Bowl season roundup
Bowl recaps and analysis:
EagleBank: Wake 29, Navy 19 | CFN
New Mexico: Colo. St. 40, Fresno St. 35
St. Petersburg: S. Florida 41, Memphis 14
Las Vegas: Arizona 31, BYU 21 | CFN
New Orleans: SMU 30, Troy 27 (OT) | CFN
Poinsettia: TCU 17, Boise St. 16 | CFN
Hawaii: Notre Dame 49, Hawaii 21 | CFN
Motor City: FAU 24, Cen. Mich. 21 | CFN
Meineke: W. Virginia 31, UNC 30 | CFN
Champs Sports: Fla. St. 42, Wis. 13 | CFN
Emerald: Cal 24, Miami 17 | CFN
Independence: La. Tech 17, NIU 10 | CFN
Papajohns.com: Rutgers 29, N.C. St. 23
Alamo: Mizzou 30, N'west. 23 (OT) | CFN
Humanitarian: Maryland 42, Nevada 35
Texas: Rice 38, W. Michigan 14
Holiday: Oregon 42, Oklahoma St. 31 | CFN
Armed Forces: Houston 34, Air Force 28
Sun: Oregon St. 3, Pittsburgh 0 | CFN
Music City: Vandy 16, BC 14 | CFN
Insight: Kansas 42, Minnesota 21
Chick-fil-A: LSU 38, Georgia Tech 3
Outback: Iowa 31, South Carolina 10 | CFN
Capital One: Georgia 24, MSU 12 | CFN
Gator: Nebraska 26, Clemson 21
Rose: USC 38, Penn St. 24 | Analysis
Orange: Va. Tech 20, Cincinnati 7
Cotton: Ole Miss 47, Texas Tech 34
Liberty: Kentucky 25, East Carolina 19
Sugar: Utah 31, Alabama 17
International: UConn 38, Buffalo 20
Fiesta: Texas 24, Ohio St. 21 | Analysis
GMAC: Tulsa 45, Ball St. 13
BCS title: Florida 24, Oklahoma 14
Complete bowl schedule
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KICKOFF: Saturday, 12 ET
SERIES: Penn State leads 9-3-1
2008 RANKINGS: Nittany Lions: offense 9th (1st Big Ten), pass 38th (2nd), run 8th (1st), defense 14th (2nd), pass 28th (2nd), run 15th (1st); Boilermakers: offense 41st (5th Big Ten), pass 16th (5th), run 89th (11th), defense 107th (11th), pass 95th (11th), run 99th (11th)
POLLS: Penn State (6th AP, 6th coaches)
PREDICTION: Penn State 34-14
KEYS TO THE GAME: The conference's top scoring offense against the conference's worst defense. The Nittany Lions have been shaky on the Big Ten road in recent seasons and are eager to prove that will change. Purdue's struggling defense (439 yards per game) should have its hands full against an offense that has really only been stopped by turnovers and the game clock. Look for Penn State to establish the run early against a green front seven, then attack Purdue's secondary with play-action passes. Banged-up tailback Kory Sheets must play well to help keep the Purdue offense on the field.
FAST FACTS: Nittany Lions — Four of their next five games will be on the road ... Have shot up 16 places in the polls, from No. 22 to No. 6, in less than a month ... Penn State is in the top ten in scoring (third, 49.8 points), total offense (ninth, 515.2 yards) and rushing (eighth, 267.6). Boilermakers — Have dropped four of five at home to Penn State since the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten ... Purdue hasn't scored an offensive touchdown against Penn State since the Oct. 29, 2005 game in Happy Valley. It has been held to field goals and a defensive score in the two games since then ... The defense is allowing 440 yards and 26 points per game, among the worst in the Big Ten in both categories.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Nittany Lions
TE Andrew Quarless has picked up his play each week since serving a one-game suspension against Oregon State. Quarless is averaging 12.7 yards on seven catches and gives Penn State a vertical threat in the middle of the field.
S Anthony Scirrotto was bothered by cramps against Illinois but still had six tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception. He should have plenty of opportunities to make plays against Purdue's air attack this week.
RB Evan Royster is averaging nearly eight yards per carry and will meet a defense that is allowing nearly five yards per carry.Boilermakers
QB Curtis Painter — Has a history of disappearing in big games, but for the Boilermakers to have any shot, Painter has to come up big.
RB Kory Sheets — Injured his shoulder last week but is expected back. Sheets has 439 yards and seven touchdowns this year.
DL Alex Magee — The defense needs to create pressure on quarterback Daryl Clark, and that responsibility falls on Magee. He is tied with junior Mike Neal for the team lead in sacks with two.
INJURY WATCH:
Nittany Lions
WR Jordan Norwood is listed as probable for the Purdue game. The senior wide receiver did not play in last week's game after aggravating a hamstring injury in practice but did do some light running Sept. 29.Boilermakers
RB Kory Sheets suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter last week, but Joe Tiller said he'd be fine.
S Frank Duong is doubtful after straining his knee at Notre Dame.
Freshman LB Chris Carlino has done enough on special teams to warrant a closer look on defense, Tiller said.
Oklahoma at Baylor
KICKOFF: Saturday, 12:30 ET
SERIES: Oklahoma leads 17-0
2008 RANKINGS: Sooners: offense 7th (4th Big 12), pass 5th (3rd), run 46th (5th), defense 15th (1st), pass 34th (5th), run 12th (2nd); Bears: offense 26th (8th Big 12), pass 67th (9th), run 13th (2nd), defense 36th (4th), pass 38th (6th), run 51st (7th)
POLLS: Oklahoma (1st AP, 1st coaches)
PREDICTION: Oklahoma 31-14
KEYS TO THE GAME: Baylor looks much improved over years past, but the top-ranked Sooners have never lost to Baylor, and this year likely isn't going to be any different. TCU proved last week OU can be slowed, since the Sooners were held to 25 rushing yards and Sam Bradford was sacked four times. But Oklahoma still put up 436 yards of offense. Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin continues to dazzle as a true freshman, and could be a much bigger star around the country if not for playing in the quarterback-heavy Big 12. Griffin will receive his biggest test to date in playing a fast, hard-hitting OU defense that allows just over 250 yards and 13 points per game.
