Games of Interest... Week 1 of College Football

[moses_007]

The college football season kicks off this Thursday night, Sept. 3, with several games. I think the games of interest Thursday night are as follows:

North Carolina @ South Carolina, 5 pm CT, ESPN.
TCU@ Minnesota, 8 pm CT, ESPN

Games of interest Saturday, Sept. 5:

UTEP at Arkansas, 2:30 pm CT, ESPNU.  :razorback: :razorback: :razorback:
Louisville@Auburn, 2:30 pm CT, CBS
Arizona State @ Texas A&M, 6 pm CT, ESPN
Wisconsin@Alabama, 7 pm CT, ABC

The Wisconsin-Alabama game will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  Does Wisconsin have a chance to knock off the Tide in the first game of the season?

[alohawg]

Yes, I'd say Wisky can win that game.

[NuttinItUp]

Ohio St. - Virginia Tech  &  Texas - Notre Dame  might be interesting as well.

[HawgLife4Eva]

Holy Cross at Monmouth, ftw.

[factchecker]

TLDR- I'm watching the Toledo game.  Why? We play them next week.

Thursday, September 3rd
6:00 pm central
ESPN 3 (online streaming)

Toledo vs. Stoney Brook

Toledo depth chart: http://utrockets.com/documents/2015/8/31/Toledo_Depth_Chart_8_31_15.pdf

We play Toledo in the Rock next week.  Toledo will be missing their star tailback, Kareem Hunt.  It will be interesting to see if  Toledo has a capable backup to pick up the slack.  Toledo also has the difficult task of replacing their entire starting offensive line from last year.  They have a senior transfer from Florida State (Ruben Carter, 6-4 340) who will start at center.  Their starting quarterback (Phillip Ely) is a former Bama signee who is coming off of surgery to repair a torn ACL and labrum.  A player to watch is their athletically gifted wide receiver  Alonzo Russel (6-4, 205):

I don't think this game will much of a test for Toledo, but crazier things have happened.  I will be watching the quality of both their offensive and defensive lines. 

[presidenthog]

I'm curious about the a&m game. something in me wants them to come out and flop. part of me knows that them winning reflects on the conference and the SEC label does help out brand. if they win I just want us to beat them soundly when we play. (and I believe we will)

[NuttinItUp]

I'm curious about the a&m game. something in me wants them to come out and flop. part of me knows that them winning reflects on the conference and the SEC label does help out brand. if they win I just want us to beat them soundly when we play. (and I believe we will)

I agree. I really don't want to root for them, but I know if we are both 3-0 and ranked going into the game together, then when we beat them it will reflect better on us.


As far as the Longhorns and Irish....I really don't want to root for the Longhorns for obvious reasons, but I really want the Irish to have their bubble burst. Not sure who to root for.

[verticalhog]

I'm tired of the SEC-SEC-SEC chant.  I'm pulling for North Carolina (well, I'm an alum), Louisville (I can't stand Auburn as all of my relatives are Awbarn fans), Wisconsin (can't stand 'Bama), and Arizona State (even though we've owned Aggie over the years, I lived in Texas for a decade and the Aggies are VERY irritating).  I realize that if SEC teams lose all of those games, it'll make the conference look bad, but the SEC West looked pretty bad in bowl games and we still have VERY high pre-season rankings.  I'm a HOG fan, not an SEC fan.  Go, Hogs!

[ErieHog]

I'm curious about the a&m game. something in me wants them to come out and flop. part of me knows that them winning reflects on the conference and the SEC label does help out brand. if they win I just want us to beat them soundly when we play. (and I believe we will)

I want A&M to lose that game, because it is one of the A&M swing games, between a decent season, and Sumlin getting fired.

The Aggies are using the window of Texas weakness to make themselves more relevant, and anything that throws their program into disarray will help up make inroads, and will drive the Aggies crazy as they throw about the idea that they're on the next great thing, and doom themselves to squander the next few years retooling.

[Bacons Rebellion]

I got over the SEC thing 15 years ago. We recruit against these guys. An enemy of my enemy is my friend.

[Hawghiggs]

  The SEC needs to put everyone else down. Also please oh please let Virginia Tech beat Ohio State again. I don't think I could take another season with ESPN fawning over Urban Meyer.

[Hogarusa]

TLDR- I'm watching the Toledo game.  Why? We play them next week.

Thursday, September 3rd
6:00 pm central
ESPN 3 (online streaming)

Toledo vs. Stoney Brook

Toledo depth chart: http://utrockets.com/documents/2015/8/31/Toledo_Depth_Chart_8_31_15.pdf

We play Toledo in the Rock next week. 

