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Deeper look at Week 15's key games

by Sports Xchange


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Updated: December 5, 2008, 1:04 PM EST
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Pittsburgh at Connecticut

The big day

Florida-Alabama. Oklahoma-Mizzou. The SEC and Big 12 title games will decide the BCS title picture. Get everything you need for Saturday's big games right here:

KICKOFF: Saturday, 12 ET

SERIES: Connecticut leads 3-1

2008 RANKINGS: Panthers: offense 56th (5th Big East), pass 52nd (4th), run 58th (6th); defense 30th (4th), pass 53rd (5th), run 23rd (3rd); Huskies: offense 64th (7th Big East), pass 103rd (6th), run 20th (2nd); defense 10th (1st), pass 11th (1st), run 26th (4th)

POLLS: Pitt (23rd AP, 23rd coaches)

PREDICTION: Pittsburgh 24-17

KEYS TO THE GAME: The game figures to be a ground war between the Big East's two best running backs: Pitt's LeSean McCoy, who averages 118.9 yards a game to rank eighth nationally, and UConn's Donald Brown, who leads the nation in rushing with 148.5 yards a game. Pitt's success has been built in great part on being able to control the ball with the running of McCoy and a possession passing game from QB Bill Stull. The Panthers rank 17th nationally in time of possession, keeping the football almost 32 minutes a game. They have won the time of possession battle in eight games. Brown is the nation's leading rusher, but has received little help from the passing game. Even the return of Tyler Lorenzen at quarterback hasn't had much of an effect. Pitt will try to get the Huskies into third-and-long situations, allowing a very good pass rush to take over. The Panthers are averaging 2.45 sacks per game, getting most of their rush from defensive ends Jabaal Sheard and Greg Romeus, each with 5.5 sacks on the season. Pitt's ability to throw the ball more effectively might ultimately make the difference.

FAST FACTS: Panthers — Are trying to reach nine victories for the first time since 2002 ... RB LeSean McCoy leads the nation in scoring (10.9 ppg). ... Pitt has blocked a school record nine kicks in 11 games (three extra points, three field goals and three punts). Huskies — The defense's 16 interceptions lead the Big East ... Jasper Howard's 260 yards in punt returns leads the conference, and he has also scored a touchdown off a return.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Panthers

  • MLB Scott McKillop — Pitt's leading tackler and one of the nation's best defensive players. How he fares in stopping the Huskies RB Donald Brown could well determine the outcome of the game.
  • WR Derek Kinder — He has come back successfully this year from knee surgery, and needs one more catch to tie Greg Lee for seventh place on Pitt's all-time reception list. Latef Grim holds the record at 178.
  • RB LeSean McCoy — The reigning Big East Offensive Player of the Week leads the nation in scoring, averaging nearly 11 points per game. Huskies
  • RB Donald Brown — He'll need to get the better of Pitt tailback LeSean McCoy if the Huskies are to have a chance at winning.
  • TE Steve Brouse — The senior hasn't played since breaking his leg against Louisville on Sept. 26, but is set to return this week. He'll probably get snaps on offense, but he'll certainly see action on special teams, where his presence has been sorely missed.
  • LB Aaron Bryant — As a walk-on, Bryant probably never expected to be in the starting lineup. But with Greg Lloyd and C.J. Marck out for this week, he'll get the nod against the Panthers.

    INJURY WATCH: Panthers

  • None Huskies
  • RB Andre Dixon was arrested and charged with driving under the influence by campus police. He has been suspended from the team indefinitely.
  • LB Greg Lloyd will miss this week's game for personal reasons, his second game in a row on the sidelines. The team is hoping he will be ready to return for the bowl game.
  • LB C.J. Marck will also miss the Pitt game for personal reasons.
  • CB Darius Butler is progressing in his rehab, but is not ready to return to the field. He is still hoping to be able to play in a bowl game.

