WEEK 2
Record: 3-3
September 4th, 2012
MIAMI (FL) at KANSAS STATE
Saturday, September 8th, noon, FX. At Kansas State
After struggling in week one against weaker opponents, Miami and Kansas State will square off in a rematch from last season that saw the surprising Wildcats win a 28-24 battle. Kansas State was in a nail biter with Missouri State until reeling off 5 touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull away and Miami was in a close game against ACC foe Boston College. BC is a much more formidable opponent than Missouri State, but still picked to finish last in the Atlantic Division. The Canes allowed 537 yards to a mediocre BC offense, but the offense showed potency scoring 34 points (the defense added a pick six) on a solid BC defense. Freshman Duke Johnson flashed brilliance running for 135 yards on seven carries with two touchdowns. He will need to explode again for the Canes to win this one because the Canes were pedestrian on the ground otherwise. Quarterback Stephen Morris threw for over 200 yards and should have success against a K-State defense that allowed over 300 yards in the air last week. Colin Klein has the potential to light up Miami through the air; “the U” allowed 441 yards to Boston College QB Chase Rettig, but Klein only threw for 169 yards and will have to perform better. Both defenses struggled last week, but Miami has a few playmakers on offense that will make the difference. Expect a shootout--Miami by 6.
CENTRAL FLORIDA at OHIO STATE
Saturday, September 8th, noon, ESPN2. At Ohio Stadium
Usually this matchup would appear to be an early season cupcake game for the Buckeyes, but this season it is their first true test. Central Florida is one of the best mid-major teams this season, and put up 56 points in its opening win over Akron. Should Urban Meyer’s defense start off slow like last week (200+ yards allowed in 1st quarter vs. Miami Ohio), UCF will capitalize on the scoreboard, something lowly Miami couldn’t do last week. Both offenses have no problem scoring, as they both posted 56 points. But only one team has Braxton Miller, the dynamic Buckeye quarterback who fits perfectly into Meyer’s offensive attack. UCF simply hasn’t faced the class of speed and athleticism of Miller, nor the strength and power of the huge offensive line. Despite UCF fielding a solid squad this fall, intangibles will be crucial. UCF will not be able to match Ohio State’s depth on either side of the ball, and this bruising Buckeye rush attack will start wearing down the defense. Will UCF be intimidated by the colossal “Horseshoe” that seats over 100,000 scarlet-and-gray fans?
Central Florida will score some points early, but expect Ohio State to separate themselves in the second half. This game better not be taken lightly by Buckeye Nation, but ultimately, ‘It’s Miller Time’ in Columbus…Ohio State by 10
Central Florida will score some points early, but expect Ohio State to separate themselves in the second half. This game better not be taken lightly by Buckeye Nation, but ultimately, ‘It’s Miller Time’ in Columbus…Ohio State by 10
AUBURN at MISSISSIPPI STATE
Saturday, September 8th, noon, ESPN. at Davis Wade Stadium
Trying to decide which team to place 4th in the SEC Western Division was one of the more challenging tasks before the season. Both Auburn and Mississippi State are worthy candidates, but I still believe Auburn has a slight edge in talent that will ultimately make the difference in the conference standings and in this game. The Tigers were disappointed to lose to Clemson for the second straight year, especially without having to face Sammy Watkins. Still, Clemson is a very talented team and has a terrific shot at a BCS bowl, if not more. Auburn was very competitive and should leave its fans feeling optimistic for the rest of the season. However, Mississippi State has been very solid under Mullen and always has the potential to put points on the board. Auburn struggled to stop Clemson through the air and on the ground and Kiehl Frazier was nothing to write home about. Mississippi State trounced Jackson State, but did not even put up 400 yards of total offense. The defense looked very stout, but Auburn would have looked a lot better playing Jackson State as opposed to Clemson. The Tigers’ playmakers like Emory Blake and Tre Mason will make the difference in this matchup. Auburn by 3
FLORIDA at TEXAS A&M
Saturday, September 8th, 3:30, ESPN. At Kyle Field
Florida was unspectacular in a win against Bowling Green this past week and Jeff Driskel has been named the starter over Jacoby Brissett after looking good in split time Saturday. Driskel is a dual threat under center and it will be interesting to see what he can do in a full game against an improved opponent. The Gators were efficient on offense, but not dominant; and the defense was stout, but not spectacular. Regardless, after a tight game with a MAC team, Florida fans should not be worried as the Gators are still loaded on defense and Texas A&M will not be accustomed to their style of play. Kevin Sumlin will be coaching in his first game in control of the Aggie program and Will Muschamp’s Gators were probably not his ideal first opponent. A&M should be able to protect the edge rush with a pair of stud OTs, but will struggle to run the ball on Florida’s front seven featuring DTs Omar Hunter and Sharrif Floyd and LBs Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic. Considering that A&M will be welcoming a new coach, a new QB, and a new conference, while also trying to beat a very good Florida Gator team, expect to see a loss for the men in maroon. Florida by 10.
