Ralph D. Russo
Bama, Boise St among teams with huge openers
Even Nick Saban, a coach who is all about urgency, wasn’t quite ready to buy into the idea that the first game of the season was a make-or-break deal
“It’s horrible. It’s a horrible thought for any team to be out of anything after one game,” the Alabama coach said earlier this week.
True, but in college football, one loss can change a season, which makes opening weekend games such as Alabama-Virginia Tech, Oregon-Boise State and BYU-Oklahoma so intriguing.
No. 5 Alabama starts its season in the Georgia Dome for the second straight year, this time taking on No. 8 Virginia Tech, the Atlantic Coast Conference favorites. The Crimson Tide jump started a national title run in 2008 by beating up supposed-ACC heavyweight Clemson in Atlanta last season.
The Tigers never quite recovered from the 34-10 beating and a season of great expectations fizzled.
This season, four games matching ranked teams highlight the Labor Day weekend football bonanza, starting with Thursday night’s showdown on the Blue Turf in Boise, Idaho. For No. 14 Boise State, the visit by the 16th-ranked Ducks is being called the biggest home game in school history.
No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 20 BYU open the season Saturday at the Dallas Cowboys’ new stadium in Arlington, Texas. An upset by the Cougars would stoke national title talk in Provo, Utah.
No. 9 Oklahoma State hosts No. 13 Georgia in a game that should help stir the debate over which league is better, the Southeastern Conference or the Big 12.
The picks:
Related News
Report: Oregon coach may reinstate RB LaGarrette Blount, who punched opposing player in openerOctober 2nd, 2009 Oregon may reinstate RB LaGarrette Blount
EUGENE, Ore. — ESPN is reporting suspended running back LaGarrette Blount could be reinstated later this season.
As Oregon moves on, it doesn't get any easier with No. 18 Utah coming inSeptember 13th, 2009 Season doesn't get easier for OregonEUGENE, Ore. — Even without the whole LeGarrette Blount debacle, Oregon is having a bumpy start to the season.
Blount appears briefly at Oregon practice, does not suit upSeptember 8th, 2009 Blount appears briefly at Oregon practiceEUGENE, Ore. — Suspended running back LeGarrette Blount made a brief appearance at Oregon's practice, but did not suit up.
Boise State coach Petersen says punch was unfortunate, defends not suspending player involvedSeptember 7th, 2009 Boise State trying to move on from punchBoise State coach Chris Petersen defended his decision not to suspend Byron Hout for his taunting that led to LeGarrette Blount's punch after the No. 14 Broncos' victory over Oregon on Thursday.
RB LeGarrette Blount does not practice with Oregon, although he was initially expected to showSeptember 7th, 2009 RB LeGarrette Blount does not practice with DucksRunning back LeGarrette Blount did not practice with Oregon on Monday even though he was allowed to under a season-long suspension for a postgame punch in the Ducks' opener. The team did not immediately comment on Blount's absence.
Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount apologizes to Boise State coach and player over punchSeptember 6th, 2009 Oregon RB Blount apologizes to Boise StatePORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount called Boise State defensive end Byron Hout and coach Chris Petersen to apologize for the punch he threw following Thursday's game between the two teams.
1 ugly Duck-ling of a victory: No. 14 Boise State pushes around No. 16 Oregon in 19-8 victorySeptember 4th, 2009 No. 14 Boise State beats No. 16 Oregon 19-8BOISE, Idaho — The biggest home game in Boise State history became a four-quarter bullying of the Broncos' big-conference neighbors to the west that left frustrated Oregon players hitting each other after a teammate punched a Broncos player.
BC-FBC--T25-Oregon-Boise St. Stats, FBCSeptember 4th, 2009 BC-FBC--T25-Oregon-Boise St. Stats, FBC
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Oregon football punch: Legarrette Blount video and apologySeptember 4th, 2009 I am sure you know about the news of Oregon Ducks' Legarrette Blount punch on poor Boise State player Byron Hout already. If you haven't seen the shameful act yet, here is your chance to watch and trash Blount's blunder:
Legarrette Blount punch video.
Boise State's Hout won't be suspended for taunting before being punched after win over OregonSeptember 4th, 2009 BSU's Hout not expected to be punishedBOISE, Idaho — Boise State defensive end Byron Hout will not be suspended after taunting Oregon's LeGarrette Blount before getting decked with a punch. Boise State spokesman Max Corbet told The Associated Press in an e-mail Friday that head coach Chris Petersen won't suspend Hout.
One ugly Duck-ling of a victory: Boise State pushes around Oregon in 19-8 victorySeptember 4th, 2009 Ducks get dumped by Boise State 19-8BOISE, Idaho — The biggest home game in Boise State history became a four-quarter bullying of the Broncos' big-conference neighbors to the west that left frustrated Oregon players hitting each other after a teammate punched a Broncos player. Kellen Moore threw for 197 yards and a touchdown, and the 14th-ranked Broncos pushed aside No.
Oregon suspends RB LeGarrette Blount for season after punching Boise State playerSeptember 4th, 2009 Oregon suspends RB LeGarrette Blount for seasonEUGENE, Ore. — After watching the tape of the punch that Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount threw at Boise State's Byron Hout, Ducks first-year coach Chip Kelly knew what he had to do.
LeGarrette Blount Punches His Way Out Of His Football CareerSeptember 4th, 2009 LeGarrette Blount the tail back for Oregon lost his mind and sucker punched Boise State player Byron Hout on Thursday night. It was not before other players physically restrained and took Blount off the field, that Hout could be saved from his assault.
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Angels' Torii Hunter slams into outfield wall before leaving with injuryJune 16th, 2009 Hunter leaves game after running into wallSAN FRANCISCO — Torii Hunter has left the Los Angeles Angels' game against San Francisco after crashing into the outfield wall trying to catch a double by Bengie Molina in the fourth inning. Hunter was swarmed by trainers, teammates and manager Mike Scioscia when he was injured and was down for several minutes before getting up on his own.
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