Alabama leads the series 20-23. However, Florida is the only team Alabama has faced in the SEC Championship Game and the Crimson Tide is 2-3 in those games. Florida is 6-2 when playing in the SEC Championship game with the losses being to Alabama.
Most people are expecting this to be a high scoring affair. I wouldn't be surprised if the opposite occurs. Both teams field extremely talented and stingy defenses. The deciding factor in this game will be the player taking the snaps.
Would you rather have Tim Tebow or John Parker Wilson guiding your team? I always trust a person with two names rather than three.
Florida 20, Alabama 14
Random Notes
Florida
The Good
Has a nation’s best plus 1.75 turnover margin.
Leads the SEC in rushing (237.1), scoring (46.3) and total (449.4) offense.
The defense is holding opponents to 12.25 points per game.
Alabama
The Good
Second in the SEC averaging 201.5 rushing yards per game.
The defense is ranked second in the nation holding opponents to 73.6 rushing yards per game.
The Crimson Tide defense is ranked third in the nation in total defense.
Alabama’s defense is holding opponents to 11.5 points per game, third in the nation best in SEC.
The Bad
Alabama Ranks 97th in the country in passing offense.
The Crimson Tide are 106th in the nation in kickoff returns.
Players
Quarterback
UF- Tim Tebow 160/246 (.650), 2,200 yards, 25 TD, 2 INT
BAMA- John Parker Wilson 157/268 (.586), 1,909 yards, 9 TD, 5 INT
Rushing
UF- Chris Rainey 654 yards, 8.0 ypc, 4 TD
UF- Percy Harvin 538 yards, 8.8 ypc, 9 TD
BAMA- Glen Coffee 1,235 yards, 6.2 ypc, 9 TD
BAMA- Mark Ingram 681 yards, 5.4 ypc, 11 TD
Receiving
UF- Percy Harvin 595 yards, 35 rec., 17.0 ypr, 7 TD
UF- Louis Murphy 525 yards, 32 rec., 16.4 ypr, 6 TD
BAMA- Julio Jones 723 yards, 46 rec., 15.7 ypr, 4 TD
BAMA- Nick Walker 262 yards, 26 rec., 10.1 ypr, 2 TD
Defense
UF- Carlos Dunlap .75 sacks per game Tied for first in SEC, 12 TFL.
UF- Brandon Spikes has recorded 80 tackles this season.
BAMA- Rolando McClain 3 sacks, 82 tackles, 11 TFL.
Team Stats
Florida
Rushing- 237.1
Passing- 212.3
Total- 449.4
PF- 46.3
PA- 12.3
Alabama
Rushing- 201.5
Passing- 169.3
Total- 370.8
PF- 32.1
PA- 11.5
Thursday, December 4, 2008
No. 20 Missouri at No. 2 Oklahoma (Minus 17)
Last year Oklahoma destroyed Missouri’s BCS Championship dreams by defeating the top-ranked Tigers 38-17. This year Missouri has a chance to return the favor by ending a seven game losing streak to Oklahoma.
I'm hoping that Missouri does pull off the upset to right the wrong the Big 12 imposed on Texas. However, I'm hoping it happens more so for the fact that there will be even more controversy over the BCS.
Missouri 38, Oklahoma 27
Random Notes
Missouri
The Good
The offense is ranked fourth in the nation in passing (344.3) and scoring (45 ppg) offense.
The Tigers rank 6th in total offense (509.4 ypg).
Missouri is second in the Big 12 in scoring defense (24.7 ppg).
The defense leads the Big 12 averaging 8.0 tackles for loss per game.
The Bad
The pass defense is last in the Big 12 and 116th in the nation allowing 277.1 passing yards a game.
The Tigers rank 91st in total defense.
Players
Quarterback
MIZZ- Chase Daniel 331/441 (.751), 3,880 yards, 34 TD, 13 INT
OU- Sam Bradford 268/393 (.682), 4,080 yards, 46 TD, 6 INT
Rushing
MIZZ- Derrick Washington 963 yards, 6.3 ypc, 17 TD
MIZZ- Jeremy Maclin 248 yards, 7.3 ypc, 2 TD
OU- DeMarco Murray 1,002 yards, 5.6 ypc, 14 TD
OU- Chris Brown 988 yards, 5.9 ypc, 17 TD
Receiving
MIZZ- Jeremy Maclin 1,175 yards, 88 rec., 13.4 ypr, 11 TD
MIZZ- Chase Coffman 872 yards, 79 rec., 11.0 ypr, 9 TD
OU- Juaquin Iglesias 967 yards, 60 rec., 16.1 ypr, 8 TD
OU- Jermaine Gresham 806 yards, 50 rec., 16.1 ypr, 12 TD
Defense
MIZZ- Sean Weatherspoon leads the team in tackles 126, TFL 16 and interceptions 3.
OU- Jeremy Beal leads the team with 7.5 sacks and 14 TFL.
Team Stats
Missouri
Rushing- 165.2
Passing- 344.3
Total- 509.5
PF- 45
PA- 24.7
Oklahoma
Rushing- 202.4
Passing- 354.3
Total- 556.7
PF- 53.3
PA- 24.8
I'm hoping that Missouri does pull off the upset to right the wrong the Big 12 imposed on Texas. However, I'm hoping it happens more so for the fact that there will be even more controversy over the BCS.
Missouri 38, Oklahoma 27
Random Notes
Missouri
The Good
The offense is ranked fourth in the nation in passing (344.3) and scoring (45 ppg) offense.
The Tigers rank 6th in total offense (509.4 ypg).
Missouri is second in the Big 12 in scoring defense (24.7 ppg).
The defense leads the Big 12 averaging 8.0 tackles for loss per game.
The Bad
The pass defense is last in the Big 12 and 116th in the nation allowing 277.1 passing yards a game.
The Tigers rank 91st in total defense.
Players
Quarterback
MIZZ- Chase Daniel 331/441 (.751), 3,880 yards, 34 TD, 13 INT
OU- Sam Bradford 268/393 (.682), 4,080 yards, 46 TD, 6 INT
Rushing
MIZZ- Derrick Washington 963 yards, 6.3 ypc, 17 TD
MIZZ- Jeremy Maclin 248 yards, 7.3 ypc, 2 TD
OU- DeMarco Murray 1,002 yards, 5.6 ypc, 14 TD
OU- Chris Brown 988 yards, 5.9 ypc, 17 TD
Receiving
MIZZ- Jeremy Maclin 1,175 yards, 88 rec., 13.4 ypr, 11 TD
MIZZ- Chase Coffman 872 yards, 79 rec., 11.0 ypr, 9 TD
OU- Juaquin Iglesias 967 yards, 60 rec., 16.1 ypr, 8 TD
OU- Jermaine Gresham 806 yards, 50 rec., 16.1 ypr, 12 TD
Defense
MIZZ- Sean Weatherspoon leads the team in tackles 126, TFL 16 and interceptions 3.
OU- Jeremy Beal leads the team with 7.5 sacks and 14 TFL.
Team Stats
Missouri
Rushing- 165.2
Passing- 344.3
Total- 509.5
PF- 45
PA- 24.7
Oklahoma
Rushing- 202.4
Passing- 354.3
Total- 556.7
PF- 53.3
PA- 24.8
No. 5 USC at UCLA (Plus 33)
USC defeated UCLA 24-7 in 2007 and leads the series 42-28-7. However, the Trojans lost 9-13 in 2006 and are 4-9 in the last 13 games played at UCLA. With a victory over the Bruins USC will claim its seventh straight Pac-10 title.
Wearing their home shirt, away shirt or going shirtless USC should be able to handle the Bruins. UCLA's offense averages 208.7 yards passing and only 86 yards rushing per game. That is too one dimensional to give the Trojans much of a scare.
If Oklahoma loses USC should be off to Miami.
USC 48, UCLA 13
Players
Quarterback
USC- Mark Sanchez 195/298 (.654), 2,525 yards, 28 TD, 9 INT
UCLA- Kevin Craft 221/389 (.568), 2,252 yards, 7 TD, 19 INT
Rushing
USC- C.J. Gable 601 yards, 6.1 ypc, 8 TD
USC- Stafon Johnson 595 yards, 5.6 ypc, 8 TD
UCLA- Kahlil Bell 358 yards, 2.8 ypc, 7 TD
UCLA- Derrick Coleman 285 yards, 5.5 ypc, 2 TD
Receiving
USC- Damian Williams 639 yards, 45 rec., 14.2 ypr, 7 TD
USC- Patrick Turner 586 yards, 40 rec., 14.7 ypr, 9 TD
UCLA- Taylor Embre 521 yards, 39 rec., 13.4 ypr, 0 TD
UCLA- Terrence Austin 427 yards, 49 rec., 8.7 ypr, 1 TD
Defense
USC- Rey Maualuga leads the team with 6.8 tackles a game.
USC- Kyle Moore leads the team with 5 sacks and 9.5 TFL.
UCLA- Reggie Carter leads the team with 77 tackles.
Team Stats
USC
Rushing- 205.7
Passing- 245.1
Total- 450.8
PF- 38.4
PA- 7.8
UCLA
Rushing- 86
Passing- 208.7
Total- 294.7
PF- 18.6
PA- 29.1
Wearing their home shirt, away shirt or going shirtless USC should be able to handle the Bruins. UCLA's offense averages 208.7 yards passing and only 86 yards rushing per game. That is too one dimensional to give the Trojans much of a scare.
If Oklahoma loses USC should be off to Miami.
USC 48, UCLA 13
Players
Quarterback
USC- Mark Sanchez 195/298 (.654), 2,525 yards, 28 TD, 9 INT
UCLA- Kevin Craft 221/389 (.568), 2,252 yards, 7 TD, 19 INT
Rushing
USC- C.J. Gable 601 yards, 6.1 ypc, 8 TD
USC- Stafon Johnson 595 yards, 5.6 ypc, 8 TD
UCLA- Kahlil Bell 358 yards, 2.8 ypc, 7 TD
UCLA- Derrick Coleman 285 yards, 5.5 ypc, 2 TD
Receiving
USC- Damian Williams 639 yards, 45 rec., 14.2 ypr, 7 TD
USC- Patrick Turner 586 yards, 40 rec., 14.7 ypr, 9 TD
UCLA- Taylor Embre 521 yards, 39 rec., 13.4 ypr, 0 TD
UCLA- Terrence Austin 427 yards, 49 rec., 8.7 ypr, 1 TD
Defense
USC- Rey Maualuga leads the team with 6.8 tackles a game.
USC- Kyle Moore leads the team with 5 sacks and 9.5 TFL.
UCLA- Reggie Carter leads the team with 77 tackles.
Team Stats
USC
Rushing- 205.7
Passing- 245.1
Total- 450.8
PF- 38.4
PA- 7.8
UCLA
Rushing- 86
Passing- 208.7
Total- 294.7
PF- 18.6
PA- 29.1
Navy at Army (Plus 10.5)
Navy won 38-3 in 2007 and leads the series 52-49-7. Navy has won six straight and eight out of the last nine games against Army. Since 2002 the Midshipmen have outscored Army 240-71 and have won by an average score of 40-12.
Navy's rushing game and overall talent will be enough for the Midshipmen to extend their winning streak to seven over Army.
Navy 34, Army 17
Players
Quarterback
Navy- Jarod Bryant 19/37 (.514), 275 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Army- Carson Williams 26/53 (.491), 273 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
Rushing
Navy- Shun White 873 yards, 8.3 ypc, 7 TD
Navy- Eric Kettani 807 yards, 5.3 ypc, 3 TD
Army- Collin Mooney 1,285 yards, 6.0 ypc, 8 TD
Army- Chip Bowden 566 yards, 3.1 ypc, 1 TD
Receiving
Navy- Tyree Barnes 334 yards, 17 rec., 19.6 ypr, 2 TD
Navy- Shun White 74 yards, 3 rec., 24.7 ypr, 0 TD
Army- Jameson Carter 145 yards, 10 rec., 14.5 ypr, 0 TD
Army- Damion Hunter 134 yards, 11 rec., 12.2 ypr, 1 TD
Defense
Navy- Ross Pospisil has recorded 81 tackles this season.
Army- Stephen Anderson leads the team averaging 8.0 tackles and 1.11 tackles for loss per game.
Team Stats
Navy
Rushing- 292
Passing- 63.5
Total- 355.5
PF- 27.3
PA- 23.4
Army
Rushing- 254.1
Passing- 45.7
Total- 299.8
PF- 16.1
PA- 22.7
Navy's rushing game and overall talent will be enough for the Midshipmen to extend their winning streak to seven over Army.
Navy 34, Army 17
Players
Quarterback
Navy- Jarod Bryant 19/37 (.514), 275 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Army- Carson Williams 26/53 (.491), 273 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
Rushing
Navy- Shun White 873 yards, 8.3 ypc, 7 TD
Navy- Eric Kettani 807 yards, 5.3 ypc, 3 TD
Army- Collin Mooney 1,285 yards, 6.0 ypc, 8 TD
Army- Chip Bowden 566 yards, 3.1 ypc, 1 TD
Receiving
Navy- Tyree Barnes 334 yards, 17 rec., 19.6 ypr, 2 TD
Navy- Shun White 74 yards, 3 rec., 24.7 ypr, 0 TD
Army- Jameson Carter 145 yards, 10 rec., 14.5 ypr, 0 TD
Army- Damion Hunter 134 yards, 11 rec., 12.2 ypr, 1 TD
Defense
Navy- Ross Pospisil has recorded 81 tackles this season.
Army- Stephen Anderson leads the team averaging 8.0 tackles and 1.11 tackles for loss per game.
