Week 3 Preview

There are not a ton of great games this weekend.  Week 3 doesn't have any top ten battles or historic matchups in the Big House.  However, this week has a solid slate of games and I am looking forward to what should be a full day of action.  

Michigan State at Notre Dame (3:30 on NBC)

Both teams are coming off stunning losses.  Michigan State allowed Central Michigan to come from behind late and steal a win in East Lansing.  On the bright side for the Spartans, CMU quarterback Dan Lefevour could start for every team in the Big Ten.  The Michigan State defense won't have it any easier on Saturday in South Bend.  Jimmy Clausen has looked great this season and the Irish offense is loaded.  However, the defense looked awful against Michigan.  This game is so intriguing because Michigan State has won six in a row in the series.  If they can make it seven, Charlie Weis is in big trouble.  I think Notre Dame will be able to win this one by about two touchdowns but I am intrigued to see how they rebound from the loss at the Big House.  

(10) Boise State at Fresno State (9:00, Friday on ESPN)

Boise State has been impressive so far this season and their ranking reflects it.  They are already in the top ten and if they can run the table, the Broncos are headed back to a BCS bowl.  Fresno State is not an easy place to play.  The Bulldogs always get up for this kind of challenge and they nearly knocked off Wisconsin last week in Madison.  If Fresno State can cut down on the turnovers that cost them dearly against the Badgers, this one could be close.  

(19) Nebraska at (13) Virginia Tech (3:30 on ABC)

This is a measuring stick game for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program.  Their fans feel

 like they are ready to be a top ten program once again.  Bo Pelini has done a fantastic job but I don't know if they are ready to bust through just yet.  I am still putting them behind Kansas and maybe behind Missouri in the Big 12 North.  Nebraska lost at home to the Hokies last season, we'll see how much they have improved this Saturday in Blacksburg.  Watch the two freshman running backs, Ryan Williams and David Wilson.  They got off to a rough start in their first collegiate game against Alabama.  The Crimson Tide are going to make a lot of people look bad.  I really think the Hokies will be able to run the ball on Nebraska and pull out a ten-point victory.  

(17) Cincinnati at Oregon State (6:45 on FSN)

We know how difficult Reser Stadium can be for visiting teams.  The Beavers have knocked off many a ranked foe in Corvallis, just ask USC.  The Cincinnati Bearcats roll into PAC-10 country after two impressive season-opening victories.  This would be a bad loss for the Big East but I think Tony Pike shows the nation why he is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.  Cincinnati will go into Oregon State and escape with a close victory.  

Florida State at (7) BYU (7:00)

BYU faces another BCS test this Saturday.  The Cougars beat Oklahoma to launch themselves into the BCS picture and into the top ten.  They followed that up with a drubbing of Tulane and now have another chance to prove themselves against a big time program.  Florida State looked very good in their close loss to Miami but they followed it up with a stinker against Jacksonville State.  Christian Ponder is very good but I don't think FSU has the defense to stop BYU or the offensive firepower to keep up with the Cougars.  Max Hall is a very good quarterback and he has one of the best tight ends in the country.  BYU will improve to 3-0 with a resounding victory.

Texas Tech at (2) Texas (8:00 on ABC)

No one needs reminded of last year's epic in Lubbock.  Michael Crabtree capitalized on the dropped interception by Blake Gideon and spoiled the Longhorns title hopes.  Colt McCoy came back to get himself another shot at the title and has a ton of talent along for the ride.  I will admit, it is going to be very difficult for the Red Raiders to compete in Austin.  But, Taylor Potts is the most physically gifted quarterback to play in Mike Leach's system and they don't have any problems scoring points.  I expect this game to be very entertaining and much closer than the experts think.  The Longhorns will win but it will be close.  

I will preview IU at Akron tomorrow.  Stay vigilant and God Bless America.