news and notes 10.01.02

[CrazyHorse]

News and notes
Sept. 30, 2002
By Phil Steele


Texas Tech QB Kliff Kingsbury set school and Big 12 records for TD passes in a game with six and now holds 18 conference records in passing and total offense. New Mexico lost starting QB Casey Kelly to a broken left arm in the 1Q. Kelly, who is right handed, played the entire 2Q and will probably miss the next 4 weeks. NM had a streak of 111 games without being shutout snapped in TT's 49-0 win...

Spartan WR Charles Rogers set an NCAA record by catching a TD pass in his 13th straight regular season game. MSU led just 20-17 when they scored 16 points in 5:44 to blow open a tight game vs Northwestern...

Nebraska lost its 2nd consecutive regular season game for the first time since 1976 which was Tom Osborne's 4th year as a coach. They fell out of the AP Top 25 for the first time since October 31, 1981 stopping an amazing streak of 348 straight appearances. Iowa St beat a ranked team for the first time since 1993 and their 22 pt margin of victory over Nebraska was the largest since 1899 when they won 34-0, a span of over 100 years. It was also the first time NU was held below 100 yds rushing since 1998 and shakes up the Big 12 North...

Boston College got their first shutout since 1995 in a span of 81 games...

Tulsa outscored Kansas 27-0 in the 1Q and 4Q combined. They led 13-0 after 1Q but Kansas dominated the middle of the game with a 43-6 barrage to lead 43-19 before Tulsa got a pair of garbage TD's late to make the final respectable. KU's QB Bill Whittemore had 395 yds with 1 77 rushing and 218 passing and Tulsa lost for the 15th consecutive time, the nation's longest losing streak...

Rice had a 31-21 FD edge vs Fresno but could not overcome short passes that were turned into 72 & 77 yd TD's as well as a 2-0 TO deficit. Rice missed a 43 yd FG on the final play of the game which was short and would have sent it into OT....

Washington St trailed Cal 21-9 at the half and QB Jason Gesser played the entire game with a dislocated rib. Gesser still managed to throw for 431 yds hitting 28 of 44. WSU went 68 & 72 yds for TD's on its first 2 drives of the 3Q and blk'd a punt for a TD and led 31-21. It was 38-38 with 7:33 left but WSU went 75 and 28 yds on its final 2 drives for the final margin...

Georgia led New Mexico St 34-7 at the half but gained just 74 yds in 21 plays in the 2H allowing NMS to finish with a 41:08-18:53 TOP edge. The pointspread play of the game came when FS Kentrell Curry int'd a pass and returned it 78 yds for a TD with 12:02 left to make it 41-7...

W Virginia broke a Big East record for rushing with 536 yds vs E Carolina. Avon Cobourne rushed for a career high 260 yds and Quincy Wilson added 98 in WV's 37-17 win over the Pirates...

Arizona St QB Andrew Walter threw for 414 yds and 5 TD's in his first start as ASU spanked Stanford 65-24...

Louisvile played against Florida St in a hard, steady downpour and was the highest ranked team to play in the 4 year old Papa John Stadium and UL's biggest victory over a ranked oppon ent ever...

San Jose St led UTEP just 28-24 but a 98 yd KR for a TD by Charles Pauley, who leads the NCAA in KR avg, opened up the floodgates while a 47 yd int return for a TD early 4Q put SJS ahead of the spread, 44-24. They added 68 & 58 yd TD drives vs a demoralized UTEP and rolled to the easy win...

Navy has committed 12 TO's and allowed 157 pts in their last 3 games, all at home and they are just 1-17 at home in their last 18. Probably the key to the game happened with 1:52 left 1H and Duke pinned at their own 1 yd line. Navy called a pair of time-outs trailing 15-10 hoping to get the ball back but Duke converted for a FD on 3rd & 9 and would go on for a 99 yd drive for a TD with :19 left and got three 3Q TD's to roll to a 43-10 lead i n the road win...

Heinz Field, which gave the Steelers' K all kinds of problems last year, continued to plague Pitt's kicker. They've missed 5 xp's this year and K David Abdul took over the kicking duties but missed 2 FG's before actually making a 37 yd FG late in the game. Pitt led Toledo 27-6 late in the 3Q and UT gained 203 of their 435 yds after that including a pair of 4Q TD drives...

Iowa became just the 3rd school to beat a Joe Paterno-coached team 3 years in a row with Alabama (1987-'89) and Michigan ('97-2001) being the others. They've actually won 3 consecutive games in Happy Valley SU and led PSU 35-13. The Lions forced OT but Iowa prevailed in the extra stanza...
NC State has outscored opponents 117-28 in the 1H of their games this season and led IAA Massachusetts 35-10 at the break last week. UMass was led by former Ariz St QB Jeff Krohn and he was held to 13 of 36 passing for 194 yds and 3 int's...

Tennessee was taking on an injury plagued, beleaguered Rutgers team that had 11 players from its 2 deep listed as doubtful coming in. As you would expect, the 1H stats showed a dominating 221-63 yd edge and 13-4 FD edge. The amazing thing about these stats is those advantages were held by Rutgers!! The Knights not only returned a KO 100 yds for a TD to open and lead 14-7 at the half but they controlled play. A much more inspired Tenn team came out in the 2H holding RU to 50 yds and UT won the game by 21...

Middle Tennessee took a step down in competition vs IAA SE Missouri and rested top RB Dwone Hicks who injured his knee vs Kentucky LW. The results were SEM having over 200 yds both rushing and passing while holding MTSU to 284 total yds and the IAA team pulled the upset 24-13. MTSU missed a FG with 5:22 left and a few plays later SEM had a 78 yd TD run with MTSU tackling the football and not the ball carrier...

Ohio U led Buffalo 31-16 when RB Chris Jackson, who rushed for 156 yds, fmbl'd twice in the 4Q. UB got a 60 yd TD pass and 29 yd FG after those fumbles to pull to a 32-31 lead. OU needed a 37 yd FG with :10 left to snap a 10 game losing streak...

Wake Forest led Virginia 27-10 at the half and 34-17 in the 3Q but the Cavs would score the final 21 pts of the game and won despite a 29-18 FD deficit ..

Texas A&M's Coach RC Slocum elevated a new OC during the week and Dustin Long threw A&M's first passing TD in 7 regular season games. A&M held a potent LA Tech team to 251 total yds and the Aggies threw for 238 yds with asst HC Kevin Sumlin calling the plays. Of course, not facing Pitt and Virg Tech's defense like they had the previous 2 weeks, had something to do with it as LT is not known for its defense. QB Luke McCown said, "I played Miami as a freshman in the Orange Bowl and they had the #2 defense in the nation, but their defense had nothing on the A&M defense. They were a bunch of mean, big guys who wanted to kill me."

 

[CrazyHorse]

MISLEADING FINALS
Here's a misleading Total final. N Texas/Arizona combined for just 23 pts in UA's 14-9 win but UA missed 4 FG's and NT failed to score 4 times it had the ball inside the 20. NT led 6-0 late 1H when NT fumbled on their own 14. UA got a TD to lead 7-6 and then NT drove for a go-ahead 36 yd FG on the final play of the half but UA not only blk'd it but also they ret'd it and stunningly led 14-6. NT was int'd and fmbl'd twice deep in UA territory and would not get any closer than the 14-9...

