhorns in Texas.
Games After Dark
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When: 10:00 TV: ESPN Series: 10–1 (UW) Favorite: Washington (-6.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Utah fans are going to blackout their stadium. |
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The Basics
No. 10 Washington (1–1) travels to Salt Lake City to take on Utah (2–0). The Huskies won the first eight games in the series until the Utes finally broke through with a victory in 2015. Washington is 13–1 in the last 14 games that a UW player has rushed for 100 yards.
This is only the third time Washington has played in Utah and the Ute fans are going to blackout Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah is 8–2 during blackouts and have the last four. This will be the first time that Washington and Utah play each other in their Pac-12 openers.
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When: 10:30 TV: FS1 Series: 6–2 (UCLA) Favorite: Fresno State (-1) |
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REASON TO WATCH To see if Chip Kelly can win his first game at UCLA. |
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The Basics
Fresno State (1–1) has defeated UCLA (0–2) the last two time the Bulldogs have played in the Rose Bowl. Fresno State is leading the country with 8 takeaways. This is the first time since 2010 that UCLA has started a season with two losses, however, the Bruins have won 10 of the last 11 non-conference games played in the Rose Bowl.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 10:00 | PRAIRIE VIEW A&M at UNLV | PAC-12 |
| 10:00 | SOUTHERN UTAH at ARIZONA | PAC-12 |
| 10:30 | ARIZONA STATE at SAN DIEGO STATE | CBSSN |
FCS vs. FBS
Every year, FCS teams defeat their bigger brothers in the FBS. This year, power five member, Kansas lost to Nicholls State in Week 1. Last week, Western Kentucky was the only FBS team to get knocked off by an FCS opponent.
Week 1
- UC Davis 44, San Jose State 38
- Villanova 19, Temple 17
- Northern Arizona 30, UTEP 10
- Nicholls State 26, Kansas 23
- North Carolina A&T 28, East Carolina 23
Week 2
- Maine 31, Western Kentucky 28
This week, UCONN, Stanford, Navy, Bowling Green, Wyoming, Colorado, Florida Atlantic, Cal, Western Michigan, Cincinnati, Iowa, Washington State, UNLV and Arizona dip their toes in the FCS pool.
Which FBS team(s) do you think will lose this week?
If you are wondering, Ohio State is one of only 22 FBS schools not to have an FCS team on the schedule. Army, Florida and Liberty are on the end of the spectrum as they are the only FBS teams to play two FCS teams this year.
