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ALABAMA AT GEORGIA: In the last 50 years, these two teams have played only 21 times. During Wednesday’s practice, the receivers worked on breaking tackles down the field. The receivers could be counted on if the Bulldogs stop the Alabama running game. Also, quarterback John Parker Wilson, who has only one turnover this season and completed 60% of his passes, worked on rolling out instead of passing inside the pocket. Alabama has the leading rushing offense in the SEC and Georgia has the No. 1 rush defense. The Tide has the No. 11 ranked pass offense against the No. 11 ranked pass defense.
The Arkansas win meant that Alabama has won 17 straight conference openers, which is a record. Defensive backs Javier Arenas and Justin Woodall made long interception returns for touchdowns. It was the first time in school history that Alabama scored on two interception returns. Alabama’s defensive backs including Chris Rogers and Marquis Johnson intercepted four passes. The Tide gained 328 yards rushing. Tailback Glen Coffee gained 162 yards on 10 carries and two scores. One of the scores was an 87 yard run. Wilson was 6- of- 14 for 76 yards including a 25- yard touchdown toss to freshman receiver Julio Jones. Wilson’s best throw was to receiver Earl Alexander that set up the Tide’s first score. Coach Nick Saban praised Wilson’s game management. Alabama’s starting offensive line, which allowed only one sack in the Arkansas game, has been together only six quarters this season. The Tide defense allowed a season high 309 yards. The receivers blocked well. Alabama stopped the Hogs right before halftime on a goal line stand with the help of nose guard Terrence Cody. Josh Chapman and Cody have rotated effectively. Three linebackers—Prince Hall, Rolando McClain, and Brandon Fanney—led the Tide in tackles. The Hogs attacked Alabama’s defense at the linebackers with screens, plays to the tight ends and throws to the flat. Arkansas ran 77 plays compared to Alabama’s 50. Punter P. J.Fitzgerald averaged 45 yards per punt. Arkansas gained 184 yards on eight kickoff returns. Saban said everyone is healthy this week.
Rueben Randle (6-3, 195), a five-star receiver from Bastrop, La., is looking at Alabama, LSU, Cal, Miami and USC among others. Trent Richardson (5-11, 210), a running back from Escambia (Fla.), said he is an 8 on a scale of 10 in his commitment to Alabama, but LSU and Florida are still in the picture.
GEORGIA tight end Tripp Chandler and defensive end Jeremy Lomax will play despite spraining their necks in the Arizona State game. Freshman receiver Tavarres King is hoping to play after sustaining a high ankle sprain last week. The Bulldogs have won 11 straight games, the longest streak in the nation next to BYU, which has won 14 straight. Safety Quinton Banks is expected to return after missing three games with a sprained MCL. ESPN GameDay is in town for the contest. The last time that GameDay televised in Athens was 1998 against Tennessee. The Bulldogs will use the same starting offensive line as they did against Arizona State: Vince Vance at left tackle, Chris Davis at left guard, Ben Jones at center, Clint Boling at right guard and Justin Anderson at right tackle.
Defensively, Georgia is No. 1 in the SEC allowing 45 yards per game rushing, but No. 11 in pass defense allowing 229 yards per game. Georgia is No. 8 in total defense in the league allowing 275 yards per game and No. 7 in scoring defense allowing 13 points per game. The Bulldogs have 10 sacks on the year, second to Vandy’s 11. Tailback Knowshon Moreno has 23 touchdowns in his first 17 games and Herschel Walker had 21 in his first 17. Quarterback Matthew Stafford’s 285 yards against Arizona State was a career high. He has yet to throw for 300 yards in a game. Stafford’s passing yards per attempt has risen every year: 6.83 as a freshman, 7.25 as a sophomore and 9.01 as a senior. He is also one of five quarterbacks in the nation to have thrown 100 passes without a pick. Georgia has nine players on the offensive line with at least one start. A. J. Green’s 159 yards last week was the fourth best in the coach Mark Richt era. The others were Fred Gibson twice and Terrence Edwards. Linebacker Rennie Curran is leading the SEC in sacks with three. He had only three all of last season.
