Guest Post: 2012 College Football Players to Watch in Week 2

Week 2 provides some exciting match-ups, and with exciting games come exciting players to watch. The SEC season gets underway in earnest, and there are some intriguing cross-conference match-ups between other AQ conference teams. Many of these players are quarterbacks because so much rides on the ability of a QB to lead their teams to victory. Many of these quarterbacks are untested, unhealthy, or largely unknown, making them all the more interesting to college football fans. Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU Mettenberger left UGA under unsavory circumstances, but he will be starting under center for LSU this year. Washington's defense was terrible last year, but some expect them to be better due to experience. Considering the less than stellar quarterback play that the Tigers saw last season, LSU fans will receive Mettenberger with open arms if he can chase away the specters of Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee. James Franklin, QB, Missouri Franklin was responsible for nearly 4,000 yards of offense last season in the Tigers' final year in the Big 12, but a torn labrum in his right shoulder during the spring required surgery. The coaching staff claims that Franklin is ready to go, but their week 2 outing against Georgia will be Franklin's first true test this season. Georgia has some aggressive defensive players that are capable of hitting Franklin hard, so if he is not 100% ready for week 2, it could be a long night--and a long season--for the Tigers. Quinton Dunbar, WR, Florida Head Coach Will Muschamp hired an offensive coordinator from Boise State in an attempt to undo the damage done to the offense by Charlie Weis, but Florida's offensive identity remains a mystery. Dunbar is one of those players who has yet to live up to his billing, but that could change this season. If new OC Brent Pease can quickly whip this offense into shape, Dunbar could be one of the players to benefit--and produce. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin Ball is hardly a stranger to college football fans since he garnered so much Heisman talk last year, and this senior Badger back will be running against an Oregon State defense that allowed an average of about 30 points per game on average last year. People came down on Ball last year for playing in the supposedly slower, stodgy Big 10, but another big season from Ball will get the pundits talking about that statue again. James Johnson, WR, Washington Last year's Washington defense may have left a lot to be desired, but their passing offense ranked in the top half overall. Johnson's career has been plagued with injuries, but the powers that be claim that he is finally healthy and ready to start for the Huskies. Last year's BCS Championship aside, the LSU defense was notoriously stingy last season, earning a ranking of 2nd overall and giving up a ridiculous 10.5 points per game on average. If Johnson can make some headway against the Tigers D, he could provide a spark for Washington. Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia This USC transfer led the SEC in sacks and tackles for a loss last season, and many expect him to at least as good a year this season. The Bulldogs have the task of officially welcoming Mizzou to the SEC, and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and the rest of the Dawgs' defense know that Mizzou's quarterback may not be in the best health. If the Dawgs' D-line can dominate Mizzou's O-line, Jones could make this a long evening for Franklin and the Tigers. Bill Belton, RB, Penn State The Nittany Lions take on their first competitive team in week 2 when they travel to Charlottesville to face the Cavs. Belton was second behind RB Silas Redd, but Redd has since transferred without penalty to USC courtesy of the NCAA's sanctions against Penn State. This young back was making strides towards the end of last season and will be the Nittany Lions' go-to back during what will likely be the first difficult season of many for Penn State. C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa This 6-foot-7, 265-pound tight end provides Hawkeye quarterback James Vandenberg with an enticing target. Last season's Iowa State defense allowed nearly 30 points a game on average, and Iowa's rushing offense was ranked a mediocre 79th among FBS schools. If Fiedorowicz improves, he could greatly help the Hawkeyes. By Don Phan - Just another sports enthusiast.