    Boston College vs. Virginia Tech

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    KICKOFF: Saturday, 1 ET

    SERIES: Virginia Tech leads 10-6

    2008 RANKINGS: Eagles: offense 94th (7th ACC), pass 99th (10th), run 56th (4th); defense 8th (2nd), pass 35th (7th), run 7th (1st); Hokies: offense 103rd (10th ACC), pass 110th (11th), run 40th (3rd), defense 6th (1st), pass 6th (1st), run 19th (2nd)

    POLLS: Boston College (18th AP, 20th coaches)

    PREDICTION: Boston College, 17-7

    KEYS TO THE GAME: A rematch of last season's championship game and an Oct. 18 regular-season meeting in Chestnut Hill, Mass. BC won that regular-season game 28-25 thanks to a strong defensive effort that held the Hokies to 240 yards and nine offensive points. Tech has had more success moving the ball recently (Tyrod Taylor is expected to start at QB) and its defense is playing at a championship level. Tech's defense is predicated on forcing turnovers, something new starter Dominique Davis did twice two weeks ago against Wake Forest. But former Eagles starter Chris Crane threw three interceptions against the Hokies in the first meeting, and BC still found a way to win. Davis looked much better last week in beating Maryland to advance BC to the title game. The Eagles' defense might be even better than Tech's (nation's best 25 interceptions), meaning the defense that plays the best will likely win the game.

    FAST FACTS: Eagles — Have scored eight nonoffensive touchdowns, tied with Alabama and Kansas State for most in the nation ... BC has played in the ACC title game in two of its four seasons in the conference ... The defense has held each of the past five opponents to less than 100 rushing yards. Hokies — CBs Victor Harris and Stephan Virgil have combined for 10 interceptions this season ... Tech is playing in its third ACC championship game in the last four years ... The Hokies have blocked seven kicks during their series with the Eagles.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH: Eagles

  • LB Mark Herzlich — Being talked about as the best defensive player the program has ever had (and he has a year left), Herzlich grabbed his sixth interception of the season last week against Maryland. He is just one of those special players who is always around the ball.
  • QB Dominique Davis — He came through his first college start without a turnover, a major step from the previous week, when his two fumbles became Wake Forest touchdowns. He threw two touchdown passes against Maryland, looked a bit jumpy at times but overall passed his first major test. Now. He gets a Virginia Tech defense that loves to force mistakes.
  • RB Montel Harris — He tacked on a fifth 100-yard game and broke the BC freshman rushing record last week against Maryland. With 798 yards and two games left, he has a real shot at a 1,000-yard season; and he wasn't even on the depth chart when the season began. Hokies
  • QB Tyrod Taylor — He doesn't have a great track record against Boston College. He had 64 total yards and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown in last season's ACC title game, and he completed only 12 of 27 passes for 90 yards and an interception against the Eagles earlier this season. He should be swelling with confidence, however, after last week's game (274 total yards, touchdown, no turnovers), and his inexperienced supporting cast should provide more assistance this time around.
  • WR Jarrett Boykin — He was one of three Tech wide receivers with critical drops against BC in the regular-season matchup. Since then, the freshman has become the go-to big-play pass-catcher for both Taylor and Glennon. In the past five games, Boykin has 18 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns. He's the only Tech receiver with a touchdown catch this season.
  • RB Darren Evans — He is two yards shy of becoming the first Tech freshman with 1,000 yards rushing in a season. He has as much to prove as anybody against the Eagles the second time around after averaging only 1.6 yards per carry in the regular-season matchup.
  • DE Jason Worilds — Worilds, a sophomore, has been on a tear of late. The first year starter has 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 19 tackles and a forced fumble in his last four games. Oh, and he's playing with a separated left shoulder.

    INJURY WATCH: Eagles

  • DT Ron Brace left last week's game with a toe injury but was expected to play against Virginia Tech.
  • RB Josh Haden suffered a shoulder injury but was also expected to play.
  • RB/KR Jeff Smith was available after missing a game with a hip pointer but didn't play against Maryland.
  • DT Jerry Willette returned after a three-game absence because of arthroscopic knee surgery and played last week.
  • K Billy Bennett was still under indefinite team suspension for violation of rules. Hokies
  • None

    Alabama vs. Florida

    KICKOFF: Saturday, 4 ET

    SERIES: Alabama leads 21-13

    2008 RANKINGS: Crimson Tide: offense 53rd (6th SEC), pass 97th (8th), run 22nd (2nd); defense 3rd (1st), pass 20th (5th), run 2nd (1st); Gators: offense 17th (1st SEC), pass 61st (5th), run 10th (1st); defense 7th (3rd), pass 17th (3rd), run 12th (3rd)

