Troy (0-1) at No. 1 Florida (1-0), 12:21 p.m. (SEC Network)
Line: Florida by 36 1/2.
Series Record: Florida leads 1-0.
Last Meeting: 2007, Florida 59-31.
What's at Stake
Realistically, not much. Although the Gators expect a better test than what they got from Charleston Southern in last week's opener, no one anticipates Troy coming into The Swamp and knocking off the defending national champions. Sure, the Trojans have played some close games against big-time opponents in recent years, but they are 1-15 against ranked teams since moving to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2001.
Key Matchup
Troy DEs Brandon Lang and Cameron Sheffield vs. Florida OTs Marcus Gilbert and Carl Johnson. Lang and Sheffield, both seniors, combined for 16 sacks and 30 tackles for loss last season and have potential NFL futures. Gilbert and Johnson made their first career starts at tackle last week and could have their hands full against the speedy pass-rushers.
Players to watch
Troy WR Austin Silvoy was one of Florida QB Tim Tebow's favorite targets at nearby Nease High. Silvoy also keeps reminding Tebow that the Trojans scored 31 points in Gainesville two years ago. Silvoy caught two touchdown passes in that game. Maybe someone should tell Silvoy what happens to teams that rile up Tebow. Remember Tennessee and Florida State in 2007? Or Georgia and Oklahoma last year? "We'll see how he does this year," Tebow said.
Florida DE Jermaine Cunningham, CB Janoris Jenkins and LB Dustin Doe are expected to return from suspensions. WR Riley Cooper caught five passes for 105 yards last week despite vomiting several times on the field.
Facts & Figures
Troy has played the No. 1 ranked team once before, losing 38-7 at Miami in 2001. ... The Trojans are 1-9 against teams from the Southeastern Conference, with the lone win coming at Mississippi State in 2001. ... The Gators are 19-1 against non-conference opponents in coach Urban Meyer's five seasons. ... Florida didn't have a true freshman in the starting lineup on opening day for the first time under Meyer.
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No. 2 Texas (1-0) at Wyoming (1-0), 3:30 p.m. (Versus)
Line: Texas by 33 1/2.
Series Record: Texas leads 2-0.
Last Meeting: Texas 17, Wyoming 3 (1978)
What's at Stake
The Longhorns' defense needs a good game against a spread offense to get ready for next week's showdown with Texas Tech. First-year Wyoming coach Dave Christensen would make a huge splash with an upset. Texas is the highest-ranked team to ever play in Laramie, Wyo.
Key Matchup
Texas QB Colt McCoy vs. the Wyoming secondary. The Cowboys intercepted five passes last week against Weber State, three by freshman strong safety Shamiel Gary. McCoy's seven incompletions in the first half against Louisiana-Monroe were more than or equal to his total in eight games last season. He even threw an interception.
Players to Watch
Texas: RB Vondrell McGee. The Longhorns' starting tailback ran for 70 yards and a touchdown in his first game, but also had two fumbles and a dropped pass. Another game like that could send him to the bench.
Wyoming: Starting cornerbacks Marcell and Tashaun Gipson. The brothers played high school football in Dallas and are looking to shine against the boys from back home. They must have a good game if the Cowboys hope to contain the McCoy and the Longhorns' offense.
Facts & Figures
Texas played in front of a state of Texas record crowd of 101,096 last week at home. Wyoming's War Memorial Stadium will be the smallest venue for Texas this season with a seating capacity of 30,514 ... Former Texas coach Fred Akers (1977-86) also coached at Wyoming in 1975-76 ... Longhorns freshman WR Marquise Goodwin is a two-time World Junior champion in the long jump.
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No. 3 Southern California (1-0) at No. 8 Ohio State (1-0), 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: USC by 7.
Series Record: USC leads 12-9-1.
Last Meeting: 2008, USC 35-3.
What's at Stake
For USC, keeping alive the dream of a berth in the national championship game, although there's a long way to go. Ohio State needs a win to quiet its many critics; the Buckeyes have made it a habit of playing top-10 opponents the past three years and losing in a rout.
Key Matchup
USC TB Joe McKnight vs. Ohio State's defense. McKnight rushed for 105 yards on just 12 carries a year ago at the Coliseum. If he gains traction and starts piling up yards this year at Ohio Stadium, it'll be a long night for the Buckeyes. Should the Trojans establish a running game, it takes much of the pressure off rookie QB Matt Barkley.
Players to watch
USC: FL Damian Williams, who also could be a valuable outlet valve for Barkley. C Kris O'Dowd is coming back from an injury and is expected to play. FS Taylor Mays might be the best DB in the country, a big hitter who always seems to be around the ball. This will be a huge test for LBs Michael Morgan, Chris Galippo and Malcolm Smith.
