San Antonio Spurs at L.A Lakers
Western Conference powerhouses collide in a big game on Sunday inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, C.A. The L.A Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference at a mark of 34-8 and have appeared to be the best team in the conference all year. However, the Spurs have rallied from a slow start and they are ready to challenge for Western supremacy. San Antonio already captured a victory over the Lakers a few short weeks ago in an exciting game that went right down to the wire. The Spurs Manu Ginobili knocked down 27 in the contest that lead to San Antonio edged out the Lakers at home 112-111.
No. 3 Connecticut Huskies at No. 19 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The No. 19 Notre Dame Fighting Irish will host the 3rd ranked Connecticut Huskies this Saturday in attempt to keep their 45 home game winning streak intact. The streak now leads all active home winning streaks and the Fighting Irish will face a tough task in holding on to that impressive tenure when they take on one of the best teams in America. Connecticut is among a number of one loss teams around the country that is fighting for the number 1 ranking in the nation. The Huskies have a chance to add another quality win to their resume this Saturday in what would be their 6th win over a top 25 opponent already this season.
Milwaukee Brewers at Philadelphia Phillies Pick and Preview
The Milwaukee Brewers got a huge come from behind win on Wednesday as they defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-3, getting two runs in the eighth inning. Manager Ned Yost has not been one to panic even though his team just completed a 3-7 homestand.
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers Pick and Preview
The Green Bay Packers will look decidedly different as they open up the 2008 regular season on Monday as long-time quarterback Brett Favre is gone and understudy Aaron Rodgers has the job. Rodgers will get a real test of what it should be like as he opens up at home against NFC North rival Minnesota. It has been Favre at quarterback since 1992 so things will definitely be different on Monday.
Cincinnati at Oklahoma Pick and Preview
Two teams coming off blowout opening wins meet on Saturday as #4 Oklahoma hosts Cincinnati. The Sooners routed a hapless Chattanooga team 57-2 last week while the Bearcats routed Eastern Kentucky 40-7. Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns but only played into the second quarter before Oklahoma backups came in. Chris Brown had three rushing touchdowns and DeMarco Murray ran for 124 yards and two TDs. The Sooners defense was untouchable as the only Chattanooga score was on a safety.
Washington Redskins at New York Giants Pick and Preview
The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants begin the 2008 season at home against the Washington Redskins. It’s the second time in six seasons that the Redskins are part of the NFL’s first game of the season. They won in 2003 against the Jets 16-13. In 2004 the NFL started a tradition in which the previous season’s Super Bowl winner hosts the NFL Thursday night game to start the regular season.
Colorado vs. Colorado State Pick and Preview
Colorado State and Colorado resume their rivalry on Sunday at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. The Rams have a new head coach in Steve Fairchild after long-time coach Sonny Lubick decided to retire. The Rams were not very good in 2007, winning just three games. The Buffaloes were a little better as they won six games and made a bowl game.
Kentucky at Louisville Pick and Preview
An exciting matchup should be in the offing on Sunday as Louisville hosts Kentucky in the battle for the Governor’s Cup. Kentucky was 8-5 last season but suffered a number of off-season losses and is looking at a rebuilding season. Louisville slipped to 6-6 last season and missed out on a bowl game for the first time in more than 10 years. Second year head coach Steve Kragthorpe is looking for better things this season.
Alabama vs. Clemson Pick and Preview
A matchup of two Top 25 teams takes place at the Georgia Dome on Saturday as #9 Clemson takes on #24 Alabama. The Tigers are one of the favorites in the ACC this season but head coach Tommy Bowden has continually disappointed Clemson followers in recent seasons. Saturday’s opener is a major test for Bowden and Clemson after last season’s failure.
Illinois vs. Missouri Pick and Preview
One of the best games of the opening college football weekend should be in St. Louis as Illinois plays Missouri on Saturday night. Last season the Tigers defeated Illinois 40-34 in the season opener. The Tigers were one win away from the BCS title game last season while the Illini played in the Rose Bowl.