Saturday, September 7, 2013

Saturday, September 7th College Football

Many talking heads praise early conference play, but why is a weak OOC game better in November, than September?  If you are going to play Chattanooga (Alabama) or Coastal Carolina (South Carolina), shouldn't it be like Missouri State for Iowa in a Week 2 game in September,  rather than the game in November?  Is a Cal Poly in November an appeal, as Wisconsin did in 2008?  Of course, the Big Ten is seeking to eliminate FCS match ups in the future.

But, with eight FCS wins over FBS opponents in Week 1, maybe some FCS programs are far more worthy of match up than another FBS opponent, like UMass for Wisconsin in 2013.  UNI was a better game vs. Wisconsin in 2012.

Week 2 in FBS for 2013:

Bowling Green at Kent State 11:00 a.m. ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable) / espn3 - Both schools open MAC play in Week 2.

Cincinnati at Illinois 11:00 a.m. ESPN2 (HD) - Bearcats seek to open 2013 with two OOC wins over the Big Ten, after pounding Purdue in Week 1.

Eastern Michigan at Penn State 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go- Bill O'Brien's home opener in Year 2 coming off good Season Opener over Syracuse... should be better outcome compared to 2012 home opener vs. MAC (Ohio U).

Florida at Miami-FL 11:00 a.m. ESPN (HD) - The Gators have won 1 out the past five meetings, including two bowl game, in the past decade.

Houston at Temple 11:00 a.m. ALT / MASN / SNY / ESPN-GP / ERTV / espn3 - This is a new conference game in the AAC, as the Cougars have won the only two games in series by an average of 44 points in '87 and '89.

Indiana State at Purdue 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - The Hoosiers softened up Indiana State for the Boilermakers in Week 1, as Purdue licks wounds vs. FCS after tough opener at Cincinnati.

Miami-OH at Kentucky 11:00 a.m. (FS South / ESPN-GP / espn3) - Mark Stoops seeks to tab win #1 as head coach after losing opener vs. Western Kentucky in Week 1.

Missouri State at Iowa 11:00 a.m.BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - The Hawkeyes lost first Season Opener in 13 years on late FG vs. Northern Illinois, so seek to end seven game losing streak vs. the Bears. Pick: Iowa 39, Missouri State 10.

Norfolk State at Rutgers 11:00 a.m. CBSSN (HD) - The Scarlet Knights join the Big Ten in 2014, but they look to rebound vs. a FCS school in Week 2.

Oklahoma State at UTSA 11:00 a.m. FS1 (HD) - The Cowboys hit the road to San Antonio as the non-conference slate helps prepare for nine game Big 12 slate in Week 4.

South Florida at Michigan State 11:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD) - The Spartans need to get the quarterback position and offense on track for 2013.

Southeastern Louisiana at TCU 11:00 a.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) - Horned Frogs look to rebound after opening game loss vs. LSU.

Tennessee Tech at Wisconsin 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - Badgers enjoy their second preseason game, as a tune up before Week 3 road test at Arizona State in the Valley of the Sun.

Western Kentucky at Tennessee 11:21 a.m. SEC Network / ESPN-GP / espn3 - The Hilltoppers seek to open 2013 with back to back wins over SEC opponents, though Vols may have something else in mind in Rocky Top Country.

Middle Tennessee at North Carolina 11:30 a.m.(ESPN-GP / espn3) / ACC Network (HD) - Tarl Heels should manage Blue Raiders.

South Carolina State at #5 Clemson 11:30 a.m. (FSN Affiliates / RSN (HD) / ESPN-GP / espn3) - Local state schools in FBS vs. FCS match up...

Weber State at Utah 1:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - The Utes are 3-0 vs. Wildcats in past meetings.

Alcorn State at Mississippi State 2:30 p.m.ESPN-GP / CSBA / (CSS / CST) (cable) / espn3 - The Bulldogs last lost to a FCS school in '04, but have been taking care of business with Coach Mullen.

Buffalo at Baylor 2:30 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSA (cable) - Waco isn't Columbus, like Week 2, but another road trip, this time in another timezone.

#3 Oregon at Virginia 2:30 p.m. ABC (HD) / ESPN2 (HD) - The Ducks make a trip across to the country for a game vs. a FBS.

