Texas against Michigan ... the matchup that almost was.
The Longhorns nearly outlasted Washington in last year's semifinal round of the College Football Playoff, and Michigan outdistanced Alabama in overtime in what proved to be Nick Saban's final game as Alabama head coach.
Now, Steve Sarkisian brings his still-loaded Longhorns into the Big House against a vastly different Michigan team.
One that does not yet remotely have an offensive identity, nor much explosiveness to its offense at all.
One replacing 13 NFL Draft picks, still at the epicenter of an NCAA probe into the Connor Stalions cheating scheme.
The Wolverines are better on defense than offense; does anyone at FootballScoop think that's enough to score a rare home upset? Michigan opened as barely a field goal underdog and now sees Texas favored by oddsmakers at more than a touchdown.
In Charlotte, N.C., No. 14 Tennessee does battle against No. 24 North Carolina State in a contest that is neutral site in name only.
Sure, Charlotte is in North Carolina, but this will be a de facto Vols home game. The city is a major hub of UT alums, and Tennessee has tremendous momentum right now under Josh Huepel.
Redshirt-freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava is threatening to generate legitimate Heisman Trophy buzz, and this is his first game to truly send that kind of message.
He merely threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns in his first-ever home start last week, earning SEC top rookie honors in the process.
Are the Pack better than they showed in having to come from behind to beat FCS program Western Carolina?
Can they defensively suffocate Iamaleava and the Vols enough to disrupt their rhythm and tempo? That's the only chance NC State has in a game that has seen oddsmakers quickly backtracking from their less-than-touchdown underdog status for the Pack, now getting more than a touchdown in the gambling lines.
BYU travels to SMU in a classic matchup pitting the Big 12's Cougars against the ACC's Mustangs.
Ah, tradition.
BYU needs this contest to be at its tempo, and it needs to exercise more ground control. It showed promise for an offensive bounceback season in last week's win against FCS SIU, but the Cougars need a good showing here after a dismal 5-7 campaign a year ago.
The FootballScoop staff also discuss Kansas at Illinois, the lowkey heated rivalry of UTSA-Texas State, Shane Beamer needs an early-season win pretty badly as South Carolina visits Mark Stoops and Kentucky.
All this and more in this week's FootballScoop Weekend Primer. Listen or watch below. Even if it's a hate-watch or a hate-listen. Jump in.
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