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, Noon ET
SERIES: Texas leads 57-40-5
2008 RANKINGS: Longhorns: offense 12th (5th Big 12), pass 18th (6th), run 27th (3rd), defense 28th (2nd), pass 96th (10th), run 3rd (1st); Sooners: offense 5th (3rd Big 12), pass 4th (3rd), run 40th (5th), defense 28th (2nd), pass 15th (2nd), run 18th (4th)
POLLS: Oklahoma (1st AP, 1st coaches); Texas (5th AP, 5th coaches)
PREDICTION: Oklahoma 31-27
KEYS TO THE GAME: A pair of unbeaten, top-five teams that don't like each other very much will play in one of the best rivalries in college football. A concern for Texas entering its annual Red River showdown against Oklahoma is its inability to force turnovers. Texas has forced five fumbles and intercepted two passes to rank 96th nationally in takeaways. Its turnover margin is plus-one — rather slight for a team ranked No. 5 with a 5-0 mark. In the last 10 meetings of this series, the team with the better turnover margin has won nine times. What they lack in turnovers, Texas makes up for in sacks, averaging a nation's-best 3.8 per game. OU has only allowed five sacks all season, but Texas must try to squeeze Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford into bad decisions, even if he's completing 72.6 percent of his passes and ranked as the country's second-most efficient quarterback. The Longhorns have gotten away with QB Colt McCoy as the leading rusher through the first five games. Against the Sooners, though, that might not be such a good idea.
FAST FACTS: Longhorns — Led by QB Colt McCoy, the team's leading rusher, Texas is averaging 198 yards per game on the ground ... Along with being the leading ball carrier, McCoy carries an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 16-3 ... Texas ranks sixth in the country in scoring, producing 47.2 points per game, and ranks fourth in points allowed at 11.4. Sooners — The offense continues to shine, averaging 49.6 points and 540 yards per game ... Opponents have scored 69 points in five games, although 49 of those have been in the second half, typically when the outcome had long been decided ... OU is outscoring opponents, 168-30 in the first half.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Longhorns
QB Colt McCoy — McCoy needs just one more touchdown pass to become the career leader at Texas after tying Major Applewhite with 67. He and WR Quan Cosby have also tied the UT record for most hookups with 131.
DT Roy Miller — Miller was named Big 12 co-defensive player of the week after recording eight tackles against Colorado, including one for a loss. He also recovered a fumble.
RB Chris Ogbonnaya — The sophomore is coming off his best performance, producing 116 yards receiving and 71 rushing off 15 touches at Colorado. He entered the game as UT's third-string back. Ogbonnaya also saved a touchdown with a tackle of Colorado DB Jalil Brown on an interception return.Sooners
QB Sam Bradford — Through five games, Bradford is carrying a 204.97 pass efficiency mark and thrown for 1,665 yards while completing 106 of 146 attempts, including 18 touchdowns against three interceptions.
LB Ryan Reynolds — Reynolds plays in the middle and, following last week's game at Baylor, became the first linebacker ever to receive a 100 percent rating from defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who is also linebackers coach. Reynolds didn't want the perfect score and insisted Venables go back and find a mistake or two. So he did.
RBs DeMarco Murray, Chris Brown and Mossis Madu — No Sooner running back ran for even four yards per carry against Baylor, though the trio combined for almost 200, still managing to give the offense the balance it prefers. Yet given the history of OU-Texas (the team the runs the ball best almost always wins), there will be a premium on the Sooner ground game Saturday.
INJURY WATCH:
Longhorns
The status of TB Fozzy Whittaker, who's missed four games with knee injuries, remains uncertain. That prompted the UT staff to declare TB Chris Ogbonnaya the starter for the Oklahoma game.
Without starting TE Blaine Irby, who is out for the season with a knee injury, the Longhorns have two receptions at that position from his replacement, Peter Ullman.Sooners
DT DeMarcus Granger is OU's best run-stopping lineman but has been out of action the last two weeks following a foot injury. Granger chose rehab over surgery, hoping to get back on the field. He's questionable for Saturday, but has participated in practice, making his return by Saturday at least a possibility.
DT Gerald McCoy, OU's best defensive lineman, left the Baylor game with an injury to the big toe on his left foot. He said on the way out of the stadium that he'd be fine, and has practiced this week, but his complete health remains a question. Having McCoy at this best would mean plenty to the Sooners.
DE Frank Alexander hasn't played since opening day as a result of a stab wound suffered to his arm. He is practicing again and is a possibility to play for the first time since the injury.
OL Branndon Braxton — A non-starter, who spells both guards and tackles on the offensive line, Braxton missed the Baylor game with an injury to his right leg, may be back in the mix in time for the Cotton Bowl.
Vanderbilt at Mississippi State
KICKOFF: Saturday, 2:30 ET
SERIES: Mississippi State leads 10-7-2
2008 RANKINGS: Commodores: offense 114th (12th SEC), pass 116th (12th), run 36th (3rd); Bulldogs: offense 103rd (10th SEC), pass 76th (7th), run 101st (11th)
POLLS: Vanderbilt (13th AP, 14th coaches)
PREDICTION: Vanderbilt 21-20
KEYS TO THE GAME: Can the Commodores continue to handle success? If so, they can clinch bowl eligibility for the first time since 1982 with a win in Starkville. The Bulldogs are only 1-4, but are a tough out at home and have close losses against Auburn and LSU. Vandy would like to get its running game in gear after tailbacks Jared Hawkins and Jeff Jennings combined for 11 yards on eight carries against Auburn. Mississippi State has been gashed by the run in its last two games against Georgia Tech and LSU. State will play more zone coverage from here on out, which is welcome news to those who watched State return five interceptions for touchdowns last season. It was welcome news to senior free safety Derek Pegues, who will roam the center of the field much more this next game. Vandy doesn't pass well to begin with — the Commodores average just 96 passing yards per game. Defensively, nothing changes much for Vandy — force the opponent to rely on the pass and allow Vanderbilt to unleash one of the SEC's best pass rushes. Since Mississippi State is ground-oriented, the Commodores figure to have a good game on this side of the ball if their front seven can match the Bulldogs' physical style.
