Welcome to November: Ohio State (7-1) @ Iowa (5-3) from Kinnick Stadium, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN

Iowa City, IA -- The Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1, 5-0 B1G East) travel to Iowa City for a game with the Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3, 2-3 B1G West) on Saturday, with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN at historic Kinnick Stadium. It is the first trip to Iowa City for the Buckeyes, since the 20-17 win over the Hawkeyes in 2010.

Iowa TE #87 Jake Duzey during the 2013 game
 broke open for a 85 yard TD reception in 
the last game played in the series.

The last meeting between these two teams was five years ago, in Urban Meyer's second season, in Columbus. The Hawkeyes played strong game for three quarters, but the Buckeyes broke the tie in the fourth quarter for a 34-24 win.

Iowa hasn't won in the series in 13 years, when the Hawkeyes took the Buckeyes down 33-7. Twenty-six years ago this week, the Hawkeyes traveled to Ohio State, after the tragic shooting on campus. The Hawkeyes raised to the occasion, with a 17-13 win, wearing black helmets, in tribute to the victims of the 1991 shooting on campus.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are the top Big Ten team, after the release of the
first rankings for the 2017 season. Iowa plays Ohio State on Saturday and
travels to #9 Wisconsin the following week. Both Iowa and Ohio State have
meet Penn State. Each playing the defending Big Ten champions at home.

The Hawkeyes have already played three Top 25 opponents this season, while the Buckeyes have played two. Iowa is 1-2 and Ohio State is 1-1 against Top 25 opponents in the first CFP rankings.

• On Saturday, Iowa will celebrate a blackout game, wearing alternative uniforms

Iowa senior MLB #43 Josey Jewell displays
the Hawkeyes alternative "blackout" uniforms
for the game with Ohio State on Saturday.

However, in his sixth season at the helm, Meyer has won over 90% of his games, as coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes,so the Hawkeyes will need to play their best game of the season, if they hope to have a chance to spring an upset on one of the top programs in the nation.

This is the fourth season of the College Football Playoff. The Ohio State Buckeyes
and Urban Meyer were the winners of the first trophy, during the 2014 season.

The lone loss this season for the Buckeyes was against Oklahoma, during Week 2, when the Sooners came into Columbus to pull out a 31-16 victory. Former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, the former Iowa safety, was present to root the Sooners onto victory. Due to Stoops' preseason departure in Norman, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is now the dean of College Football.

However, in his 19th season as head coach, his 28th overall season, with nine seasons as an offensive line coach, Ferentz has only been a part of three victories over the Ohio State Buckeyes, during the 1983, 1987 and 2004 seasons.

A younger Kirk Ferentz back in 1983, during his third season,
as offensive line coach at Iowa. The Hawkeyes beat #3 Ohio
State 20-14 back in 1983 at Kinnick Stadium.

If the Iowa Hawkeyes are going to have an opportunity on Saturday, the offensive line will have to play more consistently. And, the defense, will have to step up, as well.

As ESPN reports, Ohio State is a clear favorite against the Iowa
Hawkeyes on the road, coming off their biggest win of the season.

However, Ohio State has the #1 scoring offense and #3 scoring defense in the Big Ten. So, there is nearly no margin for error for any opponent of Ohio State, who are coming off a come from behind 39-39 victory over defending Big Ten champion, Penn State. The Hawkeyes have the #4 scoring defense in the Big Ten. It will be a difficult trap to set against a program that has Iowa's number.

The Hawkeyes opened the 2017 Big Ten season, with a heartbreaking 21-19 loss at Kinnick to Penn State, losing on the final play of the game in Week 4.

In one of the better games of the 2017 College Football season,
Penn State caught a TD pass on the final play of the game to
defeat Iowa 21-17 at Kinnick Stadium in Week 4.

Keys to a good game for the Iowa Hawkeyes:

1. Play physical, establish some success and consistency in the trenches ... Urban Meyer talked about it this week. Hopefully, the Hawkeyes can play smart, physical, disciplined football!!!
2. Must play good field position game, which has been a challenge for Iowa, beginning with the ISU game, which nearly 3 of Iowa's TD drives were 90 yards or more; Iowa had horrible field position on the road at MSU, in the 17-10 loss ... special teams is huge against OSU!
3. Explosive plays ... create plays on offense, special teams or through turnovers; on the flip side, you have to keep explosive plays in check, with the Buckeyes, making them play a patient, methodical game ...
4. Set up the running game, with the a solid passing game. 
5. Sophomore QB Nate Stanley and the young Iowa players on offense and in the kicking game must step up ...

Prediction

• Iowa Hawkeyes 20
• Ohio State 19

Sometimes you have to dream B1G. Ohio State likely wins this game 9 out of 10 times played. Make the moment count ...

College Football kicks off on Saturday, August 29 with FCS #1 North Dakota State

Saturday, August 29th

NAIA: #15 Baker at #6 Grand View 11:00 am espn3 Link

FCS #1 North Dakota State at FCS #12 Montana 2:30 pm ESPN 

It isn't Ames, Iowa this season for the North Dakota State program that has dominated FCS Football the past four seasons. Can the four-time defending champions make it five in a row during the 2015 season?

The Bison carry both the MVfC banner, as they travel to Montana to kickoff against a Grizzlies program that returns 23 starters from a team that were a runner-up in the Big Sky Conference, last year.

Cedar Rapids Washington alum is on the offense line for this Montana team:
68 McCauley Todd OL 6-7 295 JR Cedar Rapids, IA

The Bison has former Iowa preps on the roster, as well.

Next Saturday, FCS #2 Illinois State, another MVfC program, will open at Kinnick Stadium vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Bison are scheduled to travel to Iowa City in 2016 to also face off with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa defeated Northern Iowa in the 2014 opener 31-23.

College Football Playoff Title Game: Oregon vs. Ohio State

Game is on ESPN between Oregon vs Ohio State in the first College Football Playoff Title Game from Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium.

It's not a Rose Bowl, but the final on College Football Game for the 2014 season is a Pac 12 vs. Big Ten matchup.

Go Buckeyes!

Iowa opens B1G Basketball at Ohio State; while Maryland vs. Stanford in Foster Farms Bowl tonight

Columbus, OH - - Iowa (9-4, 0-0) opens conference basketball play at No. 18/21 Ohio State (11-2, 0-0) with a Tuesday Noon tipoff on ESPN2 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Iowa won last year's contest in Columbus.