Moreno gained 153 yards on 23 carries in the win over Arizona State. Stafford was 16- of- 28 for 285 yards and one touchdown. Vance started at left tackle in place of Kiante Tripp, who injured an ankle. Jones and Anderson made their first starts. The Bulldogs have outscored their opponent’s, 79-17, in the first half. Green caught eight passes for 159 yards and a score. It was the first time that a Georgia receiver had eclipsed the 100-yard mark since Kenneth Harris did so against Mississippi State in 2006. Legendary Bulldog announcer Larry Munson retired on Monday.
Georgia’s defense was stingy allowing Arizona State only 212 total yards. The Sun Devils were only 2- of- 11 on third down. Arizona State rushed for only four yards on 19 attempts. The Bulldogs sacked Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter, who was 23- of- 36 for 208 yards, four times. Georgia redshirt freshman Zach Renner blocked a punt in the second quarter, the 15th time that has happened in eight years under Richt. Georgia continues to struggle with penalties. The Bulldogs committed 12 infractions for 105 yards. The Bulldog has won the last three games against the Tide including last year’s three-point win in overtime. Georgia also won in 2002 and 2003.
OLE MISS AT FLORIDA: Quarterback Jevan Snead has thrown for 844 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. Snead has struggled with poor judgment and improper mechanics. Dexter McCluster has 17 catches for 295 yards and a touchdown. He has also run for 115 yards. Cordera Eason and Brandon Bolden each have over 200 yards rushing. The Rebels have committed 11 turnovers in three games. Defensive tackle Jerrell Powe got to play 22 snaps against Vanderbilt. Rebel coaches believe that they won the line of scrimmage battle, had receivers open and made some plays, but turnovers have cost them in the two losses to Vanderbilt and Wake Forest. The Houston Nutt coaching staff has made football fun again for the Rebels after they were beaten down by the Ed Orgeron regime. Defensive lineman Greg Hardy played 11 snaps against Vanderbilt. Tackle Peria Jerry is also healthy. He gathered up a fumble and scored in the Vandy game.
The Rebels had a difficult loss to Vanderbilt. Snead was 12- of- 25 for 184 yards and four interceptions. McCluster caught seven passes for 132 yard in the ‘Wild Rebel’ formation. Tailback Cordera Eason ran 12 times for 88 yards. Receiver Mike Wallace had a 98 yard touchdown return. Ole Miss has lost nine straight SEC games. The Rebels are going for win No. 600 on Saturday. Florida won at Ole Miss last year by six points. The Rebels beat Florida by three points in 2002 and 2003 during the Ron Zook era.
Florida has not committed a turnover yet. They are No. 2 in the nation in turnover margin (Wake Forest is No. 1). The NCAA record for fewest turnovers is Clemson 1940, Miami 1966 and Notre Dame 2000 all with eight. Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham will probably play despite a hyper-extended knee. He leads the team in sacks with three and is third in tackles. If Cunningham can’t play then Duke Lemmens, Justin Trattou or William Green might take his place. After losing Dorian Munroe and John Curtis to injuries, Ahmad Black and Major Wright have played well in their absence. Freshman Will Hill is also getting more time after safety and is contributing on special teams. Meyer said it will be a game time decision whether to start Wondy Pierre Louis or Janoris Jenkins at cornerback. Florida has been beaten by at least one SEC west foe since 1998.
Linebacker Ryan Stamper has a sprained ankle, but should play. Tight end Aaron Hernandez is fine after his ankle was swollen on Monday. Jonathan Phillips is 4- of- 4 on field goals. Defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said freshman defensive tackle Omar Hunter didn’t play in the Tennessee game, but he is getting better and improving his knowledge.
