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Television for Oct. 11: South Carolina at Kentucky at 12:30 pm on Raycom; Tennessee at Georgia on CBS at 3:30 pm and LSU at Florida at 8 pm on CBS.
SEC road teams are, 8-3, in conference games. Last year, road teams were, 23-26. SEC teams are, 31-4, when scoring first. The average length of SEC games is 3:11, which is 12 minutes less than last year.
Nine top 25 teams lost last weekend with six falling to unranked teams.
Mock BSC poll according to ESPN:
1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Texas
5. Missouri
6. Penn State
7. Georgia
8. South Florida
9. USC
10. BYU
KENTUCKY AT ALABAMA: The undefeated Wildcats beat Western Kentucky last week by 38 points. Tailback Derrick Locke had a 100- yard kickoff return for a score. Kentucky’s defense held the Hilltoppers to only 15 yards passing and sacked quarterback K. J. Black four times. The Wildcats amassed 216 yards rushing. Quarterback Mike Hartline was 19- of- 30 for 172 yards with one touchdown and one pick. Hartline, who has 633 yards on the season and three scores, has a favorite target in Dickey Lyons, Jr., who is No. 2 in the SEC with 25 catches for 189 yards and a score. The Wildcats have several players out for the game including lineman Justin Jeffries who tore the MCL in his knee and is out indefinitely. Linebacker Micah Johnson, quarterback Randall Cobb and defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin are all questionable with high ankle sprains. Safety Ashton Cobb has been suspended from the team after leaving threatening voice mails and text messages to his ex-girlfriend. The Wildcats have the No. 1 scoring defense (5.5 points per game) and No. 4 total defense having allowed only 22 points in four games led by defensive linemen Corey Peters, Jeremy Jarmon and Myron Pryor. They have allowed no rushing touchdowns. Kentucky leads the SEC in sacks allowed (2) and first down allowed (45). Kentucky is No. 1 in the SEC in kickoff returns averaging 38 yards per return. Alabama is near the bottom of the SEC in covering kickoffs.
Tide coach Nick Saban is trying to become the fourth coach this decade to win a national title in his second year at his school: Bob Stoops, Jim Tressell and Urban Meyer accomplished the feat. The Tide has not trailed this season. In the first quarter this season, Alabama has outscored opponents, 74-0. They have outscored opponents, 133-20, in the first half. Alabama has scored on 18- of- 27 first half possessions. The Tide is ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, the highest ranking in 15 years. Alabama is No. 10 in the league in kickoff coverage. The Tide is averaging 215 yards rushing per game and has rushed for 13 touchdowns.
Alabama receiver Mike McCoy (hamstring) is questionable for the Kentucky game. If he can’t play then senior Will Oakley or freshman B.J. Scott will take his place. Tailback Mark Ingram is nursing a bruised knee. Alabama scored on its first five possessions of the first half and led Georgia, 31-0, at halftime. Georgia outscored Alabama, 30-10, in the second half, but the damage had already been done. Quarterback John Parker Wilson was 13- of- 16 for 205 yards. He had a 31-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Julio Jones. Wilson, 18-13, as starter, had no turnovers in the game. He has only one turnover on the season. Alabama tailback Glen Coffee led the team with 86 yards rushing on 23 carries. Alabama rushed for 129 yards, more than 100 yards less than their average. Jones led the Tide in receiving with 94 yards on five catches. Alabama’s 41 points against Georgia and 49 against Arkansas are the most points the Tide has scored in consecutive SEC road wins since the 1979 national title season. Linebacker Brandon Fanney had a dozen tackles. Freshman linebacker Donta Hightower recovered his second fumble of the season. Cornerback Justin Woodall intercepted a pass and leads the team with three. Leigh Tiffin kicked two field goals. The Tide beat Kentucky handily the past two times they met in 2003 and 2004. Kentucky has never won in Tuscaloosa.
