College football fans were definitely treated to a mixed bag of goodies last weekend as the opening week of the 2013 season contained a few instant classics, some mammoth upsets (most notably from FCS schools such as McNeese State), disappointing openers from a few highly regarded schools and some great individual displays. We also, regrettably, had the expected theatrics from Texas A & M quarterback Johnny Manziel, an act that is growing more tired, and attracting more and more negative national scrutiny, on a daily basis. He is definitely giving ESPN pundits such as Paul Finebaum, Mark May and Mike Bellotti plenty to talk about, though.
While most observers point to Clemson's riveting 38-35 victory over Georgia in Death Valley as perhaps the best game of Week 1, I would have to say that the 39-35 victory by the Ole Miss Rebels in Nashville over Vandy could probably match that contest in terms of sheer drama and late game heroics. I know that game certainly translated into a roller coaster ride of emotions for fans of both schools, and also showed just how far these programs have come during the past couple of years or so.
While teams such as Louisville, Florida State, LSU, Clemson and Oregon began the season in very strong fashion, Nick Saban's No. 1 Alabama squad, the two-time defending national champion, was not overly impressive in its 35-10 opening triumph over Virginia Tech, and especially offensively. Also opening with less than spectacular displays last weekend were No. 3 Ohio State (which struggled somewhat on defense in a 40-20 win over Buffalo) and No. 22 Nebraska. Among those who shined individually during the opening week of play included Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Oregon's Marcus Mariota, Clemson's Tajh Boyd, Alabama's Christion Jones, and LSU's Zach Mettenberger.
But if you happened to watch the Labor Day showdown between Florida State and Pittsburgh, however, then you probably also agree with me that Seminole freshman quarterback Jameis Winston shined brighter than anyone in college football's opening week. Winston, of course, was the highly touted former Hueytown star who opted to select Jimbo Fisher's FSU program over Saban's Crimson Tide, and it had to make Alabama fans everywhere grimace watching Winston surpass those expectations in his college debut in spectacular fashion. He completed 25 of 27 passes for 356 yards and four touchdowns in an impressive 41-13 rout over the host Panthers. Obviously Winston is gifted with much talent, but I think his command of the Seminole offense and his poise was nothing less than amazing. If he stays healthy, Winston will truly be special, and he is already well on the way to becoming that now.
Which takes us now to Week 2, and a slate of games that includes a few possible instant classics, such as Notre Dame traveling to Michigan, South Carolina making the trip to Athens to battle Georgia and Will Muschamp's Florida team traveling to battle the Miami Hurricanes.
GAME OF THE WEEK, SOUTH CAROLINA at GEORGIA: Following a heartbreaking opening loss to the Clemson Tigers, the season is suddenly already in peril for Mark Richt's No. 11 Bulldogs, as they get ready to host Steve Spurrier's No. 6 Gamecocks, a team which has dominated Georgia in recent years. Richt and Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray are also having to hear the questions again about whether they can get it done in a big game after so many failures in this situation over the past few years. Unfair, probably, but that's the way it goes in big time college football, and especially in the lion's den that is the SEC. Georgia gave a valiant effort and showed glimpses of how prolific its offense can be in its loss to the Tigers, but struggled mightily on defense against the high-powered Clemson offense. If Georgia is to rebound and have another strong season, it must improve significantly on the defensive side of the ball. South Carolina, meanwhile, was very solid, if not spectacular in its opening win against North Carolina. The Gamecock offense sputtered at times with its two-quarterback attack, although its defense appeared outstanding attimes despite the mediocre performance from perhaps-overhyped standout defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Although South Carolina's offensive unit is not nearly the dynamic juggernaut that the Clemson offense is, the Gamecocks have the ability to run the Bulldogs into submission if Georgia is still in hangover mode from its opening setback, and if Richt's defense does not put forth a much better effort Saturday night in Athens. I think Georgia, realizing how urgent this early SEC showdown is for its conference and national aspirations, finds a way to get it done at home between the hedges. GEORGIA 24, SOUTH CAROLINA 17.
