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WESTERN KENTUCKY AT ALABAMA: The offensive line was back intact Monday meaning Andre Smith (knee strain) and Marlon Davis (hamstring) were at practice. Davis remains questionable. Javier Arenas (concussion) and Leigh Tiffin (concussion) were also back. Receiver Brandon Gibson was also back after being suspended for the first two games. Linebacker Prince Hall has had his three game suspension reduced by a game and he might play Saturday.
After a big victory over Clemson, the Tide came back down to earth in the win against Tulane. The Green Wave outgained Alabama, 317-172, yards. Quarterback John Parker Wilson, who was sacked four times, completed only 11- of- 23 for 73 yards. The offensive line was hampered by injuries to Smith, who was hurt in the previous game and Davis, who went out with a hamstring injury in the Tulane game. Offensive lineman Brian Motley saw his first action of the year. Bama running back Roy Upchurch blocked a Tulane punt that was picked up by defensive back Chris Rogers and returned for a 17-yard touchdown. For the second straight week freshman running back Mark Ingram, who gained 63 yards on 11 carries, led the Tide in rushing. Coach Nick Saban earned career victory No. 100. Kicker Leigh Tiffin was injured after a blow to the head on a kickoff return. Linebacker Rolando McClain and Don’ta Hightower combined for 25 tackles. Tulane quarterback Kevin Moore was 28- of- 50 for 221 yards.
Arenas broke a long standing school record set by Harry Gilmer (122 yards) with 147 return yards. He left the game in the second half after a jarring hit. Arenas had an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. He also had returns of 33 and 18 yards.
The Hilltoppers lost their opener to Indiana. Western Kentucky ran the ball 60 of 85 plays in the win over Eastern Kentucky last Saturday as they gained nearly 250 yards on the ground.
ARKANSAS AT TEXAS: The game has been postponed until Sept. 27 when both teams had an open date. Coach Bobby Petrino told the media Monday that he was concerned about the defense not forcing a turnover in the first two games. He also expressed frustration with a special teams meltdown in the first half. Petrino said Michael Smith had too many carries (22) in the game. He wants to share the ball more evenly among Smith, Dennis Johnson, Brandon Barnett, and De’Anthony Curtis. Joe Adams was the SEC freshman of the week. Redshirt freshman linebacker Jerry Franklin leads the Hogs with 19 tackles.
Arkansas rallied for a one point win over Louisiana Monroe after trailing, 24-6. Once again, quarterback Casey Dick rallied his team to a win in the last minute. This time Dick, who was 22- of- 34 for 323 yards and two scores, completed an 8-yard pass to tight end D. J. Williams, who led the team with five catches for 124 yards, for the winning score. On that same drive, Dick converted a fourth- and- one at the ULM 32 yard line when he hit freshman receiver Chris Gragg for 25 yards to set up the score. Still, Razorback fans couldn’t relax until ULM’s Jeremy Gener missed a 45- yard field goal with 36 seconds remaining. Smith, who was suspended in the opener, gained 157 yards on 22 carries. ULM quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster was 23- of- 39 for 270 yards and two scores.
Kicker Alex Tejada missed an extra point, two field goals and nudged a kickoff out of bounds in the first half. The Hogs also had a punt blocked and a kick return stepped out of bounds at the five-yard line.
Texas beat UTEP, 42-17, last Saturday. Quarterback Colt McCoy, who is, 22-6, was 20- of- 29 for 282 yards and four scores. After two games, McCoy is 44- of- 58 for 504 yards with seven touchdowns and one pick. The Hogs beat Texas in 2003 and the Longhorns returned the favor in 2004.
AUBURN AT MISSISSIPPI STATE: Center Jason Bosley, who had started 17 games at that position, switched with tackle Ryan Pugh three days before the Southern Miss game. He graded out 94% for this efforts. Part of the reason for the switch was Bosley’s shoulder hampered him on shotgun snaps. Coach Tommy Tuberville said he was pleased with the defense which held Southern Miss to only 305 yards. Robert Dunn leads the nation with 171 return yards. The Tiger defense has allowed only three third down conversions.