More power to you.  We should beat Toledo by 3 TDs but good to see the fans scouting out the MACtion opponents vs Stoney Brook.

[Hogarusa]

Most interested in Louisville/Auburn, Bama/Wiscy, A&M/Zona St, Hogs/UTEP, Michigan/Utah, Nebraska/BYU,  TCU/Minnesota, Texas/Notre Dame, and Ohio Sst/Va Tech. 

[East TN HAWG]

I want A&M to lose that game, because it is one of the A&M swing games, between a decent season, and Sumlin getting fired.

The Aggies are using the window of Texas weakness to make themselves more relevant, and anything that throws their program into disarray will help up make inroads, and will drive the Aggies crazy as they throw about the idea that they're on the next great thing, and doom themselves to squander the next few years retooling.

AZ St is one of the teams people are picking to win the PAC 12.  I would like to see a bottom tier SEC team beat a upper tier P5 school every week. 

Sumlin is a good coach.  I don't think he is the greatest coach.  There would a be a chance that A$M would actually shoot themselves in the foot, and actually hire the next Vince Lombardi. 

[Biggus Piggus]

You guys who want to dump on the Aggies are going to be disappointed. They are going to be very good. The offensive line is not perfect but still well suited for the scheme. All juniors and seniors starting, plenty of experience. Big question is whether Avery Gennesy can handle left tackle.

Texas A&M is incredibly loaded at wide receiver. Most SEC teams would be starting the Aggies' second-teamers. Kyle Allen will get more easy throws than any other SEC QB. No doubt.

On defense, the Aggies have some seriously good talent. Myles Garrett is ready to be a good defender against run and pass. Freshman DT Daylon Mack (6-1, 335) is a monster.

If the linebackers and secondary improve under John Chavis, the Aggies will be good enough on defense to support the high-scoring offense. My guess is the Aggies steamroll the Sun Devils.

[mizzouman]

I got USCe, Minnesota in an upset, Arkansas, Auburn, A&M, Bama

[Hogarusa]

AZ St is one of the teams people are picking to win the PAC 12.  I would like to see a bottom tier SEC team beat a upper tier P5 school every week. 

In no way are A&M a bottom tier SEC team.  They are ranked 26th in preseason poll which puts them middle of the pack but are playing what will basically be a home game and are 3.5 point favorites over #15 ASU

[threeNout]

far and away, the Wisconsin vs Bama game is of most interest to me.

No other game in week one will shed more light on what our chances of winning the SEC are this year, than to see what Bama will look like with a new QB and offensive scheme under Kiffin.

I guess I want Bama to win, keeping our future opponents ranked as high as possible, but secretly wouldn't mind seeing Wisky get them.

[bosshog84]

I just don't see Wisconsin winning that game with a brand new coach. Their third head coach in 4 years.

[The Kig]

While I wouldn't say I root for SEC teams, I completely recognize the importance of SEC teams winning the OOC games.  The league already gets quite a bit of grief about OOC schedule strength, so it needs to win the good games.  The continued lucrative nature of the SEC is directly proportional to the perceived strength of the conference. 

I would much rather see SEC teams completely blow the doors off this weekends competition and then lose a squeaker to Vandy, KY, Mizzou or some other weak East team.

[HogNdazs]

I root for SEC teams against others no matter what so I will be watching those games. I think the Alabama game will be close. Also South Carolina could def lose to North Carolina, that is one to watch.

I'm not a big fan of A&M but their offense is fun to watch.

I would love it if there was an entire year where and SEC team didn't lose to a non-conference.

[dhizzle]

You guys who want to dump on the Aggies are going to be disappointed. They are going to be very good. The offensive line is not perfect but still well suited for the scheme. All juniors and seniors starting, plenty of experience. Big question is whether Avery Gennesy can handle left tackle.

Texas A&M is incredibly loaded at wide receiver. Most SEC teams would be starting the Aggies' second-teamers. Kyle Allen will get more easy throws than any other SEC QB. No doubt.

On defense, the Aggies have some seriously good talent. Myles Garrett is ready to be a good defender against run and pass. Freshman DT Daylon Mack (6-1, 335) is a monster.

If the linebackers and secondary improve under John Chavis, the Aggies will be good enough on defense to support the high-scoring offense. My guess is the Aggies steamroll the Sun Devils.

They steamrolled the gamecocks in the first game last year. I'm not going to fall for it again. I will wait and see who gets the fancy nickname and then falls on their face.

[Hogarusa]

Hogs play in the SEC West.  There is no need for every conference game we play to be against highly ranked and undefeated teams in order to look better. It's going to take multiple years of mediocrity for the SEC to ever move beyond the top 2 P5 conferences.

