Who: Alabama vs. Texas
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.
Where: Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas
What to look for: Is there any way that Texas can stay in this game? It’s hard to imagine that happening when looking at this game on paper.
Why to watch: Will Anderson Jr. is always worth the price of admission. When will he get his first sack of Quinn Ewers, and how many more will follow?
Who: South Alabama at Central Michigan
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.
Where: Shorts/Kelly Stadium, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
What to look for: Is the South Alabama defense better than Oklahoma State’s defense? Central Michigan didn’t beat Oklahoma State, but the Chippewas did manage 546 yards and 44 points in the two-touchdown loss to the Cowboys.
Why to watch: The Jaguars are definitely taking steps under second-year head coach Kane Wommack. At some point, those steps need to result in big road wins.
Who: Samford at Georgia
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where: Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga.
What to look for: Can Chris Hatcher’s offense put a dent – even a small one – in Georgia’s defense? The names have changed for the Bulldogs in many cases, but they still are scary good on defense.
Why to watch: It’s about time that we stop seeing Stetson Bennett as a good story and start seeing him as a darn good quarterback.
Who: Alabama State at UCLA
When: Saturday, 4 p.m.
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
What to look for: Who will play quarterback for Alabama State? Dematrius Davis or Myles Rawley? Might not matter in the final outcome, but it will matter moving forward.
Why to watch: UCLA is capable of playing poorly and overlooking the Hornets. Is Alabama State good enough to take advantage if that happens?
Who: UAB at Liberty
When: Saturday, 5 p.m.
Where: Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, Virginia
What to look for: How many yards does DeWayne McBride run for against a defense that couldn’t stop the run against Southern Miss? If Liberty lines up and dares UAB to pass, how many yards does Dylan Hopkins throw for?
Why to watch: Malik Willis is not walking through that door, but the disappointment he created in the Protective Stadium opening victory over UAB lingers. Will that memory motivate the Blazers?
Who: Alabama A&M at Troy
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Veterans Stadium, Troy
What to look for: The atmosphere should be tremendous with a school record in season ticket sales and excitement surrounding the program.
Why to watch: Alabama A&M didn’t update its roster on its athletic website until after the season-opening loss at UAB. Now we know the players; will they play better?
Who: Huntingdon at Birmingham-Southern
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Panther Stadium, Birmingham
What to look for: Birmingham-Southern running back Jon Lewis came within a yard of reaching 200 yards in the opener. The Panthers don’t hide that they want to run the football. Can they be stopped?
Why to watch: Huntingdon prefers to throw the football. Which style wins?
Who: Tuskegee at Hampton
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Armstrong Stadium, Hampton, Virginia
What to look for: Tuskegee could not stop the run in the season-opening loss to Fort Valley State. Hampton unleashed a balanced attack but might stick to the ground this time.
Why to watch: Tuskegee is filled with newcomers. At some point, they will come together. Will it be this early?
Who: West Alabama at Miles College
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Sloan-Alumni Stadium, Fairfield
What to look for: Miles College allowed 21 first-quarter points last week. West Alabama scored 21 first-half points in the opener. What happens in the first 30 minutes this week?
Why to watch: West Alabama quarterback Tucker Melton, a former Phenix City Central standout and Bowling Green bounceback, had a solid opening game.
Who: Jacksonville State at Murray State
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Roy Stewart Stadium, Murray, Kentucky
What to look for: Murray State opened the season with a payday at Texas Tech. Now, they really begin the season. Quarterback DJ Williams is a threat.
Why to watch: Jacksonville State quarterback Zion Webb has been the ASun Offensive Player of the Week both of the first two weeks. JSU also has a pair of ASun Defensive Players of the Week – linebacker Stevonte Tullis and safety Deco Wilson.
Who: UVA Wise at UNA
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Braly Stadium, Florence
What to look for: This is the first time since 2018 that UNA has played a Division II opponent.
Why to watch: The Lions are playing their first home game as a full Division I member.
Who: San Jose State at Auburn
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn
What to look for: T.J. Finley or Robby Ashford? Robby Ashford or T.J. Finley?
Why to watch: San Jose State is a better team than Auburn’s first opponent. Will you be able to tell it on the scoreboard?
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email steve.irvine@1819news.com.
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