Oklahoma at Tennessee, 5 p.m.: Each team ran over inferior teams in week one, so it’s still to be determined how they will fare in an early test against another Power-5 conference team. Oklahoma was picked to finish third in the Big 12 preseason media poll behind TCU and Baylor. The Sooners need a win in Knoxville if they want to contend with those two teams for a conference championship and berth in the College Football Playoff. Likewise, Tennessee was picked to finish second in the SEC East and needs a win to keep pace with Georgia, the favorite in the East. Tennessee gave up 30 points and 557 total yards to Bowling Green, and Oklahoma has no shortage of offensive weapons. It will be interesting to see if the Volunteers’ defense can hold up against the Sooners’ offense.
Kentucky at South Carolina, 6:30 p.m.: Both teams entered the season with little hype and played in close games in week one. South Carolina edged North Carolina in a defensive struggle in the season’s first game. Kentucky edged Louisiana Lafayette in a shootout in its opener. The Wildcats are looking to a make a bowl appearance for the first time since the 2010 season after recording a 5-7 record in 2014. South Carolina was picked to win the SEC East last season but finished a disappointing 7-6. The Gamecocks are trying to improve on that mark and make some noise in the East. This early-season game in Columbia will show us whether either team is capable of accomplishing their goals.
Oregon at Michigan State, 7 p.m.: In the age of the College Football Playoff, it is important to impress the selection committee with wins over top-tier teams at every opportunity. Oregon and Michigan State will have a chance to make an early impression this weekend in the young season’s first clash of top-10 teams. Oregon was picked to win the Pac-12 North division in the preseason media poll, while Michigan State was predicted to finish second in the Big Ten East division behind defending national champion Ohio State. Expect to see some points in this game. The offenses for both teams excelled in week one, racking up a combined 1,183 yards, while the defenses struggled, surrendering 932 yards total.
LSU at Mississippi State, 8:15 p.m.: The SEC West is perennially one of the best divisions in college football, and this year is no exception. The division is stacked from top to bottom, as evidenced by all seven teams receiving at least one vote to win the division at SEC Media Days. The first division game will see LSU travel to Mississippi State. The Tigers’ game against McNeese State was cancelled because of inclement weather, so they will be making their season debut against the Bulldogs, who won a hard-fought road game at Southern Miss in week one. Both teams need this win if they want to make any noise in the crowded West division.
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