Photo: USA Today Sports
Any Big Games?
No. 11 Georgia (0-1) vs. No. 6 South Carolina (1-0) (More)
It is widely considered one of the top games of the season, at least within the SEC. The key battle in the SEC East will give one team a head start on a run for Atlanta and leave the loser needing to dig out of a hole. Georgia is perceived to need this game more after losing at Clemson, but as far as the SEC is concerned that may not be the case. South Carolina is going for their fourth straight win in the series for the first time in school history, but Georgia has played in the last two SEC Championship Games. Pivotal? Yes. Must win? Not necessarily, but the pressure is on for Georgia.
Other Ranked Teams in Action
No. 2 Oregon (1-0) @ Virginia (1-0)
No. 3 Ohio State (1-0) vs. San Diego State (0-1)
No. 23 Baylor (1-0) vs. Buffalo (0-1)
Oregon has shown they are not afraid of flying east for a game, and they should fly home with a win at Virginia. The Cavaliers managed just 223 yards of offense against BYU last week but won. Oregon might have that many offensive yards midway through the second quarter. The Buckeyes are home again taking on a San Diego State team that was blown away by FCS Eastern Illinois a week ago. The Aztecs gave up 533 yards of offense in that loss and it should not get much better this weekend in Columbus. A week after losing at Ohio State, Buffalo travels to Baylor, who may have a better offense than the Buckeyes. Uh-oh…
Taylor Heinicke vs Maryland pass defense
Maryland allowed just 80 yards through the air last week against Florida International, but they should prepare to give up a lot more this week. Old Dominion's Taylor Heinicke passed for 338 yards and three touchdowns in a season opening loss to East Carolina. This is the first meeting between the two schools.
The "I Wish It Were a Basketball Game" of the Day
Duke and Memphis will get together on the football field today. Duke did have a good 2012 season and reached a rare bowl game and Memphis is working on building a foundation, but this would still make for a much more entertaining basketball game.
Your mid-afternoon FCS Upset Special
Don't count on as many FCS upsets of FBS teams this week, but if there is one to look for it may take place in the Central Michigan game. The Chippewas are hosting FCS No. 11 New Hampshire, playing their season opener after Central Michigan was trounced at Michigan. Last week it was FCS No. 11 Towson defeating Connecticut. Could the No. 11 team do it again this week?