Tuesday will mark the first time since the 2008-09 season that the Hawkeyes will open league play on the road.  Coincidentally, Iowa opened Big Ten play that season also at Ohio State. The Buckeyes edged the Hawkeyes, 68-65, on Dec. 31, 2008. 

Ohio State is 28-3 at home since the start of the 2013-14 season. The Hawkeyes were one of the three teams to beat the Buckeyes during that span at Value City Arena. Iowa won 84-74 on Jan. 12, 2014. 

Big Ten basketball tips off conference play with four games today, and three more games on Wednesday opposite the Big East Conference, who open with five games on FS1, also on Wednesday.

On the B1G Football side, the conference takes a 2-2 record into the conference's fifth bowl game, as Maryland (7-5) faces Stanford (7-5) at Levi Field in San Francisco with a 9 p.m. kickoff on ESPN in the Foster Farms Bowl.

"This has been a great week that we've been out here,” said Maryland head coach Randy Edsall. “Our guys got a chance to go to Alcatraz and go to St. Anthony's. It is very rewarding to do those things and it's great that the bowl is able to provide this. I don't know how many of our guys would be able to get there and do these types of things if it wasn't for what has taken place this week. They have worked hard this week and I am sure they've played hard when they have had the free time to do that. We are very, very grateful for the opportunity."

Maryland vs. Stanford Bowl Game Preview

Back to basketball, Ohio State has played 11 of its first 13 games at home in Value City Arena. The Buckeyes are a perfect 11-0 at home, winning their last game, 100-55, over Wright State on Dec. 27. 

Both Iowa and Ohio State have played North Carolina. The Tar Heels beat the Buckeyes (82-74) on Dec. 20 in Chicago, while the Hawkeyes won in Chapel Hill (60-55) in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Dec. 3. 

Three Buckeyes average double figures in scoring: D'Angelo Russell (17.7 ppg), Marc Loving (12.4 ppg), and Sam Thompson (10.2 ppg). 

Iowa will have five days to prepare for its next conference opponent when it hosts Nebraska on Monday, Jan. 5, in the Hawkeyes' conference home opener. Iowa will play Michigan State at home next week on Thursday, Jan. 8.

GameDay Saturday Week 3: Cy-Hawk Game from Kinnick Stadium

Iowa City, Iowa - The real season begins in Week 3, with the first trophy game of the 2014 season for the Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0), with the in-state rival Iowa State Cyclones (0-2), with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN from historic Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes have been solid in two fourth quarter games to remain undefeated. Iowa State has lost 14 and 15 point leads in back to back weeks to remain without of win in '14.

Throw out the stats, records and hype, it is a rivalry in the Hawkeye State as the Cy-Hawk Trophy is up for grabs between Iowa and Iowa State.

In 2012, the Cy-Hawk Game was a battle for field goals, with Iowa State knocking off Iowa 9-6, after the Hawkeyes-Cylcones battled to a 44-41 game in a three overtime clash the year before in Ames. The Hawkeyes struggled all season, finished 4-8 in '12, while the Cyclones went on to finish 6-7, with a 31-17 loss to Tulsa in the Liberty Bowl. The '12 win by Iowa State ended a three game home win streak by Iowa in the series at Kinnick.

Iowa rebounded in 2013, with a 27-21 win in Ames, flipping the 4-8 regular season in '12 into a 8-4 regular season in '13. The Hawkeyes celebrate the 125th anniversary of Iowa Football in 2014. It is also the 75th anniversary of the Iowa Ironmen season, the season Nile Kinnick won his Heisman Trophy.

Iowa State was 3-9 in '13 and this off season has brought in a new offensive coordinator, along with a good number of new assistants. Mark Mangino, the former Kansas head coach, is now head coach Paul Rhoads' new offensive coordinator, as the Rhoads era enters Week 3 of  Year 6, with a 27-38 record. Iowa State's new staff is looking for a rebound in Ames, like Iowa in '13.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (110-79) in his 16th season in Iowa City, as head coach, hired a new offensive coordinator in 2012, when he asked long-time Texas OC Greg Davis to join his staff. Ferentz has revamped his staff over the past three seasons and elevated Phil Parker from secondary coach to defensive coordinator, as well.

It has taken Iowa time to transition from the first 13 years of the Kirk Ferentz era to today's version in '14, offensively, defensively and on special teams. This should be an interesting Cy-Hawk Game, with the newer coordinators going head to head.

What is this Rivalry about, since renewing in 1977?

Iowa senior linebacker middle linebacker Quinton Alston says there aren't any funny stories surrounding the Iowa-Iowa State matchup because plain and simple, it's "Beat State" week inside the Hayden Fry Football Complex.

"It doesn't take long to get used to the rivalry and not like them," said Alston, who will be playing in his fourth installment of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series today inside Kinnick Stadium. "There are no secrets here."
Alston says there isn't a game on the Iowa schedule that compares to this rivalry. From the pregame hype to the fan interaction to the music being blasted throughout the football complex.

"In the complex, they start playing the (Iowa State) fight song to make you more angry," he said. "They play it in the locker room, weight room... everywhere. You get tired of seeing Iowa State really quickly around here, and when you get to the game Saturday everything is let loose."

Iowa leads the all-time series over the Cyclones, 40-21, which includes a 23-13 advantage in games played in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have won 4-of-6, 5-of-8, and 7-of-11 meetings in the series. Iowa has held Iowa State to single digits in several of the recent games in the series.

Iowa usually beats Iowa State teams that don't bowl.

Senior wide receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley didn't understand the rivalry when he arrived at Iowa from Michigan in 2010. Now he knows the game is personal.

"Those guys want their bragging rights; we want our bragging rights," Martin-Manley said. "We have to go out and make plays, play hard, and come out with a win."

Martin-Manley is Iowa's leading receiver and could finish his senior season as an all-time leader.

"(When I got here) I was told it is going to be a hard fought game. When I was younger, I didn't understand it, but now I do. You can tell it is amplified when you get on the field. It's a hard fought battle, just like it's going to be this weekend."

The last three games in the series have been decided by six points or less.

"This rivalry has been good every year I have been here," said junior quarterback Jake Rudock.

Last year, Rudock was in his first season of leading the Iowa offense. He is playing very effective in fourth quarters, thus far in '14.

