WEEK 3, Saturday Sept. 19

5 Games to Watch

#8 Cal vs. Minnesota- The Cal Bears think they can challenge the Trojans for Pac-10 supremacy. This interesting road game against a fast improving Minnesota team. The Gophers had a good road win at Syracuse and home win against Air Force. Third year QB Adam Weber has been impressive and a lackluster Cal defense may struggle with him. Cal, like most Pac-10 teams, wants to air it out and on the turf in Minneapolis this could be a high scoring affair.


Florida State vs. #7 BYU- We all know about the Cougars big upset to start off the season. They followed that up by drubbing Tulane and now they invite the big bad Seminoles into Provo. Really, the Noles in Provo? Ten years ago this would have never happened. The Seminoles searching for glory’s past opened with a thrilling loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Unfortunately they had Jacksonville State next on the schedule, who lead the game with under 5 minutes to go. The Noles escaped with a 19-9 victory and now better be ready for the strong right arm Max Hall.


Connecticut vs. Baylor- Baylor has perhaps the most spectacular playmaking athlete in the country in QB Robert Griffin; in a game last season as a true Frosh he ran for over 200 yards and 2 TD‘s. He helped lead the Bears to a victory in Winston-Salem in the opening game of the season. Now Randy Edsall’s Huskies come calling. Uconn may be down a little this year, but it is still a stern test for the Bears allowing another BCS team into their house.


Kansas State vs. UCLA- K-State has found some renwed enthusiasm behind their program with the unretirement of legendary coach Bill Snyder. Though he lost his signal caller to the 1st round of the NFL Draft the fans in the little apple still think they can be a bowl team. UCLA come off an impressive road win in Neyland Stadium, however they lost the services of their starting QB Kevin Prince. Should be an interesting game for two teams fighting for some national relevance.


Navy vs. Pittsburgh- The Pitt Panthers have a shot to win the Big Least, which isn’t saying much. As we saw Navy is for real after hanging with the Buckeyes in the horseshoe during week one. We know Navy is going to run, run and then run some more. The want to play ball control and try and keep the score down. Pitt held Buffalo to only 67 yards rushing last week, and they are a team that likes to keep it on the ground. Pitt itself has a stud running back in Dion Lewis who is averaging over 7 yards a carry.


4 Players to See

Mike Hartline, QB Kentucky- Wildcat fans are expecting big things form Hartline this season. He came in with a big reputation and solidified the starting job midway through his Sophomore season, last year. The Cats want to stay relevant in the SEC East and to do so Hartline needs to improve on his 9/8 TD/INT ration and his 55.3% completions. This week he takes on a weak Louisville team in preperation for the Gators next week.



Marshwan Gilyard, WR Cincinnati- Other receivers may get more press, but Marshwan Gilyard is as good as anyone in the country. Last year he caught 81 balls for 1200 yards and 11 TD’s. He has picked up where he left off last season with 14 catches and 3 TD’s in two games. This week he and QB Tony Pike take the show on the road to Corvallis to take on the Beavers in an intriguing match-up.


T.J. Yates, QB North Carolina - Yates, like Hartline above, was brought in with a big reputation and has finally wrapped his arms around the starting job as a Junior. His career to this point has been unspectacular to say the least. Last week in a nice win over Uconn he showed some that potential, completing 71% of his passes but threw 2 interceptions. This week the Heels have their last tune-up before ACC play starts so he needs to get his act together.

Taylor Mayes, S Southern Cal- The Trojans travel up to Washington to take on one of their own in head coach Steve Sarkisian. Mays is as good a safety as there is in the country in both run and pass defense. Huskies QB Jake Locker has thrown the ball well this year but with Mayes lurking it may be harder.