Games To Watch: Week 2

Will Marcus Mariota and the Quack Attack beat Sparty?(Photo Credit:Daily Emerald)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                 Canes Rising Contributor



The first week of the college football season was light on upsets, but heavy on surprises. From the emergence of Kenny Thrill, to Okie State's gritty performance, teams all over the country showed that the race to the playoff isn't going to be a walk for the favorites.This week has few quality games, but there's more than enough to satisfy fans. 



5. Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt-- Coming into the season, Vanderbilt was projected to be a solid team, a team that would play the role of spoiler.  Vandy looked like a team lost on opening night.  To lose to Temple, a team that only won 2 games last season, shows that Vanderbilt was overrated.  Ole Miss comes into this game a team that still harbors hopes of sneaking into the SEC race.  Ole Miss looked dominant in their win over Boise State, this may be a team that has turned the proverbial corner.


4. ECU vs. South Carolina-- Last Thursday, a star was born.  Kenny Hill had a huge night, and  thoroughly embarrassed the South Carolina Gamecocks.  South Carolina entered the game ranked in the top 10, they hardly looked like one of the best teams in the country.  South Carolina is desperately looking for a win, but they are playing a team that has a lot to play for. ECU is a team that is looking for a signature win,  a win that will catapult them into the national conversation.  South Carolina may be ECU's best shot to get a big name win, and cement them as a program to watch.  Fans should keep their eyes peeled for ECU quarterback Shane Carden.  He's an underrated talent, and an exciting player. As we all saw last week, South Carolina has issues getting to the quarterback, which means Carden should have a huge game. 


3. Virginia Tech vs. Ohio State--  Virginia Tech is a program at a crossroads.  It's a program that is struggling to stay relevant in the national conversation, but is still good enough to challenge for conference titles.  Is it time for Tech to consider moving away from Frank Beamer? The Hokies have been stale offensively for the better part of a decade.   New quarterback Michael Brewer looks to be a difference maker, but he's unproven.  Ohio State entered the season as a favorite to win it all, and is now scrambling to stay afloat after Braxton Miller's injury.  The Buckeyes are depending on freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett, and a stout defense to carry them to the promised land.  If the Buckeyes can escape with a victory, they will have clear sailing to their November tilt against Michigan State.


2.  USC vs. Stanford--  These teams have become heated rivals over the past 5 years.  From the bad blood between former coaches Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh, to the rise of Stanford as the dominant power in California, this game has contained many interesting story lines.  This year, it's a battle between two ranked teams, two teams that are looking to make a mark in the Pac-12 race.  Southern Cal isn't deep, but they are very talented. The Trojans are led by quarterback Cody Kessler, a player who has come into his own under new head coach Steve Sarkisian.  Stanford comes into the game with a proven play maker in Ty Montgomery, and a physical defense. The Cardinal will look to their stable of running backs to control the game and  punish the Trojan defense.   SC has struggled against Stanford, going 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.


1. Michigan State vs. Oregon-- In boxing, contrasting styles usually make for great fights. Ali versus Foreman, Roberto Duran versus Sugar Ray Leonard, these fighters were polar opposites of each other, and had legendary battles.  This boxing truism also applies to football.   Michigan State is a physical, defense oriented team, while Oregon is a fast, uptempo team that relies on explosive plays.  Oregon has struggled against teams that are physically imposing losing to Stanford, and Auburn in recent years.    Michigan State is limited offensively, but they can stop anyone. Marcus Mariota is a Heisman candidate, and a dominant performance Saturday may pay dividends at the ballot box.   This is the game of the week, it will have something for both the modern fan, and the purist.