"They're going to be ready to go, we'll be ready to go, and it's going to be loud. The fans get into it."
Rudock believes the passion shown for the rivalry is a testament to both team's fan bases.
"It means we have great fans in Iowa across the state, whether it's for Iowa or Iowa State," he said. "The fans here are passionate about football and love these two teams."

Even though it's a "different" game week, Alston says when the teams ultimately take the field it will be business as usual.

"It's a big game in the state, but we're going to go out there and prepare," he said. "We're not going to be blinded by who we're playing this week. We're going to go out there and play them like any other team."

Defense was the difference in the 2012 game for Iowa State and Iowa Hawkeyes hope it is for the Hawkeyes in 2014.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker knew going into the 2014 season that the Hawkeye defense would need to improve from game to game, with three new starting linebackers and half the secondary new. As the Hawkeyes prepare for Iowa State and the third game of the season, Parker feels his defense is moving in the right direction.

"From game one to game two, I feel we showed a lot of improvement," said Parker. "Our communication has improved on the back end, on the second level; the guys are getting more comfortable. We have a lot of first time guys out there playing. Our biggest goal from game one was to cut down on the big plays, and we went from eight to two. But, we need to cut that down even more. The biggest thing is being consistent and improving in all areas, from the defensive line, to the linebackers to the secondary."

The Hawkeyes wins came over Northern Iowa (31-23) and Ball State. After allowing a number of big plays and 23 points in the opening win, the defense was a bright spot in the win over Ball State. The Cardinal offense scored just two field goals in Iowa's 17-13 win and totaled just 219 yards total offense. And, the Cardinals had just two offensive plays of over 20 yards.

"I think its both preparation and experience," said Parker. "They are on the field working together as a group in a game for the first time. The film study and prep during the week has picked up, but that's all about football. If you are well prepared and know what to expect, you see things faster and the game slows down a little for you the more you prepare."

While senior strong safety John Lowdermilk started every game a year ago, Desmond King played as a true freshman a year ago, starting 12 games at cornerback. Sophomore cornerback Greg Mabin is new to the line-up this season and junior Jordan Lomax made the more from cornerback to safety.

"Like Desmond last year, the first couple of games he started, it was new to him," said Parker. "He picked up on it quickly and moved on. I think that is what everyone else is doing. Greg had done a good job in two games. Jordan is playing well in a new position. I think its all carry over, it's like building files in your computer, having the memory and recall when you see the different things. We need everybody to improve their level of play, their intensity and effort as we move forward. We have to continue to do that, and hopefully finish our preparation in the next 48 hours."

Saturday's game will kick off at 2:35 p.m. on ESPN with Sean McDonough calling the play by play, former Ohio State linebacker Chris Speilman adding color, and Todd McShay on the sidelines. The game is a sold out, which will be the third game this season for the Cyclones to be a capacity crowd.

Iowa State lost the season opener to North Dakota State in Ames 34-14, then lost 32-28 in the Big Twelve opener at home to Kansas State.

Keys to the Cy-Hawk Game today at Kinnick Stadium:

1. Control the line scrimmage
2. Play of the linebackers
3. Coaching adjustments
4. Turnovers and miscues
5. Explosive plays, 12+ runs, 16+ receptions
6. Special teams

This game could be highly competitive or a blow out. We shall see. 

Our Prediction: Iowa 25, Iowa State 15, as Iowa's defense steps up in the red zone in Week 3 in the Cy-Hawk Game.

Cy-Hawk Game in Week 3 Saturday, as ESPN Game Day airs in North Dakota

Last night, Friday night in College Football:

The University of Toledo was at the University of Cincinnati on ESPNU as the Bearcats opened the 2014 season after back to back bye weeks! QB Gunner Kiel had the Bearcats moving!

Baylor was at Buffalo on ESPN, which highlights Baylor's non-conference schedule, unlike the Big 12 brothers facing marquee Big 5 conference foes in Week 3.

Saturday, September 13th kicks off Week 3 of the 2014 College Football season. Who leads in the hunt for the College Football Playoff?

1. Florida State, defending BCS champion remains undefeated heading into Week 3 and a bye week!

2. Oregon, coming off a Week 2 win over Michigan State in Eugene!

3. Oklahoma and 4. Alabama haven't played anyone impressive, but they appear strong candidates for the CFP in '14.

Saturday's games ...

Boise State at UConn,11:00 a.m. on ABC / ESPN2 - the Broncos were supposed to play the Huskies as part of the Big East, as conference members, but thankfully the Big East dropped Football to return to its roots as a Basketball conference!

East Carolina at Virginia Tech,11:00 a.m. on ESPN - Could this be a trap game for the Hokies coming off big road win in Columbus last Saturday? Pirates seek to steal one ...

Georgia Southern at Georgia Tech, 11:00 a.m. on FSN Affiliates / (ESPN-GP / espn3) / FOX Sports GO / RSN - Battle for Georgia, not quite!

Indiana at Bowling Green, 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU - IU hits road coming off bye week, as BGU plays back to back B1G opponents, as MAC looks for Win #3.

Kent State at Ohio State, 11:00 a.m. on ABC / ESPN2 - Urban Meyer has lost one in Columbus in three years, so don't look for back to back loses, which isn't good for Golden Flashes ...

Ohio U at Marshall, 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN - The Rockets carry the MAC banner into C-USA territory in Week 3!

Pittsburgh at Florida International, 11:00 a.m. on FS1 - The Panthers hit the road to Florida, after road win in ACC opener @ BC.

Syracuse at Central Michigan, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN News - Can the MAC knock out another Big 5 Conference opponent?

UCF at Missouri, 11:00 a.m. on SECN - The Knights opened '14 in Dublin with a loss on the final play to PSU, so can they rebound coming off bye week in another road trip to Columbia?

UMass at Vanderbilt, 11:00 a.m. on FSN Affiliates - Vandy should roll!

West Virginia at Maryland, 11:00 a.m. on BTN - Last year was one sided 37-0 affair, so with everyone kicking the B1G right now; Terps beware!

Louisville at Virginia,11:30 a.m. on ACC Network - Bobby Petrino looks to get Cardinals to a 2-0 start in new ACC.

Wyoming at Oregon, 1:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - The Cowboys have back to back road trips at Oregon and Michigan State.

Alabama A&M at UAB, 2:30 p.m. on CSBA / ASN - FCS vs. FBS game in Birmingham!

