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The weekend is finally here, and now it is time to kick back on the couch, open a cold beverage, and enjoy some football action. To help you get ready, we present BTB's weekly guide to the pigskin fun.
Bowling Green @ Wisconsin ESPN2 12:00 PM Eastern
Last week the Bowling Green Falcons knocked off Big Ten school Indiana. This week they look to make it two wins in a row over the power conference as they square off against the Wisconsin Badgers. It will be an uphill battle for the MAC-affiliated school, but games are played on the gridiron and not on paper. The Falcons fast paced offense will present a challenge for the Badger D, but if they can weather the initial storm and if the vaunted Wisconsin OL can return to its dominant form this game could turn into a sleeper before half time. On the other hand, if BG turns it into a track meet things will be ripe for a second consecutive upset.
Maryland @ Syracuse ESPN3/ESPN Gameplan 12:30 PM Eastern
The 2-1 Terrapins, coming off of a close loss to their cross-border rivals the West Virginia Mountaineers, look to rebound with a trip to New York. They will square off against the 2-0 Syracuse Orange in what should be the best of the early afternoon showdowns. The Orange like to play smash mouth football on both sides of the line of scrimmage while the Terps feature a defense that likes to get after it as well. Their only concern is that their linebacking corps struggled in shutting down the Mountaineers running backs last week, and they will face a better tandem this week.
Florida @ #3 Alabama CBS 3:30 PM Eastern
The afternoon's first match-up of "name" schools comes from the SEC. The Gators are not the same team that so recently was a player in deciding National Championships. Under Will Muschamp the team has gone from having a high powered offense to being a defense first squad but don't let fool you. This year's Florida team offers flashes of the Spurrier-era offensive mentality as well. The Crimson Tide are a two touchdown favorite to win at home, but if Bama takes things lightly, this game could be the upset of the week.
#4 Oklahoma @ West Virginia FOX 7:30 PM Eastern
The two Big-12 squads will meet in what will be the conference opener for both schools. The last time these teams met in Morgantown was two years ago and the result was an insane shootout that resulted in a 50-49 win for the Sooners. This year's game has the potential to be just as exciting since both teams feature offenses that can put points on the board in a hurry. If you like your football with a side of track meet, this is the game for you.
#22 Clemson @ #1 Florida State ABC 8:00 PM Eastern
The Seminoles are the top ranked team in the land, and the odds makes are making them a 17 point favorite, but there is a rivalry element to this game, so anything could happen. Add in that FSU will play the first half with its back up passer at the helm and you have to wonder how this game will turn out. If nothing else, this game will answer some lingering questions about just how good the Noles really are this season. If the wheels start to fall off, Clemson is a good enough team to make certain that there is a new team atop the polls next week.
#2 Oregon @ Washington State ESPN 10:30 PM Eastern
The high octane quack attack should dominate this game and this series, but over the past several years that has not been the case. State gives the Ducks all they want on a regular basis and they will have the advantage of playing at home. Both of these teams are offensive minded so this could turn into a shoot out, and if either defense can turn in a better than normal performance, it could be the difference maker. The odds makers don't see it that way, but it this should be a far better game than the 23 point spread indicates.
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