Week: 1
- August 28, 2008 -No. 23 Wake Forest (0-0) at Baylor (0-0)
Waco, TX
8:10 PM ET
For the first time in school history, Wake Forest begins a season as a ranked squad. The Demon Deacons have high hopes as they open in Waco, facing Baylor. The Bears are starting a new era themselves as former Houston coach Art Briles takes the helm.
- August 30, 2008 -No. 17 Virginia Tech (0-0) at East Carolina (0-0)
12:00 PM ET
With the quarterback situation decided, Sean Glennon leads Virginia Tech against East Carolina in the season-opener. The Hokies do have other holes to fill at both running back and receiver. The Pirates, who return 16 starters, will be looking for revenge after 2007's 10-point defeat.
No. 2 Ohio State (0-0) vs Youngstown State (0-0)
Columbus, OH
12:00 PM ET Big Ten Network
Ohio State kicks off its quest for a third straight title game appearance against Jim Tressel's old squad, Football Championship Subdivision member Youngstown State. With the inexperienced Penguins unlikely to give the Buckeyes a challenge, many eyes will be focused on the possible debut of OSU QB Terrelle Pryor.
No. 22 Penn State (0-0) vs Coastal Carolina (0-0)
University Park, PA
12:00 PM ET Big Ten Network
After a challenging offseason, Penn State hits the field against Coastal Carolina. Joe Paterno begins his 43rd season on the Nittany Lions' sideline. The Chanticleers return 17 starters from last season's team, which won three of its final four games.
No. 25 Pittsburgh (0-0) vs Bowling Green (0-0)
Pittsburgh, PA
12:00 PM ET
Pittsburgh finished last season with a losing record but capped the campaign on a high note, leading to lofty expectations for this season in the Steel City. RB LeSean McCoy returns to the Pitt backfield, poised for a breakout year. Bowling Green is coming off an eight-win season, returning a potent offense led by QB Tyler Sheehan.
No. 13 Wisconsin (0-0) vs Akron (0-0)
Madison, WI
12:00 PM ET Big Ten Network
Wisconsin looks to extend its unbeaten home record under Bret Bielema to 15 games as the Badgers host Akron. Back for Wisconsin are running back P.J. Hill and tight end Travis Beckum. Akron's last win against a Big Ten team came against Ohio State -- in 1894.
No. 1 Georgia (0-0) vs Georgia Southern (0-0)
Athens, GA
12:30 PM ET
The expectations for Georgia have never been higher. The No. 1 Bulldogs now have to live up to them on the field, taking on Georgia Southern first. The Eagles did beat Appalachian State in 2007 but return few players this year.
No. 5 Florida (0-0) vs Hawaii (0-0)
Gainesville, FL
12:30 PM ET
Can Tim Tebow improve on his Heisman Trophy-winning season? He starts his quest for back-to-back awards against Hawaii. But what a difference a year makes for the Warriors. Gone are record-setting QB Colt Brennan and coach June Jones.
No. 3 USC (0-0) at Virginia (0-0)
Charlottesville, VA
3:30 PM ET
Southern California goes cross country for its season-opener, taking on Al Groh's Virginia team. Mark Sanchez takes over at quarterback for the Trojans, replacing the departed John David Booty. The Cavaliers posted nine wins in 2007 but return only 11 starters on offense and defense.
No. 8 West Virginia (0-0) vs Villanova (0-0)
Morgantown, WV
3:30 PM ET
West Virginia begins its first full season under Bill Stewart by hosting Football Championship Subdivision program Villanova. The Mountaineers are expected to be explosive on offense once again, returning QB Pat White and RB Noel Devine. The Wildcats won the last meeting between the teams on Oct. 29, 1977.
No. 7 LSU (0-0) vs Appalachian State (0-0)
Baton Rouge, LA
5:00 PM ET
It's the Football Bowl Subdivision champs versus the Football Championship Subdivision champs. Appalachian State was the darling of 2007 after upsetting Michigan in the Big House. LSU likely will be more prepared than the Wolverines, but the Tigers will be breaking in new QB Andrew Hatch.
No. 16 Brigham Young (0-0) vs Northern Iowa (0-0)
Provo, UT
6:00 PM ET The Mtn.
Perhaps the team with the greatest aspiration to bust the BCS is BYU. The Cougars return nine starters on offense, including QB Max Hall. Northern Iowa won 12 games in 2007 before falling in the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).