Ohio State made the playoffs beating 2 ranked teams and losing a home non conference game.  Win your games in the SEC and you are safely in the playoffs. 

[NaturalStateReb]

I just don't see Wisconsin winning that game with a brand new coach. Their third head coach in 4 years.

Who do they think they are?  Arkansas State?

Seriously though, I don't see Wisconsin winning this one, but it will be close.  Bama's defense is good, but it sounds like they've got a serious QB problem on their hands with no real solutions apparent.

[HogPharmer]

  The SEC needs to put everyone else down. Also please oh please let Virginia Tech beat Ohio State again. I don't think I could take another season with ESPN fawning over Urban Meyer.

They'll fawn over him regardless

[010HogFan]

Michigan vs Utah tonight too. Not really important for us, but should be a good matchup.

[Uncommon]

Here are my Top 25 games for Week 1:
1. Arizona State at Texas A&M
2. Texas at Notre Dame
3. Ohio State at Virginia Tech
4. Wisconsin at Alabama
5. South Carolina 17 North Carolina 13
6. Utah 24 Michigan 17
7. Louisville at Auburn
8. TCU 23 Minnesota 17
9. Washington at Boise State
10. BYU at Nebraska
11. Virginia at UCLA
12. Stanford at Northwestern
13. Penn State at Temple
14. Western Kentucky 14 Vanderbilt 12
15. Purdue at Marshall
16. Michigan State at Western Michigan
17. Arkansas State at USC
18. Georgia Southern at West Virginia
19. Duke 37 Tulane 7
20. Louisiana Lafayette at Kentucky
21. Florida International 15 UCF 14
22. Texas State at Florida State
23. Bowling Green at Tennessee
24. Mississippi State at Southern Miss
25. Kent State at Illinois

[younghog]

Michigan vs Utah tonight too. Not really important for us, but should be a good matchup.

yes IT SHOULD..

I got $40 on Michigan vs the Spread... As Utah is favored.

GO HOGS

[GuvHog]

Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt could be interesting

Can Vandy regroup from last season's disaster and beat WK??

[ChicoHog]

I'm tired of the SEC-SEC-SEC chant.  I'm pulling for North Carolina (well, I'm an alum), Louisville (I can't stand Auburn as all of my relatives are Awbarn fans), Wisconsin (can't stand 'Bama), and Arizona State (even though we've owned Aggie over the years, I lived in Texas for a decade and the Aggies are VERY irritating).  I realize that if SEC teams lose all of those games, it'll make the conference look bad, but the SEC West looked pretty bad in bowl games and we still have VERY high pre-season rankings.  I'm a HOG fan, not an SEC fan.  Go, Hogs!

Agree!  Although I do root for Bama most of the time.  Can't stand Auburn, A&M, Tenner, LSU, UF and Mississippi.  Go Hogs!

[Dwight_K_Shrute]

I'm tired of the SEC-SEC-SEC chant.  I'm pulling for North Carolina (well, I'm an alum), Louisville (I can't stand Auburn as all of my relatives are Awbarn fans), Wisconsin (can't stand 'Bama), and Arizona State (even though we've owned Aggie over the years, I lived in Texas for a decade and the Aggies are VERY irritating).  I realize that if SEC teams lose all of those games, it'll make the conference look bad, but the SEC West looked pretty bad in bowl games and we still have VERY high pre-season rankings.  I'm a HOG fan, not an SEC fan.  Go, Hogs!

I'm starting to get this way myself.  Some of the teams/fans are so obnoxious and spoiled I really don't care.  Example, I will be pulling for Fresno State to beat OM in week 2.  I do think SC wins against NC, Az State beats A&M, and Bama beats Wisconsin.  I will openly root against Louisville and Auburn. 

[WILL CLINTON]

You guys who want to dump on the Aggies are going to be disappointed. They are going to be very good. The offensive line is not perfect but still well suited for the scheme. All juniors and seniors starting, plenty of experience. Big question is whether Avery Gennesy can handle left tackle.

Texas A&M is incredibly loaded at wide receiver. Most SEC teams would be starting the Aggies' second-teamers. Kyle Allen will get more easy throws than any other SEC QB. No doubt.

On defense, the Aggies have some seriously good talent. Myles Garrett is ready to be a good defender against run and pass. Freshman DT Daylon Mack (6-1, 335) is a monster.

If the linebackers and secondary improve under John Chavis, the Aggies will be good enough on defense to support the high-scoring offense. My guess is the Aggies steamroll the Sun Devils.