San Diego State at #4 Ohio State 2:30 p.m.ABC (HD) / ESPN2 (HD) - A struggle today could make some restless for the Buckeyes ranked solely in Top 5 due to 13 straight wins.

Toledo at Missouri 2:30 p.m.ESPNU (HD) - The Tigers will hopefully have Coach Pinkel's back who coach at Toledo prior to Missouri, from 1991-2000.

Utah State at Air Force 2:30 p.m. CBSSN (HD) - Mountain West conference opener for both teams as Aggies open in the new conference in '13.

Idaho at Wyoming 3:00 p.m. (RSRM / RSNW) (HD) / MWC Video - The Cowboys are coming off a close lost in Lincoln vs. Nebraska in the Season Opener.

Old Dominion at Maryland 3:00 p.m. ESPN News - The Terps need to watch out here, as ODU makes move from FCS to FBS in 2013.

South Carolina at Georgia 3:30 p.m.ESPN (HD) - SEC opener, as Bulldogs are coming off tough loss at Clemson, as Gamecocks don't want in-state Tigers to be only one to give Bulldogs a blemish to start '13. Pick: South Carolina 24, Georgia 22.

Portland State at California 4:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - New coach and first year starter at QB looking for first win in '13.

Navy at Indiana 5:00 p.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - The Midshipmen seek to pull out victory in Bloomington and give a black mark to a Big Ten school.  Conference was 10-2 in Week 1.

Southern Miss at Nebraska 5:00 p.m.BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - The Cornhuskers will outscore the Golden Eagles, but the Blackshirts need to improve for UNL.

Syracuse at Northwestern 5:00 p.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - The Orange lost 42-41 at home vs. Northwestern in last year's Season Opener, as they travel to Evanston for back to back games vs. Big Ten.

Louisiana Lafayette at Kansas State 5:30 p.m. FS1 (HD) - Coach Snyder and the Wildcats hope to rebound after tough ooening season loss vs. FCS #1 North Dakota State.

Colorado State at Tulsa 6:00 p.m. CBSSN (HD) - The Hurricane look to rebound in home opener in '13.

Sam Houston State at Texas A&M 6:00 p.m.(ESPN-GP / espn3) / PPV (TX) - The Aggies have had a NCAA review during the off season, as well as Season Opener scrutiny surrounding to QB Johnny Manziel again, as the Johnny Football saga hits Week 2.

Samford at Arkansas 6:00 p.m.(ESPN-GP / espn3) / PPV (AL,AR) - Week 2 of the Bret Bielema unfolds with FBS vs. FCS game.

South Dakota at Kansas 6:00 p.m. ESPN-GP / espn3 / JayhawkTV (cable) - The Jayhawks look to take care of business vs. a FCS opponent, unlike two Big 12 programs in Week 1.

Southeast Missouri at Ole Miss 6:00 p.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) / PPV (MO,MS) -  The Rebels won the first SEC game of the season in Week 1 on the road, with home opener in Week 2, as they hit road in Week 3 again.

Stephen F. Austin at Texas Tech 6:00 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / (FCSC / FSSW+) (cable) - An other Big 12 team facing a FCS opponent.

Texas at BYU 6:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD) - The Longhorns have not been a dominate program, since 2009, but can the Independent pull off the upset in Provo?

West Virginia at Oklahoma 6:00 p.m. FOX (HD) - Big 12 football kicks off conference play in Norman, which should be an interesting chess match.

UAB at LSU 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD) - Home opener for Tigers and Coach Miles.

Arkansas State at Auburn 6:30 p.m. (FS South / ESPN-GP - Coach Malzahn faces his former team, which should be an interesting sidebar to this game.

Austin Peay at Vanderbilt 6:30 p.m. ESPN-GP / (CSS / CST) (cable) / espn3 - Vandy had a heartbreaking loss in SEC home opener in Week 1

Central Arkansas at Colorado 7:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - The Buffalos have been in shambles lately in College Football and in the Pac 12, since joining, so important game for program.

Hawaii at Oregon State 7:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - Both teams looking for first win, as Beavers were one of eight FBS victims to FCS teams.