Coach Urban Meyer doesn’t like the new clock rule because it reduces play. Meyer said Florida only had the ball for 54 plays. Last year, the Gators ran 65 plays. Florida leads the SEC averaging 37 points per game. The Gators are tied with Kentucky in scoring defense (6.5 ppg). Quarterback Tim Tebow leads the team in rushing with 118 yards on 34 attempts. Chris Rainey is second with 108 yards on 18 attempts. Louis Murphy leads the receivers with eight catches for 146 yards. Receiver Percy Harvin had 10 touches in the Tennessee game. Meyer wanted to get him 15-18. The stats bear out the improved defense. Florida is No. 3 in defensive passing yards and No. 2 in pass efficiency defense. More experienced players, a deeper secondary and a better pass rush are all reasons for this.
Tailback Emmanuel Moody gained 55 yards on nine carries. Jenkins had a pick, forced a fumble and made two tackles. Offensive lineman Jim Tartt returned to the lineup and Tebow was not sacked. Florida converted 8- of- 13 on third down, punted only once and for the third straight game had no turnovers. Six- of- eight Florida drives ended up in points.
MISSISSIPPI STATE AT LSU: Coach Sly Croom said Monday that he would not make changes in the offensive coaching staff and that Wesley Carroll would remain the starting quarterback despite throwing two more interceptions in the Georgia Tech loss. Robert Elliott has moved into the No. 2 spot at tailback passing Christian Ducre and behind Anthony Dixon.
The Bulldogs allowed 438 yards rushing (Tech’s most rushing yards since 1978) and five touchdowns in the loss to Georgia Tech. Four turnovers hurt the Bulldogs. State has scored nine points in the past two games. Yellow Jacket fullback Jonathan Dwyer gained 141 yards on nine carries. The game started poorly for the Bulldogs. State lost the ball on a bad center snap on its first series. On its second series, State drove to the Tech 1- yard line, but failed to score after a field goal was blocked. State ran 80 plays for 407 yards. Backup quarterback Tyson Lee was 17- of -27 for 179 yards. Starter Wesley Carroll was 14- of- 22 for 120 yards and two picks. Brandon McRae led the Bulldogs with 10 catches for 102 yards. Tailback Anthony Dixon ran 13 times for 94 yards.
LSU quarterback Andrew Hatch could play Saturday against Mississippi State after sustaining a concussion last Saturday in the win over Auburn. The Tigers won at Auburn for the first time since 1999 when reserve quarterback Jarrett Lee, who replaced concussion-ridden Andrew Hatch in the second quarter, connected with receiver Brandon LaFell for a touchdown pass with 1:01 left in the game. The Tigers have won two straight games over Auburn in the last minute of play. LSU has won six straight games against Top 10 teams. Coach Les Miles is, 8-3, against Top 10 opponents. The Tigers rebounded from a double- digit halftime deficit to win the game. LSU won four games last season after trailing by double digits at half. LSU gained 105 yards in the first half then 293 in the second half.
Tailback Charles Scott ran for 132 yards. Scott is the first Tiger back to post three consecutive 100 yard games in three years. Hatch, who was 2- of- 6 for 16 yards, sustained a concussion in the first half of the Auburn game. Lee, who was 11- of- 22 for 182 with two touchdowns and an interception, guided the Tigers to three scores and a field goal. LaFell caught four passes for 92 yards. Jai Eugene recovered an onside kick in the third quarter, the first time in seven years the attempt had worked. LSU is, 13-4, in games decided by eight points or less under Miles. After a returning a punt for a touchdown last week, Trindon Holliday fumbled twice and was eventually replaced by Chad Jones. The last Mississippi State win in the series was in 1999 when Gerry Dinardo was coaching the Tigers. LSU has won eight straight years and they have scored 31 points or more in every game.
ARKANSAS AT TEXAS: Coach Bobby Petrino said tailback Michael Smith, offensive tackle Jose Valdez, defensive end Adrian Davis and cornerback Lamar Love played well. Smith needs help at running back from Dennis Johnson and De’Anthony Curtis to give him a break, but coaches are aware that Smith does a much better job in pass protection. Freshman Tyler Wilson got the call as the second team quarterback over Nathan Dick. Wilson will not redshirt. The Hogs are No. 11 in total defense in the league and last against the rush. Junior receiver Marques Wade is out for the season with torn ligaments. Tight end D. J. Williams continues to lead the team in receiving with 15 catches for 217 yards and two scores. Freshman receiver Joe Adams is the second leading receiver with 11 catches for 128 yards.
