The time has come. The 2012 college football season kicks off Thursday with a good set of games to get the ball rolling.
The only ranked team on the slate are #9 South Carolina who opens the year on the road against Vanderbilt in an early season SEC clash.
Another intriguing story line is the debut of Brett Hundley as UCLA starting quarterback in head coach Jim L. Mora’s first game at the helm.
In the battle of the Cougars, Washington State travels to Provo to take on BYU in Mike Leach’s inaugural game as WSU head coach.
Games to Watch
9 South Carolina at Vanderbilt ESPN
The old ball coach Steve Spurrier leads the South Carolina Gamecocks into Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores in what should be a highly competitive battle between SEC East division rivals. The game marks the return of stud Gamecock running back Marcus Lattimore who suffered a torn ACL last season. Connor Shaw will start at quarterback and be expected to lead South Carolina to a big season.
As for Vanderbilt, head coach James Franklin’s squad should present a stiff challenge. The Commodores are led by quarterback Jordan Rogers and running back Zac Stacy. The combo is capable of lighting up the scoreboard and should benefit from a frenzied home crowd.
UCLA at Rice CBS Sports Network
The Brett Hundley era as starting quarterback at UCLA begins with a road test against the Rice Owls. The Bruins travel to Houston with a new coaching staff and new quarterback and an opportunity to start the season on a good note.
Expect the Bruins to pound the ball early with running back Jonathan Franklin to allow Hundley to get acclimated to the offense. UCLA should be able to move the ball and score enough points to come home with a victory.
Washington State at BYU ESPN
Mike Leach’s first game as Washington State Cougars head coach will be a difficult road test against the BYU Cougars. Despite a lack of on field success in recent years, the cupboard is not bare in Pullman.
Quarterback Jeff Tuel and wide receiver Marquess Wilson are a potent combo and should have a big year for the Cougars. Freshman receiver Gabe Marks is expected to contribute immediately and should be a tough cover for opposing defenses.
BYU returns quarterback Riley Nelson and the home Cougars should be able to score points as well which makes the possibility of this game turning into a shootout all the more likely.
