Three Big Things

With two hours before the first games kickoff, let us take some time and discuss three things that you should pay close attention to.

• The New Red River Rivalry

While we are still weeks away from the Sooners and Longhorns facing off, it would be silly to think that this week's games don't play a big role in the new path the rivalry takes. For the first time since 1998, Bob Stoops will not be patrolling the sidelines for Boomer Sooner. Lincoln Riley makes his coaching debut after Stoops abruptly retired during the summer.
On the Texas side, Tom Herman makes his Longhorn debut after coming over from the Houston Cougars last year.
Both coaches inherit Top 25 programs that are expected to compete for the Big XII Title.
Trivia time! When was the last time that both Texas and Oklahoma both entered a new season with new coaches? You have to go all the way back to 1947 when Bud Wilkinson led the Sooners, and Blair Cherry was at the helm in Austin

• Michigan and Florida Square Off in the Jerry Dome

A battle of the minds will finally meet on the gridiron. For the past few weeks, mystery has shrowded both teams as they have each been hesitant to tip their hand to the other. Now that Jim Harbaugh and Jim McElwain have released their depth charts, we'll see it to believe it. Despite the mind games leading up to it, this game should be worth the wait. Michigan was close to a Playoff berth last year in a race that come down to the wire. While they are not the same team they were a year ago, you can bet they have the same goals.
Florida will be lucky to have enough players to field a team. McElwain has suspended a number of players including standouts from a year ago Antonio Callaway and Jordan Scarlett. Add that to the fact that the Gators are starting a redshirt freshman at quarterback in Feleipe Franks, this one looks one-sided.

• Florida State and Alabama Kick Off a Clash of the Titans

#1 vs #3 is usually left to a playoff matchup at the end of the season, but Alabama and Florida State have thrown out the rule book. Easily the most watched game of the weekend tonight, these two are squaring off in what might also be a prequel to a postseason matchup in late-December early-January. With both teams returning a ton, this will be a great game to watch.

What are your storylines for the weekend? Let us know in the comments below. Check back later for game predictions and bets.