Mississippi St almost had a backdoor cover vs LSU and special teams hurt them. They gave up a 78 yd PR for a TD and then in the 3Q kept an LSU drive alive by running into the P on 4th & 5. LSU would go on for a TD on that drive and then later LSU missed a FG but MSU was offsides and on the next play LSU got a TD. Twice in the late stages MSU drove deep into LSU territory but on 2nd & 7 from the 17 were int'd in the EZ and after getting down to the 22 they were int'd at the 12 with 1:13 left...

S Carolina had a 24-13 FD edge vs Vandy and had a 1st & goal at the 7 with 7:23 left leading by 3. They settled for a short FG and that cost them the cover...

Florida had a 30-14 FD edge and 509-268 yd edge. Special teams almost did them in. UF's P dropped a clean snap and was tkl'd to set up a UK TD. UK blk'd a punt to set up a short TD drive and Derek Abney had a 100 yd KR for a TD and 49 yd PR TD, the 7th time in NCAA history a player ret 'd both for a TD. UK also had a 39 yd TD drive set up a fumble and after trailing 19-0 at the half actually led 28-25 late 3Q but came up just short...

Auburn had a lot of missed opportunities vs Syracuse and finished with a 23-15 FD edge and 502-321 yd edge but it took them 3 OT's to win by 3. SU got an 85 yd PR for a TD and Auburn was int'd at the SU 5, int'd at the SU 7, and fmbl'd at the SU 1 blowing 3 TD opportunities...
Texas' 49-0 win over Tulane looks impressive and it was the Green Wave's 1st shutout since 1995. Tulane, however, had a potential TD dropped and another overthrown, got hit with an illegal substitution penalty on 4th & inches and a late hit penalty gave UT a FD after Chris Simms came up 12 yds short on a scramble. UT led just 14-0 at the half and 21-0 late 3Q when they got a 71 yd PR for a TD. With 9:54 left they blk'd a FG, returning it for a TD and then TU fmbl'd the KO at their own 13 setting up another TD. UT added a TD with 1:38 left following another int and had just 369 yds offense...

While UCLA did demolish SDS 43-7, each team had 17 FD's but 5 TO's by SDS were the key. In fact, UCLA led the game 23-0 and on their 4 scoring poss, the Bruins had a grand total of 54 yds. They drove 6 yds for a TD after an int, blk'd a punt in the EZ for a TD, got a 37 yd TD pass after a fumble and a bad snap on a punt was knocked out of the EZ for a safety and the Bruins led 23-0.


BACKUP PLAYERS IN KEY ROLES
Georgia Tech was playing without RB Tony Hollings, the nation's leading rusher, was lost for the season. DE Greg Gathers is also out for the year and then K Luke Manget strained a groin muscle in warm-up and did not play. Tech had a 24-12 FD edge vs N Carolina but their backup K missed 2 FG's. Backup RB Ace Eziemefe rushed for 136 yds. A key play of the game happened with GT up 14-13. NC's TE Bobby Blizzard was lumbering for a 61 yd TD but the ball was knocked out of his hands and rec'd for a touchback. GT then went 80 yds for a TD to lead 21-13. NC's final chance to tie with 4:39 left and ended on 4th & 5 at the GT 21...
Army was down to 3rd string QB Soph Matt Silva, and he was taking on a ferocious blitzing defense of S Miss. It was a record setting day for Silva but not the type of record he wanted. He set the Army record for most int's in a game with six including his 1st pass which was int'd and set up SM for an early TD. Despite his struggles, Army actually dominated the 1H with a 171-59 yd edge and had the ball inside the SM 34 four times but suffered an int, was SOD and settled for short FG's to trail 7-6 at the half. Army has not scored an offensive TD in the last 13Q's and lost 27-6 despite a 393-303 yd edge. Silva finished hitting 16 of 36 passes for 199 yds and Laron Bybee hit 3 of 7 for 53 yds but had zero int's.


STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE
Minny came in a perfect 4-0 and their QB Asad Abdul-Khaliq was leading the nation in pass efficiency. Unfortunately, UM had only faced SW Texas St, ULL, Toledo and Buffalo. Purdue, meanwhile, was 2-2 but had played a much tougher schedule, including Notre Dame. Abdul-Khaliq had his worst game of the year hitting just 16 of 48 passes for 223 yds. PU actually trailed 9-7 at the half because they turned it over 3 times and suffered a blocked punt but dominated the 2H and rolled to a 28-15 win...

Oregon St came into last week's game 4-0 having beaten E Kentucky, Temple, UNLV and Fresno St. USC, who is not as strong statistically, had played Auburn, Colorado and Kansas St with two on the road and were 2-1. The Trojans were only a 3 pt favorite due to the results and showed the difference that strength of schedule could make. They had a 25-8 FD edge vs Oregon St and 330-131 yd edge. OSU QB Derek Anderson who was #2 in the NCAA in pass efficiency and had guided the Beavers' offense to 499.8 ypg, hit just 8 of 30 for 80 yds. It was OSU's 19th straight loss at The Coliseum dating back to 1960.


BACKDOOR COVERS
Utah led Air Force 26-6 at the half but the Utes suffered 6 TO's, a blk'd punt and had 13 penalties for 104 yds. AF not only rallied for the backdoor cover, but won the game outright. Utah was stopped on 3rd & 1 with 2:58 left and the Falcons drove 60 yds in 9 plays getting a TD with :17 left on a 20 yd pass to pull out the outright upset...

Oklahoma's goal was its 3rd shutout in 4 games and they appeared well on their way. The Sooners led 31-0 in the 4Q when they punted with 4:09 left. SF converted on 3rd & 9 for a FD and the huge play happened when on 3rd & 11 they got a 40 yd pass to the Sooners 2. The TD averted the shutout with 1:59 left. Amazingly, after an OU punt, SF went 49 yds in 2 plays with a 29 yd T D with :05 left making the final score very misleading...

Ohio St's Maurice Clarett ret'd to the lineup after missing the previous week and rushed for 104 yds on 21 carries and 3 TD's giving him 9 for the year. Indiana, with 8 frosh starters, trailed the Buckeyes 45-10 when they took over with 5:43 left in the game. They converted on 3rd & 10 for a FD to the 41 and then on 4th & 4 got a 30 yd TD pass with 3:04 left for the backdoor cover.


FRONTDOOR COVERS
N Illinois' Michael Turner rushed for 203 yds, the 4th 200 yd game in his career but NI led just 10-6 and Kent missed a FG with 8:23 left. Kent was int'd with 6:07 left at its own 38 and NI got a 34 yd FG for the frontdoor cover with 2:22 left. KSU still had a chance at the cover getting down to the NI 20 yd line but a 4th & 3 pass fell incomplete.

 

[CrazyHorse]

Looking for a (college) angle
Sept. 30, 2002
By Gary Olshan



Clemson at FLORIDA STATE (Thursday night)...Bobby has been all business vs. son Tommy L2Ys, easily winning and covering both meetings. Bobby kept 1st string "D" on field entire game in 54-7 romp in '00! And in 41-27 win LY, FSU led 41-20 late in 4th Q before giving up TD with 3 mins to go. In that victory, 'Nole QB Rix accounted for 416 yds. Sort of homecoming for Clemson QB Simmons (from nearby Quincy, Fla.), who was recruited by Bobby out of high school.