FAST FACTS: Sooners — No. 1 this week for the first time in four years ... Haven't given up more than 19 points in a game this year, and that came against Cincinnati, when the Bearcats scored on the final play of the game ... The defense is allowing 50 yards less per game than any other team in the Big 12 (Texas, 303). Bears — QB Robert Griffin leads the team in both rushing (334 yards) and passing (756 yards, 7 TDs) ... Baylor hasn't won a Big 12 game since beating Kansas on Oct. 22, 2006, dropping 12 straight since then.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Sooners
QB Sam Bradford — The sophomore's numbers are in the stratosphere: 83-of-115 (72.2 percent), 16 TDs, two INTs, 323 yards/game. Although his accuracy was down against TCU (19-of-34), his 411 yards were a career high.
WR Manny Johnson — Alongside Juaquin Iglesias and Ryan Broyles, Johnson's just one of several talented receivers, but he's coming off a game for the ages: five catches, 206 yards, 3 TDs. He has 21, 376 and 4 on the season.
LT Phil Loadholt, LG Duke Robinson, C Jon Cooper, RG Brandon Walker, RT Trent Williams — For the first time this season the offensive line is coming off an arguably off game, in which it allowed four sacks and the running game gained only 25 yards. Playing two straight duds isn't a great idea with Texas coming up.
WLB Travis Lewis, MLB Ryan Reynolds, SLB Keenan Clayton — The three deserve to be grouped together for how they're playing as a unit and for their stories. Reynolds played on the weak side last season and, now in the middle, is really 100 percent physically for the first time; Clayton, a junior, started but failed as a freshman safety and only got on the field last season on special teams; Lewis was a third-teamer until opening day and leads OU with 33 tackles (4.5 for losses). Reynolds has 29 tackles (three for losses) and Clayton has 26 (4 for losses).Bears
QB Robert Griffin — The freshman has taken the program by storm, adding excitement and productivity to the program. He still makes freshman mistakes but many of them come from trying to make so many plays, which is what he has been able to do.
RB Jay Finley — The addition of Griffin makes Finley more dangerous and the sophomore enters the fifth game of the season with 317 yards and three touchdowns on 39 carries. "He's a slasher," says Briles. "He's a tough guy with the ball in his hands and he fits in with what we're trying to do."
LB Joe Pawelek — The leader of the defense just keeps piling up the numbers. In four games, he has 48 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble recovery two pass breakups and six quarterback hits. There's no evidence he does windows.
INJURY WATCH:
Sooners
DE Frank Alexander, still recovering from a stabbing (to his arm) hours after OU defeated Tennessee-Chattanooga opening day, but OU coach Bob Stoops said he expects Alexander to practice, which would be his first practice since the incident.
DT DeMarco Granger "may practice" for the first time since a foot injury against Washington, following which Granger chose against surgery and in favor of rehab hoping to return to the field this season.Bears
OT Jordan Hearvey should return this week from a knee injury.
DT Vincent Rhodes underwent arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear after the UConn game and, incredibly, just might play this week.
Florida at Arkansas
KICKOFF: Saturday, 12:30 ET
SERIES: Florida leads 6-1
2008 RANKINGS: Gators: offense 71st (5th SEC), pass 69th (6th), run 58th (9th), defense 7th (3rd), pass 9th (2nd), run 17th (5th); Razorbacks: offense 74th (7th SEC), pass 29th (2nd), run 109th (12th), defense 65th (11th), pass 23rd (7th), run 98th (12th)
POLLS: Florida (4th AP, 4th coaches)
PREDICTION: Florida 23-10
KEYS TO THE GAME: Both teams are limping after shocking losses last week, but for opposite reasons. The Gators committed their first three turnovers of the year in losing to Ole Miss, while the Hogs were clobbered in a 42-point loss to Texas. Florida generated over 400 yards of offense against the Rebels, but lost the game because of turnovers. That needs to be corrected. The Razorbacks, meanwhile, have struggled defensively all year under Bobby Petrino. Arkansas is allowing 38 points a game, and last week allowed 52 to Texas. Offensively, the Hogs have major issues with pass protection, which was exploited last week and likely will be again. The Gators have nine sacks in four games, and the combination of defensive pressure and offensive firepower should be too much for Arkansas to handle.
FAST FACTS: Gators — Urban Meyer held practice the day after the 31-30 loss to Ole Miss, his first Sunday practice during his time as coach of the Gators ... The offense has 90 rushing touchdowns under Meyer, the most of any SEC team during that span ... Florida is one of seven teams to score at least 120 touchdowns at home since the start of the 2005 season. Razorbacks — Have never beaten Florida as a member of the SEC, and their only win in this series came in 1982 ... Arkansas has been outscored the last two weeks, 101-24, in losses to Alabama and Texas ... The offense averages 260 passing yards per game and 12.2 yards per completion.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Gators
QB Tim Tebow — Tebow issued a teary-eyed apology following his team's loss to Ole Miss. How he bounces back against Arkansas could determine the kind of season Florida has the rest of the way. Tebow scored his first two rushing TDs of the season, but failed to convert a 4th-and-1 run with 38 seconds remaining. He has yet to lead Florida to a second-half comeback win in his career.
CB Joe Haden — Haden is just a sophomore but has started every game in his UF career. The experienced cornerback will try to get the Florida secondary to regroup after it gave up too many big plays in the Ole Miss loss.
RB Chris Rainey — With Moody out, someone other than Tebow and Percy Harvin is going to have to run the ball. Rainey showed he was capable of making home-run plays in the season-opener against Hawaii. Florida may look to use his speed on the edge against a suspect Arkansas defense.
MLB Brandon Spikes — Spikes is the emotional leader of the Florida defense and will try to help the Gators regroup after a poor tackling effort against Ole Miss. Razorbacks
RB Michael Smith — The 5-foot-7 back, who plays much bigger than his size, has been the Razorbacks' only consistent ground threat, averaging 96 yards per game.
TE D.J. Williams — The talented sophomore has a bright future for the Hogs. He's leading the team in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns.
QB Casey Dick — The senior opened the season with the first two 300-yard passing games of his career, but he has failed to crack 200 yards in the past two weeks.
