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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
ESPN.com | ||||||
| Any of this season's big games should be worth postponing the chore of raking leaves for another couple of hours. A matchup of national powerhouses always promises excitement. But not every game is destined for the highlight reel, not by a longshot. Here is a baker's dozen of games we simply shake our heads at, and ask, "Why?"
Sept. 2 -- Syracuse at Toledo A battle for the sun? South Florida is a Division I-AA team looking to score a surprise. Yawn. Sept. 4 -- Appalachian State at Auburn This is the replacement game for the cancelled Auburn-Florida State battle. Quite a difference in quality of opponent! Sept. 4 -- Villanova at Air Force The Wildcats almost beat I-A Pittsburgh last year. It's a long trip for a payday. I'd take 'Nova if this was a basketball game. Sept. 4 -- James Madison at Virginia Tech Will Dolly be coming along, too? Remember, Temple won at Blacksburg last year. Could another shocker be on the horizon? Nah! Sept. 11 -- Connecticut at Kentucky Great hoop matchup! Final Four preview? The Huskies are trying to move up to Division I-A in the future. New Connecticut coach Randy Edsall is glad Tim Couch left early. Sept. 11 -- Stephen F. Austin at Utah State An easy target. Sept. 11 -- Northern Illinois at Vanderbilt At least someone will win (each team went 2-9 last season). Tickets still available. Sept. 18 -- St. Mary's at San Jose State At least it's inexpensive to travel to the game. Oct. 2 -- Troy State at Middle Tennessee State Welcome to Division I-A for the Blue Raiders. This could be more fun than trips to Mississippi State, Arizona and Arkansas, among others. Oct. 9 -- Middle Tennessee State at Arkansas See above. Lay the 40. Oct. 30 -- Furman at North Carolina The Tar Heels are playing a I-AA team in the middle of their ACC schedule. Nov. 13 -- Cal State-Northridge at SMU Geographic rivalry?
| ALSO SEE ESPN.com's can't miss non-league games
A six-pack of possibilities for 1999
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