    POLLS: Alabama (1st AP, 1st coaches); Florida (2nd AP, 4th coaches)

    PREDICTION: Florida 31-14

    KEYS TO THE GAME: The Southeastern Conference title game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta is essentially a play-in game for the BCS championship game. Florida is arguably the hottest team in the country right now, which is why it is essentially a double-digit favorite despite being the lower ranked team. The Gators have scored 42 points or more in seven straight games, while the defense had four sacks last week in a win against Florida State. Against Alabama, the Gators run defense will need to be at its best. Alabama leads the SEC in scoring drives that take longer than five minutes on the game clock. That is a testament to the Tide's ball-control style. The offensive line will try to pound Florida, keep the Gator offense off the field, and wear Florida down. While the Tide has been left-side heavy, running behind left tackle Andre Smith, last week Alabama went right-side to force defenses to be balanced. The Tide ranks first in the SEC in total defense, and third in the NCAA. They haven't seen a team with as much speed as Florida, but then Florida hasn't played a defense as dominant on the line of scrimmage as Alabama. The Tide will bounce in and out of coverages and formations to slow down a Florida offense that likes to make calls from the press box after the coaches have seen the defensive set. This will be a cat-and-mouse game between Nick Saban's defense and Urban Meyer's offense. A victory would allow the Gators to play for their second national championship in three seasons.

    FAST FACTS: Crimson Tide — This is the Tide's sixth appearance in the SEC title game. Alabama is trying to win its first conference championship since 1999. ... RB Glenn Coffee ranks seventh on the single-season rushing list with 1,235 yards this year ... Alabama is 13-2 under Nick Saban when holding opponents to less than 100 rushing yards. Gators — This is Florida's ninth appearance in the SEC title game, the most of any team in the conference. Florida has won seven league titles. ... The starting defense has not allowed a touchdown in five of the past six games. ... The defense has returned a school record five interceptions for touchdowns.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH: Crimson Tide

  • LB Rolando McClain — Began the season as the only experienced linebacker, and he was just a true sophomore. All he's done is lead the team in tackles, call the signals, and become the anchor of the defensive unit.
  • LT Andre Smith — More than likely playing his last game in Tuscaloosa. The junior is expected to be a top draft pick this spring. One of the best left tackles in the college game, he's always worth watching.
  • WR Julio Jones — Leads the team in receptions and has become the star of a freshman class that was forced into action right away. Jones has emerged as the 'go-to' guy in the passing game, the one receiver who is a consistent big play threat. Gators
  • QB Tim Tebow — Tebow is playing himself back in Heisman Trophy contention with 37 combined touchdowns (25 passing, 12 rushing) and just two interceptions. In winning the Heisman last season, Tebow finished with a combined 55 touchdowns. If Tebow has a big day and Florida wins, the Gators will be heading to the BCS title game, bolstering Tebow's chance of becoming just the second player in college football history to win back-to-back Heismans (Ohio State running back Archie Griffin won Heismans in 1974 and 1975)
  • RB Jeff Demps — Demps finished with 100 yards of total offense (89 rushing, 11 receiving) and scored on a 2-yard touchdown run against Florida State. Florida may need the speedy true freshman running back if Percy Harvin is unavailable due to injury.
  • MLB Brandon Spikes — Florida will need the sure-tackling Spikes to be at his best against an Alabama team that will be looking to run the ball early and often.
  • LT Phil Trautwein — The senior will need to protect Tebow against an Alabama defense ranked first in the SEC.

    INJURY WATCH: Crimson Tide

  • TB Roy Upchurch and WR Earl Alexander are expected back. They are the only players listed as questionable for this game. Gators
  • WR Percy Harvin is questionable with a sprained ankle.
  • DT Brandon Antwine is doubtful with a sprained knee.
  • DT Matt Patchan (knee) is out.