Navy at AIR FORCE...AF regularly wins Commander-in-Chief's trophy lately, but Falcs only 3-7 vs. spread last 10 in this service academy rivalry. And AF only 3-8 as home chalk since '99 (covered 6? spread in 7-point OT win TY).

Miami-Ohio at CINCINNATI...Cincy QB Guidugli (20 of 25 for 264 yds.) outdueled Miami counterpart Roethlisberger (only 22 of 36 for 206) in 21-14 Bearcat victory LY. RedHawks 5-2 as road dog last 2+ Ys.

Kansas State at COLORADO...KSU offense has something to prove after producing just 1 TD in 16-6 home loss to CU LY (worst showing since 12-0 shutout in Boulder in '96).

Virginia at DUKE...UVA usually brings out best in underdog Duke, which has covered 6 of past 8 in series.

Utep at NEW MEXICO STATE...UTEP continues on pointspread free fall, recording a 2-14 spread mark last 1+. And Miners only 2-6-1 vs. points last 9 in this series.

Stanford at NOTRE DAME...Stanford eager to show former HC Willingham made a mistake for unexpectedly bolting last season to take over ND program TY. Cardinal historically a feisty underdog, going 23-13-1 in role since '92 (covered 8 of last 9 as dog!). Irish still painfully remember blowing 13-3 4th-Q lead in eventual 17-13 setback LY. ND QB Holiday still haunted by LY's performance, when he completed just 1 of 16 before getting pulled.

Ucla at OREGON STATE...OSU sky high for this revenge game with UCLA, which handed Beavers their only home loss in '01 in humbling 38-7 debacle. OSU is now 14-2 as home chalk since '97 (2-0 TY).

Nevada at UNLV...Nevada has huge chip on its shoulder following LY's 27-12 loss to hated rival UNLV. Rebel HC Robinson had team jam in late TD from 3-yd. line in final secs. rather than QB taking a knee in 15-point victory.

Georgia Tech at WAKE FOREST...Host has covered 7 straight in ACC series.

California at WASHINGTON...Resurgent Cal eager for this rematch after blowing 4th-Q lead (3rd straight time in series!) in 31-28 loss to UW in Berkeley LY. Bear QB Boller was in groove, connecting on 21 of 36 for 265 yds. and 4 TDP. UW has won 19 straight in series.

Penn State at WISCONSIN...Penn State in revenge mode after suffering 18-6 loss vs. Wisconsin in what was not-so "Happy Valley" LY (Paterno's worst conf. home loss since joining loop in '93). Remember, State's starting QB Mills played only briefly off bench in that one, since he was still 2nd string in LY's clash.

*********************
.......just wanted to note that I think they have the Mia(OH)/Cincy info backwards. Miami of Ohio won that game 21-14 and the passing stats are reversed. Just another reason these reports are helpful but not always 100% accurate.
*********************

 

[CrazyHorse]

Special college ticker
Sept. 30, 2002
By Bill Blackburn

AIR FORCE...Stalwart starting sr. ILB McCraney (knee; 6-2, 230) DNP at Utah.

AKRON...Defense, under its 3rd different coordinator in 3 seasons, continues to struggle, as Zips have given up 40+ points in 7 of last 9 games.

ALABAMA...Starting sr. QB Watts (sprained foot) DNP at Arkansas. His absence meant Tide was missing its entire first-team backfield after earlier season-ending injuries to RB Galloway & FB Lowe. However, highly-touted RS frosh QB Croyle threw for 285 yds. and 2 TDP without an int., big jr. TB Beard had 134 YR, and quick, versatile RB S. Williams, who transferred from Texas Tech, had a TD and 207 yds. rushing & receiving in dominating win over Hogs. Starting sr. P Bearden injured his leg in 2nd Q of game, and soph Ziifle avg. only 28 yds. on 2 punts. Soph Bostick replaced Ziifle as regular PK in previous game. Backup FS Harper (family funeral) DNP vs. Arkansas.

ARIZONA...Top CB Jolivette (knee) is probably out for season. Starting sr. OT Safranek (knee) DNP vs. No. Texas, and top RB Farmer & starting RS frosh DE Brittain both left in 4th Q of narrow win over Mean Green with their own knee injuries.

ARIZONA STATE...Starting soph OT Ayala (ankle) has missed last 2 games, with true frosh White taking his place in lineup. Starting jr. Aguilar left with knee injury vs. Stanford and was relieved by RS frosh Love. Starting true frosh DB Fawley (arm) left in 4th Q of win over Cardinal. Soph QB Walter, who threw for 241 yds. and 5 TDs after replacing ineffective RS frosh Christensen in win over San Diego State, got start vs. Stanford and threw for 414 yds. and 5 more TDs. RS frosh RB Cornell Canidate, brother of former Arizona star & current St. Louis Ram RB Trung, got his first start vs. Cardinal and caught a TDP and rushed for 2 more scores.

ARKANSAS...Starting QB M. Jones, who has been bothered by knee injury, ran for 50 yds. and a TD vs. Alabama, but he was only 7 of 18 for 111 YP with 2 ints. and was yanked in 4th Q of loss to Tide. RS frosh T. Jackson completed only 1 of his 11 attempts in relief. Sr. TB Talley (797 YR LY) left game with sprained wrist.

ARKANSAS STATE...Speedy juco WR Cox (foot; 344 YR, 19 ypc) DNP vs. Tenn.-Martin and is out indefinitely. Soph co-starting RB Warren also DNP in win over Skyhawks after cracking a rib vs. La.-Monroe. Smaller, quicker sr. D. Smith has 251 YR and 3 TDs last 2 weeks.

ARMY...Soph QB Silva started vs. So. Miss, and his 6 ints. against Eagles broke school record that had stood since 1928. Top QB Nevels (hamstring) has been sidelined since opener and is out indefinitely. True frosh Dahman (groin) DNP vs. USM after hitting 39% for 132 YP with 3 ints. in prior 2 games. True frosh Bybee completed 3 of 7 for 53 yds. in relief of Silva against Eagles. Knight attack has generated 1 TD (scored when they were down 45-7 in 4th Q vs. Louisville) in last 3 games.

BAYLOR...Sloppy Bears have committed 14 TOs in first 4 games.

BOISE STATE...Sr. specialists P Schuttler & PK Calaycay returned to action vs. Utah State after sitting out first 3 games with injuries. Calaycay set school-record with 9 PATs in win over Aggies. Broncs might continue to use physical sr. WR Swillie (6-3, 214) at TE after he caught TDPs of 67 and 57 yds. in mismatches with USU LBs.

BYU...Cougs hoping extra week will help emerging soph star RB Whalen (416 YR, 6.6 ypc first 3 games!) get ready for Utah St. after he left in 2nd Q of loss at Ga. Tech with a groin injury.