Arkansas at Texas Tech, 2:30 p.m. on ABC - Bret Bielema heads to old SEC foe in Lubbock for an out of conference showdown ...

Arkansas State at Miami - FL, 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU - The Hurricanes warm up on Sun Belt before road trip to Lincoln next Saturday.

Georgia at South Carolina, 2:30 p.m.CBS - The Gamecokes lost the season/SEC opener to A&M, so an 0-2 start wouldn't be good for the ole Ball Coach's early season. UGA is highly respected with a strong running game!

ESPN Game Day is in Fargo for this game:
Incarnate Word at North Dakota State, 2:30 p.m. ESPN-GP / espn3 / NBC ND (cable) - the Bison opened '14 season with a 34-14 roll on the Cyclones. The three-year FCS champs surely take care of business today!

Iowa State at Iowa, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN - The Cy-Hawk series was renewed in 1977, when Iowa beat State 12-10. This is 125th anniversary of Iowa Football, 75th anniversary of the Ironmen, so Hawkeyes look to remain undefeated in '14.
Prediction: Iowa 25, Iowa State 15

Kansas at Duke, 2:30 p.m. on FSN Affiliates / FOX Sports GO / RSN - The Jayhawks vs. Blue Devils are both known for hardwood, not gridiron, though Duke has won lately.

Miami of Ohio at Michigan, 2:30 p.m., BTN - The cradle of coaches has lost 18 straight FBS schools, while Ann Arbor has become soft in the trenches.

North Carolina State at South Florida, 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN - The Bulls are showing a pulse, after 2-10 last year.

Illinois at Washington, 3:00 p.m. on FOX - The Huskies are better than Fighting Irish.

Louisiana Lafayette at Ole Miss, 3:00 p.m. on SECN - Could this be a game that the SEC has to worry, as top Sun Belt program comes to Ole Miss?

Minnesota at TCU, 3:00 p.m. on FS1 - The Golden Gophers face a hurdle against the Horned Frogs on the road!

Mississippi State at South Alabama, 3:00 p.m. on ESPN News - The Sun Belt seeks some PR hosting SEC opponent in Week 3.

Army at Stanford, 4:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - The Cardinal have a desire to flush Pac 12 opener and get back on track ...

Southern Miss at Alabama, 5:00 p.m. on ESPN2 - This should be a easy one for young Bama team for Nick Saban's '14.

Louisiana Monroe at LSU, 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU - Tigers have won two previous outings 49-7 and 51-0.

Tulsa at Florida Atlantic, 6:00 p.m. on DTV: 608 / Dish: 450 / FCSA (cable) - Why not?

UTSA at Oklahoma State, 6:00 p.m. on FSN Affiliates / FCSC (cable) / FOX Sports GO - Cowboys should win, but underdog is a good young program in FBS now ...

Wake Forest at Utah State, 6:00 p.m. on CBSSN - Some interesting Big 5 vs. FBS road match ups this year.

Kentucky at Florida, 6:30 p.m. on SECN - Mark Stoops brings Wildcats to Gainesville in SEC East play.

Purdue at Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. on NBC - Fighting Irish won 31-0 over Michigan and Purdue has only 1 FBS win in young Darrel Hazell era in West Lafayette. 

Navy at Texas State, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN News - Go Midshipmen!

New Mexico State at UTEP, 7:00 p.m. on NESN+ / ASN - The Miners haven't been good lately, but looking for sixth straight in this series!

Penn State at Rutgers, 7:00 p.m. on BTN - B1G opener, as Scarlett Knights join the Big Ten in '14, but Nittany Lions are the clear favorite.

Portland State at Washington State, 7:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - The Cougars should take care of business vs. FCS foe.

Tennessee at Oklahoma, 7:00 p.m. on ABC - The Volunteers hope to sneak into Norman and steal a big win, but Bob Stoops and OU rarely lose at home in non-conference.

Texas vs. UCLA (Arlington), 7:00 p.m. on FOX / FOX Deportes - The Longhorns have lot of work to overcome, while Bruins are ready to breakout.

USC at Boston College, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN - This could be a letdown road trip for the Trojans, but BC wouldn't appear strong enough for the upset?

Rice at Texas A&M, 8:00 p.m.ESPN2 - Aggies eat up Owls ...

Arizona State at Colorado, 9:00 p.m.ESPNU - Pac 12 opener, as Sun Devils should take care of business early on Pac 12 road in '14.

Nebraska at Fresno State, 9:30 p.m. on CBSSN - The seven year itch, Bo Pelini's Cornhuskers hit the road for the first time in '14. QB Tommy Armstrong needs to lead and play better in passing game.

Nevada at Arizona, 10:00 p.m., PAC-12 Network (HD) - The Wildcats wrap up OOC play in Week 3 ahead of heading to Pac 12 play for '14.

Abilene Christian at Troy, 6:00 p.m. on espn3 - Time for Trojans to rebound after loss hosting Duke last week.

Air Force at Georgia State, 1:00 p.m. on espn3 -

Eastern Michigan at Old Dominion, 5:00 p.m. on Cox 110 (cable) - ODU should prevail.

Indiana State at Ball State, 2:00 p.m. on espn3 - The Cardinals lost a heartbreaker at Iowa, leading 13-3 in 4th quarter.

Northern Illinois at UNLV, 6:00 p.m. on MWC Video1 / MWC Video2 - Huskies look to reach 3-0 in Vegas, after nice B1G win at Northwestern.

Northern Iowa at Hawaii, 11:00 p.m. on MWC Video / Oceanic (cable) - Hawai'i should win, but Panthers can dream.

Southeastern Louisiana at Tulane, 7:00 p.m. on espn3 - Green Wave seek to make it seven - oh against SE LA!

UC Davis at Colorado State, 2:00 p.m. on MWC Video1 / MWC Video2 - The MWC looks to avoid a FCS upset in Fort Collins.

Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee, 6:00 p.m. on MyNashville 30 / WKU PBS (cable) - both teams lost at B1G schools last week, so time to lick wounds in C-USA opener for both schools.

Western Michigan at Idaho, 4:00 p.m. on espn3 - The MAC vs. Sun Belt, as the 0-1 Broncos head to Idaho seeking first win of '14 and second win in two seasons.

