Missouri quarterback James Frankiin is set to for his first real battle against an SEC defense Saturday. (Getty Images) |
5. #24 Florida @ Texas A&M - 3:30 PM EST, ESPN/WatchESPN
Texas A&M's debut against Louisiana Tech this season was postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Isaac. Now instead, their opening game will be against new conference rival Florida. The Aggies will look to get the season off on the right foot in their first game as a SEC member. Meanwhile, the Gators will look to continue their success from their 27-14 win over Bowling Green last weekend. They will be looking for continued growth out of newly named starting quarterback Jeff Driskel.
Prediction: Florida 24 Texas A&M 20
4. Air Force @ #19 Michigan - 3:30 PM EST, ABC/ESPN2
The Michigan Wolverines must look to bounce back quickly from their disappointing 41-14 loss to Alabama. They can't afford to be hungover going into their home opener against a dangerous Air Force team. The Falcons rushed for an amazing 484 yards last week in a win over Idaho State. They will look to use their option offense to control the tempo against Michigan. The Wolverines will look for a bounce back game from quarterback Denard Robinson. They will also be the beneficiaries of getting starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint back from suspension.
Prediction: Michigan 38 Air Force 24
3. #16 Nebraska @ UCLA - 7:30 PM EST, FOX
Nebraska travels across the country to take on UCLA at the Rose Bowl. The Cornhuskers hope that this is the first of two trips this season. If that is going to be the case, they must win games such as this one. Nebraska star quarterback Taylor Martinez had a huge game last week. The one potential blow to the Cornhuskers offense is that star running back Rex Burkhead is questionable for the game. UCLA kicked off the Jim Mora era with a solid win over Rice. They look to keep their momentum going this weekend.
Prediction: Nebraska 30 UCLA 24
2. Purdue @ #22 Notre Dame - 3:30 PM EST, NBC
Notre Dame's dominance of Navy in Ireland was one of the big stories from last week. This Saturday should show the affect that jet lag has on their ability to play football. For the Fighting Irish, the man at the center of it all is sophomore quarterback Everett Golson. Golson shined last week against the Midshipmen. Purdue will undoubtedly be excited to travel and play their in-state rivals this weekend. Their three-quarterback attack should cause the Irish defense to stay on their toes.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34 Purdue 20
1. #7 Georgia @ Missouri - 7:45 PM EST, ESPN2/WatchESPN
This is Missouri's first SEC game since joining the conference. With it being at home, the home crowd will certainly be stoked for this one. One clear advantage that the Tigers have is that they have the element of surprise. Their spread offense led by quarterback James Franklin is something that Georgia will not be as familiar with. Georgia is the heavy favorite in the game. However, I have some concerns. On defense, the Bulldogs have six starters suspended for the game. Additionally, they looked suspect at times against Buffalo last week.
Prediction: Missouri 34 Georgia 31
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