The Best Games for 8/31

ITS HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEREE! Finally, after long agonizing months of golf and baseball, America's true past time is back. Each week, I'll be picking the best match ups at roughly each time spot. Since there are variations due to time zone differences, each pick will be a rough approximation. The early games will be the ones starting between 12-1. Mid afternoon games are the ones that start between 3:00-4:30. Evening games are anything that starts from 5-8 at night. Anything after 8:30 will be considered the premier night game. This is the week that starts off with all the top teams slaughtering hapless FCS teams, so a good amount of these may not be that awe-inspiring.

Early Game

Buffalo Bulls at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (12:00)

Like I said, a lot of these aren't going to be that spectacular. Still, when the number two team in the nation is playing, you should watch. Remember, Urban won a national title in his second season at Florida. There is a lot of buzz that this could be the year for the Buckeyes, so they will probably try and score fast and often to show that they hype is justifiable. Watch for highly touted incoming freshman Dontre Wilson and Ezekiel Elliot to show their explosive abilities.

Mid Afternoon Game

Syracuse Orange vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (3:30) at New Meadowlands Stadium

Penn State had an inexplicably good season last year but lost their quarterback Matt McGloin to graduation. This year could be a bit more of a struggle but they still have the tools to stay above .500. Syracuse also lost their quarterback and head coach but has always been an above average team. On a day filled with landslide victories, this could be one of the closest games you'll get to see.

Evening Game

No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs at No. 8 Clemson Tigers (8:00)

Easily the best game of the entire day. Both of these teams are looking for a national championship and a loss could put one out of contention. Both universities sport quarterbacks looking to cap off historic careers after falling just short multiple times. Clemson is more dangerous through the air but also has a defense that can give up staggering amounts of points. Georgia sports an absolutely lethal rushing attack, but they also have address a lot of holes on defense after 7 starters went to the NFL. The over for total points is 70, but one team might be able to put that up tomorrow. Don't miss this one at all costs.

Night Game

No. 12 LSU Tigers vs. No. 20 TCU Horned Frogs (9:00) at Jerry Jones's Ego Palace

This game could have some big implications for either team. LSU can't afford any slip ups playing in the same division as A&M and Bama while TCU looks to take control of a wide open Big 12. These teams have terrific defenses that can be absolutely stifling at times. TCU may even have an advantage in this game because of the veteran experience of quarterback Casey Pachall as well as the possibility of suspension for LSU running back Jeremy Hill. This could end up being a low scoring affair, but there could easily be a ton of turnovers and quick scores here.