A look at the schools that are overlooked by the ESPNs of the world.


Thursday, September 6, 2012

Week 2 previews: Air Force, CMU, UMASS, Rice, and Nevada


Saturday, September 8


Air Force at No. 19 Michigan: The Air Force Falcons come off of a very easy season opening win over Idaho State in the season opener by the score of 49-21. The Falcons ran for 484 yards in the season opener and lead the nation in that category. Air Force travels to a beat up #19 Michigan team that was beat by #1 Alabama 41-14 Saturday night. If Michigan does not give the option attack of Air Force the utmost respect, then Michigan could end up 0-2. Expect Air Force to hang tough but fall in the second half by not being able to match the athleticism of Michigan.

No. 11 Michigan State at Central Michigan: Central Michigan used a strong rushing attack that totaled 324 yards in a week one win over FCS' SEMO. The Chippewas step up in competition with a trip to East Lansing to face #11 Michigan State. Michigan State is coming off of a won over #24 Boise State in the season opener and rely on what should be one of the strongest defenses in the nation. Expect CMU to fall behind quickly and end the game on the losing side of an ugly score line.

Indiana at Massachusetts: A week after being thrashed by the Big East's UConn, Massachusetts gets a home game versus Indiana of the Big 10. The Minutemen ended their first FBS game with only 59 yards of total offense and saw firsthand how difficult the transition from FCS to FBS will be. The Minutemen need to build some confidence in this matchup with a trip to Ann Arbor versus #19 Michigan in week 3. Expect UMass to play much better in this game than in week one but still fall versus Indiana as the Minutemen attempt to adjust to FBS play.

Rice at Kansas: For one half, the Rice Owls played score for score with UCLA of the Pac 12. Rice ended up getting ran in the second half due to extended defensive woes dating back to the 2011 season. The Owls face a Kansas squad that beat South Dakota State  of the FCS 31-17 in the season opener. This could be quite an interesting game that sees both teams score many points. Expect 30 points per team in the matchup with the game on the line in the 4th quarter. This is truly a pick'em type of game.

South Florida at Nevada: Nevada was one of the most impressive teams in week one with a solid win over California in the season opener. The Wolfpack totaled 450 yards overall with 220 on the ground and 230 in the air in the 31-24 win. If the Wolfpack are able to get by the South Florida Bulls, then Nevada could easily be undefeated going into the October 20th matchup versus San Diego State. Expect this to be a hard fought game that goes to the wire with Nevada pulling out the win in the end. 

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