Texas wide receiver Quan Cosby runs after the catch in the Longhorns' narrower-than-expected Week 1 victory over Arkansas State.
College football started off with a bang last weekend, full of upsets and question marks for some of the country's top teams. As Week Two approaches, several interesting non-conference games are on tap in the Big 12 and Conference USA. Let's take a look at some of those key match-ups from the Texas Bowl conferences.
Big 12The game of the week in the Big 12 will be played in Austin as the #7 TexasLonghorns face the #19 TCU Horned Frogs. This is one of only two games in the country featuring two ranked opponents. Texas struggled last week in their victory over Arkansas St. while TCU blanked Baylor. The Longhorns will have to play much better if they hope to avoid the upset at home.
In another big game, #5 Oklahomahosts the Miami Hurricanes in Norman. Redshirt freshman running back DeMarco Murray put on a show in his debut, scoring five touchdowns. Murray will have a much tougher go at it this week, as the Miami defense is loaded, led by All-ACC defensive end Calais Campbell.
#23 Texas A&M hosts the pesky Fresno State Bulldogs at Kyle Field on Saturday afternoon. Aggies quarterback Stephen McGee had an impressive season opener, rushing for 121 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yard scamper to the end zone. Fresno State head coach Pat Hill is well known for scheduling against the top BCS conferences every year, but nothing can prepare a team to play in an environment like at Kyle Field.
Other Big 12 Games
#16 Nebraska at Wake Forest
Missouri at Mississippi
Northern Iowa at Iowa StateRice at BaylorSoutheastern Louisiana at KansasTexas-El Paso at Texas TechFlorida Atlantic vs. Oklahoma StateSan Jose State at Kansas State Colorado at Arizona State
Conference USAThe MarshallThundering Herd dropped their season opener on the road to Miami (FL) and things do not get any easier as they host the #3 West Virginia Mountaineers. Marshall's defense will have their hands full as they try to contain dual-threat quarterback Pat White and game-breaking running back Steve Slaton. Marshall head coach Mark Snyder needs to find a reliable replacement for running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who surprisingly left after his junior year for the NFL.
Southern Mississippi travels to Knoxville to take on the #24 Tennessee Volunteers. The Golden Eagles opened their season with an impressive 35-13 win over Tennessee-Martin. Southern Miss is one of the top candidates to win the C-USA East division, but playing at Neyland Stadium, one of college football's rowdiest environments, will be a tough test for the Golden Eagles.
In what may be a preview of the 2007 Texas Bowl, Rice will visit the Baylor Bears in Waco. Both teams dropped their season openers, with Rice losing a heartbreaker to Nicholls State and Baylor losing to TCU. The Owls will need a better start from junior quarterback Chase Clement, who struggled in the opener completing only 11 of 28 pass attempts.
Other Conference USA Games
Alabama-Birmingham at Florida State
North Carolina at East Carolina Memphis at Arkansas State
Texas-El Paso at Texas Tech
Mississippi State at TulaneNorth Texas at Southern Miss
The 2006 Texas Bowl was a huge success for our community thanks to the support of passionate football fans like you. This year the game will once again feature two great teams as well as great off the field action. The day will begin with TexFest featuring great Texas music, food, games and both teams "Spirit Walk" to the stadium. Just like last year, the Texas Bowl festivities end with the "Largest Holiday Fireworks Show in Texas." Don't miss your chance to be a part of the action by becoming a Texas Bowl volunteer and getting your tickets to this great event. Texans fans can secure their seats at last year's prices by purchasing before September 21. Call 1-866-GO-TEXANS to get your seats or visit**www.texasbowl.org**for more information.
