Saturday Viewing Guide: October 3
While none of this week's college football games really qualify as blockbusters, there are plenty of solid match-ups to keep your keister glued to the couch all day.
Saturday Viewing Guide: October 3 (All Times EST)
Before Noon: ESPN GameDay (ESPN)
Chris, Kirk, Lee, Desmond and the rest of the gang head to Chestnut Hill for the decidedly uninteresting tilt between ACC powerhouses (?) Boston College and Florida State. Apparently, BC's cancer-stricken star linebacker Mark Herzlich will be making an appearance, which should be worth tuning in for.
Noon to 3:30 pm: Michigan at Michigan State (Big Ten Network)
In case you're not aware, sports are a panacea for all the forms of social decline currently plaguing the entire state of Michigan: unemployment, urban blight, ugliness, etc. After last week's thrilling Lions win, the team's first in nearly two years, things are looking up in Motown. Now the Water Winter Wonderland turns its gaze to East Lansing, seeking solace in this intra-state showdown. And yet, in civil war, can we really declare a winner?
3:30 pm to 7 pm: LSU at Georgia (CBS)
When Les Miles' Bayou Bengals hit the field, anything can happen. LSU's seemingly never-ending run of wild and wacky finishes continued last week, as Mississippi State thoroughly botched a late series inside the Tigers' one-yard line to give away the win. This week's game against Georgia will feature scores of terrific NFL-caliber talent. Yet, in a departure from the typical Saturday SEC sparring session, both these squads look a little questionable on defense. In other words, first to 21 wins.
Alternative: UCLA at Stanford (ABC/ESPN GamePlan)
This should be a sneaky-good game featuring two up-and-comers in the Pac-10. Don't be afraid to defy convention and head out west for the afternoon.
7 pm to 7:30 pm: Ohio State at Indiana (Big Ten Network)
Two Big Ten Network games in one day? Hell, yes, if it means Buckeyes-Hoosiers!
7:30 pm to 8 pm: Arkansas vs. Texas A&M (ESPN2)
Homerism's favorite 2009 sleeper, Arkansas, doesn't appear to have woken up yet, at least not on defense. The Aggies' suddenly recharged offense could make mincemeat out the Hogs' secondary. Of course, Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino's to-die-for offense shouldn't have much trouble keeping up. This one should be fun for about 30 minutes, right up until you're treated to yet another visual tour of Cowboys Stadium.
8 pm to 11:30 pm: Oklahoma at Miami (ABC, ESPN GamePlan)
So many compelling storylines at work in this clash pitting two of college football's biggest names. The Sooners return to the big stage for the first time since their last disappointing appearance in the BCS title game versus Florida. A win here could go a long way to helping OU and coach Bob Stoops shed the tag of big game disappointment that has dogged the program for years now.