A Peak at Week Three

September 17th, 2005

By Justin Waganer
Senior Sports Writer

Oklahoma at UCLA (2:30 pm, ABC)- This is a huge swing game in seeing how this 2005 season could go for OU. The Sooners must go in to the off week before entering conference play on an up note. With this young team they must see improvement and something to build on in a game that is winnable, though the odds may not be in their favor. Oklahoma will struggle in the beginning and make some mistakes that will ultimately doom them, but not without a fight. The Sooners will fight back and have a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter before losing to the Bruins, 28-24.

Arkansas State at Oklahoma State (6 pm, No TV)- Though the game is one they should win easily, this is a big one for the Cowboys. Not to impress anyone else, but to establish some confidence in an anemic offense before conference season begins in a few weeks. Bobby Reid will put on a show, but still struggle with the passing game. He may push 100 yards or more on the day as the Pokes roll 41-13.

Miami at Clemson (2:30 pm, ESPN Gameplan)- Clemson has had a nice start to the ‘05 season with comeback wins over Texas A&M and Maryland, but the inevitable Tommy Bowden collapse has to happen at some point. Miami wins easily, 38-21.

Pittsburgh at Nebraska (2:30 pm, ESPN Gameplan)- Neither one of these teams are any good at all. Why do I talk about this game at all? It’s a battle of a few NFL coaching retreads who aren’t having a very good time hanging with the coeds. Nebraska wins, barely, but I really don’t care. Nebraska 10- Pittsburgh 9.

Alabama at South Carolina (2:30 pm, CBS)- Alabama features a coach whose Dad is one of the best ever in the NFL, but he sucks. South Carolina features a coach that is one of the best ever in college, but sucked in the NFL. What does all this mean? Nothing, except Mike Shula couldn’t out coach John Blake with a blindfold on. South Carolina 23- Alabama 10.

Michigan State at Notre Dame (2:30 pm, NBC)- You have to think Notre Dame will struggle at some point, but I don’t think it will be Michigan State in the home opener for the Irish. Irish 34- Spartans 17.

Florida State at Boston College (6:45 pm, ESPN)- Nobody does self-promotion like ESPN and they are doing it well this weekend. Choosing the Seminoles and Eagles is not a crime against football, but when Tennessee and Florida are also playing it’s pretty obvious that Game Day is more about promoting ESPN’s schedule than risk promoting CBS coverage of that big-time contest. Boston College takes down Lee Corso’s boys 17-14.

Tennessee at Florida (7:00 pm, CBS)- I like that the Vols made the choice to change quarterbacks in a win over UAB, but I think they will need a little more in the Swamp. Chris Leak and Company are ready to stake their claim to the national scene while Tennessee is another strong team, just not strong enough. Florida 29- Tennessee 20.

Entry Filed under: Oklahoma Sports