Pontiac "Rivalry of the Week" Blog

pontiac rivalry

Game Day - Sept. 13th

Georgia vs. South Carolina. This game is huge for both teams. Georgia needs to stay up for the first real opponent they have seen all year. South Carolina needs to bounce back after an indescribable loss to Vandy last week.

Georgia has breezed through their first two opponents. They did not catch LeFevour. That was their only test. They are ranked #2 in the Nation. Everyone has them winning this game.

The Ole Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier, has looked very average/bad ever since the Gamecocks were ranked #7 mid season last year. Before that, they looked awesome. On the other hand, they beat North Carolina very soundly in game one, and the loss to Vandy is not that bad. Vandy is still an SEC team, with SEC talent, SEC money, and SEC fans. I wouldn't write off South Carolina just yet.

As for my prediction, I am taking Georgia. Look for a big game from Knowshon Moreno. But do not expect it to be a blowout. The Spurrier effect is well known. He may not have all of his ducks in a row right now, but he can get his men ready to play for 60 minutes.

Miami (FL) vs Florida

pontiac rivalry

Game Day - Sept. 6th

No players for Miami or Florida have been part of a game in this once-heated rivalry. That doesn't mean they aren't aware of the significance. florida-miami

"It's playing the 'U,'" Gators quarterbac k Tim Tebow said. "I've never done it before. I'm excited about it. I'm sure we'll have about 80 percent of the state of Florida here in Gainesville."

What was considered one of college football's biggest rivalries earlier this decade will be renewed on Saturday night when Tebow tries to lead fifth-ranked Florida to its first win over the Hurricanes in 23 years.

While the Hurricanes have dropped from the elite of college football in recent years - they haven't been to a BCS bowl game since the 2003 season - their resurrection could begin with another win over Florida. Miami has won the last six meetings, including two bowl games, since a 35-23 home loss in 1985.

The teams last met in the 2004 Peach Bowl and the Hurricanes won 27-10.

Though more than half of Miami's roster is freshmen and sophomores, many of its players hail from the Sunshine State and have seen how much attention this rivalry receives.

Junior tailback Javarris James, cousin of former Hurricanes star Edgerrin James, is among the team's most experienced players and said none of his teammates need to be made further aware of the magnitude of Saturday's contest.

The Gators, though, are heavy favorites to end their losing streak in the series, in part because they have the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

Tebow might have to be more of a factor this week after not having to do much in last Saturday's season opener as Florida rolled past Hawaii 56-10. While seeing his NCAA-record streak of having at least one touchdown rushing and one passing snapped at 14 games, the junior went 9-of-14 for 137 yards and a score while rushing nine times for 37 yards.

Florida is facing a Miami defense which impressed in its opener, limiting Charleston Southern to 126 total yards and seven first downs in a 52-7 win last Thursday night.

However, that Football Championship Subdivision opponent clearly doesn't compare to what Miami faces this week.

The Series - U of L Vs. Kentucky - Aug. 31st

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Sunday's game at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium will be the 21st meeting between Louisville and Kentucky, and the 15th time the two will play for the Kroger's Governor's Cup. UK leads the all-time series, 11-9, but the Cardinals have won seven of the last nine meetings. Kentucky won last year's contest, 40-34, at Commonwealth Stadium with a 57-yard pass in the closing seconds. Louisville has won the last two meetings at homebetween the two teams and are 3-2 against the Wildcats all-time at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

This is one of those rivalry games that always seem to be great regardless of how good the teams prove to be the re

st of the year, and it's been moved back to opening week for 2008. With both teams having circled the game on the calendars for months, and prepping for it like a bowl game, expect another great game.

Louisville Players To Watch:

QB Hunter Cantwell- The senior hasn't started very often, but he's an experienced signal-caller who should be ready to start the season. He'll need to be on top of his game against the tough Kentucky defense.

DL Earl Heyman- He led the tam with 4 sacks in 2007, and has started 25 games in a row. The leadership he provides will be critical if this unit is to take a badly needed step forward in 2008.

WR Josh Chichester- The redshirt freshman didn't start the summer atop the depth chart, but injuries to a couple of returning players have given him a chance to win playing time. At 6-8, he's an intriguing target for any quarterback.

Kentucky Players to Watch:

WR Dicky Lyons- He's got big-play ability but has always been the third or fourth option. It's absolutely critical that the senior takes his game to the next level this season and provides a consistent deep threat.

CB Trevard Lindley- One of the top corners in the SEC, Lindley had 11 pass breakups last season, including a team-high of 3 interceptions.

DE Jeremy Jarmon- The junior finished fourth in the SEC in sacks last season and could be headed for the NFL with another successful year.

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