The 2014 College Football season opens August 23 on ESPN

The 2014 College Football season opens today with a FCS showdown to kick off the 2014 NCAA season.

Sam Houston State at Eastern Washington, as two Top 25 FCS programs kick off the season at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Washington out of the Big Sky may be the best program to knock North Dakota State off the FCS throne. Sam Houston State comes out of the Southland.

True Week One will kick off Wednesday, with the first FCS at FBS game of 2014. Fellow Southland program, Abilene Christian at Georgia State on Wednesday, August 27th.

Happy Memorial Day ...

The official kick off to Summer has begun in America with Memorial Day. Our thoughts and prayers are with those families and for those who have passed in service for our freedom.

The countdown of the 2014 College Football Season has also begun. Less than 100 days, until the opening weekend of College Football!

Two preseason magazines have hit the shelves.

Lindy's Sports College Football National Edition 2014 Preview, as well, as The Sporting News College Football are on the racks at Barnes and Noble and other fine retailers.  

The preview for the College Football Playoff inaugural season can begin. Out with the BCS poll and in with the 13 member Selection Committee.

Rutgers may not want Dr. Condoleeza Rice for their commencement speach in 2014, but Rice is the sole women headlining the 13 member Selection Committee for the College Football Playoff.

Five current athletic directors will serve, along with the patriarch of the Manning family, a former NCAA executive vice president, a former Big East Commissioner, a former sportswriter, a former superintendent of the Air Force Academy, two former head coaches and Ms. Rice.

Four teams will be chosen for the College Football Playoff, as The Selection Committee uses their iPad specifically loaded with software allowing them to watch any game in the country at any time. America would love to carry that iPad, since the committee members will not travel to games as special guests.

The Selection Committee will rank the Top 25 beginning with the midseason to the end of the regular season. But, votes and totals will remain private.

Lindy's Sports and The Sporting News both like the same four programs, but not in the same order: Alabama, Florida State, Oklahoma and Oregon.

Out with the BCS National Championship Game and this season: the Rose and Sugar Bowl games will host the semi-final games, so the Big Ten or Pac Ten will not likely play in the Granddaddy of Bowl Games this season.

The Selection Committee will determine who plays in the Rose, Orange,  Fiesta, Sugar, Cotton and Peach Bowls each season, as part of the new College Football Playoff. Those bowls will rotate over the next 12 years as semi-final hosts, each getting to host four times over the 12-year span.

Notre Dame has a twice in 12-year period guarantee to play the ACC champion in the Orange Bowl. One spot in the six bowls will be reserved for the top-rated team from the so-called non-Big Five (Sun Belt, MAC, Mountain West, American and Conference USA).

With the BCS, a conference (Big 12, Big Ten, Pac 12, ACC and SEC, for example) was limited to two BCS teams in the old BCS bowls, but not anymore.  The College Football Playoff is not limited in any way, other than to  the choices of 13 members of The Selection Committee.

ESPN will enjoy the slate of lesser bowls to highlight upcoming big Bowls, a traditional New Year's Eve and Day slate of games and four-team College Football Playoff.

College Football has its Final Four in 2014.

Iowa opens Big Ten play Saturday at Minnesota

Iowa City, Iowa -- The Hawkeyes open Big Ten play Saturday at Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium. The game will be televised by ABC beginning at 2:30 p.m. (CT), with reverse mirror on ESPN2. Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham and Jeannine Edwards will call the action.

Iowa won its third-straight game, improving to 3-1 with a 59-3 rout of Western Michigan on Sept. 21 inside Kinnick Stadium. Minnesota is 4-0 with victories over UNLV (51-23), New Mexico State (44-21), Western Illinois (29-12) and San Jose State (43-24).

Iowa has won three of its last four conference openers, including a 31-13 win over Minnesota in last year's opener. The Hawkeyes are 6-8 in Big Ten openers since 1999. The Hawkeyes are opening the Big Ten season on the road for the 11th time in 15 seasons under coach Kirk Ferentz. In its previous 10 conference openers on the road, Iowa has won three times (42-35 OT at Penn State, 2002; 24-7 at Illinois, 2006; 21-10 at Penn State, 2009).

Iowa also won the first Big Ten road game last year, with a 19-16, 2 OT game at Michigan State.

Defense set the tone in final non-conference game for Iowa.

You can't win a football game if you don't score. On the flipside, you don't lose many when allowing three points.

That was true Sept. 21 for the University of Iowa, by frustrating Western Michigan in its final nonconference tune-up. It was the lowest point-total allowed by the Hawkeyes in 38 games -- dating back to Oct. 2, 2010, and not so coincidently, a 20-3 win against Penn State. The last time Iowa lost a football game when allowing three points was 76 years ago when Irl Tubbs was coach and FDR was President of the United States.

The tone was set on the opening kickoff Saturday when Western Michigan's Dareyon Chance was clobbered by Iowa linebacker Marcus Collins after a 15-yard return.

"That's big momentum for us," said UI senior cornerback B.J. Lowery, who finished the day with four tackles and two Pick-6 interceptions. "Even on the kickoff when Marcus Collins had the big hit, that got us going right there."

"Coach (Kirk) Ferentz asks in practice, `Who is going to be that guy who is going to get that spark?'" said UI senior defensive lineman Dominic Alvis. "As soon as Marcus clocked his guy, it sent electricity through the defense. We're getting out there and we're getting excited and it adds a spark to the entire team. It fueled our fire."

The fire kept burning for three hours and two minutes. Twenty minutes into the game, UI junior receiver/punt returner Kevonte Martin-Manley had more touchdowns (two) than the Broncos had first downs (zero) or rushing yards (one). On six straight possessions, the Hawkeye defense held Western Michigan to three downs-and-punt. The Broncos were 1-of-14 converting on third down.

"We have a good defensive unit," Alvis said. "We're not there yet, but every week we're taking strides and you can see that in the way we play. We showed up from the get-go and getting off the field on third down is our goal, that's our money down, and it is great when we give the offense a chance to score points."

For three straight games Iowa's defense has held opponents to less than 75 yards on the ground. Western Michigan gained 74 yards on 20 carries, Iowa State had 59 yards on 24 attempts, and Missouri State was held to 70 yards on 23 rushes. The Hawkeyes have not allowed a first-half touchdown since the season opener. The defense has yet to give up a rushing touchdown in 2013.

Senior defensive captain, middle linebacker James Morris is waiting for an opponent to "pin their ears back and run at us."

