Where » Lane Stadium,

Blacksburg, Va.

TV » Ch. 20

Radio » 106.7 FM

Openers have been troublesome for Virginia Tech, which has lost three straight. Playing an FCS team such as Appalachian State should provide Virginia Tech little comfort. Last September, the Hokies lost to James Madison. Four years ago, Appalachian State pulled off an historic upset of then-No.?5 Michigan. This is the starting debut of Hokies QB Logan Thomas, who will get the ball to speedy, versatile RB David Wilson in a variety of ways.

Delaware at Navy

When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Where » Navy-Marine Corps

Memorial Stadium,

Annapolis

TV » CBS College Sports

Radio » 1500 AM

Delaware, the 2010 runner-up in the FCS, brings sophomore RB Andrew Pierce, the CAA preseason player of the year, who rushed for 1,655 yards. Also starting for the Blue Hens is former Maryland DB Travis Hawkins (Quince Orchard) and former Virginia TE Ryan Cobb. Delaware has won in two of its last four trips to Annapolis. The Midshipmen look to senior Kriss Proctor, who takes over at QB for Ricky Dobbs.

William & Mary at Virginia

When » Saturday, 6 p.m.

Where » Scott Stadium,

Charlottesville, Va.

Radio » 570 AM

William & Mary, ranked third in the FCS, had an unsettled week after Hurricane Irene closed school until Wednesday. Coach Jimmye Laycock tries for a second opening-game upset of Virginia in three years. In 2009, the Tribe toppled the Cavaliers 26-14. Virginia, coming off a 4-8 season under Mike London, turns to sophomore QB Michael Rocco and dynamic freshman backup David Watford.

Howard at E. Michigan

When » Saturday, 7 p.m.

Where » Rynearson Stadium,

Ypsilanti, Mich.

The mission of former Howard wideout Gary “The Flea” Harrell, now the coach, is to return the Bison to their proud past. In Harrell’s senior year (1993), Howard won its last MEAC title. Harrell looks to freshman QB Greg McGhee and junior LB Keith Pough. Eastern Michigan of the MAC has won two games in as many years. The Eagles were victors in their lone meeting with the Bison 38-15 in 2007.

– Kevin Dunelavy

Top five games to watch

5 No. 14 TCU at Baylor » Is there life after Andy Dalton at TCU? In four seasons, Dalton, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, led the Horned Frogs to 43 wins, including a 13-0 record last year. New QB Casey Pachall will try to keep TCU’s 25-game regular-season winning streak alive. He’ll lean on his running backs and a defense led by linebackers Tank Carder and Tanner Brock. (Friday, 8 p.m., ESPN)

4

Marshall at No. 24 West Virginia » In his coaching debut, Dana Holgorsen has established a goal for West Virginia against its in-state rival: match Marshall’s intensity. Last year in Huntington, the Mountaineers needed a Geno Smith-led fourth-quarter rally from 15 points down and a field goal in overtime to prevent a Thundering Herd upset 24-21. (Sunday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN)

3

Miami at Maryland » No lack of storylines here as first-year coaches Al Golden (Miami) and Randy Edsall (Maryland) have the stage to themselves in Labor Day’s lone game. The Maryland offense tries to take advantage of a crippled Miami front seven, which is missing four suspended starters. With QB Jacory Harris also out, Miami looks to Stephen Morris, who guided the Hurricanes to a 26-20 win over Maryland last fall. (Monday, 8 p.m., ESPN)

2

No. 5 Boise State at No. ?19 Georgia » With Kellen Moore at QB, Boise State is 38-2 overall and undefeated in September, with wins over four ranked teams. But none of those victories came in a more hostile environment than what the Broncos face Saturday. Georgia is out to prove last year’s 6-7 showing was an anomaly. The Bulldogs have plenty of questions heading into the season, especially on the offensive line. (Saturday, 8 p.m., ESPN)

1 No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 4 LSU »

With LSU QB Jordan Jefferson out after a felony assault charge, Jarrett Lee takes over with a shot a redemption. Lee, now a senior, is best known for throwing seven interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in his redshirt freshman season. Since then, he has started only one game but had several strong relief appearances last fall. Losing 25 pounds has made Lee better suited to run the option. (Saturday, 8 p.m., ABC)

[email protected]