FAST FACTS: Bulldogs — WR Brandon McRae has 28 catches, but only six against State's two Southeastern Conference opponents. ... QB Tyson Lee has yet to throw an interception in 71 attempts. He has just one touchdown pass, though ... The defense is averaging 6.6 tackles for loss per game. Commodores — Junior LB Patrick Benoist and junior punter Brett Upson were SEC defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively, for their play in the win over Auburn ... Vandy is trying to start a season 6-0 for the first time since 1928 ... The No. 13 ranking in this week's Associated Press poll is Vandy's highest ranking since 1956.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Commodores
TB Jared Hawkins — Coming off his first bad game of the season (six carries, eight yards) against Auburn, Hawkins should find the going easier against an MSU team which has been abused on the ground lately. That backup QB Mackenzi Adams threw for a season-high 153 yards last week might just open the tackle box a little bit for future opponents and give Hawkins more room.
WR George Smith — In his first game back from a foot injury that cost him the first four contests, Smith made a key catch that set up the Commodores' winning touchdown in the third quarter. A senior, Smith has the size, speed and experience to get separation from most SEC cornerbacks. His presence could give more punch to the passing game.
OLB Patrick Benoist — The four words to describe Benoist this season are "Right place, right time." A smart player who is a better athlete than many give him credit for, Benoist was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after making 13 tackles against Auburn. With Mississippi State's offense relying on a power running game, Benoist should have a similar game if the front four continues to play well. Bulldogs
RB Anthony Dixon — With the injury to backup Robert Elliott, Dixon will carry more of the load. He is the feature back and has been all year but hasn't carried more than 20 times in a game.
FS Derek Pegues — After a team-best five interceptions last season, Pegues is itching to get more involved and give his team a spark similar in many of its games in 2007. He'll roam the center more this week looking for picks.
LB Dominic Douglas — Like Pegues, he is a senior leader. He was moved to MLB to replace Jamar Chaney, who was lost for the season due to injury in the first game. Douglas' move from the weak side has been hailed as a success.
INJURY WATCH:
Commodores
P Brett Upson was named SEC Specialist of the Week after downing four of his eight punts inside the Auburn 20 Saturday. Upson, who averaged 39.1 yards, saved his best for last with a 55-yard boomer that was downed at the 3-yard line with just over two minutes left.
QB Chris Nickson (shoulder) is hopeful that he'll return to the lineup at Mississippi State. Coach Bobby Johnson wants to make sure that Nickson has full range of motion in the shoulder, though, before he'll sign off on giving him the start. It's an injury that's been an off and on thing over the last year.
QB Mackenzi Adams' 153 passing yards last week doesn't sound like much, but it was a season high for the run-based Commodores. Vandy hadn't topped the 100-yard mark in any game until Auburn.Bulldogs
DT Jessie Bowman has been struggling with a back issue, but should play in Saturday's game.
RG Craig Jenkins started in place of Michael Gates on Sept. 27, who had a hamstring injury. Look for Jenkins to continue to start there, though play will largely be by committee.
Nebraska at Texas Tech
KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:00 ET
SERIES: Nebraska leads 7-2
2008 RANKINGS: Cornhuskers: offense 40th (8th Big 12), pass 20th (7th), run 72nd (8th), defense 82nd (9th), pass 97th (11th), run 50th (6th); Red Raiders: offense 2nd (1st Big 12), pass 1st (1st), run 64th (6th), defense 49th (4th), pass 88th (9th), run 24th (5th)
POLLS: Texas Tech (7th AP, 7th coaches)
PREDICTION: Texas Tech 35-14
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Red Raiders are now looking their best with the newly revamped running game being successful so far. Tech is its usual self, leading the nation in passing with quarterback Graham Harrell (439 yards per game). Having the 64th best rushing attack (144 ypg) allows Tech to hold the second spot in total offense with 583 yards per game. Huskers coach Bo Pelini, who oversees the defense, said he "regretted" the game plan against Missouri last week when the Tigers dropped 52 points on them. Pelini gets the chance to redeem himself this week against an equally explosive offense. Chances are the results won't be much different.
FAST FACTS: Cornhuskers — Will be playing top 10 teams in consecutive weeks for only the second time in school history and the first time since 1995 ... Nebraska is trying to avoid its first 0-2 start in league play since 1968 ... Six of the 12 opponents on the schedule appeared in a bowl game last season. Red Raiders — QB Graham Harrell became the school's all-time leading passer last week and now has 12,709 yards ... Texas Tech's only two victories in this series have come in the last two meetings ... PK Donnie Carona has connected on just 2 of 6 field goal attempts and has had a pair of kicks blocked.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Cornhuskers
LB Cody Glenn — Glenn had a career-high 14 tackles against Virginia Tech but didn't register on the stat sheet against Missouri. A big reason is because Glenn left the game with an undisclosed injury and despite his return to the game, wasn't near 100 percent. He's not yet practiced this week and coaches say they've already adjusted in the event Glenn can't play.
QB Joe Ganz — Ganz has made costly interceptions in each of the last two games. Both came deep in Nebraska's own territory and both led to opponent touchdowns. He has five interceptions for the season and the senior simply has to make better decisions to keep his team competitive in the Huskers' first road game of the season.
P Dan Titchener — Titchener shanked a 3-yard punt against Missouri, which didn't help his season average any. He's averaging a mere 35 yards per punt, which, by Nebraska standards, isn't that great. Keep an eye on another senior, Jake Wesch, who replaced Titchener for Nebraska's last punt against Missouri and had a 40-yard kick.Red Raiders
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| Michael Crabtree and the Texas Tech offense will look to light up the Nebraska defense. (Charlie Riedel / Associated Press) |
QB Graham Harrell — No matter what game, week or month it is, it's hard to talk about a Tech game without mentioning the leading passer in school history (12,709 yards). Harrell wants to show the conference he can do even more damage to Pelini's new Nebraska defense than Mizzou's Chase Daniel did a week ago (18 of 23 for 253 yards and three TDs). Harrell has 1,194 yards and 15 touchdowns in his last three games.
WR Mike Crabtree — As the passorcatch2008.com Heisman campaign says, somebody has to catch all those passes falling in the air in order to make it a touchdown. The 2007 Biletnikoff Award winner leads the conference in receiving yards (564) and is seventh in the nation. What seemed like a slow start has turned into an offensive explosion, scoring six TDs in his last three games.