INJURY WATCH:
Gators
RB Emmanuel Moody is listed as "very doubtful" for the Arkansas game with a high ankle sprain
LG Jim Tartt aggravated a nagging shoulder injury in the first series against Ole Miss and sat out the rest of the game. Tartt wasn't ruled out for Arkansas but the coaching staff is being "very cautious" with him.
LG Marcus Gilbert suffered an ankle sprain against Ole Miss. Gilbert is wearing a protective boot and is doubtful for Saturday. If Gilbert and Tartt can't go, redshirt sophomore Carl Johnson will start at right guard.
LB Dustin Doe (groin) is questionable for Saturday
LB Ryan Stamper (ankle) sat out the Ole Miss game and is questionable for Saturday.Razorbacks
WR Lucas Miller (concussion) missed the Texas game but is probable for Saturday's game.
OL Ray Dominguez (ankle) is questionable.
Kansas at Iowa State
KICKOFF: Saturday, 12:30 ET
SERIES: 47-34-6
2008 RANKINGS: Jayhawks: offense 12th (6th Big Ten), pass 6th (4th), run 9th (11th), defense 35th (3rd), pass 76th (8th), run 21st (3rd); Cyclones: offense 75th (10th Big 12), pass 80th (11th), run 59th (7th), defense 72nd (9th), pass 30th (4th), run 95th (10th)
POLLS: Kansas (16th AP, 16th coaches)
PREDICTION: Kansas 24-14
KEYS TO THE GAME: Like Iowa State, Kansas (3-1) had two weeks to prepare for this game after being idle on Sept. 27. QB Todd Reesing is the trigger man in a Kansas offense that likes to pass first. Reesing ranks third in the Big 12 with 1,405 yards passing, completing 70 percent of his attempts with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. Iowa State, which ranks last in the Big 12 in total offense, will likely struggle to keep up. The Cyclones, though, are building some confidence among its pass-catch combinations and have shown some flashes with QB Austen Arnaud and WR R.J. Sumrall. Defensively, the Cyclones rely heavily on takeaways, producing a league-high 13, including two interceptions by LB Michael Bibbs. This looms as the best opportunity for Kansas to win on the road, with future trips to Oklahoma and Nebraska, as well as a game in Kansas City against Missouri.
FAST FACTS: Jayhawks — The defense is allowing 217.5 yards per game through the air, but has defended more attempts (153) than all but two Big 12 rivals ... QB Todd Reesing has thrown for more than 350 yards in each of the last three games ... While rotating three tailbacks, the offense is averaging just 119 rushing yards per game. Cyclones — The defense has surrendered 14 plays of 20 or more yards this year ... The offense ranks 11th in the conference in passing, averaging 195 yards per game ... The defense leads the Big 12 with 13 takeaways.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Jayhawks
WR Kerry Meier — Coming off a 136-yard receiving effort against Sam Houston State, where one of his eight catches went for a season-best 68 yards, Meier leads the Big 12 with 37 receptions.
PK Jacob Branstetter — He is 6-for-7 on field goals, though his longest boot was from just 30 yards, making it difficult to establish a high level of confidence in the redshirt freshman.
SS Justin Thornton — He has been busy in the secondary, recording 24 tackles to go with a league-best eight passes defended.Cyclones
DE Kurtis Taylor — He was quick enough off the edge to score on an interception return earlier this season and has recorded one sack after getting in on six and a half last season.
WR R.J. Sumrall — Sumrall is beginning to assert himself as the Cyclones' top receiving threat after generating 104 yards and two touchdowns off four catches against UNLV.
RB J.J. Bass — Iowa State's top rusher at UNLV with 43 yards on 10 carries. The Cyclones will probably stick with a committee of backs after Alexander Robinson led the team against South Dakota State and Iowa, and Jason Scales posted two touchdowns against Kent State.
INJURY WATCH:
Jayhawks
WR Dexton Fields and CB Kendrick Harper will both return against Iowa State. Fields has been out with an ankle injury, while Harper suffered a blow to the head.Cyclones
C Mike Knapp continues to recover from a Sept. 16 appendectomy and is questionable for the Kansas game. Alex Alvarez started in place of Knapp against UNLV.
LB Josh Raven has moved ahead of Michael Bibbs on the two-deep. Bibbs suffered an ankle injury at UNLV, and his status was undetermined for the Kansas game.
Western Kentucky at Virginia Tech
KICKOFF: Saturday, 1:30 ET
SERIES: First meeting
2008 RANKINGS: Hilltoppers: N/A; Hokies: offense 108th (10th ACC), pass 112th (11th), run 42nd (5th), defense 46th (8th), pass 65th (8th), run 48th (5th)
POLLS: Virginia Tech (20th AP, 24th coaches)
PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 47-7
KEYS TO THE GAME: Depending on how you look at it, this game could be a blessing or a curse for the Hokies. On one hand, it's a nice, winnable, home, non-conference game sandwiched between four brutal road contests. On the other, with an open date coming up next Saturday, this two-week stretch could slow the momentum of a a team that has worked hard to get on a roll over the last month. WKU's three games against the BCS conference teams haven't been pretty and this one should be more of the same. It goes into Blacksburg as a 28-point underdog and 0-3 against the BCS teams.
FAST FACTS: Hilltoppers — RB Bobby Rainey's 99 rushing yards last week against Kentucky were a season high for any WKU back ... WKU is 0-3 against FBS teams, getting outscored by Indiana, Alabama and Kentucky 113-23 ... The defense has intercepted 23 passes over the last 12 games, dating back to last season. WKU already has six interceptions this year. Hokies — Have won 29 straight non-league games at Lane Stadium ... PK Dustin Keys has made his last nine attempts ... Redshirt freshman Darren Evans has scored at least one touchdown in every game this year.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Hilltoppers
QBs K.J. Black — He came back last week and was ineffective against a good Kentucky defense. He now faces a better defense in Virginia Tech, which loves to make life miserable for QBs.
P Jeremy Moore — One of the real constants on the Western Kentucky roster, he has too punt this week against a program that's made a living on special teams, including blocking punts.
