Here’s our pick of couch-watching today (times Central time):
Illinois vs. Missouri 11:30 am FOX Sports Net
This matchup has been all Mizzou with the Tigers winning the last five head-to-head meetings, and odds makers makers don’t expect that to change. They have listed the Tigers as an 11-point favorite.
Nebraska vs. Western Kentucky – 2:30 pm ABC
Watch this one just to see if Bo Pelini can start the season with an offense to compliment his defense. Nebraska wins this one big. Tune out after halftime.
Notre Dame vs. Purdue – 2:30 pm NBC
ND new quarterback Dayne Crist and star receiver Michael Floyd may be too much for Purdue, although the Boilermakers are hoping to avenge a last minute 3 point loss to the Irish last year.
North Carolina vs. LSU – 7 pm ABC
This would have been a good game in Atlanta had Butch Davis kept his players eligible. As many as 12 players won’t play in this game, including seven defensive starters because of that. LSU is 7-1 in the Georgia Dome. LSU Tigers run away with this one. Switch to ESPN by the second quarter.
Oregon State at TCU – 7 pm ESPN
This is the game to watch! Quarterback Andy Dalton is a four-year starter for TCU and will likely end the year as the winningest quarterback in TCU history. Last season he threw for 2,756 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His counterpart, OSU starter Ryan Katz, will be making his first start. Katz is a sophomore who has appeared in only four games as a backup to last year’s starter, Sean Canfield.
Advantage TCU.
Cincinnati vs. Fresno – 9 pm ESPN 2
Expect new coach Butch Jones to win this one. QB Zach Collaros, who started in four games last year, can pass and run in this spread offense. Fresno talent doesn’t match up.
MONDAY NIGHT GAME
Boise State vs. Virginia Tech – 7 pm ESPN
BSU is led by their star quarterback and Heisman candidate Kellen Moore.
Last season Moore made NCAA history by tossing 39 touchdowns and only three interceptions, the best ratio ever.
Virginia Tech will counter with a stud quarterback of their own, Tyrod Taylor, who had 2,311 passing yards and 370 rushing yards in 2009.
Hokies’ Coach Frank Beamer compares him to Michael Vick.
Toss up game. But if Boise wins, they’re in the driver’s seat to the BCS Championship. The rest of their season is a cakewalk.
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