JUST when you thought there couldn’t be another Manning family storyline . . .
Well, it’s more of a segue, actually.
The Tennessee-Florida rivalry renews Saturday in Knoxville. And perhaps for the first time since Peyton Manning was a Volunteer, both programs have that fever that made this duel so passionate, so meaningful, so dramatic in the ’90s.
It’s about time. Neither team has been to a BCS bowl since 2001 and UT didn’t even make a lower-tier bowl last year. But a rivalry renaissance makes this one of the week’s best games and that’s a tall order with what else is on tap.
Both are 2-0. Both have legitimate hopes of capturing the SEC East – although Georgia may disagree. And both are racing to pronounce themselves back on a national stage.
The Gators (-3 1/2) will get there first.
Urban Meyer’s spread offense wasn’t a hit at first, but it’s come around. Sure, Florida hasn’t played anyone special, but Southern Miss and Central Florida are not the cupcakes the Steve Spurrier- and Ron Zook-led Gators used to devour.
Florida has outscored opponents, 76-7, and QB Chris Leak is finally living up to billing. The Vols, meanwhile, followed up an impressive 35-18 win over Cal with a 31-30 squeaker vs. Air Force.
Make no mistake: UT, revamped staff and all, has turned a corner and the buzz is certainly back. But Florida is a year ahead of them.
TONIGHT
WVU (-16 1/2) over Maryland: Look for the ‘Neers to match Louisville punch for punch leading up to their quasi-Big East title game Nov. 2. The Cards had a TV game against Kentucky and won by 31. Now, West Virginia has its turn.
SATURDAY
BYU (+7) over BOSTON COLLEGE: Expect just a small Eagle letdown after the emotional win over Clemson. The Cougars are 9-4 in their last 13 as a road dog.
ILLINOIS (-3) over Syracuse: The Orange (2-0 ATS) play hard. But Illinois needs to show the Big Ten it’s not going to lose back-to-back games to the Big East.
OHIO ST. (-30) over Cincinnati: Bearcats coach Mark Dantonio was a coordinator under Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel, so there might be a little mercy here. But don’t count on it.
VA. TECH (-35) over Duke: The Hokies, 4-1 ATS against the Blue Devils, are flying under the national radar. A blowout can help their cause.
PITT (-2 1/2) over Michigan St.: Kudos to the Panthers (2-0 ATS) on the home slate, already having whacked Virginia, 38-13. MSU is 3-7 ATS against the Big East.
NOTRE DAME (-6) over Michigan: Is there a less impressive 2-0 team than UM? The Wolverines dropped their last four ATS and three of four to the Irish.
Oklahoma (+4 1/2) over OREGON: Still waiting for a statement from the ho-hum Sooners. OU defeated the Ducks, 17-14, in last year’s Holiday Bowl.
Miami (+4 1/2) over LOUISVILLE: It’s a danger zone going against the Cards at home, but the Hurricanes’ defense is the best Louisville will see. No Michael Bush vs. Temple was not a problem. No Bush vs. the ‘Canes is a problem.
Texas (-31) over Rice: Neutral site (San Antonio) doesn’t affect the number much. QB Colt McCoy needs to bounce back.
UAB (+17) over GEORGIA: The Blazers lost by three in Athens in 2003 as a 29-point dog. UGA is 3-8 ATS against non-SEC teams at home under Mark Richt.
AUBURN (-3) over LSU: The battle for SEC-West supremacy goes to the home team. Auburn RB Kenny Irons ran for 218 yards last year vs. the Bayou Bengals.
FSU (-4 1/2) over Clemson: Both Bowdens are limping. Tommy’s picking up the pieces after the B.C. loss and Bobby almost lost to Troy. It’s time the ‘Noles made Tallahassee special again.
USC (-19) over Nebraska: Bill Callahan has done a tremendous job. But Pete Carroll’s had two weeks to prepare.
Last week: 10-4-1. Best Bets: 3-0. Season: 22-7-1. Best Bets: 6-0.