PK Tanner Siewert — He kicked the eighth 50-yard field goal in school history for the only points last week and will also be on the spot if his chance comes against the talented Va-Tech special teams.Hokies
 |
| Tyrod Taylor has been a spark for Virginia Tech. (Dave Weaver / Associated Press) |
CB Macho Harris — Two interceptions in the last two games for the potential All-American. And both were critical plays. His first quarter pick against Nebraska led to the Hokies' only first-half touchdown and sapped the energy from a record crowd at Memorial Stadium. This week could be a good opportunity to get Harris extended work on offense. His chances have been limited so far. He started the season with a foot injury, and the stakes were too high the last three weeks to experiment too much.
QB Tyrod Taylor — He led the Hokies to a turnover-free game for the second time in three weeks. Say what you will about the kid, but that's one of the major reasons he's playing quarterback and Sean Glennon isn't. Taylor passed for a season-high 171 yards and rushed for another 87 and a touchdown. Tech's coaches might take the restrictor plate off this week and let him air it out against Western Kentucky. It could provide a nice boost of confidence with games at Boston College and at Florida State coming up next.
ROV Dorian Porch — The rover job is his for good, now that Davon Morgan is out for the season. Porch had a tackle and a fumble recovery in relief of Morgan Saturday at Nebraska. The Hokies need him to step up and fill the role without a drop-off. Considering Porch failed to win the starting job in any of his previous three seasons indicates it's going to take some extra dedication from the fourth-year junior.
INJURY WATCH:
Hilltoppers
CB Rashad Etheridge suffered a shoulder injury last week and was day-to-day. He was not listed on the depth chart.
WR Derrius Brooks is probably out for the year with a broken foot.
WR/R Jake Gaebler returned last week after missing two games with a back problem and didn't have a catch.Hokies
It appears that freshman LB Bruce Taylor (shoulder) and freshman WR Xavier Boyce (knee) will have surgery in the near future, and they will also apply for medical hardship waivers.
Kentucky at Alabama
KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET
SERIES: Alabama leads 33-2-1
2008 RANKINGS: Wildcats: offense 73rd (6th SEC), pass 92nd (8th), run 46th (5th), defense 4th (2nd), pass 13th (5th), run 13th (4th); Crimson Tide: offense 57th (4th SEC), pass 101st (11th), run 17th (1st), defense 18th (6th), pass 68th (9th), run 3rd (1st)
POLLS: Alabama (2nd AP, 4th coaches)
PREDICTION: Alabama 37-14
KEYS TO THE GAME: The start could be critical, considering Alabama has outscored opponents, 74-0 in the first quarter and 133-20 in the first half. Kentucky is allowing the fewest points per game in the country, but the Wildcats have only played one team from a BCS league (Big East's Louisville). The Wildcats have been busy playing spread teams the last couple of weeks, which could make the Tide's power running game difficult to defend. The Wildcats, of course, have a history of beating the best. They upset top-ranked LSU just last year. Now they get a crack at the Tide.
FAST FACTS: Wildcats — QB Brian Hartline is completing over 60 percent of his passes over the last three games ... Kentucky is the nation's leader in kickoff returns, averaging 38.5 yards per return ... The defense is allowing just 5.5 points per game, tops in the country. Crimson Tide — The defense is allowing 2.3 yards per carry, ranking third in the nation ... Alabama's No. 2 ranking this week in the AP poll is its highest since 1993 ... Under Nick Saban, Alabama is 8-2 when holding opponents under 100 rushing yards.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Wildcats
MLB Braxton Kelley — If middle linebacker Micah Johnson can't go, Kelley, the Wildcats' leading tackler, will need to have a big game. Kelley made the fourth-downs stop to seal the overtime win over LSU last season.
DE Jeremy Jarmon — The junior All-SEC candidate already has five and a half tackles for loss, including two sacks. He'll need to utilize his athleticism against Alabama's powerful offensive line.
DT Myron Pryor — The 6-1, 310-pounder will be a big key in slowing down the Crimson Tide's power running attack. If backup tackle Ricky Lumpkin can't play, Pryor and Corey Peters will be forced to play a lot of snaps and could wear down in the fourth quarter.Crimson Tide
DE Brandon Deaderick — He leads a defense that has nine sacks in five games, going against a Kentucky offensive line that has allowed only two sacks in four games.
DB Justin Woodall — He as three interceptions in his last three games, with four passes broken up and two fumbles forced.
WR Julio Jones — The youngster is emerging as the playmaker at wide receiver, with 16 catches for 226 yards and four touchdowns.
INJURY WATCH:
Wildcats
Starting RT Justin Jeffries is out with a sprained knee ligament. Redshirt freshman Billy Joe Murphy is expected to start in Jeffries' place.
FB John Connor missed some practice time this week is questionable with a mid-foot sprain.
TE T.C. Drake (ankle) is questionable.
RB Tony Dixon also is battling an ankle injury and missed practice time this week.
Starting MLB Micah Johnson (ankle), WR/QB Randall Cobb (ankle) and DT Ricky Lumpkin (ankle) are doubtful, but Brooks has not ruled them out.Crimson Tide
Receiver Mike McCoy suffered a hamstring injury, Nick Saban said, putting his status up in the air. And reserve tight end Preston Dial had arthroscopic surgery on his knee, making him doubtful.
While running back Mark Ingram did suffer a bruised knee in the game Saturday against Georgia, he could have returned if needed. Saban said, "We just decided Roy Upchurch and Glen Coffee could do it, and we would only play Mark if we needed to."