FLORIDA AT ARKANSAS: Florida has done some extra drills this week to correct the fumbling problem they had against Ole Miss. Some fans have started a firedanmullen.com website. Since 1992, the Gators are, 72-9, against Eastern division teams and, 37-20, against Western division teams. Florida has lost to a West team at least every year for the past 10 years. Coach Urban Meyer was so upset with his team on Sunday that he had an unscheduled practice Sunday night for 90 minutes. The loss of offensive lineman Jim Tartt made the offensive line vulnerable. Tartt, Emmanuel Moody (ankle) and Marcus Gilbert (ankle) are all out this week. Tartt’s shoulder injury makes his availability a week-to-week proposition. Chris Rainey, Kestahn Moore and Jeff Demps should get more carries with Moody out. Ole Miss had four plays that gained 170 yards, Florida had 11 missed tackles and converted 9% on third down. Mon Williams will stay at linebacker. Linebacker Dustin Doe will be out for a few weeks after double hernia surgery. Carl Johnson is expected to move up on the offensive line to replace Tartt. Linemen James Wilson and Ronnie Wilson may see more playing time. Quarterback Tim Tebow, who was sacked three times against Ole Miss, has already been sacked six times this season as opposed to 13 last year.
In Florida’s nine wins last year, they averaged 222 yards rushing on 40 carries, but in the four losses they averaged 151 yards on 32 carries.
Receiver Percy Harvin had 23 touches for 269 yards. Linebacker Brandon Spikes had 13 tackles and two sacks. Linebacker A. J. Jones had five tackles and two sacks. Florida was 1- of- 11 on third down conversions. Quarterback Tim Tebow was 24- of- 38 for 319 yards, but he missed numerous receivers downfield. Tebow overthrew or locked on to his receivers. His rushing stats so far this season are 49 carries for 125 yards. Last year after four games, he had 358 yards on 70 attempts. Meyer said receivers Harvin and Riley Cooper are playing okay. He added that Louis Murphy dropped a pass that he should have caught. He said junior college transfer Carl Moore has to get more involved. Meyer also said Deonte Thompson needs to play more.
The Gators have lost six times to unranked teams since 2002. Three of those losses have been to Ole Miss. Auburn, South Carolina and Mississippi State were the other three unranked teams to beat the Gators. Florida is, 0-5, when trailing in the second half with Tim Tebow at quarterback.
Arkansas was not even competitive against Texas. Quarterback Casey Dick was 7- of- 15 for 138 yards with no touchdowns and no picks. Dick and freshman Tyler Wilson have combined for six picks and six touchdowns. Arkansas ran for only 11 yards. The Hog offensive line has struggled to adjust from primarily a running team to a passing squad. Lineman Ray Dominquez is out this week after hurting his ankle last week. The Hog offensive line has allowed the most sacks in the nation. Defensive tackle Ernest Mitchell is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Receiver Lucas Miller, who sustained a concussion in the Alabama game, is due back. Running back Michael Smith is averaging 96 yards per game. The Hog defensive line has not gotten adequate pressure or sacked the quarterback on a regular basis. Sophomore Freddie Burton has been impressive at linebacker. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was 17- of- 19 for 185 yards with three scores and no picks. Antwain Robinson returned a fumble 80 yards for a touchdown in the Texas game. The Hogs rushed for (-11 yards). The Hogs lost to Florida in 2006 in the SEC championship game. They also lost to the Gators in 2003 and 2004.
AUBURN AT VANDERBILT: Why is Auburn struggling with the spread? They have two quarterbacks who are not suited for it. Kodi Burns is a good runner, but no passer. Chris Todd is no runner, but a nice passer. Todd will start against Vanderbilt. Tailbacks Brad Lester and Tristan Davis are healthy. Linebacker Tray Blackmon, who missed the Tennessee game with a wrist fracture, is back at practice. Former offensive lineman Chaz Ramsey has been granted his release. He has been away from football rehabbing a back injury. Coach Tommy Tuberville has created more competition for field goal kicking because Wes Byrum has missed three straight field goals. Morgan Hull is the next kicker behind Byrum.
