Another weekend of college football approaches and the match-ups keep getting better and better. Keep an eye on these five games this weekend.
No. 19 Iowa (2-0) at Iowa State (2-0)
An in-state rivalry is renewed Saturday as the Cyclones host the Hawkeyes. Iowa suffered its only loss last season at the hands of Iowa State last season, led by former quarterback Seneca Wallace. Iowa leads the all-time series 33-17, but the Cyclones are winners of the last five contests.
Iowa State 23, Iowa 19
Purdue (0-1) at No. 21 Wake Forest (2-0)
Wake Forest cracked the rankings for the first time since January 1993 after last week’s impressive victory against then No. 11 N.C. State, 38-24. The Demon Deacons replaced Purdue in the Top 25 after the Boilermakers fell to Bowling Green, 27-26 in its home opener last weekend. Look for Purdue to bounce back.
Purdue 24, Wake Forest 21
Penn State (1-1) at No. 18 Nebraska (2-0)
The Cornhuskers seek revenge as they host Penn State Saturday in Lincoln, Neb. Penn State owned Nebraska last season in a 40-7 rout in Happy Valley. But the Huskers are off to a great start, led by a stout defense that held Utah State to seven points last Saturday. Penn State lost its home opener against Boston College 27-14 last weekend, dropping the Nittany Lions from the Top 25. Penn State leads the series with Nebraska 7-5, but records will not help Joe Paterno in Husker country.
Nebraska 27, Penn State 15
No. 22 N.C. State (1-1) at No. 3 Ohio State (2-0)
N.C. State attempts to rebound this weekend after last week’s disappointing loss to Wake Forest. Even with the return of running back T.A. McLendon for N.C. State, it may be a tall task for the Wolfpack to win in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes’ 16-game winning streak is the longest in the nation. But the Buckeyes barely escaped last week, squeaking by San Diego State 16-13 in a nailbiter. This is the first meeting between the schools – this one will be all Buckeyes.
Ohio State 30, N.C. State 13.
No. 14 Notre Dame (1-0) at No. 7 Michigan (2-0)
The game of the week takes us to the Big House, as the Wolverines attempt to avenge last season’s 25-23 fall to the Fighting Irish. The Irish fought back for a 29-26 overtime victory last weekend against Washington State in its season opener. Michigan boasts the nation’s top running attack, led by Chris Perry. Perry is averaging 208 yards per game after two lopsided victories. The Wolverines lead the overall series against Notre Dame, 17-12-1, but beware the luck of the Irish.
Notre Dame 21, Michigan 20