RBs Baron Batch and Shannon Woods — Batch and Woods have worked almost like a Marion Barber-Felix Jones combination for the Raiders. The two have accounted for almost 53 percent of Tech's offense and have teams thinking run almost as much as pass, averaging a combined 140 yards per game.
INJURY WATCH:
Cornhuskers
— FS Rickey Thenarse re-injured his collar bone and suffered a sprained foot against Missouri. He said it was the latter injury that kept him out of practice on Monday. He's listed day-to-day.
OL Andy Christensen returned to practice after missing last week for medical reasons, but offensive line coach Barney Cotton said the senior, who was suspended for six months, has a "long way to go" before seeing playing time.
QB Beau Davis is the only current player who played in Nebraska's last trip to Lubbock. Inserted in the second half of an already lopsided game, Davis was left in the game as he committed four turnovers, leading to a barrage of points for Texas Tech.Red Raiders
DT Rajon Henley is questionable for the game against Nebraska after suffering an undisclosed injury in the first quarter of Saturday's 58-28 win over Kansas State. He did not play the rest of the game but did work out on an exercise bike along the sideline.
Arizona State at Southern Cal
KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET
SERIES: Southern California leads 15-9
2008 RANKINGS: Sun Devils: offense 69th (6th Pac-10), pass 21st (3rd), run 113th (10th), defense 42nd (5th), pass 51st (6th), run 53rd (6th); Trojans: offense 19th (2nd Pac-10), pass 11th (1st), run 54th (5th), defense 4th (2nd), pass 16th (2nd), run 12th (1st)
POLLS: Southern California (8th AP, 9th coaches)
PREDICTION: Southern California 35-10
KEYS TO THE GAME: Both starting quarterbacks are sketchy for a game that looked much more important a month ago than it does now. The Sun Devils have been one of the most disappointing teams this season and might be without quarterback Rudy Carpenter, who is nursing a left foot injury. Likewise, Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez didn't return to practice this week until Wednesday. He'll likely play, but how long he'll last with a bone bruise on his left knee remains to be seen. Regardless of the quarterback, not much changes at USC. If Mitch Mustain is forced into action, USC still wants to spread the ball around to a deep group of running backs and receivers. There would be an even greater emphasis on ball security if Mustain plays; he's had a practice reputation of being something of a gambler. The Sun Devils, with or without Carpenter, must figure out a way to run the ball better. ASU tried a two-tight end line against California with moderate success. The Sun Devils, 113th nationally in rushing, managed just 71 yards. A trio of tailbacks averaged just 3.2 yards per carry. Protection up front is critical. The rate is better than the 55 sacks given up a year ago, but still quarterbacks have been sacked 12 times this season. There are plenty of capable receivers, but they need to become game breakers to open the field and allow the backs more room up front.
FAST FACTS: Sun Devils — The defense has intercepted four passes in five games ... PK Thomas Weber, the 2007 Lou Groza Award winner, ended his string of 15 straight games with a field goal by missing from 44 yards away last week ... The defense limited Cal to just 67 total yards last week. Trojans — The first five opponents on the schedule all went to bowl games last year and won at least nine games ... USC is trying to win its 400th game in the Coliseum ... The defense is allowing 2.4 yards per carry, which ranks 12th in the nation.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Sun Devils
QB Rudy Carpenter — The senior is the leading active Pac-10 quarterback for career passing yards (9,181), touchdowns (72), completions (671), attempts (1,081) and 300-yard passing games (11). ASU goes as their emotional leader does.
P/PK Thomas Weber — A splint on his left hand didn't bother the sophomore handling punts, averaging 43.3 yards per boot against Cal.
LB Mike Nixon — The Sun Devil leading tackler has 40 stops, two for losses and had an interception against Cal last week. The outside linebacker continues to be a playmaker with a habit of getting inside or out to slow ball carriers down.Trojans
RB Stafon Johnson — It's still a fairly equal tailback rotation, but Johnson has been impressive lately, including a sideline-to-sideline 22-yard TD run against Oregon. He has 27 carries for 142 yards and two touchdowns. "Stafon has been great," coach Pete Carroll said. "He's run beautifully every time we've given him a chance. He continues to be really effective in traffic. He's got great feet, great vision."
FS Taylor Mays — Everybody knows he's a darling of the NFL scouts because of his uncommon size and athleticism. But the junior hasn't been piling up huge numbers this season. He has 25 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, in four games. He has one pass breakup and no interceptions.
DE Clay Matthews — Has played well this season, with 22 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks. He also has forced two fumbles, recovered two and blocked a kick. Against a poor offensive line such as Arizona State's he could really be in the backfield a lot this week.
INJURY WATCH:
Sun Devils
S Max Tabach is out the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Jarrell Hollman replaces Tabach as a backup free safety to Troy Nolan.Trojans
Starting MLB Rey Maualuga, who suffered a sprained knee against Oregon State, did not play against Oregon last week. He went through agility drills Monday with a brace on, and coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday, "I think there's a good chance Rey is getting back (this week)."
RB Allen Bradford did not dress for the Oregon game because of a hip injury. He has been fourth in the tailback rotation, rushing 14 times for 57 yards this season. Carroll said, "We're going to be very careful with him. We need to try to get him well and get him over it instead of just kind of limping his way along. This could be an injury to him that could last a long time. So we have to take care of him there."
WR Vidal Hazelton, who has sprained ankles, is "ready to go," Carroll said.
Tennessee at Georgia
KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET
SERIES: Tennessee leads 20-15-2
2008 RANKINGS: Volunteers: offense 97th (9th SEC), pass 98th (9th), run 61st (8th), defense 5th (1st), pass 12th (4th), run 13th (4th); Bulldogs: offense 30th (2nd SEC), pass 23rd (1st), run 50th (6th), defense 22th (8th), pass 78th (11th), run 4th (2nd)
POLLS: Georgia (10th AP, 10th coaches)
PREDICTION: Georgia 28-7
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Bulldogs have had two weeks to stew about their embarrassing home loss to Alabama. Now they'll try to take that frustration out on the Volunteers, who will start redshirt sophomore QB Nick Stephens. It is Stephens' second start, meaning Georgia's defense is licking its chops. The Bulldogs are averaging 34.4 points and 425 total yards, but still must get more consistent play from their young offensive line. If that happens, QB Matthew Stafford, RB Knowshon Moreno and freshman WR A.J. Green will be incredibly difficult to stop. Georgia is converting 47 percent of its third downs, second-best in the SEC.
