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Most intriguing people 50 players, coaches to keep eye on this season NBCSports.com

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7. Bo knows the universe
I'm just sayin: If Bo Pelini ran for President, he'd win the state of Nebraska by 30 points.

Hot item in the state of Nebraska: "Bo knows" t-shirts. I'm all for the excitement a new coach brings, but let's remember that Pelini:

• Never has been a head coach.
• Never has coached a team this devoid of talent.
• Never felt the wrath of the Husker nation after a loss to a non-BCS team. At home.

Even Billy C. found a way to beat another MAC school at home (OK, so Ball State gave away the game).

For the love of all that good and righteous, Bo, win the game.

8. Touchdown Terrelle
Sometime between now and the next eight days, find a way to watch the Big Ten Network. If you're not in a Big Ten state, it may take an act of God — or DirecTV, whichever comes first.

Sit and watch Ohio State freshman QB Terrelle Pryor in the Buckeyes' two practice games against Youngstown State and Ohio, and imagine the possibilities on Sept. 13. He's more than just a novelty, and by the time the game of the year rolls around at USC on the 13th, we'll see just how much an impact the nation's No.1-ranked freshman will have.

You know he's special when players and coach Jim Tressel are talking about his dynamic ability. The button-down sweater doesn't talk so highly about freshmen, everyone.

9. Image is everything
So the SEC has some intriguing games this opening weekend, and that's news in and of itself. Now, there still are the requisite powder puff games with Louisiana-Monroe (Auburn), Western Illinois (Arkansas) and Georgia Southern (Georgia). But three others could easily put a dent in the SEC pride:

• Tennessee at UCLA: Best chance of the three. This is the type of game the Vols lose. Which is to say, it's a game they shouldn't, so they will.
• Alabama vs. Clemson: (please see item No.3). Because if Clemson does win, you better believe I'm gonna claim I knew it all along.
• Memphis at Ole Miss: Tigers lost the last three in the series by a combined nine points.

10. Reviving the Spartans
I'm a big Mark Dantonio fan. He will have Sparty playing for a Big Ten championship by Year 4. Now, Year 2, that's a whole other story.

Since Michigan State joined the Big Ten, only two coaches didn't have a better than .500 conference record in their first two years: Muddy Waters and Bobby Williams.

I know this: Muddy Waters could play a mean guitar. Apparently, he could coach, too.

And Bobby Williams? Pfffft

So Sparty needs five league wins this year for Dantonio to avoid joining that club.

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