Ohio State: QB Terrelle Pryor gets his first taste of being the focal point of the offense. He's touchy about those who have questioned his ability to pass, so this could be a time to answer the doubters. TBs Dan Herron and Brandon Saine can take away some of the heat Pryor will be facing if they can move the ball on the ground. DL Doug Worthington, Dexter Larimore, Thaddeus Gibson and Cameron Heyward must have an impact.
Facts & Figures
The Buckeyes haven't beaten USC since the 1973 Rose Bowl, losing the last six meetings. ... The first three in that string, all Rose Bowls, were decided by 1, 1 and 3 points. The Trojans won the next three by 39, 11 and 32 points. ... USC has won its last 11 games overall, last 13 non-conference games and last nine non-conference road games. ... The Trojans have won their last nine meetings against Big Ten teams by an average of 24 points. ... Pryor backed up Todd Boeckman a year ago, completing 7 of 9 passes for 42 yards and no TDs or interceptions while running for 40 yards on 11 carries. ... Barkley, the first true freshman to ever start the season opener at QB for USC, hit 15 of 19 passes for 233 yards and a TD with no interceptions in a 56-3 win over San Jose State last week. ... Ohio State is 50-24-2 against Pac-10 teams.
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No. 4 Alabama (1-0) vs. Florida International (0-0), 7 p.m.
Line: Alabama by 33 1/2.
Series Record: Alabama leads 1-0.
Last meeting: Alabama won 38-3 in 2006.
What's at Stake
A test for Alabama's focus coming off a big win over Virginia Tech. Maybe a chance to get some youngsters on the field, since it didn't come in the opener. A monumental upset would boost FIU coach Mario Cristobal's efforts to build his program. Key Matchup
Alabama's bruising running game against a defense that yielded 156 yards a game on the ground last season and must replace three starting defensive linemen. RBs Mark Ingram and Roy Upchurch are coming off big games, but freshman Trent Richardson and fellow backup Terry Grant could get some chances too. Ingram was battling the flu this week.
Players to watch
Florida International: WR/RS T.Y. Hilton. The reigning Sun Belt Conference freshman of the year had 1,000-plus yards receiving last season and ranked third nationally in all-purpose yards and ninth in punt returns. Alabama allowed a 98-yard kick return last week.
Alabama: QB Greg McElroy. It's another chance for the new starter to work out the kinks after a mixed performance against Virginia Tech. None of his backups have played in a game, so a good start might give one of them a chance.
Facts & Figures
Alabama backup QB Star Jackson and Ingram missed some practice time with the flu, while DE Brandon Deaderick was out after his grandmother passed away. Ingram, the SEC offensive player of the week, has not lost a fumble in 169 career rushing attempts and has only put the ball on the ground once. FIU actually scored first in the previous meeting before Alabama reeled off 38 straight points. FIU improved from one win in 2007 to five last season.
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Houston (1-0) at No. 5 Oklahoma State (1-0), 3:30 p.m. (FSN)
Line: Oklahoma State by 15 1/2 Series Record: Tied, 9-9-1 Last Meeting: 2008, Oklahoma State 56-37 What's at Stake
Houston can get revenge for last year's loss and also pick up the first marquee win of Kevin Sumlin's head coaching career with an upset. The Cougars had a 16-7 lead in the first half last year in Stillwater before Oklahoma State's offense came alive for 472 yards after halftime.
Key Matchup
QB Case Keenum vs. Oklahoma State's defense. The Cowboys' debut under new defensive coordinator Bill Young has reignited talk that OSU could finally have the stingy defense to go with its potent offense. But that was also the case last year, when Oklahoma State opened the year by holding Washington State to less than 200 yards before giving up 483 yards to Houston. Keenum threw for 387 yards and 4 TDs and also led the Cougars with 81 rushing yards. Players to watch
Houston: RB Charles Sims. The freshman led Houston's receiving attack with six catches for 128 yards and a touchdown last week. He also scored on a 1-yard run.
Oklahoma State: WR Dez Bryant. In last year's game, Bryant had nine catches for a career-high 236 yards and three touchdowns. The Biletnikoff Award finalist also scored on a punt return. He had two touchdown catches last week in OSU's season opener.
Facts & Figures
Oklahoma State's 699 yards in last year's meeting was the second-most in school history, and Bryant and Kendall Hunter became the first tandem with 200 yards receiving and rushing in the same game. ... Sumlin was an assistant coach at Oklahoma, the Cowboys' chief rival, for five years before being hired by the Cougars. The Sooners were 5-0 against OSU in that time. ... Zac Robinson needs only two touchdown passes to tie the school record of 55 held by Josh Fields. Coach Mike Gundy is second with 54.
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Syracuse vs. No. 7 Penn State, noon, (Big Ten Network)
Line: Penn State by 29.
Series record: Penn State leads 41-23-5.
