Which school is under the MOST PRESSURE to play well this weekend? Who has the MOST to prove?

Question

As last season should have taught us all, EVERY GAME COUNTS.

Having said that, which team has the most at stake for their opening week's game?

Is there any chance that this season could be as exciting as the last?

Answer 1

I would have to say Clemson, they are finally a pre-season top ten pick and are supposed to be the class of the ACC. Also Tommy Bowden is on the hot seat since he has had many ok to good seasons but nothing spectacular. With a team with this much talent esspecially in the back field,.the expectations are huge which means the consequences of losing will be too. Not to mention Alabama is a tough team to beat regardless and Nick Saban will have his team ready to play.  

Answer 2

I'd say the Mizzou & Illinois game is probably the "Highest Stakes" match-up for week one, with  Michigan vs Utah coming in a close 2nd (HUGE questions up in the air in Ann Arbor, and Utah is supposed to be fairly nasty...so no one really knows with this one...)

In both of these games, all 4 teams have something to prove to their respective conferences and to all of NCAA football. I think the Missouri & Illinois game gets the edge because both of those programs were relative non-threats 2 years ago, and now they're both totally under the national spot-light, getting prime-time TV spots, & trying to build upon (or at least do as well and not drop-out from) last year.

If Mizzou wins, it will really set a disappointing tone for the rest of illinois' season, and if Illinois somehow pulls of the win, mizzou can basically kiss it's NC hopes goodbye (probabley, unless this season is as/more crazy than last year). Also, the game is in an NFL stadium, which is just kind of cool...

...and to answer your last question, absolutley. That's precisely why I prefer college football to the NFL...

Answer 3

No doubt Michigan. After what Appalachian St. did to them last year they are under a microscope early on.

Answer 4

this weekend i'd say it's either missouri or cal. everyone has great expectations for missou. if they lose the opener to illinois it will be a huge blow to their national championship aspirations. cal seems to lose every opener they play. they have a tough test in michigan state. i think they have to win this game to keep their confidence level up.

edit; i have to disagree with everyone saying michigan. i don't think they're under that much pressure. everyone is talking about them losing to utah. that puts the pressure on utah. michigan can win or lose and it won't surprise anyone.

Answer 5

Um if your in the BCS conference I think every game is a important game one slip and yourrrrrr out, thats before you start playing in your conference games too another slip and na na na na hey hey goodbye

Answer 6

Missouri hopes to be undefeated this year and they only have a few tough games on their schedule including this week against Illinois.  Mizzou's hopes are so high they should easily beat Illinois but anything can happen.

Answer 7

The answer is actually really simple, Michigan. They arent a top 25 team, but the loss to appalachian state early in the year leaves alot of shame. Im sure theres alot of people sitting around the country, especially in Columbus Ohio, waiting to see if their biggest rival will fall again to a D I AA opponent again. Plus they have a new coach, got snubbed by Prior and lost alot of their key players, this opening day game could be the trend setter for the next 2 years. Theres just alot riding on their first game. So Rich Rodriguez... so no pressure man, just dont mess this up.

Answer 8

The University of Montana (Go Grizzlies!) are under the most pressure of any team.  They will have another exciting season though, so don't worry.

Answer 9

Michigan