Hot Tickets

Games you want to see this weekend (chronologically):

Southern Miss @ (20) Kansas - UH got off to a hot start by upsetting one Big 12 ranked team. Can the Golden Eagles jump into the BCS buster discussion? For KU, can they pass their 1st real test? I'm thinking yes, as long as the Jayhawks basketball team doesn't show up.

(22) North Carolina @ Georgia Tech - It may not be pretty, but Butch Davis' Tar Heels are out to a 3-0 start. But now they have to prepare for Paul Johnson's triple-option attack. Can the Heels produce some offense early in this one? I'm thinking Georgia Tech will after being embarrassed against Miami.

South Florida @ (18) Florida St. - It's been 4 years since USF has had to play without Matt Grothe. Now that his career there is over (torn ACL) how will the Bulls respond? Who the hell knows which Florida St. team will show up. BYU-game Seminoles, or Miami/Jacksonville St.-games Seminoles?

(15) TCU @ Clemson - The Horned Frogs have hit a snag in every BCS run they have tried to make. Can this year be "the year" under Coach Gary Patterson? This will be their toughest non-conference test and in the most hostile environment they will see all year. They have to respond the way they can: tough D and mistake-free offense. Clemson is good. Clemson is the most talented team TCU will see this season. Don't let that Georgia Tech game early this season fool you, Clemson is still a contender in the ACC. C.J. Spiller is one of the most explosive players in the country.

Like I said, this is a game you want to see. But no one's televising it. Solid work.

(9) Miami @ (11) Virginia Tech - I like this matchup. Miami has looked great up to this point and looks to be the class of the ACC. Virginia Tech has looked so-so. But never underestimate the environment or Blacksburg, Virginia with Bud Foster at the reigns of the defense. Beamer-ball, baby.

(6) California @ Oregon - The Golden Bears have been anointed the front-runner in the Pac-10 now that USC has lost. But the Ducks have seemed to really shake off that loss in week 1 to Boise St. Both are coming off solid wins last week (Cal @ Minnesota & Oregon vs. Utah). Who will keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive?

Arkansas @ (3) Alabama - The 'Bama D will have to come ready to play in this one. Bobby Petrino has his QB in Ryan Mallett and the offense is clicking. Just ask Georgia who narrowly escaped Fayetteville last week. But the Crimson Tide offense should have a field day on the Razorback defense. Once again, just ask Georgia.

Arizona St. @ (21) Georgia - As I said above, UGA's defense barely got out alive against Arkansas last week. But Joe Cox really came into his own against a poor defense. Dennis Erickson's Sun Devil defense should pose more of a threat to Georgia's overhauled offense. But I'm curious to see if Arizona St.'s offense has made any strides.

Vanderbilt @ Rice - There should be a decent amount of smart kids on the field.

Iowa @ (5) Penn St. - Last year Iowa kept the Nittany Lions out of the National Championship game. This time it's at State College. Daryll Clark and Evan Royster have revenge on the mind. One thing to point out though: star LB Sean Lee may not be able to go for Penn St. Consequences?

(24) Washington @ Stanford - I really just want to see how the Huskies respond to being the talk of the town. Stanford doesn't lie down anymore. Harbaugh has them playing ball.

Texas Tech @ (17) Houston - You kind of wish they were playing this one at Reliant Stadium under these circumstances. Houston has had an off week to revel in the road victory over Okie St. Now back to the BCS march. Case Keenum will try to keep his magic touch against what looked to be a much improved Texas Tech defense last week against Texas. Leach's pirates are probably good and pissed off after a tough road loss and are looking to shut these non-BCSers up. Let's be honest: if you're attending this one get ready. It might last 5 hours. The ball will be in the air all night long. They might have to open room for a third digit on the scoreboards at Robertson Stadium.

Washington St. @ (12) USC - This one is going to get nasty. Like unforgivable nasty.