Team Stats
Navy
Rushing- 292
Passing- 63.5
Total- 355.5
PF- 27.3
PA- 23.4
Army
Rushing- 254.1
Passing- 45.7
Total- 299.8
PF- 16.1
PA- 22.7
Friday, November 28, 2008
During this season of thankfulness, I am thankful for college football. However, I am not thankful for the BCS and the lack of a playoff in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
I’m hoping Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech win this week. I hope that there is mass confusion and debate over the team that should represent the Big 12 South in the Big 12 Championship game. I’m hoping that Oregon State wins and keeps USC from winning the Pac-10. I’m hoping that Missouri defeats the Big 12 South representative in the Big 12 Championship game. I’m hoping that the controversy and politicking carries over to the selection process for the two teams to play in the BCS National Championship Game.
I’m tired of polls and computer rankings deciding which two teams are the best in college football. I’m tired of coaches standing behind podiums and trying to sway voters to go with their team. I’m tired of people debating which teams are deserving of playing for the title.
This is not a beauty contest, American Idol nor Dancing with the Stars. College football needs a true playoff system with a minimum of eight teams. When the NCAA finally breaks away from its allegiance with the BCS and establishes a playoff (that can incorporate bowl games) the sport will finally have a legitimate national champion at the FBS level of college football.
I’m hoping Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech win this week. I hope that there is mass confusion and debate over the team that should represent the Big 12 South in the Big 12 Championship game. I’m hoping that Oregon State wins and keeps USC from winning the Pac-10. I’m hoping that Missouri defeats the Big 12 South representative in the Big 12 Championship game. I’m hoping that the controversy and politicking carries over to the selection process for the two teams to play in the BCS National Championship Game.
I’m tired of polls and computer rankings deciding which two teams are the best in college football. I’m tired of coaches standing behind podiums and trying to sway voters to go with their team. I’m tired of people debating which teams are deserving of playing for the title.
This is not a beauty contest, American Idol nor Dancing with the Stars. College football needs a true playoff system with a minimum of eight teams. When the NCAA finally breaks away from its allegiance with the BCS and establishes a playoff (that can incorporate bowl games) the sport will finally have a legitimate national champion at the FBS level of college football.
No. 3 Oklahoma at No. 12 Oklahoma State (plus 7)
Oklahoma (10-1) visits Stillwater to play Oklahoma State (9-2). The Sooners lead the series 78-17-7 and have won the last five games in the series by an average score of 42-19. However, OSU is 1-2 in the last three games in Stillwater and six points or less decided the losses.
After last week’s performance against Texas Tech, Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford has his name on the top of many Heisman ballots. The sophomore quarterback has passed for 3,710 yards, completing 238/349 passes for 42 touchdowns and has only thrown 6 interceptions this season. He has also guided the Sooners’ offense to score a nation’s best 52.6 points per game. Bradford and the Sooners should have another big game against Oklahoma States 105th ranked pass defense.
Oklahoma State’s quarterback Zac Robinson; running back Kendall Hunter and receiver Dez Bryant will be tested by Oklahoma’s aggressive defense. The Sooners lead the nation averaging just under 3.5 sacks per game and are third in the nation averaging 8.3 tackles for loss per game. The last time the trio of Robinson, Hunter and Bryant faced a defense this good the Cowboys lost to Texas.
The View
The Sooners’ balanced offense and disruptive defense should be enough to get Oklahoma the victory over rival Oklahoma State a hostile environment.
Oklahoma 48, Oklahoma State 24
Random Notes
Oklahoma
The Good
Leads the nation with a plus-18 turnover margin.
Tied for first in the nation averaging 3.45 sacks per game.
Averages a nation’s best 52.64 points per game.
Second in the in the nation in passing efficiency.
Ranked third in the nation averaging 8.27 (91) tackles for loss a game.
Leads the Big 12 and is third in the country averaging 556.6 yards of offense a game.
Ranked third in the nation averaging 352.82 passing yards a game (3,881).
Averaging 24.6 yards a kickoff return the Sooners lead the Big 12.
Oklahoma State
The Good
Leads the Big 12 in rushing offense averaging 261.3 yards per game (2,874).
Second in the nation in net punting (40.8) and punt returns (18.4).
Averaging 24.4 yards a kickoff return OSU is just behind the Sooners to rank second in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State has a plus-seven turnover margin.
The Sooners average 41.64 points per game to rank seventh in the nation and fifth in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State ranks seventh in the nation and fourth in the Big 12 averaging 492.64 ypg of total offense.
The Bad
The pass defense ranks 105th in the nation allowing opponents to throw for just over 259 yards a game.
The Sooner only average 1.18 sacks a game ranking them 102nd in the nation.
They are ranked 93rd in tackles for loss.
Players
Quarterback
OU- Sam Bradford 238/349 (.682), 3,710 yards, 42 TD, 6 INT
OSU- Zac Robinson 160/238 (.672), 2,481 yards, 21 TD, 7 INT
Rushing
OU- DeMarco Murray 929 yards, 5.7 ypc, 13 TD
OU- Chris Brown 890 yards, 6.0 ypc, 15 TD
OSU- Kendall Hunter 1,434 yards, 6.8 ypc, 14 TD
OSU- Keith Toston 632 yards, 6.9 ypc, 9 TD
Receiving
OU- Juaquin Iglesias 881 yards, 52 rec., 16.9 ypr, 7 TD
OU- Manuel Johnson 718 yards, 35 rec., 18.7 ypr, 9 TD
OU- Jermaine Gresham 648 yards, 41 rec., 15.8 ypr, 10 TD
OSU- Dez Bryant 1,222 yards, 68 rec., 18.0 ypr, 16 TD
OSU- TE Brandon Pettigrew 383 yards, 35 rec., 10.9 ypr, 0 TD
Defense
OU- Travis Lewis leads the team with 118 tackles.
OU- Jeremy Beal leads the team with 12.5 tackles for loss.
OSU- Andre Sexton leads the team with 86 tackles.
Team Stats
OU
Rushing- 203.8
Passing- 352.8
Total- 556.6
PF- 52.6
PA- 23.4
OSU
Rushing- 261.3
Passing- 231.4
Total- 492.7
PF- 41.6
PA- 23.8
After last week’s performance against Texas Tech, Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford has his name on the top of many Heisman ballots. The sophomore quarterback has passed for 3,710 yards, completing 238/349 passes for 42 touchdowns and has only thrown 6 interceptions this season. He has also guided the Sooners’ offense to score a nation’s best 52.6 points per game. Bradford and the Sooners should have another big game against Oklahoma States 105th ranked pass defense.
Oklahoma State’s quarterback Zac Robinson; running back Kendall Hunter and receiver Dez Bryant will be tested by Oklahoma’s aggressive defense. The Sooners lead the nation averaging just under 3.5 sacks per game and are third in the nation averaging 8.3 tackles for loss per game. The last time the trio of Robinson, Hunter and Bryant faced a defense this good the Cowboys lost to Texas.
The View
The Sooners’ balanced offense and disruptive defense should be enough to get Oklahoma the victory over rival Oklahoma State a hostile environment.
Oklahoma 48, Oklahoma State 24
Random Notes
Oklahoma
The Good
Leads the nation with a plus-18 turnover margin.
Tied for first in the nation averaging 3.45 sacks per game.
Averages a nation’s best 52.64 points per game.
Second in the in the nation in passing efficiency.
Ranked third in the nation averaging 8.27 (91) tackles for loss a game.
Leads the Big 12 and is third in the country averaging 556.6 yards of offense a game.
Ranked third in the nation averaging 352.82 passing yards a game (3,881).
Averaging 24.6 yards a kickoff return the Sooners lead the Big 12.
Oklahoma State
The Good
Leads the Big 12 in rushing offense averaging 261.3 yards per game (2,874).
Second in the nation in net punting (40.8) and punt returns (18.4).
Averaging 24.4 yards a kickoff return OSU is just behind the Sooners to rank second in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State has a plus-seven turnover margin.
The Sooners average 41.64 points per game to rank seventh in the nation and fifth in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State ranks seventh in the nation and fourth in the Big 12 averaging 492.64 ypg of total offense.
The Bad
The pass defense ranks 105th in the nation allowing opponents to throw for just over 259 yards a game.
The Sooner only average 1.18 sacks a game ranking them 102nd in the nation.
They are ranked 93rd in tackles for loss.
Players
Quarterback
OU- Sam Bradford 238/349 (.682), 3,710 yards, 42 TD, 6 INT
OSU- Zac Robinson 160/238 (.672), 2,481 yards, 21 TD, 7 INT
Rushing
OU- DeMarco Murray 929 yards, 5.7 ypc, 13 TD
OU- Chris Brown 890 yards, 6.0 ypc, 15 TD
OSU- Kendall Hunter 1,434 yards, 6.8 ypc, 14 TD
OSU- Keith Toston 632 yards, 6.9 ypc, 9 TD
Receiving
OU- Juaquin Iglesias 881 yards, 52 rec., 16.9 ypr, 7 TD
OU- Manuel Johnson 718 yards, 35 rec., 18.7 ypr, 9 TD
OU- Jermaine Gresham 648 yards, 41 rec., 15.8 ypr, 10 TD
OSU- Dez Bryant 1,222 yards, 68 rec., 18.0 ypr, 16 TD
OSU- TE Brandon Pettigrew 383 yards, 35 rec., 10.9 ypr, 0 TD
Defense
OU- Travis Lewis leads the team with 118 tackles.
OU- Jeremy Beal leads the team with 12.5 tackles for loss.
OSU- Andre Sexton leads the team with 86 tackles.
Team Stats
OU
Rushing- 203.8
Passing- 352.8
Total- 556.6
PF- 52.6
PA- 23.4
OSU
Rushing- 261.3
Passing- 231.4
Total- 492.7
PF- 41.6
PA- 23.8
No. 23 Oregon at No. 17 Oregon State (Minus 3)
Oregon State (8-3) can win the Pac-10 title by defeating rival Oregon (8-3) on Saturday. Oregon leads the series 55-46-10, however Oregon State has won the last two in the series and have not lost to the Ducks in Corvallis since 1996 (five straight). The Beavers have won those five games by an average score of 38-25.
Oregon State should be without running back Jacquizz Rodgers and his 1,253 yards of rushing and 11 touchdowns. Without Rodgers the Beavers likely won’t earn their first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1965.
Random Notes
Oregon
The Good
Leads the Pac-10 in rushing (268.1), scoring (39.8) and total offense (458.6).
The defense leads the Pac-10 averaging 2.8 sacks per game.
The Ducks’ defense is ninth in the country averaging 7.9 TFL a game.
The Bad
The pass defense is last in the Pac-10 and 101st in the country (253.6 ypg).
The passing offense is 81st in the nation averaging 190.5 yards per game.
Oregon State
The Good
Leads the Pac-10 in passing offense averaging 242.7 yards per game.
Only allowing one sack per game the Beavers are seventh in the nation and lead the Pac-10.
Oregon State’s defense ranks 13th in total yards allowed, 21st in pass defense and 22nd in rushing defense.
The defense averages 2.7 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss per game.
The Bad
Oregon State averages 32.2 yards a punt which ranks 106th in the country.
Players
Quarterback
Oregon- Jeremiah Masoli 107/190 (.563), 1,212 yards, 9 TD, 4 INT
OSU- Lele Moevao 166/268 (.619), 1,967 yards, 14 TD, 9 INT
Rushing
Oregon- Jeremiah Johnson 863 yards, 6.2 ypc, 11 TD
Oregon- LeGarrette Blount 816 yards, 7.2 ypc, 15 TD
OSU- Jacquizz Rodgers 1,253 yards, 4.8 ypc, 11 TD
OSU- James Rodgers 352 yards, 9.0 ypc, 5 TD
Receiving
Oregon-Terence Scott 533 yards, 40 rec., 13.3 ypr, 4 TD
Oregon- Ed Dickson 398 yards, 31 rec., 12.8 ypr, 2 TD
Oregon- Jaison Williams 386 yards, 32 rec., 12.1 ypr, 3 TD
OSU- Sammie Stroughter 807 yards, 57 rec., 14.2 ypr, 7 TD
OSU- James Rodgers 612 yards, 50 rec., 12.2 ypr, 4 TD
Defense
Oregon- Nick Reed leads the Pac-10 with ten sacks and leads the Ducks with 16.5 tackles for loss.
OSU- Greg Laybourn Leads the Pac-10 with 94 tackles.
Team Stats
Oregon
Rushing- 268.1
Passing- 190.5
Total- 458.6
PF- 39.8
PA- 27.1
Oregon State
Rushing- 171.5
Passing- 242.7
Total- 414.2
PF- 32.4
PA- 21.4
Oregon State should be without running back Jacquizz Rodgers and his 1,253 yards of rushing and 11 touchdowns. Without Rodgers the Beavers likely won’t earn their first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1965.
Random Notes
Oregon
The Good
Leads the Pac-10 in rushing (268.1), scoring (39.8) and total offense (458.6).
The defense leads the Pac-10 averaging 2.8 sacks per game.
The Ducks’ defense is ninth in the country averaging 7.9 TFL a game.
The Bad
The pass defense is last in the Pac-10 and 101st in the country (253.6 ypg).
The passing offense is 81st in the nation averaging 190.5 yards per game.
Oregon State
The Good
Leads the Pac-10 in passing offense averaging 242.7 yards per game.
Only allowing one sack per game the Beavers are seventh in the nation and lead the Pac-10.
Oregon State’s defense ranks 13th in total yards allowed, 21st in pass defense and 22nd in rushing defense.
