Penn State defeated Tennessee 20-10 in last year's Outback Bowl and is 25-12-2 in bowl games. Joe Paterno is 22-10-1 in bowl games.
Texas A&M lost to California 10-45 in last season's Holiday Bowl. The Aggies are 13-16 in bowl games.
Penn State is 2-1 against Texas A&M and defeated the Aggies 24-0 in the 1999 Alamo Bowl.
Penn State will have Joe Paterno and his previous 33 bowl games on the sideline. On the other sideline Texas A&M will have defensive coordinator Gary Darnell playing the role of interim coach. However, the players, not the coaches, will decide this game. I like the tandem of Penn State’s defensive end Maurice Evans and linebacker Dan Connor to shut down the running game of A&M’s Stephen McGee and Jorvorskie Lane.
Penn State 27, Texas A&M 21
The Players
QB
TAM- Stephen McGee 2,147 yards, 12 TD, 7 INT, 57.7%
PSU- Anthony Morelli 2,508 yards, 18 TD, 9 INT, 59.0%
RB
TAM- Jorvorskie Lane 746 yards, 4.7 ypc, 16 TD
TAM- Stephen McGee 858 yards, 5.0 ypc, 5 TD
PSU- Rodney Kinlaw 1,186 yards, 5.3 ypc, 10 TD
WR
TAM- Martellus Bennett 45 rec, 541 yards, 12.0 ypc, 4 TD
PSU- Derrick Williams 50 rec, 490 yards, 9.8 ypc, 3 TD
PSU- Deon Butler 43 rec, 574 yards, 13.3 ypc, 3 TD
Defense
TAM- Cyril Obiozor 3.5 sacks, 9.5 TFL
PSU- Maurice Evans 12.5 sacks, 21.5 TFL
Friday, December 28, 2007
Liberty Bowl Mississippi State vs. UCF
Mississippi State is 1-1 in the Liberty Bowl and has a 6-6 bowl record.
UCF lost to Nevada 48-49 in OT in the 2005 Hawaii Bowl. That was UCF's only bowl appearance.
Mississippi defeated UCF 35-28 in 1997.
The good news for Mississippi State is that they have the nation’s tenth best pass defense. The bad news is that they are ranked 65th in rush defense. Worse news is that the Bulldogs will be facing UCF’s Kevin Smith. The same Kevin Smith that leads the nation with 2,448 rushing yards and will break Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record if he can gain 181 yards against MSU.
If Smith breaks Sanders’ record some will argue that Smith benefited from playing two extra games. However, nobody argue about UCF’s first bowl victory.
UCF 35, MSU 28
The Players
QB
MSU- Wesley Carroll -1,353 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT, 53.2%
UCF- Kyle Israel 2,085 yards, 15 TD, 8 INT, 59.9 %
RB
MSU- Anthony Dixon 980 yards, 3.7, 13 TD, 3 rec. TD
UCF- Kevin Smith 2,448 yards, 5.9, 29 TD, 1 rec. TD
WR
MSU- Jamayel Smith 31 rec, 503 yards, 16.2, 3 TD
UCF- Rocky Ross 48 rec, 631 yards, 13.1, 2 TD
Defense
MSU- Titus Brown 8 sacks, 13.5 TFL
UCF- Sha'reff Rashad 94 tackles
UCF lost to Nevada 48-49 in OT in the 2005 Hawaii Bowl. That was UCF's only bowl appearance.
Mississippi defeated UCF 35-28 in 1997.
The good news for Mississippi State is that they have the nation’s tenth best pass defense. The bad news is that they are ranked 65th in rush defense. Worse news is that the Bulldogs will be facing UCF’s Kevin Smith. The same Kevin Smith that leads the nation with 2,448 rushing yards and will break Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record if he can gain 181 yards against MSU.
If Smith breaks Sanders’ record some will argue that Smith benefited from playing two extra games. However, nobody argue about UCF’s first bowl victory.
UCF 35, MSU 28
The Players
QB
MSU- Wesley Carroll -1,353 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT, 53.2%
UCF- Kyle Israel 2,085 yards, 15 TD, 8 INT, 59.9 %
RB
MSU- Anthony Dixon 980 yards, 3.7, 13 TD, 3 rec. TD
UCF- Kevin Smith 2,448 yards, 5.9, 29 TD, 1 rec. TD
WR
MSU- Jamayel Smith 31 rec, 503 yards, 16.2, 3 TD
UCF- Rocky Ross 48 rec, 631 yards, 13.1, 2 TD
Defense
MSU- Titus Brown 8 sacks, 13.5 TFL
UCF- Sha'reff Rashad 94 tackles
Meineke Car Care Bowl No. 25 Connecticut vs. Wake Forest
Wake Forest lost to Louisville in last year's Orange Bowl and is 4-3 in bowl games.
Connecticut defeated Toledo 39-10 in the 2004 Motor City Bowl and has a 1-0 bowl record.
Wake Forest beat Connecticut 24-13 in 2006 to tie the series 1-1.
