With college football starting to heat up, here is a look at the marquee matchups coming to your TV screen this Saturday. Cupcakes need not apply.
UCLA (1-1) at
No. 1 Oklahoma (3-0)
The Bruins edged Illinois 6-3 last weekend, but it will take more than two field goals to triumph over the top team in the nation.
Oklahoma is as intimidating a team as can be found in college football right now. Though their offense lacks the star power of some of the other ranked teams, it will be more than enough for the overmatched Bruins. Though UCLA's defensive backs should not be taken lightly, Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops should be able to keep the chains moving.
No. 2 Miami (3-0) at Boston College (2-1)
Boston College is carrying a vendetta against the Hurricanes for their offseason decision to move to the ACC without the Eagles, as originally planned. This will be the Golden Eagles' last chance to get revenge on Miami in Chestnut Hill for possibly some time.
Miami junior running back Frank Gore and junior quarterback Brock Berlin will try to build on the chemistry they have developed and win their 25th straight Big East game. Countering them, however, will be Golden Eagles senior running back Derrick Knight, the nation's No. 3 rusher, and his 157 yard-per-game average.
The Eagles have not beaten Miami at home since Doug Flutie's miracle pass in 1984.
No. 3 Michigan (3-0) at No. 22 Oregon (3-0)
Michigan heads to Autzen Stadium with the top defense in the nation, one surrendering only three points per game. Oppossing them, though, will be the passing machine that is the Oregon offense. Led by two very capable quarterbacks in senior Jason Fife and sophomore Kellen Clemens, the Ducks have so far scored 11 passing touchdowns with no interceptions.
Luckily for the Wolverines, they are no slouches on offense themselves. Senior quarterback John Navarre, finally hitting his groove after years of criticism, teams with senior running back Chris Perry, the nation's leading rusher. Countering this combo and the rest of Michigan's weapons could prove to be Oregon's biggest challenge of the entire season.
No. 7 Georgia (3-0) at
No. 11 LSU (3-0)
Georgia's Bulldogs currently boast the third best scoring defense in the nation. Their opponents the Tigers, on the other hand, feature the fourth best offense in the land. Can a fan ask for anything more?
LSU junior quarterback Matt Mauck has been on a tear lately, leading his squad to an average of 48 points per game. Aiding him has been junior wide receiver Michael Clayton, who has 423 yards and four touchdowns thus far.
Offense is not the only thing the Tigers bring, though. Their defense lets up the second fewest yards of any team nationally. They will get to show if they are legitimate this weekend though, as Georgia junior quarterback David Greene has been a force in the pocket. In addition, junior wide receiver Fred Gibson may return to the Bulldog lineup.
No. 12 Tennessee (2-0) at No. 17 Florida (2-1)
The early lead for the SEC crown is up for grabs this weekend in the conference's most anticipated match of the year.
The Volunteers will attempt to ride the momentum of their impressive wins over Marshall and Fresno State. Led by senior quarterback Casey Clausen and junior running back Cedric Houston, the Vols have the tools to win out over the Gators.
Scoring on the Gators is one thing, but defending against their No. 1 rated offense is another. Despite the quarterback controversy between sophomore Ingle Martin and freshman Chris Leak, Florida is capable of putting on an offensive show. Tennessee's defense will have to make sure that the inexperienced Gators do not find a comfort zone.