The defense averages 2.7 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss per game.
The Bad
Oregon State averages 32.2 yards a punt which ranks 106th in the country.
Players
Quarterback
Oregon- Jeremiah Masoli 107/190 (.563), 1,212 yards, 9 TD, 4 INT
OSU- Lele Moevao 166/268 (.619), 1,967 yards, 14 TD, 9 INT
Rushing
Oregon- Jeremiah Johnson 863 yards, 6.2 ypc, 11 TD
Oregon- LeGarrette Blount 816 yards, 7.2 ypc, 15 TD
OSU- Jacquizz Rodgers 1,253 yards, 4.8 ypc, 11 TD
OSU- James Rodgers 352 yards, 9.0 ypc, 5 TD
Receiving
Oregon-Terence Scott 533 yards, 40 rec., 13.3 ypr, 4 TD
Oregon- Ed Dickson 398 yards, 31 rec., 12.8 ypr, 2 TD
Oregon- Jaison Williams 386 yards, 32 rec., 12.1 ypr, 3 TD
OSU- Sammie Stroughter 807 yards, 57 rec., 14.2 ypr, 7 TD
OSU- James Rodgers 612 yards, 50 rec., 12.2 ypr, 4 TD
Defense
Oregon- Nick Reed leads the Pac-10 with ten sacks and leads the Ducks with 16.5 tackles for loss.
OSU- Greg Laybourn Leads the Pac-10 with 94 tackles.
Team Stats
Oregon
Rushing- 268.1
Passing- 190.5
Total- 458.6
PF- 39.8
PA- 27.1
Oregon State
Rushing- 171.5
Passing- 242.7
Total- 414.2
PF- 32.4
PA- 21.4
No. 4 Florida at No. 20 Florida State (Plus 16.5)
Florida (10-1) leads the series 31-19-2, but is 1-3-1 when facing Florida State (8-3) in Tallahassee the week before playing in the SEC championship game. However, the Gators have not lost to Florida State since Urban Meyer has been head coach.
The Gators lead the nation with a plus-18 turnover margin and the defense is holding opponents to 12 points per game. With a stifling defense and explosive offense Florida should win its fifth straight game against the Seminoles.
Florida 45, Florida State 13
Random Notes
Florida
The Good
Florida leads the SEC in rushing (229.8 ypg), scoring (46.5 ppg) and total (444.6 ypg) offense.
Florida leads the nation with a plus-18 turnover margin.
The Gators rank third in scoring (12 ppg) ninth in total and 13th in rushing (102.8 ypg) defense.
Florida State
The Good
Leads the ACC in scoring (34.3 ppg) and total (380.2 ypg) offense.
The defense leads the nation in tackles for loss (8.6 a game) and is fourth in the nation in sacks (3.2 per game).
The Seminoles rank seventh in the nation in total defense.
The Bad
Florida State only averages 190 passing yards per game, which ranks 85 in the nation.
Players
Quarterback
UF- Tim Tebow 148/225 (.658), 2,114 yards, 22 TD, 2 INT
FSU- Christian Ponder 154/273 (.564), 1,747 yards, 12 TD, 11 INT
Rushing
UF- Chris Rainey 557 yards, 7.5 ypc, 4 TD
UF- Percy Harvin 525 yards, 9.5 ypc, 8 TD
UF- Jeffrey Demps 440 yards, 9.6 ypc, 5 TD
FSU- Antone Smith 696 yards, 4.7 ypc, 14 TD
FSU- Jermaine Thomas 441 yards, 7.6 ypc, 2 TD
Receiving
UF- Percy Harvin 595 yards, 35 rec., 17 ypr, 7 TD
UF- Louis Murphy 476 yards, 30 rec., 15.9ypr, 5 TD
FSU- Greg Carr 440 yards, 29 rec., 15.2 ypr, 3 TD
FSU- Preston Parker 359 yards, 38 rec., 9.4 ypr, 2 TD
Defense
UF- Brandon Spikes leads the team with 74 tackles.
FSU- Everette Brown leads the nation with 1.86 tackles for loss per game and leads the ACC with 1.14 sacks per game.
Team Stats
Florida
Rushing- 229.8
Passing- 214.8
Total- 444.6
PF- 46.5
PA- 12
Florida State
Rushing- 190.2
Passing- 190
Total- 380.2
PF- 34.3
PA- 18.5
The Gators lead the nation with a plus-18 turnover margin and the defense is holding opponents to 12 points per game. With a stifling defense and explosive offense Florida should win its fifth straight game against the Seminoles.
Florida 45, Florida State 13
Random Notes
Florida
The Good
Florida leads the SEC in rushing (229.8 ypg), scoring (46.5 ppg) and total (444.6 ypg) offense.
Florida leads the nation with a plus-18 turnover margin.
The Gators rank third in scoring (12 ppg) ninth in total and 13th in rushing (102.8 ypg) defense.
Florida State
The Good
Leads the ACC in scoring (34.3 ppg) and total (380.2 ypg) offense.
The defense leads the nation in tackles for loss (8.6 a game) and is fourth in the nation in sacks (3.2 per game).
The Seminoles rank seventh in the nation in total defense.
The Bad
Florida State only averages 190 passing yards per game, which ranks 85 in the nation.
Players
Quarterback
UF- Tim Tebow 148/225 (.658), 2,114 yards, 22 TD, 2 INT
FSU- Christian Ponder 154/273 (.564), 1,747 yards, 12 TD, 11 INT
Rushing
UF- Chris Rainey 557 yards, 7.5 ypc, 4 TD
UF- Percy Harvin 525 yards, 9.5 ypc, 8 TD
UF- Jeffrey Demps 440 yards, 9.6 ypc, 5 TD
FSU- Antone Smith 696 yards, 4.7 ypc, 14 TD
FSU- Jermaine Thomas 441 yards, 7.6 ypc, 2 TD
Receiving
UF- Percy Harvin 595 yards, 35 rec., 17 ypr, 7 TD
UF- Louis Murphy 476 yards, 30 rec., 15.9ypr, 5 TD
FSU- Greg Carr 440 yards, 29 rec., 15.2 ypr, 3 TD
FSU- Preston Parker 359 yards, 38 rec., 9.4 ypr, 2 TD
Defense
UF- Brandon Spikes leads the team with 74 tackles.
FSU- Everette Brown leads the nation with 1.86 tackles for loss per game and leads the ACC with 1.14 sacks per game.
Team Stats
Florida
Rushing- 229.8
Passing- 214.8
Total- 444.6
PF- 46.5
PA- 12
Florida State
Rushing- 190.2
Passing- 190
Total- 380.2
PF- 34.3
PA- 18.5
Notre Dame at No. 5 USC (Minus 32)
This could be Charlie Weis’ last game as Notre Dame’s head coach. Over the last 25 games the offensive guru has led the Irish to an uninspired 9-16 record. In the last 17 games against teams with a winning record the Irish are 2-15.
Weis’ genius will be put to the test against Southern Cal’s defense. The Trojans (9-1) are holding opponents to a nation’s best 8.3 points per game and also rank first in pass defense. Notre Dame (6-5) will lose its seventh straight game to USC. Irish fans will probably want to lose their coach as well.
USC 52, Notre Dame 7
Random Notes
Notre Dame
The Good
The defense ranks 22nd in the nation against the pass.
The Bad
Notre Dame only gains 119.2 yards of rushing offense a game which ranks 91st in the country.
The Irish have a negative-five turnover margin which ranks 88th in the nation.
The defense ranks 113th in tackles for loss and 85th in sacks.
Notre Dame is 9-16 over the past 25 games.
USC
The Good
The defense leads the nation only allowing 8.3 points per game.
The Trojans have the nation’s best pass defense.
Southern Cal is second in the nation in total defense.
USC has the Pac-10’s best rush defense and is fifth in the nation averaging 8.1 TFL per game.
The offense is ranked 18th in rushing (208.8 ypg) 16th in total and 12th in scoring (38.4 ppg) offense.
The Trojans lead the nation averaging 30.1 yards a kickoff return.
Players
Quarterback
ND- Jimmy Clausen 235/392 (.599), 2,730 yards, 20 TD, 15 INT
USC- Mark Sanchez 173/267 (.648), 2,258 yards, 26 TD, 7 INT
Rushing-
ND- Armondo Allen 569 yards, 4.5 ypc, 3 TD
ND- Robert Hughes 320 yards, 3.6 ypc, 3 TD
USC- C.J. Gable 571 yards, 6.5 ypc, 7 TD
USC- Stafon Johnson 569 yards, 5.6 ypc, 7 TD
USC- Joe McKnight 484 yards, 7.5 ypc, 0 TD
Receiving
ND- Golden Tate 888 yards, 50 rec., 17.8 ypr, 7 TD
ND- Michael Floyd 702 yards, 46 rec., 15.3 ypr, 7 TD
Receiving
USC- Damian Williams 553 yards, 38 rec., 14.6 ypr, 6 TD
USC- Patrick Turner 503 yards, 34 rec., 14.8 ypr, 8 TD
Defense
ND- Harrison Smith led the team with 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.
USC- Rey Maualuga averages 7.33 tackles a game.
USC- Kyle Moore Kyle Moore leads the team with 8.5 tackles for loss.
Team Stats
Notre Dame
Rushing- 119.2
Passing- 248.7
Total- 367.9
PF- 24.5
PA- 20.8
USC
Rushing- 208.8
Passing- 242.2
Total- 451
PF- 38.4
PA- 8.3
Weis’ genius will be put to the test against Southern Cal’s defense. The Trojans (9-1) are holding opponents to a nation’s best 8.3 points per game and also rank first in pass defense. Notre Dame (6-5) will lose its seventh straight game to USC. Irish fans will probably want to lose their coach as well.
USC 52, Notre Dame 7
Random Notes
Notre Dame
The Good
The defense ranks 22nd in the nation against the pass.
The Bad
Notre Dame only gains 119.2 yards of rushing offense a game which ranks 91st in the country.
The Irish have a negative-five turnover margin which ranks 88th in the nation.
The defense ranks 113th in tackles for loss and 85th in sacks.
Notre Dame is 9-16 over the past 25 games.
USC
The Good
The defense leads the nation only allowing 8.3 points per game.
The Trojans have the nation’s best pass defense.
Southern Cal is second in the nation in total defense.
USC has the Pac-10’s best rush defense and is fifth in the nation averaging 8.1 TFL per game.
The offense is ranked 18th in rushing (208.8 ypg) 16th in total and 12th in scoring (38.4 ppg) offense.
The Trojans lead the nation averaging 30.1 yards a kickoff return.
Players
Quarterback
ND- Jimmy Clausen 235/392 (.599), 2,730 yards, 20 TD, 15 INT
USC- Mark Sanchez 173/267 (.648), 2,258 yards, 26 TD, 7 INT
Rushing-
ND- Armondo Allen 569 yards, 4.5 ypc, 3 TD
ND- Robert Hughes 320 yards, 3.6 ypc, 3 TD
USC- C.J. Gable 571 yards, 6.5 ypc, 7 TD
USC- Stafon Johnson 569 yards, 5.6 ypc, 7 TD
USC- Joe McKnight 484 yards, 7.5 ypc, 0 TD
Receiving
ND- Golden Tate 888 yards, 50 rec., 17.8 ypr, 7 TD
ND- Michael Floyd 702 yards, 46 rec., 15.3 ypr, 7 TD
Receiving
USC- Damian Williams 553 yards, 38 rec., 14.6 ypr, 6 TD
USC- Patrick Turner 503 yards, 34 rec., 14.8 ypr, 8 TD
Defense
ND- Harrison Smith led the team with 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.
USC- Rey Maualuga averages 7.33 tackles a game.
USC- Kyle Moore Kyle Moore leads the team with 8.5 tackles for loss.
Team Stats
Notre Dame
Rushing- 119.2
Passing- 248.7
Total- 367.9
PF- 24.5
PA- 20.8
USC
Rushing- 208.8
Passing- 242.2
Total- 451
PF- 38.4
PA- 8.3
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saturday at high noon No. 10 Ohio State (9-2) will host Michigan (3-8) in Ohio Stadium. Last year Ohio State won 14-3 in Ann Arbor. The Buckeyes have won four straight and six out of the past seven games in the series.
The Maize and Blue (or is it black and blue) come into The Game as a 20.5-point underdog. The Wolverines are heavy underdogs due to injuries and their poor play this season. Steven Threet, Sam McGuffie and Brandon Minor are questionable for the game.
Threet has started eight games this season at quarterback and running backs McGuffie and Minor have combined for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. If Michigan is without this trio it could be a long day for the Wolverines.
Defensive lineman Brandon Graham and linebacker Obi Ezeh anchor Michigan’s defense.
Graham leads the Wolverines with nine sacks and 18 tackles for loss. More importantly he plays aggressive and with a chip on his shoulder. Coming into this game, Ezeh has recorded a team high 96 tackles.
Ezeh and Graham will be key components if Michigan will be able to keep Beanie Wells from duplicating his 222-yard and two-touchdown performance of 2007.
By winning this game Rich Rodriguez, Michigan’s head coach, will prevent him from becoming the second Michigan head coach to lose his first game against Ohio State.
The View
Finally Ohio State is in a position to exact revenge on Michigan for the Cooper era. Understand that 7-1 and five straight wins will never erase 2-10-1 or spoiling the three undefeated seasons of 1993, 1995 and 1996.
Cooper’s record will never go away; and to quote Martha Stewart, “that’s a good thing.” Knowledge of your past, victories and defeats, should always be motivating factors for Ohio State in The Game.