The Hogs started a downward spiral in the Alabama game with another special teams error-a roughing the punter call. Quarterback Casey Dick was 20- of- 39 for 190 yards with three picks. Smith ran 19 times for 90 yards. He accounted for 158 total yards. Arkansas faces a difficult schedule with the next four games on the road at Texas, at home against Florida and road games at Auburn and Kentucky.
Texas beat Rice, 52-10, last Saturday. Quarterback Colt McCoy was 19- of- 23 for 329 yards and four touchdowns for the unbeaten Longhorns. He also led the Longhorns in rushing with 83 yards in eight carries. McCoy has 833 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and a 78% completion percentage. He also leads the team with 194 yards rushing. Shipley led the Horns in receiving with five catches for 155 yards. However, the Longhorn secondary is struggling allowing 255 yards to FAU, 267 to UTEP, and 301 to Rice. The last time the two teams played was when Texas won at Arkansas in 2004 and Arkansas won at Texas in 2003.
TENNESSEE AT AUBURN: The biggest matchup in this game is Tennessee’s declining offense against Auburn’s immovable defense. In the last 32 games, the Vols have allowed eight special teams scores. Tennessee is No. 7 in third down conversions in the league (39%) and Auburn is No. 1 allowing only 7 third-down conversions in four games. Offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said the playbook has been reduced. Through three games, only Gerald Jones and Lucas Taylor have multiple catch games. Austin Rogers, who had 56 catches last year, has only one this season. Tailback Lennon Creer had only one carry in the Gator game. The Vols are, 14-13, in their last 27 games. Coach Phil Fulmer could be in trouble if attendance continues to decline. Two callers on his Tuesday night call-in show asked about his resignation. Fulmer responded by saying the majority of fans never played football, but he quickly amended his statement. The Vol defense is last n the SEC in third down defense. Tennessee allowed Florida to convert 8- of- 14 attempts. Auburn is last in the SEC in third down conversions. The defense has only three sacks on the season and none from the defensive ends. Attendance at the UAB game was close to 80,000 and there were some empty seats at the Florida game for the first time in years. Auburn has lost only once (1998) to Tennessee at home since 1985. Tennessee returns home next week to face Northern Illinois. Josh Nunes (6-3, 208), a four-star quarterback from Upland, Calif., has downgraded his verbal commitment as a “soft verbal”.
In the loss to Florida, quarterback Jonathan Crompton was 18 -of -28 for 162 yards and a pick. The Vols were penalized nine times for 95 yards. Coach Phil Fulmer is, 5-12, against Florida. His record against Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Les Miles, Steve Spurrier and Tommy Tuberville is, 10-20. Tailback Arian Foster gained only 37 yards on 14 carries. Tennessee has lost to past two games to Florida, 89-26. The Vols had eight first half snaps inside the Florida 10- yard line and failed to score a point. Tennessee is, 1-8, against top 10 teams at home during this decade.
Auburn running back Tristan Davis (concussion) will not play. Mario Fannin is getting stronger after having shoulder surgery. His touches should increase. Auburn is averaging 21 points through the first four games, No. 10 in the SEC and No. 87 nationally. Still, Coach Tommy Tuberville said his team will continue with the spread offense and is continuing to recruit that way. Tiger quarterback Chris Todd was 17- of -32 for 250 yards with one touchdown and two picks in the loss to LSU. Despite a lot of talk about playing backup quarterback Kodi Burns, offensive coordinator Tony Franklin said he couldn’t find the right time to make the switch. Franklin said he wished Todd would have thrown 10-15 more times. Defensive end Gabe McKenzie returned an interception 24 yards for a score in the second quarter. The Tigers could muster only 72 yards rushing. Tailback Brad Lester is going to play after having a MRI on his knee. Receiver Tim Hawthorne caught two passes for 87 yards. Auburn has won the last two meetings against Tennessee in 2003 and 2004.
