On Tap

This weekend

Tonight

8:00 NBC: The NFL kicks off with the Saints traveling to Indianapolis to challenge the defending champion Peyton Mannings.

Saturday

12:00 &@#$%*^! Big Ten Network: Akron comes to the Horseshoe to take on the Buckeyes in the 2nd of 3 give back to the other Ohio schools games. Key fact: I don't have tickets.

3:30 ABC: The Oregon Ducks (hopefully in some hideously obnoxious uniforms, and possible white!! helmets) go to the Big House in Ann Arbor to attempt to upset the Wolverines. How is a team that just lost to a 1-AA school at home favored by 8 to against a 1-A school? Obviously the odds makers know something that I don't. Key fact*: Chad Henne carries a purse.

6:00 ESPN: Notre Dame goes to Happy Valley to face the white out and a talented Penn State team that will be looking to get revenge after last years 41-17 defeat at the hands of the pillow fighting Irish. Key fact*: Jimmy "4 Heismans" Clausen will be starting his first college game.

9:00 ESPN2: Upset alert. USF (University of South Florida for those of you not well versed in your recent Big East Expansion teams) goes into Auburn to face the Tigers. Unfortunately lots of experts** also have called this an upset possibility. Key fact*: Matt Grothe (USF) is damn good quarterback.

9:15 ESPN: Virgina Tech visits LSU in the game of the day. This is the first test to prove LSU will have what it takes to play in New Orleans in the National Championship. Key fact*: Everyone and their brother who is not a LSU fan is rooting for VT.

Sunday

1:00 CBS: The Browns and temporary quarterback Charlie Frye open up their season against the Steelers. Key fact*: Brady "the next Bernie Kosar" Quinn will be in the game by halftime.

Update: Don't forget the Indians up all night series out in Anaheim/LA/wherever the Angels are from these days. First pitch Thurs. @ 10 (STO), Fri. @ 10 (STO), Sat. @ 9 (FOX).


* there is very little respect for the word fact around here.
** same experts expected Chad "it's a man's bag" Henne to set records as the Wolverines ran over App. State.
all times Eastern