Chris Todd has earned the starting quarterback job after completing 21- of- 31 passes for 248 yards in the win over Southern Miss. Tailback Ben Tate led the Tigers with 71 yards rushing and 51 yards receiving. The Tiger offense kept Southern Miss in the game with three fumbles and an interception. Auburn has won its last 18- of- 21 games in September. The Tiger defense held Golden Eagle running back Damion Fletcher, who gained 220 yards last week, to 38 yards. Cornerback Jerraud Powers, who led the team with eight tackles, made a fourth quarter interception. Robert Dunn had punt returns of 32 and 47 yards. Tiger receiver Chris Slaughter has been suspended indefinitely.
The Bulldogs earned their first win of the season beating Southeastern Louisiana Saturday. Coach Sly Croom said he was pleased that the offense rebounded with 401 total yards and held the Lions without a first down in the second and third quarters. Left tackle Derek Sherrod was back after dealing with an infected left toe. With Jamar Chaney out of the season, Croom said Karlin Brown (5-9, 195) could earn a start at middle linebacker over Jamie Jones at middle linebacker. Croom praised the efforts of Keith Fitzhugh who has eight tackles and two picks. Junior receiver Brandon McRae has caught 12 passes for 132 yards in the first two games.
Quarterback Wesley Carroll was 15- of- 23 for 158 yards and two scores. State gained 216 yards rushing and added 185 more in the air. Tailback Anthony Dixon led the Bulldogs with 80 yards rushing. The Bulldog defense held Southeastern Louisiana to 148 total yards. State stunned Auburn last year, 19-14, on the Plains. The Tigers, who had five turnovers, drove inside the Bulldog 10-yard line late in the fourth quarter, but could get no further. The Bulldogs have beaten Auburn only twice this decade.
GEORGIA AT SOUTH CAROLINA: The Bulldogs have averaged only 16 ppg in the last eight meetings with South Carolina. This is a big game for freshman receiver A. J. Green, who is from South Carolina. Green, who had his first start last week, has five catches for 80 yards and a score. Georgia has been penalized 18 times in the first two games. Coach Mark Richt is also concerned about poor kickoffs. Defensive tackle Kade Weston, who had his knee scoped three weeks ago, is expected to return for Saturday’s game. Linebacker Darius Dewberry (damaging property) and fullback Fred Muzenmaier (alcohol possession) both return to the team this Saturday. Georgia’s biggest weakness so far is getting pressure on the quarterback from the defensive ends. Last year against South Carolina, Matthew Stafford was 19- of- 44 for 213 yards and a pick.
Bulldog tailback Knowshown Moreno ran for 175 yards and scored three touchdowns in the win over Central Michigan. Stafford was 18- of- 28 for 213 yards. Georgia threw for 289 yards and rushed for 263. For the second straight game, the Bulldog offense gained over 500 yards. Defensive end Demarcus Dobbs picked off a deflected pass and ran 78 yards for a touchdown. Linebacker Rennie Curran led the Bulldogs with 11 tackles. The Bulldogs had only one quarterback sack against Central Michigan. CMU quarterback LeFevour was limited to 23- of- 43 passing for 250 yards.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Coach Steve Spurrier is facing decisions on whether or not to play receiver Kenny McKinley, who has a hamstring injury. Jamon Meredith, who had to sit out two games because of an NCAA eligibility ruling, will likely play at left tackle. Meredith has started 29 games in his career. If McKinley can’t play then Joe Hills, C.C. Whitlock and Jason Barnes must step up along with Moe Brown and Dion Lecorn. Linebacker Jasper Brinkley, who only has three tackles and dropped a potential interception against Vandy, is adjusting to the new scheme from defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. Tight end Jared Cook leads the team with 10 catches. South Carolina is 7- for- 7—six touchdowns and a field goal-- in the red zone this year. Eric Norwood is No. 7 in South Carolina history in sacks after he tallied another last week. Five reserves were involved in a lunchtime brawl Thursday on campus with a group of non-students. No one was hurt, no charges were filed and all the players were at practice.