FAST FACTS: Volunteers — P Britton Colquitt regains his job after sitting out the first five games following his suspension for a DUI in the winter. Colquitt averages 42.4 yards per punt in his career, and he'll also handle kickoffs ... The Vols have scored a combined 31 points over the last three weeks ... Tennessee has won the last two games in this series. Bulldogs — Have converted 94 percent of their red-zone opportunities (16 for 17). They have scored 13 touchdowns on 17 trips inside the 20 ... At 111-33, Georgia has the best record in the SEC over the last 12 seasons ... Georgia is the most penalized team in the country. It has been flagged 53 times for 437 yards.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Volunteers
QB Nick Stephens — Although his first start was a winner, Stephens did get away with a major faux pas, losing a fumble deep in Vol territory. The defense bailed him out by holding Northern Illinois to a field goal. He'll have to play as close to error-free as possible while hitting some downfield passes against an aggressive Georgia defense.
WR Denarius Moore — The team's top receiver, Lucas Taylor, sat out last week with an injury. Moore took advantage of his opportunity to catch three passes for 65 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Moore has great speed and could earn more playing time if he continues to improve his route-running.
LB Nevin McKenzie — Earning the start last week at outside linebacker, McKenzie merely notched a game-high nine tackles, 2 1/2 for loss. A former safety, McKenzie changed positions in the spring and has been a playmaker in the20first half of 2008. It was his interception return for a touchdown that gave UT a halftime lead at UCLA last month.Bulldogs
RB Knowshon Moreno — The electric sophomore is vowing to play despite injuring his elbow against Alabama. He is averaging 98 yards rushing per game and has scored 10 touchdowns.
QB Matthew Stafford — The strong-armed junior is coming off his first poor outing. He threw his first interception of the season against Alabama. Look for a bounce-back effort from Stafford, who is averaging 239 passing yards per game and has tossed seven touchdowns.
LB Rennie Curran — The Vols will try to pound the ball, and Curran has been involved in several high-impact collisions. He leads the Bulldogs with 43 tackles, 23 more than any other player, and six tackles for loss.
INJURY WATCH:
Volunteers
MLB Ellix Wilson (shoulder) sat out against Northern Illinois, even though he was hopeful of playing. Nick Reveiz got the start and had just four tackles, a low number for a middle linebacker. The coaches hope the hard-hitting Wilson can play at Georgia. Bulldogs
Starting MLB Dannell Ellerbe, who sprained his knee against Alabama, is questionable for Saturday's game against Tennessee.
DE Roderick Battle will miss his fourth straight game with a neck injury.
Brannan Southerland, who played only on special teams against Alabama, will return to his primary job as fullback. The senior standout missed the four games following foot surgery.
Sophomore WR Tony Wilson was on crutches this week due to a chronic ankle injury and might undergo season-ending surgery.
Purdue at Ohio State
KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET
SERIES: Ohio State leads 36-12-2
2008 RANKINGS: Boilermakers: offense 58th (7th Big Ten), pass 30th (1st), run 97th (11th), defense 108th (11th), pass 93rd (11th), run 104th (11th); Buckeyes: offense 81st (10th), pass 105th (11th), run 33rd (5th), defense 18th (2nd), pass 14th (1st), run 32nd (4th)
POLLS: Ohio State (12th AP, 11th coaches)
PREDICTION: Ohio State 23-7
KEYS TO THE GAME: OSU's Terrelle Pryor showed the nation why he was the most sought-after recruit last winter in directing a game-winning drive at Wisconsin. The Buckeyes are in control of the Big Ten and seem to still have life in the national title race. Conversely, Purdue is struggling, and now has quarterback issues after Curtis Painter was pulled last week in the loss to Penn State. Purdue is going nowhere this year, particularly with a porous defense that played surprisingly well against the Nittany Lions. The Boilermakers are ranked last in the Big Ten in every major defensive category. Expect Ohio State to pound the ball at Purdue, which is giving up nearly 200 yards on the ground per game. The Buckeyes are difficult to stop with their new pistol offense, where both Pryor and Beanie Wells are a threat to run.
FAST FACTS: Boilermakers — The defense is last in the Big Ten in total defense (435 yards per game), pass defense (240 ypg), run defense (196 ypg) and is ninth in points allowed (25 per game) ... Purdue has played the Buckeyes tough over the last decade, but is just 2-5 against the Buckeyes under Joe Tiller ... The Boilermakers are minus-2 in turnover ratio. Buckeyes — Beanie Wells needs seven yards to crack Ohio State's top 10 on the all-time rushing list ... Thirteen different players have caught passes this year ... The offense is gaining an average of 5.1 yards per play on first down.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Boilermakers
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| Purdue needs Curtis Painter to turn things around (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images) |
QB Curtis Painter — All eyes will be on Painter after last week. He is 0-3 as a starter against Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. After this, he'll probably be 0-4.
RB Kory Sheets — Quietly became the school's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns last week. The Buckeyes are vulnerable against the run, but the question is whether Purdue's offensive line is physical enough to open running lanes.
PK Carson Wiggs — The freshman will get the start after junior Chris Summers' recent struggles. Summers missed five of his last seven field-goal attempts, and last week against Penn State missed an extra point. Buckeyes
QB Terrelle Pryor — Struggled for most of the game against Wisconsin, but drove the offense 80 yards for the winning score when it mattered most. He's a future star who is developing quickly.
RB Beanie Wells — He insists he isn't close to 100 percent, but it's hard to notice given his production. Wells has arguably the fastest feet of any back in the country — bad toe and all.
DB Jermale Hines — With so many proven veterans in the secondary, Purdue may try to attack Hines, the unknown nickel back. Hines isn't as well known as his teammates, but he's developing into a playmaking star at safety. Expect him to get a lot of work against Purdue's spread.
INJURY WATCH:
Boilermakers
LB Jason Werner (back) is getting closer following surgery, but he is still out this week.
