Friday, September 8, 2006 - The Michigan Daily - 13
What to Watch
Wondering which college football games to tune in to after getting home from the Big House? The
Daily breaks down the best selections from a smorgasbord of Week 2 college football offerings.
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OSU-Texas headlines
weekend offootball
T he good news after the first weekend of quarterback Ricky Santos (back-to-back 3,000-
the season is that the Big Ten is 11-0. The plus-yard seasons). Last season, the Wildcats were
bad news: The Big Ten's nonconference held below 40 points just four times in 13 games
schedule was softer than a Skinemax movie. This (17 points in the opener was their lowest total). If
weekend should be much more entertaining for there is one game set up for another I-AA upset,
Big Ten fans. it's this one.
No. 19 Penn State at No. 4 Notre Dame, Sat- New Hampshire 42, Northwestern 37
urday, September 9 - 3:30 p.m., NBC
Last week was bittersweet for the Notre Dame Minnesota at No. 22 California, Saturday,
haters. The Fighting Irish didn't September 9 - 7 p.m., TBS.
look as strong as the entire world How unlucky can Minnesota
predicted, but at the same time, be? They must face a pack of
coach Charlie Weis and boy-won- ACroSS the Big Ten angry Bears that are pretty per-
der Brady Quinn still pulled off with H. Jose Bosch turbed about the spanking they
a win. This week, the competi- received at the hands of Tennes-
tion is tougher, but the setting is much friendlier. see. Golden Gopher fans will point to their 44-0
Touchdown Jesus will smile down fondly on the drubbing of Kent State as a sign that Minnesota
Golden Domers, and the Fighting Irish will look isn't that bad, but let's be honest, a win over Kent
as good as everyone predicted. State is like winning a local Madden tournament.
It's a fine accomplishment, but no one cares.
Notre Dame 27, Penn State 10 Thankfully, you can switch to a more interesting
Big Ten game an hour later.
Eastern Michigan at Michigan State, Satur-
day, September 9 - 3:30 p.m., ABC
The Spartans weren't very convincing in their
27-17 win over Idaho last week, but they got the
job done at home. The Eagles come off a demor-
alizing 38-20 loss to Ball State. It wasn't embar-
rassing because it was to the Cardinals; it was
embarrassing because it was broadcast on Com-
cast Local. Senior Drew Stanton will feel like
Vince Young against a Pee Wee football team.
The Cardinals' freshman quarterback Nate Davis
completed seven of eight passes for 108 yards and
three touchdowns in his collegiate debut.
Michigan State 31, Eastern Michigan 7
Illinois at Rutgers, Saturday, September
9 - Noon, ESPN2.
Rutgers fans wince at this match-up. Last
season, the Scarlet Knights had a 27-7 lead with
10:49 remaining in the third quarter, only to be
outscored 26-3 the rest of the game. Illini running
back Pierre Thomas sealed the deal with his two-
yard touchdown run in overtime to give Illinois
the 33-30 win. Thomas and starting quarterback
Tim Brasic are back again, and even though this
game is at Rutgers, the Illini will focus on pre-
venting another almost-upset. Well, it's not like
either team is great.
Illinois 24, Rutgers 10
Miami (OH) at Purdue, Saturday, Septem-
ber 9 - 1 p.m., ESPN360
The Boilermakers' defensive coordinator won't
have much gameplanning to do for this one. The
RedHawks offense managed just three points
against Northwestern, a defense that finished last in
Division I-A last season (Miami (OH) had just 54
total yards in the first half). Purdue was the exact
opposite, dropping a 60 spot on Indiana State. The
RedHawks' corners will feel like Wile E. Coyote
chasing the Road Runner by the time this game is
through. Unfortunately, they won't have the stick of
dynamite to end the game prematurely.
Purdue 37, Miami (OH) 10
No. 22 Caltfornia 40, Minnesota 13
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 2 Texas, Saturday,
September 9 - 8 p.m., ABC
In just one year, this game has already
turned into a Florida State-Miami kind of
rivalry; two great teams on the field, and
both with rap sheets. The Longhorns are 4-0
in No. 1 vs. No. 2 games, while the Buckeyes
are 2-0. Last season Vince Young led Texas
into Columbus and won in the Horseshoe,
despite the fact he told the media it was the
most hostile environment he'd ever been in.
But Ohio State's Troy Smith had just 11 pass
attempts and 13 rushes, combining for a pal-
try 105 yards and a touchdown. Imagine how
much better the Buckeyes will be if he plays
the entire game. And Colt McCoy is no Vince
Young. Score one for the Big Ten.
Ohio State 24, Texas 21
The Michigan Daily Top
1. Ohio State (71: It pains us to rust the
Buckeyes so high. But come on. id yous
what Ohio State did to Northern Illinois in that
first half? Sure, the defense let Garrett Wolfe run
wild, but it's hard to blame them for relaxing.
10 Poll
6. West Virginia: The Mountaineers'
schedule looked easy enough before Big East
rival Louisville's running hack Michael Bush
went down for the season. Now, West Virginia
has a clear path to an undefeated season.
New Hampshire at Northwestern, Saturday,
September 9 - 2 p.m.y4
It'll be an emotional opening day for the
Wildcats, who play their first home game since
the passing of former coach Randy Walker. Last
weekend, Northwestern parlayed an inspiring
night into a 21-3 win over Miami (OH). Divi- AP PHOTO
sion I-AA New Hampshire is just looking for a Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith will have his hands
big payday, but it does have fire power thanks to full trying to top Texas this Saturday.
NOTES
Spikers to 'crash Crisler' Saturday
The Maize and Blue faithful can match of the Michigan
continue cheering on the Wolver- lenge and will include
ines following Saturday's football es and promotions for
game against Central Michigan. Unlikenormal volle
Big House next-door neighbor es, which have a $5 a
Crisler Arena will play host to the sion rate, the event is
undefeated Michigan as it takes Competition is slated
on University of the Pacific. The minutes after the conc
"Crash Crisler" event is the final football game.
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