Last meeting: 2008, Penn State 55-13. What's at Stake
An upset over of traditional rival Penn State would do wonders for first-year coach Doug Marrone's rebuilding Syracuse program. The Nittany Lions would like to get their running game going after a relatively slow start against Akron and, most of all, stay healthy for the Big Ten.
Key Matchup
Syracuse OL vs. the Penn State front seven. Orange must protect QB Greg Paulus to have any chance for an unlikely win. He had adequate protection in last week's overtime loss to Minnesota and displayed a knack for scrambling, but Penn State's athletic front seven presents a far stiffer challenge.
Players to Watch
Syracuse: Paulus. You expected someone else? The former Duke point guard has quickly became the face of the Orange for his scrappy play last week. His experience playing basketball in hostile environments for the Blue Devils should be helpful in Happy Valley.
Penn State: RB Evan Royster. The Nittany Lions' 1,000-yard rusher wasn't needed much in last week's 31-7 win, though coach Joe Paterno was unhappy with the team's Jekyll-and-Hyde performance, especially on offense in the second half. JoePa has targeted the running game, specifically, for improvement.
Facts & Figures
Florida State's season-opening loss to Miami leaves Paterno two wins ahead of Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden on the career victory list for major college coaches (384-382). ... Penn State is 22-4 against Syracuse since Paterno took over as head coach in 1966. ... Syracuse WR Mike Williams has caught a touchdown in a school-record 10 straight games, the longest active streak in the FBS.
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No. 9 BYU at Tulane, 3:30 p.m. EDT (ESPN2)
Line: BYU by 17 1/2
Series record: Tied 1-1.
Last meeting: 2001, BYU 70-35.
What's at Stake
A shot at a BCS bowl and maybe even a national championship. BYU's upset of third-ranked Oklahoma, a 14-13 victory moved the Cougars from No. 20 to No. 9 in the AP rankings and put the Mountain West power in mix for the title. BYU will play its three toughest remaining foes - Florida State, TCU and Utah - at home, where the Cougars are on an 18-0 run. Tulane opened the season with a 37-13 loss to Conference USA foe Tulsa, but coach Bob Toledo said he saw a lot of good things for the team to build on, including not giving up when they got behind.
Key Matchup
Tulane's defense against the BYU offense and quarterback Max Hall. Last week against Oklahoma, Hall completed 26-of-38 pass attempts for 329 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target is tight end Dennis Pitta, who had seven receptions for 90 yards, including four for 62 yards in the Cougar's game-winning 78-yard winning drive against Oklahoma.
The Green Wave allowed 211 yards passing last week against Tulsa's spread attack, which averaged almost 302 yards passing in 2008.
Players to watch
BYU: WR McKay Jacobson starred as a freshman but spent the last two years on a Mormon mission. In 2006, Jacobson was selected the team's offensive rookie of the year after catching 28 passes for 547 yards and three touchdowns. He also became the first Cougar in 113 games to return a punt for a touchdown when he took one 77 yards against Wyoming on his first return.
Tulane: Strong safety Chinonso Echebelem had 12 tackles in the opener - 6 solo - and forced a fumble. Echebelem's forced fumble against Tulsa stopped them near the goal line.
Facts & Figures
BYU will be playing in its second NFL stadium in as many weeks. Last week it was the new Cowboys Stadium, this week it's the Louisiana Superdome. ... With the win against Oklahoma, the Cougars are 149-44 when ranked in the Top 25. A ranked BYU team has won 18 of its last 21 games, dating back to 2006.
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No. 10 California vs. Eastern Washington, 5:37 p.m. (CSNCA)
Line: No line.
Series Record: first meeting.
What's at Stake
The Golden Bears are looking to avoid a letdown following a 52-13 season-opening win against Maryland. After nearly upsetting Colorado last year, the Eagles are looking for their first win against a team from the upper-tier Football Bowl Subdivision since beating Idaho 8-5 in 2003.
Key Matchup
Cal defensive line vs. Eastern Washington QB Matt Nichols. The Bears put heavy pressure on Maryland QB Chris Turner last week, recording six sacks. Ernest Owusu had two of the sacks. If Nichols has time to throw, he can be dangerous. He threw for three TDs last week against Western Oregon.
Players to Watch
Eastern Washington: RB Taiwan Jones. Jones, who is from the Bay Area, scored on an 87-yard run on his first career carry. He played cornerback as a freshman before shifting to offense. He had 12 carries for 122 yards and two TDs last week.
California: WR Marvin Jones. After catching only one pass in an injury plagued freshman season, Jones caught three passes for 74 yards and a score against Maryland. Jones gives QB Kevin Riley a dependable deep threat.
Facts & Figures
Eastern Washington is 7-17 against FBS teams, losing seven straight since the win over Idaho. ... The Eagles are ranked 18th in the Football Championship Subdivision. ... FS Kevin Hatch had two interceptions against Western Oregon. ... Cal RB Jahvid Best had 10 carries for 137 yards and two TDs last week, including a 73-yard score. That was his ninth career run of at least 60 yards. ... Bears QB Kevin Riley was the Pac-10 offensive player of the week after throwing a career-high four TD passes against Maryland. ... Cal has run for at least 200 yards in four straight games dating to last season.