Texas Tech at Kansas State
KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET
SERIES: Texas Tech leads 6-3
2008 RANKINGS: Red Raiders: offense 3rd (2nd Big 12), pass 1st (1st), run 66th (8th), defense 61st (7th), pass 97th (10th), run 25th (5th); Wildcats: offense 23rd (7th Big 12), pass 12th (5th), run 74th (9th), defense 77th (11th), pass 22nd (3rd), run 104th (11th)
POLLS: Texas Tech (7th AP, 8th coaches)
PREDICTION: Texas Tech 49-28
KEYS TO THE GAME: This could be a fireworks show for either team when they take the field Saturday. Tech last beat Kansas State in 2005 in Lubbock (59-20) which was also the last time the Red Raiders were ranked as high as No. 7. If neither defense decides to hold the other, it could be a shootout to see who gets to 50 first. The Red Raiders, behind a pair of Heisman Trophy candidates, QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree, rank No. 1 nationally in passing (426.3 yards), No. 3 in total offense (572.8) and No. 9 in scoring (45.8 points). Although Tech loves to throw, it springs its running backs for big gains, which is another concern for Kansas State's spotty defense. Shannon Woods and Baron Batch are averaging 6.4 and 7.5 yards per carry, respectively. Tech has surrendered just seven tackles for loss. The Wildcats surrendered more than 300 yards rushing to both Louisville and Louisiana-Lafayette, now they get their chance at defending the pass.
FAST FACTS: Red Raiders — QB Graham Harrell and WR Mike Crabtree are sharing the Web site www.passorcatch2008.com in hopes of promoting their Heisman candidacy ... Harrell has completed 65 percent of his passes for more than 1,500 yards and 12 TDs. He has thrown just three interceptions. Crabtree leads the Big 12 with 457 yards and six scores ... Their No. 7 ranking this week in the AP poll is the highest since sitting No. 5 for three straight weeks in 1976. Wildcats — The offense averages 441.2 yards per game, including 299 yards on the ground ... QB Josh Freeman has thrown 11 touchdown passes and has accounted for six of the 10 rushing touchdowns ... K-State is outscoring opponents this year by the average score of 47.0-22.8.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Red Raiders
QB Graham Harrell — Harrell needs only 205 yards to become the career passing leader at Tech and is now 31 touchdown passes away from taking the top spot in passing touchdowns away from Colt Brennan, who set the mark last season. If he is protected well like the four games so far this year — only one sack — there is no telling how many yards he could put up.
WR Mike Crabtree — Crabtree enters the game with less gawdy numbers but has been just as effective. The Wildcats' passing defense is 22nd nationally but has not had a true test like Crabtree. If anything, his play will open it up for guys like Detron Lewis and Eric Morris.
RB Shannon Woods — The senior back is ready to continue a mean streak on the ground game. Woods has 276 rushing yards and 7 TDs and can beat you as a receiver as well — 118 receiving yards.
FS Daniel Charbonnet — He is enjoying his last year with the defense since transferring from Duke three years ago. Charbonnet leads the nation in interceptions (4) and shows no signs of wanting to let up against the more lethal opponents.Wildcats
QB Josh Freeman — He became Kansas State's all-time passing leader, boosting his career total to 6,238 and overtaking Lynn Dickey. He accounted for five touchdowns against Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 27.
WR Brandon Banks — The wideout leads the nation with a 115.8-yard receiving average per game. Of Banks' six touchdown receptions, all have totaled 30 or more yards.
DE Brandon Harold — Just a freshman, Harold leads the Big 12 and ranks third nationally with eight and a half tackles for loss. He benefits from the attention opponents place on All-Big 12 DE Ian Campbell.
INJURY WATCH:
Red Raiders
RB Aaron Crawford continues to work on getting past his turf toe.
OL Louis Vasquez is playing periodically after an ankle injury against Eastern Washington in Week 1.
LB Blake Collier is expected to return to the lineup against Kansas State.Wildcats
S Gary Chandler was suspended indefinitely following his Sept. 28 arrest on charges of driving without a valid license and obstructing the legal process. Chandler, a senior, was demoted to a backup this season after he was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a junior-college transfer in 2007.
The status of LB Antwon Moore is uncertain after he suffered a leg injury against Louisiana-Lafayette.
Auburn at Vanderbilt
KICKOFF: Saturday, 6 ET
SERIES: Auburn leads 20-19-1
2008 RANKINGS: Tigers: offense 90th (10th SEC), pass 97th (10th), run 56th (8th), defense 11th (4th), pass 12th (4th), run 18th (6th); Commodores: offense 112th (12th SEC), pass 116th (12th), run 26th (3rd), defense 73rd (12th), pass 93rd (12th), run 45th (10th)
POLLS: Auburn (13th AP, 14th coaches); Vanderbilt (19th AP, 19th coaches)
PREDICTION: Auburn 14-10
KEYS TO THE GAME: This should be your typical SEC game — hard-hitting, low-scoring — with a twist. That being the Commodores' presence as a top-20 team with a real chance to improve to 5-0 against an opponent which is good-pitch, no-hit. If Vandy can stick to its knitting as a side which avoids mistakes on offense and forces turnovers from an offense which will cough up the ball, it can avenge last year's 35-7 beating and make a positive impression on a national TV audience. Auburn ranks 10th in the SEC in total offense, while the Commodores rank 12th. Two safeties could be enough win this one in Nashville.
FAST FACTS: Tigers — Have not lost to Vanderbilt since the 1955 Gator Bowl ... Auburn has outscored opponents in the first half this year, 62-9 ... Robert Dunn ranks sixth nationally in punt returns (21.4 yards). Commodores — The defense has intercepted 10 passes, while the offense has yet to throw one ... Vanderbilt is trying for its first 5-0 start since 1943 ... Vanderbilt is tied for the national lead in fewest penalties with 11.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Tigers
QBs Chris Todd/Kodi Burns — Burns played last week and made the biggest play of the game (relatively speaking): a 10-yard pass on third-and-5 from the Auburn 10 to run out the clock against Tennessee . But Todd will be the starter again. Sounds like more of the same.
DE Antonio Coleman — He had four tackles, including a sack, against Tennessee last week, earning SEC Player of the Week honors. He leads the SEC in sacks with four and has a tackle for loss in seven consecutive games.
LB Josh Bynes — Making his first career start, filling in for the injured Trey Blackman, Bynes had 11 tackles against the Vols.Commodores
QB Chris Nickson — The senior starter should be back in the lineup after missing most of the second half at Ole Miss two weeks ago. Nickson's athletic ability will come in handy against Auburn's fierce rush-line. It will be imperative for him to do two things — avoid mistakes, which he's done this year, and hit a few passes deep down the field — if the offense is to produce some points against an excellent defense.
