The First Big Test

[Conan]

I know for a lot of teams, there is a key game that could either set the tone for the upcoming season, or perhaps a game they spend the rest of the year living down to have a successful season. When I think ahead at what's on tap for the Ducks, don't you know that MSU is standing right in the way of Oregon's immediate future. Their game scheduled for week 2 @ Michigan State will most definitely be a test for Helfrich and his new offense centered around either Jeff Lockie or Vernon Adams.

That competition will surely heat up come this fall when both Adams and Lockie are in camp. I was doing my research on Vernon Adams a few days ago and got to meet the guy in several good interviews. I was also watching some of his work. Aside from his incredible numbers, I can see why Helfrich and Frost are excited that he's coming to Oregon. He's a natural leader. And then there's Jeff Lockie. Jeff Lockie simply puts out. He knows the system well. In Oregon's spring game, he went 9 for 9 and threw for 226 yards including 3 TD passes. So, do we have us a competition or not? The Duck backfield has the potential to be the best in the country. Their run game looks to be as spectacular as always.

Why do I bring this up?... all of this information about Oregon's offense? Well simply this, it is in for one hell of a test when they face the Spartan's defense at MSU in the second week. That upcoming game sits in the front of my mind like a rock.

These interconference marquee matchups are scattered all over CFB-land and I'd like to hear from anyone else who has noticed a lot of their attention riveted on that first big test for their school, or perhaps a team they follow closely.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

No doubt the Oregon-MSU game looms large. Other games that may have a direct affect on the chase to the playoffs and that I will be watching are these. Week 1. TCU at Minnesota. TCU is a big favorite here, but a loss just abouts ends their chances for a playoff spot before they really begin. Wisconsin vs Alabama. Two teams with hopes of getting into the playoffs. One team has those hopes dashed real early. Week 2. Oklahoma at Tennessee. O.K. A major stretch there, but someone's season is going to start on the wrong foot. The above mentioned Oregon at Michigan State game also knocks someone out of legitimate contention and into a wing and a prayer land. Week 3 sees Nebraska go to Miami (FL). Nebraska is a longshot at best to be a final four team, but must win this game to have a prayer.

There are many other very good non-con games, but those are at the top of my list. I am concetrating on games that will start eliminating teams from the playoffs. Also do not forget week 7 when USC goes to Notre Dame. While the odds are a bit long that both of these teams will be undefeated when they meet, it is certainly possible that one of them will be.

 

[RunLeeRun]

BYU-Nebraska week 1. BYU is a tough, mature team (age-wise) with a nasty QB (if he gets healthy) going against a new coaching staff playing and all new schemes. Nebraska could be eliminated from it's long-shot before it ever gets to Miami.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

If Nebraska cannot defeat BYU, they may want to start thinking about returning to the Big 12-2. Seriously though, a BYU win certainly helps their chance at chasing down a spot in a Power 5 Conference.

 

[cloverleaf]

Oklahoma visiting Tennessee is a game of interest to me. Oklahoma does not like playing second fiddle to TCU and Baylor and Tennessee is still trying to learn how to win against good teams.

Huge early game for both schools..........I like the Sooners because the Vols don't have the depth to compete with Oklahoma.

 

[RunLeeRun]

BYU win would be huge for them, on the road. Nebraska has won 29 straight home openers. I haven't seen a line on that game yet. Nebraska should prevail, but BYU is a tough-nosed team that can run the ball. NU has lost two straight to a team like Minnesota because they played run-ball and won the turnover battle. The D-scheme will be different, so that trend may be mute, but the 7 year culture of being a turnover prone team isn't likely to disappear over night. I expect improvement, but I'm sure we will see some hiccups.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

I think Nebraska has an outside shot at the Big 10 West Division because they do host Wisconsin. It will not matter because no one in the Big 10 will defeat Ohio State except Ohio State. Nebraska also hosts Michigan State.