Real Kato Blog: College Football 2012: Week 2 Preview

Let's hope this weekend is better than the last.

#19 Michigan vs. Air Force

Air Force is not Alabama. They have 260-pound defensive linemen and no NFL-caliber cornerbacks. If Michigan cannot put together a better offensive performance against Air Force than they did against Alabama, then we might as well write off this whole season.

Air Force does bring a tricky triple-option-esque offense with loads of misdirection, which you'd expect from an undersized team that lacks elite athletes. But misdirection is a big equalizer (a tenet I wish Michigan had remembered when playing Alabama) and Michigan had trouble playing sound assignment football last week... there'll have to be an improvement at linebacker and safety play this week or Air Force may gash Michigan for big plays.

Still, the physical talent difference between Air Force and Alabama is immense, and Michigan should assert itself as the day goes on. Barring a total collapse, this should be a game Michigan wins comfortably. Prediction: Michigan 38, Air Force 20.

N.C. State at Connecticut

Like Michigan, N.C. State is doing some soul-searching this week. Connecticut may present a bit of a challenge, particularly in run defense; they've been pretty stout and State has struggled to find an answer at running back.

However, UConn is breaking in a new transfer quarterback and new receivers, and isn't exactly coming off a great season anyway. And the pass defense is suspect. All of this plays into State's strengths, which means even though this is a road game, State should have an easier time of it than last week. I expect State to struggle on the ground, and for the score to be close at the half until State opens up the passing game and pulls away. Prediction: N.C. State 33, Connecticut 13.

Games to Watch on TV

At noon Saturday, N.C. State plays UConn on ESPN3.com. While you've got that going on the Internet, turn the TV to Miami (FL) at #21 Kansas State on FX; or see if Penn State can turn things around against Virginia on ABC.

At 3:30 PM, Michigan plays Air Force on ESPN2/ABC. There's an intriguing matchup between Purdue and Notre Dame on NBC, as well as #24 Florida vs. Texas A&M on ESPN.

At 7:30 PM I'll be interested in seeing how #16 Nebraska fares at UCLA.

There's an interesting late game: at 10:30, Rich Rodriguez' Arizona team plays #18 Oklahoma State.

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