WESTERN KENTUCKY AT KENTUCKY: The unbeaten Wildcats were off last Saturday. Kentucky should beat the Hilltoppers and head into the Alabama game in October unbeaten. Western Kentucky beat Murray State, 50-9, at home last Saturday. This is the first meeting between the two teams. Linebacker Micah Johnson reserve defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin are out for the game with high ankle sprains. Starting offensive lineman Garry Williams will return for the game.
UAB AT SOUTH CAROLINA: Tailback Mike Davis, guard Heath Batchelor and defensive end Jordin Lindsey will miss the UAB game due to a violation of class policy. Coach Steve Spurrier said no decision has been made on the quarterback situation for Saturday. Spurrier also said he is not unhappy with the defense, but he wants to see more turnovers. South Carolina is at the bottom of the SEC in turnover ratio. Marvin Sapp, who is from Jacksonville, is having a productive season. He has a career-high seven tackles in the win over Wofford.
The Gamecocks were 7- of -11 on third down, perfect on fourth down, never punted and had more time of possession, but scored only 23 points in the Wofford win. Gamecock quarterback Chris Smelley was 23- of- 33 for 204 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Smelley didn’t have a pass play for more than 20 yards. Spurrier, who is, 23-18, at South Carolina, said after the game that he was considering starting Stephen Garcia next week. Spurrier was annoyed that only three receivers caught a pass. He was so frustrated with the Gamecock offense at one point in the fourth quarter that he asked defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson if the offense should try to convert a fourth and one from the South Carolina 39 yard line. Johnson said yes and the Gamecocks made the first down. Tailback Mike Davis, who had 52 yard rushing and 50 yards receiving, is set to sit out the UAB game due to academic reasons. The South Carolina defense limited Wofford, who was averaging 400 yards rushing per game, to only 185 yards. Freshman tailback Eric Baker ran 11 times for 49 yards. Kicker Ryan Succop kicked three field goals. UAB beat Alabama State, 45-10, last Saturday.
VANDERBILT IS OFF: The Commodores are, 4-0, and have yet to throw for 100 yards in a single game. They are ranked for the first time since 1984. Vandy gained only 202 yards total offense. Bryant Hanfeldt kicked three field goals. The Commodore defense forced six Ole Miss turnovers. Safety Ryan Hamilton set a school record in the win over Ole Miss with three picks. He returned one pick 79 yards for a score. He also had a touchdown saving tackle at the goal line toward the end of the game. Hamilton also recovered a fumble on a punt to stop another drive. Vandy has games left against Mississippi State, Duke, Kentucky and Tennessee. The Commodores have outscored teams, 51-10, in the second half.
ACC NOTES
COLORADO AND FLORIDA STATE IN JACKSONVILLE: The Noles are, 9-1-1, in Jacksonville. Coach Bobby Bowden is, 8-1, in Jacksonville. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said Christian Ponder will remain the starting quarterback with D’Vontrey Richardson backing him up. Both quarterbacks combined for five picks and only 118 yards on 12 –of- 36 passing in the loss to Wake Forest. FSU has won only one of its last five games against Division I opponents. Quarterback Drew Weatherford got more reps in practice Wednesday. Several players return this week including defensive tackle Justin Mincey, defensive end Neefy Moffett, linebacker Dekoda Watson, and cornerback Patrick Robinson. Mincey will have to play early with Paul Griffin still out due to suspension and freshman Moses McCray dealing with an injury after a helmet hit his knee. Offensive lineman Brandon Davis and tight end Caz Piurowski also return from suspension. Offensive line coach Rick Trickett is considering making at change at right tackle moving Joe Tonga in place of Antwane Greenlee. Jermaine Thomas and Antone Smith worked primarily at running back Tuesday. The defense, fourth nationally in total defense, has yet to pick off a pass.
