Week Two Preview
Posted on September 8, 2011 by Jacob Bunn
Here is my analysis of the top college football games of week two.
3 Alabama at 23 Penn State –
Ronald Reagan told Walter Mondale during a famous presidential debate dialogue that he would not use Mondale's youth and inexperience against him in the campaign after the question was raised about Reagan being too old to lead. Compared to Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is youthful and inexperienced. But like in the presidential campaign of 1984, it will not matter. Saban, a short in height, intense person probably reminds Paterno, who is approaching 178 years of age, of Napoleon certainly qualifies as the better coach.
On the field, I think the Tide will win the day. After all, what does it say about Penn State that its nickname is 'linebacker U' and Alabama possesses the nation's top rated linebacking corps?
16 Mississippi State at Auburn –
You officially have my permission to call this game the 'Cam Newton bowl.' As Auburn fans have continually reassured everyone, Cecil Newton solicited Cam's services to Mississippi State. And Auburn did nothing wrong whatsoever. They are completely innocent, despite what Danny Sheridan says about some bagman.
The key to this game will be points on the scoreboard. Judging by the performance last week against Utah State, Auburn fans may not want to watch when Mississippi State has the football. Mississippi State has a talent at quarterback in Chris Relf, and Auburn's Barrett Trotter is still gaining experience. I think that position will be the difference in the game. If I were a betting person, the Bulldogs would be the team I'd put $180,000 on this year.
12 South Carolina at Georgia –
Neither of these teams looked particularly good on week one, but Georgia looked decidedly worse. I think Steve Spurrier's team probably has the advantage in this game if someone will please tell him from me not to start Jadeveon Clowney at quarterback. I know Garcia has been arrested more times than Brett Favre has returned from retirement. But if he is going to be on the team, please play him.
Notre Dame at Michigan –
This one is a historical rivalry. I mean it; you have to dig back through the college football history archives a few years to find a significant game between these two. This year, the Fighting Irish were ranked in most preseason polls and were highly touted. So, they promptly dropped the opening game to South Florida, a middle to lower tier Big East program. Michigan has a new coach named Brady Hoke. This is an early opportunity for him to get a big win.
This game has already received far too much national attention. I don't think most college football fans will remember which team won in two months.
The first successful trial by Thomas Edison with his light bulb took place on October 22, 1879. 132 years later, Michigan plays its first game with lights at Michigan Stadium. I assume Ann Arbor will be installing its very own phonograph soon.
Alabama 23 Penn State 12
Mississippi State 34 Auburn 17
South Carolina 20 Georgia 17
Notre Dame 37 Michigan 31
Until next week...
Tweet Tweet this!
Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn