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Vanderbilt (1-0, 0-0 SEC) at No. 11 LSU (1-0, 0-0 ACC), 6 p.m., ESPNU.
Line: LSU 14 1/2.
Series Record: LSU leads 20-7-1.
Last meeting: LSU won 34-6 in 2005.
What's at Stake
Strong starts in their respective divisions in the SEC, LSU in the West and Vanderbilt in the East. Vanderbilt won four SEC games last season, the most since divisional play began in 1992, and the Commodores went on to beat Boston College in the Music City Bowl.
LSU is trying to regain credibility as an SEC contender after losing five league games last season, including three at home (against Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi). The losses at Tiger Stadium put a dent in Death Valley's intimidation factor, something the Tigers want to re-establish that this season. Key Matchup
LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who is still relatively inexperienced and making his first home start, against Vanderbilt's confident defense. Jefferson, 19, is the youngest starting QB in the SEC. He's a good scrambler and efficient passer, but in three starts has yet to throw for more than 172 yards. Vanderbilt is coming off its first shutout since 1999, albeit against overmatched FCS opponent Western Carolina. Vanderbilt allowed only 115 total yards in that game, 74 through the air. Players to watch
Vanderbilt: RBs Zac Stacy and Warren Norman. The true freshmen each rushed for more than 100 yards last weekend. Stacey finished with 133 yards, while Norman rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
LSU: WR Terrance Toliver. Once of the most sought after recruits in 2007, Toliver showed signs of becoming one of LSU's top playmakers in his first game as a junior last weekend at Washington. He had touchdown receptions of 45 and 39 yards in LSU's 31-23 win over the Huskies. Facts & Figures
LSU has won five straight against Vanderbilt, nine of the last 10 games in the series, and is 1-0 against the Commodores since Les Miles became Tigers head coach in 2005. ... Vanderbilt has one victory in Tiger Stadium (in 1951) in 12 tries in the series history. Vanderbilt also beat LSU in Baton Rouge one other time, the first time the schools ever played in 1902. ... Vanderbilt's last victory over LSU was a 24-21 home win in 1990.
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Miami (Ohio) (0-1) vs No. 12 Boise State (1-0), 8 p.m.
Line: Boise State by 37.
Series Record: First meeting.
What's at Stake
Boise State cleared its biggest hurdle on the schedule by beating then No. 16 Oregon 19-8 last week. The test now is avoiding a letdown that could spoil a perfect season and the Broncos' hopes of moving up the rankings and inserting themselves in the BCS discussion at the end of the season. For Miami, it's another tough test for its new coach and system. And at the very least, the RedHawks are looking for their first points of the season.
Key Matchup
Miami's defensive line vs. Boise State running backs Jeremy Avery and D.J. Harper. Boise State heads into the game looking to run the ball and swapping carries between Avery and Harper. who combined for 162 yards against the Ducks. It could be another long game for Miami if the front four can't gain the upper hand against the Broncos' young offensive line and keep the tandem in check early.
Players to Watch
Miami: QB Daniel Raudabaugh. The senior must improve in the passing game if the RedHawks hope to keep things close. He was just 13-of-34 in last week's 42-0 loss at Kentucky, and some completions early could shift the Broncos' focus from stopping Miami's running game.
Boise State: Kellen Moore: The Bronco QB struggled to hold on to the ball last week, coughing it up twice in the biggest home game in school history. But Moore can also be dangerous, as he picked apart the Oregon secondary last week for 197 yards, a touchdown and a passer rating of 133.9.
Facts & Figures
Boise State owns the nation's best home record, at 65-2 and a .970 winning percentage ... The schools scheduled the first-ever matchup in 2005 with Miami posting a 21-6 record over the two previous seasons, but the RedHawks have struggled since, going just 17-32 ... The game marks just the seventh meeting for Boise State against a Mid-American Conference foe, and the Broncos have won the last four.
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Idaho State (0-1) at No. 13 Oklahoma (0-1), 7 p.m.
Line: No line.
Series Record: First meeting.
What's at Stake
Redshirt freshman Landry Jones makes his first career start as Oklahoma tries to bounce back from a season-opening loss to BYU in which Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford suffered a sprained shoulder. The Sooners can match the longest home winning streak in school history with a 25th straight victory, while Idaho State is trying to avoid its own record with a 17th straight road loss.
Key Matchup
Oklahoma offensive line vs. officials. The Sooners' linemen piled up nine penalties in the loss to BYU, stalling what had been the highest-scoring offense in college football history last season. When they weren't racking up penalties, the Sooners hurt themselves with two lost fumbles and another botched snap that knocked them out of field goal range.