"It is one game and we're trying to build something," said Morris, who had a team-high seven tackles and moved to No. 15 on the all-time career tackle chart with 316. "We don't want to be a one-hit wonder. We want to be competitive down the stretch in October and November. We feel good about what we did, but we're still building."

After four games, the Hawkeyes are ranked 19th in the country in total defense (290.8 yards per game) and Iowa is one of four Football Bowl Subdivision teams yet to surrender a rushing touchdown. That is 128 straight rushing attempts without the opponent reaching the end zone.

"We showed up, were ready to play and didn't let off the gas," Alvis said. "We played like veterans and we played like we should. I'm fortunate to be part of a group guys who take pride in this unit -- there are a lot of playmakers out there."

One playmaker is Lowery. Just when you thought he could do nothing to top his high-flying interception at Iowa State on Sept. 14, he comes back seven days later and returns two interceptions for touchdowns. To put an exclamation point on the second one (from 13 yards), Lowery dove and stretched the ball inside the pylon.

"I learned it from Micah Hyde," Lowery said with a laugh.

Hyde's return for a score following an interception by Tyler Sash highlighted a 37-6 win against No. 5 Michigan State in 2010.

Lowery's two interception touchdown returns is an Iowa record and ties for second-most in NCAA history.

The 2010 season came up twice in reference to Saturday's victory. In that year, Iowa was also 3-1 in nonconference play, and went on to defeat three nationally rated teams and win the Insight Bowl.

The fate of the 2013 team is undecided, but there is no denying it has energy and oomph heading into the conference opener Sept. 28 in Minneapolis.

"This supplies momentum going into the next game and it is an exciting feeling as a player," Alvis said.

"This win is big for us knowing we have to go into Big Ten play next week," Lowery added. "That gives us momentum going to Minnesota."

After a 4-8 season in 2012, the 3-1 start is beginning to raise some eyebrows in the Big Ten media and that Iowa may be one of the biggest surprises this year in the conference. For Big Ten Legends Division teams, the Western Michigan win by Iowa was the most well rounded displays in victory this season.

Preseason College Football Predictions: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

The 2013 College Football season will kick off on Thursday, August 29th, with the 5 p.m. CT kick off on ESPN of North Carolina @ South Carolina.  Plenty of good games in Week 1 to look forward to, including a top FCS vs. FBS matchup on Saturday night, when defending FCS #1 North Dakota State @ Kansas State, with a 7:30 p.m. CT on the new Fox Sports 1 channel.

Many will suggest that Phil Steele has the best publication for preseason previews, but Stassen suggests otherwise lately, when it comes to Phil Steele's predictions.  However, for overall information, Phil Steele is among the best.  A must buy for the College Football junkie!  Lindy's has been #1 the past three seasons with preseason prediction accruacy from 2010-2013, followed by Athlon Sports, then Phil Steele.

The #1 publication for 2012 for accuracy was new publication Compu-picks.  However, we may have to disagree with them on at least one of the preseason headlines for 2013:

Why Alabama is the national title favorite yet again;

Why Texas Christian will be the surprise team of 2012;

Why Florida will be the disappointment of 2013;

Why you’d have to be insane to put Louisville in your top 10;

Why you’d have to be insane to keep Oklahoma State out of your top 20;

Why Stanford will be worse than you think;

Why Ole Miss will be better than you think;

Why West Virginia will be a surprise cellar dweller;

Why Indiana will surprisingly escape the cellar;

Why Kansas State is in for a big decline;

Why Colorado will be a lot better (but still lousy)

Both Compu-picks and Phil Steele (#11) are downgrading Stanford, but if defense wins championships, Stanford may be a team to keep high entering into 2013, not moving down the Top 25.  Stanford is strong in the defensive line, linebacker and secondary corps entering into 2013.  Also, Stanford is solid in the offensive line heading into 2013, as well.  Look for coach David Shaw to have Stanford in the hunt in 2013.

Alabama has certainly shown how importance championship caliber defense is in the pursuit of a BCS Title Game Championship.  The Crimson Tide remain the team to beat in 2013, but Stanford is a good candidate for #2 this season.  A look at Cidsports Preseason Top 5 compared to Early Picks:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide are winner of 3 out of 4 BCS title games!
2. Stanford Cardinal seeking 4th BCS bowl game in past 4 years!
3. Oregon Ducks have played in 4 straight BCS bowls and '10 BCS title game!
4. Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off probation and 12-0 record in '12!
5. Georgia Bulldogs last BCS bowl was during '07 in Sugar!

After the Top 5, the 6-10, 11-20 and final 5 in the Top 25 will be very interesting in 2013.

Phil Steele still loving Florida State with a #3 preseason rating, after preseason #1 last year;

Phil Steele says Texas #4, after 9-4 record and #19 AP last year;

TSN like Florida at #4 over Georgia #12, don't see it;

Is Southern Cal worth of #6 Phil Steele, coming off 7-6 record in '12, earn it;

USA Today likes Boise State #6 this preseason, after 11-2 record, #18 in AP;

Only Phil Steele likes #7 Louisville with a single digit ranking, see above;

USA Today likes #9 Nebraska, despite 5 straight 4-loss seasons under Bo Pelini;

#12 Virginia Tech per Phil Steele, but no others early agree;

USA Today giving Bill Snyder and Kansas State a little love at #24, see above;

TSN is the only one suggest Ole Miss #25 is ready for Top 25 statis, see above;

Any of the early preseason magazines missed on Notre Dame (QB Everett Golson's suspension)

If you like FCS vs. FBS college football match ups in 2013, there will be 110 games for the 2013 season.  With 12 regular season games generally in 2013 for each FBS program, here are the Top 15 games for the season between FCS vs. FBS programs, using 2012 Sagarin Ratings:

1. Kansas State vs. North Dakota State (35)
2. Texas A&M vs. Sam Houston State (63)
3. Florida vs. Georgia Southern (72)
4. Nebraska vs. South Dakota State (79)
5. Oregon State, Toledo vs. Eastern Washington (88)
6. SMU vs. Montana State (90)
7. Iowa State vs. Northern Iowa (92)
8. Colorado vs. Central Arkansas (94)
9. Indiana, Purdue vs. Indiana State (95)
10. Baylor vs. Wofford (96)
11. Michigan State vs. Youngstown State (97)
12. Colorado State, Fresno State vs. Cal Poly (99)

The Iowa Hawkeyes are under the radar, after an awful 4-8 season in '12.  Could Iowa be prime for a rebound and surprise in the Big Ten in '13?  The Hawkeyes don't play Indiana, Illinois or Penn State in conference play.  USA Today #23 Northern Illinois is the season opener for the Hawkeyes on August 31. 