Moving along to other games involving SEC teams :
Florida at Miami (Fla): After a solid win over Toledo in its opener, the Gators travel to battle a Hurricane team which is becoming nationally relevant once again under the direction of Al Golden and due to a host of talented athletes including running back standout Duke Johnson. This is a defining early test for Muschamp's team, a team which continues to shine defensively, but is still nothing special on offense just yet. These teams have not played in a few years and I am expecting the Gators to enter a very hostile atmosphere, although you cannot always say that for Miami home games. Although the Gators continue to put forth the building blocks in becoming a perennial Top 10 program once again, with Muschamp following the pattern that Saban has used in building a championship-level program at Alabama, I am predicting a mild upset in this affair. MIAMI 27, FLORIDA 19
Miami (Ohio) at Kentucky: The Mark Stoops era at Kentucky began in disappointing fashion last weekend as the Wildcats fell in a shootout to Bobby Petrino's Western Kentucky team in Nashville. Wildcat fans are no doubt hoping that the friendly confines of Commonwealth Stadium will help Kentucky bounce back and gain what might be a rare victory for Kentucky. I think the UK offense led by quarterback Maxwell Smith will pave the way for Stoops initial win with the Wildcats. KENTUCKY 31, MIAMI 24
Western Kentucky at Tennessee: An intriguing matchup in Neyland Stadium as Bobby Petrino's Hilltoppers, fresh off a big win over Kentucky, take aim at toppling yet another SEC opponent. The Volunteers began the Butch Jones era in impressive fashion last week by rolling to a win over Austin Peay (45-0), but step it up competition-wise as they look to run their early-season record to 2-0. There is little doubt that Petrino will pull off some offensive trickery against the Vols and Western Kentucky has proven that it is a program that has a good degree of talent. However, I feel that Tennessee's homefield advantage and offensive talent will prove too much for the Hilltoppers. TENNESSEE 34, WESTERN KENTUCKY 24.
Toledo at Missouri: The Tigers began their season in impressive fashion last week and also showed just how good its offense can be if quarterback James Franklin is totally healthy. Of course that was also against Murray State. Although Toledo represents a mild step up in competition for Gary Pinkel's team, it still won't cause much difficult as Mizzou gains its second win of the season. MISSOURI 42, TOLEDO 17.
Alcorn State at Mississippi State: Dan Mullen's Bulldogs struggled mightily in their season-opening 21-3 loss against Oklahoma State, and hope to rebound at home Saturday against the Braves. The cowbells should be loud this weekend as MSU gains its first 2013 win. MISSISSIPPI STATE 40, ALCORN STATE 6
Samford at Arkansas: The Bret Bielema era began in winning fashion last weekend as his Razorbacks romped past Louisiana-Lafayette. Arkansas looks to improve to 2-0 Saturday as the Hogs battle Pat Sullivan's Bulldogs. Look for another convincing victory for the host Razorbacks. ARKANSAS 35, SAMFORD 11.
UAB at LSU: Although many observers seemed surprised by how impressive the Tigers looked in their opening win against TCU in Arlington, Texas, I was not one of them, as there is still much talent in Baton Rouge. I also think many of the Tigers have a chip on their shoulders after being relegated to under-the radar status entering the 2013 campaign. Garrick McGee's Blazers get an up and close look Saturday at just how talented Les Miles' team still is. LSU 38, UAB 19
SE Missouri at Ole Miss: It took some late-game heroics by standout Jeff Scott to propel Hugh Freeze's Rebel team past Vanderbilt last Thursday. Such heroics will not be needed this week as Ole Miss moves to 2-0 on the young season in convincing style. OLE MISS 38, SE MISSOURI 10.
Sam Houston State at Texas A & M: Kevin Sumlin's Aggies continue to be the talk of college football in many circles, and not always for good reason as the trashy, frat-boy antics of quarterback Johnny Manziel continue to supercede the overall Aggie program. The Aggies should have no problem in this contest, however, as Texas A & M warms up for its Sept. 14 showdown against Alabama with a huge romp. TEXAS A & M 56, SAM HOUSTON STATE 17.
Arkansas State at Auburn: As Auburn showed in its narrow 31-24 opening win against a very mediocre Washington State team, no game can be taken for granted and assumed to be an automatic win, and Arkansas State is a program which has had a respectable level of success during the past few years. I expect the visitors to give Auburn a scare in Jordan-Hare Stadium before the Tigers finally put the game away late. AUBURN 35, ARKANSAS STATE 24
Austin Peay at Vanderbilt: It appeared at times last week that Vanderbilt was close to putting away Ole Miss before falling in heartbreaking fashion late in the Commodores' season opener. Look for a talented Vandy squad to bounce back, however, this week and get into the win column for the first time in 2013. Also look for a big offensive display by the Commodores. VANDERBILT 38, AUSTIN PEAY 10.
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