I'm not sure how much John Chavis will improve the secondary. He was playing with some of the best talent at those positions at LSU, and the LB and Line are his specialty if I'm not mistaken. I do agree with you about the WR, but I don't see either team "steamroll"ing the other. I'm on the Sun Devils +3 because I think that if A&M wins it will be very close, but if the Sun Devils win I believe it will be by a TD.

Either way, I'm just glad it's time for this kind of talk.

[presidenthog]

You guys who want to dump on the Aggies are going to be disappointed. They are going to be very good. The offensive line is not perfect but still well suited for the scheme. All juniors and seniors starting, plenty of experience. Big question is whether Avery Gennesy can handle left tackle.

Texas A&M is incredibly loaded at wide receiver. Most SEC teams would be starting the Aggies' second-teamers. Kyle Allen will get more easy throws than any other SEC QB. No doubt.

On defense, the Aggies have some seriously good talent. Myles Garrett is ready to be a good defender against run and pass. Freshman DT Daylon Mack (6-1, 335) is a monster.

If the linebackers and secondary improve under John Chavis, the Aggies will be good enough on defense to support the high-scoring offense. My guess is the Aggies steamroll the Sun Devils.

I hate the culture they have. this super unphysical, throw it around wussy ball. they will never be good on defense. Chavis has signed his death wish. Muschamp at least has a chance in 3 years. I look for a&m to be fighting for last with state this year.

[Dwight_K_Shrute]

I hate the culture they have. this super unphysical, throw it around wussy ball. they will never be good on defense. Chavis has signed his death wish. Muschamp at least has a chance in 3 years. I look for a&m to be fighting for last with state this year.

Culture of the school too, yell leaders, everything, blech.  I worked with enough to know I don't like any of them.  Kind of like the minute a hear someone went to Ole Miss.

[ErieHog]

You guys who want to dump on the Aggies are going to be disappointed. They are going to be very good. The offensive line is not perfect but still well suited for the scheme. All juniors and seniors starting, plenty of experience. Big question is whether Avery Gennesy can handle left tackle.

Texas A&M is incredibly loaded at wide receiver. Most SEC teams would be starting the Aggies' second-teamers. Kyle Allen will get more easy throws than any other SEC QB. No doubt.

On defense, the Aggies have some seriously good talent. Myles Garrett is ready to be a good defender against run and pass. Freshman DT Daylon Mack (6-1, 335) is a monster.

If the linebackers and secondary improve under John Chavis, the Aggies will be good enough on defense to support the high-scoring offense. My guess is the Aggies steamroll the Sun Devils.

I expect it'll be played within a TD, into the upper 30s or higher.

A&M is the ultimate boom/bust team in the SEC this year;  if things go well, they could surprise;  if things go bad, they could go *very* bad, in a hurry.

[presidenthog]

I expect it'll be played within a TD, into the upper 30s or higher.

A&M is the ultimate boom/bust team in the SEC this year;  if things go well, they could surprise;  if things go bad, they could go *very* bad, in a hurry.

I just do not think physically they match uo with many of thier western counterparts. they match uo with Ole miss, but not thier off with Ole misses defense. I just think the way Sumlin tries to run his program that they will be able to play with ASU because it is the first game of the season. when they get in conference play I won't be suprised if they take another 50-0 whooping from alabama.

[The Kig]

I will openly root against Louisville and Auburn. 

LOL, sort of how I feel about this game.  Someone has to win, but I hope both teams look absolutely terrible which will be hard to accomplish.  Either Petrino is going to gash Auburn's D (which I hope they do expose some holes) or Barn is going to gash Louisville's D (since Petrino has never focused much on D). 

Will be hard for both O's and D's to look awful, but one can hope!

[ErieHog]

I just do not think physically they match uo with many of thier western counterparts. they match uo with Ole miss, but not thier off with Ole misses defense. I just think the way Sumlin tries to run his program that they will be able to play with ASU because it is the first game of the season. when they get in conference play I won't be suprised if they take another 50-0 whooping from alabama.

I think the main problem they might have with OM, is a left tackle one on one with Nkemdiche on the edge.    They'll also need to not turn the ball over.

[go hogues]

I'm tired of the SEC-SEC-SEC chant.  I'm pulling for North Carolina (well, I'm an alum), Louisville (I can't stand Auburn as all of my relatives are Awbarn fans), Wisconsin (can't stand 'Bama), and Arizona State (even though we've owned Aggie over the years, I lived in Texas for a decade and the Aggies are VERY irritating).  I realize that if SEC teams lose all of those games, it'll make the conference look bad, but the SEC West looked pretty bad in bowl games and we still have VERY high pre-season rankings.  I'm a HOG fan, not an SEC fan.  Go, Hogs!

