It was difficult to pare down the list the first two weeks and come up with just five.  But this week doesn't have much excitement to it.  Some teams begin conference play this week, but we had to struggle to find five games we thought were really interesting.

(25) UCLA (2-0) (-3) at MEMPHIS (1-0)  11 am  ABC ---UCLA's improbable comeback against Texas A&M was followed by a blowout over Hawai'i.  The Bruins, averaging 50 points over their first two games, now travel to Memphis, whose game a week ago at UCF was cancelled because of Hurricane Irma.  They scored 37 points in their opener against ULM.  A little surprised to see UCLA only a three point favorite.  Not surprised the over/under is 73.

(23) TENNESSEE (2-0) (+5) at (24) FLORIDA (0-1) 2:30 pm  CBS --Interesting that the two fan bases aren't exactly enamored with their head coaches.  Yet, here they are, both nationally ranked and playing in the SEC's featured game.  There's a lot of football to be played and this game may or may not prove to be a really critical game in what looks to be a pretty balanced SEC East.  One thing is certain, however.  The seat gets hotter for the coach of the losing team.

(3) CLEMSON (2-0) (-3) at (14) LOUISVILLE (2-0, 1-0 ACC)  7 pm ABC --Big win for the defending champions over Auburn last week and we'll see if they can get back to back big wins.  It's never easy in Louisville, especially when you have a Heisman Trophy winner to prepare for.  Is this a trap game for the Tigers after that emotional win last week?  Champions don't worry about such things.  But we'll see.

LOUISIANA TECH (1-1) (+7) at. WESTERN KENTUCKY (1-1) 6pm STADIUM TV--These two teams played for the league title a year ago and are picked to win their respective divisions again this year.  But neither team has exactly been impressive.  WKU scored only one touchdown in a loss at Illinois last week, while the Bulldogs were hammered by Mississippi State at home.  It's the conference opener for both and these two teams could conceivably meet again.  But after the first two games of the season, forgive us if we wonder if these are really the two best teams Conference USA has to offer....

(12) LSU (2-0) (-7) at MISSISSIPPI STATE (2-0)  6:00, ESPN--We're not sure exactly what to make of these two teams.  LSU has beaten two teams with bad offenses.  Mississippi State has hammered two teams with bad defenses, scoring 106 points in two games.  The Bulldogs might be better than that sixth place in the SEC West prediction.  But are they ready for a team of LSU's caliber?  This is one of the more intriguing games of the week and it could be fun to watch.

 

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