College Football Game Day

Saturday is finally here!  This week has several games with two opposing, top 25 teams, but a couple in particular that you might want to watch.  The games between top 25 opponents this week are #14 Texas A&M taking on #18 Arkansas, #13 Clemson and #11 Virginia Tech, #3 Alabama and #12 Florida (who, by the way faces #1 LSU next week!), and my favorite, #8 Nebraska against #7 Wisconsin.  Of course, all of these games are significant, and will more than likely be great games to watch, I'm going to talk about three of them.

The last time Clemson went into Blacksburg to take on the Hokies was back in 2006.  Clemson was on a roll, they had won six straight games and had moved up to #10 in the nation.  Of course, they were fired up about the game, but went in and got handled by Virginia Tech, 24-7.  Yes, the Hokies are 4-0, but they haven't really played anyone significant this year, unlike the Tigers.  Clemson has beaten Auburn and Florida State en route to this game.  Regardless of their past, this game should be a good one, and this is Virginia Tech's first real test and their chance to prove to the college football world that they are, in fact, a legitimate contender.

Statistically, these teams match-up very well.  Alabama is third  in rush defense at 45.8 yards, while the Gators are tied for fifth at 56.5, and Florida leads the SEC in rushing at 259.0 yards, while Alabama is second at 230.8.  As I stated before, Florida has two very tough games in a row, playing Alabama today and next week, heading to Tiger Stadium to face #1 LSU.  Alabama's stingy defense, at 2nd in the FBS in points allowed, at 8.0 per game, is looking to slow down Florida's high-powered, speedy offense, who is 13th in the FBS in points for, at 40.3 per game and also 9th in rushing yards with 259.0 per game.  However, Florida's defense isn't too shabby, either, ranked 4th in points against with only 9.0.  On the other hand, Alabama's offense is pretty close to Florida in points scored, with an average of 38.5 per game.  As you can see, on paper, this looks like it is set to be a great game between two great teams.

Thirteen months ago, the Big Ten released the 2011 schedule, including Nebraska.  Thirteen months ago, Wisconsin and Nebraska players and coaches alike, started looking forward to today.  This is the first game, since 1962, that two top ten teams have met at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.  You can imagine the buzz around campus!  Both teams have played a soft non-conference schedule up until today.  Wisconsin did what they needed to, winning by an average of 49-9.  Nebraska, well, not so much.  They won, yes, but only by an average of 21 points.  Wisconsin, with Heisman hopeful Russell Wilson, has moved to 6th in the FBS in the "points for" category, with an average of 48.5 per game, while their defense has been just as impressive, only allowing a measly 8.5 points per game.  Nebraska hasn't been as impressive, although playing similarly weak teams.  They're averaging 42.8 points per game, while allowing an average of 22 points.  As you know, these statistics will be out the window when the teams face-off tonight.  One thing to note, Wisconsin will likely be without two of their defensive starters.  Starting defensive end David Gilbert will be out for six to eight weeks due to a broken foot, suffered Friday at practice.  Also, starting safety Shelton Johnson will probably not play due to a calf injury in last weeks game vs. South Dakota.

All of these games are likely to be great ones.  Whichever, if any, you choose to watch, enjoy!  This is a great Saturday for college football.

Thanks for reading!

-Jason