Pete
Fiutak
Q:
What week one games are you most looking forward to?
A:
Obviously I'm jacked up for Clemson-Alabama, Tennessee-UCLA, Fresno
State-Rutgers, Utah-Michigan, Illinois-Missouri and Michigan
State-California, but here are three under-the-radar games that I'm most
geeked up about.
- Colorado State vs. Colorado
It might not have much in the way of national significance, and Colorado
is a heavy favorite, but this is always a down-to-the-wire game that's
as nasty as any rivalry in the country.
- Western Michigan at Nebraska
WMU might be the MAC's best team thanks to a loaded, aggressive defense
that returns all 11 starters. How much has Nebraska changed right away
under Bo Pelini? A Husker blowout might not make too many big headlines,
but it would mean things have instantly improved; the Broncos are that
good.
- TCU at New Mexico
BYU is everyone's Mountain West darling, and Utah isn't far behind. TCU
and New Mexico might be battling it out for the No. 3 spot, with the
winner still in the hunt for the title and the loser in big trouble.
These two teams should be even better than last year.
Richard
Cirminiello
Q:
What week one games are you most looking forward to?
A:
1. Alabama vs. Clemson – Two ranked programs with storied
pasts and something to prove hook up in Atlanta. Clemson, in particular,
has to leave the dome with a win to avoid being labeled a perennial
underachiever. It’s everyone’s first chance to feast their eyes on two
of the country’s premier freshmen, Tide WR Julio Jones and Tiger DE
DaQuan Bowers.
2. Illinois vs. Missouri – Not only is this one of just two games
between ranked teams, but it’s also a rivalry, an opening day rarity.
Not unlike a year ago, there should be plenty of points and big plays as
Chase Daniel and Juice Williams duke it out in St. Louis.
3. Utah at Michigan – The Wolverines are far from a finished
product under Rich Rodriguez, but I still can’t wait to see how far
along they are with the spread-option offense. The backpage? If Michigan
loses a home opener this year, no one is going to be shocked.
Matthew
Zemek
Q:
What week one games are you most looking forward to?
A: 3) Fresno
State at Rutgers. Two programs with big ambitions, but whose identities
are in question at the start of the season. A fascinating look inside
the world of two hungry teams. It's the perfect recipe for a hungry,
high-voltage season opener.
2) Illinois vs. Missouri. Seeing the Illini without Mr. Mendenhall
represents an important bit of field research in week one. Seeing Chase
Daniel perform represents an early examination of one of the sport's
superstars.
1) Alabama at Clemson. The simple fact that these two programs are
playing each other is delicious enough in its own right. That it's Nick
Saban against Tommy Bowden only adds to the spice. Throw in the
possibility of division (if not league) titles for both teams, and you
have an explosive opener under the lights in Death Valley East.
Steve Silverman
Q:
What week one games are you most looking forward to?
A:
Utah at Michigan -- Several elements here: First game
of the Rich Rodriguez era for the Wolverines and I want to see how
well his spread offense plays in Big House debut. Utah could be a
team that sneaks up and makes everybody pay attention later this
season. Winning their opener would really help their cause.
Alabama vs. Clemson (at Atlanta) -- A huge test for 'Bama in the
opener and Nick Saban's team could be in for a beatdown if they are
not extremely prepared. Clemson has a great chance to win the ACC
this season and should be able to stay involved in the national
championship run throughout the season.
Illinois vs. Missouri (at St. Louis) -- The Border War gets taken to
a new level since Tigers have Big 12 aspirations and Illini coming
off Rose Bowl appearance. Illinois loses this game every year and
even though Juice Williams should be at his best and Ron Zook has
his team fired up, this one will be a very difficult assignment as
well.