TE Kyle Adams is out indefinitely after developing an infection in his surgically repaired knee.Buckeyes
RB Dan Herron and WR Dane Sanzenbacher will both miss the Purdue game after suffering concussions last weekend against Wisconsin.
TE Rory Nicol (ankle) will miss at least another week, as will backup OT J.B. Shugarts and backup LB Austin Spitler.
Notre Dame at North Carolina
KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET
SERIES: Notre Dame leads 16-1
2008 RANKINGS: Fighting Irish: offense 70th, pass 34th, run 105th, defense 84th, pass 90th, run 59th; Tar Heels: offense 88th (7th ACC), pass 71st (4th), run 89th (8th), defense 57th (9th), pass 58th (8th), run 67th (7th)
POLLS: North Carolina (22nd AP)
PREDICTION: Notre Dame 27-24
KEYS TO THE GAME: The last time North Carolina earned a ranking, in 2001, it promptly lost the very next week and fell out of the rankings. Seven years later, the Tar Heels are trying to make a big leap with a victory over Notre Dame. Jimmy Clausen has thrown six interceptions in 171 attempts this year. The Tar Heels' secondary leads the nation in interceptions. North Carolina's surest way to victory is by forcing the Irish into turnovers. Notre Dame has allowed a 100-yard rusher in three of five games (a 200-yard rusher in the case of Michigan State's Javon Ringer), and will be going against a North Carolina attack that might have found something last week with sophomore RB Shaun Draughn to go along with Greg Little. Notre Dame's more aggressive defense hasn't come up with big numbers in terms of sacks or tackles for loss, but the Irish have created 14 turnovers, which is one of the highest totals in the country.
FAST FACTS: Fighting Irish — Already have 19 pass plays of 20 yards or more, after getting just 28 of those all of last season ... The defense has allowed a 100-yard rusher in three of five games ... The defense has forced 14 turnovers, among the highest in the nation. Tar Heels — The 12 interceptions for the defense ranks No. 1 in the nation ... WR Hakeem Nicks became the sixth receiver in school history to surpass 2,000 receiving yards ... The Tar Heels are currently averaging more than 32 points per game. They haven't averaged 30 points or more for an entire season since 1996 (30.6).
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Fighting Irish
QB Jimmy Clausen — Has looked good and made good decisions when the Irish go to a no-huddle approach. He is coming off a career-high 347-yard performance against Stanford, but now takes aim at a more dangerous defense. North Carolina has 12 interceptions, including four from DB Trimane Goddard.
RB Armando Allen — The Irish began the season with a three-man rotation in the backfield, with Allen competing with James Aldridge and Robert Hughes. Allen now has separated himself from the other two, coach Charlie Weis said. Allen has rushed 50 times for 238 yards, and has caught 16 passes for 113 yards.
The place-kicker — Brandon Walker is 1 of 7 this season and 7 of 19 for his career, and coach Charlie Weis is going to have to look at Ryan Burkhart again. Walker has the height and the length on his field goal attempts; he just can't find the accuracy. "You only can hang onto this so long," Weis said of the place-kicking situation. "We're fortunate it hasn't cost us more than what it's cost us already."Tar Heels
WR Hakeem Nicks — Nicks had a big day as a freshman two years ago against Notre Dame, catching six passes for 171 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown. The yardage remains a career high. Nicks has 24 catches for 412 yards and four touchdowns.
WR Brandon Tate — Tate ranks third in the country in all-purpose yardage (rushing, receiving, punt and kickoff returns) with an average of just under 195 yards a game. He has scored on a run, a reception and a punt return this season.
CB Trimane Goddard — Goddard returned an interception for a touchdown in the victory over Connecticut, his fourth pick of the year. He has nine career interceptions.
INJURY WATCH:
Fighting Irish
Starting LT Mike Turkovich left the Stanford game in the fourth quarter with an apparent knee injury. He was on crutches after the game. But X-rays were negative, and Turkovich was responding well. Early in the week, it appeared Turkovich had a good chance of playing at North Carolina.
Starting TE Will Yeatman, who was arrested early Sept. 21 at a party and charged with minor consumption of alcohol, resisting arrest and providing false information, has missed two games because of suspension. His situation should be clarified this week.
Backup TE/FB Luke Schmidt (chronic headaches) has missed the past two games and is out indefinitely.Tar Heels
QB T.J. Yates (ankle) remains out and won't return until early next month. Junior Cam Sexton will start in his spot.
Sophomore LG Alan Pelc and junior C Aaron Stahl are listed to start for the second straight week.
Arkansas at Auburn
KICKOFF: Saturday, 5 ET
SERIES: Auburn leads 10-6-1
2008 RANKINGS: Razorbacks: offense 73rd (7th SEC), pass 33rd (2nd), run 107th (12th), defense 87th (12th), pass 32nd (7th), run 112th (12th); Tigers: offense 104th (11th SEC), pass 103rd (10th), run 60th (7th), defense 7th (3rd), pass 13th (5th), run 14th (5th)
POLLS: Auburn (20th AP, 23rd coaches)
PREDICTION: Auburn 21-10
KEYS TO THE GAME: Auburn fired offensive coordinator Tony Franklin on Wednesday, just seven games into his tenure. Tommy Tuberville brought Franklin in to install his spread offense, but it never really took hold with a program accustomed to a smash mouth offensive style. The Tigers averaged just 13 points over their last four games, and they had lost two of three. Tommy Tuberville is still committed to the spread, but wasn't sure as of Wednesday who would handle the quarterbacks and call the plays against Arkansas. Tuberville has now gone through five offensive coordinators in his 10 years on the job. Ironic, then, that Saturday's opponent is coached by Bobby Petrino, the man who nearly replaced Tuberville at Auburn in 2003. University trustees went so far as to offering the job to Petrino before Tuberville had been fired. The entire plan blew up, though, when word leaked to the press. Auburn was left with no choice but to stand behind Tuberville, who has an undefeated season to his credit since then. Still, he has not forgotten how his school turned on him.
