Week 1 Preview: Interconference matchups will set tone for College Football Season
Aug 22nd, 2008 • Football
The beginning of the College Football Season is always one of the most anticipated weeks of the year. This year in particular we have been blessed with some of the best interconference matchups we will see all year.
Thursday August 28th
8:00 pm NC St. at South Carolina
Starting with Thursday August 28 we have an intruiging matchup between North Carolina State and South Carolina. Both Teams are looking to rebound from subpar and bottom of the division performances last season. Given the young defense of NC State and Spurrier mentality of the Gamecocks, I give South Carolina the edge. Look for Spurrier to rely on his running game with Senior tailback Mike Davis.
Saturday August 30th
3:30 pm #3 USC at Virginia
USC travels to Wahoo country as the Trojans will take on Virginia in an early season test. Despite returning Sophomore QB Jameel Sewell and running back tandem of Simpson and Pearman, the high powered USC offense will be too much for the Cavaliers.
8:00 pm #24 Alabama vs. #9 Clemson
One of the best Interconference matchups showcases the best of the ACC against Alabama and savior Nick Saban in the Georgia Dome. I give Clemson the nod in a tight game, because they will control the tempo with their running duo of Spiller and Davis, and can rely on the play of Senior QB Cullen Harper.
8:00 pm #20 Illinois at #6 Missouri
A primetime mathcup between a revitalized Illinois and a BCS hungry Missouri team will be hard to miss. Expect a high tempo game at first with Juice Williams handling the Zook Spread, but look for Missouri to answer with a pounding running game from Derrick Washington and key completions from Heisman hopeful Chase Daniel. Advantage Missouri.
Monday September 1st
8:00 pm #18 Tennesse at UCLA
The Labor day matchup feautures the Pac-10 vs. the SEC. Tennessee and Phil Fulmer will face UCLA and new coach Rick Neuheisel. Tennessee will lean on senior running back Arian Foster and expect just the same from UCLA as they will depend on running back Kahlil Bell to guide an Olson-less Bruin offense. This game could go either way as both teams are relatively young on both sides of the ball. I reluctantly give the edge to UCLA in Pasadena.