    Southern Cal at UCLA

    KICKOFF: Saturday, 4:30 ET

    SERIES: Southern Cal leads 48-28-7

    2008 RANKINGS: Trojans: offense 16th (2nd Pac-10), pass 32nd (2nd), run 18th (2nd); defense 1st (1st), pass 1st (1st), run 6th (1st); Bruins: offense 110th (8th Pac-10), pass 64th (5th), run 116th (10th); defense 35th (4th), pass 2nd (2nd), run 86th (8th)

    POLLS: USC (5th AP, 5th coaches)

    PREDICTION: Southern Cal 28-10

    KEYS TO THE GAME: UCLA is pinning its hopes on the idea that strange things happen in a rivalry game, but the Bruins will need all sorts of unusual occurrences to win this one. The UCLA offense will have a hard time getting anything against what USC coach Pete Carroll has called his best defense with the Trojans. With NFL-caliber players all over the field, USC leads the nation in total defense (210.6 yards per game), scoring defense (7.8 points per game) and pass efficiency defense (81.76 rating). LB Brian Cushing, FS Taylor Mays, LB Rey Maualuga and pals must be licking their chops after seeing how ASU scored four defensive touchdowns against UCLA last week. USC should swamp UCLA's poor offensive line and shut down any hope of an attack. The Bruins have to significantly win the turnover battle to have any chance. The Bruins held Arizona State to 122 yards of total offense last week, but was doomed by the offense's inability to hold onto the football. Interesting sidenote: USC will wear its crimson home jerseys for the road game, even though it will cost the Trojans a timeout in the first half under NCAA rules. Both teams wearing home jerseys will bring back a tradition in the rivalry that has been lost for more than 25 years. As a show of good faith, Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel has promised to burn a timeout at the start of the game.

    FAST FACTS: Trojans — Have won eight of the past nine in the series ... The Trojans are trying to win their eighth consecutive Pac-10 championship. It is already the longest streak in league history ... USC has won 66 of its past 72 games. Going back further, it has won 84 of its past 94. Bruins — Since the 2004 season, UCLA is 26-2 when winning the turnover battle and 13-33 when it ties or loses the turnover margin ... Opponents have started 35 drives in Bruins territory this season, totaling 116 points ... UCLA has trailed entering the fourth quarter in nine of 11 games this season.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH: Trojans

  • QB Mark Sanchez — Sanchez was chosen as one of 10 finalists for the Manning Award, given to the nation's top quarterback. He won't win that, but the junior is expected to be the first-team All-Pac-10 quarterback when the all-conference teams are announced next week. He has completed 195 of 298 passes for 2,525 yards, with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Against UCLA this week, he just needs to avoid any killer turnovers that give the underdog Bruins hope.
  • FS Taylor Mays — Coach Pete Carroll was asked this week if Mays, a junior who could be a top 10-pick in the 2009 draft, is the fastest player on the team. Carroll said Mays does have the fastest 40 time on the team. "There are guys that want to race him," Carroll added. "Joe (McKnight) is not backing off of that."
  • DT Fili Moala — The senior has nine tackles for loss this season, including 4.5 sacks, and a good way to pad those stats is by playing against UCLA's offensive line. Bruins
  • QB Kevin Craft — Just can't afford to have any turnovers against a fast and hard-hitting USC defense. With 19 interceptions and seven touchdowns, he isn't among the nation's top 100 in passing efficiency.
  • CB Michael Norris — The Bruins trust their cornerbacks to make plays, and Norris and Alterraun Verner each have come up with two interceptions. Norris, who has 11 pass breaksups, will be challenged this week by USC's size at wideout.
  • WR Terrence Austin — He has made big plays on punt returns and kick returns, and has been a steady performer in the passing game, with 49 receptions for 427 yards.

    INJURY WATCH: Trojans

  • Starting RT Nick Howell is out for the UCLA game because of a sprained ankle suffered last week against Notre Dame. Butch Lewis will start in his place.
  • Senior safety Kevin Ellison, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Nov. 3 to repair torn cartilage suffered in practice, was hoping to play against Notre Dame, but could not. Ellison, who has missed four games, was going to give it a go in practice again this week.
  • TB Allen Bradford, who played in just three games, is out for the season because of a torn labrum in his hip. He is eligible for a medical hardship.
  • Starting CB Shareece Wright (fractured vertebra) remains out and he said he would like to redshirt. He is eligible for one because he played in only the first two games. Bruins
  • Starting RG Nick Ekbatani suffered a knee injury against ASU, but coach Rick Neuheisel said Ekbatani should be able to play against USC this week.
  • LG Darius Savage suffered torn ligaments in his left ankle against Washington on Nov. 15. He should be back for spring practice.
  • DE Tom Blake (sports hernia) is out for the season.
  • FB Trevor Theriot (ACL) is out for the season because of a torn ACL.
  • Starting LB Kyle Bosworth suffered a sprained left knee at BYU on Sept. 13 and will redshirt.
  • OT Sean Sheller, a sophomore who was a projected starter in the preseason, should be ready for spring practice as he returns from a knee injury that kept him out all season.

