Back by popular demand, sportschump.net has once again decided to preview the weekend’s most important match-ups. For those of you who don’t eat, drink and sleep SportsCenter, here’s what you should be watching this weekend.
(10) Boise State at Fresno State – (Friday, 9:00 pm – ESPN – BSU minus 7.5)
The Boise State Broncos leave the friendly confines of their blue turf and travel to Fresno to face their division rival Friday in prime time. Fresno State, who is coming off a heartbreaking-loss at Wisconsin, hosts a stingy Boise State team that has only allowed 8 points in two games. While this will be one of the more difficult road tests for Boise State, many expect them to roll through their schedule unblemished on their way to a BCS berth. That means style points could be important. The Broncos have won their last three against Fresno State and six of their last eight. The Bulldogs have lost their last nine games against ranked opponents. All this does not bode well for Fresno State but then again, that’s why they play the games.
Tennessee at (1) Florida – (Saturday, 3:30 pm – CBS – Florida minus 29.5)
Remember growing up when you mouthed off to your father and he’d turn around and wallop you right in the kisser, reminding you who was boss. That’s exactly what could happen in the Swamp on Saturday. Upon being hired this off-season, Lane Kiffin added fuel to an already heated rivalry when he accused Urban Meyer of cheating and proclaimed Tennessee would sing "Rocky Top" all night long when they beat the Gators. Well, he’s finally going to get his chance. This date has been circled on both team’s calendars since those comments. Since losing to Ole Miss last year, Florida has covered every point spread but one. They’re favored by more than four touchdowns. Vol fans, who are more nervous than Buckeye fans before the USC game, hope that trend does not continue. Florida will be going for a school record 13 consecutive victories while Kiffin and company try to make their bold prediction come true. Expect a raucous Swamp filled with Gator fans who can smell blood.
(19) Nebraska at (13) Virginia Tech – (Saturday, 3:30 pm – ABC – Va Tech minus 5)
This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2000.
