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While Northwestern is on bye this week, you may be wondering how to spend your Saturday. Don't fret! We have you covered with a rundown of what to watch this weekend.
Buffalo v. 8 Baylor - Friday 7 PM CT - ESPN - If you only like close games, you can probably skip over this one. Baylor is a 35-point favorite. They are going to blow Buffalo off the field. But that's exactly why it's worth watching. Art Briles runs one of the most high-powered offenses in football, having already totaled 115 points this season. They utilize the spread extremely well and are efficient through the air and on the ground. Northwestern could learn a thing or two, mainly how to space the field, from the Bears' attack. With the exception of Cincinnati v. Toledo, this is the lone game Friday night.
College Gameday - 8 AM CT - ESPN - ESPN's primary college football show returns to Fargo, North Dakota this weekend. It looked like the entire city showed up for the event last year, and they brought some entertaining signs.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>GameDay is heading back to Fargo! Just Look At This: <a href="http://t.co/GXdhv9PTM5">http://t.co/GXdhv9PTM5</a></p>— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay/status/510072834329034753">September 11, 2014</a></blockquote>
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North Dakota State is playing some team called Incarnate Word, so Gameday is not going to focus on the "big game." They are going to look around the country and talk about a lot of different teams, while showcasing this Bison program, which has won more Big 12 games than Kansas in the last two seasons. And if we're lucky, maybe Corso will bring out a bison again.
Maryland v. West Virginia - 11 AM CT - BTN - Maryland comes into this game at 2-0 after sneaking by South Florida 24-17 last week. NU doesn't play Maryland this season, but it should be interesting to see what the Terrapins are bringing to the conference in their first season. It won't be easy for them against a West Virginia team that competed with Alabama in week one.
Virginia v. 21 Louisville - 11:30 AM ET - GamePlan/ESPN3 - For some reason, this game will only air on GamePlan and ESPN3, so you'll probably need to pull up WatchESPN to catch this one, which should be one of the best games this week. Virginia scared now-ranked no. 7 UCLA in week one. The Cavaliers were down just four points in 3rd quarter before UCLA escaped with a 28-20 victory. Louisville still looks strong after losing Teddy Bridgewater, standing at 2-0 with wins over Miami (FL) and Murray State.
Iowa v. Iowa State - 2:30 PM CT - ESPN - The state of Iowa brought trash talk to a whole new level this week as the Hawkeyes and Cyclones prepare to square off for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. The university police departments had some particularly interesting interactions on Twitter.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/ISUPD">@ISUPD</a> .... Knock, knock</p>— U of Iowa Police (@UIowa_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/UIowa_Police/status/509347208962273280">September 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Iowa goes into the game an 11-point favorite at home, although neiter team has looked great this year. Iowa State fell victim to NDSU in their home opener and then choked away a lead against Kansas State in week two. The Hawkeyes barely got by Ball State last weekend, and their leading rusher is quarterback Jack Rudock, who has just 53 yards. In any case, it's a rivalry game that embodies what college football is all about and will be a good one to watch.
24 South Carolina v. 6 Georgia - 2:30 PM CT - CBS - The only game that features two top-25 teams this week will be an SEC showdown between Georgia and South Carolina. Running back Todd Gurley moved up Heisman polls after rushing for 198 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries in Georgia's week one blowout over Clemson. The Gamecocks, on the other hand, got bulldozed 52-28 by Texas A&M and quarterback Kenny Hill in the opening week. In a week filled with rather bland games, this match-up will be full of talent and quality college football.
Rutgers v. Penn State - 7 PM ET - BTN - The Nittany Lions, who won against UCF in Ireland week one, are four point favorites over Rutgers in the Scarlet Knights' first Big Ten game. Christian Hackenberg could have a big day against the Rutgers' defense who gave up 38 points to Washington State. It's not the B1G conference season opener you may hope for, but at least we know the Big Ten will get a win this week.
Other Big Ten Games
Bowling Green v. Indiana - 11 AM CT - ESPNU/WatchESPN
22 Ohio State v. Kent State - 11 AM CT - ABC/ESPN2
Michigan v. Miami (OH) - 2:30 PM CT - BTN
TCU v. Minnesota - 3:00 PM CT - FOX Sports 1
Washington v. Illinois - 3:00 PM CT - FOX
11 Notre Dame v. Purdue - 6:30 PM CT - NBC
Fresno State v. Nebraska - 9:30 PM CT - CBS Sports Network
More Games to Watch
20 Missouri v. UCF - 11 AM CT - SEC Network
17 Virginia Tech v. East Carolina - 11 AM CT - ESPN
Texas Tech v. Arkansas - 2:30 PM CT - ABC
4 Oklahoma v. Tennessee - 7 PM CT - ABC
Texas v. 12 UCLA - 7:15 PM CT - FOX