Week 3

Week 3 Key Games

 

These are the games to keep your eyes on this weekend. Many teams are starting their conference play and looking for a strong start. Also, don't forget to chime in on our Poll Question of the Week: Will UL-Monroe win back-to-back SEC games? (this week against Auburn)

 

 

 Tennessee hosting Florida

 

 It has been a while since this matchup has really mattered. Both teams are looking to make some noise in the SEC east. And oddly enough these two teams may be mirror images of eachother from the 1990's era.

 Back when Florida would throw it all over the place and put up big numbers and Tennessee would try to run the ball and control the clock to keep the game close. However, now it's the other way around. At least at this point it looks that way.

 Tennessee has a strong passing game that could cause problems for the Gators' defense. On the other side, Florida will be working the ground game. If Florida wants to keep this game close, they are going to have to keep Tyler Bray off the field. Watching Bray against N.C. State, I could see that he as improved much from last year. He is not affraid to check down to another receiver, and he won't force anything that isn't there.

 Florida has to hope they can keep the Vols' offense in check. If Florida has to play from behind in this game, they will be in some trouble. I know they had to come from behind on the road against Texas A&M, but this is different. Tennessee won't give up the lead as easily with their experienced offense. Driskel will need to make plays when he has to and not turn the ball over. If he can manage the game and let the ground game do its work, then it will turn out to be a good close game.

 Tennessee, this is a must win game for Dooley. Much like the season opener, UT will be playing with a major sense of urgency. For that reason, and the fact that I think Tennessee feels this is its best chance in seven years to beat the Gators, I think Tennessee wins this game, 31-20.

 Alabama visits Arkansas.

A week ago this game looked like it would be a good matchup. After last Saturday, I think Arkansas fans are just hoping it's a close game. No reason to drag this one out. Alabama rolls, 35-13.


 Wake Forest at Florida State.

FSU is better on paper, but how will that translate on the field? The Seminoles have struggled against Wake the last 6 years. They lost last season 35-30 in what may have been FSU's worst game played all season long. Runningback Chris Thompson is looking for a little redemption this week. Last season against Wake Forest, he suffered a back injury that looked like it would end his career. After a long road of rahab and hard work to get back in shape, he is back and looks like he is running harder than before. He won't waste this second chance he has been given to play the sport he loves. He understands that being able to come back is a blessing and because of that, he is going to go hard every play.
 FSU's offense is loaded and has done everything it has been expected to do this season. Now it's time to go a little further in opening up the playbook. The defense certainly has revenge on their mind. Florida State couldn't be more ready to play this game.
 Wake Forest has upset on their mind again, and they have the confidence after last week's win over North Carolina. Wake Forest has been here before and won in Tallahassee. The Deacs have to play tough defense and have to keep FSU's offense off the field as long as possible. They will be looking to keep this game close again. And honestly, that's the only way they stand a chance. The Deacs have no chance if they get caught in a shoot-out, and coach Grobe understands that.
 This will be the first test to see how far FSU's offensive line has come from last year. I think we will see the side of FSU that many of us have been waiting for; FSU wins this game in dominant fashion, 42-17.


USC at Stanford

USC will get its first test in the PAC12, on the road against Stanford. This game could turn into a high scoring one really quick. Both have shown they can score points and score them quickly. This game will come down to the defense, and neither defense looks strong.
 USC has to replace one of their offensive linemen. Trouble for USC is, they don't have the depth to deal with the injury bug. A team that has less scholarships can't deal with players going down every game. So, the question in this game, and going forward; can USC go four quarters against tougher teams? I said going into the season that USC would have a monster of an offense....And I still stand by that, but they have to be able to protect Matt Barkley.

 Stanford wasn't expected to make much noise this season without Andrew Luck, but there is some buzz about them just two weeks into the season. Stanford hasn't been tested against a quality defense yet and I think that is where the game will be decided. USC's defense may not be a top 20 defense, but it will be enough to cause problems for a young and inexperienced offense. USC wins 42-31.


 Notre Dame at Michigan State.

This will be a great game. You want a close game that will come down to the wire? This one is it. I don't think either team has a clear advantage. They matchup well and it will show.
 Notre Dame is still trying to get back to being in the mix come bowl season and they are hoping its this year. They have one of the toughest, if not the toughest, schedules in the country and it starts this weekend.
 Michigan State has been tested early with a win against Boise State. They may not have been impressive in that game, but a good close win counts a lot for their confidence level. For the Spartans, the key has to be pressuring the quarterback. If they can do that, they will come out of this game on top. Same thing can be said about Notre Dame.


 This one will come down to mistakes. Who will make more mistakes than the other? Who can make up for mistakes with big plays? This will be a close game that I am giving the edge to Notre Dame. 24-21, the Irish come out on top.

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