CALIFORNIA...Starting sr. ILB Nixon (sprained knee) DNP vs. Wash. State. Starting soph OG Giesel sprained his knee in 3rd Q and did not return. Bears' lack of 2ndary depth was ruthlessly exposed by pass-happy Cougs, who threw for 474 yds. and 4 TDs.

CINCINNATI...Star QB Guidugli was cited for underage drinking last week but was in lineup vs. Temple.

CLEMSON...Starting DT Eason (sprained knee) was unable to practice last week.

COLORADO...Starting jr. QB Ochs, who sat out last 2 games after suffering his 3rd concussion in little more than a year, is transferring to Montana. Jr. OT Werth (knee) is thru for season.

COLORADO STATE...Starting sr. OLB Heald (knee) DNP at Nevada and is expected to miss about a month. Oft-injured sr. WR Cuppari hurt his shoulder attempting reverse vs. Wolf Pack.

CONNECTICUT...Starting sr. OT Krug (hand) & top WR soph Cutaia (knee) DNP vs. Ball State. Starting soph CB Perkins (knee) is thru for season, and backup CB M. Jones (shoulder) is not 100%. Backup DT Clarke (knee) is out indefinitely.

DUKE...Soph TB Dargan (ankle) has missed last 2 games, but starting jr. TB Douglas chipped in 73 YR vs. Navy after sitting out Fla. State game with his own ankle injury.

EAST CAROLINA...Starting jr. C White (knee), a leader on Pirate OL, DNP vs. West Va. and is expected to miss this week as well. Starting SS Heath (leg) also DNP in loss to Mounties.

FRESNO STATE...Top QB Grady sat out vs. Rice after re-aggravating hip injury that caused him to miss 2 earlier games. RS frosh Pinegar threw for 325 yds. and 3 TDP, including 77-yd. game-winner late in 4th Q, in win over Owls. Rice racked up 329 YR, as Bulldogs starting LB corps was mostly unavailable. OLB S. Williams (separated shoulder) & MLB Dailey (death in family) DNP, and OLB Adamo (dislocated elbow) played only briefly. Dailey is expected to return to action vs. Colo. State. Spate of injuries forced coaches to limit contact in practice last week.

GEORGIA...Bulldog offense (only 265 ypg vs. 3 Div. I-A opponents) yet to live up to prolific preseason billing, but defense & STs have scored 5 TDs in first 4 games. OL might get starting sr. OT Foster & RS frosh C Tanner back this week from injuries that have kept them out of action thus far. Reserve sr. DB B. Williams saw his first action of season vs. N. Mex. St. after sitting out 3 games on suspension.

GEORGIA TECH...Sackmeister DE Gathers (kidney ailment) will not return this season, nor will surprising DB-turned-RB Hollings (knee; 633 YR and 11 TDs!). Physical 6-2, 225 true frosh RB Eziemefe had 136 YR and didn't fumble in 32 carries at North Carolina. Sr. RB Ford (concussion) has sat out last 3 games. All-conf. sr. PK Manget DNP after straining his groin in warmups prior to game, and sr. Burnett missed his only FG attempt, from 38 yds., in win over Heels. Two valuable backups, CB Poree & DE Holiday, quit team.

HAWAII...Option-type backup QB Whieldon has returned to team after missing UTEP game for personal reasons. He is particularly valuable in short yardage situations, as coaches forced to go almost exclusively with shotgun formations for starting QB Chang, whose broken pinky makes him prone to fumbling snaps under center. Soph DB Elimimian (hamstring) DNP vs. SMU, but FS Peters (kidney) returned to action after missing previous few games.

ILLINOIS...True frosh FS T. Williams, who was on scout team little more than a week prior, started vs. Michigan. Starting FS M. Jackson (ankle) & 3rd-string FS Clark (hamstring) tried to play, but were quickly forced back to sidelines, and backup jr. FS Agyeman (hamstring) was unavailable. Williams made 8 tackles against Wolverines, but after getting torched for 408 YP in mortifying home loss to San Jose State, Illini gave up 4 TDP at Michigan.

IOWA...Jr. RB Greving sat out vs. Penn State due to lingering ankle sprain, but speedy jr. RB Russell, who missed Utah St. game with his own injury, returned vs. Lions and rushed for 142 yds. and a TD. Jr. LB Lewis (knee) will miss rest of season.

LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE...Sr. top WR & return specialist Dugas sat out opener and last game vs. UAB on 2 different suspensions.

LOUISIANA-MONROE...HC Keasler resigned prior to home loss to Ark. State. D.c. Collins will serve as interim HC for rest of season.

LOUISIANA TECH...Speedy WR T. Davis (concussion) DNP vs. Texas A&M and is expected to miss 1-2 more weeks.

MARSHALL...Soph WR Davis (110 catches last 1+ seasons) is out indefinitely after minor knee surgery, and star jr. WR Watts (20 TD catches LY) is still struggling with shoulder injury that kept him out of opener.

MIDDLE TENN. STATE...Check status of star RB Hicks, who DNP in home loss to Div. I-AA SE Missouri State.

MINNESOTA...Soph RB Barber (5-11, 200) missed his 3rd of Gophers' first 5 games, sitting out vs. Purdue after re-injuring his hamstring. Soph Jackson (5-11, 185) & talented but oft-injured jr. Tapeh (6-1, 223) combined for only 71 YR in loss to Boilers.

MISSISSIPPI...Steady starting sr. TE Ziegler (broken leg) & sr. OLB Goethie (broken foot), a 3-yr. starter, both suffered season-ending injuries vs. Vandy. NFL-caliber sr. MLB Strong (lingering ankle sprain) has missed 3 of Rebs first 4 games, but he hopes to be near 100% vs. Florida after bye last week. Ole Miss defense was plagued by poor tackling in giving up 257 YR and 3 4th-Q TDs in narrow win over Vandy. Scouts report RS frosh DBs Travis Johnson & Jeremy Ruffin likely to see more playing time at CB due to disappointing play of sr. starters Desmon Johnson & Chris Knight.

MISSISSIPPI STATE...RB Walker (bruised shoulder) saw only limited action vs. LSU. Sr. FB Griffith was top ground gainer with only 38 YR in loss to Tigers.

NEVADA...Starting OG Ross returned to action vs. Colo. State.

NEW MEXICO STATE...RS frosh QB Dombrowski has started last 2 games, hitting only 11 of 26 for 152 yds. in loss at Georgia after leading Aggies to win over rival New Mexico. Soph Pierce

(shoulder), who started first 2 games, saw brief action last week.
NORTH TEXAS...Former starting jr. QB Hall (pectoral muscle) is reportedly available but now listed as No. 2 on Mean Green depth chart behind RS frosh Smith, who has started last 4 games.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS...Top WR Fleck (59 catches LY) has been out since opener with lingering hamstring injury.

 

[CrazyHorse]

OHIO STATE...Star true frosh Clarett returned to action vs. Indiana after sitting out Cincy game following minor knee surgery, and he rushed 21 times for 104 yds. and 3 TDs in win over Hoosiers. Starting sr. DE Peterson (flu) & starting DT Anderson (calf) were not 100% vs. Indiana. True frosh OT Sims replaced jr. Douglas (sprained ankle) in starting lineup. Athletic soph WR Gamble (6-3, 180; team's 2nd-leading receiver) has been getting some playing time in Buckeye 2ndary, in addition to returning punts and kickoffs, and he ran for key 43-yd. TD on a reverse against Hoosiers.