No. 4 Oklahoma (0-0) vs Chattanooga (0-0)
Norman, OK
7:00 PM ET
With Oklahoma returning quarterback Sam Bradford and explosive running back DeMarco Murray, the Sooners should have a potent offense. But with only five starters returning, the defense has some questions to answer. We're not likely to get those answers this week when the Sooners host Chattanooga, a team that went 2-9 in 2007.
No. 11 Texas (0-0) vs Florida Atlantic (0-0)
Austin, TX
7:00 PM ET
In 2007, Texas struggled against Sun Belt also-ran Arkansas State in its opener. This year, the Longhorns face Belt champ Florida Atlantic. Texas' revamped defense under coordinator Will Muschamp will face a stiff test from FAU QB Rusty Smith, who threw for 3,688 yards and 32 touchdowns last season.
No. 14 Kansas (0-0) vs Florida International (0-0)
Lawrence, KS
7:00 PM ET
After setting school records for wins and reaching No. 2 in the polls, Kansas will be hard pressed to repeat 2007's dream season. But the Jayhawks do return QB Todd Reesing and nine starters on defense. FIU snapped a 23-game losing streak, winning its last game of 2007 against North Texas.
No. 12 Texas Tech (0-0) vs Eastern Washington (0-0)
Lubbock, TX
7:00 PM ET
You know the offense will be there for Texas Tech behind Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. It's the defense that has Red Raiders fans excited this year, as it returns eight starters. Eastern Washington made it to the semifinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division 1-AA) in 2007 and returns QB Matt Nichols, who threw for 3,744 yards and a school-record 34 touchdowns last season.
No. 10 Auburn (0-0) vs Louisiana-Monroe (0-0)
Auburn, AL
7:00 PM ET
Fans got a peak at Auburn's new offense in its bowl game against Clemson last season. Now they get to see it full tilt versus Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks are no strangers to upsetting teams from Alabama, taking out the Crimson Tide in 2007.
No. 19 South Florida (0-0) vs Tennessee-Martin (0-0)
Tampa, FL
7:30 PM ET
Expectations are much different in Tampa this season after South Florida climbed as high as No. 2 in the polls in 2007. Matt Grothe returns as the Bulls' triggerman when Tennessee-Martin comes to town. The Skyhawks finished 2007 at 4-7.
No. 9 Clemson (0-0) vs No. 24 Alabama (0-0)
Atlanta, GA
8:00 PM ET
Clemson rarely has played well with the national spotlight shining on it. The Tigers will get an early test to see how they react when they meet Alabama in Atlanta. Clemson is loaded at the skill positions, while Alabama features highly touted receiver Julio Jones.
No. 6 Missouri (0-0) vs No. 20 Illinois (0-0)
St. Louis, MO
8:30 PM ET
In 2007, Illinois and Missouri opened the season to little fanfare. Twelve months later, things have changed. Missouri has its eyes on reaching the BCS title game behind Chase Daniel, while the Illini, who reached the Rose Bowl last season, return QB Juice Williams and WR Arrelious Benn.
No. 21 Oregon (0-0) vs Washington (0-0)
Eugene, OR
10:00 PM ET
Oregon is dealing with QB adversity even before the season is underway. After losing Dennis Dixon to injury in 2007 and after Nate Costa injured his knee, the Ducks will start Justin Roper. Washington coach Tyrone Willingham faces his own pressure, needing a solid season to get off the hot seat. The Huskies are pinning their hopes on QB Jake Locker.
No. 15 Arizona State (0-0) vs Northern Arizona (0-0)
Tempe, AZ
10:00 PM ET
Arizona State looks to build on a 10-win season as the Dennis Erickson era hits Year 2. Rudy Carpenter returns at quarterback after throwing for 3,202 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2007. Arizona State has won the past six meetings and is 10-0-1 versus Northern Arizona since a 19-13 loss in 1938. The Lumberjacks, though, lead the all-time series 18-14-4.
- September 1, 2008 -No. 18 Tennessee (0-0) at UCLA (0-0)
Pasadena, CA
8:00 PM ET
The Rick Neuheisel tenure kicks off with a stiff test when Tennessee visits the Rose Bowl. Kevin Craft gets the call at QB for UCLA. The Volunteers make the West Coast trip for the second year in a row after losing to Cal in 2007. Jonathan Crompton steps in for the departed Erik Ainge.