Michigan is trying to salvage a season that has seen the Wolverines lose more games than any other team in the school’s storied history. Michigan will play hard, but Ohio State has too much talent and heart. The Buckeyes also have Beanie Wells, Terrelle Pryor, a stellar defense and Jim Tressel to lead the team to victory in the 105th game against Michigan.
Ohio State 27, Michigan 13
Tressel Notes
Ohio State has outscored Michigan 179-148 with Jim Tressel as coach.
Tressel has the best record (6-1) to start a career against Michigan.
The average score against Michigan has been 26-21 in those seven games.
During the four game winning streak the Buckeyes are outscoring the Wolverines 118-84.
With a win on Saturday Tressel will become the first Ohio State coach to win five straight against UM.
30-21 is the average score during the current four-game winning streak against Michigan.
It has been over 1,800 days since Michigan defeated Ohio State.
Michigan has never defeated Ohio State in Ohio Stadium since Tressel has been head coach.
It has been over 2,500 days since Michigan defeated Ohio State in Columbus.
Random Notes
Michigan
The Good
The Wolverines are second in the nation and lead the Big Ten averaging 41.4 in net punting.
Punter Zoltan Mesko is leads the Big Ten and is tenth in the nation averaging 44.1 yards a punt.
The Bad
Michigan is ranked 106th in the country and tenth in the Big Ten in passing offense.
The Wolverines are last in the Big Ten and 105th in the nation in total offense.
With a minus-nine turnover margin Michigan ranks 105th in the country and last in the Big Ten.
The Wolverines rank 110th in the nation and last in the Big Ten in passing efficiency.
Ohio State
The Good
Ohio State is 7th in the nation with a plus-14 turnover margin.
The defense is second in the Big Ten and 7th the nation holding opponents to 13.6 points per game.
The Buckeyes are 13th in the country and second in the Big Ten in pass and total defense.
Ohio State is second in the Big Ten and 11th in the nation averaging 38.5 in net punting.
Averaging 11.3 yards a punt return the Buckeyes continue to lead the Big Ten.
Terrelle Pryor leads the Big Ten in passing efficiency.
The Bad
Ohio State is last in the Big Ten and 107th in the nation in averaging 144.8 yards of passing offense a game.
Averaging 19.2 yards a kickoff return Ohio State is ranked 104th in the country.
The Buckeyes are 91st in the nation and last in the Big Ten averaging 4.9 tackles for loss a game.
Players
Quarterback
Michigan- Steven Threet 102/200 (.510), 1,105 yards, 9 TD, 7 INT
Michigan- Nick Sheridan 55/113 (.487), 526 yards, 2 TD, 5 INT
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 90/139 (.647), 1,125 yards, 10 TD, 3 INT
Rushing
Michigan- Sam McGuffie 486 yards, 4.1 ypc, 3 TD
Michigan- Brandon Minor 466 yards, 5.2 ypc, 8 TD
Ohio State- Beanie Wells 957 yards, 5.4 ypc, 7 TD
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 560 yards, 4.8 ypc, 6 TD
Receiving
Michigan- Greg Mathews 409 yards, 35 rec., 11.7 ypr, 2 TD
Michigan- Martavious Odoms 406 yards, 44 rec., 9.2 ypr, 0 TD
Ohio State- Brian Hartline 408 yards, 19 rec., 21.5 ypr, 2 TD
Ohio State- Brian Robiskie 365 yards, 35 rec., 10.4 ypr, 7 TD
Defense
Michigan- Brandon Graham leads the team with ten sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
Ohio State- James Laurinaitis leads the team with 109 tackles.
Team Stats
Michigan
Rushing- 147.9
Passing- 154.8
Total- 302.7
PF- 22.2
PA- 28.4
Ohio State
Rushing- 176.2
Passing- 154.4
Total- 330.6
PF- 26.6
PA- 13
The Maize and Blue (or is it black and blue) come into The Game as a 20.5-point underdog. The Wolverines are heavy underdogs due to injuries and their poor play this season. Steven Threet, Sam McGuffie and Brandon Minor are questionable for the game.
Threet has started eight games this season at quarterback and running backs McGuffie and Minor have combined for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. If Michigan is without this trio it could be a long day for the Wolverines.
Defensive lineman Brandon Graham and linebacker Obi Ezeh anchor Michigan’s defense.
Graham leads the Wolverines with nine sacks and 18 tackles for loss. More importantly he plays aggressive and with a chip on his shoulder. Coming into this game, Ezeh has recorded a team high 96 tackles.
Ezeh and Graham will be key components if Michigan will be able to keep Beanie Wells from duplicating his 222-yard and two-touchdown performance of 2007.
By winning this game Rich Rodriguez, Michigan’s head coach, will prevent him from becoming the second Michigan head coach to lose his first game against Ohio State.
The View
Finally Ohio State is in a position to exact revenge on Michigan for the Cooper era. Understand that 7-1 and five straight wins will never erase 2-10-1 or spoiling the three undefeated seasons of 1993, 1995 and 1996.
Cooper’s record will never go away; and to quote Martha Stewart, “that’s a good thing.” Knowledge of your past, victories and defeats, should always be motivating factors for Ohio State in The Game.
Michigan is trying to salvage a season that has seen the Wolverines lose more games than any other team in the school’s storied history. Michigan will play hard, but Ohio State has too much talent and heart. The Buckeyes also have Beanie Wells, Terrelle Pryor, a stellar defense and Jim Tressel to lead the team to victory in the 105th game against Michigan.
Ohio State 27, Michigan 13
Tressel Notes
Ohio State has outscored Michigan 179-148 with Jim Tressel as coach.
Tressel has the best record (6-1) to start a career against Michigan.
The average score against Michigan has been 26-21 in those seven games.
During the four game winning streak the Buckeyes are outscoring the Wolverines 118-84.
With a win on Saturday Tressel will become the first Ohio State coach to win five straight against UM.
30-21 is the average score during the current four-game winning streak against Michigan.
It has been over 1,800 days since Michigan defeated Ohio State.
Michigan has never defeated Ohio State in Ohio Stadium since Tressel has been head coach.
It has been over 2,500 days since Michigan defeated Ohio State in Columbus.
Random Notes
Michigan
The Good
The Wolverines are second in the nation and lead the Big Ten averaging 41.4 in net punting.
Punter Zoltan Mesko is leads the Big Ten and is tenth in the nation averaging 44.1 yards a punt.
The Bad
Michigan is ranked 106th in the country and tenth in the Big Ten in passing offense.
The Wolverines are last in the Big Ten and 105th in the nation in total offense.
With a minus-nine turnover margin Michigan ranks 105th in the country and last in the Big Ten.
The Wolverines rank 110th in the nation and last in the Big Ten in passing efficiency.
Ohio State
The Good
Ohio State is 7th in the nation with a plus-14 turnover margin.
The defense is second in the Big Ten and 7th the nation holding opponents to 13.6 points per game.
The Buckeyes are 13th in the country and second in the Big Ten in pass and total defense.
Ohio State is second in the Big Ten and 11th in the nation averaging 38.5 in net punting.
Averaging 11.3 yards a punt return the Buckeyes continue to lead the Big Ten.
Terrelle Pryor leads the Big Ten in passing efficiency.
The Bad
Ohio State is last in the Big Ten and 107th in the nation in averaging 144.8 yards of passing offense a game.
Averaging 19.2 yards a kickoff return Ohio State is ranked 104th in the country.
The Buckeyes are 91st in the nation and last in the Big Ten averaging 4.9 tackles for loss a game.
Players
Quarterback
Michigan- Steven Threet 102/200 (.510), 1,105 yards, 9 TD, 7 INT
Michigan- Nick Sheridan 55/113 (.487), 526 yards, 2 TD, 5 INT
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 90/139 (.647), 1,125 yards, 10 TD, 3 INT
Rushing
Michigan- Sam McGuffie 486 yards, 4.1 ypc, 3 TD
Michigan- Brandon Minor 466 yards, 5.2 ypc, 8 TD
Ohio State- Beanie Wells 957 yards, 5.4 ypc, 7 TD
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 560 yards, 4.8 ypc, 6 TD
Receiving
Michigan- Greg Mathews 409 yards, 35 rec., 11.7 ypr, 2 TD
Michigan- Martavious Odoms 406 yards, 44 rec., 9.2 ypr, 0 TD
Ohio State- Brian Hartline 408 yards, 19 rec., 21.5 ypr, 2 TD
Ohio State- Brian Robiskie 365 yards, 35 rec., 10.4 ypr, 7 TD
Defense
Michigan- Brandon Graham leads the team with ten sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
Ohio State- James Laurinaitis leads the team with 109 tackles.
Team Stats
Michigan
Rushing- 147.9
Passing- 154.8
Total- 302.7
PF- 22.2
PA- 28.4
Ohio State
Rushing- 176.2
Passing- 154.4
Total- 330.6
PF- 26.6
PA- 13
No. 15 Michigan State at No. 8 Penn State (Minus 14.5)
Penn State won the last meeting 17-13 in 2006 and has won six out of the last seven games, in the series. Although the Nittany Lions only lead the series 12-11-1, they have never lost at home to Michigan State with Joe Paterno as head coach.
The Spartans have Javon Ringer in the backfield, but the offense should have a tough time moving the ball against the Big Ten’s best statistical defense. When you add the fact that 1965 (23-0) was the last time Michigan State defeated Penn State in Happy Valley things look awfully rosy for Joe Paterno in what could be his last home game as Penn State’s head coach.
Penn State 24, Michigan State 21
Random Notes
Michigan State
The Good
The Spartans rank 12th in the nation in pass efficiency defense.
Michigan State is second in the Big 12 in sacks allowed.
Javon Ringer is third in the nation averaging 140.7 rushing yards per game.
Ringer leads the nation in scoring (10.9 points per game).
Ringer leads the Big Ten and is fourth in the nation averaging 173.2 all-purpose yards per game.
The Bad
Michigan State is next to last in the Big Ten and 105th in the country averaging 19.1 yards a kickoff return.
Penn State
The Good
Penn State is second in the nation in pass efficiency defense.
The Nittany Lions lead the Big Ten in rushing offense (218.3 ypg); scoring offense (39.4 ppg) and sacks allowed (11).
Penn State’s defense leads the Big Ten in rushing (101.5 ypg), passing (157.2) scoring (11.9 ppg) and total defense (258.6).
The Nittany Lions are second in the Big Ten and 18th in the nation in total offense.
Penn State is tied for 20th in the nation and is second in the Big Ten averaging 2.64 sacks a game.
Evan Royster is third in the Big Ten averaging 102.1 rushing yards per game.
Derrick Williams is 13th in the country and leads the Big Ten in kickoff return average (28.6).
The Bad
Penn State ranks 51st in passing offense, their worst statistical category.
Players
Quarterback
Michigan State- Brian Hoyer 137/279 (.491), 2,029 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT
Penn State- Daryll Clark 155/259 (.598), 1.978 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT
Rushing
Michigan State- Javon Ringer 1,548 yards, 4.4 ypc, 20 TD
Penn State- Evan Royster 1,123 yards, 6.5 ypc, 12 TD
Penn State- Stephfon Green 495 yards, 5.8 ypc, 4 TD
Receiving-
Michigan State- Mark Dell 568 yards, 27 rec., 21.0 ypr, 2 TD
Michigan State- Blair White 557 yards, 31 rec., 18.0 ypr, 1 TD
Penn State- Deon Butler 580 yards, 40 rec., 14.5 ypr, 4 TD
Penn State- Jordan Norwood 478 yards, 33 rec., 14.5 ypr, 5 TD
Penn State- Derrick Williams 400 yards, 36 rec., 11.1 ypr, 2 TD
Defense
Michigan State- Trevor Anderson leads the team with 10 tackles for loss and 8 sacks.
Penn State- Aaron Maybin leads the Big Ten and is fourth in the nation averaging 1.1 sacks a game. He also leads the team with 17.5 tackles for loss.
Team Stats
Michigan State
Rushing- 147.8
Passing- 207.4
Total- 355.2 T
PF- 26.9
PA- 19.5
Penn State
Rushing- 221.7
Passing- 221
Total- 442.7
PF- 39.9
PA- 12.4
The Spartans have Javon Ringer in the backfield, but the offense should have a tough time moving the ball against the Big Ten’s best statistical defense. When you add the fact that 1965 (23-0) was the last time Michigan State defeated Penn State in Happy Valley things look awfully rosy for Joe Paterno in what could be his last home game as Penn State’s head coach.
Penn State 24, Michigan State 21
Random Notes
Michigan State
The Good
The Spartans rank 12th in the nation in pass efficiency defense.
Michigan State is second in the Big 12 in sacks allowed.
Javon Ringer is third in the nation averaging 140.7 rushing yards per game.
Ringer leads the nation in scoring (10.9 points per game).
Ringer leads the Big Ten and is fourth in the nation averaging 173.2 all-purpose yards per game.
The Bad
Michigan State is next to last in the Big Ten and 105th in the country averaging 19.1 yards a kickoff return.
Penn State
The Good
Penn State is second in the nation in pass efficiency defense.
The Nittany Lions lead the Big Ten in rushing offense (218.3 ypg); scoring offense (39.4 ppg) and sacks allowed (11).
Penn State’s defense leads the Big Ten in rushing (101.5 ypg), passing (157.2) scoring (11.9 ppg) and total defense (258.6).
The Nittany Lions are second in the Big Ten and 18th in the nation in total offense.
Penn State is tied for 20th in the nation and is second in the Big Ten averaging 2.64 sacks a game.
