1. Is Steve Sarkisian the man to bring USC back into dominance?
Sarkisian made a big impression with the USC fan base with the Trojans’ dominating win over Fresno State; a game in which was won more convincingly than their bowl win over the Bulldogs. Quarterback Cody Kessler looks like the right man for the job after a winning a hotly contested battle with redshirt freshman Max Browne. Reports from Los Angeles have indicated that Sarkisian has reenergized the Trojans much like former interim coach Ed Orgeron. If that is the case, Steve Sarkisian has the players and incoming recruits necessary to bring Southern Cal back into national contention for a championship.
2. Should Ohio State be on upset alert against Virginia Tech?
When starting quarterback Braxton Miller was lost for the season many fans and analysts alike wondered how the Buckeyes would fare. Previously a playoff favorite this season, Ohio State has since slightly fallen off the pedestal it once stood with Miller at the helm. With an uninspiring victory against Navy in week one it will be interesting to see what kind of competition the Virginia Tech Hokies bring Urban Meyer’s squad.
3. Will Michigan State be ready to face the Ducks?
Always a dark horse in every college football season, Michigan State has a viable chance to upset the Oregon Ducks this Saturday in Eugene. Head coach Mark Dantonio always seems to have something up his sleeve and it can be noted that the Spartans run a similar offense to Stanford; the only team who has seemed to cause the Ducks any trouble as of recent. Though you can never underestimate the power of Oregon, this should be an interesting game to watch.
4. How will Notre Dame fare against Michigan?
The Irish had an impressive debut (albeit against a not so powerful Rice team); The Wolverines had an impressive debut (albeit against a not so powerful Appalachian State team). Someone has to budge. Notre Dame has had a recent history of struggling against Michigan, however the two teams will be playing in South Bend which is where the Irish beat the Wolverines last en route to the national championship. Notre Dame also will have Everett Golsen back as quarterback; coincidentally the last quarterback who beat Michigan for the Irish.
5. Just how bad has Vanderbilt fallen since the departure of James Franklin?
It was assumed that Vanderbilt would experience a drop-off since James Franklin left for State College, Pennsylvania. Getting blown out by Temple, however, was not what most Commodore fans expected. Even with meager talent, there is no excuse for an SEC team to get shut down by a team coming off a 2-10 season. With a relatively formidable SEC schedule, things are not looking very bright for Vanderbilt for this 2014-2015 college football season.
The Pigskin Catch 