The Triple-Dub – What To Watch And Why

Your weekend viewing guide - The best games of the weekend and why you should watch. Usually everything from College Football, to the English Premier League, to the NHL.

The Triple-Dub: Sept. 24th-25th

College Football:

-Saturday Sept. 24th
San Diego State Aztecs (3-0) @ #22 Michigan Wolverines (3-0) (The Big House – Ann Arbor, MI) 12:00 PM ET – Big Ten Network

San Diego State RB Ronnie Hillman

Never thought I would say this but I actually wish I had the Big Ten Network so I could watch this game. Michigan’s shoddy defense has to slow down Ronnie Hillman (the nation’s second leading rusher) and quarterback Ryan Lindley while San Diego State gets to try containing Denard Robinson. To make things more interesting, Michigan coach Brady Hoke will be facing his former team that he bailed on. The Aztecs will be fired up to play – I wont be surprised if Michigan gets upset at the Big House.

#14 Arkansas Razorbacks (3-0) @ #3 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) (Bryant-Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, AL) 3:30 PM ET – CBS

Arkansas has raked up wins over Missouri State, New Mexico and Troy… Bama has wins over Kent State and Texas State but at least they did make the trip to Happy Valley to beat-up on Penn State. Outside of this being the first real test for both team, it will also be a contrast in style. The Razorbacks like to throw the ball around while the Crimson Tide prefer to pound the football with Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy. This should be a good litmus test for both teams.

#7 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0) @ #8 Texas A&M Aggies (2-0) (Kyle Field – College Station, TX) 3:30 PM ET – ABC/ESPN 2

To be honest, I can’t tell you a whole lot about either of these teams other than that the Cowboys have a ridiculous wide receiver – Justin Blackmon – and this is probably the last time these teams will play for the foreseeable future with the Aggies headed to the SEC.  Other than that, it’s a match-up of top-10 team which usually produces some good football.

#11 Florida State Seminoles (2-1) @ #21 Clemson Tigers (3-0) (Death Valley – Clemson, SC) 3:30 PM ET – ESPN

Clemson trailed Auburn 21-7 in the second quarter but came back to win 38-24 snapping the Tigers’ 17-game winning streak. The Noles lost 23-13 to Oklahoma and I’m interested to see how they play after one of the hardest hitting games I’ve watched this season. Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel injured his shoulder against the Sooners and is listed as questionable. Don’t be surprised to see the Seminoles keep things simple on offense if Clint Trickett starts and try to win the game with special teams and defense. Clemson QB Tajh Boyd hasn’t faced even decent defense yet and could struggle some on Saturday.

#2 LSU Tigers (3-0) @ #16 West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0) (Mountaineer Field – Morgantown, WV) 8:00 PM ET – ABC

LSU’s defense has looked downright nasty to start the season holding Oregon in check and shutting down Mississippi State. To my surprise, the offense has also looked decent with Jarrett Lee at quarterback after Jordan Jefferson was suspended. Quarterback Geno Smith and the Mountaineer offense seem to be progressing well under new head coach Dana Holgorsen but the Tiger’s defense should be a real test. I think West Virginia might keep this closer than some people expect.

#23 USC Trojans (3-0) @ Arizona State Sun Devils (2-1) (Sun Devil Stadium – Tempe, AZ) 10:15 PM ET – ESPN

USC QB Matt Barkley

After upsetting Missouri two weeks ago, the Sun Devils lost on the road to Illinois last week. Quarterback Brock Osweiler threw two interceptions in the loss but has played pretty well to start the season. USC hasn’t exactly been impressive but QB Matt Barkley has been completing 69 percent of his passes for 892 yards, 9 touchdowns and just 1 interception. The Trojans and Barkley have been talking some trash perhaps trying to get inside Vontaze Burfict’s head which could be a really good or really bad idea – we’ll see. This should be a good one on Saturday night.

English Premier League:

I’m not sure any of the matches this weekend would qualify as “must-see” – obviously I’ll be paying attention to Arsenal facing a must-win against Bolton – but here are the televised games this weekend in case you want to watch before football comes on:

-Saturday Sept. 24th
Everton (2-1-1 – 7 pts) @ Manchester City (4-1-0 – 13 pts) 7:45 AM ET – ESPN 2

Bolton (1-0-4 – 3 pts) @ Arsenal (1-1-3 – 4 pts) 10:00 AM ET – Fox Soccer Channel

Swansea (1-2-2 – 5 pts) @ Chelsea (3-1-1 – 10 pts) 10:00 AM ET – Fox Soccer Plus

Manchester United (5-0-0 – 15 pts) @ Stoke City (2-2-1 – 8 pts) 12:30 PM ET – Fox Soccer Cannel

-Sunday Sept 25th
Aston Villa (1-4-0 – 7 pts) @ Queens Park Rangers (2-1-2 – 7 pts) 11:00 AM ET – Fox Soccer Channel

What are you watching this weekend?

  • David

    Excited to see how bad the Crimson Tide beat up Arkansas. 

    Other exciting sport on this weekend: Rugby World Cup – New Zealand vs France on Saturday, where the All Blacks face their first major test of the tournament, and Argentina vs Scotland on Sunday, which will pretty much decide which of these two teams makes it out of pool B alongside England.

    Losing my weekend to televised sport again.

  • http://drofdarb.laxallstars.com Drofdarb23

    I didn’t realize the Rugby World Cup was going on. I’ll have to see if I can find it on TV over here. I would love to see the All Blacks play!

  • http://twitter.com/TimHaslam Tim Haslam

    With Utah having a bye week, the only game I’ll be watching is RSL v. DC United. 

  • David

    Should definitely tune into the All Blacks game if you can. 

    New Zealand have looked ridiculously dominant so far, but haven’t seen a quality opponent and really need to win this game to ensure they have an easier quarter final. France are unpredictable at the best of times, they have the ability to play some of the most exciting rugby on the planet but also the tendency to completely implode.