Evan Royster is third in the Big Ten averaging 102.1 rushing yards per game.
Derrick Williams is 13th in the country and leads the Big Ten in kickoff return average (28.6).
The Bad
Penn State ranks 51st in passing offense, their worst statistical category.
Players
Quarterback
Michigan State- Brian Hoyer 137/279 (.491), 2,029 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT
Penn State- Daryll Clark 155/259 (.598), 1.978 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT
Rushing
Michigan State- Javon Ringer 1,548 yards, 4.4 ypc, 20 TD
Penn State- Evan Royster 1,123 yards, 6.5 ypc, 12 TD
Penn State- Stephfon Green 495 yards, 5.8 ypc, 4 TD
Receiving-
Michigan State- Mark Dell 568 yards, 27 rec., 21.0 ypr, 2 TD
Michigan State- Blair White 557 yards, 31 rec., 18.0 ypr, 1 TD
Penn State- Deon Butler 580 yards, 40 rec., 14.5 ypr, 4 TD
Penn State- Jordan Norwood 478 yards, 33 rec., 14.5 ypr, 5 TD
Penn State- Derrick Williams 400 yards, 36 rec., 11.1 ypr, 2 TD
Defense
Michigan State- Trevor Anderson leads the team with 10 tackles for loss and 8 sacks.
Penn State- Aaron Maybin leads the Big Ten and is fourth in the nation averaging 1.1 sacks a game. He also leads the team with 17.5 tackles for loss.
Team Stats
Michigan State
Rushing- 147.8
Passing- 207.4
Total- 355.2 T
PF- 26.9
PA- 19.5
Penn State
Rushing- 221.7
Passing- 221
Total- 442.7
PF- 39.9
PA- 12.4
No. 2 Texas Tech at No. 5 Oklahoma (Minus 7)
Oklahoma leads the series 11-4 and is 6-1 in Norman. However, Texas Tech won the last meeting 34-27 in 2007.
This is by far the best season the Red Raiders have had under the tutelage of Mike Leach. Texas Tech is three victories away from playing for its first national championship in football. However, Oklahoma is by far the highest of the three hurdles to get over.
As prolific as Texas Tech’s offense is –433.7 passing yards and 47.9 points per game– Oklahoma is outscoring them by averaging 51.4 ppg. The Sooners will also be the most balanced team on offense that Texas Tech’s defense will face this season. Unlike Texas, Oklahoma has a legitimate running game with running backs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown combining for 1,586 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.
Texas Tech has been a blast to watch the past several seasons and I would love to see their wide-open offense play on January 8. However, I’m afraid Oklahoma will be too much for the Red Raiders to handle in Norman. Tech’s poor punting game –ranked 117th in the nation– and inexperienced field goal kicker could cost them this game.
Oklahoma 45, Texas Tech 42
Random Notes
Texas Tech
The Good
Texas Tech leads the nation averaging 433.7 passing yards per game.
Averaging 566.3 yards a game the Red Raiders lead the Big 12 and are second in the nation in total offense.
Texas Tech leads the Big 12 and is second in the nation by only giving up five sacks this season.
The Red Raiders average 47.9 points per game which ranks them third in the country and second in the Big 12.
Texas Tech has a plus-10 turnover margin.
The Red Raiders’ defense has recorded 26 sacks.
Texas Tech is holing opponents to 107.4 rushing yards a game.
Graham Harrell leads the nation in total offense averaging 407.2 yards per game.
Darcel McBath is tied for first in the country and leads the Big 12 averaging 0.6 interceptions a game.
Michael Crabtree is second in the nation averaging 10.8 points per game.
The Bad
Texas Tech ranks 117th out of 119 teams in net punting (30.2 yards a punt).
The defense ranks 99th in tackles for loss.
They Red Raiders allow 244 yards a game through the air ranking them 98th in the nation in pass defense.
Oklahoma
The Good
Sam Bradford leads the Big 12 and is second in the nation in passing efficiency.
DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown are third and fourth in the Big 12 in rushing yards.
Oklahoma leads the nation averaging 51.4 points per game.
The Sooners lead nation with a plus-16 turnover margin.
Averaging 355.5 passing yards a game Oklahoma ranks third in the nation and second in the Big 12.
Oklahoma is second in the Big 12 and fourth in the country averaging 549.8 yards of total offense a game.
The Sooner’s defense averages 3.4 sacks a game which ranks them second in the Big 12 and third in the nation.
Oklahoma leads the Big 12 and is ninth in the nation averaging 8 tackles for loss per game.
The offensive line has only allowed nine sacks this season.
The Sooners are second in the Big 12 averaging 194.3 rushing yards per game.
Although Oklahoma ranks 55th in total defense the Sooners lead the Big 12.
The Sooners’ defense is holding opponents to 107.5 rushing yards per game.
The Bad
Oklahoma ranks 93rd in pass defense (fourth in the Big 12).
The Sooners rank 93rd in net punting (33 yards a punt).
Players
Quarterback
Texas Tech- Graham Harrell 332/463 (.717), 4,077 yards, 36 TD, 5 INT
Oklahoma- Sam Bradford 224/330 (.679) 3,406 yards, 38 TD, 6 INT
Rushing
Texas Tech- Baron Batch 667 yards, 7.2 ypc, 5 TD
Texas Tech- Shannon Woods 588 yards, 5.1 ypc, 11 TD
Oklahoma- DeMarco Murray 804 yards, 5.5 ypc, 11 TD
Oklahoma- Chris Brown 782 yards, 6.1 ypc, 12 TD
Receiving
Texas Tech- Michael Crabtree 1,010 yards, 78 rec., 12.9 ypr, 18 TD
Texas Tech- Detron Lewis 730 yards, 57 rec., 12.8 ypr, 1 TD
Oklahoma- Juaquin Iglesias 853 yards, 51 rec., 16.7 ypr, 6 TD
Oklahoma- Manuel Johnson 587 yards, 34 rec., 17.3 ypr, 8 TD
Defense
Texas Tech- Brandon Williams leads the Big 12 with 10 sacks and leads the team with 11 tackles for loss.
Oklahoma- Travis Lewis leads the team with 105 tackles.
Team Stats
Texas Tech
Rushing- 132.6
Passing- 433.7
Total- 566.3
PF- 47.9
PA- 22.2
Oklahoma
Rushing- 194.3
Passing- 355.5
Total- 549.8
PF- 51.4
PA- 23.6
This is by far the best season the Red Raiders have had under the tutelage of Mike Leach. Texas Tech is three victories away from playing for its first national championship in football. However, Oklahoma is by far the highest of the three hurdles to get over.
As prolific as Texas Tech’s offense is –433.7 passing yards and 47.9 points per game– Oklahoma is outscoring them by averaging 51.4 ppg. The Sooners will also be the most balanced team on offense that Texas Tech’s defense will face this season. Unlike Texas, Oklahoma has a legitimate running game with running backs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown combining for 1,586 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.
Texas Tech has been a blast to watch the past several seasons and I would love to see their wide-open offense play on January 8. However, I’m afraid Oklahoma will be too much for the Red Raiders to handle in Norman. Tech’s poor punting game –ranked 117th in the nation– and inexperienced field goal kicker could cost them this game.
Oklahoma 45, Texas Tech 42
Random Notes
Texas Tech
The Good
Texas Tech leads the nation averaging 433.7 passing yards per game.
Averaging 566.3 yards a game the Red Raiders lead the Big 12 and are second in the nation in total offense.
Texas Tech leads the Big 12 and is second in the nation by only giving up five sacks this season.
The Red Raiders average 47.9 points per game which ranks them third in the country and second in the Big 12.
Texas Tech has a plus-10 turnover margin.
The Red Raiders’ defense has recorded 26 sacks.
Texas Tech is holing opponents to 107.4 rushing yards a game.
Graham Harrell leads the nation in total offense averaging 407.2 yards per game.
Darcel McBath is tied for first in the country and leads the Big 12 averaging 0.6 interceptions a game.
Michael Crabtree is second in the nation averaging 10.8 points per game.
The Bad
Texas Tech ranks 117th out of 119 teams in net punting (30.2 yards a punt).
The defense ranks 99th in tackles for loss.
They Red Raiders allow 244 yards a game through the air ranking them 98th in the nation in pass defense.
Oklahoma
The Good
Sam Bradford leads the Big 12 and is second in the nation in passing efficiency.
DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown are third and fourth in the Big 12 in rushing yards.
Oklahoma leads the nation averaging 51.4 points per game.
The Sooners lead nation with a plus-16 turnover margin.
Averaging 355.5 passing yards a game Oklahoma ranks third in the nation and second in the Big 12.
Oklahoma is second in the Big 12 and fourth in the country averaging 549.8 yards of total offense a game.
The Sooner’s defense averages 3.4 sacks a game which ranks them second in the Big 12 and third in the nation.
Oklahoma leads the Big 12 and is ninth in the nation averaging 8 tackles for loss per game.
The offensive line has only allowed nine sacks this season.
The Sooners are second in the Big 12 averaging 194.3 rushing yards per game.
Although Oklahoma ranks 55th in total defense the Sooners lead the Big 12.
The Sooners’ defense is holding opponents to 107.5 rushing yards per game.
The Bad
Oklahoma ranks 93rd in pass defense (fourth in the Big 12).
The Sooners rank 93rd in net punting (33 yards a punt).
Players
Quarterback
Texas Tech- Graham Harrell 332/463 (.717), 4,077 yards, 36 TD, 5 INT
Oklahoma- Sam Bradford 224/330 (.679) 3,406 yards, 38 TD, 6 INT
Rushing
Texas Tech- Baron Batch 667 yards, 7.2 ypc, 5 TD
Texas Tech- Shannon Woods 588 yards, 5.1 ypc, 11 TD
Oklahoma- DeMarco Murray 804 yards, 5.5 ypc, 11 TD
Oklahoma- Chris Brown 782 yards, 6.1 ypc, 12 TD
Receiving
Texas Tech- Michael Crabtree 1,010 yards, 78 rec., 12.9 ypr, 18 TD
Texas Tech- Detron Lewis 730 yards, 57 rec., 12.8 ypr, 1 TD
Oklahoma- Juaquin Iglesias 853 yards, 51 rec., 16.7 ypr, 6 TD
Oklahoma- Manuel Johnson 587 yards, 34 rec., 17.3 ypr, 8 TD
Defense
Texas Tech- Brandon Williams leads the Big 12 with 10 sacks and leads the team with 11 tackles for loss.
Oklahoma- Travis Lewis leads the team with 105 tackles.
Team Stats
Texas Tech
Rushing- 132.6
Passing- 433.7
Total- 566.3
PF- 47.9
PA- 22.2
Oklahoma
Rushing- 194.3
Passing- 355.5
Total- 549.8
PF- 51.4
PA- 23.6
No. 20 Pittsburgh at No. 19 Cincinnati (Minus 5)
Pitt defeated Cincinnati in 2007 and leads the series 7-0. Since 2005 this game has been called the “River City Rivalry”. The winner of this game will have the inside track to the Big East title.
Receivers Dominick Goodman and Marshwan Gilyard are a big reason why Cincinnati is averaging a Big East best 253.9 yards per game. Goodman ranks second in the league averaging 6.3 receptions and 80.2 yards per game and Gilyard averages 4.8 receptions and 75.8 ypg and is ranked third in the Big East.
Pittsburgh enters this game scoring more points per game than any other team in the Big East. Pitt’s offense relies on running back LeSean “Shady” McCoy. Averaging 10.67 points per game Shady is ranked third in the nation in scoring. In only nine games McCoy has already rushed for 1,043 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The View
Cincinnati’s quarterback Tony Pike is entering this game with an injured sternum. After the final whistle he –and the rest of the Bearcats– will be leaving the field with broken hearts.
Pitt 27, Cincy 23
Random Notes
Pittsburgh
The Good
The Panthers lead the Big East averaging 30.9 points per game.
Pitt’s defense is 16th in the nation and leads the Big East averaging 2.78 sacks per game (25 total).
The Panthers are second in the Big East and 45 in the country averaging 381.8 yards of total offense.
LeSean “Shady” McCoy is second in the Big East and 12th in the nation averaging 116.9 rushing yards per game.
McCoy leads is third in the nation in scoring averaging 10.67 points per game.
The Bad
Pittsburgh has a negative-4 turnover margin.
The panthers rank 89th in kickoff returns (20.1) and 85th in punt returns (7.1).
Cincinnati
The Good
The Bearcats lead the Big East with 253.9 passing yards per game.
Cincy leads the Big East in passing efficiency.
The Bearcats lead the nation in net punting averaging 41.98 yards a punt.
Averaging 25.5 yards a kickoff return Cincinnati is ninth in the country and leads the Big East.
Cincinnati is second in the Big East averaging 6.2 tackles for loss a game (62 total).
Dominick Goodman (6.3) and Marshwan Gilyard (4.8) are ranked second and third in the Big East in receptions per game.
Goodman (80.2) and Gilyard (75.8) are ranked second and third in the Big East in receiving yards per game as well.
Marshwan Gilyard ranks fifth in the nation and leads the Big East averaging 30.3 yards a kickoff return.
