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. ooool 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. LIKE WRITING? LIKE SPORTS? JOIN DAILY SPORTS. STOP BY OUR WEEKLY MEETING SUNDAY AT 12 P.M. AT 413 E. HURON ST. qbmot/oF.Hm LL rOKnrH to perform with University Dance Company in SUBS SO FAST r r r r YOU'LL FREAK! A