Players to watch
Idaho State: K Bradley Huk. The Bengals' only points in a 50-3 loss at Arizona State last week came on Huk's 55-yard field goal, the longest for Idaho State in a decade and the fourth-longest in school history.
Oklahoma: Brody Eldridge. After Jermaine Gresham's season-ending knee surgery, Eldridge could play some at his original tight end position after serving as the Sooners' starting center last week. Coaches reported that Eldridge had 20 knockdowns in his offensive line debut.
Facts & Figures
Oklahoma hasn't lost back-to-back games since 1999, when Notre Dame and Texas beat the Sooners in Bob Stoops' first season as coach. ... Idaho State's only win in its last 17 games came in its season finale last year against Sacramento State. ... The Bengals will get $500,000 for becoming the third Football Championship Subdivision opponent to face Oklahoma in Stoops' 11 seasons.
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No. 14 Virginia Tech (0-1) vs. Marshall (1-0), 1:30 p.m.
Line: Virginia Tech by 19.
Series Record: Virginia Tech leads 7-2.
Last meeting: 2005, Virginia Tech 41-14.
What's at Stake
The Hokies started the season with national championship aspirations that took a punch in their 34-24 loss to No. 4 Alabama. Their defense allowed nearly 500 yards, their offense managed just 155 and they had two turnovers on special teams. If they hope to get back in the conversation, they must do better in all three phases of the game.
Key Matchup
The Virginia Tech offense against the Marshall defense. The Thundering Herd has eight starters back on defense, and the Hokies were largely inept with the ball against Alabama. Tyrod Taylor threw poorly - 9-for-20 for 90 yards - and was hesitant to run, meaning the play-makers he intends to rely on this season need to find a way to ease his burden.
Players to Watch
Marshall: TE Cody Slate. He caught nine passes for 114 yards and two TDS against Southern Illinois in the opener and is viewed as one of the top tight ends in the country. That means he'll often match up against the Hokies' linebackers, who struggled at times against Alabama.
Virginia Tech: DE Jason Worilds was a force against the Crimson Tide with two solo tackles, three assists, one sack and five quarterback hurries. If Alabama's mammoth line had trouble containing him, what havoc might he wreak against the Thundering Herd? Facts & Figures
The last three times the Hokies lost their opener, as they did against No. 4 Alabama last week, they came back to win the ACC and got to a BCS game. ... Virginia Tech has won 30 non-conference home games in a row. ... Marshall has lost its last seven games against ranked teams. Its last victory against a top 25 team came in 2003 against No. 6 Kansas State.
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No. 16 TCU (0-0) at Virginia (0-1), 3:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: TCU by 11.
Series Record: Virginia leads 1-0.
Last meeting: 1994 Independence Bowl, Virginia 20-10.
What's at Stake
The Horned Frogs open a season of high expectations - their No. 17 preseason ranking was their highest since 1960 - against a team with a new offensive system, a new special teams coach and a coach in the hot seat after a 26-14 loss to William & Mary of the FCS.
Key Matchup
The TCU offense against the Virginia defense. The Cavaliers practiced against the spread for most of preseason camp as the offense tried to learn it. Now they get a chance to measure themselves against a refined form of the attack orchestrated by dual-threat QB Andy Dalton.
Players to Watch
TCU: Dalton. He can run and throw seemingly with equal proficiency, and Virginia showed no sign of a pass rush against the quick-hitting passes employed by William & Mary. If Virginia doesn't get any pressure this week, Dalton could have a huge afternoon.
Virginia: Quarterbacks Vic Hall, Jameel Sewell and Marc Verica. Hall and Sewell seem to be the main contenders for playing time, but Verica got some turns when none was effective against the Tribe. For the spread to begin working, one of them needs to win the job.
Facts & Figures
TCU set single-season school records for points scored (437) and touchdowns (56) last season and led the nation in time of possession with a 35:10 average. ... The Horned Frogs were 12th in the nation in rushing (220 ypg) despite not having a player in the top 96 individually. ... Only one other team from Texas has played at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers beat Texas 37-13 there in 1996. ... Virginia has lost its opening game in each of the past four seasons, and bounced back to win its next game in the last three seasons.
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No. 17 Utah (1-0) at San Jose State (0-1), 10:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: Utah by 13 1/2.
Series Record: Utah leads 4-1.
Last meeting: 1998, Utah 49-17.