Players
Quarterback
Pitt- Bill Stull 141/237 (.595), 1,778 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT
Pitt- Pat Bostick / (.526), 233 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT
Cincy- Tony Pike 116/194 (.695), 1,479 yards, 12 TD, 4 INT
Rushing
Pitt- LeSean McCoy 1,043 yards, 5.0 ypc, 16 TD
Pitt- LaRod Stephens-Howling 277 yards, 4.3 ypc, 5 TD
Cincy- Jacob Ramsey 568 yards, 4.6 ypc, 1 TD
Cincy- John Goebel 436 yards, 4.9 ypc, 6 TD
Receiving
Pitt- Jonathan Baldwin 360 yards, 15 rec., 24.0 ypr, 3 TD
Pitt- Derek Kinder 287 yards, 29 rec., 9.9 ypr, 1 TD
Cincy- Dominick Goodman 802 yards, 63 rec., 12.7 ypr, 6 TD
Cincy- Marshwan Gilyard 758 yards, 48 rec., 15.8 ypr, 8 TD
Defense
Pitt- Scott McKillop leads the Big East in tackles (9.9) and tackles for loss (1.4) per game.
Cincy- Mike Mickens leads the Bearcats with 66 tackles and four interceptions.
Team Stats
Pittsburgh
Rushing- 156.3
Passing- 225.4
Total- 381.8
PF- 30.9
PA- 24.8
Cincinnati
Rushing- 119.9
Passing- 251.7
Total- 371.6
PF- 26.7
PA-20.8
Receivers Dominick Goodman and Marshwan Gilyard are a big reason why Cincinnati is averaging a Big East best 253.9 yards per game. Goodman ranks second in the league averaging 6.3 receptions and 80.2 yards per game and Gilyard averages 4.8 receptions and 75.8 ypg and is ranked third in the Big East.
Pittsburgh enters this game scoring more points per game than any other team in the Big East. Pitt’s offense relies on running back LeSean “Shady” McCoy. Averaging 10.67 points per game Shady is ranked third in the nation in scoring. In only nine games McCoy has already rushed for 1,043 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The View
Cincinnati’s quarterback Tony Pike is entering this game with an injured sternum. After the final whistle he –and the rest of the Bearcats– will be leaving the field with broken hearts.
Pitt 27, Cincy 23
Random Notes
Pittsburgh
The Good
The Panthers lead the Big East averaging 30.9 points per game.
Pitt’s defense is 16th in the nation and leads the Big East averaging 2.78 sacks per game (25 total).
The Panthers are second in the Big East and 45 in the country averaging 381.8 yards of total offense.
LeSean “Shady” McCoy is second in the Big East and 12th in the nation averaging 116.9 rushing yards per game.
McCoy leads is third in the nation in scoring averaging 10.67 points per game.
The Bad
Pittsburgh has a negative-4 turnover margin.
The panthers rank 89th in kickoff returns (20.1) and 85th in punt returns (7.1).
Cincinnati
The Good
The Bearcats lead the Big East with 253.9 passing yards per game.
Cincy leads the Big East in passing efficiency.
The Bearcats lead the nation in net punting averaging 41.98 yards a punt.
Averaging 25.5 yards a kickoff return Cincinnati is ninth in the country and leads the Big East.
Cincinnati is second in the Big East averaging 6.2 tackles for loss a game (62 total).
Dominick Goodman (6.3) and Marshwan Gilyard (4.8) are ranked second and third in the Big East in receptions per game.
Goodman (80.2) and Gilyard (75.8) are ranked second and third in the Big East in receiving yards per game as well.
Marshwan Gilyard ranks fifth in the nation and leads the Big East averaging 30.3 yards a kickoff return.
Players
Quarterback
Pitt- Bill Stull 141/237 (.595), 1,778 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT
Pitt- Pat Bostick / (.526), 233 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT
Cincy- Tony Pike 116/194 (.695), 1,479 yards, 12 TD, 4 INT
Rushing
Pitt- LeSean McCoy 1,043 yards, 5.0 ypc, 16 TD
Pitt- LaRod Stephens-Howling 277 yards, 4.3 ypc, 5 TD
Cincy- Jacob Ramsey 568 yards, 4.6 ypc, 1 TD
Cincy- John Goebel 436 yards, 4.9 ypc, 6 TD
Receiving
Pitt- Jonathan Baldwin 360 yards, 15 rec., 24.0 ypr, 3 TD
Pitt- Derek Kinder 287 yards, 29 rec., 9.9 ypr, 1 TD
Cincy- Dominick Goodman 802 yards, 63 rec., 12.7 ypr, 6 TD
Cincy- Marshwan Gilyard 758 yards, 48 rec., 15.8 ypr, 8 TD
Defense
Pitt- Scott McKillop leads the Big East in tackles (9.9) and tackles for loss (1.4) per game.
Cincy- Mike Mickens leads the Bearcats with 66 tackles and four interceptions.
Team Stats
Pittsburgh
Rushing- 156.3
Passing- 225.4
Total- 381.8
PF- 30.9
PA- 24.8
Cincinnati
Rushing- 119.9
Passing- 251.7
Total- 371.6
PF- 26.7
PA-20.8
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Saturday at noon No. 11 Ohio State (8-2), a ten-point favorite, will travel to Champaign to play Illinois (5-5). Last season Illinois defeated Ohio State 28-21. Ohio State leads the series 60-30-4.
Motivation should not be a cause of concern for Ohio State’s defense. I’m sure visions of Illinois’ quarterback Juice Williams converting third down after critical third down will be dancing through their heads. In last year’s game Williams completed 12/22 passes for 140 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 70 yards.
Saturday’s game pits strength against strength. With the combo of Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn –60 receptions, 947 yards and 3 touchdowns- Illinois leads the Big Ten in passing (277.9 yards per game) and total offense (447.6 ypg). Ohio State counters with the Big Ten’s best passing defense (164.4 ypg) and a unit that is holding opponents to 13 points per game.
The View
Ohio State is two victories away from another Big Ten title. If the Buckeyes can reclaim the Illi-Buck Trophy, Ohio State fans should be rooting for Penn State to lose one more game and Oregon State to win out. Playing in the Rose Bowl against Oregon State is more palatable than facing USC or any SEC team in a venue south of the Olentangy.
Ohio State 33, Illinois 20
Random Notes
Ohio State
The Good
Ohio State has the Big Ten’s best pass defense and is ranked 8th in the country holding teams to 164.4 passing yards.
The Buckeyes are holding opponents to 13 points per game (6th in the nation).
Ohio State is has a plus-13 turnover margin.
The defense is giving up an average of 269.8 yards per game.
Opposing offenses are only averaging 105.4 rushing yards per game.
The Bad
The passing offense was better against NU, but still ranks last in the Big Ten and 104/119 teams.
The offense is ranked 89th in total yards.
Kickoff return team is averaging 19.8 yards per return, 96th in the nation.
The defense is next to last in the Big Ten in tackles for loss and 94th in the country.
The offensive line is still allowing 2.3 sacks a game.
Illinois
The Good
Illinois’ offense leads the Big Ten in passing offense (277.9) and total offense (447.6).
The defense leads the Big Ten in sacks (32) and tackles for loss (77).
The Illini average 22.6 yards a punt return second in the Big Ten.
The Bad
Illinois has a turnover margin of minus four.
The Illini are ranked 98th in net punting.
Players
Quarterback
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 84/129 (.651), 1,076 yards, 9 TD, 3 INT
Illinois- Juice Williams 182/319 (.591), 2,769 yards, 20 TD, 14 INT
Rushing
Ohio State- Beanie Wells 814 yards, 5.4 ypc, 6 TD
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 450 yards, 4.4 ypc, 5 TD
Illinois- Daniel Dufrene 575 yards, 4.1 ypc, 0 TD
Illinois- Juice Williams 577 yards, 5.6 ypc, 5 TD
Receiving
Ohio State- Brian Hartline 392 yards, 18 rec., 21.8 ypr, 2 TD
Ohio State- Brian Robiskie 356 yards, 33 rec., 10.8 ypr, 7 TD
Illinois- Arrelious Benn 947 yards, 60 rec., 15.8 ypr, 3 TD
Illinois- Will Judson 401 yards, 21 rec., 19.1 ypr, 2 TD
Defense
Ohio State- James Laurinaitis leads the team with 101 tackles.
Ohio State- Malcolm Jenkins and Kurt Coleman each have 3 interceptions.
Illinois- Brit Miller leads the Big Ten with 110 tackles and leads the Illini with 6 sacks and 15.5 TFL.
Team Stats
Ohio State Illinois
Rushing- 176.2 Rushing- 169.7
Passing- 154.4 Passing- 277.9
Total- 330.6 Total- 447.6
PF- 26.6 PF- 31.4
PA- 13 PA- 26.2
Motivation should not be a cause of concern for Ohio State’s defense. I’m sure visions of Illinois’ quarterback Juice Williams converting third down after critical third down will be dancing through their heads. In last year’s game Williams completed 12/22 passes for 140 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 70 yards.
Saturday’s game pits strength against strength. With the combo of Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn –60 receptions, 947 yards and 3 touchdowns- Illinois leads the Big Ten in passing (277.9 yards per game) and total offense (447.6 ypg). Ohio State counters with the Big Ten’s best passing defense (164.4 ypg) and a unit that is holding opponents to 13 points per game.
The View
Ohio State is two victories away from another Big Ten title. If the Buckeyes can reclaim the Illi-Buck Trophy, Ohio State fans should be rooting for Penn State to lose one more game and Oregon State to win out. Playing in the Rose Bowl against Oregon State is more palatable than facing USC or any SEC team in a venue south of the Olentangy.
Ohio State 33, Illinois 20
Random Notes
Ohio State
The Good
Ohio State has the Big Ten’s best pass defense and is ranked 8th in the country holding teams to 164.4 passing yards.
The Buckeyes are holding opponents to 13 points per game (6th in the nation).
Ohio State is has a plus-13 turnover margin.
The defense is giving up an average of 269.8 yards per game.
Opposing offenses are only averaging 105.4 rushing yards per game.
The Bad
The passing offense was better against NU, but still ranks last in the Big Ten and 104/119 teams.
The offense is ranked 89th in total yards.
Kickoff return team is averaging 19.8 yards per return, 96th in the nation.
The defense is next to last in the Big Ten in tackles for loss and 94th in the country.
The offensive line is still allowing 2.3 sacks a game.
Illinois
The Good
Illinois’ offense leads the Big Ten in passing offense (277.9) and total offense (447.6).
The defense leads the Big Ten in sacks (32) and tackles for loss (77).
The Illini average 22.6 yards a punt return second in the Big Ten.
The Bad
Illinois has a turnover margin of minus four.
The Illini are ranked 98th in net punting.
Players
Quarterback
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 84/129 (.651), 1,076 yards, 9 TD, 3 INT
Illinois- Juice Williams 182/319 (.591), 2,769 yards, 20 TD, 14 INT
Rushing
Ohio State- Beanie Wells 814 yards, 5.4 ypc, 6 TD
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 450 yards, 4.4 ypc, 5 TD
Illinois- Daniel Dufrene 575 yards, 4.1 ypc, 0 TD
Illinois- Juice Williams 577 yards, 5.6 ypc, 5 TD
Receiving
Ohio State- Brian Hartline 392 yards, 18 rec., 21.8 ypr, 2 TD
Ohio State- Brian Robiskie 356 yards, 33 rec., 10.8 ypr, 7 TD
Illinois- Arrelious Benn 947 yards, 60 rec., 15.8 ypr, 3 TD
Illinois- Will Judson 401 yards, 21 rec., 19.1 ypr, 2 TD
Defense
Ohio State- James Laurinaitis leads the team with 101 tackles.
Ohio State- Malcolm Jenkins and Kurt Coleman each have 3 interceptions.
Illinois- Brit Miller leads the Big Ten with 110 tackles and leads the Illini with 6 sacks and 15.5 TFL.
Team Stats
Ohio State Illinois
Rushing- 176.2 Rushing- 169.7
Passing- 154.4 Passing- 277.9
Total- 330.6 Total- 447.6
PF- 26.6 PF- 31.4
PA- 13 PA- 26.2
No. 25 South Carolina at No. 4 Florida (Minus 21)
Florida (8-1) defeated South Carolina (7-3) 51-31 in Columbia last season and leads the series 21-4-3. Steve Spurrier is 1-2 against his former team.
South Carolina’s defense, the best in the SEC, will be tested by Florida’s high-octane offense. Look for Florida’s Percy Harvin and Brandon James to make an impact on this game. Harvin will make his mark rushing and receiving and James will have at least one big play returning a punt or kickoff.
Due to turnovers and allowing big plays the Gamecocks will become 0-12 in Gainesville and the losers in 17 out of the last 18 games against the Gators.
Florida 38, South Carolina 20
Random Notes
South Carolina
The Good
Leads the SEC and is ranked third in the country in total defense (256.5 ypg).
The pass defense only allows 155.1 ypg and is 4th in the nation.
South Carolina is only allowing opponents to average 101.4 rushing yards a game. 11th in the country.
The Bad
The quarterback has been sacked 33 times this season 116th in the country.
The rushing game is last in the SEC and 107th in the nation averaging 103.5 yards a game.
Only gaining 5.8 yards a punt return, last in the SEC and 105th in the country.
The Gamecocks have a negative 5 turnover margin.
Florida
The Good
Leads the SEC and 4th in the nation with a plus 13 turnover margin.
Leads the SEC and is 3rd in the country averaging 18.7 yards a punt return.
The defense is fourth in the nation and best in the SEC allowing 11.9 points per game.
The defense is holding opponents to 177.9 yards passing and 108.3 yards rushing per game.
Florida is averaging 42.8 points per game, best in the SEC and 7th in the nation.
The Gators lead the SEC with 198.7 rushing yards per game.
The Bad
Florida is last in the SEC and 98th in the country averaging 4.8 tackles for loss a game.
