Tide / Aggies Showdown Headline Week 3 Of College Football Preview

It is a bit hard to believe, but we are actually entering the third week of the college football season. Definitely a bit of strange reality for fans of Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide, with Bama only having one game under its belt thus far.

Of course the Armageddon showdown in College Station's Kyle Field Saturday between Saban's No. 1 and two-time defending champion Crimson Tide and Kevin Sumlin's No. 6 Texas A & M Aggies headlines an intriguing weekend of action.

Alabama is seeking payback for its only defeat in 2012 and also no doubt looking to take back some of the headlines from the embattled and ever-cocky Aggie quarterback Johnny Manziel, the defending Heisman Trophy candidate and who is seemingly a true magnet for controversy wherever he goes.

 

This is no doubt the biggest game in the history of the Aggie program and definitely the biggest on its home campus, with ESPN's Gameday on hand to capture the moment For Alabama, though, it is just yet another hurdle in its quest to make college football history and gain its unprecedented third consecutive BCS national title.

And while this particular road test would be challenging enough for the Crimson Tide, with the nation's eyes firmly focused on this epic showdown, Alabama has had to deal this week with the distractions of a story alleging that former Tide All-American D.J. Fluker, among others, received improper benefits while still playing college ball.

Addressing this briefly, I know the University of Alabama continues to aggressively investigate this matter, and I will also hold off on totally condemning Fluker until more regarding this story actually comes to light. If it is proven, however, that the story is true and Fluker, now with the San Diego Chargers, did accept illegal compensation, then he, along with whoever else was involved in the situation, should receive criminal chargers and jail time. While scuzzy so-called agents and other leaches are the main instigators in this continuing problem involving illegal benefits and college student-athletes, I am honestly sick to death of these athletes being portrayed as victims. These college athletes are very well-versed about the dangers of being involved with shady agents and other slimy individuals. Student-athletes are also provided with many more benefits than the average student is, and it is appalling that their greed and selfishness would lead them to risk jeopardizing their programs and reputations for a bit more ill-gotten gain. I am sure that many Alabama supporters feel that possible scandals such as this are the only thing that could really put a halt to the Crimson Tide's current dynasty, and perhaps also fear that something like this could push Saban to possibly bolt the Tide program.

Moving onto this week's action:

GAME OF THE WEEK: Alabama at Texas A & M: As mentioned, much of the nation's media will descend upon College Station this weekend for what has been hyped for months as the game of the year in college football this season, and for good reason. I have personally gone back and forth on many things in my head in trying to prognosticate a winner for this contest, as it is a game which could really go either way, depending on which team is really the most prepared and perhaps who also gets off to the best start in the game. Texas A & M arguably comes into the game with a bit more momentum after playing a couple of games and getting this game in its own very tough backyard. Alabama, meanwhile, has not played in two weeks since a very sluggish effort in its opener against Virginia Tech. This was especially true on offense as Bama's still-transitioning offensive line did not play with much effectiveness or cohesion against the Hokies. While Alabama's offense sputtered in its opener for the most part, I feel there are a couple of reasons for that. Offensively it is going to take some time for the Bama line to fully gel after losing three All-Americans, including Fluker, but I also feel that Alabama displayed a very vanilla game plan against Virginia Tech. I look for Bama to open things up in a big way this weekend and unleash a few more of its weapons. This will be the first game that the Aggies will have much of their defense intact due to suspensions and other factors, but that defense was suspect at best last season and I am not really sure it will be much better this season against quality opponents (meaning teams much better than Rice and Sam Houston St.). Whether you like or hate Manziel, he is a superb athlete and is capable of incredible things on a football field. There is also no doubt that the Aggies will score some points on Bama's defense. There are many good reasons to pick the Aggies to win this game as it will be an incredibly hostile and loud atmosphere in Kyle Field, the Aggies are a blessed athletic team with a great coach in Sumlin and dynamic playmakers all over the field, and the Aggies will no doubt enter the game with much confidence after having knocked off Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium last season. However, the fact that Alabama has had two weeks to prepare for Manziel and company, the likelihood that Alabama's offense should be able to put up big yards and points against an average defense, the revenge factor and the simple fact that Alabama has traditionally played much better on the road during Saban's Bama tenure leads me to give the slight edge to the two-time defending national champions. Alabama is more accustomed to huge national showdown games such as this, and it usually wins them more often than not under the guidance of Nick Saban. ALABAMA 37, TEXAS A & M 27

