No. 6 LSU at No. 9 Texas
Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC
The eyes of the nation are upon Austin this weekend as Texas plays host to the LSU Tigers. Sophomore running back Keaontay Ingram played well in the season opener with 78 yards on 11 carries. When you add in four touchdown passes from junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger, Texas appears to have a fine-tuned offense that can put up big numbers. Now the Longhorns will learn if they can do it on a consistent basis. The Tigers are trying to kick in the door of the SEC West, so they can’t afford an early non-conference loss. This season, LSU has changed its approach by giving the offensive keys to redshirt senior quarterback Joe Burrow. The move has been successful so far with Burrow throwing five touchdowns and 278 yards in the season opener.
No. 12 Texas A&M at No. 1 Clemson
Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ABC
In 2019, the Aggies hope to redeem themselves after a loss to Clemson last year. Junior quarterback Kellen Mond’s accuracy has improved this year, and the Aggie backfield is deep — freshman running back Isaiah Spiller and sophomore running back Jashaun Corbin combined for 209 yards rushing in Week One. Despite the leap in talent, the Tigers are still 17-point favorites. The offensive duo of sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence and junior running back Travis Etienne is lethal for the Tigers. We’ll see if the Aggies can pull off a signature win of the Jimbo Fisher era, or if Clemson will make a statement of dominance yet again.
No. 23 Stanford at USC
Saturday, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
A pair of California powers are trying to recalibrate after early injuries. USC is trying to navigate through chaos as sophomore quarterback JT Daniels suffered a season-ending ACL tear. The Trojans have called upon true freshman Kedon Slovis, who has shown flashes of potential in a high-pressure position. Stanford scraped to a 17-7 victory against Northwestern in its 2019 opener, but the win came at a price. Senior quarterback K.J. Costello was removed early after a hit to the head and is questionable for Saturday, and junior left tackle Walker Little is out after a knee injury. Both injuries hinder an offense that is still trying to find its dynamic playmaking ability. This is set to be a chaotic game as each team is trying to secure a strong Pac-12 standing with inexperienced squads.
No. 25 Nebraska at Colorado
Saturday, 2:30 p.m., FOX
Many experts feel this is the year the touch of head coach Scott Frost will turn Nebraska around. The Cornhuskers are on the right track, but still have a ways to go after a relatively close win over South Alabama to start the season. Led by sophomore quarterback Adrian Martinez, the offense has talent but is still taking time to mesh after producing 276 yards in the season opener. Colorado, on the other hand, intends to play spoiler to their longtime rival for the second year in a row. This year, however, the Cornhuskers will prove tougher to beat for the Buffaloes, and enter the game as favorites on the road.
Miami at North Carolina
Saturday, 7:00 p.m., ACCN
Head coach Mack Brown is righting the ship after a North Carolina comeback against South Carolina in Week One. True freshman quarterback Sam Howell showed poise under pressure, throwing two fourth quarter touchdowns. Brown’s opponent is his former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, whose Miami team flourished defensively to force four turnovers in Week One against Florida. Nonetheless, the Hurricanes lack an offensive punch. The meeting between Miami and the Tar Heels will have long term ACC implications and mark a huge step up for the winner.