Seniors are expected to be the backbone of the University of Iowa football team each fall. In 2013, the Hawkeyes' senior linebacking corps of James Morris, Christian Kirksey (#20 pictured) and Anthony Hitchens is ready to do its part.
 

peace



Iowa @ Michigan at 11 a.m. on ESPN for Senior Day for the Wolverines

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...

There hasn't been a lot of good in '12 for the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-6, 2-4 B1G Legends), while the Michigan Wolverines (7-3. 5-1 B1G Legends), with a #23 ranking in the polls.  The Senior class for the Wolverines are 0-3 vs. the Hawkeyes over the past three seasons.

It good get ugly on Saturday for the Hawkeyes.  The bad, Iowa has another injury, with sophomore Damon Bullock hurt, after last week's loss vs. Purdue.  The good, Iowa has sophomorerunning back Mark Weisman, who has been out or injured over the course of the four game losing streak for the Hawkeyes.

It's Senior Day in Ann Arbor and the Hawkeyes may be Lunch for a team that has hopes of playing for a Big Ten title in '12.

Searching for Solutions

Ferentz: `It's more fun when you're riding in a parade, but we're not right now'

No pick today, since conventional wisdom is clearly with the Michigan Wolverines.  A win by Iowa would be the biggest win for senior quarterback James Vandenberg, who is struggling in his final season at Iowa.  Further, it would completely cause many fans to go nuts over head coach Kirk Ferentz ability to rise up against quality opposition, but underperform against competition Iowa is often favored to win against.

peace

Friday Night College Football Week 9

Friday, October 26th

Cincinnati at LOUISVILLE
7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3 - Big East showdown!

NEVADA at Air Force
7:00 p.m. on CBSSN (HD) - MWC showdown!

Thursday night College Football in the ACC

Thursday, October 25th
Clemson at Wake Forest
6:30 p.m.on ESPN (HD) / espn3 - Tigers look to take home road win in ACC play tonight!

Friday night football in the Big East

Friday, October 19th

Connecticut at Syracuse, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3 - Big East Friday night showcase... can the Orange get it done vs. UConn in the Dome?

Thursday Night College Football: October 11th

Thursday, October 11th

• Western Kentucky @ Troy, 6:30 p.m., ESPNU (HD)/ espn 3
• Texas-El Paso @ Tulsa, 7:00 p.m, FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSC (cable)
• Arizona State @ Colorado, 8 p.m., ESPN (HD)

A batlle in the Sun Belt, the Conference USA and the Pac 12 highlight Thursday night football in College Football.  None of the teams are Top 25 programs currently, though Arizona State be getting closer to breaking the Top 25.  The Sun Devils are 2-0 and leading the Pac 12 South currently.  Colorado is 1-1 in the conference.

Western Kentucky is 1-0 in the Sun Belt, while Troy is 2-1 in the conference.  Huge game for both programs in the hunt for the '12 Sun Belt title.

Tulsa is 3-0 in the C-USA West, while UTEP is 0-2 in the conference.  Who will pick up this important conference Thursday night game?

Iowa (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten Legends) @ Michigan State (4-2, 1-1 Legends) on Saturday with 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN

 The Iowa Hawkeyes will prepare this week, coming off a bye week for #24 Michigan State, the defending Legends champion in'11.  Iowa should be healthy, with news RB Damon Bullock has been cleared to play.

Mark Dantonio Weekly Press Conference Coverage 

Spartans take on Iowa Saturday at noon (Eastern time) in Spartan Stadium on Homecoming.

News out of East Lansing is mixed, as the Detroit News is reporting.  MSU coach Mark Dantonio (pictured, left) will be missing junior TE Dion Sims, due to injury.  Sims has been first year starting QB junior Andrew Maxwell's main target in the passing game.  Further, Dantonio, who is in his sixth season as head coach for the Spartans, is making plenty of changes in the two-deep depth chart for MSU.

Entering the 2012 season, both the Hawkeyes and the Spartans returned five starters from '11 on defense.  On offense, the Spartans returned eight starters compared to Iowa's six, but injures have fallen to MSU's offense, with TE Sims the most recent victim.  The offensive line has been hit hard in '12.

Both teams played Central Michigan in the non-conference.  For Michigan State, the Spartans headed to Mt. Pleasant, MI to play @ Central Michigan, which finished in a 41-7 win for the Green.  After a bye week, Central Michigan traveled to Iowa City the following week.  The Hawkeyes finished on the short end of a 32-31 defeat, with the Chippewas scoring nine points in the final minutes to upset Iowa.

Of course, comparing common opponents can be risky in College Football.  However, it certainly should give people pause, as the odds makers saw Michigan State on Sunday, as a 11 point favorite over Iowa.  Iowa hasn't been a double digit underdog in the Big Ten, since the 2009 road game at Ohio State in what was termed a Big Ten title game that year.  Iowa didn't win, but gave a good showing, in a 27-24 OT loss to Ohio State.  By the way, that was Iowa's current QB, senior James Vandenberg's first start as a Hawkeye, during his redshirt freshman year, stepping in for an injured teammate.

The Iowa-Michigan State is typically a close, competitive series.  The series favors Iowa 22-19-2.  A win on Saturday would give Iowa a 10-10-1 record and move them to .500 in East Lansing.  Iowa won in East Lansing in '09 in a 15-13 game, which Iowa scored on the final play of the game, when then Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi hit departed WR Marvin McNutt on 4th down with 0:00 left on the clock.

Last year's game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City was a 37-21 game in favor of the Spartans.  The Spartans jumped out to a 31-7  lead, scoring two touchdowns in a 36 second stretch late in the second quarters.

Michigan State will be celebrating Homecoming on Saturday, when they host Iowa.

Iowa faces first B1G road challenge of '12 in East Lansing

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz called the Hawkeyes' bye week "productive," but the challenge ahead is a Big Ten road opener at Michigan State.