    Missouri vs. Oklahoma

    KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET

    SERIES: Oklahoma leads 64-23-5

    2008 RANKINGS: Tigers: offense 6th (3rd Big 12), pass 4th (3rd), run 46th (6th); defense 91st (8th), pass 116th (12th), run 24th (3rd); Sooners: offense 3rd (1st Big 12), pass 3rd (2nd), run 21st (2nd); defense 66th (2nd), pass 98th (5th), run 18th (2nd)

    POLLS: Missouri (19th AP, 17th coaches); Oklahoma (4th AP, 2nd coaches)

    PREDICTION: Oklahoma 41-30

    KEYS TO THE GAME: The rematch of last season's Big 12 championship game is expected to have the same result. Although this season, an Oklahoma victory will springboard the Sooners into the national championship game. The Sooners bring in one of the best offenses in college football history, while the Tigers are limping in off a loss to Kansas. Both of these teams know how to score, but neither has really proven an ability to play defense. That likely won't change now. Missouri's best hopes lie with QB Chase Daniel and WR Jeremy Maclin, one of the most explosive players in the country. Daniel's history against Oklahoma, though, isn't as sparkling. He has one touchdown pass and six interceptions in three career games. Another day like that, and the Sooners will be headed to Miami.

    FAST FACTS: Tigers — QB Chase Daniel is 29-10 as a starter ... Missouri's 21 victories over the past two seasons ranks third in the NCAA, behind Boise State and Oklahoma (both with 22) ... TE Chase Coffman's 236 catches make him the most prolific pass catching tight end in NCAA history. Sooners — Have won six in a row in this series ... OU is 5-1 in Big 12 title games. The Sooners have played in three straight and six of the last seven ... Oklahoma has scored a school record 89 touchdowns this season, and the 640 points rank as the 12th most in college football history.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tigers

  • WR Jeremy Maclin — His 88 receptions are a new school mark, and his 205 all-purpose yards per game lead the NCAA.
  • QB Chase Daniel — His 12,988 yards rank eighth on the NCAA's career total offense chart. He'll need to be at his best to keep up with the potent Sooners. In Daniel's career, including last season's Big 12 title game when he played with flu-like symptoms, Daniel is 0-3 vs. OU with one touchdown and six interceptions.
  • LB Sean Weatherspoon — Ranks second in the Big 12 in both tackles for loss (1.33 per game) and tackles (10.5 per game). Sooners
  • QB Sam Bradford — He may be the Heisman Trophy front-runner, and he enters the game averaging 340 passing yards per outing and having thrown 46 touchdown passes against six interceptions. The ratio since the Sooners' only loss, to Texas at the Cotton Bowl, is 23 to 1.
  • TE Jermaine Gresham — The most prolific pass-catching tight end in Sooners football history is coming off his best game of the season, as he caught nine passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns against the Cowboys.
  • DEs Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander — Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Auston English may be healthy enough by Saturday to take a few snaps against Missouri, but the guys now holding the defensive end slots, Beal and Alexander, have taken off in English's absence. Against Oklahoma State, Beal had six tackles and a forced fumble, while Alexander put regular pressure on Zac Robinson and returned two-point conversion attempt fumble about 90 yards, creating a four-point swing on the scoreboard.

    INJURY WATCH:

  • TE Chase Coffman missed the 2007 Big 12 championship game but said he's planning to play Saturday night. Coffman said he's "80 percent" healthy. Sooners
  • MLB Austin Box suffered a sprained knee against Oklahoma State, did not return, and has been ruled out for Saturday by defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Mike Balogun will get the start against Missouri.
  • QB Sam Bradford suffered a thumb injury on his non-throwing had against Oklahoma State. It was severe enough that, following a fumbled snap in the third quarter, Bradford took snaps from the shotgun the rest of the night. He was diagnosed Sunday with torn ligaments in the thumb, which will require surgery after the season. It's unclear if he will have to play from the shotgun throughout the Big 12 title game.