Despite the Vanderbilt loss, expect South Carolina to play tough in this game. Three of the past four years, this game has been decided by no more than four points. South Carolina won last year in Athens. The Gamecocks lost a lot of their offense against Vanderbilt when McKinley pulled a hamstring in the first quarter. Tight end Jared Cook caught eight passes for 111 yards in a losing effort. Quarterback Chris Smelley was 23- of- 39 for 233 yards with two picks. Stephen Garcia is expected to also play partly because Tommy Beecher has lost nearly 25 pounds from an intestinal flu. Tailback Eric Baker, who is from Jacksonville, will also see action Saturday. South Carolina has lost its last 10 games on CBS.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE AT KENTUCKY: The Wildcats are, 15-6, in their last 21 games with wins over LSU, Georgia, Clemson, FSU and Louisville (twice). Defensive back Trevard Lindley has 25 career pass breakups, two short of the school record. Myron Pryor was the first Wildcat defensive lineman in 16 years to win the SEC defensive player of the week award.
Freshman quarterback Randall Cobb, who threw for one score and ran two others, came off the bench to give the Wildcats a spark in the first quarter. He led the Wildcats to three straight scoring drives. Cobb, who was 6- of- 11 for 87 yards, rotated with last week’s starter Mike Hartline throughout the second half. The Wildcats, led by Derrick Locke’s 96 yards, gained nearly 300 yards rushing. The Wildcat defense has allowed only five total points in the first two games. This is the first time since 1958 that the Wildcats have not allowed an offensive touchdown in the first two games.
Middle Tennessee upset Maryland Saturday, 24-14. Quarterback Joe Craddock was 28- of- 40 for 256 yards and two scores. These two teams met last in 2002 with the Wildcats winning. The MTSU defense has picked off four passes.
NORTH TEXAS AT LSU: The Tigers are back on the field this week after last week’s home game against Troy was postponed due to Hurricane Gustav. LSU officials said the stadium is ready to play in. Coach Les Miles said defensive tackle Charles Alexander and kicker Colt David are healthy. Nickel back Danny McCray is the only player who might miss this week’s game.
It’s been almost 10 years since these teams played. LSU beat North Texas in 1999, by a score of, 52-0. The Mean Green lost at home to Tulsa, 56-26, Saturday. Quarterback Giovanni Vizza completed 30- of- 45 for 247 yards. The Mean Green also rushed for 203 yards. However, they allowed 555 yards. North Texas opened the season with a, 45-6, loss to Kansas State. Running back Lance Dunbar leads the team with a 7.2 ypc and the team averages 5.1 ypc.
SAMFORD AT OLE MISS: Freshman tailback Brandon Bolden, who is the team’s leading rusher with 119 yards, is fine after getting a stinger at the end of the first half. Defensive tackle Peria Jerry played against Wake. Coach Houston Nutt said he was very pleased with the offensive line protection. Snead is 30- of- 53 for 438 yards with six touchdowns and one pick after two games. Nutt is very excited about Snead’s leadership ability. Marcus Tillman moved back to defensive end. Greg Hardy is making progress with the stress fracture in his foot. Marshay Green was working with the starting defense moving in front of Dustin Mouzon.
Wake Forest kicker Sam Swank kicked a 41-yard field goal with three seconds left to beat Ole Miss. This is after the Demon Deacons received a second chance due to a questionable pass interference call. The Demon Deacons drove for the winning points on the ensuing drive after Rebel quarterback Jevan Snead, who was 20- of- 31 for 253 yards and four scores, connected with tailback Cordera Eason on fourth down and goal to put the Rebels up by one point with 1:01 remaining. Ole Miss, who scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, covered 80 yards in seven minutes during that drive. The Rebels had a valiant effort in the loss to Wake Forest, but they also had three turnovers compared to one for Wake Forest and four more penalties than Wake. Dexter McCluster was 0-2 in passing with an interception, but he caught four passes for 64 yards and a touchdown out of the ‘Wild Rebel’ formation. The Rebel defense allowed Wake quarterback Riley Skinner to complete 32- of- 43 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns.