Auburn has beaten Tennessee four straight times, the first such streak since 1961-64. The Auburn offense continues to struggle. Auburn scored only one touchdown and gained only 226 total yards in the Tennessee game. The biggest play from scrimmage was an 18- yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Todd to receiver Robert Dunn. Kodi Burns (4- of- 6 for 36 yards) and Todd (14- of- 23 for 93 yards) rotated at quarterback. Receiver/tailback Mario Fannin gained 12 yards on three carries while taking a direct snap from center. Tailback Ben Tate led the Tigers in rushing with 70 yards. Linebacker Josh Bynes, who played for the injured Tray Blackmon, led the team with 11 tackles.
Vandy leads the SEC in interceptions (10), field goals (7- of- 7), sacks (11), fewest penalties (11) and turnover margin (+9). The Commodores lead the nation in turnover margin. D. J. Moore’s 29- yard return average is also No. 1 nationally. However, Vandy is last in the SEC in total defense allowing 364 yards per game and pass defense allowing 240 yards per game. Auburn beat Vandy every year from 2000-2003 and 2007. ESPN GameDay comes to Nashville on Saturday. Quarterback Chris Nickson (shoulder), tailback Jeff Jennings (shoulder) and receiver George Smith (foot) are expected to play. A win over Auburn would push the Commodore record to, 5-0, for the first time since 1943. Vanderbilt has not beaten Auburn since 1955. Auburn has won 13 straight games in the series. Reshard Langford is one of the best safeties in the league. Defensive back Ryan Hamilton picked off three passes against Ole Miss. Vandy is, 13-4, in August and September since 2005, but they are only, 4-8, in October during that time.
SOUTH CAROLINA AT OLE MISS: The Gamecocks are ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense allowing 221 yards per game. Ole Miss is No. 47 allowing 328 yards per game. South Carolina’s offense is averaging 21 points per game or No. 89 nationally. Receiver Kenny McKinley has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury, but he will play Saturday. Gamecock quarterbacks have thrown 11 picks.
Chris Smelley will again start this Saturday even though Stephen Garcia, who came in on the second series last week against UAB, was 13- of- 20 for 131 yards with one touchdown and one pick. He added 86 yards rushing. Garcia will start against Ole Miss. The Gamecock defense limited UAB to only 207 yards and forced three turnovers. Ryan Succop kicked a career high four field goals.
Ole Miss is on the cover of Sports Illustrated for the first time since 1970. Rebel linebacker Tony Fein played well against Florida. Fein is third on the team in tackles with 28. Houston Nutt had a band aid on his nose after being hit with a Gator-Aid cooler during the celebration. Linebacker Patrick Trahan retained his starting position over Ashlee Palmer after his performance against the Gators. Ole Miss had only one turnover in the win over Florida compared to the Gators three. Defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix will be scheming against his former team South Carolina.
The Ole Miss win over Florida broke a nine- game SEC losing streak and a 14- game SEC road losing streak. Jevan Snead was 9- of- 20 for 185 yards and two scores. He ran for another score. Ole Miss, who scored 17 points in the third quarter, stopped Florida quarterback Tim Tebow for no gain on fourth and one at the Rebel 32-yard line late in the game to preserve the lead. The Rebels ran for 140 yards. Dexter McCluster gained 60 yards and Brandon Bolden added 55. Receiver Shay Hodge caught three passes for 133 yards including an 86 yard scoring play. Mike Wallace gained 140 yards on kickoff returns. Rob Park averaged seven punts for 40 yards. Defensive end Greg Hardy, who led the SEC in sacks last season, had 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The win was the first for Ole Miss over a top five opponent since beating No. 3 Notre Dame in Sept. of 1977 in Jackson, Miss. Ole Miss beat South Carolina in 1998, 1999, 2003, and 2004.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS AT TENNESSEE: Coach Phil Fulmer’s actual buyout is $6 million to be paid out over four years. Fulmer signed a seven-year deal in August that averages $2.99 million annually. Former Vol coach Johnny Majors recently said that Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis has saved Fulmer’s job for the past 10 years. Dating back to the 2004 SEC title game, Fulmer is, 14-14, in the SEC.