- August 28, 2008 -No. 23 Wake Forest (0-0) at Baylor (0-0)
Waco, TX
8:10 PM ET
For the first time in school history, Wake Forest begins a season as a ranked squad. The Demon Deacons have high hopes as they open in Waco, facing Baylor. The Bears are starting a new era themselves as former Houston coach Art Briles takes the helm.
- August 30, 2008 -No. 17 Virginia Tech (0-0) at East Carolina (0-0)
12:00 PM ET
With the quarterback situation decided, Sean Glennon leads Virginia Tech against East Carolina in the season-opener. The Hokies do have other holes to fill at both running back and receiver. The Pirates, who return 16 starters, will be looking for revenge after 2007's 10-point defeat.
No. 2 Ohio State (0-0) vs Youngstown State (0-0)
Columbus, OH
12:00 PM ET Big Ten Network
Ohio State kicks off its quest for a third straight title game appearance against Jim Tressel's old squad, Football Championship Subdivision member Youngstown State. With the inexperienced Penguins unlikely to give the Buckeyes a challenge, many eyes will be focused on the possible debut of OSU QB Terrelle Pryor.
No. 22 Penn State (0-0) vs Coastal Carolina (0-0)
University Park, PA
12:00 PM ET Big Ten Network
After a challenging offseason, Penn State hits the field against Coastal Carolina. Joe Paterno begins his 43rd season on the Nittany Lions' sideline. The Chanticleers return 17 starters from last season's team, which won three of its final four games.
No. 25 Pittsburgh (0-0) vs Bowling Green (0-0)
Pittsburgh, PA
12:00 PM ET
Pittsburgh finished last season with a losing record but capped the campaign on a high note, leading to lofty expectations for this season in the Steel City. RB LeSean McCoy returns to the Pitt backfield, poised for a breakout year. Bowling Green is coming off an eight-win season, returning a potent offense led by QB Tyler Sheehan.
No. 13 Wisconsin (0-0) vs Akron (0-0)
Madison, WI
12:00 PM ET Big Ten Network
Wisconsin looks to extend its unbeaten home record under Bret Bielema to 15 games as the Badgers host Akron. Back for Wisconsin are running back P.J. Hill and tight end Travis Beckum. Akron's last win against a Big Ten team came against Ohio State -- in 1894.
No. 1 Georgia (0-0) vs Georgia Southern (0-0)
Athens, GA
12:30 PM ET
The expectations for Georgia have never been higher. The No. 1 Bulldogs now have to live up to them on the field, taking on Georgia Southern first. The Eagles did beat Appalachian State in 2007 but return few players this year.
No. 5 Florida (0-0) vs Hawaii (0-0)
Gainesville, FL
12:30 PM ET
Can Tim Tebow improve on his Heisman Trophy-winning season? He starts his quest for back-to-back awards against Hawaii. But what a difference a year makes for the Warriors. Gone are record-setting QB Colt Brennan and coach June Jones.
No. 3 USC (0-0) at Virginia (0-0)
Charlottesville, VA
3:30 PM ET
Southern California goes cross country for its season-opener, taking on Al Groh's Virginia team. Mark Sanchez takes over at quarterback for the Trojans, replacing the departed John David Booty. The Cavaliers posted nine wins in 2007 but return only 11 starters on offense and defense.
No. 8 West Virginia (0-0) vs Villanova (0-0)
Morgantown, WV
3:30 PM ET
West Virginia begins its first full season under Bill Stewart by hosting Football Championship Subdivision program Villanova. The Mountaineers are expected to be explosive on offense once again, returning QB Pat White and RB Noel Devine. The Wildcats won the last meeting between the teams on Oct. 29, 1977.
No. 7 LSU (0-0) vs Appalachian State (0-0)
Baton Rouge, LA
5:00 PM ET
It's the Football Bowl Subdivision champs versus the Football Championship Subdivision champs. Appalachian State was the darling of 2007 after upsetting Michigan in the Big House. LSU likely will be more prepared than the Wolverines, but the Tigers will be breaking in new QB Andrew Hatch.
No. 16 Brigham Young (0-0) vs Northern Iowa (0-0)
Provo, UT
6:00 PM ET The Mtn.
Perhaps the team with the greatest aspiration to bust the BCS is BYU. The Cougars return nine starters on offense, including QB Max Hall. Northern Iowa won 12 games in 2007 before falling in the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).