This game features two schools with good defenses. UConn’s defense is anchored by linebacker Danny Lansanah and his 116 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. The Huskies are ranked 14th against the pass and allow fewer than 19 points per game. Led by Aaron Curry (96 tackles, 11.5 TFL), Wake Forest is ranked 17th against the run.
Coming off of a 21-66 embarrassment to West Virginia look for Connecticut to play inspired football.
UConn 17, Wake Forest 14
The Players
QB
WF- Riley Skinner 1,936 yards, 11 TD, 12 INT, 71.9%
UCONN- Tyler Lorenzen 2,269 yards, 13 TD, 5 INT, 57.3%
RB
WF- Josh Adams 887 yards, 4.4 ypc, 10 TD, 1 rec. TD
UCONN- Andre Dixon 809 yards, 5.1 ypc, 3 TD
WR
WF- Kenneth Moore 87 rec, 899 yards, 10.3. 5 TD
UCONN- Terence Jeffers 42 rec, 571 yards, 13.6, 5 TD
Defense
WF- Aaron Curry 96 tackles, 11.5 TFL
UCONN- Danny Lansanah 116 tackles, 13.5 TFL
Connecticut defeated Toledo 39-10 in the 2004 Motor City Bowl and has a 1-0 bowl record.
Wake Forest beat Connecticut 24-13 in 2006 to tie the series 1-1.
This game features two schools with good defenses. UConn’s defense is anchored by linebacker Danny Lansanah and his 116 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. The Huskies are ranked 14th against the pass and allow fewer than 19 points per game. Led by Aaron Curry (96 tackles, 11.5 TFL), Wake Forest is ranked 17th against the run.
Coming off of a 21-66 embarrassment to West Virginia look for Connecticut to play inspired football.
UConn 17, Wake Forest 14
The Players
QB
WF- Riley Skinner 1,936 yards, 11 TD, 12 INT, 71.9%
UCONN- Tyler Lorenzen 2,269 yards, 13 TD, 5 INT, 57.3%
RB
WF- Josh Adams 887 yards, 4.4 ypc, 10 TD, 1 rec. TD
UCONN- Andre Dixon 809 yards, 5.1 ypc, 3 TD
WR
WF- Kenneth Moore 87 rec, 899 yards, 10.3. 5 TD
UCONN- Terence Jeffers 42 rec, 571 yards, 13.6, 5 TD
Defense
WF- Aaron Curry 96 tackles, 11.5 TFL
UCONN- Danny Lansanah 116 tackles, 13.5 TFL
Emerald Bowl Maryland vs. Oregon State
Maryland defeated Purdue 24-7 in last year's Champ Sports Bowl and is 9-10-2 in bowl games.
Oregon State beat Missouri 39-38 in last season's Sun Bowl. The Beavers are 8-4 in bowl games.
This is the first football game between Maryland and Oregon State.
Maryland (6-6) finished the season winning only two of the last six games. However, one of those victories was against Boston College and the other was a 37-0 thrashing of N.C. State to become bowl eligible at the end of the season.
Oregon State (8-4) is coming into this game with a three-game winning streak and has Yvenson Bernard (1,037 yards, 12 TDs) at running back. However, Ralph Friedgen will have his Terrapins ready for the upset.
Maryland 28, Oregon State 24
The Players
QB
MARY- Chris Turner 1,040 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT, 48.3%
OSU- Sean Canfield 1,593 yards, 8 TD, 14 INT, 57.7%
RB
MARY- Keon Lattimore 789 yards, 3.8 ypc, 13 TD
MARY- Lance Ball 763 yards, 4.4 ypc, 12 TD
OSU- Yvenson Bernard 1,037 yards, 4.4 ypc, 12 TD 1 rec. TD
WR
MARY- Darrius Heywood-Bey 48 rec, 687 yards, 14.3 ypc, 2 TD
OSU- Anthony Brown 39 rec, 550 yards, 14.1 ypc, 1 TD
Oregon State beat Missouri 39-38 in last season's Sun Bowl. The Beavers are 8-4 in bowl games.
This is the first football game between Maryland and Oregon State.
Maryland (6-6) finished the season winning only two of the last six games. However, one of those victories was against Boston College and the other was a 37-0 thrashing of N.C. State to become bowl eligible at the end of the season.
Oregon State (8-4) is coming into this game with a three-game winning streak and has Yvenson Bernard (1,037 yards, 12 TDs) at running back. However, Ralph Friedgen will have his Terrapins ready for the upset.
Maryland 28, Oregon State 24
The Players
QB
MARY- Chris Turner 1,040 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT, 48.3%
OSU- Sean Canfield 1,593 yards, 8 TD, 14 INT, 57.7%
RB
MARY- Keon Lattimore 789 yards, 3.8 ypc, 13 TD
MARY- Lance Ball 763 yards, 4.4 ypc, 12 TD
OSU- Yvenson Bernard 1,037 yards, 4.4 ypc, 12 TD 1 rec. TD
WR
MARY- Darrius Heywood-Bey 48 rec, 687 yards, 14.3 ypc, 2 TD
OSU- Anthony Brown 39 rec, 550 yards, 14.1 ypc, 1 TD
Texas Bowl TCU vs. Houston
Houston is 7-9-1 in bowl games and has lost the last seven straight bowl games.