The Vols, 1-3, are off to their worst start in 14 years, Fulmer announced that the quarterback position was open for competition between Jonathan Crompton and Nick Stephens. Crompton, 1-4, as a starter, has completed only 50% of his passes with six touchdowns and nine picks. The coaches say Stephens has a strong arm and is very intelligent. Gerald Jones also worked at quarterback for an extended period of time on Sunday. Punter Britton Colquitt is in his last week of suspension. Tailback Lennon Creer is not getting enough touches. He only had five in the Auburn loss. Tight end Brandon Warren has gotten lost in the offense despite all the preseason hype. He only played in six snaps against Auburn. Warren and Kevin Cooper, who has not seen the ball since he made two big third down catches in the UCLA, are not involved in the offense. The Vols have four turnovers and two touchdowns in two SEC games. Josh Nunes, a four-star quarterback from Upland, Calif., has de-committed from Tennessee and committed to Stanford. Linebacker Ellix Wilson has a shoulder injury. Dan Williams is playing well at defensive tackle. With David Cutcliffe as offensive coordinator, Fulmer is 52-12 (81%) and without him, he is 39-19 (67%). A total of 22- of- 49 offensive possessions for the Vols have ended up in a three-and-out. Tennessee is no higher than fifth in any offensive category.
The Vols had the ball four times in Auburn territory, but scored only once. The difference in the Auburn loss was the fumbled handoff between Crompton and tailback Arian Foster that was recovered in the end zone by Auburn’s Jake Ricks for a touchdown. Punter Chad Cunningham kept Auburn pinned deep in their territory for most of the second half. Crompton, who didn’t complete a pass in the final 22 minutes, was only 8- of- 23 for 67 yards. He averaged only 2.9 yards per completion. No Vol receiver gained more than 14 yards. The Vols ran for 124 yards. Jones had 107 all purpose yards. The Vols were 4- of- 16 on third down conversions. Defensive ends Ben Martin and Chris Walker got their first sacks of the season. Defensive back Dennis Rogan intercepted a pass that led to the only Vol touchdown of the day. Tennessee’s defense allowed only 97 yards rushing.
Northern Illinois, 2-2, shut out Eastern Michigan, 37-0, last Saturday. The Huskie defense has allowed three points in the past two games. NIU has run for 520 yards in the past two games. Running back Me’Co Brown, who gained over 100 yards last week, will play despite leaving the game with a knee injury. The Husky losses were to Western Michigan and Minnesota. Brandon Brice and Larry English could give the Vol quarterbacks ample pressure. The Huskies will be without starting quarterback Chandler Harnish, who is recovering from a foot injury.
MISSISSIPPI STATE IS OFF: The Bulldogs are off to a, 1-4, start for the sixth time in eight seasons after the loss to LSU. Tyson Lee, who was 17-of- 26 for 175 yards and a touchdown, played the entire game at quarterback. Coach Sly Croom said Lee will start against Vanderbilt next week. State had 10 penalties for 90 yards. Linebacker Dominic Douglas led the defense with 11 tackles. Tailback Robert Elliott is out for the year after sustaining ligament damage in his knee.