OKLAHOMA...Starting soph H-back Clayton (knee) was held out vs. So. Florida.

OREGON STATE...Starting soph QB Anderson was banged-up early in USC game, but he continued to play at noticeably less than 100%. Anderson completed just 8 of 30 for only 80 yds. and was sacked 5 times in loss to Trojans. Jr. OT Kilkenny (leg) is thru for season.

PENN STATE...LB Ruhe (neck), a projected starter heading into season, might redshirt. PURDUE...Starting OLB L. Johnson returned to action vs. Minnesota after sitting out previous 2 games.

RICE...Top WR Boothe (groin) has been out since opener and might not return this season.

SOUTH CAROLINA...Top WR Adkisson, who missed last 3 games with knee injury, might return this week.

SOUTHERN CAL...Starting CB Nunn (knee), a juco A-A LY, DNP vs. Oreg. State and will miss rest of campaign. Starting sr. CB/PR Arbet suffered his own season-ending knee injury earlier TY. Sr. Rideaux has the only significant experience in talented group of remaining CBs that includes RS frosh Willie Buchanan Jr. (his dad played CB in NFL for 11 years), athletic true frosh Wyatt, and converted WR Allmond. Starting FS Hill (shoulder) left game against Beavers and did not return, as did starting OT Rogers (knee).

STANFORD...Top RB Carter (knee) & big-play jr. WR Powell (51 recs., 19 ypc last 1+ seasons) DNP at Arizona State. Starting jr. QB Lewis (5 ints. last 2 games) struggled again and was replaced by RS frosh Matter, who was also ineffective. HC Teevens went back to Lewis in 4th Q of Cardinal's worse Pac-10 loss since '87, and he was noncommital when asked who would start at QB this week vs. Notre Dame.

SYRACUSE...Starting jr. WR Morant (suspended for violating team rules) has not played last 2 games. Orange were hoping for break-through campaign from Morant (6-5, 221), who was one of nation's most highly-touted WR recruits in 2000. Sr. QB Nunes relieved struggling jr. Anderson (32%, no TDP, 6 ints. vs. Div. I-A opposition TY) at Auburn, and Nunes completed 9 of 10 for 80 yds. and threw game-tying 4th-Q TD pass in eventual OT loss to Tigers.

TENNESSEE...Starting soph DE Neal, starting sr. OG Herrera, and reserve soph WR Mo. Jones DNP vs. Rutgers because of suspensions for violating team rules.

TCU...Check status of starting QB Stilley (separated shoulder), who left early in 2nd half vs. No. Texas. Frogs had bye last week. RS frosh Gunn completed only 2 of 5 for 15 yds., but he threw a TDP and also ran for 24 yds. in win over Mean Green.

TEXAS...Star WR R. Williams (hamstring) & star CB/PR Vasher (ankle) were both held out of Tulane game. RS frosh LB Braden Johnson (knee) will miss rest of season.

TEXAS A&M...Sr. QB Farris, who had started 24 straight games entering this season, has slipped to No. 3 on depth chart. Aggie offense showed a little more spark vs. La. Tech after HC Slocum took play-calling duties away from o.c. Babers last week and gave them to receivers coach Sumlin. A&M attack had 444 total yds. and scored 4 TDs in win over Bulldogs after finding endzone only 5 times in previous 3 games. Insiders report Slocum made in-season changes in part to show flexibility to Aggie athletic director who came on board during Slocum's long tenure at school.

TEXAS-EL PASO...Starting QB Schaper (concussion) left in 2nd Q vs. San Jose State. RS frosh Cruz completed only 6 of 23 for 147 yds. (83 of those on 1 TDP) with 3 ints. in loss to Spartans.

TEXAS TECH...Starting DT Harmon (back) & speedy LB Turner (ankle) DNP at New Mexico.

TULANE...Versatile star RB Moore (no recs. vs. Texas) has been hampered by foot sprain.

 

[CrazyHorse]

UCLA...Starting sr. OT Saffer (rib) DNP vs. San Diego State and will miss 3-5 weeks. Huge 6-9, 330 RS frosh Blanton took Saffer's place in lineup against Aztecs. Soph FS Ware moved back to CB, where he was frosh A-A LY, against SDS so that Bruin 2ndary would match up better with Aztecs' spread attack and he could see additional time there in coming weeks.

UTAH STATE...RB R. Robinson, Aggies' top rusher as well as their leading KR & PR, has left team. And backup RB Samuel (concussion) sat out last week.

WAKE FOREST...Top WR Anderson, who has missed last 3 games with shoulder injury, might be available this week.

WASHINGTON...Star WR R. Williams (sprained knee) left in 2nd Q vs. Idaho and did not return.

WASHINGTON STATE...Sr. WR Riley, who had been out since opener, returned to action vs. Cal and had 7 catches for 139 yds. and a TD in win over Bears. TE West (ankle) DNP and will miss about 3 more weeks, and TE Taylor is out for season.

WEST VIRGINIA...Starting QB Marshall dislocated the pinky finger on his throwing hand in 1st half vs. E. Carolina but continued to play. Marshall completed just 6 passes for 33 yds. as Mounties rolled up Big East-record 536 YR in win over Pirates. WR Nastasi (ankle) DNP and will probably miss this week.

WESTERN MICHIGAN...Starting sr. WR Mosley (foot) saw his first significant action of season vs. Va. Tech and caught 7 passes for 66 yds. in loss to Hokies.

WISCONSIN...Star WR Evans, who's been out since spring knee surgery, hopes to return for Big 10 opener vs. Penn State this week.

 

[CrazyHorse]

CLEMSON at FLORIDA ST (-17): Florida State (4-1 SU, 1-4 ATS) got a wake up call against Louisville last week and that could be bad news for Clemson (3-1 SU&ATS). Now the Seminoles will be focused instead of looking ahead to next week's titanic clash with Miami. FSU has won 10 in a row against the Tigers and handled them with ease in the last three meetings in Tallahassee, winning by an average margin of 42 points. Clemson has cashed in five of its last six, overall, and at a 5-1-1 clip in its last seven on the road. The Tigers are also 11-4-1 ATS as conference dogs of seven points or more. The Seminoles have cashed in three of the last four series battles and are 5-1 ATS at home off a road loss. They are also 14-3 ATS at home versus top-level teams. Florida State, however, is only 2-7 ATS in its last nine home appearances. The host has cashed at a 5-1-1 clip in the last seven series tussles.

COLORADO ST (-4) at FRESNO ST: Fresno State (2-3 SU&ATS) has been a great play as a home dog, getting the money in 9 of its last 11. The Bulldogs are 25-4 SU at home since '97 and 19-12 ATS since '96. Colorado State (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) has come up short ATS in three of its last four against Fresno State, losing 44-13 in its last visit in '99. The Rams have 'covered' six of their last seven as road favorites of between 3 ? and seven points and in six of seven as teams with a losing record. They are also 57-33 ATS on grass.