CB D.J. Moore — More will be asked of Vanderbilt's two-way standout. If his workload on defense isn't too heavy, he'll probably get about half the snaps as a wide receiver on offense because of his speed. In a game where points figure to be at a premium, one or two extra touches by Moore, whether it's on a reverse or a punt return, could make a difference.
MLB Chris Marve — The redshirt freshman has been a revelation, ranking among the team leaders in tackles. His presence will be important this week against an Auburn team which is better running from the spread than passing from it. If Marve can make some plays against the running game and force the Tigers' scattershot QBs into throwing it, that could create opportunities for the Commodores' defense to make the big plays that have marked the first third of 2008.
INJURY WATCH:
Tigers
Auburn played last week without three top players: RB Brad Lester (knee), RB Tristan Davis (concussion) and MLB Tray Blackmon (wrist). Defensive back Zac Etheridge played with an injured shoulder. All three should be available this week, but Tommy Tuberville said the best thing would be an open date. Commodores
TE Austin Monahan (fractured shoulder) is out for the season. Monahan had four catches for 45 yards and is the team's third receiver to suffer a year-ending injury. The coaches liked Monahan's soft hands and ability to block in the running game.
WR George Smith (foot) appears likely to play for the first time this season. One of the team's captains, Smith could give the offense a downfield presence in the passing game that it hasn't always had this season.
TB Jeff Jennings (shoulder) will make his return after missing the last three games. While he's not listed on the two-deep, don't be surprised if Jennings sees playing time when starter Jared Hawkins needs a breather.
Texas at Colorado
KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET
SERIES: Texas leads 9-7
2008 RANKINGS: Longhorns: offense 10th (5th Big 12), pass 18th (6th), run 22nd (3rd), defense 26th (2nd), pass 100th (11th), run 2nd (1st); Buffaloes: offense 82nd (11th Big 12), pass 71st (10th), run 79th (10th), defense 53rd (6th), pass 21st (2nd), run 87th (9th)
POLLS: Texas (5th AP, 5th coaches)
PREDICTION: Texas 38-14
KEYS TO THE GAME: Colorado (3-1) often tries to unleash its rushing attack, which features 5-6 freshman RB Rodney Stewart, a 100-yard performer in each of the last two games. Running the ball takes pressure off QB Cody Hawkins, who ranks last among Big 12 starters in passing efficiency. The problem for both Hawkins and Stewart is Texas ranks first nationally with 16 sacks and is holding opponents to 52.5 rushing yards per game and 2.0 yards per carry. Part of the Longhorns' stout run defense is attributable to 14 sacks in the past two games. Texas QB Colt McCoy ranks second nationally in pass efficiency and stands 24-6 as a starter. A solid Colorado defensive front has not prevented opponents from averaging 172 yards rushing a game. In addition, the Buffs have generated just six sacks through four games. These issues may not get solved defending McCoy, who hurts teams with his feet as the Longhorns' leading rusher. The Buffs' experienced tackles, George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas, must excel in this matchup.
FAST FACTS: Longhorns — Have won at least 10 games in each of the last seven seasons, a feat unmatched by any other program nationally ... Texas humiliated Colorado, 70-3, in the previous meeting between these two in the 2005 Big 12 championship game ... Texas has set 214 school records during Mack Brown's 11 years as coach. Colorado — WR Josh Smith has scored the first touchdown on passes from QB Cody Hawkins in each of the last three games ... Smith is two games shy of the school mark for consecutive games with a touchdown pass ... QB Cody Hawkins is completing 64 percent of his passes.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Longhorns
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| Colt McCoy has been spectacular so far for the Longhorns. (Brian Bahr / Getty Images) |
QB Colt McCoy — The junior is completing 80 percent of his passes and has led the Longhorns in rushing three times. He has 14 touchdown passes to just one interception, improving that ratio dramatically over last season.
DE Brian Orakpo — No longer hindered by the strained knee that limited his effectiveness last season, he has 5.5 sacks already this season and 16 in his career.
WR Jordan Shipley — The hottest target in the Texas arsenal with 13 receptions for 238 yards the past two games. Concentrate on him, and WR Quan Cosby could go off, though he's already averaging 5.5 catches for 86 yards per game.Buffaloes
WR Josh Smith — He led Colorado with seven receptions for 85 yards against Florida State, but also fumbled a kickoff that forced the Buffs to start from their own four-yard line. They failed to produce a first down and had a punt blocked through the end zone for a safety.
RB Rodney Stewart — Stewart rushed for 100 yards in back-to-back games. He logged 21 carries against Florida State, while the rest of the Colorado backs combined for 10.
QB Cody Hawkins — Hawkins ranks 12th in the Big 12 in passing efficiency, a reflection of the four interceptions he's tossed, which ties him with Nebraska's Joe Ganz for the most in the league.
INJURY WATCH:
Longhorns
FB Luke Tiemann was declared out for the season with a knee injury, prompting the Texas coaches to consider using tailbacks Chris Ogbonnaya and Antwan Cobb as fullbacks behind Cody Johnson. Cobb has been slowed by a strained knee.
TB Fozzy Whittaker continues to heal a sore right knee that prevented him from playing in the past two games. Whittaker was still not cleared to play during early preparations for the Colorado game.
Texas is expected to let QB John Chiles concentrate on duties as backup quarterback rather than playing him at receiver in what was labeled the "Q package."Buffaloes
The Colorado medical staff ruled OT Ryan Miller out for the season after he fractured his left leg in the Florida State defeat. He became the third CU lineman to suffer a severe injury.
Both Miller and Max Tuioti-Mariner, who suffered a torn ACL during preparations for the Florida State game, are eligible for medical hardships from the NCAA.
DE Jason Brace did not play against FSU after suffering a concussion in practice. He was replaced by Marquez Herrod.