No. 4 Oklahoma (0-0) vs Chattanooga (0-0)
Norman, OK
7:00 PM ET
With Oklahoma returning quarterback Sam Bradford and explosive running back DeMarco Murray, the Sooners should have a potent offense. But with only five starters returning, the defense has some questions to answer. We're not likely to get those answers this week when the Sooners host Chattanooga, a team that went 2-9 in 2007.
No. 11 Texas (0-0) vs Florida Atlantic (0-0)
Austin, TX
7:00 PM ET
In 2007, Texas struggled against Sun Belt also-ran Arkansas State in its opener. This year, the Longhorns face Belt champ Florida Atlantic. Texas' revamped defense under coordinator Will Muschamp will face a stiff test from FAU QB Rusty Smith, who threw for 3,688 yards and 32 touchdowns last season.
No. 14 Kansas (0-0) vs Florida International (0-0)
Lawrence, KS
7:00 PM ET
After setting school records for wins and reaching No. 2 in the polls, Kansas will be hard pressed to repeat 2007's dream season. But the Jayhawks do return QB Todd Reesing and nine starters on defense. FIU snapped a 23-game losing streak, winning its last game of 2007 against North Texas.
No. 12 Texas Tech (0-0) vs Eastern Washington (0-0)
Lubbock, TX
7:00 PM ET
You know the offense will be there for Texas Tech behind Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. It's the defense that has Red Raiders fans excited this year, as it returns eight starters. Eastern Washington made it to the semifinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division 1-AA) in 2007 and returns QB Matt Nichols, who threw for 3,744 yards and a school-record 34 touchdowns last season.
No. 10 Auburn (0-0) vs Louisiana-Monroe (0-0)
Auburn, AL
7:00 PM ET
Fans got a peak at Auburn's new offense in its bowl game against Clemson last season. Now they get to see it full tilt versus Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks are no strangers to upsetting teams from Alabama, taking out the Crimson Tide in 2007.
No. 19 South Florida (0-0) vs Tennessee-Martin (0-0)
Tampa, FL
7:30 PM ET
Expectations are much different in Tampa this season after South Florida climbed as high as No. 2 in the polls in 2007. Matt Grothe returns as the Bulls' triggerman when Tennessee-Martin comes to town. The Skyhawks finished 2007 at 4-7.
No. 9 Clemson (0-0) vs No. 24 Alabama (0-0)
Atlanta, GA
8:00 PM ET
Clemson rarely has played well with the national spotlight shining on it. The Tigers will get an early test to see how they react when they meet Alabama in Atlanta. Clemson is loaded at the skill positions, while Alabama features highly touted receiver Julio Jones.
No. 6 Missouri (0-0) vs No. 20 Illinois (0-0)
St. Louis, MO
8:30 PM ET
In 2007, Illinois and Missouri opened the season to little fanfare. Twelve months later, things have changed. Missouri has its eyes on reaching the BCS title game behind Chase Daniel, while the Illini, who reached the Rose Bowl last season, return QB Juice Williams and WR Arrelious Benn.
No. 21 Oregon (0-0) vs Washington (0-0)
Eugene, OR
10:00 PM ET
Oregon is dealing with QB adversity even before the season is underway. After losing Dennis Dixon to injury in 2007 and after Nate Costa injured his knee, the Ducks will start Justin Roper. Washington coach Tyrone Willingham faces his own pressure, needing a solid season to get off the hot seat. The Huskies are pinning their hopes on QB Jake Locker.
No. 15 Arizona State (0-0) vs Northern Arizona (0-0)
Tempe, AZ
10:00 PM ET
Arizona State looks to build on a 10-win season as the Dennis Erickson era hits Year 2. Rudy Carpenter returns at quarterback after throwing for 3,202 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2007. Arizona State has won the past six meetings and is 10-0-1 versus Northern Arizona since a 19-13 loss in 1938. The Lumberjacks, though, lead the all-time series 18-14-4.
- September 1, 2008 -No. 18 Tennessee (0-0) at UCLA (0-0)
Pasadena, CA
8:00 PM ET
The Rick Neuheisel tenure kicks off with a stiff test when Tennessee visits the Rose Bowl. Kevin Craft gets the call at QB for UCLA. The Volunteers make the West Coast trip for the second year in a row after losing to Cal in 2007. Jonathan Crompton steps in for the departed Erik Ainge.