Players
Quarterback
South Carolina- Chris Smelley 118/200 (.602), 1,439 yards, 11 TD, 9 INT
Florida- Tim Tebow 126/194 (.649), 1,740 yards, 17 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
South Carolina- Mike Davis 479 yards, 3.5 ypc, 3 TD
South Carolina- Stephen Garcia 170 yards, 3.0 ypc, 2 TD
Florida- Jeffrey Demps 395 yards, 9.6 ypc, 4 TD
Florida- Chris Rainey 360 yards, 6.0 ypc, 2 TD
Receiving
South Carolina- Jared Cook 542 yards, 33 rec., 16.4 ypr, 2 TD
South Carolina- Kenny McKinley 463 yards, 35 rec., 13.2 ypr, 4 TD
Florida- Percy Harvin 513 yards, 32 rec., 16.0 ypr, 7 TD
Florida- Louis Murphy 398 yards, 24 rec., 16.6 ypr, 4 TD
Defense
South Carolina- Eric Norwood leads the SEC with 7 sacks and leads the Gamecocks with 10.5 TFL
Florida- Brandon Spikes leads the team averaging 8.25 tackles 1 tackle for loss per game.
Team Stats
South Carolina Florida
Rushing- 103.5 Rushing- 198.7
Passing- 229 Passing- 208.8
Total- 332.5 Total- 407.4
PF- 24 PF- 42.8
PA- 15.6 PA- 11.9
South Carolina’s defense, the best in the SEC, will be tested by Florida’s high-octane offense. Look for Florida’s Percy Harvin and Brandon James to make an impact on this game. Harvin will make his mark rushing and receiving and James will have at least one big play returning a punt or kickoff.
Due to turnovers and allowing big plays the Gamecocks will become 0-12 in Gainesville and the losers in 17 out of the last 18 games against the Gators.
Florida 38, South Carolina 20
Random Notes
South Carolina
The Good
Leads the SEC and is ranked third in the country in total defense (256.5 ypg).
The pass defense only allows 155.1 ypg and is 4th in the nation.
South Carolina is only allowing opponents to average 101.4 rushing yards a game. 11th in the country.
The Bad
The quarterback has been sacked 33 times this season 116th in the country.
The rushing game is last in the SEC and 107th in the nation averaging 103.5 yards a game.
Only gaining 5.8 yards a punt return, last in the SEC and 105th in the country.
The Gamecocks have a negative 5 turnover margin.
Florida
The Good
Leads the SEC and 4th in the nation with a plus 13 turnover margin.
Leads the SEC and is 3rd in the country averaging 18.7 yards a punt return.
The defense is fourth in the nation and best in the SEC allowing 11.9 points per game.
The defense is holding opponents to 177.9 yards passing and 108.3 yards rushing per game.
Florida is averaging 42.8 points per game, best in the SEC and 7th in the nation.
The Gators lead the SEC with 198.7 rushing yards per game.
The Bad
Florida is last in the SEC and 98th in the country averaging 4.8 tackles for loss a game.
Players
Quarterback
South Carolina- Chris Smelley 118/200 (.602), 1,439 yards, 11 TD, 9 INT
Florida- Tim Tebow 126/194 (.649), 1,740 yards, 17 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
South Carolina- Mike Davis 479 yards, 3.5 ypc, 3 TD
South Carolina- Stephen Garcia 170 yards, 3.0 ypc, 2 TD
Florida- Jeffrey Demps 395 yards, 9.6 ypc, 4 TD
Florida- Chris Rainey 360 yards, 6.0 ypc, 2 TD
Receiving
South Carolina- Jared Cook 542 yards, 33 rec., 16.4 ypr, 2 TD
South Carolina- Kenny McKinley 463 yards, 35 rec., 13.2 ypr, 4 TD
Florida- Percy Harvin 513 yards, 32 rec., 16.0 ypr, 7 TD
Florida- Louis Murphy 398 yards, 24 rec., 16.6 ypr, 4 TD
Defense
South Carolina- Eric Norwood leads the SEC with 7 sacks and leads the Gamecocks with 10.5 TFL
Florida- Brandon Spikes leads the team averaging 8.25 tackles 1 tackle for loss per game.
Team Stats
South Carolina Florida
Rushing- 103.5 Rushing- 198.7
Passing- 229 Passing- 208.8
Total- 332.5 Total- 407.4
PF- 24 PF- 42.8
PA- 15.6 PA- 11.9
No. 10 Georgia at Auburn (Plus 8)
The annual battle of cats versus dogs is upon us. Last season Georgia defeated Auburn 45-20 in Athens, however Auburn leads the series 53-50-8.
Auburn’s troubles scoring points this season cost Tony Franklin his job as offensive coordinator. At the time Franklin was fired Auburn’s record was 4-2. Since his firing the Tigers are 1-3 with the lone victory being over Tennessee-Martin last week.
Auburn is only scoring 13.3 ppg against SEC opponents. Although Georgia’s defense is ranked 11th in the SEC in scoring defense (24.9 ppg) the Bulldogs should have little difficulty against the de-clawed Tigers. Can you hear the Georgia players and fans calling “here kitty kitty, here kitty kitty”?
Georgia 32, Auburn 14
Random Notes
Georgia
The Good
Georgia leads the SEC in passing offense (273.8 ypg) and total offense (436.8 ypg).
The Bulldogs have only allowed 13 sacks this season.
Georgia is second in the SEC scoring an average of 32.6 ppg.
The defense is holding opponents to 102.6 rushing ypg.
The Bulldogs are 4th in the nation averaging 17.7 yards a punt return.
The Bad
The defense is next to last allowing 24.9 ppg.
Auburn
The Good
Ranked third in the nation averaging 27.1 yards a kickoff return.
The defense is holding opponents to 16.3 ppg.
The pass defense is ranked 14th in the country.
The team leads the SEC in net punting.
The Bad
Averaging 19.5 ppg ranks Auburn 102nd in the nation.
The Tigers are 100th in total offense and 99th in passing offense.
Auburn has a negative five turnover margin.
Players
Quarterback
Georgia- Matthew Stafford 176/289 (.609), 2,587 yards, 15 TD, 8 INT
Auburn- Chris Todd 86/156 (.551), 903 yards, 5 TD, 6 INT
Auburn- Kodi Burns (.548), 758 yards, 1 TD, 7 INT
Rushing
Georgia- Knowshon Moreno 1,113 yards, 5.9 ypc, 15 TD
Georgia- Caleb King 246 yards, 4.1 ypc, 1 TD
Auburn- Ben Tate 615 yards, 4.4 ypc, 3 TD
Auburn- Kodi Burns 377 yards, 5.2 ypc, 5 TD
Receiving
Georgia- A.J. Green 806 yards, 46 rec., 17.5 ypr, 6 TD
Georgia- Mohamed Massaquoi 669 yards, 41 rec., 16.3 ypr, 5 TD
Auburn- Regeriqus Smith 283 yards, 27 rec., 10.5 ypr, 1 TD
Auburn- Montez Billings 202 yards, 17 rec., 11.9 ypr, 0 TD
Defense
Georgia- Rennie Curran leads the SEC with 89 tackles and leads the Dawgs with 3 sacks and 7.5 TFL.
Auburn- Antonio Coleman is second in the SEC with 10.5 TFL and leads the Tigers with 6 sacks.
Team Stats
Georgia Auburn
Rushing- 163 Rushing- 146.1
Passing- 273.8 Passing- 169.3
Total- 436.8 Total- 315.4
PF- 32.6 PF- 19.5
PA- 24.9 PA- 16.3
Auburn’s troubles scoring points this season cost Tony Franklin his job as offensive coordinator. At the time Franklin was fired Auburn’s record was 4-2. Since his firing the Tigers are 1-3 with the lone victory being over Tennessee-Martin last week.
Auburn is only scoring 13.3 ppg against SEC opponents. Although Georgia’s defense is ranked 11th in the SEC in scoring defense (24.9 ppg) the Bulldogs should have little difficulty against the de-clawed Tigers. Can you hear the Georgia players and fans calling “here kitty kitty, here kitty kitty”?
Georgia 32, Auburn 14
Random Notes
Georgia
The Good
Georgia leads the SEC in passing offense (273.8 ypg) and total offense (436.8 ypg).
The Bulldogs have only allowed 13 sacks this season.
Georgia is second in the SEC scoring an average of 32.6 ppg.
The defense is holding opponents to 102.6 rushing ypg.
The Bulldogs are 4th in the nation averaging 17.7 yards a punt return.
The Bad
The defense is next to last allowing 24.9 ppg.
Auburn
The Good
Ranked third in the nation averaging 27.1 yards a kickoff return.
The defense is holding opponents to 16.3 ppg.
The pass defense is ranked 14th in the country.
The team leads the SEC in net punting.
The Bad
Averaging 19.5 ppg ranks Auburn 102nd in the nation.
The Tigers are 100th in total offense and 99th in passing offense.
Auburn has a negative five turnover margin.
Players
Quarterback
Georgia- Matthew Stafford 176/289 (.609), 2,587 yards, 15 TD, 8 INT
Auburn- Chris Todd 86/156 (.551), 903 yards, 5 TD, 6 INT
Auburn- Kodi Burns (.548), 758 yards, 1 TD, 7 INT
Rushing
Georgia- Knowshon Moreno 1,113 yards, 5.9 ypc, 15 TD
Georgia- Caleb King 246 yards, 4.1 ypc, 1 TD
Auburn- Ben Tate 615 yards, 4.4 ypc, 3 TD
Auburn- Kodi Burns 377 yards, 5.2 ypc, 5 TD
Receiving
Georgia- A.J. Green 806 yards, 46 rec., 17.5 ypr, 6 TD
Georgia- Mohamed Massaquoi 669 yards, 41 rec., 16.3 ypr, 5 TD
Auburn- Regeriqus Smith 283 yards, 27 rec., 10.5 ypr, 1 TD
Auburn- Montez Billings 202 yards, 17 rec., 11.9 ypr, 0 TD
Defense
Georgia- Rennie Curran leads the SEC with 89 tackles and leads the Dawgs with 3 sacks and 7.5 TFL.
Auburn- Antonio Coleman is second in the SEC with 10.5 TFL and leads the Tigers with 6 sacks.
Team Stats
Georgia Auburn
Rushing- 163 Rushing- 146.1
Passing- 273.8 Passing- 169.3
Total- 436.8 Total- 315.4
PF- 32.6 PF- 19.5
PA- 24.9 PA- 16.3
Notre Dame at Navy (Plus 3)
Last season Navy defeated Notre Dame 46–44 in triple overtime. The win broke a 45 game consecutive losing streak that dated back to 1963. Notre Dame leads the series 70-10-1.
After starting the season 4-1, Notre Dame (5-4) is in the midst of a two game losing streak and has won only once in the last five games. Conversely, Navy (6-3) has won two in a row and is 5-1 in the last six games.
Jimmy Clausen and the Notre Dame offense should be able to move the ball through the air against Navy’s 104th ranked pass defense. If the Irish’s defense can stop Shun White and the rest of Navy’s rushing attack (308 ypg) Notre Dame should be able to sink the Midshipmen’s battleship.
Notre Dame 30, Navy 23
Random Notes
Notre Dame
The Good
The Irish are 21st in the nation in passing offense (259.4 ypg).
The Bad
Notre Dame is 111th in the nation with 39 tackles for loss.
The rushing game is 95th in the country averaging 115.6 ypg.
Notre Dame’s defense has only recorded 14 sacks this season.
Navy
The Good
Navy averages 308 yards rushing a game, second in the nation.
The Midshipmen have only allowed seven sacks all season, third in the country.
Navy has a plus-eight turnover margin.
The Bad
The passing game ranks 118/119 teams, 66.9 ypg.
The defense is ranked 104th against the pass allowing 256.7 ypg.
The defense has only made 41 tackles for loss on the season (104th in the nation).
Players
Quarterbacks
Notre Dame- Jimmy Clausen 198/335 (.591), 2,329 yards, 18 TD, 13 INT
Navy- Jarod Bryant 18/32 (.563), 265 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing
Notre Dame- Armando Allen 457 yards, 4.5 ypc, 2 TD
Notre Dame- Robert Hughes 256 yards, 3.3 ypc, 2 TD
Navy- Shun White 834 yards, 8.4 ypc, 6 TD
Navy- Eric Kettani 673 yards, 5.5 ypc, 2 TD
Navy- Jarod Bryant 440 yards, 3.4 ypc, 6 TD
Receiving
Notre Dame- Golden Tate 742 yards, 43 rec., 17.3 ypr, 5 TD
Notre Dame- Michael Floyd 702 yards, 46 rec., 15.3 ypr, 7 TD
Navy- Tyree Barnes 280 yards, 15 rec., 18.7 ypr, 18.7 ypr, 2 TD
Navy- Shun White 74 yards, 2 rec., 24.7 ypr, 0 TD
Defense
Notre Dame- Defensive Back Kyle McCarthy leads the Irish with 84 tackles.
Navy- Linebacker Corey Johnson leads the team with 62 tackles. He also has 5.5 TFL and a sack.
Team Stats
Notre Dame Navy
Rushing- 115.6 Rushing- 308
Passing- 259.4 Passing- 66.9
Total- 375 Total- 374.9
PF- 24.3 PF- 29.2
PA- 20.4 PA- 25.6
After starting the season 4-1, Notre Dame (5-4) is in the midst of a two game losing streak and has won only once in the last five games. Conversely, Navy (6-3) has won two in a row and is 5-1 in the last six games.
Jimmy Clausen and the Notre Dame offense should be able to move the ball through the air against Navy’s 104th ranked pass defense. If the Irish’s defense can stop Shun White and the rest of Navy’s rushing attack (308 ypg) Notre Dame should be able to sink the Midshipmen’s battleship.