Samford, coached by former Auburn Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan, beat Faulkner, 62-0, at home Saturday. The Bulldogs beat West Georgia, 21-19, in its opener. Sophomore running back Chris Evans ran for 180 yards and two scores.
UAB AT TENNESSEE: The Vols were off Saturday after a Labor Day loss at UCLA. There are many questions involved with the UAB game. Can the offense fine a rhythm? Can the defense finish a game? Can Jonathan Crompton manage the game better? Can one of the receivers besides Gerald Jones be more of a consistent playmaker? Tight end Brandon Warren is expected to play some fullback against UAB.
Since outscoring Vandy, 16-0, in the fourth quarter last year, the Vols have been outscored, 32-10, in their last four games in the same quarter. In the last five games, the Vol offense has thrown 40- or- more passes in every game.
Tennessee players and fans are left to pick up the pieces from an extremely frustrating loss in all phases of the game. Vol quarterback Jonathan Crompton, who was 19- of- 41 for 189 yards, struggled in the fourth quarter with a concussion and sore ankle. Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty combined for 162 yards on 25 carries. The Vol defense held UCLA to only 30 yards rushing. Tennessee’s defense intercepted four passes in the first half, but UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft was 18- of- 22 for 193 yards. For the first time during the Philip Fulmer era, an opponent blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.
Alabama-Birmingham lost at Florida Atlantic, 49-34, last Saturday. UAB was on the Owls’ 28 yard line with less than a minute to play when quarterback Joe Webb, who was 26- of- 48 for 326 yards, overthrew receiver Mike Jones on fourth down. Receiver Frantell Forrest caught 11 passes for 149 yards. UAB lost its opener to Tulsa, 45-22. Webb has 495 yards passing and 202 yards rushing this season. Yet, UAB is No. 117 in total defense.
RICE AT VANDERBILT: The Vandy offense came alive in the second half of the South Carolina game gaining 175 yards compared to only 50 in the first half. Commodore linebacker Patrick Benoist had a game high 15 tackles and a sack. Jared Hawkins had a game high 84 yards rushing. Defensive end Greg Billinger had six tackles, two sacks and blocked a field goal. He also tipped two passes at the line of scrimmage.
Vandy had had 25 straight losing seasons, which is only three short of the NCAA record held by Oregon State from 1971-98. The win over South Carolina meant that the Commodores earned their first home win over a ranked team since beating No. 25 Ole Miss in 1992. In 2005, Vandy started the season, 4-0, before dropping six of its last seven games. Last year, Vandy ended the season, 5-7, after losing its last four games. Quarterback Chris Nickson has yet to throw for more than 91 yards in the first two games.
Rice beat Memphis, 42-35, Saturday. Quarterback Chase Clement was 26- of- 44 for 318 yards with one touchdown and two picks. Clement also rushed for 80 yards. The Owls won their opener against SMU, 56-27. Quarterback Clement threw for six touchdown passes. Jarrett Dillard caught three touchdown passes. Dillard has 44 career touchdowns.
FLORIDA is off this week. Quarterback Tim Tebow, who completed 21- of- 35 for 256 yards and two scores, came to the defense of his coach Urban Meyer concerning remarks made by Miami coach Randy Shannon, who implied the late field goal that Florida kicked helped them in recruiting. Linebacker Dustin Doe is out most of the week with a groin injury. Receiver Carl Moore has a hip pointer. Offensive lineman Jim Tartt is probable for Tennessee. Special teams player Cody Worton will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Tight end Aaron Hernandez led the team with five catches for 58 yards and a score. Meyer said running back Emmanuel Moody would see more playing time since he is still learning the offense. Running backs coach Kenny Carter said Kestahn Moore is No. 1 back in passing downs because of his protection abilities and his versatility. Tebow still is the leading rusher. Carter said what Miami did on defense dictated the number of running plays. Meyer praised the work of punter Chas Henry.