BYU (-16) at UTAH ST: After a week off, BYU (2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS) returns to the wars against Utah State (1-4 SU, 1-3 ATS). The Cougars have won six in a row against the Aggies (4-2 ATS), but are just 1-5 ATS the last three years against terrible teams. They could have a field day this week against a Utah State defense that has been torched for 42.2 points per game. The Aggies are 3-10 ATS versus non-conference competition the past three seasons.

ARKANSAS at TENNESSEE (-13): The Volunteers still haven't recovered from their 30-13 thrashing at the hands of Florida. Tennessee (3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS), a 40 ?-point favorite, trailed Rutgers 14-7 at the half last week before coming out of its coma long enough to emerge with a 35-14 victory. Arkansas (2-1 SU&ATS) was KO'd by Alabama, 30-12 in Fayetteville (just their fourth home loss since '98). The Razorbacks have cashed in 8 of their last 10 as dogs, but are only 12-19 ATS on the road since '96. They have 'covered' six of their last seven against top-level teams. The Vols have won eight of nine against Arkansas but came up short ATS in four of the last five meetings. Tennessee has also stumbled in 8 of its last 11 SEC outings ATS. Four of the last five series confrontations have soared 'over' the total.

WAKE FOREST at GEORGIA TECH (-12 ?): The home team has dominated this series, getting the cash in the last seven meetings. Wake Forest (2-3 SU, 1-4 ATS) has been a solid play as the underdog, getting the job done at a 7-2-1 clip. Georgia Tech (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) has 'covered' three of four in the favorite's role in 2002 after stumbling in 7 of 10 last year.

MARYLAND at WEST VIRGINIA (-2 ?): After suffering through a 3-8 season in his first year at the helm, West Virginia (3-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) coach Rich Rodriguez has his team in high gear. The Mountaineers have 'covered' four of their last six against Maryland (3-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) and the home team in the series is 5-1-1 ATS. The Terrapins have cashed in 12 of their last 17 in ACC play. They are only 6-17 ATS on the road when facing a team with a winning record and have failed in 16 of 22 against top-level teams.

PITT at SYRACUSE (-3): The Orangemen have won 10 in a row against Pittsburgh (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS), coming up short in three of the last five ATS. Syracuse (1-3 SU, 1-2 ATS) disappointed a lot of bettors last week when it took heavily supported Auburn into overtime before coming up short, 37-34. The Orangemen have 'covered' 14 of their last 19 at home and 12 of their last 16 as favorites. They are also 14-2 SU and 12-4 ATS at home in October. The Panthers have failed to get the money in four of the last five meetings at Syracuse and in 19 of the last 26 series battles.

VIRGINIA (-13) at DUKE: After topping the go against list last season when they dropped 9 of 11 ATS, Duke (2-3 SU, 4-1 ATS) has prospered in 2001. The Blue Devils have 'covered' six of their last eight against Virginia (3-2 SU&ATS), including three of four at home. They have stumbled in seven of their last nine ATS in Durham since 2000. The Cavaliers have averaged 42 points per game in rolling to three wins in a row and will be looking to capture four in a row for the first time since '98.

FLORIDA (-13) at MISSISSIPPI: After trouncing Tennessee, the Gators suffered a letdown last week against Kentucky but survived, 41-34. Florida (4-1 SU, 2-3 ATS) is meeting Mississippi (3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS) for the first time since 1995. The Gators are 26-10 ATS on the road in SEC play. The Rebels are only 4-9 ATS in their last 13 opportunities as home dogs and just 10-20 ATS in October.

PURDUE at IOWA (-8 ?): Iowa (4-1 SU, 3-1-1 ATS) has been looking forward to this rematch against Purdue (3-2 SU, 1-2-1 ATS) since losing in West Lafayette 23-14 last season. The Hawkeyes crept into the Big-10 title picture by holding off a furious Penn State comeback to win in overtime, 42-35. Iowa is 8-2-1 ATS at home and 7-3-1 ATS in its last 11 chances as favorites. The Boilermakers are 4-10-1 ATS as underdogs since '98 and 1-7 ATS on road grass. This is only the fourth meeting between the conference rivals since 1994 with Purdue getting the money in the last two but failing in 8 of the last 12.

ILLINOIS at MINNESOTA (-3 ?): After cruising to four straight non-conference wins against so-so opposition, Minnesota (4-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) opened Big-10 play by taking it on the chin at Purdue, 28-15. Illinois (1-4 SU, 1-3-1 ATS) has dropped three of its last four visits to Minnesota ATS but the underdog has cashed in six of the last nine series encounters. The Fighting Illini is 1-6 ATS in its last seven appearance under a dome.

TEXAS TECH at TEXAS A&M (-6): The Red Raiders have dominated this series, getting the 'cover' in 10 of the last 13 meetings, including seven of the last eight and four of five at Texas A&M (3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS). Texas Tech (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS) has averaged 46.3 points in its last three games but hasn't faced a defense as good as the Aggies, who have limited the opposition to 8.8 points per game. The Red Raiders are 31-17 ATS in Big-12 play since '96 and 18-7 ATS in their last 25 versus top-level competition. They have also cashed 28 of 36 in October. The last three series encounters have slipped 'under' with Texas Tech prevailing last season, 12-0 in Lubbock.

ARMY at EAST CAROLINA (-20): Army (0-4 SU, 1-2 ATS) is worth a look this week. The Cadets have 'covered' in six of their last seven as road dogs of 21 ? or more and they have cashed 21 of their last 32 in October. The home team has been on the short end in the last five series tests with Army losing 49-26 last season at West Point. East Carolina (1-3 SU&ATS) has stumbled in six of its last seven ATS and is only 3-8 ATS in Greeneville since 2000. The Pirates are 5-12-1 ATS at home in October.

KANSAS at BAYLOR (-3): Kansas (2-3 SU, 2-2 ATS) looks to post back-to-back wins for the first time since 2000. The Jayhawks won on the road last week at Tulsa for just the fourth time in their last 27 tries. Baylor (2-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) had last week off after also whipping Tulsa in its last trip to the post. The Bears are a dismal 4-21-1 ATS in conference play and 6-13 ATS in Waco since '99. They have 'covered' three in a row in the rare role of favorite but are only 1-6 ATS following a bye. Kansas is 6-19 ATS on the highway and 12-26 on the road in Big-12 action. They have also dropped 22 of 32 as road underdogs.

STANFORD at NOTRE DAME: Notre Dame (4-0 SU, 3-0-1 ATS) will likely have to get by without quarterback Carlyle Holiday this week against Stanford (1-2 SU&ATS). The Cardinal defense was exposed last week against Arizona State and has surrendered an average of 41.7 points per game. The Fighting Irish had last week off after coming from behind to upend Michigan State, 21-17 on Sept. 21. Notre Dame has prospered against the Pac-10, getting the money in 15 of 21 and have cashed six of its last nine against Stanford. The visitor has lost the last six series meetings SU but cashed in 7 of the last 10.

NAVY at AIR FORCE (-23 ?): This looks like a great spot to take the points with Navy (1-3 SU&ATS). After stumbling in two straight games as the favorite, the Middies return to the familiar role of big dogs and, in that situation, have 'covered' 11 of 13. Air Force (4-0 SU&ATS) is flying high but faces bitter Mountain West rival BYU next week and Notre Dame on Oct. 19. The Falcons have won 19 of their last 22 against Navy but are only 3-7 ATS in the last 10 wars between the service academies. Air Force is just 1-6 as home favorites of 21 ? or more and the host team has dropped nine of the last 14 series tests ATS. The Midshipmen are 26-9 as road dogs and have cashed 26 of their last 37 on grass.