Colorado is, 3-0, and on the cusp of the top 25 for the first time since 2004. The Buffalo defense has limited foes to two touchdown passes and only 14 points to West Virginia. George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas are stout inside defenders. Darrell Scott was one of the most heralded freshmen in the nation at tailback. Another running back Rodney Stewart gained 168 yards against West Virginia. Cody Hawkins, the son of Coach Dan Hawkins, is a 70% passer with six touchdowns and three picks.
The Noles had 12 penalties for 139 yards and only 220 yards in the loss to Wake. They also committed seven turnovers including five picks, the most since Chris Weinke against N C State, ten years ago. In the Wake Forest game, FSU started six freshmen and sophomores on offense. The Wake Forest defense consists of eight redshirt seniors, three redshirt juniors and nine returning starters.
NORTH CAROLINA AT MIAMI: Starting quarterback T. J. Yates is out six weeks with a fractured ankle. Either Cam Sexton or Mike Paulus will replace him. Paulus came in against Virginia Tech and completed only 3- of- 8 passes for 23 yards and two picks. The rushing attack is No. 9 in the ACC and gained only 103 yards in the loss to Virginia Tech. Sexton was, 1-4, as a starter in 2006. In the Virginia Tech loss, UNC allowed 17 straight points to the Hokies in the second half. The Tar Heels had the ball three times in the Virginia Tech 30- yard line and failed to score any points. UNC’s defense allowed only 32 points to Rutgers and Virginia Tech. The defense has allowed five more interceptions than touchdown passes. Linebackers Mark Paschal and Quan Sturdivant and safeties Deunta Williams and Trimane Goddard are playing well. Miami will be challenged to limit Brandon Tate on special teams.
Miami quarterback Robert Marve (16- of -22 for 212 yards and two scores) had a breakout game in the Texas A & M win. Quarterback Jacory Harris completed 4- of -7 for 22 yards. Tight end Dedrick Epps had three catches for 48 yards. Freshman Thearon Collier had four catches for 62 yards. Tailback Graig Cooper had 128 yards and two scores. Defensive lineman Eric Moncur had a sack, forced fumble and a pick. Linebacker Glen Cook had a fumble recovery for a touchdown and nine tackles. Freshman Travis Benjamin had a 44 yard punt return that set up a touchdown. Safety Randy Phillips is out for six weeks after having leg surgery. Tailback Javarris James is still in a boot. Defensive tackle Marcus Fortson is sore, but fine. Defensive end Allen Bailey is healthy after overcoming the pec injury.
MARYLAND AT CLEMSON: Both Maryland and Clemson are, 3-1. The Terp offense is improving under offensive coordinator Jim Franklin with Chris Turner at quarterback, who led Maryland to 8- of -13 third down conversions in the win over Eastern Michigan. Maryland score 50 points for the first time since 2004. They were also successful with a package for Josh Portis who rushed nine times for 98 yards. However, the Terps struggled on defense allowed EMU 453 total yards. In the past three games, the Terp defense has allowed at least 24 points. The pass defense is particularly struggling. Cornerback Nolan Carroll sat out the game with an ankle injury. Running back Da’Rel Scott returns from an injury.
The Tigers have rebounded from the Alabama loss with three wins over The Citadel, N. C. State and South Carolina State. Clemson’s Cullen Harper, who was 15- of- 24 for 151 yards, struggled against South Carolina State throwing two picks. Harper is getting some heat for his four picks after having just six picks the entire season last year. C. J. Spiller, who had 14 carries for 65 yards, and James Davis, who had 11 carries for 95 yards, took the game over. Offensive lineman Chris Hairston could miss his third straight game with a knee injury. Clemson has the No. 23 ranked run defense.
SOUTH FLORIDA AT N. C. STATE: The Wolfpack picked up a big win over East Carolina in overtime. Tailback Andre Brown ran 12 times for 73 yards and one score. Quarterback Russell Wilson was 21- of- 31 for 210 yards and three scores. He will miss the USF game with an undisclosed injury. Harrison Beck will be the starter with Daniel Evans as the backup. Also, outside linebacker Nate Irving will miss the game with a lower right leg injury. Tailback Andre Brown ran 12 times for 73 yards and one score. Starting defensive ends Willie Young and Shane McKeen combined for 15 tackles in the ECU win. The Wolfpack defense has forced 12 turnovers, second only the Wake Forest.
