Week 2 previews for Miami OH, EMU, UTSA, BYU. and WKU

Saturday, September 8

Southern Illinois at Miami (OH): In a bit of a breather following a tough trip to Ohio State in the opening week, the RedHawks face FCS' Southern Illinois at home in week two. The RedHawks need to take advantages of early big plays and put points on the board in the beginning. Miami OH should roll to an easy victory that will be a great morale boost with a trip to Boise State next week.

Illinois State at Eastern Michigan: After being unable to stop the Ball State rushing attack last week in a 37-26 loss, the Eastern Michigan Eagles face FCS' Illinois State in a week two game. This week is very important for the Eagles' bowl hopes with back to back road trips to Big 10 teams (Purdue and Michigan State) looming. Expect EMU to get things back on track and win comfortably in this non-conference game.

Texas A&M-Commerce at UTSA: The Roadrunners are flying high after a hard-fought win versus new rival South Alabama in the season opener. If UTSA can ride the momentum and take care of things versus an inferior team in Texas A&M-Commerce, then a 4-0 record could be very attainable with games versus Georgia State and Northwestern Oklahoma State rounding out their non-conference slate. Expect UTSA to be the only undefeated WAC team going into week 5.

Weber State at Brigham Young: BYU took care of things in a tricky season opener versus Washington State winning 30-6 and holding the WSU to no touchdowns. The Cougars get FCS' Weber State as a bit of a rest week in preparation for the Holy War versus Utah on September 15th. The only hope for Weber State is that BYU is looking too forward to the Utah game but even then, the Cougars should roll behind the play of Riley Nelson.

Western Kentucky at No. 1 Alabama: The WKU Hilltoppers are 1-0 for the first time since being a FBS team after beating the FCS' Austin Peay 49-10 in the season opener. The Hilltoppers have a much tougher opponent in week two facing #1 Alabama on the road. While WKU does not have a strong chance to o pull the upset, anything is possible. Expect the Hilltoppers to play Alabama tough for a half but wear out in the second half and lose by at least 28 points.