Notre Dame 30, Navy 23
Random Notes
Notre Dame
The Good
The Irish are 21st in the nation in passing offense (259.4 ypg).
The Bad
Notre Dame is 111th in the nation with 39 tackles for loss.
The rushing game is 95th in the country averaging 115.6 ypg.
Notre Dame’s defense has only recorded 14 sacks this season.
Navy
The Good
Navy averages 308 yards rushing a game, second in the nation.
The Midshipmen have only allowed seven sacks all season, third in the country.
Navy has a plus-eight turnover margin.
The Bad
The passing game ranks 118/119 teams, 66.9 ypg.
The defense is ranked 104th against the pass allowing 256.7 ypg.
The defense has only made 41 tackles for loss on the season (104th in the nation).
Players
Quarterbacks
Notre Dame- Jimmy Clausen 198/335 (.591), 2,329 yards, 18 TD, 13 INT
Navy- Jarod Bryant 18/32 (.563), 265 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing
Notre Dame- Armando Allen 457 yards, 4.5 ypc, 2 TD
Notre Dame- Robert Hughes 256 yards, 3.3 ypc, 2 TD
Navy- Shun White 834 yards, 8.4 ypc, 6 TD
Navy- Eric Kettani 673 yards, 5.5 ypc, 2 TD
Navy- Jarod Bryant 440 yards, 3.4 ypc, 6 TD
Receiving
Notre Dame- Golden Tate 742 yards, 43 rec., 17.3 ypr, 5 TD
Notre Dame- Michael Floyd 702 yards, 46 rec., 15.3 ypr, 7 TD
Navy- Tyree Barnes 280 yards, 15 rec., 18.7 ypr, 18.7 ypr, 2 TD
Navy- Shun White 74 yards, 2 rec., 24.7 ypr, 0 TD
Defense
Notre Dame- Defensive Back Kyle McCarthy leads the Irish with 84 tackles.
Navy- Linebacker Corey Johnson leads the team with 62 tackles. He also has 5.5 TFL and a sack.
Team Stats
Notre Dame Navy
Rushing- 115.6 Rushing- 308
Passing- 259.4 Passing- 66.9
Total- 375 Total- 374.9
PF- 24.3 PF- 29.2
PA- 20.4 PA- 25.6
Saturday, November 8, 2008
No. 11 Ohio State travels to Evanston, Illinois to play No. 24 Northwestern at
noon as an 11-point favorite on Saturday. Ohio State defeated Northwestern
58-7 last year and leads the series 58-14-1.
C.J. Bacher, Northwestern’s starting quarterback, has been hampered by a
hamstring injury. For the season Bacher has thrown for 1,700 yards, 10
touchdowns and 11 interceptions. If Bacher is unable to play it might be a
good thing for the Wildcats.
Last week Mike Kafka completed 12/16 passes for 143 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2
interceptions in the victory over Minnesota. More impressive is that Kafka set
a Big Ten quarterback record when he rushed for 217 yards against the Gophers.
The injury bug has also bitten the Wildcats at running back. Tyrell Sutton is
out for the year with a wrist injury. His replacement, Omar Conteh, has been
scratched for this week as well. Conteh only gained 12 yards on 12 carries
last week against Minnesota. Fortunately for Northwestern they can use the
running ability of either Bacher or Kafka.
Ohio State’s offense may not dominate this game as some fans may expect. Yes,
the Buckeyes are playing Northwestern, but the Wildcats’ defense has had
success getting to opposing quarterbacks.
Northwestern is second in the Big Ten this season with 26 sacks. Couple that
with an Ohio State offensive line that has allowed 22 sacks it could result in
Pryor spending the day in a purple haze.
The View
Should Ohio State take a cue from the political arena and follow the mantra of
“change” when it comes to the offense? If the Buckeyes’ 106th ranked passing
game can’t get it together against Northwestern’s anemic pass defense there
just might be a change by season’s end.
Ohio State 30, Northwestern 10
Random Notes
Ohio State
The Good
Leads the Big Ten and is ranked ninth in the country in pass defense (163
yards per game).
Averaging 12.5 yards a punt return the Buckeyes lead the Big Ten.
With a plus 10 turnover margin the Buckeyes are second in the Big Ten and
ranked tenth in the nation.
The Buckeyes are ranked 8th in the nation and second in the Big Ten in pass
efficiency defense (98.5) and total defense (267.1 ypg).
The Bad
The passing offense is tenth in the Big Ten and 106th in the nation averaging
149.7 ypg.
The Buckeyes are 97th in total offense and next to last in the Big Ten.
The offensive line has allowed 22 sacks this season.
Ohio State ranks 93rd in kickoff returns.
The defense is tied for 98th in tackles for loss (4.67 per game).
Northwestern
The Good
The defense has recorded 26 sacks which is second in the Big Ten.
The Offensive line has only allowed ten sacks on the season.
The Wildcats are holding opponents to 18.1 points a game.
The Bad
Ranked 90th in the country averaging 6.7 yards a punt return.
The defense allows 232 yards through the air.
Players
Quarterback
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 75/115 (.652), 879 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT
Northwestern- C.J. Bacher 179/303 (.591), 1,700 yards, 10 TD, 11 INT
Northwestern- Mike Kafka 14/19 (.737), 153 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Ohio State- Beanie Wells 674 yards, 5.4 ypc, 4 TD
Ohio State- Terrelle Pryor 417 yards, 4.3 ypc, 5 TD
Northwestern- Tyrell Sutton 776 yards, 5.0 ypc, 6 TD
Northwestern- C.J. Bacher 244 yards, 4.2 ypc, 3 TD
Northwestern- Mike Kafka 217 yards, 6.6 ypc, 0 TD
Receiving
Ohio State- Brian Hartline 302 yards, 16 rec., 18.9 ypr, 2 TD
Ohio State- Brian Robiskie 298 yards, 30 rec., 9.9 ypr, 5 TD
Northwestern- Ross Lane 397 yards, 38 rec., 10.4 ypr, 0 TD
Northwestern- Eric Peterman 386 yards, 33 rec., 11.7 ypr, 3 TD
Defense
Ohio State- James Laurinaitis has 90 tackles, just three behind Brit Miller
for the Big Ten lead.
Northwestern- Corey Wootton leads the team with 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for
loss.
Northwestern- Brad Phillips has recorded a team best 74 tackles.
Team Stats
Ohio State Northwestern
Rushing- 168.7 Rushing- 165.1
Passing- 148.7 Passing- 212
Total- 318.4 Total- 377.1
PF- 24.6 PF- 26.2
PA- 13.3 PA- 18.1
No. 9 Oklahoma State at No. 2 Texas Tech (Minus 3)
Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma State 49-45 last season and leads the series
20-11-3. Since 2003 the Red Raiders have defeated OSU on the odd years and the
Cowboys have won if the year is even.
Both Oklahoma State and Texas Tech have powerful offenses that score over 45
points per game. However, they get their results in opposite manners.
Graham Harrell, Michael Crabtree and Detron Lewis are key factors in why Texas
Tech leads the nation with 424.6 passing ypg.
When Oklahoma State has the ball, the Cowboys like to pound the ball with
running backs Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston. Hunter has rushed for 1,220
yards and 11 touchdowns and Toston averages 7.4 ypc and has scored 8 rushing
touchdowns.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking that Oklahoma State can’t throw the
ball. Wide receiver Dez Bryant is quarterback Zac Robinson’s primary target.
This duo has hooked up 60 times for 1,054 yards and 15 touchdowns.
If OSU can milk the clock with their fifth ranked running game they could
knock off the Red Raiders. Then again, had John McCain received more votes he
would be the next president.
Texas Tech 37, Oklahoma State 33
Random Notes
Oklahoma State
The Good
Leads the Big 12 and is ranked 5th in the nation in rushing offense (273.6
ypg).
Ranked second in the nation in net punting (41.7 yards a punt).
Average 19.5 yards a punt return, best in the Big 12 and third in the nation.
Second in the nation in passing efficiency tops in the Big 12.
Ranked fifth in the nation averaging 45.3 points per game.
12th in the nation averaging 25 yards a kickoff return.
Have only allowed ten sacks on the season.
The Bad
The defense allows 240.6 passing yards a game, 92nd in the nation.
The defense has only recorded 11 sacks on the season, last in the Big 12 and
102nd in the country.
Texas Tech
The Good
Leads the nation in passing offense averaging 424.6 ypg.
Leads the Big 12 and is second in the nation (behind Tulsa) in total offense.
Leads the Big 12 in total defense.
The offensive line leads the Big 12 and is second in the nation having allowed
five sacks
on the season.
The Good
Has a plus 10 turnover margin.
Scores 47 points per game.
Defense holds opponents to 98.7 ypg, second in the Big 12 and tenth in the
nation.
The Bad
Allows over 250 yards passing 100th in the nation.
The defense has only recorded 44 tackles for loss on the season, 91st in the
country.
Players
Quarterback
Ok State- Zac Robinson 94/134 (.701), 1,488 yards, 14 TD, 4 INT
TT- Graham Harrell 256/360 (.711), 3,147 yards, 28 TD, 5 INT
Rushing
Ok State- Kendall Hunter 955 yards, 6.3 ypc, 9 TD
Ok State- Keith Toston 487 yards, 7.5 ypc, 7 TD
TT- Baron Batch 537 yards, 7.5 ypc, 4 TD
TT- Shannon Woods 481 yards, ypc, 10 TD
Receiving
Ok State- Dez Bryant 809 yards, 45 rec., 18.0 ypr, 11 TD
Ok State- Damian Davis 159 yards, 7 rec., 22.7 ypr, 2 TD
OK State- Brandon Pettigrew TE 131 yards, 11 rec., 11.9 ypr, 0 TD
TT- Michael Crabtree 794 yards, 60 rec., 13.2 ypr, 14 TD
TT- Detron Lewis 579 yards, 45 rec., 12.9 ypr, 1 TD
Defense
Ok State- Andre Sexton leads the Cowboys with 69 tackles.
TT- Darcel McBath leads the Big 12 with 5 interceptions.
TT- Daniel Charbonnet leads the Big 12 with 5 interceptions
TT- Brandon Williams is second in the Big 12 with 10 sacks and leads the Red
Raiders with 11 TFL. Williams had two sacks and two TFL against Texas.
Team Stats
Oklahoma State Texas Tech
Rushing- 183.4 Rushing- 138.5
Passing- 303.1 Passing- 418.4
Total- 486.5 Total- 556.9
PF- 45.6 PF- 48
PA- 18.41 PA- 21.1
No. 1 Alabama at No. 16 LSU (Plus 3.5)
Nick Saban will be on the opposite sideline when he returns to Baton Rouge for
the first time as Alabama’s head coach. Alabama leads the series 43-23-5. LSU
won last season in Tuscaloosa 41-34 and has won five straight against the
Crimson Tide.
The rushing game will be the key to this game. Alabama’s defense leads the SEC
and is second in the nation holding opponents to 65.6 rushing yards per game.
Via the legs of Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram the Crimson Tide’s offense has
been able to average 205.3 rushing yards per game.
If LSU wins the turnover margin, running back Charles Scott has a big game and
the Tigers defense holds Alabama to under 105 rushing yards LSU should be able
to defeat Alabama for the sixth straight game.
LSU 24, Alabama 20
Random Notes
Alabama
The Good
The defense leads the SEC and is ranked second in the nation holding opponents
to 65.6 yards rushing.
The offense leads the SEC and is ranked 18th in the nation gaining 205.3
rushing yards per game.
The defense is fourth in the nation in total defense and sixth in the nation
in scoring defense (12.2 ppg).
The Bad
‘Bama only gains 163.7 yards a game passing, 102nd in the nation.
Ranked 103rd in kickoff returns (19.3 a return).
LSU
The Good
The defense is ranked 17th in rushing defense (105.8 ypg) and 21st in total
defense.
The punt return team is ranked 14th in the nation averaging just under 15
yards a return.
The Bad
The Tigers are minus 5 in turnover margin.
LSU ranks last in the SEC and 104th in the nation in kickoff returns.
Players
Quarterback
Bama- John Parker Wilson 92/152 (.605), 1,072 yards, 8 TD, 3 INT
LSU- Jarrett Lee 84/141 (.596), 1,041 yards, 8 TD, 6 INT
LSU- Andrew Hatch 23/43 (.535), 260 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Bama- Glen Coffee 760 yards, 7.0 ypc, 5 TD
Bama- Mark Ingram 419 yards, 5.4 ypc, 6 TD
LSU- Charles Scott- 631 yards, 6.4 ypc, 8 TD
LSU- Keiland Williams 137 yards, 4.3 ypc, 0 TD
Receiving
Bama- Julio Jones 341 yards, 22 rec., 15.5 ypr, 4 TD
Bama- Nick Walker 208 yards, 20 rec., 10.4 ypr, 2 TD
LSU- Brandon LaFell 462 yards, 33 rec., 14.0 ypr, 3 TD
LSU- Demetrius Byrd 291 yards, 19 rec., 15.3 ypr, 3 TD
Defense
Bama- Rolando McClain leads the ‘Tide with 58 tackles.
LSU- Rahim Alem leads the SEC with 8 sacks and leads the Tigers with 8 TFL.
Team Stats
Alabama LSU
Rushing- 209.3 Rushing- 178.3
Passing- 161.9 Passing- 220.5
Total- 371.2 Total- 398.8
PF- 32.3 PF- 31.2
PA- 14.4 PA- 21.5
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