Almost lunchtime here. I hope it has been a good Friday so far, and if it hasn’t well, find the humor and keep on movin’
It’s a good problem to have so many good matchups to choose from on one Saturday. I gave my 12 interesting games for the weekend last night, but who can watch that many games, keep up with that many players, and still be a responsible human on the weekend? It’s no easy task to say the least. Frankly, this is a perfect day to get a Styrofoam cooler and fill it full of ice and Pabst, a lawn chair, put a twelve hour brisket on the smoker, and a place a portable television in the backyard close to the barbecue so to secretly keep up with the action all day while you “check on the brisket.” You could settle into your little backyard domain, maybe even get a few backyard tools out, tune into AM Sports radio on your ‘Walkman’, and let the magic of college football mesh with the crisp air that the second weekend of fall delivers. Air that is now hickory smoke filled. Anytime the loved ones ask what you’re doing simply respond, “just checking on the brisket honey,” or “Darn weed eater is tangled…Sorry it’s taken all day,” and simply enjoy the drama and stories as they are told through your headset and portable tv situated on the picnic table in the shade… Of course, this is all in good fun.
This is why I’ve narrowed my watch list to 3 games, with one honorable mention and two late night action kicks for the insomniacs and gamblers and sentimental types, which I be sure to mention at the end.
The games tomorrow begin at 10am here locally and the last game kicks at 8:30PM, which makes for a long day. By all means, be responsible and handle whatever Saturday brings, but when it’s possible, grab a cold beverage and tune into any game you want, but specifically, I recommend one of these three that I will be watching.
It all starts with a back-to-back double header on Big FOX or “Big Noon Kickoff” as they call it. Texas is traveling north to Ann Arbor to challenge Michigan in the “Big House,” followed immediately by Baylor playing on the road against Utah on the same channel. So, it’s easy. Noon EST, turn the dial to FOX and just leave it there until the Bears and Utes have been decided later that evening. Then, at 7:30EST, switch to ABC as Tennessee meets Nc State in Charlotte. Someone has to lose these games. Which means someone has an uphill climb to the newly implemented 12 team playoffs.
This early in the year, coaches will preach from the podium “we only care about what’s in front of us…It’s about winning each individual battle every play, and winning games when we can…We just gotta be the thermostat our own environment.” –I love hearing coaches talk. Truth is that they are right in their approach, but what they won’t publicly say, yet believe in their heart of hearts is that their team will be one of the 12 invited to the playoffs at this stage. “It’s only week 2” will not be part of their vocabulary when motivating their team of college students.
Sherrone Moore’s Wolverines won’t let those words be said as they try to defend the “Big House” from Steve Sarkesian’s Longhorn stampede.
Kyle Whittingham understands the implications of this early battle between his veteran Utes and Dave Aranda’s disciplined Bears.
Dave Doeran knows that a win for his Wolfpack tomorrow night would project them forward towards one of those coveted 12 playoff spots, and further knows that Josh Heupel’s Volunteer’s will be looking to do the exact same.
Yes, it’s week 2, but it’s far from “only week 2.” It’s early in the story, and momentum is there to be seized, but regardless of the outcomes, the road will only prove to get more difficult for all teams.
I have very little to offer by way of analysis regarding any of the teams playing. I watched Michigan last week against Fresno and have an opinion about some of their strengths and weaknesses based on that game, but I feel those opinions are irrelevant going into this Texas game. With that said, I will bumble a few words about things I’m looking forward to watching.
By week 4, I’ll be adding my own opinions to certain games. Now..
Texas is a team that seems to be getting a lot of early praise, and perhaps rightfully so. I’m looking forward to watching the Ewers QB. I’ve read a lot of good things. Let’s see it kid. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Longhorn front 7 contends with the running attack of Michigan. I’m curious if Michigan can develop any sort of a glimpse of a consistent passing game against an SEC opponent. Most of all, and I need you to know this true, I’m looking forward to hearing Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt call a game. Gus was always meant to do big games, and Joel Klatt, when he can stick to in game analysis is truly one of the best at ‘breaking down’ plays in real time. I’ll at least begin the day with the TV unmuted and hope for the best. Hey, Benetti didn’t let me down last week during that rainy North Carolina victory. Something tells me that these guys won’t either.