What's at Stake
Utah holds the nation's longest current winning streak at 15 games and cannot afford a letdown this week if it wants to reach a major bowl. The Utes' schedule gets significantly tougher after this week with games at Oregon and against Louisville on the horizon. Utah has won its last eight games away from Salt Lake City. Key Matchup
Utah RB Matt Asiata vs. San Jose State LB Justin Cole. Cole is San Jose State's most experienced linebacker and will need to help keep Asiata in check for the Spartans to have a shot at the upset. Asiata recorded career highs of 36 carries and 156 yards in Utah's win over Utah State last week. Players to Watch
Utah: Quarterback Terrance Cain and wide receiver David Reed. Cain made a successful major college debut and found a favorite target in Reed. Cain completed 67 percent of his passes for 256 yards last week, including 10 for 175 to Reed. The pair hooked up for a 65-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive.
San Jose State: Wide receiver Kevin Jurovich and punter Philip Zavala. Jurovich is the Spartans' go-to guy, and he'll see plenty of action. Zavala averaged 43.4 yards on 12 punts against USC. If it becomes a field position game, he'll figure prominently. Facts & Figures
Utah senior defensive tackle Kenape Eliapo's younger brother Ailao Eliapo starts at offensive guard for San Jose State. ... Spartans' coach Dick Tomey coached Utah linebacker Kepa Gaison's father, Blaine, at Hawaii in the late 70s. ... The Utes' current win streak is the third-longest in school history. ... San Jose State has won four consecutive home openers under Tomey.
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No. 18 Notre Dame (1-0) at Michigan (1-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Notre Dame by 3.
Series Record: Michigan leads 20-15-1
Last Meeting: Notre Dame 35-17, 2008.
What's at Stake
The once-proud programs are both hoping for a turnaround, and the victors at the Big House will be 2-0 with a ton of momentum. Notre Dame opened the season ranked 23rd and looked good with a 35-0 win at home against Nevada. Michigan raised eyebrows with a 31-7 victory against Western Michigan. Now, the Fighting Irish and Wolverines are going to find out how they really measure up.
Key Matchup
Notre Dame OTs Paul Duncan and Sam Young vs. Michigan DE Brandon Graham. If Duncan and Young can keep Graham away from QB Jimmy Clausen, he will have time to pick at Michigan's inexperienced safeties. Graham came close to making some sacks last week, but he'll need to get to Clausen to help Michigan win.
Players to Watch
Notre Dame: QB Jimmy Clausen. He was 15 of 18 for 315 yards with four TDs with no interceptions against Nevada, putting him atop the nation in passing efficiency. WR Michael Floyd had four receptions for 189 yards and three scores. MLB Toryan Smith, the only senior starter in the front seven, will get a chance to make a lot of plays or mistakes against Rodriguez's spread offense.
Michigan: QBs Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson. Forcier, who threw three TDS before halftime against Western Michigan, will start and fellow freshman Robinson will take snaps, too. Both were sensational at times in their college debuts, but they'll face stiffer competition. CB Donovan Warren said it wouldn't be a problem to play one-on-one defense against Tate or Floyd and he either will back up his talk or eat his words. Facts & Figures
Michigan's 873 wins and .740 winning percentage are No. 1 in college football, Notre Dame (832) trails Texas by one victory and (.737) is behind only the Wolverines in winning percentage. ... Michigan has won four of the last five matchups at the Big House, including a 38-0 win two years ago, but the Fighting Irish are 5-2-1 there when the game is decided by three or fewer points. ... Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown was a standout defensive back and captain at Michigan in 1992, when he was known as "Cornflakes."
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No. 19 North Carolina (1-0) at Connecticut (1-0), noon (ESPNU)
Line: North Carolina by 4 1/2.
Series Record: North Carolina leads 2-0.
Last Meeting: 2008, North Carolina, 38-12.
What's at Stake
Respect: North Carolina, which started the season ranked for the first time since 1998, must prove it is worthy of that ranking in a road game against a team from a major conference. Connecticut has been to two consecutive bowl games, but was picked to finish sixth in the Big East this season. The Huskies are just 1-12 all-time against ranked teams. Key Matchup
Connecticut running backs vs. North Carolina's front seven. UConn will use tailbacks Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon, who combined for 257 yards in a season-opening win over Ohio. North Carolina gave up just 30 yards on the ground to The Citadel in its opener. Players to watch
North Carolina: QB T.J. Yates. Yates didn't play in last season's win over the Huskies, one of five games he missed with a broken ankle. He will be throwing to a new group of receivers after the departure of Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Tate and Brooks Foster. Yates threw for two touchdowns and 114 yards in the Tar Heels season opening win over The Citadel.
Connecticut: QB Zach Frazer. The junior transfer from Notre Dame made his first career start against the Tar Heels last season for the injured Tyler Lorenzen and threw three interceptions. Frazer also threw three picks in the Huskies' season-opener against Ohio. He will have to do better if UConn wants to keep North Carolina from keying on the run. Facts & Figures
The Tar Heels are facing a Big East team for the eighth straight year. They had lost seven straight before last year's routs of Rutgers and Connecticut. ... UNC linebacker Bruce Carter blocked three punts in last year's victory. ... UConn has won nine of its last 11 regular-season nonconference games, though both losses came against ACC teams (Virginia in 2007, UNC last year).
