There are big games galore this Saturday, as the college football season
swings into September and the first full slate of games.
Of course, no game is bigger than the Tennessee-Syracuse tilt at the
Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. The Vols are the defending SEC champions and
this game will give them a chance to measure themselves against a national
power.
So, without further adieu, here is a brief look at Saturday’s marquee
matchups:
No. 10 Tennessee at No. 17 Syracuse, Noon, ESPN
The Vols go on the road to face the Orangemen, who have lost four
straight home openers. However, with Heisman Trophy candidate Donovan
McNabb, Syracuse will not be taken lightly.
The key to this game for Tennessee is to prevent the explosive Orangemen
attack from breaking big plays. And with wide receiver/kick returner
Quinton Spotwood, who returned an NCAA record-tying four punts for
touchdowns last season, the Vols will have their hands full on
defense.
It is also UT quarterback Tee Martin’s debut as a starter. He’ll have
sophomore running back Jamal Lewis to hand off to and Peerless Price and
Jeremaine Copeland to pass to. Copeland is once again the back-up
quarterback.
This is a crucial game for both teams. The loser faces the possibility of
starting 0-2. The Vols next face Florida on Sept. 19 and Syracuse travels
to defending national champion Michigan next week.
Talk about killer schedules.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Syracuse 23
No. 5 Michigan at No. 22 Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m., NBC
One of the nation’s greatest rivalries in college football.
The Irish have endured a summer of embarrassments off the field. Now, they
try to reverse their fortunes on the field. After another subpar season in
1997, Notre Dame could build some momentum with a win over the
Wolverines.
For Michigan, Tom Brady replaces Brian Griese at quarterback. He will be
thrown right into the fire in South Bend.
Notre Dame had one of their poorest teams in recent memory last season and
still almost beat Michigan. With QB Jarious Jackson, the Irish will try to
revive the memories of 1988, when option quarterback Tony Rice led Notre
Dame to its last national championship.
While a title is likely to be out of reach this season, a win over Michigan
isn’t.
Prediction: Notre Dame 17, Michigan 14
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 11 West Virginia, 8 p.m., CBS
The big news for the top-ranked Buckeyes is that linebacker Andy
Katzenmoyer has reportedly passed his summer school classes and will be
eligible to play Saturday night when the Buckeyes travel to Morgantown, W.
Va.
The Mountaineers have their best team in five years. Quarterback Marc
Bulger and running back Amos Zereoue will try to solve the OSU defense.
Zereoue is a serious Heisman Trophy candidate.
Most observers feel that Ohio State is a vulnerable No. 1. But, with skill
at nearly every position and the experienced Joe Germaine at quarterback,
the Buckeyes will be a force. Can they beat Michigan? We’ll have to wait
and see.
Can they beat West Virginia? You bet.
Prediction: Ohio State 20, West Virginia 13
Colorado vs. No. 15 Colorado State, 10 p.m., ESPN
The Rams of Colorado State are fresh off a big comeback win at Michigan
State. Now, they’ll try to officially unseat the Buffaloes as the state
football powerhouse.
Mile High Stadium has been sold out for weeks. Over 75,000 will watch as
Rams’ 1,000-yard rushers Damon Washington and Kevin McDougal attempt to
punish an undermanned Colorado squad.
The Buffaloes have fallen off under coach Rick Neuheisel. If he loses this
game, it could mean his job. Heads up, Rick.
Prediction: Colorado State 27, Colorado 21
No. 18 Washington at No. 8 Arizona State, 10 p.m., FOX SportsSouth
The Sun Devils are legitimate national title contenders. First, though,
they must negotiate a tricky matchup with Washington.
The Huskies are one of several teams with realistic hopes of winning the
Pac-10 title. In fact, the Pac-10 may well be the nation’s second-toughest
conference this season. Sorry, Big 10 fans.
Anyway, the Sun Devils bring a strong defense, an outstanding QB in Ryan
Kealy and a dangerous tailback in J.R. Redmond to the table.
Coach Bruce Snyder’s team came close a couple of seasons ago, losing a
heartbreaker to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. This year, they have the team
to go all the way.
Prediction: Arizona State 38, Washington 24