Minnesota at New Mexico State 7:00 p.m.FSAZ+ / ALT2 / FCSP (cable, JIP) / BTN2Go - Is it hard not to think this could be a trap game for the Golden Gophers on the road to Las Cruces?

New Mexico at UTEP 7:00 p.m. DTV: 626 / FCSA (cable) / $ULive Video -

Notre Dame at Michigan 7:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) - The Big House will host the Fighting Irish is what should be a slugfest.  Strength vs. Strength in this game.

Arizona at UNLV 9:30 p.m. CBSSN (HD) - Are Wildcats ready to take care of business on the road in Vegas?

Washington State at USC 9:30 p.m.FS1 (HD) - Pac 12 opener as Trojans return to Mainland to face Cougars.

San Jose State at #2 Stanford 10:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - This could be a dangerous game for the Cardinal, with a Season Opener vs. an opponent that has played a game.

Games online only or not scheduled for nationally available networks.

Army at Ball State 11:00 a.m. espn3 - Could the Service Academies enjoy a strong Week 2... we shall see, as Black Knights hit the road.

Cal Poly at Fresno State 9:00 p.m. espn3 - The Bulldogs should win, but don't let the FCS foe hang around, because bad things may develop!

Chattanooga at Georgia State 1:00 p.m. espn3 - This isn't an upset for this FBS vs. FCS.

Drake at Northern Iowa 4:00 p.m. (KCRG 9.2, CFU 15, WOI 5.2, KCAU 9.2) (cable) - This game could be ugly, as Drake is coming off loss to Grandview and UNI beat ISU 28-20 in Ames during Week 1.

Duke at Memphis 3:30 p.m. espn3 / (TWC / Brighthouse) (cable) - Here's to the underdog vs. ACC opponent.

Eastern Kentucky at Louisville 11:00 a.m. espn3 - Cardinals look to go to 2-0 in 2013.

Gardner Webb at Marshall 5:30 p.m. $ULive Video - We are Marshall!

Grambling at Louisiana Monroe 6:00 p.m.espn3 - FBS-FCS bragging rights in play...

James Madison at Akron 5:00 p.m. espn3 - FCS has 8 wins over FBS in '13 and the Dukes should get one here for FCS over Zips.

Lamar at Louisiana Tech 6:00 p.m. $ULive Video - Former FCS conference mates meet in FBS vs. FCS match up.

Maine at UMass 1:00 p.m. espn3 - Best wishes to Kirk Ferentz previous gig as a head coach in College Football. FCS winner again?

Montana State at SMU 7:00 p.m. espn3 - June Jones has taken care of business in six years vs. FCS, but two close games.  Upset alert?

New Hampshire at Central Michigan 2:00 p.m.espn3 - This could be a dangerous game for a FBS team vs. FCS, but Chippewas took care of UNH in '03.

Nicholls State at Western Michigan 6:00 p.m. espn3 - A rare home game before resuming second of three OOC games at Big Ten stadiums for Broncos.

North Texas at Ohio U 6:00 p.m. espn3 - Can Dan McCarney's Mean Green take care of business on the road over Frank Solich's Bobcats in a reunion of former Big 12 coaches?

Prairie View at Texas State 6:00 p.m. espn3 - Bobcats have won eight straight meetings.

Richmond at North Carolina State 5:00 p.m. espn3 / (TWC / Brighthouse) (cable) - The Wolfpack should take care of business vs. Spiders in this FBS vs. FCS game.

Savannah State at Troy 6:00 p.m.espn3 - First meeting between FBS and FCS programs... Trojans should win vs. FCS Tigers.

South Alabama at Tulane 2:30 p.m. $ULive Video - First meeting, as South Alabama started FB program in 2009, so Green Wave need this one.

UC Davis at Nevada 8:00 p.m. Video / MWC Video - This used to be a regular game, when Wolf Pack were in the FBS. They own 28-21-3 record in series.

UT Martin at Boise State 2:00 p.m. espn3 - The Broncos seek to rebound vs. a FCS opponent in a first meeting.

Western Carolina at Virginia Tech 12:30 p.m. espn3 / (TWC / Brighthouse) (cable) - The Hokies open with a loss in Week 1 vs. #1 Alabama, so time to rebound vs. a FCS program in a first meeting ever in Blacksburg.

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