Men’s College Preview: Sept. 4-6

by J.R. Eskilson

September 3, 2015

The second weekend of the college season is full of action as a number of teams take advantage of the holiday weekend to squeeze in trips to distant locations. The top game of the weekend comes from College Park, Maryland on Friday night where the Terps host the Bruins. It’s just one of the five games TDS highlights

Five Games to Watch:

No. 7 Maryland (1-0-1) vs. No. 2 UCLA (1-0), Sept. 4, 7 p.m. (ET), Big Ten Network

Friday’s battle between the preseason favorites in the Big Ten and Pac-12 is a showdown between two young squads looking to find their footing early in the season. The young Terps started the season with a win over St. John’s and a draw against Notre Dame. The Bruins opened the season with a 1-0 win over New Mexico. The Pac-12 powerhouse looked like it was still trying to get the offense in sync in the first game of the season, but did well to limit the looks for the Lobos. The long trip to Maryland will offer a considerable challenge for the group in an uncomfortable environment.

No. 3 Creighton (2-0) vs. No. 9 UC Irvine (1-0), Sept. 6, 8 p.m. (ET)

The Jays are off to a fast start. Creighton shut out its first two opponents and will be looking to do the same against Cal State Northridge and UC Irvine this weekend. Creighton is a difficult place to play, but Irvine has the talent to cope with the conditions. The Anteaters also have the experience after an NCAA Tournament run last season. It should be one of the best games of the weekend.

No. 6 Notre Dame (1-0-1) vs. South Florida (2-0), Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. (ET)

The Fighting Irish have been strong defensively so far this season, but the goals have not come yet. Notre Dame only has one goal from over 200 minutes of play. South Florida has been equally as stingy in the defense with two shutouts to start the season. The Bulls attack is rolling right along with four goals from two games. Midfielder Lindo Mfeka leads the way with three points. This game should be a good test for the Bulls on the road after showing their quality at home last week.

No. 10 Clemson (2-0) vs. South Carolina (2-0), Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. (ET), ESPN3

The Tigers roared to start the season with seven goals from the first two games. Clemson’s offense is humming right along, but South Carolina is not far off with six goals from its first two games. The battle in Clemson could be one with a lot of fireworks given the talent in the attack for both sides.

No. 24 Coastal Carolina (2-0) vs. No. 21 Charlotte (0-1), Sept. 4, 7 p.m. (ET)

It’s already been an interesting week for Coastal Carolina with the news that the program will be joining the Sun Belt in 2016. On the field, this weekend is shaping up to be an important one for the Chanticleers. Charlotte is in town on Friday and then Coastal Carolina hits the road for a game against Clemson on Monday. The Charlotte showdown is going to be tough as the 49ers search for their first win of the season.

Three Players to Watch:

Robby Sagel, Penn State - The defender transferred from Temple to Penn State over the offseason. This weekend, Penn State hits the road to take on Temple in the Sagel Reunion Tour. The center back has fit in nicely with his new team, but his old team eagerly wants to get one over on him with his return to town on Friday.

Jeremy Ebobisse, Duke - Ebobisse started the season well with two goals in Duke’s opener. On Saturday, Duke takes on the talented Iona side. Ebobisse will be counted on to carry the load in the attack as he has shown the qualities as one of the best forwards in college soccer.

Marcello Borges, Michigan - The freshman defender had a strong showing last week against Creighton. Unfortunately for Borges, the Wolverines could not pull off the win. Michigan will try to put a win on the board this weekend with games against West Virginia and Niagara. Borges and the Michigan defense will be the key to getting a winning streak started.