Early Games: No. 19 UNC Avoids Upset vs. UConn With Game-Winning Safety

After a putrid start, Wake Forest was able to rebound, and retained whatever shred of dignity the ACC has left with a late game touchdown to beat Stanford, who had at one point been leading 17-3. The final was 24-17, Wake, and Riley Skinner was the hero, finishing with two touchdowns, including the game winning QB sneak.

Wisconsin beat Fresno State on a late-game field goal in double overtime. Since it’s still fairly early in the season, it’s hard to tell whether the unexpectedly close finish speaks to Fresno State’s friskiness as a Mountain West upstart, or Wisconsin’s general mediocrity. Or perhaps a bit of both?

In any case, it was a close game, and if nothing else, it suggests that Fresno State should make a game of it when they face Boise State on ESPN next Friday night.

Elsewhere, the Big Ten has a pair of teams embroiled in contests that are going down to the wire. Wisconsin is leading 24-21 against Fresno St, and Northwestern is involved in a dogfight with Eastern Michigan, tied 24-24 in the fourth quarter.

Notwithstanding a terrific goal line stand by the Syracuse defense, Penn State is controlling the game in the first half with its superior offensive line, now leading 14-0 following a 12-yard rushing touchdown over the left tackle by Evan Royster.

Hosting Fresno State at Camp Randall, the Wisconsin Badgers are down to their third string center after highly regarded freshman Travis Frederick limped off the field and was carted into the tunnel with an apparent knee injury. Sophomore Peter Konz is handling center duties in his stead.

Penn State didn’t waste any time jumping on Syracuse in Happy Valley, as Darryl Clark connected with Evan Royster for a 49-yard touchdown strike to give the Nittany Lions the early 7-0 lead.

Week 2 in the world of college football kicks off today with a few ranked teams. Syracuse faces #7 Penn State at noon, #19 UNC plays a game of college-style football against Connecticut at the same time, and #1 Florida holds siege at Troy at 12:21.

For a TV schedule for today’s college ball, check out Burnt Orange Nation.