FAST FACTS: Razorbacks — QB Casey Dick is throwing, on average, one interception per game ... Arkansas has played 16 true freshmen this season, the third-highest figure behind Florida State (22) and Miami (21) ... The defense is last in the SEC in yards allowed, surrendering 388 yards per game. Tigers — Under Tony Franklin's spread offense, the Tigers had slumped to 104th in the nation, averaging less than 310 yards per game ... Auburn averages less than 4.5 yards per play on offense ... The offense has turned the ball over 12 times already and has a minus-3 turnover margin.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Razorbacks
RB Michael Smith — He's a 5-foot-7 ball of energy and has been by far the Razorbacks' most consistent offensive weapon. The junior is averaging close to 150 yards of offense per game and will need to have a big game against a stingy Auburn defense.
WR Joe Adams — Petrino believes Adams is headed for a bright future. Look for Adams' touches to continue to increase as the season progresses.
TE D.J. Williams — Another one of the Hogs' talented young receivers, the sophomore has become quarterback Casey Dick's favorite target. Williams averages five catches per game.Tigers
 |
| The Tigers need either Chris Todd or Kodi Burns to step up at quarterback. (Doug Benc / Getty Images) |
QB Chris Todd/Kodi Burns — It's always the same story. Both played against Vanderbilt, and both looked equally ineffective. But this is apparently the best Auburn has, so somehow the Tigers have to figure out how to make it work.
RB Ben Tate — Leads Auburn in rushing with 501 yards. He's one offensive player that, when given the opportunity, performs.
PK Wes Byrum — He has struggled, missing his last three field goals and a critical extra point in what turned out to be a one-point loss. He insists he has not lost his confidence and keeps winning the job in practice. We'll see.
INJURY WATCH:
Razorbacks
RT Michael Aguirre suffered a sprained knee and ankle on the first play against Florida, according to Bobby Petrino.Tigers
DL Sen'Derrick Marks injured an ankle in the Vanderbilt game. X-rays were negative, so he's expected to play.
DB Jerraud Powers pulled a hamstring and is listed as "day to day."
TB Brad Lester re-injured his knee and is day-to-day.
KR Robert Dunn injured an ankle before the Vandy game and didn't make the trip. He is expected to return to practice and be able to play against Arkansas.
DE Antonio Coleman has a pulled muscle and is day-to-day.
New Mexico at BYU
KICKOFF: Saturday, 6 ET
SERIES: BYU leads 42-14-1
2008 RANKINGS: Lobos: offense 96th (7th Mountain West), pass 114th (7th), run 25th (3rd), defense 63rd (6th), pass 99th (9th), run 28th (3rd); Cougars: offense 13th (1st Mountain West), pass 7th (1st), run 77th (7th), defense 30th (3rd), pass 49th (6th), run 35th (4th)
POLLS: BYU (9th AP, 8th coaches)
PREDICTION: BYU 37-7
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Cougars were unhappy with the two touchdown drives they allowed to Utah State last week, and now face another inferior opponent in New Mexico. The Lobos are starting to round into form as per their usual routine under coach Rocky Long. But with redshirt freshman QB Brad Gruner making only his third start, the offense still hasn't found its stride in the passing games. UNM must play a near-perfect game on both sides to have a chance for an upset. Still, the Lobos probably have played the Cougars as tough as anyone in the conference not named Utah or TCU, in their last seven meetings. Other than a 25-point BYU win in 2006, the largest margin of victory between the teams has been seven — UNM winning 21-14 in Provo in 2004, BYU winning 31-24 last season. UNM is one of five conference teams that fourth-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall has not lost to. That's an especially interesting note because he was a Lobos assistant for five seasons before going to BYU as the defensive coordinator in 2003. BYU no longer runs the 3-3-5 that UNM coach Rocky Long continues to employ, but Mendenhall knows how to re-create the scene in practices to prepare his offense. BYU quarterback Max Hall took some vicious shots last year from UNM's heavy blitz packages. Now in his second go-around, it'll be interesting to see if the Lobos have any tricks that can keep Hall confused.
FAST FACTS: Lobos — New QB Brad Gruner has added a dimension to UNM's ground attack with his ability to run the football. He's had runs of 44 and 52 yards the last two weeks ... PR Ian Clark leads the conference with a 20.8-yard average on punt returns ... PK James Aho missed 2 of his 3 attempts against Wyoming. Cougars — The defense has forced 14 turnovers over the last three games ... The offense is averaging a league-high 41.2 points per game ... BYU had outscored opponents, 137-0 over the past three games before Utah State scored its first touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Lobos
RB Rodney Ferguson — The Lobos don't have a bye week this season, but Ferguson had one of sorts last week, sitting out with a sprained shoulder. If the shoulder is close to 100 percent, he'll have fresh legs against the Cougars. That'll allow him to get a lot of carries, and if the Lobos can hang around, he can give them an opportunity to chew up clock and keep BYU's offense on the sidelines.
PR Ian Clark — Can help UNM level the playing field against the Cougars with his ability to gain big yards on returns. The Lobos also need him to cause pressure on defense, and he'll have to help slow down TE Dennis Pitta.
CB DeAndre Wright — Came into the season as one of the most heralded players in the nation at his position. His play has been steady, but not spectacular. He must bring his A-game, especially if he matches up against the MWC's leading WR, Austin Collie, to give the Lobos a chance to contain the Cougars. He has the skills to play man-to-man as good as anyone in the nation, but he must focus for 60 minutes.Cougars
LB David Nixon — Head coach Bronco Mendenhall saw a game plan flash before his eyes when the senior went down in the fourth quarter. It turned out to be just a bruised shin, and a sprained ankle — the first of his life. Nixon will be limited in practice this week but he insists suiting up Saturday won't be an issue. Nixon is responsible for a lot of the on-field play calls, and to lose another linebacker would force the Cougars to adjust schemes.
WR Michael Reed — He appeared to be a little ahead of schedule in his rehab for a torn meniscus, which required surgery after he hurt his knee Sept. 13 against UCLA. Reed, a senior, is valued as a third-down pass catcher. Teammates appreciated him more during a two-game absence. Reed said he could've played last Friday but coaches didn't want to risk it. Now it'll be interesting to see how teams guard him, along with other pass-catching options.
QB Max Hall — He hasn't been as sharp the past two games, and hasn't quite been the same since his seven-touchdown performance against UCLA (Sept. 13) that drew all sorts of nationwide attention, and even put him on a bunch of pundits' short lists for the Heisman Trophy. Hall has been forcing passes lately and made poor reads. He had two interceptions against Utah State, and neither pass was close to an intended target. As good as the talent is around him, it's clear that without Hall's accuracy and diligence, the offense will sputter.