LSU IS OFF: The Tigers head into a bye week unbeaten on the strength of another 100- yard rushing performance by Charles Scott, who had 142 yards in the win over Mississippi State. Scott is the first LSU player to run for more than 100 yards in the first four games since Charles Alexander in 1978. Quarterback Jarrett Lee, who went the distance for the injured Andrew Hatch, was 18- of- 27 for 261 yards and two scores. Tiger defensive linemen Ricky Jean Francois and Charles Alexander left the game with injuries. Receiver Brandon LaFell caught seven passes for 100 yards. The offensive line allowed only one sack and paved the way for the running backs to average 4.5 yards per carry. LSU’s defense allowed State 6 of 14 on third down. Linebacker Darry Beckwith, who has been rehabbing a twisted knee, might return for the Florida game. Receiver Demetrius Byrd is struggling with an ankle problem. His play was limited against Mississippi State.
GEORGIA IS OFF: The Bulldogs were held to only 50 yards rushing on 16 carries in the loss to Alabama. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was 24- of- 42 for 274 yards and two scores. Freshman receiver A. J. Green led the Bulldogs with six catches for 88 yards. Cornerback Prince Miller scored on a 92- yard punt return. Defensive back Remarcus Brown gained 146 yards on six returns. The Bulldogs were penalized 10 times for 81 yards. They also committed two turnovers. Linebacker Rennie Curran led the Bulldogs with 14 tackles. Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe left the game early with a knee sprain. He might be able to play against the Vols. Moreno has an elbow injury. Receiver Kris Durham sustained a high ankle sprain, but could play against Tennessee. Tight end Tripp Chandler aggravated a shoulder injury. Tight end Bruce Figgins didn’t dress due to a separated shoulder which was kept secret. Aron White might see more time at tight end. Stafford was tested for a concussion, but the results were negative. Brannan Southerland will return to fullback against Tennessee.
ACC NOTES
ACC notes: Three teams-Georgia Tech, FSU and Boston College—are among the top 27 teams nationally in rushing offense averaging over 200 yards per game. Those three teams are among the top 17 teams in scoring defense allowing less than 15 points per game. No ACC ranks higher than No. 40 in passing offense and no ACC team has more than eight passing touchdowns.
CLEMSON: The Tigers are off until they play Wake Forest next Thursday. The Tigers have lost to seven unranked teams this decade. James Davis and C. J. Spiller finished with 224 yards rushing, but only 31 yards on 10 carries in the second half. Maryland gained 202 yards in the second half. Offensive coordinator Rob Spence has been heavily criticized by fans for not throwing the ball downfield more.
DUKE AT GEORGIA TECH: The Blue Devils were a favorite for the fourth time this decade and won for the second time during that time span as a favorite. Duke is off to its best start since the 1994 team started 7-0. The Blue Devils are No. 2 in the ACC in pass offense. Georgia Tech is No. 2 in pass efficiency defense. Duke took advantage of five second half turnovers to beat Virginia by 28 points. Blue Devil defenders intercepted Virginia’s Marc Verica four times. Thaddeus Lewis was 18- of- 32 for 160 yards.
Georgia Tech quarterback Jaybo Shaw could start over Josh Nesbitt, who is nursing a hamstring. Shaw started all but eight plays against Mississippi State. The Yellow Jackets had their first turnover free game with Shaw as a starter.
WAKE FOREST: The Demon Deacons are off until they play Clemson next Thursday. Navy ran 59- of- 63 plays in the win over Wake. Quarterback Riley Skinner threw four picks.
FLORIDA STATE AT MIAMI: Both teams are in the top ten nationally in run defense. FSU’s offensive line averages 280 and Miami’s defensive line averages 320. The Miami defensive line is sophomore, senior, junior, senior. FSU’s offensive line consists of a true freshman, sophomore, sophomore, redshirt freshman and true freshman. Miami allows 265 yards per game passing. FSU could have an advantage with their receivers against the Miami secondary. Cane freshman Brandon Harris could play more to help the secondary in throwing downs.