HOUSTON at TCU (-14): The Horned Frogs have held the upper hand against Houston (2-2 SU, 3-1 ATS), cashing in 12 of the last 16 series tussles. TCU (3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS) has won three in a row since opening the season with a 36-29 loss at Cincinnati. The Horned Frogs have 'covered' 13 of their last 17 at home, coming up short in both chances this season. They are 6-1 as home favorites of between 10 ? and 14 points, however. This is just the second meeting between the two schools since '95 with TCU romping 34-17 at Houston last year. The Cougars have failed in 16 of their last 21 conference games ATS but have 'covered' 8 of 10 following a bye.

 

[CrazyHorse]

SAN JOSE ST (-3 ?) at SMU: Coach Fitz Hill has done a great job at San Jose St. (3-2 SU, 4-1 ATS) in his second season at the helm. The Spartans cruised to a 58-24 win over hapless UTEP in their WAC opener and could be a factor in the conference race. SMU (0-5 SU, 2-3 ATS) boss Phil Bennett has had a rough initiation in Dallas, dropping five straight by an average margin of 24 points per game. The Spartans have 'covered' three of four on the road in 2002 and are 7-1 ATS in their last eight chances against terrible teams.

KANSAS ST (-2 ?) at COLORADO: Kansas State (4-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) makes its road debut after outscoring its four opponents at home, 206-36. The Wildcats have cashed in three of their last four versus Colorado (2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS) but have come up short in 12 of the last 17 series shootouts ATS. Kansas State has won six of its last eight conference openers and cashed at a 5-2-1 clip. The Buffs are a dazzling 15-3 as underdogs since '98 and they have 'covered' 10 of 12 at home against the Wildcats. Colorado has dropped four of the last five SU against Kansas State and is only 12-27 ATS in Boulder during October.

CALIFORNIA at WASHINGTON (-13): The Huskies open their Pac-10 season and play their first competitive opponent since losing to Michigan in the season opener. Washington (3-1 SU, 1-2-1 ATS) has failed to get the money in its last three against California (3-2 SU&ATS) and the home team in this rivalry is 1-5 ATS in the last six battles. The Golden Bears are 3-0 ATS in their last three visits to Seattle and 10-5 ATS in October. Cal has also came out on top in five of its last six ATS on turf.

PENN ST at WISCONSIN (-2 ?): Penn State (3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) hits the road for the first time in 2002 and it has cashed in 12 of its last 15 road openers. Wisconsin (5-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) has also gotten off to a quick start in Big-10 play, 'covering' 8 of 11 openers, but failed in three of its last five debuts. The Badgers are 4-1 ATS against the Nittany Lions, getting the spread decision in the last two meetings in Madison. Penn State is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 road outings while Wisconsin is just 5-12 ATS at home since 2000.

OREGON (-7) at ARIZONA: The Ducks are an amazing 12-3 ATS in their last 15 road openers while Arizona (3-1 SU, 1-2 ATS) has stubbed its toe at a 4-11-1 clip ATS in its 16 Pac-10 debuts. Oregon (4-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) had last week off after blanking Portland St in its last trip to the post. The Ducks are 8-3 ATS against the Wildcats, getting the money in three of the last four in Tucson. Last year Oregon trounced Arizona here last season, 63-28, one of six 'covers' in six tries on the road in 2001. The Wildcats, on the other hand, are 2-12 ATS at home and 0-8 ATS in conference play. They have also bumbled in six of their last seven as home underdogs.

GEORGIA at ALABAMA (-3 ?): Georgia (4-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) and Alabama (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) lock horns for the first time since '95. The Bulldogs have been a solid play on the highway, getting the money in six of their last seven and they have cashed in eight of their last nine as underdogs. The Crimson Tide are just 7-13 ATS as favorites since 2000 but are 8-3 ATS prior to a bye week. Points could be hard to come by as Alabama has limited its last three opponents to a total of 26 points while Georgia has held its last three foes to a total of 24 points.

MISSISSIPPI ST at SOUTH CAROLINA (-4 ?): The Gamecocks have lost six of their last nine SU against Mississippi State (1-3 SU, 0-3 ATS), getting blanked three times in the process. South Carolina (3-2 SU, 1-4 ATS) has cashed against the Bulldogs in the last two meetings but is 3-6 ATS in the last nine and just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 home games, overall. The Bulldogs have 'covered' 24 of their last 35 as road dogs and are 10-3 ATS on the highway when getting seven points or less. The underdog has prevailed in their series in 8 of the last 10.

UCLA at OREGON ST (-4): Can Oregon State (4-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) possibly be as bad as it looked last week against USC? After outscoring its first four foes by a combined score of 190-49, the Beavers were totally helpless offensively against the stout Trojan defense. UCLA (3-1 SU&ATS) rebounded from its first loss of the season to shut down San Diego State, 43-7. The Bruins are a dismal 4-16 ATS in their last 20 Pac-10 openers and 3-8-1 ATS versus the Beavers. Oregon State has 'covered' 10 of its last 11 as home favorites and are 10-2 ATS when facing teams with a winning record. They are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against UCLA but were an underdog in all seven. The Beavers have dropped seven of their last nine conference openers ATS.

USC (-2) at WASHINGTON ST: The Trojans look like they are for real but remember they got off to a 3-1 start in 2000 only to lose six of their next eight. USC (3-1 SU, 2-1-1 ATS) has 'covered' in three of its last four visits to Washington State (4-1 SU, 3-1 ATS). The Cougars whipped the Trojans at the Coliseum last season, 33-27. They are only 4-11 ATS at home in October. Six of the last nine series tussles topped the total.

OKLAHOMA (-13 ?) at MISSOURI: Missouri (3-1 SU&ATS) looks to snap a 42-game losing streak against Top 10 teams. The Tigers have averaged 36.5 points per game against suspect opposition. They will receive a true test against an Oklahoma (4-0 SU, 1-3 ATS) that has allowed just 10.3 points per game and pitched two shutouts. The Sooners have won 13 of their last 14 against Missouri, posting a 14-7-1 ATS mark.

OKLAHOMA ST at TEXAS (-24): The Longhorns haven't been caught looking ahead to Oklahoma recently, getting the money in seven of nine prior to their annual shootout. Texas (4-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) has cashed three straight against Oklahoma State (2-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) and outscored the Cowboys 87-24 in the last two meetings. The Big-12 rivals have combined to average 63.3 points per game since '96, 40.8 for Texas and 22.5 for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have dropped 11 of their last 16 on the road ATS and are just 8-19 as dogs since '98. The Longhorns are 14-5-1 ATS at home in October.

OHIO ST (-25) at NORTHWESTERN: Ohio State (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) looks to open the season with six straight wins for the first time since 1998 when they went 11-1 and whipped Texas A&M in the Sugar Bowl. The Buckeyes have won 19 straight against Northwestern (2-3 SU&ATS) but are just 3-4 ATS in their last seven trips to Evanston. Ohio State has prospered against losing teams, getting the money in 19 of its last 27. The Wildcats are 0-7 ATS in their last seven home games but they have managed to get the cheese in five of their last six against top-level teams.

