Blair Kerkhoff’s around the nation
By BLAIR KERKHOFF
The Kansas City Star
Game of the weekAlabama at Georgia
For only the third time in modern history Georgia is wearing black jerseys instead of the traditional red and is asking its fans to participate in the “black out.” Bama coach Nick Saban said he’s not impressed with the fashion statement. “Those kind of things only mean something if you let them mean something,” he said. Either way, it’s a gut-check game for both programs, and if the Tide wins we have another serious contender for the national championship.
Upset of the week
Connecticut over Louisville
Tonight’s contest matches teams coming off victories over Big 12 opponents, with the Cardinals running up an impressive victory over Kansas State and the Huskies holding off Baylor. Louisville may be finding its stride but Connecticut’s aggressive defense will work better against pocket passing Hunter Cantwell. An X-factor is Louisville freshman running back Victor Anderson, who went for 176 yards against the Wildcats. Is he really that good?
Others to watch
Illinois at Penn State
It’s the first real test for the Nittany Lions after a month of non-competitive games that has allowed them to be the only team in the nation to average at least 270 yards through the air and 260 on the ground.
Wisconsin at Michigan
Badgers offensive coordinator Paul Chryst wasn’t happy with his guys two weeks ago at Fresno State. Wisconsin won 13-10, but Chryst said the offense should have been better. It’s Chryst’s way of saying he understands expectations are soaring in Madison, with Ohio State’s recent play, and that the Badgers have to win games like Saturday’s against the Wolverines to be part of the Big Ten chase.
Marshall at West Virginia
It doesn’t move the needle outside the borders but it’s a major deal in Almost Heaven. And given the direction of both programs — the Mountaineers are on a two-game losing streak, the Thundering Herd on a two-game winning streak — some drama for a close game, if not a Marshall upset, exists.
On the horizon
Harris poll
The first one comes Sunday. The Harris poll is a component of the BCS standings, along with the USA Today coaches poll and a computer ranking average. The first BCS standings will be released Oct. 19.
Big 12 openers
Not a moment too soon. Next Saturday marks the beginning of six straight weekends of all 12 teams in action against each other. Intrigue right off the bat with MU visiting Nebraska, where the Tigers haven’t won since 1978, and Texas at Colorado.
Weeklong football
That’s right, a game every night starting Tuesday. Airing it out on one of the ESPNs will be Florida Atlantic, South Florida, Utah and Brigham Young. Check your local listings.
