Colorado (0-0) at Hawaii (0-0)
8:15 p.m., Aloha Stadium, ESPN
Colorado coach Jon Embree hasn’t been shy about telling everyone that his team needs to establish an identity and “implement its will” on opponents by running the ball “down their throats.” Word out of Hawaii’s camp is the Warriors have taken that as a personal challenge. Hawaii returned six of its top eight defensive linemen. Watch for Vaughn Meatoga to be their stopper in the middle. At 6-foot-2 and 285 pounds, the senior started 12 games at left tackle last year, and next to him is another senior, Kaniela Tuipuloto, who also is 6-2 but checks in at 300 pounds. Irresistible force meets immovable object? Something has to give.
Colorado State (0-0) at New Mexico (0-0)
4 p.m., University Stadium, MTN
Even as Colorado State struggled to run against most everyone else during the season, it racked up yards like they were going out of style last season in a win over New Mexico. The Rams nearly put two players over 100 yards and ran for 328 total. This is significant because CSU coach Steve Fairchild believes the offensive line, which returns four starters, including Paul Madsen, is as good a group as he’s had in Fort Collins. “I like our offensive line a lot,” Fairchild said. “We had a very, very good line here in ’08 and ’09. I think this group can work its way into being that type of offensive line.” Last season, New Mexico was next to last in total defense in the FBS, giving up 469 yards a game.
South Dakota (0-0) at Air Force (0-0)
Noon, Falcon Stadium, MTN
Air Force safety Jon Davis and cornerback Anthony Wright, the Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside of the Falcons’ defense, embark on their final season. Both were selected to the Mountain West preseason all-conference team. Going into their final season, Davis and Wright have combined for 73 games, 301 tackles and 16 interceptions. They will go against quarterback Dante Warren, who had 18 TDs last year against just six INTs in 11 starts. What helps the visiting Coyotes is they return 19 starters (10 on defense). The offensive line returns four starters, including center Tim Ross, who played at Arvada West High. The Coyotes’ other Colorado starter is safety Aaron Swift, a sophomore from Eaglecrest High.
Lindenwood (0-0) at Northern Colorado (0-0)
1:30 p.m., Nottingham Field
And so begins the Earnest Collins Jr. era in Greeley. The former UNC star defensive back and punt returner, left, is back to try to get the program its first winning season since 2003 (when it was still Division II). He will be doing it with a young roster. UNC has just two players who started all 11 games in 2010: junior offensive tackle Nick Candler and senior defensive tackle Marcus Felker. Lindenwood is making the move from NAIA to NCAA Division II. For the past two seasons, the Lions have averaged 53 points a game — the most of any college football program. Last year, the Lions averaged 551.5 yards a game. However, they lost eight starters and have had a preseason QB battle, which was won by juco transfer John Uribe.
Colorado Mines (0-0) at William Jewell (1-0)
Noon, Greene Stadium
The RMAC’s preseason offensive player of the year, Mines QB Clay Garcia, starts his campaign for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which goes to Division II’s best player. Garcia, left, was a finalist last year after passing for 4,066 yards and 39 TDs. He’ll be throwing to his favorite target from last year, junior receiver Cody Renken (91 receptions for 1,002 yards and nine TDs). Garcia starts his bid against a William Jewell defense that is rebuilding. William Jewell, which is in Liberty, Mo., is continuing its transition to D-II. In a season- opening win last week, the Cardinals’ defense held Sterling (Kan.) to 227 yards in a 33-6 decision.
Players to watch
Jarrett Lee, QB, LSU
He is taking over for suspended starter Jordan Jefferson. It’s understandable that LSU fans might cringe, still haunted by the memories of his 16 INTs as a freshman (seven returned for TDs). 6 p.m. today, KMGH-7
Trey Watts, RB, Tulsa
The son of former Oklahoma QB J.C. Watts is expected to start for the
Golden Hurricane against the top-ranked Sooners. He had 369 yards of total offense and three TDs last season as a freshman. 6 p.m. today, ESPN
Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska
Which Martinez will show up against Chattanooga? The one who drew mention as a Heisman candidate during a big first half of the season, or the one who struggled with injuries and poor decision-making? 1:30 p.m. today, Big Ten Network
Theo Riddick, WR, Notre Dame
The team’s quickest player, the junior will be a big part of the Irish’s spread offense. He also will return kickoffs. 1:30 p.m. today, KUSA-9
