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| TUNE THE TUBE!...THE WEEK'S TOP GAMES | |
| Weekend of October 2, 2004 | |
| Jonathan, SCS.com Editor | Contact Jonathan |
GAME OF THE WEEK...
(12) Auburn at Tennessee
Unlike last week, there were plenty of other matchups to choose from for the week's top game. This spot could have easily been held by the Purdue / Notre Dame or LSU / Georgia matchups. In fact, if you would have asked most people one month ago which game would be the biggest in the first week of October, most would have pointed to that Tigers / Bulldogs matchup in Athens.
However, it's a different SEC showdown that earns this week's honor, as both the Auburn Tigers and Tennessee Volunteers come into this matchup with unblemished records. Both teams survived scares two weeks ago in their respective home stadiums. The Vols had to get a little help from the referees to kick a last-second field goal to knock off SEC East rival Florida. Earlier that same day on the Plains, Auburn was able to capitalize on an LSU penalty to re-kick an extra point and knock off the defending national champions by a single point.
The orange-clad UT faithful should be out in full force for this one. However, the best team on the field Saturday night will be Coach Tommy Tuberville's Auburn Tigers. Led by RBs Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown, AU has one of the more potent offensive attacks in the SEC. UT's offense is led by a true freshman QB, a fact Tuberville will surely take advantage of. The Volunteers were barely able to beat Florida in Knoxville. Auburn is much better than Florida.
The Editor Says: Auburn
THE WEEK'S OTHER TOP MATCHUPS...
(5) West Virginia at Virginia Tech
Just like it has so many times already this season across the country, the kicking (or lack thereof) cost VT last weekend. The Hokies have now won one and lost one in ACC but get to face an old Big East foe this week. WVU is looking for a BCS bowl berth. These kind of wins make that dream possible.
The Editor Says: West Virginia
(11) Purdue at Notre Dame
After falling on the road at BYU to start the season, coach Ty Willingham and the Irish have won three straight and all by more than seven points. This game is huge for both teams, but Purdue has the better experience where it counts. Coach Joe Tiller and QB Kyle Orton find a way to escape with a close, hard-fought victory.
The Editor Says: Purdue
(8) LSU at (3) Georgia
Some would argue that this matchup should be the game of the week. I would agree except for the fact that UGA has been fairly unimpressive to date. The Bulldogs had to come from behind to knock off South Carolina to start the season and then beat Marshall only 13-3. Nick Saban lost on the road two weeks ago. He won't do it again.
The Editor Says: LSU
(4) Miami at Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech has become one of those mystery teams in recent years. You can never figure out what the Jackets might do. Example: After stunning Clemson on the road three weeks ago, GT travled to Chapel Hill and was spanked by UNC. Get the idea? Miami isn't as good as advertised, but they're better than the Jackets.
The Editor Says: Miami
Colorado at Missouri
With the Big XII North looking as if it may fall apart, this early-season showdown is crucial. The Buffaloes have gotten off to a fabulous start with early-season wins over Colorado State and Washington State. Mizzou has had two easy wins sandwiched around an embarrassing loss at Troy. The Tigers bring CU back down to Earth.
The Editor Says: Missouri
COULD BE INTERESTING...
Miami (Ohio) at Marshall
These have been two of the better MAC teams in recent years. The Herd wants to win the title again.
The Editor Says: Marshall
Pittsburgh at Connecticut
The Panthers were nearly beaten by Furman last weekend. UConn could prove they're one of the Big East's best.
The Editor Says: Connecticut
Navy at Air Force
Plenty of future heroes on the field here. The Navy offense is one of America's best.
The Editor Says: Navy
Utah at New Mexico
This is one of the MWC's biggest games all season. DonTrell Moore is a load, but Utah will be ready.
The Editor Says: Utah
Arkansas at Florida
The Hogs have gotten off to a nice start. UF sputters at times and looks pretty good at others.
The Editor Says: Arkansas
Wake Forest at NC State
Both of these teams picked up huge wins last week. The Wolfpack wants to show Philip Rivers wasn't all they had.
The Editor Says: NC State
Texas Tech at Oklahoma
The Red Raiders always have a good offense, but OU is far and away the better team all the way around.
The Editor Says: Oklahoma
Michigan at Indiana
After knocking off Oregon, IU has failed to capitalize the last two weeks. UM finally got a big win last weekend.
The Editor Says: Michigan
Arizona State at Oregon
The Ducks are hard to figure out. For Arizona State, the key is QB Andrew Walter. Both teams have things to prove.
The Editor Says: Oregon
California at Oregon State
The Bears are one of the PAC 10's best teams. OSU desperately needs something, anything to go right.
The Editor Says: California
Akron at Northern Illinois
NIU has been one of the league's best in recent years. Charlie Frye and Akron bring in a potent offense.
The Editor Says: Northern Illinois
South Carolina at Alabama
The Gamecocks are capable of wining this game. Bama looked pretty good even without Brodie Croyle last week at Arkansas.
The Editor Says: Alabama
(15) Fresno State at Louisiana Tech
FSU has already passed two huge road tests at Kansas State and Washington. This one should be easier.
The Editor Says: Fresno State
Southern Miss at South Florida
After last week, these teams have to be two of the CUSA favorites. USF is riding high after a win at TCU last Saturday.
The Editor Says: South Florida
UAB at Cincinnati
The Blazers are another of CUSA's top teams. A win here on the road would certainly prove UAB is a conference favorite.
The Editor Says: UAB
San Diego State at UCLA
Two in-state rivals go head-to-head. SDSU almost knocked off Michigan in Ann Arbor. UCLA isn't very good at all.
The Editor Says: San Diego State
Kansas State at Texas A&M
The Wildcats seem to have Darren Sproles and not much else. It's time for A&M to make a little noise.
The Editor Says: Texas A&M
Kansas at Nebraska
KU lost a disappointing game to Texas Tech last week and now goes to Nebraska, a team that may be gaining a little momentum.
The Editor Says: Nebraska
Penn State at Minnesota
The Gophers may be the most impressive Big Ten team to date. When you think of impressive, Penn State does not come to mind.
The Editor Says: Minnesota
(10) Ohio State at Northwestern
The Wildcats appear to be another .500 team in 2004. Games like these can turn a season one way or the other.
The Editor Says: Ohio State
The Editor's Records:
Last Week: 15 - 3 (.833)
To Date: 63 - 25 (.716)
Game of the Week: 2 - 1 (.667)