Meyer also said freshman T. J. Lawrence will also see some action. He added that Torrey Davis is doing better, but he’s still not out of the doghouse. Brandon Antwine, who has had several severe back issues, is doing some contact work. Meyer said safety Bryan Thomas, linebacker John Jones and cornerback Moses Jenkins need to step up. Ryan Stamper said he will have a cast on his thumb for five more weeks.
Florida’s defense held Miami to 140 total yards and 2.3 ypp. For the second week, the offense struggled and the defense played well. Miami blitzed its linebackers, but the Gators had trouble with Miami on the line of scrimmage. Florida’s success came in the quick passing game and running outside. The Gators need to find a big back that can run between the tackles. Starting left guard Jim Tartt is due back this week. Receiver Percy Harvin ran five times for 27 yards and caught one pass for 12 yards. Receiver Louis Murphy had four catches for 77 yards. Linebacker Brandon Spikes had 11 tackles. End Carlos Dunlap had two sacks and Jermaine Cunningham had nine tackles and one sack.
ACC NOTES
MIAMI IS OFF: They play at Texas A & M next week: Robert Marve was 10- of- 18 for 69 yards in the Florida loss. Jacory Harris was 2- of- 4 for 10 yards. Graig Cooper ran 15 times for 31 yards. Tailback Javarris James is out for possibly two- four weeks with a high ankle sprain. Coach Randy Shannon said Cooper, Derron Thomas, Shawnbrey McNeal and Lee Chambers will be the four running backs. Freshman linebacker Sean Spence, who had a sack and two tackles for loss, was impressive. Offensive coordinator Patrick Nix has been criticized after the Canes were outgained 345-140 in total yards. Yet, Nix said a conservative approach was best against the Gators. Miami struggled on special teams with a blocked punt resulting in a safety and a shanked punt that ended up in a touchdown. Allen Bailey and Eric Moncur responded well after overcoming injury.
GEORGIA TECH AT VIRGINIA TECH: If Tech could win at Virginia Tech this weekend, they would be, 2-0, with four of the final six ACC games are at home. Tailback Jonathan Dwyer gained 108 yards on 18 carries. Dwyer is averaging 7.6 ypc. The running attack gained only 182 yards. The offense overcame three first half fumbles. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt was 6- of- 13 for 73 yards. Georgia Tech led the nation in sacks last year and is No. 9 in that category this year.
Dave Wommack’s defense is one big reason this team is doing well. Tech is allowing only 260 ypg. The Tech defensive line with ends Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan and tackles Vance Walker and Darryl Richards is one of the best in the nation. Georgia Tech kicker Scott Blair is only 1- of- 5 in field goals.
VIRGINIA TECH: Quarterback Sean Glennon has thrown three picks and only one touchdown. Cornerback Victor “Macho” Harris is nearly 100%. The maligned Hokie offensive line has to open up some holes for running backs Kenny Lewis and Darren Evans and quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who was the playmakers. Kicker Dustin Keys will make a difference in the game.
NORTH CAROLINA AT RUTGERS: The Tar Heels had plenty of big plays on both sides of the ball in the rout of Rutgers. Quarterback T.J. Yates was 14-of-22 for 221 yards and three touchdowns. The Tar Heel defense picked off four passes. Sophomore Bruce Carter caught a tipped pass and returned it 66 yards for a score. The win was the first one on the road in six years. Receiver Brandon Tate caught four passes for 138 yards. UNC is, 2-0, for the first time since 2000. Greg Schiano was on Butch Davis staff at Miami in 1999-2000. Greg Little could do well against the Rutgers rushed defense that allowed 206 yard to Fresno State. Brandon Tate gained nearly 400 total yards in the win over McNeese State.
