What to Watch this Weekend in College Football

Thursday Night 

New Mexico @ Boise State- 8:00 ESPN 

Boise State must bounce back after giving up a 21 point fourth quarter lead to Washington State last weekend.  The Broncos choked away the game with 2 turnovers leading directly to touchdowns.  If Boise can limit their mistakes, they should roll over the Lobos. 

Friday Night 

Illinois @ #22 South Florida- 7:00 ESPN 

South Florida takes the field again after cancelling last weekend’s game due to hurricane Irma.  South Florida struggled in its first 2 games against inferior opponents, particularly on the offensive side of the football.  It will be interesting to see how they play considering they have not been able to practice until the middle of this week. Illinois is much improved, and will be the most talented team they have played so far. 

Saturday Day 

#25 UCLA @ Memphis- 12:00 ABC 
#9 Oklahoma State @ Pittsburgh- 12:00 ESPN 

UCLA heads to the Liberty Bowl to take on Memphis in a game that starts at 9:00 am Pacific time.  Memphis will be geared up for the game, and UCLA will need to match its intensity.  Josh Rosen leads the Bruins, who while being streaky, is one of the best players in the country.  The Tigers should be able to get through a weak UCLA offensive line, and will need to get pressure on Rosen if they want to win.  Elsewhere, Oklahoma State plays Pittsburgh.  The Panthers got down early against Penn State, and never really threaten.  They can not let that happen against the Cowboys who posses one of the best big play offenses in the country.   

Saturday Afternoon 

#23 Tennessee @ #24 Florida- 3:30 CBS 
#10 Wisconsin @ BYU- 3:30 ABC 
Notre Dame @ Boston College- 3:30 ESPN 

In the annual 3^rd Saturday in September matchup, Tennessee plays Florida.  Florida missed some practice time due to Hurricane Irma, and it will be interesting to see how they start early. The Gators had major QB issues in their game against Michigan, while Tennessee struggled mightily on defense when they took on Georgia Tech.  Whatever unit improved the most will the winner on Saturday.  Wisconsin goes to the Rocky Mountains in a non-conference game against BYU.  BYU has struggled on offense all season, but posses a quality defense.  Wisconsin has blown out inferior opponents so far this season, especially in the second half of games.  BYU’s defense will be a good test for their rush offense.  On ESPN, the Catholic Holy War takes place between Notre Dame and BC.  Both teams had disappointing losses last weekend, and both play tough games next week.  The loser of this game could have their season go down the drain quickly.   

Saturday Night 

#12 LSU @ Mississippi State- 7:00 ESPN 
#3 Clemson @ #14 Louisville- 8:00 ABC 
Texas @ #4 Southern California- 8:30 FOX 
LSU faces their first real test of the season when they go to Starkville.  LSU has used a power running game to control the ball, and wear down opposing defenses.  They have not yet faced a quality offense, and will be tested by MSU quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. At 8 o’clock on ABC, Clemson plays Louisville in the game of the day.  Clemson comes in off of a great win over Auburn last weekend, while Louisville has struggled in its 2 wins this season.  However, the Tigers only managed 14 points in their win over Auburn, and their running game did not get going.  QB Kelly Bryant did most of his damage with his legs.  For the Cardinals, Heisman winner Lamar Jackson has been excellent again this season, and is already over 1,00 yards of total offense.  He has to put up a superhero effort for the Cardinals to win.  Finally, in their first meeting since arguably the greatest college football game ever played, Texas returns to Los Angeles to take on USC.  USC is a clear favorite in this one, as they are lead by Heisman contender Sam Darnold.  Texas looked awful on both sides of the ball in a loss to Maryland in the first game of this season, and will need force turnovers if they want to stay in this one. 

Saturday Late Night 

Ole Miss @ California- 10:30 ESPN 

In the nightcap, Cal hosts Ole Miss.  Cal is off to a surprising 2-0 start, including a win at North Carolina, while Ole Miss is 2-0 playing cupcakes.  Ole Miss is lead by talented sophomore QB Shea Patterson, who goes up against a much improved Golden Bear defense.  Look for both teams to throw plenty of passes in this on.