IOWA STATE at IOWA
Saturday, September 8th, 3:30, BigTen Network. At Kinnick Stadium
The Cyclones and Hawkeyes are both fresh off of season opening victories, and will meet Saturday in the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Despite Iowa claiming 6 of the last 9 matchups, it is Iowa State that currently holds the trophy and state bragging rights after its thrilling 44-41 win last season. Both squads are in the lower echelon of their respective conferences but these matchups are always played with high energy and excitement. Iowa State outscored high-powered Tulsa 38-23, while Iowa barely escaped a Northern Illinois upset attempt 18-17. Iowa was very lackluster on offense, mainly due to losing 4 top running backs in the past 2 offseasons due to a multitude of issues. The offensive backfield is extremely depleted, putting too much responsibility on QB James Vanderburg. The Cyclones are used to seeing explosive Big12 offenses, and this Iowa group is far from that. Points will be hard to come by for the Hawkeyes. The difference of the game may be when Iowa State has the ball, as playmakers QB Steele Jantz and RB Shontrelle Johnson looked impressive last week. Johnson rushed for 120 and a TD in his return from the IR (severe neck injury). Even with home field advantage and the famous ‘visitor’s pink locker’ Iowa State will invade Kinnick Stadium and defend its State Title…Cyclones by 3
NEBRASKA at UCLA
Saturday, September 8th, 7:30, FOX. At Rose Bowl
If you like offense, tune-in to FOX Saturday night, as the #3 and #4 offenses (in total yards) face-off at the Rose Bowl. This will determine how far Mora has revived the UCLA program, and if Nebraska deserves its top 20 ranking.
Taylor Martinez has been heavily scrutinized nationally about his throwing motion and passing woes. After a dedicated summer of improvements to his delivery and footwork, the rushing QB PASSED for 354 yards and 5 TDs in the Huskers 49-20 win over Southern Miss. UCLA also had a surprising quarterback performance, as first time starter Brett Hundley ran 72 yards for a TD on his first snap ever. There were some defensive issues, and UCLA couldn’t pull away from lowly Rice until the 4th quarter (49-24 final). Both offenses rattled off over 630 yards on opening weekend, but there is a significant discrepancy on the other side of the ball. Bo Pelini had a tall task this offseason in replacing an All-American DT, LB, and CB, but seems to have excelled. The “Blackshirt” defense looks tough again led by Senior leader LB Will Compton. If Pelini can clean up a few fundamental errors from his new starters (ie: missed tackles), this unit will be solid. Meanwhile, UCLA’s defense has been atrocious the past few years and took 3 quarters to figure out Rice.
It seems as though Nebraska should roll the Bruins, but there are two caveats: the Huskers’ defensive scheme tends to struggle with mobile quarterbacks (Hundley), and star RB Rex Burkhead’s status is uncertain due to an MCL sprain. If Burkhead is out, this game could get closer than expected…Nebraska by 9
Taylor Martinez has been heavily scrutinized nationally about his throwing motion and passing woes. After a dedicated summer of improvements to his delivery and footwork, the rushing QB PASSED for 354 yards and 5 TDs in the Huskers 49-20 win over Southern Miss. UCLA also had a surprising quarterback performance, as first time starter Brett Hundley ran 72 yards for a TD on his first snap ever. There were some defensive issues, and UCLA couldn’t pull away from lowly Rice until the 4th quarter (49-24 final). Both offenses rattled off over 630 yards on opening weekend, but there is a significant discrepancy on the other side of the ball. Bo Pelini had a tall task this offseason in replacing an All-American DT, LB, and CB, but seems to have excelled. The “Blackshirt” defense looks tough again led by Senior leader LB Will Compton. If Pelini can clean up a few fundamental errors from his new starters (ie: missed tackles), this unit will be solid. Meanwhile, UCLA’s defense has been atrocious the past few years and took 3 quarters to figure out Rice.
It seems as though Nebraska should roll the Bruins, but there are two caveats: the Huskers’ defensive scheme tends to struggle with mobile quarterbacks (Hundley), and star RB Rex Burkhead’s status is uncertain due to an MCL sprain. If Burkhead is out, this game could get closer than expected…Nebraska by 9