California (1-0) at Colorado (0-1)
1:30 p.m., Folsom Field, FCS-Pacific (Comcast ch. 415, DirecTV 698, DishNetwork 409)
Twenty-eight years after Jon Embree played in his first Colorado home game as a true freshman, the CU coach is eager to see how all his youngsters respond. Sixteen Colorado players, including 11 freshmen, made their debuts against Hawaii and more could play today. “I just remember how cool it was running behind Ralphie (the live buffalo mascot); there’s nothing like it,” Embree recalled. For a key to the game, watch Colorado’s offensive line. It allowed seven sacks against Hawaii; Cal’s defense recorded six sacks last week against Fresno State and six last year against CU in a 52-7 win.
Northern Colorado (0-1) at Colorado State (1-0)
Noon, Hughes Stadium, MTN
When CSU coach Steve Fairchild, the coaching staff and players step onto the Hughes Stadium field today, they’ll see a familiar face in Northern Colorado cornerback Brandon Owens. Owens was recruited by former CSU coach Sonny Lubick, but felt it was time to move on when Fairchild and his staff took over. He played in 20 games with the Rams, recording 26 tackles and two pass breakups. Now as a senior, he was the returning leading tackler for the Bears with 50 stops in 12 games. He recorded three tackles in the Bears’ season-opening loss to Lindenwood.
No. 25 TCU (0-1) at Air Force (1-0)
1:30 p.m., Falcon Stadium, VS
The Falcons shouldn’t be lulled to sleep by Baylor’s 50-48 victory over TCU in last week’s opener. The play of TCU senior linebacker Tank Carder and sophomore quarterback Casey Pachall signaled the Frogs are capable of an expected quick turnaround. Carter, a projected All-American and the preseason conference defensive player of the year, had a solid game with seven tackles. He’ll lead TCU’s defense that faces an Air Force ground game that piled up 391 yards rushing in a 37-20 victory over South Dakota. Pachall accounted for five touchdowns in his first start, completing 25-of-39 passes for 251 yards and four TDs.
Texas State (0-1) at Wyoming (1-0)
4 p.m., War Memorial Stadium, MTN
Wyoming freshman QB Brett Smith had a confidence-builder with last week’s game-winning drive against Weber State, and he could get another boost against Texas State. Smith was 8-of-12 passing in the final 73-yard drive to win the game. He finished with 338 total yards (294 passing) and four touchdowns (three passing). Texas State’s defense was picked apart last week in a 50-10 loss at Texas Tech. Texas State has a familiar face at coach, Dennis Franchione, whose coaching stops included New Mexico (1992-97) and TCU (1998-2000). He returned to coaching this season after taking off three years.
NW Oklahoma St. (0-1) at CSU-Pueblo (1-0)
6 p.m., ThunderBowl
Thanks to kicker Kyle Major, Colorado State-Pueblo won its fourth consecutive season opener last week and jumped into the Division II top 25 this week, checking in at No. 21 in the coaches’ poll. The ThunderWolves beat then-No. 19 West Texas A&M 26-24 behind Major’s career-best four field goals, including a career-tying 52-yarder. Last season, CSU-Pueblo beat Northwestern Oklahoma State 55-13. But the Wolves’ defense needs to get a little tougher after giving up 556 yards last week. Northwestern Oklahoma is an NAIA school but continues to seek admission into Division II.
Players to watch
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
He scored three TDs last week in limited time as the Tide’s top back. The 5-foot-11, 224-pound Richardson bowled over Penn State last year for 144 yards, and another big day will ease the pressure on new QBs A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims. 1:30 p.m. today, KMGH-7
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
The sophomore, brother of Fresno legend and 2002 No. 1 overall NFL draft pick David Carr, made his first start against Cal. He’ll be working under pressure behind an inexperienced line today against Nebraska. 5 p.m. today, Big Ten Network
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
The Heisman Trophy finalist said he wasn’t himself in the opener against LSU with just 54 yards. That’s way off his average last season of 144.2 rushing. The Nevada defense had the week off to come up with a plan. 1:40 p.m. today, FX
Jake Heaps, QB, BYU
The sophomore has passed for at least 200 yards in each of his last six games and faces a Texas secondary with first-year starters at both corners. 4 p.m. today, ESPN2