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South Carolina (1-0, 0-0 SEC) at No. 21 Georgia (0-1, 0-0), 7:06 p.m. (ESPN2)
Line: Georgia by 7.
Series Record: Georgia leads 45-14-2.
Last Meeting: 2008, Georgia 14-7.
What's at Stake
Georgia is trying to avoid its first 0-2 start since 1996 and a huge blow to its prestige. The Bulldogs began last season ranked No. 1 but failed to meet expectations. They started this season with a 24-10 setback at Oklahoma State and have a losing record for the first time in the Mark Richt era. South Carolina is hoping to produce a little offense after a lackluster performance in its 7-3 victory over N.C. State.
Key Matchup
Georgia OTs Vince Vance and Clint Boling vs. South Carolina DEs Devin Taylor and Cliff Matthews. Vance takes over as the starter after Trinton Sturdivant blew out his knee for the second year in a row. He and Boling face quite a challenge against Taylor and Matthews, who combined for three sacks and two forced fumbles in the opening game.
Players to watch
South Carolina: LB Eric Norwood had eight tackles and two sacks against N.C. State, leaving him just two sacks shy of the school record. QB Stephen Garcia threw for just 148 yards against the Wolfpack, and coach Steve Spurrier is counting on more production out of the sophomore.
Georgia: QB Joe Cox waited four years for a chance to start but struggled against Oklahoma State. The fifth-year senior completed only 15 of 30 passes and committed two costly turnovers. RB Richard Samuel also is looking for a stronger outing after going down a little too easily on the first hit against Oklahoma State.
Facts & Figures
Six of the last eight meetings have been decided by seven points of less. ... Defense usually rules in the traditional SEC opener for both teams. Neither team has scored more than 20 points in the last five meetings. ... This is the seventh time in school history that South Carolina has opened with two straight games on the road. It last happened in 1999. ... The only team the Gamecocks have faced more than Georgia is state rival Clemson (106 games). ... Bulldogs K Blair Walsh kicked a career-best 53-yard field goal against Oklahoma State. ---
Arkansas State (1-0) vs. No. 22 Nebraska (1-0), 2:10 p.m.
Line: Nebraska by 22 1/2.
Series Record: First meeting.
What's at Stake
Arkansas State won at Texas A&M last year and is looking for another Big 12 win. Nebraska is looking to polish its game before next week's visit to No. 14 Virginia Tech.
Key Matchup
Arkansas State's Reggie Arnold vs. Nebraska's front seven. The Red Wolves are going to try to run, and the Huskers know it. Arnold has had three straight 1,000-yard seasons and opened with 126 yards and 4 TDs last week. Arkansas State totaled 358 on the ground against an overmatched Mississippi Valley State. Florida Atlantic ran for 122 yards against Nebraska, and this week Bo Pelini accused his defense of being soft. The Huskers will be trying to make a statement.
Players to Watch
Arkansas State QB Corey Leonard. The senior is in his fourth year as a starter and became the Red Wolves' career leader in total offense last week. He's played at Texas, Texas A&M and Alabama, so he shouldn't be overwhelmed by the environment.
Nebraska DE Barry Turner. The senior, who broke his left leg in the second game last season, looks as if he lost a step or two. He made a couple tackles against Florida Atlantic and was not a factor. The Huskers need more production from his spot.
Facts & Figures
The Red Wolves are the Huskers' first opponent from the state of Arkansas since a 1965 Cotton Bowl loss to the better-known Razorbacks ... Arkansas State is 1-7 against the Big 12 under eighth-year coach Steve Roberts ... Nebraska has won five straight since last season, the longest streak since it won its final three games of 2005 and the first two of '06 ... Nebraska TE Mike McNeill has caught at least three passes in eight straight games.
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Southeast Missouri St. (1-0) at No. 23 Cincinnati (1-0), 7:30 p.m. (Fox Ohio)
Line: No line.
Series Record: Cincinnati leads 1-0.
Last Meeting: 2007, Cincinnati 59-3.
What's at Stake
SE Missouri State will be looking to get a breakthrough win for the Ohio Valley Conference, which hasn't beaten a Bowl Subdivision school since 2004, when Eastern Illinois knocked off Eastern Michigan. SE Missouri State is 1-13 all-time against Bowl Subdivision schools, with a 24-14 win over Middle Tennessee St. in 2002. The Redhawks have dropped their last eight against Bowl Subdivision schools, including that 59-3 loss in Cincinnati two years ago.
Key Matchup
The Redhawks showed they can score in their opener, a 72-3 win over NAIA Quincy. Now, the question is whether they can slow down a fastbreak, no-huddle offense that overwhelmed Rutgers 47-15 on Monday. Recent history suggests not: SE Missouri State has been outscored 174-13 in its last three games against Bowl Subdivision schools Arkansas, Cincinnati and Missouri.