Baylor at Utah. I mean, it all starts with the coaches. Kyle Whittingham has become a fixture at Utah year after year, and why not? He coaches the correct things in the right ways. He has adapted his in game philosophy when needed as the game is constantly changing and growing. He builds teams season after season that are constantly easy to support and always has a ‘next man up’ attitude, even when he loses a key player for the season (CB Kenan Johnson out for the year. Heal up brother). He’s an old school mentality gritty head coach with the perspective of a much younger man.
On the other side, Dave Aranda. He coached at schools like Delta State, Southern Utah, and Utah St before getting much bigger roles with Wisconsin, LSU, and now Baylor. He coached the Bears to a Big 12 Championship Title just three years ago, and I love his teams organized defensive tenacity. Traditionally speaking that is. I know nothing about his roster this season, but I do know that he switched offensive coordinators in the off season to Jake Spavital who likes to play fast. Looking forward to seeing the 2024 Bears.
On field the tomorrow, at Rice Eccles Stadium, it isn’t going to be ‘crisp air that the second weekend of fall brings’ as I previously stated. The high is a tick or two above 90. I’m curious if the Baylor team will want to play fast and get in a track meet with Cam Rising, at altitude, in heat meant for July not September. On the other hand, I’m curious about the Utah secondary if Baylor does spread out and play fast. Will the defensive backs be able to make the tough 1 on 1 tackles on the perimeter? I expect Whittingham to play a soft zone and allow Baylor to complete underneath throws especially on 1st and 2nd down, but ideally, only to be tackled immediately. Tackling is key, and if you’re not going to tackle than you better not turn it over. This game will be fun. Can you tell I’m ready for it? Hope both teams pack the rehydrate gel packs and sunscreen.
The primetime game against the Volunteers and NC State is sheer intrigue. No fandom. No knowledge of either. It just presents a good matchup. I do wish this game was being played in Raleigh instead of Charlotte. Home crowds make better TV games. Let’s look up some stuff. Who is QB for the Vols? Oh Jesus. Nico lamaleava is his name. It’s pronounced different than it looks. He’s a freshman. Oh, here we go, now I’m intrigued. Nico is a freshman playing against Dave Doeren. The former Drake Tight End has been on the defensive side of the ball his entire coaching career. If there is a weakness in Nico, he will coach his players to exploit it. Let’s briefly check the Wolfpack QB. Grayson McCall! Wiley veteran who knows how to play the role of underdog as he did so well for those exciting Coastal Carolina teams a couple of years ago. Josh Heupel is no punk. He’s not one to be duped by dimming lights, loud pregame music, or even watching an organized defense feed off the crowds energy in the first quarter. His offense will be ready, and their pace will be relentless, but will his first year QB be as stoic as his head coach and avoid making the costly road mistake? Nc state defense and Grayson McCall lead the charge for the Wolfpack against Josh Heupel’s offensive mind and slew of talented weapons. I’ll be there with my popcorn ready.
I think that is enough for now. All three of these games could be great to watch. I’ll be blogging along as these games unfold tomorrow. Dang coffee cup has been empty for too long.
Before I go, there is an honorable mention. Colorado travels to Lincoln to continue forging their rivalry against the Cornhuskers at 7:30 EST on NBC. And…
If you find yourself awake so very late on Saturday night, flip back to Big FOX or ESPN to watch three of Mike Leach’s former teams play. (Games listed below). His offense, his mind, his wit, his humor, his genius will all be treasures in my mind. I can’t eat certain candy without first thinking of Mike Leach. Rest In Peace…who am I kidding? He’s talking about something to someone somewhere, with a hint of smile and a gleam in his eye. College football will always keep Mike Leach alive…for me.
GAME TIMES:
Texas @ Michigan NOON Big FOX
Tennessee @ North Carolina St 7:30 EST ABC
Colorado @ Nebraska 7:30 NBC (Honorable mention)
Old School ‘Pac12 after dark’ worth staying up for games/ ‘tribute to Mike Leach games’
Texas Tech @ Washington St 10:00Pm EST FOX
Mississippi St @ Arizona St 10:30 Pm ESPN
I might, might stay up and give some ‘live thoughts’ if one of these games gets really good.. Who knows?
See ya’ll at 10am. That’s all folks.
Find the humor and keep on movin’
Whit W.