LA TECH (-6) at RICE: Rice (0-4 SU, 2-2 ATS) has been anything but nice in 2002, losing four in a row while giving up 28.5 points per game. The Owls have been a great play as a home dog, however, getting the money in 16 of their last 20 and they are 19-5 ATS in Houston during October. Louisiana Tech (2-3 SU&ATS) takes a drop in class after being outgunned by Penn State and Texas A&M the last two weeks. The Bulldogs have failed in 7 of their last 10 on artificial turf.

HAWAII at BOISE ST (-1 ?): The Broncos have won 18 of their last 19 at home but they will receive a stiff test from a very talented Hawaii (4-0 SU, 3-0 ATS) squad. Boise State (3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) has cashed 9 of its last 11 as home favorites and 9 of its last 11 when facing a team with a winning record. The Rainbows are 7-3 ATS in conference road games under coach June Jones. Hawaii is 8-4 ATS in October while the Broncos have cashed six of seven during the month.

NEVADA (-1) at UNLV: This could be the best team Nevada (2-2 SU, 4-0 ATS) has fielded since 1996 when it went 9-3 and advanced to the Last Vegas Bowl. UNLV (1-3 SU, 0-3 ATS) supporters are running out of patience with coach John Robinson's rebuilding program. The Rebels have managed to handle the Wolfpack SU&ATS the past two years after losing seven of the previous eight series tests. Nevada is 6-12 ATS on grass. UNLV has dropped 16 of its last 24 at home ATS.

NORTH CAROLINA at ARIZONA ST (-9): Coach Dirk Koetter has turned things around in Tempe after Arizona State (4-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) opened its season with a 48-10 loss at Nebraska. Since then the Sun Devils have won four in a row by an average margin of 30.8 points per game. ASU has cashed six straight at home against non-conference opponents and are 20-6-1 ATS in October. North Carolina (1-3 SU&ATS) is 24-13-1 ATS on the road since '96 but could be looking ahead to an ACC showdown with arch rival North Carolina State next week.

WESTERN MICHIGAN (-13 ?) at BUFFALO: Western Michigan (1-3 SU, 2-1 ATS) has been a money burner as road chalk, failing in 17 of 24 opportunities since '93. The Broncos have cashed in 17 of their last 24 in October. Buffalo (1-4 SU, 3-1 ATS) is 5-1 ATS in its last six versus teams with losing records and it has cashed seven of its last eight MAC home outings.

MIAMI (O) at CINCINNATI (-7): The Bearcats could suffer a hangover after narrowly losing last week to Ohio State. There have also been a lot of distractions on campus this week after head basketball coach Bob Huggins suffered a heart attack, The Bearcats are 5-2 ATS in their last seven tries against the MAC and they are 11-4 ATS at home since '2000. Cincinnati is also 7-1 ATS as home chalk of between 3 ? and seven points. Miami (O) (3-2 SU, 2-2-1 ATS) is 9-5-1 ATS as an underdog since '2000. They have lost four of their last six against the Bearcats SU&ATS.

MARSHALL (-13) at KENT: Marshall (2-1 SU, 0-2 ATS) has won its last five against Kent (2-3 SU, 1-2 ATS) by a combined score of 188-73, getting the money in three of the five. The Golden Flashes have 'covered' 8 of their last 11 as dogs but are just 1-5 ATS at home when getting between 7 ? and 14 points. The Thundering Herd are 1-5 ATS in their last six on the road against teams with a losing record.

 

[CrazyHorse]

NORTHERN ILLINOIS (-3) at BALL ST: Northern Illinois (1-4 SU, 2-2 ATS) has cashed in four of its last five against Ball State (2-2 SU, 2-1 ATS). The Cardinals are 12-26 ATS in conference play the last five years, failing to cash 8 of their last 10 against bad teams and 13 of 17 against teams with a losing record.

OHIO at BOWLING GREEN (-23): The Falcons have held the upper hand against Ohio (1-4 SU, 2-2 ATS), getting the money in eight of the last dozen confrontations. Bowling Green (3-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) is a sparkling 16-4 ATS at home since '98 and 8-2-1 ATS as favorites. They have also cashed 12 of their last 15 when facing teams with a losing record. Ohio has managed to get the money at a 25-15-1 clip in October since '92.

MTSU (-20 ?) at ARKANSAS ST: Middle Tennessee State (0-4 SU, 2-1 ATS) goes from running with handicap horses to the claiming ranks. The Blue Raiders get a chance to pick on Arkansas State (2-3 SU&ATS) after facing SEC teams the first three weeks of the season. MTSU was 0-4 ATS last October. The Indians have cashed seven of their last nine as home underdogs.

AKRON (-9 ?) at EMU: Eastern Michigan (2-3 SU, 0-3 ATS) has 'covered' in its last four against Akron (0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS) but this isn't exactly a vintage edition of the Eagles. EMU has been torched for an average of 48.6 points per game and its two wins have come against SE Mo St and Southern Illinois. The Zips are 5-9 ATS when favored since '99 and 1-7 ATS in their last eight MAC road openers. The Eagles have won five of the last seven series meetings, getting the cash on six occasions since '94.

TULANE (-13 ?) at UL MONROE: The Green Wave are another team taking a drop in class after providing cannon fodder for Texas last week. Tulane (2-3 SU&ATS) has lost three in a row since opening the season with wins over Southern and Houston. They have failed in 8 of their last 10 ATS in non-conference action. UL Monroe (0-4 SU, 1-2 ATS) has lost 9 of its last 11 SU and is 2-11-1 ATS against non-conference foes.

CONNECTICUT at MIAMI (-46): Connecticut (2-3 SU, 4-1 ATS) has been a solid play as a big dog, getting the job done in six of seven when getting 20 points or more. The Huskies have also 'covered' six of their last eight on the road and 13 of 17 as underdogs. Miami (4-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) will try to stay interested while looking forward to a showdown with Florida State next week. The Canes are 15-7 ATS at home since '98 and 27-12 ATS as favorites.

UL LAFAYETTE at LSU (-29): LSU (3-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) has won 18 straight against UL Lafayette (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS). The Tigers are only 14-30 ATS as home favorites since '92 and 14-24-1 ATS at home in October. The Ragin' Cajuns are 2-6 ATS both in their last eight on the road and last eight in non-conference play. They have dropped six in a row ATS against teams with winning records.

UTEP at NEW MEXICO ST (-17): New Mexico State (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS) has disappointed in six of its last seven when favored. UTEP (1-4 SU, 0-4 ATS) has lost four in a row and given up an average of 58.5 points per game. The Miners have stumbled in five of their last six against teams with a losing record and are 3-8 ATS prior to a bye.

SOUTH FLORIDA at NORTH TEXAS (PK): North Texas (1-4 SU, 3-1 ATS) came out on top in the first series meetings, 28-10 last year. The Eagles have cashed six straight in Denton. South Florida (2-2 ATS, 2-1 ATS) is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 on artificial turf.