Ferentz met with the media on Tuesday at his weekly press conference. Coach Ferentz Press Conference Transcript 

The Spartans bring a 4-2 overall and 1-1 Big Ten record into Saturday's game. After trailing 27-14 at the half at Indiana, Michigan State came alive in the second half, reeling off 17 unanswered points, while limiting the Hoosier offense to zero points, two first downs, and 37 yards of total offense.

Ferentz says the Spartans' second-half performance is more indicative of the type of Michigan State team the Hawkeyes will face.

"If you look at that half, it gives you an indication of the kind of football team they have... the talent and potential they have," said Ferentz at his Tuesday media gathering inside the Hayden Fry Football Complex. "They've got great players and are a physical football team. That's why they've had 22 wins the past two years... if you're not ready for that, it could be a long day."

"The last three games we've looked a little more representative of what we hope to be, and that's good. I feel like we can throw it better than we have so far, including the last three games." UI head coach on Iowa's passing attack

It will be the 44th meeting in the series between the two schools with the Hawkeyes holding a 22-19-2 advantage. Three of the last five meetings have been decided by seven points or less, but each of the last two contests -- both played inside Kinnick Stadium -- were lopsided. Michigan State won 37-21 last season, and Iowa won 37-6 in 2010.

Saturday's game will feature two of the top running backs in the Big Ten in Iowa's Mark Weisman and Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell. Bell ranks second in the conference, and ninth nationally with 129.3 yards per game; Weisman is fourth in the league and 22nd nationally with an average of 103 yards (in three games).

"He (Le'Veon) is a very big and powerful guy," said Ferentz. "Yet he's mentally talented. You've seen him hurdle guys, which is pretty impressive for any back. If you break down at all, or somebody misses a gap, he can really hurt you, and he can run with some speed, too."

Iowa's running back depth will be bolstered with the return of sophomore Damon Bullock. Bullock, who started the first three games before going down with a concussion, gives the Hawkeyes a different dimension in the backfield to go along with Weisman's bruising.

"In a limited amount, have shown they're both capable, two different types of players, but both have done a good job this year," said Ferentz. "We're going to need them both moving forward."

Ferentz says Iowa's passing attack has taken steps forward in each of the past three games, and he sees more growth on the horizon. Senior James Vandenberg has completed 62 percent of his attempts (52-of-84) for 635 yards during the most recent three-game stretch with two touchdowns.

"The last three games we've looked a little more representative of what we hope to be, and that's good," said Ferentz. "I feel like we can throw it better than we have so far, including the last three games."

While the team's passing is on the upward trend, the competition level is also on the rise. The Hawkeyes face a Michigan State defense that is leading the Big Ten in total defense, surrendering an average of 272.3 yards in six games.

"We're playing a team that is veteran on defense, talented and aggressive," said Ferentz. "We're going to need to keep improving. We're making strides, but we're not there yet."

Saturday's game will be Iowa's first true road test of the season, although the Hawkeyes experienced a "road routine" in the season-opening 17-16 victory against Northern Illinois at Chicago's Soldier Field.

"The trip to Chicago is a good exercise, but the environment in the stadium was not like we'll face on our next four away games," said Ferentz. "At least we went through the process of being on the road.

"At the end of the day, we have to try to block that out and be a little more focused than you would be at home. The biggest thing is still the team on the field... that's more of a concern to us than maybe the stadium."

Saturday's game will be televised to a national audience on ESPN beginning at 11:01 a.m. (CT). Dave Pasch, Brian Griese and Jenn Brown will all the action.

Player Safety in College Football: Concussions and Recovery

The University of Iowa played the University of Northern Iowa on September  15th.  Sophomore #1 running back Damon Bullock took a blow to the head in the first half.  He left the game and did not return.  Iowa had a bye week at the beginning of October.  Bullock didn't get cleared for play, until the week of October 8th.  He is expected to play on Saturday, when Iowa travels to play #24 Michigan State in East Lansing, nearly a month later.

On Thursday, October 4th, USC traveled to Utah to play the Utes in Pac 12 play.  In the first half junior WR Robert Woods of USC took a blow to the head on a punt.  He left the field, after nearly collapsing.  He returned a play later, as ESPN reported.

The Tony Barnhart Show highlighted concussion awareness for last week's show prior to the Woods incident.  This week's show highlighted concerns over USC coach Lane Kiffin's comments, after Woods continued to play, after taking a blow to the head.

Both Tony Barnhart of CBS Sports and ESPN voiced concerns over Woods return in the ball game.  Watching the game, we would agree his return appeared to be premature.

IT'S OUT OF THE QUESTION: Was USC coach Lane Kiffin using his brain about Robert Woods injury? Link to Tom Hoffarth, columnist on the subject.

The issue of concussions in football is very serious at all levels of the sport.  Head injuries in all sports, both women's and men's, is getting more attention throughout the nation over the past year.

It was supposed to be a showdown of two Mountain West teams, but Independence for one as Boise hosts BYU

Both teams BYU and Boise State have been talked about as Top 25 teams in the regular season for 2012.  But, the body of work seems too limited to say either is worthy right now.  Will one rise to the Top 25 after Week 4?

Thursday, September 20th

BYU at Boise State 8:00 p.m. ESPN (HD)

Both teams have one loss heading into Week 4.  Can the road team pull one off tonight?

Friday Night Football: Utah show down on the eve of Cy-Hawk series in Iowa City on Saturday.

In Iowa, Friday night football is usually reserved for high schools throughout the State.  With the advent of television, we all know that certain conferences play an occasional football game on Friday night.  This week, it's a Pac 12 vs. WAC show down.

Friday, September 7th


Utah (1-0) at Utah State (1-0) 7:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3

We will take the underdog in this one!  The Utah Utes are enjoying Year 2 in the Pac 12.  Utah State is typically third fiddle in the State of Utah, behind both Utah and BYU.  But, tonight a sell out crowd will likely be on hand to root for the Aggies, when the play the Utes.  The Utes can't afford to over look the Aggies, with BYU up next!

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Week 2 began Thursday night, with the Cincinnati Bearcats (1-0, 1-0 Big East) taking down the Pitt Panthers (0-2, 0-1 Big East) 34-10 to open Big East play for 2012.

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Saturday, September 8th will showcase a great array of games, including the Cy-Hawk Series game for 2012 between Iowa (1-0) vs. Iowa State (1-0), in Iowa City.  Other games in College Football.