USF (4-0) struggled with FIU. They have won their last three games by eight or fewer points. USF is No. 13 in the AP poll, the highest ranked Big East team. The Bulls are No. 12 in total offense and NC State is No. 109 in defense. USF has yet to allow more than 76 yards rushing in a game. Defensive end George Selvie, nose guard Terrell McClain and defensive end Craig Marshall are playing well. Linebacker Tyrone McKenzie has at least one tackle per loss per game.
RHODE ISLAND AT BOSTON COLLEGE: Quarterback Chris Crane was finally able to move the offense against UCF. Crane has two touchdowns and five picks on the season. Montel Harris had a strong running game with 112 yards. Tailback Josh Haden is resting an injured ankle. While the offense has sputtered, the defense has played well. The defense held UCF to only 123 yards rushing and picked off four Michael Greco passes. The defense has allowed only 26 points and leads the nation in pass efficiency defense.
Rhode Island has lost three straight games. Quarterback Derek Cassidy threw 61 passes in the loss to New Hampshire.
NAVY AT WAKE FOREST: The Demon Deacons have forced 15 turnovers, tops in the nation. They forced 35 turnovers last year and 31 in 2006. The NCAA record for forcing turnovers is Tennessee in 1970 with 57. Quarterback Riley Skinner should complete some touchdowns to receiver D. J. Boldin and receiver Ben Wooster against a secondary that has allowed nine touchdown passes in three games. Tailbacks Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass should fine room to run. Linebacker Aaron Curry leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss.
Navy had a nice win over Rutgers last week. The Midshipmen are going for its sixth straight bowl appearance.
VIRGINIA TECH AT NEBRASKA: The Hokies are not fun to watch offensively (271 ypg or No. 112 nationally), but they are very close to being, 4-0, if not for a blocked punt against East Carolina. They have won three straight after the opening loss to ECU. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who is nursing a slight ankle injury, was 11- of- 21 for 125 yards with two picks. He was sacked twice and ran for 35 yards. Sean Glennon was 1- of- 1 for 16 yards. North Carolina attempted to stop Taylor’s running ability and held him to a long run of only 13 yards. Tailback Darren Evans, who has become the leading rusher, ran 14 times for 61 yards. Danny Coale led the receivers with four catches for 54 yards. Overall, the receivers have done little. The offensive line is the most experience unit on offense. Tech gained only 268 yards in the game. The defensive line had 14 tackles and seven quarterback hurries. Linebacker Brett Warren continues to improve with nine tackles. Virginia Tech’s defense forced four turnovers and made four sacks in the win over North Carolina. Cornhusker quarterback Joe Ganz will be challenged by defensive backs Macho Harris and Kam Chancellor. Defensive ends Orion Martin and Jason Worilds are capable of stopping the run and pressuring Ganz.
Nebraska is set for its first true test after beating Western Michigan, San Jose State and New Mexico State. The offense is averaging 450 yards per game and the defense is limited opponents to 77 yards rushing. Joe Ganz is a good quarterback. Nebraska is struggling to run the ball with Marlon Lucky, Roy Helu, Jr and Quentin Castille. Bo Peleni coached against Taylor last year when he was on the LSU staff. The next three games are Virginia Tech and Missouri at home then a road game at Texas Tech. The defense has allowed 14 points per game with nine sacks and four turnovers.
GEORGIA TECH: The Yellow Jackets are off this week after beating Mississippi State.
OTHER GAMES
TCU AT OKLAHOMA: TCU, coached by Gary Patterson, leads the nation in defense and rushing defense. The TCU offensive line has allowed only three sacks this season. The defensive line, led by Matt Panfil and Cody Moore, has 36 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.
OU has won its first three games by a combined score of, 164-42. This is the nation’s best scoring offense against the nation’s best scoring defense.
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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