NCAA - Week 2

The first kickoff of the 2003 college football season is behind us and if you were like me Saturday at 6 p.m. EST, you were throwing some negative words at the ESPN folks for showing the end of an MLS game while the rest of the college football followers tuned in to see the first kickoff of the year.

At any rate, San Jose State and Grambling State started the year in San Jose and even though we missed the first kick, it was nice to see the colors and sounds of college football again.

Kansas State and Cal followed up with a surprisingly exciting game helped out in my living room by ESPN HD. Ell Roberson and Darren Sproles were as good as advertised although the KSU faithful must be asking about the defensive holes.

With opening weekend behind us and our taste buds teased a bit, this weekend marks the first full slate of action across the country and some intriguing match-ups.

Must See Games

1. Washington at Ohio State: In a game that could be described as the "Distraction Bowl," two powers hook up in Columbus. The biggest question in this one may be which team can survive the most distractions and still play a good game. Washington has had the Rick Neuheisel saga hindering the off-season and Ohio State has had the Maurice Clarett debacle affect the defense of their National Championship.

Prediction: The horseshoe serves its purpose -- Ohio State 31, Washington 14

2. USC at Auburn: How could a team possibly replace a Heisman trophy winner like Carson Palmer and open the season in Auburn facing a team that is expected to compete for the SEC Championship and the national title?

Prediction: I don't know either -- Auburn 24, USC 23

3. Oklahoma State at Nebraska: Why conferences schedule huge conference showdowns for opening weekend is beyond me, but the fans are the beneficiaries because this one should be great! Nebraska is out to prove to the country that they aren't dead and save Frank Solich's job. Okie State is ready to advance to the next level in the Big 12 and winning in Lincoln will start them in the right direction.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 20, Nebraska 17

Great Story Lines

1. Maryland at Northern Illinois (Thursday): The MAC is getting some big names to visit their territory and Maryland traveling to DeKalb, Illinois is the biggest news in this farm town since DeKalb was declared an unofficial suburb of Chicago. Northern has risen from the depths in just three years under Joe Novack and a win over the Terps would be a signature win for the program. It will be an interesting environment for Maryland and they better hope the ride from Chicago to DeKalb doesn't make them sleepy like it does most people on the road.

Prediction: Maryland 41, Northern Illinois 20

2. Indiana at Connecticut: Why is this game on the list? UCONN opens a brand new stadium in Storrs on Saturday night and do so by welcoming possibly the worst team in the Big Ten to town. Even so, a win over a Big Ten team would be huge for this program which joins the beleaguered Big East Conference in 2004. Indiana may wonder who the heck scheduled this one. Just ask Seneca Wallace and Iowa State how good UCONN is.

Prediction: UCONN 34, Indiana 27

3. Wisconsin at West Virginia: Is Wisconsin really going to compete for the Big Ten Championship? If you've done any pre-season reading about college football, I don't think there is a team that finished 7-6 a year ago getting more props than Wisconsin. A trip to Morgantown isn't the right way to prove all the experts right!

Prediction: West Virginia 30, Wisconsin 28

Predictions aside, this weekend is one of the most glorious weekends of the year. The grills are fired up and the participants are in their lounge chairs with their favorite beverage. The RVs all have the dish attached and the paint crews are busy putting final touches on the playing surface at your favorite stadium. It's a magical time of year. College football is back!