Fullback Marcus Sims returns to action this week after recovering from a fractured ankle in last year’s Alabama game and the academic suspension. Coach Bobby Bowden said there is a plan for D’Vontrey Richardson to play Saturday depending upon how the game is going. Fullback Seddrick Holloway, who missed the Colorado game, is expected back this week.
FSU tailback Antone Smith gained 154 yards on 25 carries in the win over Colorado. He benefitted from a decision to run the football 46 times for 259 yards. Freshman linebacker Nigel Bradham had to play a lot after Toddrick Verdell went out with a groin injury. Paul Griffin returns from suspension so the defensive line should be intact. Verdell, Tony Carter (groin) and cornerback Patrick Robinson (hip/back) should all be ready for Saturday. Michael Ray Garvin earned ACC honors after his 94-yard kickoff return. Special teams seemed to improve with the blocked punt by Dekoda Watson, who had 10 tackles,that resulted in a safety. Junior safety Jamie Robinson picked off a pass that ended a 16- quarter streak of no interceptions. Graham Gano also kicked three field goals. Quarterback Christian Ponder was 10- of- 22 for 119 yards. The Noles have had consecutive games with 12 penalties. Defensive end Everett Brown has 6.5 tackles for loss this season. Tailback Ty Jones returns this week from an ankle sprain.
MIAMI: Coach Randy Shannon said starting offensive lineman Reggie Youngblood (leg) will miss the game. Tyrone Byrd will replace him. Shannon also said tailback Javarris James should return next week against UCF. He does expect defensive tackle Marcus Fortson (shoulder) to play. Shannon said he is not sure about Thearon Collier (rib or spleen). Redshirt freshman Jermaine McKenzie might replace him. He is also very excited about Dedrick Epps. Freshman Brandon Harris might see more time to help the secondary against FSU throwing the deep ball.
Quarterback Robert Marve threw for 135 yards with three touchdowns and two picks in the loss to North Carolina. Tailback Graig Cooper had 110 yards. Cooper gained 70 yards on 10 carries in the first quarter then he got three combined touches in the second and third quarters. Freshman Travis Benjamin had a 37-yard punt return. Harris had a big sack in the game. Miami has lost 11- of- 13 ACC games. The defensive backs are not playmakers. This is why a third string North Carolina quarterback can throw for 275 yards. Butch Davis made great adjustments at halftime and held Miami to six yards of offense. Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix is not developing enough of a downfield passing game. The official attendance was 35,830 for the North Carolina game.
UCONN AT NORTH CAROLINA: UConn has the nation’s leading rusher in Donald Brown, who is averaging 181 yards per game. The Huskies lost quarterback Tyler Lorenzen early in the Louisville game with a broken foot. Sophomore Zach Frazer takes over for Lorenzen. UConn is trying to become, 6-0, for the first time in 14 years. Tight end Steve Brouse was also hurt in the game and will miss up to eight weeks.
UNC: Last week, the Tar Heels allowed Miami Graig Cooper to run for over 100 yards. Quarterback Cam Sexton came off the bench after Mike Paulus struggled to lead UNC past Miami with an 11- of- 19 for 242 yards and two scores. Sexton hit Brooks Foster with the winning touchdown pass with only 46 seconds left in the game. Safety Trimane Goddard had eight tackles and two picks, the final one in the end zone to preserve the win. Receiver Hakeem Nicks caught five passes for 133 yards. The Tar Heel defense limited the Canes to only 104 second half yards.
BOSTON COLLEGE AT N C STATE: The Eagles again face their old coach in Tom O’Brien. B.C. beat Rhode Island to win their 20th consecutive non-conference game, the longest streak in the nation. Quarterbacks Dominique Davis and Chris Crane had trouble throwing the football in the inclement weather. Davis had a 24-yard touchdown run. Montel Harris and Jeff Smith ran for 222 yards and four scores. The BC offensive line outweighed the RI DL by 55 pounds.
