Week 1: College Football Preview

Week 1: College Football Preview
College Football

Week 1: College Football Preview

After an uneventful summer for Ohio sports fans where we had to witness the collapse of the Indians, and the Reds…well, playing like the Reds, it’s time to move forward to the most wonderful time of the year, college football season. So dust off your alma maters jersey that you angrily threw in the corner of your basement after your teams bowl loss last year and check out a few compelling week one match-ups.

By: Eric Geier

Thursday August 28th, 2008

North Carolina St. at South Carolina

        This is the first match-up of interest and you don’t even have to wait until Saturday to see it. NC State coach Tom O’Brien is going into his second year and would like to post a better record than 5 -7 as he did a year ago. It took him three years to make Boston College into a contender, so if his track record is any indication, there should be some improvement in their record this year.

            South Carolina returns after going 6-6 a year ago and head ball coach, Steve Spurrier wants to get his team into SEC contention. After starting the season 6-1 last year, SC dropped five straight, something Spurrier would rather forget. Spurrier has decided to give redshirt junior Tommy Beecher his first start, a player he believes has the talent to lead SC.

This game features two first time starting QB’s and a win here could make or break their confidence early in the season.

Thursday August 28th @ 8:00 p.m. on ESPN

Bowling Green at #25 Pittsburgh

            Pittsburgh’s huge upset of West Virginia last year ended their season on a high note and could be the main reason for their preseason #25 ranking this year. Coach Dave Wannstedt is excited about quarterback Billy Stull, a guy who would have been the starter last year if he had not injured his hand during a pre-season game. He believes Stull has the skills to get the ball to their top receiver Oderick Turner, a player who emerged last year as the go to guy for the Panthers. Also, running back LeSean McCoy is coming off a monumental freshman season in which he averaged over 110 yards a game. However, there are question marks on defense for Pitt, most notably their passing coverage; if their defense improved they could indeed be the contender critics think they can be.

            Bowling Green enters the season after a 63-7 beating at the hands of Tulsa in the GMAC bowl last year. The Falcons bring back eight starters on offense including quarterback Tyler Sheehan who threw for over 3,000 yards last season and led an offense that ranked fourth in the MAC. Bowling Green has been predicted to win the MAC with a high powered offense and an improved defense led by senior linebacker Erique Dozier.

            Expect Bowling Green to give the Panthers a run for their money. The Falcons are used to playing in hostile environments and certainly have a chance to knock off Pitt in the first game of the season.

Saturday August 30th @ noon on ESPNU

Michigan State at Cal

        Many believe that Cal will annihilate Michigan State in their home opener, but State may have a few surprises come Saturday. Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer could have a break-out season, not only does he have good arm strength but he has a deep group of receivers to throw the ball to. Running back Javon Ringer will also get the ball quite a bit, he has the ability to run and catch, look for him to be in the end zone on a pretty consistent basis this season.

        On the other side of the ball, Cal will showcase its speedy offense and an experienced offensive line that has the ability to open up big holes and protect quarterback Kevin Riley. Cal’s defense boasts some of the best linebackers in the country and returns three members of its secondary.

        Michigan State will have their hands full with the Cal offense, but the Spartans will show heart and could ride all-purpose back Javon Ringer to victory.

Saturday August 30th@ 8:00 p.m. on ABC

Other notable week one matchups

Thursday- Oregon State at Stanford- 9:00 p.m. on ESPN2

Saturday- Appalachian State at #7 LSU- 5:00 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday- #24 Alabama at #9 Clemson- 8:00 p.m. on ABC

Saturday- #20 Illinois at #5 Missouri- 8:30 p.m. on ESPN

 
Tags: Football NCAA
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