Agree x 1000!

[Mike Irwin]

In spite of the damage he did at Arkansas I like the way Petrino coaches. Will be very interesting to see him go up against St. Gus.

[mizzouman]

Minnesota gonna get butt raped

I like the Gophers chances.

[razorbackkid]

In spite of the damage he did at Arkansas I like the way Petrino coaches. Will be very interesting to see him go up against St. Gus.

Agreed.  Put Petrino as head coach at Auburn and St. Gus at Louisville and the Vegas spread doubles.

[presidenthog]

I think the main problem they might have with OM, is a left tackle one on one with Nkemdiche on the edge.    They'll also need to not turn the ball over.

I'm pretty sure RK is a DT so he wouldn't be on a LT. he is also the most unproductive superstar outside of OJ howard. Howard has an excuse because he is never targeted. idk what Roberts problem is, and it isn't double teams.

I also just think what Ole Miss's defense is built for is an offense like thier own. which is similar to a&m's.  not exact but close.

[ErieHog]

I'm pretty sure RK is a DT so he wouldn't be on a LT. he is also the most unproductive superstar outside of OJ howard. Howard has an excuse because he is never targeted. idk what Roberts problem is, and it isn't double teams.

I also just think what Ole Miss's defense is built for is an offense like thier own. which is similar to a&m's.  not exact but close.

They move him to the edge often on 3rd down, and sometimes on weird 2nd downs- 2nd and more than 10, from what I've seen.    The numbers aren't there yet, but you can see the talent coming.

[NuttinItUp]

Here are my Top 25 games for Week 1:
1. Arizona State at Texas A&M
2. Texas at Notre Dame
3. Ohio State at Virginia Tech
4. Wisconsin at Alabama
5. North Carolina at South Carolina
6. Michigan at Utah
7. Louisville at Auburn
8. TCU at Minnesota
9. Washington at Boise State
10. BYU at Nebraska
11. Virginia at UCLA
12. Stanford at Northwestern
13. Penn State at Temple
14. Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt
15. Purdue at Marshall
16. Michigan State at Western Michigan
17. Arkansas State at USC
18. Georgia Southern at West Virginia
19. Duke at Tulane
20. Louisiana Lafayette at Kentucky
21. Florida International at UCF
22. Texas State at Florida State
23. Bowling Green at Tennessee
24. Mississippi State at Southern Miss
25. Kent State at Illinois

I know there is almost 0% chance of it happening, but how awesome would it be if Arkansas State beat USC?

[ErieHog]

I know there is almost 0% chance of it happening, but how awesome would it be if Arkansas State beat USC?

Maybe people should rerank these games, based on the order of the Upsets they'd like to see, from most to least.

That'd be a fun exercise.

[razorbackkid]

I know there is 0% chance of it happening, but how awesome would it be if Arkansas State beat USC?

I took the word almost out of your statement.....enhances the value of the post. 

[NuttinItUp]

I took the word almost out of your statement.....enhances the value of the post. 

Haha, probably about right. However, nothing is impossible, I suppose.

Maybe people should rerank these games, based on the order of the Upsets they'd like to see, from most to least.

That'd be a fun exercise.

That would actually be kind of cool.

[razorbackkid]

Haha, probably about right. However, nothing is impossible, I suppose.


That w

Haha, probably about right. However, nothing is impossible, I suppose.

I grew up in Jonesboro (Valley View) and used to go to all their games in the mid 70's.  I'll be wishing for the upset, but expecting a major blowout.

[Hogarusa]

Here are my Top 25 games for Week 1:
1. Arizona State at Texas A&M
2. Texas at Notre Dame
3. Ohio State at Virginia Tech
4. Wisconsin at Alabama
5. North Carolina at South Carolina
6. Michigan at Utah
7. Louisville at Auburn
8. TCU at Minnesota
9. Washington at Boise State
10. BYU at Nebraska
11. Virginia at UCLA
12. Stanford at Northwestern
13. Penn State at Temple
14. Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt
15. Purdue at Marshall
16. Michigan State at Western Michigan
17. Arkansas State at USC
18. Georgia Southern at West Virginia
19. Duke at Tulane
20. Louisiana Lafayette at Kentucky
21. Florida International at UCF
22. Texas State at Florida State
23. Bowling Green at Tennessee
24. Mississippi State at Southern Miss
25. Kent State at Illinois

Good job on finding 25 games for this week, you had to go deep on this one.  Ater 12, it gets real ugly