Guest Post: 2012 Top College Football Matchups for Week 2

Many top teams are still playing tune-up games this week, but there are still some good match-ups going on in all the top conferences. Several SEC teams kick off league play, Penn State plays its first AQ team, and several big names travel across conference lines in week 2 of 2012 college football. Miami (FL) @ Kansas State Kansas State defeated Miami 28-24 last season, so Miami wants to return the favor this season as they travel to Kansas State. The Canes still have a black cloud hanging over their program, and many expect this to be another down year for the once unstoppable Hurricanes. KState, on the other hand, is on the upswing due to Coach Bill Snyder returning last year, so many expect the Cats to defeat the Canes once again. Penn State @ Virginia Speaking of a black cloud hanging over a program, clouds do not get much darker than the one hovering over Happy Valley. NCAA sanctions and national ridicule have gutted this once proud program, and those players who are left on the team know that they are not playing for anything more than pride. They travel to Charlottesville to take on the Hoos, who finished 8-5 last season. This might not be the most anticipated game of the week, but college football fans will still take note of how Penn State handles their first real outing of the year, especially after last week's upset. Auburn @ Mississippi State The Tigers and the Bulldogs begin their SEC slates with this first SEC match-up of the day. Auburn will be coming off of a tough week 1 loss against Clemson, while Mississippi State had an easier game against Jackson State. Both teams had underwhelming seasons last year, and many are wondering if Chizik can win without Cam Newton. Questions have also arisen about how much Dan Mullen can do for the Bulldogs, so both teams will want to begin their SEC West campaigns with a win. Florida @ Texas A&M Both of these teams finished 7-6, and the Aggies are playing their first conference game as a member of the SEC. While Muschamp's inaugural season as the Gators' head coach was a forgettable one, and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis paid the price. Much uncertainty surrounds the Gators due to this offensive change and the lack of household names starting for them, but nobody knows how well the Aggies will handle a real SEC slate, either. This game should answer at least some questions about both of these teams. Iowa State @ Iowa This rivalry game may be taking place early in the season, but that does not make it any less important. Both of these teams had disappointing seasons; Iowa even lost 3 of its last 5 games. The Cyclones pulled off a 3-point upset last season in overtime, so the Hawkeyes will be looking to avenge last year's loss and to put last season behind them. Washington @ LSU LSU lost in disgraceful fashion the last time they were seen playing a team with a pulse, so the Tigers will be looking to make a statement against a BCS-AQ team. The Huskies will be looking to make a statement of their own as they look past Portland State to a brutal September/October slate. This game will take place at night in Death Valley, so the odds are good that this will be a long night for Sarkisian's Huskies. Nebraska @ UCLA Nebraska ended last season with a disappointing end stretch of 3 losses in 5 games, so they are looking to get off to a fast start to erase last year's bad feelings. UCLA has carded back-to-back losing seasons, so they are also looking to rebound this year. The Huskers have the edge at quarterback since they are fielding an experienced junior while the Bruins could be starting 1 of 3 possibilities. This game is not a conference match-up, but it will set the tone for both teams going forward. Georgia @ Missouri The Bulldogs have to travel to Missouri to face the Tigers in both team's first SEC conference game of the season--and Missouri's first ever. Last season, the Dawgs last in triple overtime to Michigan State, while Mizzou won their last 4 games to finish 8-5 in their final season in the Big 12. The Tigers will be motivated to win their first SEC game to prove that they belong in the conference, while the Dawgs will want to avoid becoming yet another team's signature win. Both teams will have personnel issues due to injury and suspension, and both teams will be looking to make a statement. Georgia has the advantage in the line, and much will depend on whether or not Mizzou's starting QB is as healthy as the Tigers claim. By Don Phan - Just another sports enthusiast.