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Friday, December 13, 2002
Weekend preview: A first look at the Huskers
By Mike Diegnan
BCSfootball.com
While the first weekend of the season may not have provided much excitement on the field, try telling Lee Corso it was dull.
So here are Saturday's games that should impact the Bowl Championship Series most this weekend.
San Jose State at No. 1 Nebraska (12:30 p.m.)
| Why to watch: |
Who to watch: |
What to expect: |
| While the game will only be available on the web or radio, all will want to see just how good the Huskers are. Nebraska overwhelmed Tennessee in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl last January, and if the Big Red repeat that performance on Saturday, there is no doubt who should be No. 1. |
Dominic Railoa: The All-Big XII center is the key to the Nebraska option game. At 6-foot-2, 300 pounds, he has more than 30 pounds on every San Jose State lineman. It is critical for Eric Crouch to stay healthy this season, and he has potentially one of Nebraska's best-ever lines protecting him. |
A running game. Nebraska struggled for much of 1999 trying to establish its patented option game. Expect Dan Alexander to step in and give the Huskers a threat in the backfield with a big game. |
No. 3 Alabama at UCLA (ABC, 3:30 p.m.)
| Why to watch: |
Who to watch: |
What to expect: |
| A missed extra point in overtime by Florida kicker Jeff Chandler last season set off an explosion in Tuscaloosa and saved Mike DuBose's job. With 15 starters returning for the defending SEC champions, Alabama begins the 2000 season with national championship aspirations with a trip to the Rose Bowl against a UCLA team that figures to rebound from a dismal 4-7 campaign. |
Ryan Nece: The son of NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott will have his hands full against a versatile Alabama offense. The 6-foot-2, 224-pound outside linebacker will have to contend with athletic quarterback Andrew Zow, pounding tailback Shaun Bohanon and electric talent Freddie Milons. |
The Pac-10 is definitely on the rise this fall, but few teams are as deep and talented as 'Bama. UCLA will able to keep the game competitive, but the Tide's defense will be too much for Cory Paus and Co. |
Louisiana Tech at No. 9 Kansas State (7 p.m.)
| Why to watch: |
Who to watch: |
What to expect: |
| Ask Alabama about La. Tech. With Tim Rattay hurt and an unknown named Brian Stallworth running the show, the Bulldogs upset the Crimson Tide in Legion Field last year. Both La. Tech and K-State were victorious last week, but the Wildcats were far from impressive. |
Brian Stallworth: Sure, Mississippi Valley State is a Division I-AA opponent, but when you complete 26-of-31 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns, people notice. With K-State safety Jarrod Cooper doubtful, the Wildcats will be missing their best defensive back in a game where they will face regular four and five wide receiver sets. |
Louisiana Tech is going to put up points; but the question is, how much K-State can score? David Allen is out and Jonathan Beasley made numerous mistakes last week against Iowa. Unless Beasley improves, this could be the season's first upset. |
No. 24 South. Miss. at No. 12 Tenn. (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.)
| Why to watch: |
Who to watch: |
What to expect: |
| How much does Tennessee have left in the tank? Two years after winning the first BCS championship, the Vols lost nine players to the NFL Draft. Can Phillip Fulmer restock Tennessee quickly enough to prepare for an SEC schedule that includes No. 7 Florida (in two weeks), No. 11 Georgia and No. 3 Alabama? |
Joey Matthews: Two years ago, a young quarterback replaced a legend in Knoxville. All Tee Martin did in replacing Peyton Manning was lead Tennessee to the national championship. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Matthews makes his first start. |
Southern Miss. should not be brushed aside just because the Golden Eagles compete in Conference USA. Last year, Southern Miss. almost won at Nebraska and at Texas A&M. Then again, with a healthy Travis Henry, the Vols will extend their home-game winning streak to 23. |
No. 23 Texas A&M at Notre Dame (1 p.m.)
| Why to watch: |
Who to watch: |
What to expect: |
| The Bob Davie Watch officially begins. How the Irish fare in their first four games -- all against Top 25 teams (ND is 4-9 against ranked opponents during his tenure) -- will likely determine his fate. With a green quarterback in Arnaz Battle, Davie could find himself out of South Bend rather quickly. |
Julius Jones: First-round draft pick Thomas' younger brother could become Notre Dame's first true playmaking threat since Raghib "Rocket" Ismail. With Battle making his first start, Texas A&M's vaunted linebackers will be keying on Jones all afternoon. |
Mistakes galore: Both teams will be starting new quarterbacks, and in any opening game, that translates into turnovers and penalties. Both teams have experienced lines, but the Irish could have the advantage in skill players. |
All game times Eastern
Mike Diegnan is the editor of BCSfootball.com.
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