another write-up :
Arizona State Sun Devils (0-0) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0)
Lincoln will be the sight, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers host the Arizona State Sun Devils. Nebraska is a heavy favorite in this lid lifter. The Sun Devils were just 4-7 last year, while the Cornhuskers went 11-1. The Huskers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against Pac 10 teams.
First-year head coach Dirk Koetter will bring an exciting brand of offense to Tempe. He does have his work cut out for him however, as he takes over a young squad. It begins over center, as sophomore Andrew Walter will start, after playing just two games in 2001. The running game is also inexperienced with Mike Williams, Hakim Hill and Cornell Candidate all expected to get carries. Shaun McDonald (47-1,104-10) lead the receiving crop. Koetter went out and signed several JUCO players to bolster his defense, led by transfer Shane Jones, who will line up inside. End Terrell Suggs is solid outside. Solomon Bates is the clubs top linebacker. The secondary is sound, led by Jason Shivers and Alfred Williams.
Frank Solich has to rebuild at quarterback after losing Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch. Jammal Lord will be the man. Lord can definitely run, but time will tell how complete he can be. The running game is typical of a Huskers team, with Dahrran Diedrick leading the charge. Diedrick rushed for 1,299 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. Thunder Collins will also see a lot of work. Wilson Thomas is the leading wideout. The Huskers defense was suspect at best last year, especially toward the end of the season. They'll be better in 2002. Ends Chris Kelsey and Demoine Adams will anchor the line, along with nose tackle Jon Clanton. The secondary looks good, with DeJuan Groce and Willie Amos leading the group.
Iowa State Cyclones (0-0) vs. Florida State Seminoles (0-0)
The Iowa State Cyclones and Florida State Seminoles open their seasons in Kansas City. They Cyclones went 7-5 a year ago, while the Seminoles were a disappointing 8-4 and just 6-5 ATS. This is the first time in more than 20 years the Cyclones are facing an ACC team. The Seminoles look primed for a big year and are favored by three touchdowns in this opener.
The Cyclones have an exciting signal-caller in senior Seneca Wallace, who threw for 2,044 yards and rushed for 475 more. Wallace will be well protected by a fine offensive line led by Bob Montgomery and center Zach Butler. The running game is up for grabs and very inexperienced. JaMaine Billups, who is prone to the fumble is expected to start. He rushed just 20 times for 49 yards last year. Lane Danielson (54-751-4) is Wallace's top target. The Cyclones defense was good in 2001 and will should be better in 2002, as they return seven starters. The secondary is strong, with Atif Austin, Harold Clewis and Marc Timmons. Juniors Tyson Smith and Jordan Carstans anchor a solid line.
The Seminoles will ride their talented quarterback Chris Rix, who completed 165-of-286 passes for 2,734 yards and 24 touchdowns as a freshman. All five starters from the offensive line return. Greg Jones, Nick Maddox and freshman Lorenzo Booker will handle the rushing chores. Talman Gardner is the teams top receiver, but watch for sophomore Craphonso Thorpe, a tall speedster. The defense will be improved, after recording only 14 sacks, Bobby Bowden went out and found some pass rushers. Linebackers Michael Boulware and Kendyll Pope will lead the group. Tackle Darnell Dockett anchors the defensive line. The secondary is quick and should be fine.
