Hardest Hits of the 2015-16 College Football Season || Part 2 ᴴᴰ
The defensive brilliance of Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason should not be underestimated, but will his team score enough to win consistently?(Photo: Mark Humphrey, AP)
Last weeks kickoff Down Under provided a jump start, but the college football season begins in earnest on this night, fittingly the first of September.
Heres a quick ranking of the most meaningful tilts on the Thursday TV slate. All times Eastern.
1. South Carolina at VanderbiltTime/TV: 8 p.m., ESPN
Sure, neither of these teams is expected to contend for the SEC East title. But its a game that counts in the league standings nevertheless, and the winner can claim, for the moment at least, to be atop the division. In truth both squads likely need this "W"to avoid bringing up the rear when the campaign concludes. Gamecocks faithful are hoping that the hire of a former Florida head coach again leads to success.
Given Will Muschamps defensive bona fides and the strides made by the Commodores stoppers under head coach Derek Mason, dont expect this game to challenge any scoring records. The outcome will likely hinge on which team makes fewer mistakes. That might not bode well for Vandy, which has been undone by turnovers while dropping its last four season openers.
2. Rice at Western KentuckyTime/TV: 8 p.m., CBSSN
The other game that will count in league standings is in Conference USA. Despite the graduation of QB Brandon Doughty, the host Hilltoppers are expected to contend for the league crown and will be solid favorites tonight. The Owls are well-coached and make the most of their available talent but figure to struggle to contain WKUs superior depth and talent. The Owls first and foremost must find a way to contain Hilltoppers RB Anthony Wales.
3. Appalachian State at No. 10 TennesseeTime/TV: 7:30 p.m., SEC
The transition from long-time Southern Conference and perennial FCS title contender to Sun Belt Conference mainstay has gone well for Appalachian State, a program with a good track record that enjoys solid support from its community. Thoughan upset of the projected SEC East favorite would seem to be asking a lot, there isnt a Vols player or coach who isnt aware of the Mountaineers historic takedown of Michigan at the Big House a few years ago.
Tennessee should nevertheless take charge thanks to its physical advantage along the lines, but QB Joshua Dobbs will have to choose his targets carefully as he challenges an experienced Mountaineers secondary. Appalachian StateQB Taylor Lamb can make plays himself.
4. Oregon State at MinnesotaTime/TV: 9 p.m., BTN
Its a clash of power conference teams, though calling either of them a true contender in its respective league would be a bit of a stretch. The Golden Gophers are a bit farther along in the Big Ten.QB Mitch Leidner is back after directing a Quick Lane Bowl triumph against Central Michigan last season, and h**l look to get the new season off on the right foot in front of the home crowd.
The Beavers first season under coach Gary Andersen failed to produce a Pac-12 win, and they enter 2016 on a nine-game losing streak. Utah State transfer and new starting QB Darell Garretson, however, provided a reason for optimism with a big performance in OSUs spring game.
5.Indiana at Florida InternationalTime/TV: 7:30 p.m., ESPNU
For the Panthers, this rare home game against a power conference opponent should generate some early electricity in the stadium. But the Hoosiers, who ended a lengthy bowl drought a season ago, will be quite motivated to avoid the step back that a loss to FIU would represent.
THIS WEEK"S 10 BEST GAMES
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