Non-BCS Football Week 4 Breakdown
Central Florida versus BYU
WHY YOU’LL WATCH?
This is an interesting matchup between a couple of non-BCS schools. BYU is not the same team from two seasons ago that won 11 games, and Central Florida may be the class of Conference USA. BYU seems like a team in transition after getting blasted by Utah last week, but the program still holds some prestige and a quality football history. UCF would still love to boost their resume with a win.
The Cougars need more consistent play from quarterback Jake Heaps and need to grow up as a team quickly. The offense does not have much punch, and BYU has made some mistakes. (Try and find the most ridiculous offensive snap you’ve ever seen from the game against Utah on the internet if you can). For Central Florida, everything revolves around their defense (ranked 3rd in the country in points against). They lost the “Florida Small School” battle to an emerging Florida International team last weekend. The Knights will be hungry.
Tulsa versus Boise State
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
Tulsa has put together some quality seasons of late, but they haven’t been noticed due to the success of Boise State. Tulsa hasn’t had the staying power that Boise has. They last had back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2007 and 2008. Tulsa isn’t going to blow anybody out of the water this year, but they are a middle-of-the-pack team in Division I that will compete for the C-USA West title. It might be worth noting that the only two losses for Tulsa this year are to the state powerhouses in Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Against lesser competition (like Tulane), they dominated, 31-3. Does that mean they can match Boise State’s firepower? Probably not. The Golden Hurricane are 0-4 against Boise State since 2002.
San Diego State versus Michigan
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
Two undefeated teams go at it in a dangerous game for Michigan. San Diego State is a running team that can score points. Sophomore Ronnie Hillman has 497 yards through three games this season and eight touchdowns to go with it. The Aztecs average 38 points a game. Michigan needs to be stout up front to avoid an upset in the Big House that the team has been prone to over the last decade.
The problem for San Diego State is the ultimate “X-factor” Denard Robinson. His drive to end the game against Notre Dame two weeks ago is the stuff of college football lore. Defending him is a huge challenge. He can take the game over and leave the Aztecs in the rearview if they aren’t careful.
Central Michigan versus Michigan State
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
To see if Michigan State can rebound from a loss in South Bend last weekend. Michigan State is a ranked team this year with an experienced quarterback in Kirk Cousins. Central Michigan is program that has been wildly successful in the MAC prior to last season. It is a program that has spawned the rise of Brian Kelly in the coaching ranks, and highly accomplished college quarterback Dan LeFevour. They won 12 games two years ago in a season where they beat the Spartans. This is an off-the-radar in-state rivalry that actually holds some weight to the programs and the fan bases. Though Michigan State is poised to win, Central Michigan cannot be overlooked.
Rice versus Baylor
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
The only reason this is an interesting game is because Rice just beat a Big 6 team in Purdue. Baylor is better than Purdue, and Rice is not going to be considered a giant killer this year. But it bears noting that Rice can beat a bigger program if they execute and catch a few breaks. Former Michigan recruit Sam McGuffie is a great athlete that plays an everyman for Rice as a passer and a rusher backing up Taylor McHargue and Tyler Smith, respectively.
It’s hard to envision Rice being able to contain Baylor’s everyman in Robert Griffin III. He lifted his team on his shoulders when they needed to beat TCU in a high scoring affair in Week One. There is too much talent and speed on Baylor’s squad for Rice to contend with. The Owls are coming off a bye week after their big win against Purdue. Is there any momentum leftover from that victory?
Louisiana versus Florida International
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
These are two winning teams looking to keep their streaks going. Louisiana rebounded from an opening day loss to a great Oklahoma State team to win two straight. Florida International is on fire and undefeated on the season. Coming off a close but solid win over Central Florida, the Golden Panthers are no longer a punching bag. They have a top 25 defense and two capable runners in Kedrick Rhodes and Darriet Perry. Both average over 3.5 yards per carry and provide a solid one-two punch in the backfield. Louisiana has victories over some nothing teams since their loss, so this will be a solid test for them.
