Have you missed the boys on ESPN Gameday? Are you jonesin' for a shot of Lee Corso putting something stupid on his head and contradicting Kirk Herbstreit with one of his patented, "Not so fast, my friends"?
Well, college football is back again. Last night's clash between New Mexico State and Louisville at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium kicked off the 2001 season with six more games on the slate this weekend.
Here's a quick preview of the weekend's key matchups.
Saturday
Virginia at No. 22 Wisconsin, Eddie Robinson Classic, 2 p.m.
This should be an interesting game for Nittany Lion fans. Virginia hosts Penn State in its next game, and the Nittany Lions take on Wisconsin the week after.
Quarterback Brooks Bollinger and the Badgers may actually throw the ball more than 10 times now that running back Michael Bennett has departed, and Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year Wendall Bryant should give the Cavaliers' offensive linemen fits.
New coach Al Groh figures to counter with heavy doses of running back Antwoine Womack, who led the ACC in rushing a year ago.
North Carolina at No. 3 Oklahoma, 7:45 p.m.
The Tar Heels face the unenviable task of trying to dethrone the defending national champs on the road. The Okies haven't lost since the 1999 Independence Bowl, and return just about every one of their skill players except for quarterback Josh Heupel.
His replacement, Nate Hybil, will have to watch out for Carolina defensive tackle Julius Peppers, whom Penn State fans may remember lit up the Lion basketball team during the NCAA South Regional Final.
Butkus candidate Rocky Calmus leads a stingy Sooner 'D'.
Texas Christian at No. 4 Nebraska, 1 p.m.
A matchup between two teams that were 10-2 a year ago but look to be headed in opposite directions.
Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, and he will spark a Cornhusker offense that led the nation in rushing a season ago.
TCU will be hurt by the emigration of running back LaDainian Tomlinson to the NFL.
Sunday
Syracuse at No. 10 Georgia Tech, 2 p.m.
Quarterback George "Goose" Godsey may be hampered by an injury suffered in last year's Peach Bowl, but if he's healthy, watch out.
The Orangemen will have to focus on making sure Godsey doesn't hook up with speedy wideout Kelly Campbell too many times.
In other action:
Tulane at BYU, 4:30 p.m.
Fresno State at Colorado, 8 p.m.