N C State was pounded last week by South Florida. Quarterback Harrison Beck was 9- of- 32 for 237 yards and three picks. The Wolfpack converted only 13 first downs. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who has missed time with a concussion and an injury to his right throwing shoulder, could return.
MARYLAND AT VIRGINA: The Terps rallied from a, 17-6, halftime deficit to beat Clemson, 20-17. Terp backup linebacker Adrian Moten is out four- to- five weeks after wrist surgery. The defense made some important adjustments to shut down the Clemson rushing attack in the second half. Darrius Howard-Bey changed the game with a 75- yard reverse that set up a touchdown. Quarterback Chris Turner was 16- of- 30 for 172 yards. Virginia has been outscored 144-20 this season.
WESTERN KENTUCKY AT VIRGINA TECH: The Hokies had a major win over Nebraska last Saturday night Quarterback Tyrod Taylor was 9- of- 15 for 171 yards. He also ran for 87 yards on 15 carries. Since taking over for Sean Glennon, Taylor (8-0 as a starter) is 33- of- 55 for 370 yards. He has also run for 351 yards. Tailbacks Darren Evans ran for 71 yards and Kenny Lewis added 50. The receivers are not gaining much yardage, but they are blocking downfield. Tech’s offensive line did well in paving the way for 206 yards rushing. WKU has already lost to Kentucky, Alabama and Indiana.
OTHER GAMES
OHIO STATE AT WISCONSIN: The Buckeyes are No. 1 in the Big Ten in total defense and pass defense. Ohio State is No. 20 in turnover margin. Chris Wells returned in the win over Minnesota with 106 yards. Guard Steve Rehring returns to the lineup after an injury. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor was 8 of 13 passing and added 97 yards on eight carries. Receiver Brian Robiskie caught eight passes for 90 yards last week.
Wisconsin has opened the season against Michigan, Ohio State and next week Penn State. The Badgers fell apart last week after leading Michigan, 19-0, at half time. They have won 16 straight at home. Of the last seven games between the two teams, Wisconsin has won four. This makes Wisconsin the only team to have a winning record against Ohio State coach Jim Tressel. The Badger’s are No. 6 in pass efficiency defense. Wisconsin averages 218 yards rushing, No. 15 nationally. P J Hill, a 240-pound running back, is averaging 112 yards per game.
STANFORD AT NOTRE DAME: The Fighting Irish beat Purdue last week with quarterback Jimmy Clausen throwing for 275 yards and three scores. Tailback Armando Allen rushed for 134 yards. Notre Dame plays Stanford then road games at North Carolina and Washington, home to Pitt, at BC, Navy in Baltimore, and Syracuse.
BIG 12
OKLAHOMA AT BAYLOR: The Bears had a close loss to two weeks ago to UConn. The Sooners have some injuries such as offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle), defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (pulled a back muscle), backup cornerback Jonathan Nelson (knee). Oklahoma must remain focused on Baylor not on Texas not week. Linebacker Joe Pawelek is averaging 12 tackles per game. The Sooner defense is averaging nearly 10 tackles per loss per game.
MISSOURI AT NEBRASKA: Mizzo is averaging nearly 600 yards and 54 points per game. It has been 30 years since Mizzo has won in Lincoln. Nebraska is trying to get over the loss to Virginia Tech. Missouri free safety William Moore is expected back after a foot injury has limited his time. The Cornhusker secondary is allowing 245 passing yards per game. Nebraska must pressure Missouri quarterback Chase Daniels. They have 11 sacks in four games.
TEXAS AT COLORADO: Texas is No. 2 against the run, first in sacks and No. 2 in pass efficiency. Colorado is coming off a loss to FSU and a Thursday night win against West Virginia. Texas RB Vondrell McGee had 16 carries against Arkansas, the most of any Longhorn back. Colorado right tackle Ryan Miller broke his leg against the Noles and is out for the season. Colt McCoy leads the team in rushing and one of the other backs needs to step up. Texas leads the nation with 16 sacks.
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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