Rutgers ran into a very good Fresno State team. Rutgers is only, 5-7, in its last 12 games. Life after Ray Rice has been tough. Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel threw three picks in the game
CAL AT MARYLAND: Terp running back Da’Rel Scott leads the ACC in rushing with 320 yards on 37 carries. He is No. 5 nationally averaging 160 ypg. Maryland’s offensive line should have success against the Cal defensive line. Quarterbacks Jordan Steffy and Chris Turner have five picks and no touchdowns.
Cal has beaten Washington State and Michigan State. Cal running back Javid Best is No. 7 nationally averaging 155 ypg. Best and Shane Vereen gained a combined for 280 yards in the win over Washington State. Cal quarterback Kevin Riley could have all day to throw since Maryland has yet to sack the quarterback. Defensive back Syn’Quad Thompson already has three picks, tied for the national lead.
BOSTON COLLEGE IS OFF: The BC offense struggled in the end of the Georgia Tech loss. Quarterback Chris Crane struggled under the pressure of the Tech defensive front. Tailback Jeff Smith averaged only 2.5 ypp. UCF, Rhode Island and N C State are next.
U-T CHATTANOOGA AT FLORIDA STATE: FSU officials will make public its report on the academic abuse scandal Friday. The date before the NCAA Infractions Committee is set for Oct. 18. School officials are hoping the NCAA will accept the FSU self-imposed penalties.
Jermaine Thomas ran for 91 yards on 13 carries in the win over Western Carolina. Reserve running back Ty Jones has a minor ankle sprain. Backup center A. J. Ganguzza is out four weeks with a knee injury. Defensive end Emmanuel Dunbar underwent back surgery this week and will miss the rest of the season. Tight end/fullback Matt Dunham will not re-enroll until January. Defensive back Myron Rolle had five tackles in the opener. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said Rolle might have played his best game. Right guard Will Furlong will get a shot at center due to the lack of depth behind Ryan McMahon. Center Brandon Davis is out due to suspension. Freshman linebacker Vince Williams was the first winner of the “hit stick” award. Running back Antone Smith practice with a heavily taped wrist. Coach Bobby Bowden is unsure of defensive lineman Budd Thacker’s availability for the Wake Forest game. Offensive line coach Rick Trickett said he wasn’t pleased with the play of Zebrie Sanders but he was happy with Andrew Datko. Linebacker Kenny Ingram recorded his first sack. Quarterback Christian Ponder threw three touchdowns and no picks in his first start. A total of 22 freshmen played last week. Receiver Bert Reed caught three passes for 77 yards last week.
UTC has two good receivers in Blue Cooper and Clint Woods who caught 18 passes combined last week.
N C STATE AT CLEMSON: The Tigers will have three redshirt freshmen offensive linemen—tackle Landon Walker, guard Mason Cloy and guard David Smith—for the first time since 1943. Coy replaced injured starter Barry Humphries last week. Free safety Mike Hamlin already has 23 tackles and three picks this season. Quarterback Cullen Harper only has one touchdown pass.
Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson is expected to return this week after sustaining a concussion against South Carolina. Last week, Harrison Beck threw for 246 yards in the win over William & Mary. The Wolfpack defense has eight sacks and six picks this season. Willie Young, Shea McKeen and linebacker Nate Irving have been strong against the run.
VIRGINIA AT UCONN: UVA barely beat Richmond last week. The quarterbacks have no touchdowns so far. However, the Cav defensive front seven could force UConn quarterback Tyler Lorenzen to beat them.
The Huskies are one of four teams—FSU, Kentucky, UConn and Iowa—yet to allow a touchdown this year. Running back Andre Brown has rushed for five touchdowns and 360 yards. UConn is, 2-0, for the fifth time in six years.
WAKE FOREST IS OFF: Quarterback Riley Skinner has completed nearly 74% of his passes.