    Cincinnati at Hawaii

    KICKOFF: Saturday, 11:30 ET

    SERIES: Tied 1-1

    2008 RANKINGS: Bearcats: offense 45th (3rd Big East), pass 21st (1st), run 94th (8th); defense 24th (3rd), pass 61st (6th), run 17th (2nd); Warriors: offense 72nd (6th WAC), pass 33rd (3rd), run 104th (7th); defense 59th (3rd), pass 56th (5th), run 73rd (5th)

    POLLS: Cincinnati (13th AP, 12th coaches)

    PREDICTION:

    KEYS TO THE GAME: The only problems Cincinnati is having these days are with penalties. The Bearcats are last in the Big East in penalty yardage, averaging 68 per game. Otherwise, they win with a balanced spread offense and a smothering defense that should give Hawaii fits. The Warriors have moved away from the wide open passing game perfected under former coach June Jones, although they have passed for at least 296 yards in four of their past five games, ever since Greg Alexander became the main quarterback. They are averaging 33.4 points with Alexander running the offense. Win or lose, the Bearcats are assured of their first BCS bowl in school history.

    FAST FACTS: Bearcats — Ranked 13th in the BCS this week, the highest in school history. ... The outright Big East championship this season is the school's first since it won the Missouri Valley Conference title in 1964. ... Brian Kelly has directed the Bearcats to a pair of 10 win seasons. Before his arrival, Cincinnati's only 10 win season came in 1951. Warriors — LB Solomon Elimimian was named the WAC's Co-Defensive Player of the Year this week. ... Hawaii is 4-1 since Greg Alexander became the regular quarterback. ... The offense has lost 33 turnovers this season, worst in the WAC.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH: Bearcats

  • RB John Goebel — Was the primary option last week vs. Syracuse, rushing for a team-high 67 yards on 10 carries in his first career start. Goebel averaged 6.7 yards per rush, helping the Bearcats amass 140 yards on the ground.
  • RB Jacob Ramsey — Has been the primary back most of the season.
  • PK Jake Rogers — Earned Big East Special Teams Player of the Week. After missing five consecutive field goals since ending a streak of 13 straight makes, Rogers booted field goals of 45, 38 and 45 yards. Rogers, who was benched earlier this season, was named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award. He now ranks seventh on the school's all-time list with 25 career made field goals.
  • WR Mardy Gilyard (11 catches, 114 yards) and junior QB Tony Pike (28-44, 2 TDs, 1 INT) were named to the Big East Conference weekly honor roll. Warriors
  • QB Greg Alexander — He has posted a 148.88 efficiency rating with 10 touchdown passes and three interceptions this season. He also has been an effective runner, racking up 272 positive rushing yards (152 net) and three touchdowns.
  • WR Michael Washington — He quietly has put together a good year with 49 catches, 629 yards and five touchdowns.
  • DE David Veikune — He was snubbed by the WAC coaches, but he's third on the team with 64 tackles, first with 15 tackles for loss and first with eight sacks.

    INJURY WATCH: Bearcats

  • Head coach Brian Kelly was still collecting information regarding senior defensive end Lamonte Nelms' arrest on misdemeanor charges that he was unruly at a Downtown Cincinnati bar early Sunday, Nov. 30. Nelms was arrested on charges of criminal trespassing and resisting arrest. After being escorted out of the Lodge Bar, Nelms used a side door to reenter the establishment. According to the police report, Nelms "started fighting with bar employees" and did not comply with police orders. Nelms is to appear in court Jan. 5.
  • Senior DB Mike Mickens suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee Nov. 20 and did not play in last week's victory over Pitt. He underwent a MRI which revealed the extent of the injury. Mickens had surgery Nov. 25 and is expected to be out 3-4 weeks. He is expected to return in time for UC's bowl game. Brandon Underwood is starting at corner in place of Mickens, who had started 46 consecutive games. Sophomore Justin Moore is serving as backup corner. Warriors
  • LB Blaze Soares hasn't played all season because of a calf injury, despite recent optimism that he would get into a game.

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