Players to watch
Cincinnati: Sophomore RB Isaiah Pead ran for his first career TD and took a short pass 41 yards for another. He and Jacob Ramsey each had eight carries against Rutgers, but the SE Missouri State game represents a chance to earn a bigger role in a balanced offense.
SE Missouri State: RB Henry Harris ran for 88 yards and scored three touchdowns on only 11 carries in the win over Quincy. The Redhawks need to have some semblance of a running game to take time off the clock and keep Cincinnati's fast-strike offense off the field.
Facts & Figures
SE Missouri State stayed with Cincinnati for a half in their 2007 game, then wore down and gave up 40 points in the second half. ... Senior WR Walter Peoples topped 1,000 career yards against Quincy. Junior Miles Edwards needs seven yards to reach the mark. ... Cincinnati QB Tony Pike has never had back-to-back 300-yard passing games. The senior threw for a career-high 362 yards against Rutgers, the third time he topped 300 yards.
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No. 24 Kansas (1-0) at UTEP (0-1), 7:30 p.m.
Line: Kansas by 12 1/2.
Series Record: First meeting.
What's at Stake
Kansas hasn't won a non-conference road game since 2003 and faces a UTEP team coming off a 23-17 home loss to Buffalo. The Jayhawks defeated FCS school Northern Colorado 49-3 in their opener and look to start 2-0 for the sixth straight season. UTEP is 3-44 all-time against ranked foes, including nine straight losses.
Key Matchup
Kansas' running game vs. UTEP's defense. Powered by RB Jake Sharp (123 rushing yards) and QB Todd Reesing (79), the Jayhawks ran for 328 yards against Northern Colorado. The Miners yielded 150 yards on the ground and 309 overall to Buffalo.
Players to Watch
Kansas: S Darrell Stuckey is expected to make his 32nd straight start. The senior had 98 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions last season. Stuckey helps anchor a defense that gave up 246 yards in the opening victory.
UTEP: QB Trevor Vittatoe was 27-of-45 for 233 yards against Buffalo. The junior is second on the school's passing list with 6,608 yards.
Facts & Figures
Reesing, who passed for 208 yards last weekend, needs 30 total yards to move into ninth place on the all-time Big 12 list. He has 8,392 total yards. ... UTEP's last win over a ranked opponent came against No. 25 BYU on Nov. 1, 1997. ... Kansas LB Justin Springer and UTEP LB Jeremy Springer are twins. They are both listed as starters for Saturday's game. ... The Jayhawks don't play another road game until visiting Colorado on Oct. 17. ... UTEP has lost 15 straight games to schools currently in the Big 12. The Miners' last victory over a Big 12 school was against Texas Tech in 1957.
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Bowling Green (1-0) at No. 25 Missouri (1-0), 7 p.m.
Line: Missouri by 18 1/2
Series Record: Bowling Green leads 3-1.
Last Meeting: Bowling Green won 51-28 at home in 2002.
What's at Stake
Missouri seeks to build on momentum of 37-9 opening victory over Illinois that propelled Tigers back into Top 25 after receiving only a few votes in preseason poll. Sophomore QB Blaine Gabbert had nearly flawless debut, throwing for three TDs and running for another score. Bowling Green seeks its first 2-0 start since 2003 and a third straight victory over Missouri under new coach Dave Clawson. The Falcons rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Troy 31-14. Falcons have 11 wins over BCS programs since 2001.
Key Matchup
Gabbert vs. Bowling Green defense. Gabbert produced scores on seven of nine drives against Illinois, living up to high-scoring standards of predecessor Chase Daniel. WR Danario Alexander had career best 10 catches for 132 yards, and six receptions came on third or fourth down. Bowling Green allowed 210 yards of total offense in first half against Troy, but only 94 yards and four first downs the rest of the way.
Players to watch
Bowling Green: QB Tyler Sheehan set for 27th consecutive start and threw for 339 yards and two TDs in opening victory over Troy. WR Freddie Barnes had school-record 15 catches for 157 yards with 2 TDs. S P.J. Mahone had 10 interceptions and 242 return yards since becoming starter midway through 2007.
Missouri: WR Wes Kemp had 4 catches for 77 yards including 49-yarder for first career TD. DE Jacquies Smith had five tackles, a sack and a QB hurry. RG Kurtis Gregory makes 30th consecutive start. K Grant Ressel was 3 for 3 in first game, hitting from 32, 44 and 41 yards. Facts & Figures
Missouri has won 20 of last 22 at home. Tigers are 83-31-4 in home openers, winning 10 of last 12. ... Bowling Green set for its first Big 12 opponent since 40-24 loss to Oklahoma in 2004. ... Sheehan is school's career leader with 64.9 completion percentage. ... Missouri coach Gary Pinkel is 5-7 vs. Bowling Green.