INJURY WATCH:
Lobos
RB Rodney Ferguson has been cleared to play after sitting out last week with bruised shoulder.
RB Paul Baker still is hobbled by a foot injury but also is expected to play against the
Cougars
LB Terel Anyaibe missed the Wyoming game because of a strained calf injury and is day to day. If he can't play against BYU, redshirt freshman Carmen Messina will take his place. Messina tipped a Wyoming pass on the first play of the game that teammate Frankie Solomon intercepted and returned for a TD.
DB Scott Johnson, like linebacker David Nixon, left the Utah State game early with a bruise. But he should be available for New Mexico.
LBs Grant Nelson and Terrance Hooks have been practicing with the team, but Mendenhall said their appearances shouldn't be expected until TCU on Oct. 16. Neither has played this season.
Oklahoma State at Missouri
KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET
SERIES: Missouri leads 28-20
2008 RANKINGS: Cowboys: offense 6th (4th Big 12), pass 57th (8th), run 2nd (1st), defense 51st (5th), pass 51st (4th), run 65th (7th); Tigers: offense 3rd (2nd Big 12), pass 3rd (2nd), run 29th (4th), defense 83rd (10th), pass 114th (12th), run 15th (2nd)
POLLS: Oklahoma State (17th AP, 17th coaches); Missouri 3rd AP, 2nd coaches)
PREDICTION: Missouri 35-27
KEYS TO THE GAME: Two of the nation's top offenses will square off in a contest where plenty is on the line for both teams. OSU is aiming for respect and a 6-0 start for the first time in more than a decade, and Mizzou is looking to stay alive in the national championship picture. This has the makings of a shootout. The Tigers and Cowboys rank second and third in the nation in scoring, averaging 53.4 points and 52.6 points, respectively. Neither team should approach 50, but 40 isn't out of the question. OSU is one of those rare teams that can score a lot of points by running the ball. Though the Cowboys utilize a spread offense, they have relied heavily on their run game. OSU ranks second in the country in rushing offense (315.2 yards per game), trailing only Louisiana-Lafayette (331 ypg). Sophomore TB Kendall Hunter leads the Big 12 with 141.6 rushing yards per outing. OSU's strength plays right into Mizzou's strength defensively. The Tigers are second in the conference at stopping the run, allowing 2.7 yards per carry.
FAST FACTS: Cowboys — The defense forced five turnovers last week during an impressive 56-28 win over Texas A&M ... OSU can improve to 6-0 for the first time in 1997 and just the second time in school history ... The Cowboys have surpassed the 50-point barrier this year in every game since the opener. Tigers — Bad omen: The visiting team has won three straight in this series ... WR Jeremy Maclin is fifth in the NCAA in all-purpose yards, averaging 187 yards per game) ... Mizzou has been flagged 15 times through five games, the lowest amount for any team in the country.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Cowboys
DE Ugo Chinasa — The sophomore had one of the biggest games of his young career against A&M, recovering a fumble and later returning an interception for a touchdown. His role this week will be even bigger — put pressure on Chase Daniel.
CB Jacob Lacey — Like Chinasa, Lacey's responsibility will be attempting to contain an explosive Mizzou athlete. Jeremy Maclin has developed into one of the Big 12's most prolific receivers, and the duty will fall on the Cowboy secondary to keep him in check.
QB Zac Robinson — The junior has the chance to record one of his most productive performances to date. Robinson averages 207 yards in the air per contest, and he will face a Tiger defense that ranks 114th nationally against the pass.
INJURY WATCH:
Cowboys
Brandon Pettigrew, the Cowboys' All-Big 12 tight end, did not practice Monday night and is still listed as day-to-day due to an ankle injury. He has missed OSU's last two games.
LSU at Florida
KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET
SERIES: Florida leads 28-23-3
2008 RANKINGS: Tigers: offense 28th (1st SEC), pass 53rd (4th), run 24th (2nd), defense 14th (5th), pass 44th (8th), run 8th (3rd); Gators: offense 47th (3rd), pass 64th (6th), run 41st (4th), defense 19th (7th), pass 18th (6th), run 8th (3rd)
POLLS: LSU (3rd AP, 2nd coaches); Florida (12th AP, 13th coaches)
PREDICTION: Florida 21-20
KEYS TO THE GAME: Florida was able to get back on track late against Arkansas, putting up 21 of its 38 points in the fourth quarter. Look for Tim Tebow to continue to try to spread the ball and establish confidence in different receivers as defenses will continue to key on Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy. Riley Cooper, Deonte Thompson and Carl Moore could see expanded roles in this game. The offensive line showed some progress against Arkansas, but will need to cut down on penalties (false starts, illegal formations, holdings) that were drive-killers through the first three quarters. Florida's average is 36 points a game, LSU 35.5. The Gators also have a slight edge on defense, giving up 11.4 points to LSU's 15.2. But the Tigers are more productive in total offense (427.2 to 390.2) and stingier on defense (260.8 to 265). Any way you look at it, it should be a classic.
FAST FACTS: Tigers — The offense is producing 427 yards a game, tops in the SEC ... The defense allowed Tim Tebow to pass for 205 yards last year and run for another 67 ... LSU averages 5.8 yards per carry. Gators — Florida was the last team in the country to turn the ball over this year, and its plus-8 turnover margin ranks among the best in the NCAA ... Florida is 14-28-2 all-time when facing the defending SEC champ, which LSU is right now ... Florida hasn't beaten a defending national champion since 1999, when the Gators knocked off Tennessee.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Tigers
RB Charles Scott — Scott's is the SEC's leading rusher by far (133.8 yards a game) and is seventh in the nation. He has six rushing touchdowns, second to Georgia's Knowshon Moreno in that category. He can get the tough yards inside but also has the speed to break off a big play. He has topped the 100-yard mark rushing in each of LSU's four games.
WR Brandon LaFell — LaFell is averaging 87 yards a game receiving, which leads the SEC, and is third in catches per game with five. He's also an excellent downfield blocker.
