Notre Dame at Michigan

GAME TIME:	3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ABC
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Notre Dame 36, Michigan 20
SERIES:	Michigan leads 16-11-1

There's a lot of talk about how unfair Notre Dame has been because they were able to schedule a game before playing Michigan. Lloyd Carr feels it's a little unethical. There's talk about revenge after last year when Michigan was hoping to repeat as champions and got embarrassed in South Bend.

	Anthony Thomas will be a load for Notre Dame to slow down.

There are a number of off-the-field issues leading into the game that are interesting. But when the whistle blows Saturday, you can throw those out the window. As for which team gets the advantage, I think it works two ways. The Wolverines have an edge because they get to scout Notre Dame and study the Irish's schemes. Then, Notre Dame has an advantage because it has a game under its belt and can correct some opening-game mistakes. I think one way or another it won't be that big of an advantage for either team.

On the field, I love Notre Dame's new offensive attack this year under Kevin Rogers. I think you will see more balance, with the Irish's ability to run and throw off of play action with an experienced quarterback in Jarious Jackson.

When I spoke to Rogers early this week, he said he likes his offensive talent, with Jackson and two bruising tailbacks in Tony Driver and Tony Fisher. Notre Dame is very confident this year and has improved its skill on both sides of the ball compared to its teams the last few years.

Michigan is one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The Wolverines have the quarterback dilemma to work out between Tom Brady and Drew Henson. Unofficially, it's been leaked that Brady will make the start and that he was elected captain, but Henson will play. Michigan needs to avoid a quarterback controversy and make the situation work for them. If the Wolverines can do that, they should have a big year.

I like running back Anthony Thomas, but Michigan has to be able to throw the ball and needs to develop some weapons on the outside. On defense, the Wolverines has a great, experienced front seven and a secondary that will on a couple of cornerbacks who should do the job in Jim Herrmann's blitzing scheme. Michigan's defense will try to take away Notre Dame's option game and tailbacks Fisher and Driver and force Jackson to throw the ball to win the game.

There may be an opportunity for one of the backup quarterbacks to be the hero because both wil play. They love sophomore Arnaz Battle in South Bend. The Notre Dame coaches liken to Jamielle Holieway at running the option. If Battle can become a consistent thrower, he will be a superstar in the future. Then there's Henson, a major talent waiting to emerge at Michgian. We'll see which guy can provide a spark off the bench.

It's hard to break down the game because it's so early in the season, but my opinion would be that Michigan has the advantage of playing at home and is the favorite based on talent. I said the same thing last year, and Notre Dame shocked them so it will be interesting to see how this game unfolds.   BACK TO TOP

Wyoming at Tennessee

GAME TIME:	7 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN2
LAST MEETING:	First meeting between schools

It's the much-anticipated beginning of Tennessee's quest to recapture the magic of a year ago. The Vols appear to be even stronger, faster and better than they were in '98. A lot of the players involved in last year's championship are back, including Tee Martin and the majority of the offensive line, including Cosey Coleman and Chad Clifton.

Jamal Lewis makes his return from knee surgery. Everybody knows what Lewis can do with the football, but we're all excited to see how he responds to the layoff. I think he will play well all year, but the Vols need to develop and count on some inexperienced receivers for them to be a complete offense. Following Cedric Wilson (31 catches, five TDs in '98), the Vols' most experienced wideout is David Martin, who caught three balls last year.

The Vols need to be careful because Wyoming has played Colorado, Ohio State and Georgia the last three years. So the Cowboys won't be intimidated about playing Tennessee at Neyland Stadium. They think they have a shot to shock the world and believe they have nothing to lose.

Dana Dimel does a great job coaching the Cowboys. They have a lot of speed on a defense led by tackle Jeff Boyle, safety Al Rich and corner Robbie Duncan. The Cowboys held Georgia to 76 yards rushing on 45 carries a year ago. I expect a challenge from Wyoming. This could be a good game for three quarters until Tennessee pulls away. The Cowboys have a nice offensive approach with Jay Stoner at quarterback, and the defense plays with a little chip on its shoulder.   BACK TO TOP

South Carolina at N.C. State

GAME TIME:	7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN
LAST MEETING:	1991 -- N.C. State 38, South Carolina 21
SERIES:	Tied 25-25-4

N.C. State was fortunate to escape its game against Texas last week with a 23-20 win. The Wolf Pack had 172 yards of total offense. To be able to still walk away with a victory speaks volumes about how their defense and special teams played, especially blocking three punts that led to 16 points.

South Carolina under Lou Holtz is an unknown. You know the Gamecocks will have a good attitude and be upbeat about having a new coach and staff. I'm sure they're trying to stay positive. But their defense last year was horrible in every way, allowing nearly 400 yards a game.

The Gamecocks need to corral quarterback Jamie Barnette, receiver Chris Coleman and running backs Ray Robinson and Rahshon Spikes. South Carolina might show a glimmer of hope on offense because it will be well coached, but defensively the Gamecocks may have a tough time containing Barnette, especially since N.C. State is coming off such a bad offensive outing. I think N.C. State will ruin Holtz's first game out of the blocks.   BACK TO TOP

Nebraska at Iowa

GAME TIME:	noon p.m. ET Saturday, ABC
LAST MEETING:	1982 -- Nebraska 42, Iowa 7
SERIES:	Nebraska leads 24-12-3

This is the game I'm most excited about outside of Notre Dame-Michigan this weekend. Nebraska under Frank Solich had such a disappointing year a year ago, and a lot of people put the blame on Solich, which I thought was undeserving. He had a lot of injuries to deal with in every aspect of the game.

Now the 'Huskers are off to a new start. In January, the Nebraska offensive linemen started lifting at 7 a.m. five days a week. They are trying to regain the attitude in the trenches that they lost a year ago, so look for the offensive line to be excited playing this game. Look for center Dominic Raiola, a true sophomore, to dominate up front. I think he will be the 'Huskers' next Outland or Lombardi winner, but no one has heard of him yet.

Bobby Newcombe has been named the starting quarterback, and DeAngelo Evans will be the I-back. You'll see backup QB Eric Crouch and backup I-back Dan Alexander throughout the game. But the key for the 'Huskers in this game and for the season is regaining the cocky, tough attitude they had before last year and stay healthy. They will be a handful for anyone.

This is a very tough start for Kirk Ferentz, Iowa's first-year coach. Even though he is playing at home, it will be difficult for his team to get anything going. I think the Hawkeyes' offense will struggle against a very good defense. They have few playmakers other than sophomore Ladell Betts, who set school rushing records for freshmen last year.

The Hawkeyes haven't lost an opener since 1992, but all streaks must come to an end, especially when you're playing Nebraska.   BACK TO TOP