In other games involving SEC teams this weekend:

Mississippi State at Auburn: The Tigers have begun the Gus Malzahn Era in successful fashion, with wins against Washington State and Arkansas State, and actually showed quite a bit of progress, especially defensively, in its victory over a fairly solid Arkansas State squad. I think we begin finding out a little more about the Tigers, however, Saturday as they begin conference play against Dan Mullen's Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are a bit of a mystery too after a sluggish loss against Oklahoma State followed by a big win over undermanned Alcorn State. Although it has shown a solid ground attack in its first two games, Nick Marshall is still rounding into shape as Auburn's starting quarterback. In what should be a physical contest in Jordan-Hare Stadium, I think Auburn may have to rely on its running game and defense to stay undefeated and get off to a good SEC start. AUBURN 26, MISSISSIPPI STATE 19

Louisville at Kentucky: Although Charlie Strong's Cardinals have lived up to preseason expectations thus far, with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater already amassing incredible numbers, Louisville continues to get crucified because of its schedule, and a battle against Mark Stoops' Wildcats will not help that much. Louisville enters the game as a two-touchdown favorite over its in-state rival and I doubt if Kentucky will have many answers to handle the Cardinals' high-octane offensive attack. LOUISVILLE: 49, KENTUCKY 17.

Tennessee at Oregon: Butch Jones Volunteers have been impressive in coasting to wins in their first two games, but the Vols step it up to another level Saturday as they travel to battle the nation's No. 2 team in one of the toughest road environments in the nation. While the Vols, with their collection of impressive skill position standouts, should be able to put up some points against the Ducks, they will not have nearly enough to match Oregon quarterback sensation  Marcus Mariota, running back De'Anthony Thomas and company and the high-flying Ducks scoring attack. OREGON 42, TENNESSEE 21

Ole Miss at Texas: A very intriguing matchup, with Hugh Freeze's young and talented Rebels traveling to Austin to battle Mack Brown's Longhorns, a once-storied program which continues to reel, and is especially beleaguered coming off an ugly loss at BYU which led to the firing of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. A home loss to the Rebels would likely be another nail in the coffin for Brown as Texas coach, while a road win against one of the the sport's big-name programs would be another huge building block for Freeze's program. I am thinking that a Texas team seeking to avoid total dire straits early finds a way to get it done and get a close win against the Rebels. TEXAS 21, OLE MISS 17.

Southern Miss at Arkansas: the Razorbacks are already looking like a much different team in the early stages of the season under the direction of new coach Bret Bielema. A Golden Eagle team that is in the initial steps of a huge rebuilding process should not prove to be much of an obstacle for the Hogs. ARKANSAS 37, SOUTHERN MISS 12

Vanderbilt at South Carolina: Although I fully expect Vanderbilt to remain competitive and successful under the direction of James Franklin, the Commodores face a rough road test this weekend against Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks, a team that is no doubt still feeling the effects and frustration of a tough loss to Georgia last weekend and ready to pounce on a conference opponent back in the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium. SOUTH CAROLINA 28, VANDERBILT 18

Kent State at LSU: After breezing past UAB a week ago, Les Miles' Tigers continue to breeze this week, gaining another big win against an overwhelmed non-conference opponent where it should be able to put up some more huge offensive numbers behind much improved quarterback Zach Mettenberger.  LSU 48, KENT STATE 13.

Visit To Athens By Gamecocks Headline Week Two Of College Football

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.