Oregon at Southern Cal
KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET
SERIES: Southern California leads 36-16-2
2008 RANKINGS: Ducks: offense 6th (1st Pac-10), pass 51st (6th), run 4th (1st), defense 49th (5th), pass 87th (7th), run 26th (2nd); Trojans: offense 40th (5th Pac-10), pass 32nd (4th), run 61st (4th), defense 10th (2nd), pass 10th (2nd), run 19th (1st)
POLLS: Southern California (9th AP, 9th coaches); Oregon (23rd AP, 20th coaches)
PREDICTION: Southern California 27-10
KEYS TO THE GAME: To get back on track, USC is simply going to have to play better along both lines, because Oregon is strong where the Trojans appeared weak against Oregon State. The Ducks run the ball well and can stop the run, so even with their quarterback troubles, this looks like a dangerous matchup for the Trojans. Wideouts Damian Williams and Ronald Johnson appear to more significant parts of the passing game, with Williams (16 catches, 234 yards, three TDs) emerging quickly as the main target. Coach Pete Carroll said he isn't displeased at all with QB Mark Sanchez after the loss to Oregon State, saying the running game needs to help him out more. There will be some changes along the defensive line as the Trojans try to stop a tough two-headed Oregon running game of Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount.
FAST FACTS: Ducks — C Max Unger and ROV Patrick Chung are both set to make their 43rd straight starts Saturday. Chung cracked the school's all-time top 10 in tackles last week ... Oregon is 24-23 against ranked teams under Mike Bellotti ... DE Nick Reed is now fifth in the school's all-time list in sacks and sixth in tackles for loss and has a shot at the all-time No. 1 in both. Trojans — Have dropped six of their last 10 meetings to Oregon, including last year in Eugene ... Under Pete Carroll, USC is 29-7 against teams ranked in the top 25 ... The Trojans have finished in the top four in the final AP poll each of the last six years.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Ducks
The quarterback — Take your pick, again. Justin Roper was hoping to make it back after missing two games with a knee injury but was slowed at the start of the week by illness. That could possibly have left him behind Jeremiah Masoli, especially after Mike Bellotti said, "I don't think Justin has played enough football to have that position dedicated to him. It will be a competitive situation." On Masoli, Bellotti said, "Jeremiah Masoli is doing a great job and getting better and better each week," he said.
RBs Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount –- We say it again, and again. The two-headed monster did it to Washington State in a big way last week, both running for three touchdowns. Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers ran all over USC so it will be interesting to see what these guys do this week.
CB Walter Thurmond III – He wasn't healthy last week, when he returned from a one-game absence, and had a pair of picks in the win.Trojans
QB Mark Sanchez — He has 10 touchdown passes in three games, and has at least two in five consecutive starts, dating to last season. He will be tested this week by perhaps the finest pair of cornerbacks in the league — Jairus Byrd and Walter Thurmond III. Sanchez is second in the Pac-10 with a passing efficiency rating of 162.9.
RB Stafon Johnson — You never can tell from game to game who is going to emerge in a crowded USC backfield, but Johnson's stock is on the rise after a good performance against Oregon State. "Moved the pile well, made some space for himself and just was very effective," said coach Pete Carroll. "Had a big run taken away on a penalty, too."
DT Fili Moala — The NFL prospect was part of a line that got pushed off the ball against Oregon State. That is not what is expected from Moala, or USC. He will face a big challenge this week from the Ducks, who have one of the best offensive lines in the league, including C Max Unger.
INJURY WATCH:
Ducks
QB Justin Roper (knee) was hoping to make it back this week, but was not a shoo-in to start even if he was ready.
DE Terrell Turner (knee) will miss two-to-six weeks.
LB Eddie Pleasant, who had 75 stitches in his forehead after being involved in a speed racing car accident last week, was listed on the depth chart as a backup. Bellotti said he still hadn't decided on disciplinary action on Pleasant and two other players, likely just Pleasant if it happens.
WR Jamere Holland, who suffered a concussion in that crash, was feeling better.Trojans
Starting MLB Rey Maualuga, who suffered a sprained knee against Oregon State, was considered "day to day," coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday.
Starting OLB Brian Cushing broke a bone in his hand against Oregon State, and will wear a cast during games, according to coach Pete Carroll.
FS Taylor Mays, who sustained a bruised chest against Oregon State, had returned to practice and will be fine to play this week.
Starting CB Shareece Wright is expected to be out about six weeks because of a fractured vertebra.
Ohio State at Wisconsin
KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET
SERIES: Ohio State leads 51-17-5
2008 RANKINGS: Buckeyes: offense 83rd (10th Big Ten), pass 103rd (10th), run 33rd (6th), defense 12th (1st), pass 16th (1st), run 22nd (3rd); Badgers: offense 37th (4th Big Ten), pass 80th (9th), run 15th (3rd), defense 30th (4th), pass 51st (4th), run 34th (5th)
POLLS: Ohio State (14th AP, 12th coaches); Wisconsin (18th AP, 17th coaches)
PREDICTION: Wisconsin 24-20
KEYS TO THE GAME: Two of the premiere tailbacks in the Big Ten square off when Ohio State's Beanie Wells travels to Wisconsin and P.J. Hill. Both teams focus on the run, and Ohio State has taken that a step further by running with freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who leads the team in rushing with 292 yards. Wells just returned from a toe injury last week and still isn't 100 percent, but he's slowly improving. Wisconsin traditionally is a tough matchup for the Buckeyes because it is one of thew few teams in the Big Ten that line up and run the ball right at them. That could be a problem for the Buckeyes, whose defensive line is weaker than most years. The loser is out of the national title hunt, and their Big Ten title hopes take a serious blow.
FAST FACTS: Buckeyes — Due to a scheduling quirk, this will be their first trip to Camp Randall Stadium in five years ... Despite not starting until two weeks ago, freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor is the team's leading rusher with 292 yards ... The Buckeyes rank 103rd in the nation this week in passing, averaging 9.4 yards per completion. Badgers — QB Allan Evridge turned the ball over four times last week against Michigan (two fumbles, two interceptions) ... The offense ranks fourth in the Big Ten in total offense (413 yards) and scoring (31.8) ... TE Travis Beckum was a matchup nightmare for OSU last year, catching nine passes for 140 yards and a touchdown.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Buckeyes
QB Terrelle Pryor — His passing needs work, but his feet are undeniable. Pryor rushed for 97 yards last week against the Gophers, and it's only a matter of time before he's passing and rushing for 100 yards in every game.
RB Beanie Wells — Played the Gophers at about 75 percent, he said, and isn't expected to be fully healthy the rest of the way. That's OK. He wasn't last year either, and still rushed for over 1,600 yards.