OTHER GAMES
KANSAS AT SOUTH FLORIDA: Will the Jayhawks be able to slow down USF end George Selvie? Jayhawk receiver Dexton Fields will not play for the second straight week. Kansas cornerback Kendrick Harper will also not play for Kansas. The Jayhawks start two freshman tackles who will be trying to limit USF defensive end George Selvie. The Kansas defense has allowed only 406 total yards and no touchdowns. Quarterback Todd Reesing has been very efficient.
South Florida and UConn are the Big East’s only unbeaten teams at 2-0. The Big East is 3-7 against Division I teams. Both these coaches were on Bill Synder’s staff at Kansas State. USF running backs Mike Ford and Benjamin Williams are questionable with injuries. Quarterback Matt Groethe threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns in the win over UCF.
EAST CAROLINA: The Pirates have beaten two straight top 25 teams in Virginia Tech and West Virginia. They still have Virginia and N C State on their schedule. If they finish unbeaten then the Pirates would have a better scenario than BYU, Utah and Fresno State.
MICHIGAN AT NOTRE DAME: A nice matchup is Notre Dame’s running backs Armando Allen and Robert Hughes against Michigan linebacker Obi Ezeh. The Irish ran for only 105 yards in the win over San Diego State. The Michigan rush defense has allowed only 83 ypg. Last week’s game drew the smallest crowd since 1998.
Michigan quarterbacks continue to struggle. Steven Threet was only 6- of- 13 for 63 yards and Nick Sheridan was only 4- of- 5 for 40 yards in the win over Miami Ohio.
OHIO STATE AT SOUTHERN CAL: Since Penn State beat USC in the 1996 Kickoff Classic; USC has gone 7-0 against the Big Ten by an average score of 37- to- 13. The USC key is to get up early on the Buckeyes and go for the jugular. Virginia ran for only 32 yards on USC.
For the first time in history, the Big Ten went, 11-0, last week. Ohio State is, 35-5, in its last 40 games. A big performance might propel Beanie Wells to the top of the Heisman race. There could be 15 players in the game that go in the top 100 of the NFL draft. The linebackers—Ohio State’s Marcus Freeman and James Laurinaitis and USC’s Brian Cushing and Ray Maulaluga-- in the game are tremendous. Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins could be covering receiver Vidal Hazelton, Patrick Turner or Damian Williams. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor could provide some mobility that the Buckeyes need. The Buckeyes could take advantage of the USC defensive line which is not as stout as the back seven. In last week’s win over Ohio, the Buckeye gained only 272 yards. Quarterback Todd Boeckman was only 16 of 26 for 110 yards with three sacks. Ohio State running backs Dan Herron (50 yards), Maurice Wells (48) and Brandon Saine (15) did little in the game.
Last year, Oregon beat USC by Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart running for 179 yards and three scores. The Oregon defense rushed Mark Sanchez and held the USC rushing attack to 101 yards.
BIG 12
NEVADA AT MISSOURI: This is two very good offenses meeting. Missouri is averaging 570 yards per game and Nevada, which limited Texas Tech, averages 558 ypg. Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell was only 19- of- 42 for 297 yards partly because the Red Raider offensive line was banged up. Missouri only has two sacks this season. Missouri will have a real advantage on special teams.
NEW MEXICO STATE AT NEBRASKA: This is the Aggies first game. Quarterback Chase Holbrook is averaged over 300 yards per game last year. Nebraska’s defense is improving with six sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
OKLAHOMA AT WASHINGTON: The Sooners beat a good Cincinnati team last week which was down to its third string quarterback. Washington’s defense is ranked No. 113 so the Sooners could reach 50 points for the third straight week with quarterback Sam Bradford, and running backs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown.
BRENT BEAIRD IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR MYCLAYSUN IN ORANGE PARK, FLA. HE ALSO WRITES FOR RIVALS.COM, SAMSPORTSLINE.COM AND GATOR BAIT MAGAZINE. HE CAN BE HEARD ON SPORTS RADIO 1010 XL.
E-MAIL BRENT AT brentbeaird@comcast.net
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