Game Previews: Fresno State vs. Rutgers, UT vs. UCLA

When: 4:00 PM ET, ESPN

Why You Should Care: Is Fresno State BCS-buster material? We'll probably find out with a road test against Rutgers, who slipped from 2006 to 2007. This is pretty much a huge game for both teams.

Fresno State Will Win Because...: It was obvious that Rutgers struggled against power backs that can run between the tackles last season, and Ryan Matthews fits that bill. Possibly one of the most underrated backs in the game today, Matthews can get it done. As far as Rutgers is concerned at RB, they'll be without Ray Rice.

Rutgers Will Win Because...: Fresno State doesn't have a traditional Fresno State defense. Usually hard-nosed and not your typical WAC defense, the Bulldogs gave up points in bunches and easy yards, especially on the ground.

Keep an Eye on...: WRs Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt. Fresno State is really average against the pass and Mike Teel should take that next step in his development. At home, look for the Scarlet Knights to really expose Fresno's pass defense.

And the Crystal Ball Says: I should probably add the same disclaimer with every tossup game since I knew that I was wrong about Louisville yesterday, but I'm going to select Fresno State. Congratulations, Pat Hill, you've just received the official Pick of Death from Saturday Sound Offs! Well, as for a reason, I just believe that while Rutgers will move the football through the air, that Fresno State will turn their game up a notch like they do every time they play a BCS conference foe setting up a big game against Wisconsin in Week 3. Bulldogs win, 37-35.

Recap: Well, to put it lightly, you could tell it's Week 1. Rutgers dropped a few crucial passes and it wasn't the shootout it was meant to be. Still, it was a great way for Fresno State to kick off their potential-BCS run.




When: 8:00 PM ET, ESPN

Why You Should Care: Well, the last time Tennessee went out West, they lost easily to Cal. Also, it's obviously the much-hyped debut of Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow, kicking off what is considered to be the most exciting regime change that UCLA has been through in a long time.

Tennessee Will Win Because...: UCLA may not have fixed that pass defense just yet. The Bruins have been bad through the air over the last little while ranking 70th against the pass last season. Even though Jonathan Crompton is a new QB for Phil Fulmer, he should be able to throw against this secondary.

UCLA Will Win Because...: There's potential to shut down Arian Foster. Foster is one of the best backs in the SEC, but the Bruins were stiff against the run a year ago. A lot of stuff is talked about regarding JUCO transfer and former San Diego State QB Kevin Craft who was third on the depth chart behind the injured Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan, but when Neuheisel breaks him into a game situation, they may be surprised.

Keep an Eye on...: LB Reggie Carter. The Bruins linebacker has had back-to-back fantastic seasons defensively and should continue playing well against Tennessee. If he can help shore up the defensive line and clean up after those guys, the Bruins should be in good shape as far as run defense is concerned.

And the Crystal Ball Says: I know I'll regret this and I'll look even more stupid, but UCLA will kick off the Neuheisel era with a bang. It won't amount to much, 7 or 6 wins are most likely for 2008, but I think with Tennessee on the road and a surprising performance from Kevin Craft that UCLA will play well enough to win by kicking field goals in the end. Bruins in an upset, 25-21.

Recap: Well, the upset happened! Gotta reach over there, yeah, okay, give myself a big pat on the back. In all seriousness, I wouldn't look too much into this game for either team. Tennessee had the benefit of a shaky, nervous third string QB throwing 4 INTs in the first half, but they also had Lincoln miss a number of FGs, had some dumb penalties, had Foster fumble the ball in the red zone (how often will that happen?), and were a split second away from knocking the ball out of Craft's hand on the great completion. Basically, don't look too much into it.