DT Cameron Heyward — The tackles have played so poorly this year that Heyward was moved inside from his end position. Wisconsin attacks defenses right up the middle, which is where Ohio State is the weakest. It's Heyward's job to slow the Badgers' running at the point of attack. Badgers
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| The Badgers will lean on P.J. Hill against Ohio State. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images) |
TB P.J. Hill — The junior was limited to 70 rushing yards and kept out of the endzone by Michigan. If Hill (92 carries, 449 yards, four TDs) doesn't find the endzone against Ohio State, it'll be the first time in his career he went three straight healthy games without a touchdown. On that note, watch for bruising redshirt freshman John Clay to get some carries near the goal line.
QB Allan Evridge — His first Big Ten start didn't work out as anyone hoped. After throwing just one interception in his Wisconsin's first three games, Evridge tossed two picks against Michigan — one of which was returned for a score. He also lost two fumbles. Ohio State will focus on P.J. Hill and force Evridge to make plays, so the fifth-year senior needs to bring his 'A' game.
OLB Jonathan Casillas — The senior was named the team's defensive player of the game against Michigan, and you'd never know he missed Wisconsin's first two games with a knee problem. Casillas has 15 tackles and one interception this season, and needs only six stops to hit the 200-tackle mark for his career.INJURY WATCH:
Buckeyes
TE Rory Nicol rolled his ankle last week and will not play against Wisconsin.
LG Steve Rehring is expected to return, although it's a question of where. Jim Tressel hinted that Rehring could play guard or tackle, which means there might be a shakeup either at right tackle (Bryant Browning) or right guard (Ben Person). Tressel seems committed to keeping freshman Michael Brewster at center, which means Jim Cordle should remain at guard.Badgers
TE Garrett Graham (foot) missed last week's game, but the Badgers' leading receiver (11 catches, 154 yards, three TDs) has a good chance to play against Ohio State. He'll need to be on the practice field Wednesday and Thursday to have a shot.
TE Travis Beckum (hamstring) sat out until the fourth quarter of the Michigan loss. The preseason All-American is expected to be full-go this week for only the second time this season.
WR Maurice Moore (groin) seems likely to be available for Ohio State after missing the Michigan game, though he's not listed on the depth chart.
CB Aaron Henry (knee) seems on the road to a medical redshirt. His rehab from preseason surgery hasn't gone as quickly as he hoped.
Missouri at Nebraska
KICKOFF: Saturday, 9 ET
SERIES: Nebraska leads 63-35-3
2008 RANKINGS: Tigers: offense 2nd (1st Big 12), pass 2nd (2nd), run 31st (4th), defense 79th (12th), pass 111th (12th), run 24th (4th); Cornhuskers: offense 33rd (9th Big 12), pass 24th (7th), run 57th (6th), defense 64th (8th), pass 96th (9th), run 35th (6th)
POLLS: Missouri (4th AP, 3rd coaches)
PREDICTION: Missouri 28-21
KEYS TO THE GAME: Missouri is 4-6 coming off regular-season bye weeks under eighth-year coach Gary Pinkel, but in this case, the time off was especially valuable for hobbling RG Kurtis Gregory (sprained ankle) and FS William Moore (sprained foot). Moore's presence should help a leaky secondary against a potentially explosive Nebraska passing game. Missouri might be best served exploiting a thin NU defensive line and linebacker corps by sticking with its high-tempo no-huddle offense and running the Huskers ragged with its arsenal of playmakers.
FAST FACTS: Tigers — RB Derrick Washington leads the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 13.5 ppg ... The offense is averaging just over 595 yards of total offense ... The 54 points per game ranks second nationally. Cornhuskers — Haven't lost a home game to Missouri since 1978 ... For the first time in school history, this marks the third-straight year Nebraska has hosted a top 5 team ... Nebraska will face six opponents this season who played in bowl games last season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Tigers
TB Derrick Washington — The Huskers are thin up front and relatively inexperienced at linebacker, meaning MU's leading rusher could have a career day in Lincoln. Despite sitting out the second half of two games, Washington ranks third in the Big 12 in rushing (90.2 yards per game) and leads the conference in scoring with nine touchdowns.
DT Ziggy Hood — Hood will have challenging matchups with Nebraska's veteran guards Matt Slauson and Mike Huff, the two most experienced players on the Husker defense. Coming off his best game of the season, a two-sack day against Buffalo, Hood needs to collapse the pocket and stuff the run like Virginia Tech managed in its victory over Nebraska.
P Jake Harry — The first-year punter figures to be busier in conference play than he was during the first four weeks of the season when he punted just nine times. Field position will be crucial in tighter Big 12 games, and so far, Harry has shown decent distance (42.6 yards per punt) and superb accuracy.Cornhuskers
RB Roy Helu — Has carried only 27 times in four games but has averaged 6.1 yards per carry. It's a reason many fans are clamoring for more Helu. Perhaps coach Bo Pelini is listening. He hinted at Tuesday's news conference that there could be some changes in store at running back.
TE Mike McNeill — A Missouri native who went to the same high school as Missouri wide receiver standout Jeremy Maclin. The two remain close friends, but will be enemies on the field come Saturday night. McNeill had a career-high 66 receiving yards last week and is becoming more of a receiving threat.
DB Lance Thorell — A redshirt freshman walk-on who was playing eight-man football two years ago. It's likely he'll see a good deal of time as Nebraska's extra defensive back in dime coverage.
INJURY WATCH:
Tigers
After sitting out against Southeast Missouri State and Buffalo, FS William Moore (sprained foot) is expected to play at Nebraska, but he was still having trouble with his lateral quickness. Cornhuskers
SS Larry Asante missed Monday's practice with an unspecified injury. Pelini said Asante "got dinged up a little bit" in Saturday game's and is day-to-day. "We'll see where he is," Pelini said.
OL Andy Christensen missed Monday's practice because of medical issues. Pelini didn't have a timeline for Christenen's return. Christensen recently returned to the team after serving a lengthy suspension and hasn't played this season.
DT Quentin Toailoa had shoulder surgery and is schedule for surgery on other shoulder in a few weeks. Toailoa is a true freshman who's redshirting.
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