QB Jarrett Lee — Since going 0-of-5 passing in the first half at Auburn with an interception returned for a touchdown, Lee has gone 29-of-44 over the last six quarters for 443 yards and four touchdowns.Gators
QB Tim Tebow — DT Ricky Jean-Francois of LSU created a stir, one Tebow noticed, with his comments to the Orlando Sentinel about how eager LSU's defense is to get after Tebow. Coaches are simply saying, Tebow will be ready.
WR/RB Percy Harvin — Florida coach Urban Meyer generally turns to Harvin in tight games. Expect Harvin to get 10-15 carries and 5-10 balls thrown his way. Harvin has caught TD passes in each of his last three games.
MLB Brandon Spikes — Florida will need Spikes at his best after a subpar performance last week, because LSU comes into the game looking to establish the run with talented junior tailback Charles Scott.
RB/KR Brandon James — James showed more flashes of his offensive potential last week, scoring his first receiving touchdown of the season. A big play from James on special teams could end up the difference in what's projected to be a tight game.
RB Chris Rainey — With starting running back Emmanuel Moody questionable with a sprained ankle, Florida will likely need to turn to Rainey and true freshman Jeff Demps for some carries in the running game. Both did well against Arkansas but will face a more physical defense this time around. How they handle some big hits from LSU could determine the outcome.
INJURY WATCH:
Tigers
LB Darry Beckwith (knee) is expected back for the trip to Florida. He hasn't played being injured against North Texas. He has missed the last two games against Auburn and Mississippi State.
DTs Ricky Jean-Francois (leg), Charles Alexander (ankle), and LB Kelvin Sheppard (undisclosed) are expected back after missing some practice time.
QB Andrew Hatch, who started the first three games but has played since sustaining a concussion in the first half at Auburn, will play against Florida. Coach Les Miles said Jarrett Lee will start but Hatch could come into the game as soon as the second or third series or perhaps even later. "Who knows?" Miles said.Gators
RB Kestahn Moore (pulled hamstring) is expected back Saturday against LSU.
LB Ryan Stamper (ankle sprain) also is expected back for LSU.
LG Marcus Gilbert (ankle sprain) should be back for the LSU game after sitting out against Arkansas.
RB Emmanuel Moody (ankle sprain) is questionable for LSU.
OG Jim Tartt is questionable with a sprained shoulder.
LB Dustin Doe (double-hernia) won't be back until at the earliest the Oct. 25 matchup against Kentucky, which comes after a bye week.
Penn State at Wisconsin
KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET
SERIES: Wisconsin leads 8-5
2008 RANKINGS: Nittany Lions: offense 9th (1st Big Ten), pass 40th (3rd), run 8th (1st), defense 8th (1st), pass 23rd (2nd), run 11th (1st); Badgers: offense 43rd (4th Big Ten), pass 91st (9th), run 20th (3rd), defense 31st (4th), pass 40th (4th), run 47th (7th)
POLLS: Penn State (6th AP, 6th coaches); Wisconsin (24th coaches)
PREDICTION: Penn State 27-13
KEYS TO THE GAME: Wisconsin is just a couple of plays away from being undefeated. Instead, it is out of the national title picture and most likely out of the Big Ten championship race already, and it still has a game against perhaps the best team in the league. Power and bulk meets spread and finesse in what should be a jammed-packed Camp Randall Stadium. The Nittany Lions will look to continue their offensive balance against a Badger defense that surrendered 168 yards rushing to Beanie Wells in last week's 20-17 loss to Ohio State. Penn State's improving defense must contain bruising tailbacks P.J. Hill and John Clay, who run behind a massive offensive line, and avoid big plays from dynamic tight end Travis Beckum. If Wisconsin's offense can avoid turnovers, the Badgers can compete with the Nittany Lions.
FAST FACTS: Nittany Lions — This is Penn State's ninth-straight season with at least one night game ... Dating back to 2004, PSU has won 24 of its last 26 at home ... The offense is averaging exactly 500 yards per game. Badgers — QB Allan Evridge has lost six turnovers in the last two weeks, losses to both Michigan and Ohio State ... The Badgers are averaging 28.8 points per game ... Wisconsin's two losses this season have been by a combined 5 points.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Nittany Lions
LB Navorro Bowman — The Nittany Lions' leading tackler flies to the ball as well as anyone in the Big Ten. But he might need some help to bring down physical Wisconsin backs P.J. Hill and John Clay.
WR Derrick Williams — The Nittany Lions continue to move their versatile senior receiver all over the field to create mismatches. A couple of big plays from Williams, who is having one of his best seasons, could snap the offense out of its Big Ten road funk.
C A.Q. Shipley — The senior center anchors the conference's best offensive line. How he fares against defensive tackles Jason Chapman and Mike Newkirk will key Penn State's running game.Badgers
QB Allan Evridge — With six turnovers in the two games, Evridge has become the lightning rod for Wisconsin fans' discontent. Perhaps he'll feel more comfortable if the Badgers have all of their receiving weapons together and healthy for the first time Saturday.
RBs P.J. Hill and John Clay — Hill's the junior with 3,293 yards and 34 TDs for his career, while Clay has just 39 career carries. But in a short period of time, the redshirt freshman has become a legitimate alternative to Hill. Perhaps the Badgers can wear down Penn State's defense by sending a fresh running back at them all game.
S Jay Valai — The redshirt sophomore posted his first career sack last week as part of a hard-hitting performance that jumped off the tape when the coaches reviewed it. Did we mention Valai also forced two fumbles against Ohio State?
INJURY WATCH:
Nittany Lions
WR Jordan Norwood is expected to play this week after missing the last two games with a sprained hamstring.
TE Mickey Shuler and TE Andrew Quarless were limited in Monday's practice by ankle injuries. If neither is able to go this week, redshirt freshman Andrew Szczerba would see increased playing time.
RB Evan Royster said before Tuesday's practice that his bruised shoulder "feels great" and that he doesn't expect to have any problems with it this week.Badgers
TE Garrett Graham (foot) missed the last two games, but he's expected to be ready for Penn State. How important is Graham? Among his 11 catches are three touchdown receptions — 60 percent of the team's total.
WR Maurice Moore (groin) missed the last two games but has the green light to play this week.
LT Gabe Carimi (knee) missed most of the Ohio State game. His status for Penn State is uncertain, but prep All-American Josh Oglesby is ready to take Carimi's place again if necessary.
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