TCU has won two bowl games in a row and has a 9-13-1 bowl record.
Houston leads the series 13-11, but TCU has won the last seven games.
Houston (8-4) relies on its offense to win games. Anthony Alridge leads the Cougar’s tenth ranked rushing offense with 1,568 yards. Houston won the last two games of the season by a combined score of 94-34.
TCU (7-5) is the anti-Houston. The Horned Frogs rely on defense to win games. TCU held six teams to 20 or fewer points this season. The defense is ranked in the top 20 in the following categories: rushing, pass efficiency, sacks, scoring and total defense.
Houston ends TCU’s recent domination as they beat the Horned Frogs in their first meeting since TCU left Conference USA in 2005.
Houston 35, TCU 33
The Players
QB
TCU- Andy Dalton 368 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 50.7%
UH- Case Keenum 1,924 yards, 13 TD, 10 INT, 69.8 %
RB
TCU- Joseph Turner 587 yards, 5.2, 6 TD
TCU- Aaron Brown 490 yards, 4.6, 2 TD
UH- Anthony Alridge 1,568 yards, 6.4, 14 TD, 5 rec. TD
WR
TCU- Ervin Dickerson 37 rec, 457 yards, 12.4, 4 TD
UH- Donnie Avery 81 rec, 1,336 yards, 16.5, 7 TD
Defense
TCU- Chase Ortiz 8 sacks, 15.5 TFL
UH- Phillip Hunt 9.5 sacls 16 TFL
UH- Brendan Pahulu 7 sacks, 11 TFL
TCU has won two bowl games in a row and has a 9-13-1 bowl record.
Houston leads the series 13-11, but TCU has won the last seven games.
Houston (8-4) relies on its offense to win games. Anthony Alridge leads the Cougar’s tenth ranked rushing offense with 1,568 yards. Houston won the last two games of the season by a combined score of 94-34.
TCU (7-5) is the anti-Houston. The Horned Frogs rely on defense to win games. TCU held six teams to 20 or fewer points this season. The defense is ranked in the top 20 in the following categories: rushing, pass efficiency, sacks, scoring and total defense.
Houston ends TCU’s recent domination as they beat the Horned Frogs in their first meeting since TCU left Conference USA in 2005.
Houston 35, TCU 33
The Players
QB
TCU- Andy Dalton 368 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 50.7%
UH- Case Keenum 1,924 yards, 13 TD, 10 INT, 69.8 %
RB
TCU- Joseph Turner 587 yards, 5.2, 6 TD
TCU- Aaron Brown 490 yards, 4.6, 2 TD
UH- Anthony Alridge 1,568 yards, 6.4, 14 TD, 5 rec. TD
WR
TCU- Ervin Dickerson 37 rec, 457 yards, 12.4, 4 TD
UH- Donnie Avery 81 rec, 1,336 yards, 16.5, 7 TD
Defense
TCU- Chase Ortiz 8 sacks, 15.5 TFL
UH- Phillip Hunt 9.5 sacls 16 TFL
UH- Brendan Pahulu 7 sacks, 11 TFL
Champs Sports Bowl No. 14 Boston College vs. Michigan State
Boston College defeated Navy 25-24 in last year's Meineke Bowl and has won seven straight bowl games. The Eagles are 12-6 in bowl games.
This is Michigan State's first bowl game since losing 3-17 to Nebraska in the 2003 Alamo Bowl. The Spartans are 7-10 in bowl games.
This will be the sixth time Boston College (10-3) and Michigan State (7-5) have played each other. The Eagles lead the series 3-1-1. Boston College started the season 8-0, but could only muster two victories over the last five games of the season. The Eagles’ sixth ranked passing offense is lead by future NFL quarterback Matt Ryan (4,258 yards and 28 touchdowns). Ryan’s favorite receiver is Rich Gunnell. Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth split time running the ball.
With the loss of defensive stud Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State will try to use the running of Javon Ringer (1,346 yards) and Jehuu Caulcrick (813 yards, 21 TDs) to keep the ball out of the hands of Matt Ryan. If the Spartans can find success running the ball expect Devin Thomas (16.3 ypc) to have a big game against the Eagles’ 103rd ranked pass defense.
Michigan State wins a bowl game for the first time since winning the 2001 Silicon Valley Classic.
Michigan State 24, Boston College 21
The Players
QB
BC- Matt Ryan 4,258 yards, 28 TD, 18 INT, 60.3%
MSU- Brain Hoyer 2,594 yards, 18 TD, 7 INT, 61.5%
RB
BC- Andre Callender 956 yards, 4.6 ypc, 9 TD, 4 rec. TD BC- L.V. Whitworth 343 yards, 4.5 ypc, 3 TD
MSU- Javon Ringer 1,346 yards, 6.0 ypc, 6 TD, MSU- Jehuu Caulcrick 813 yards, 3.9 ypc, 21 TD
WR
BC- Rich Gunnell 58 rec, 793 yards, 13.7. 5 TD
MSU- Devin Thomas 75 rec, 1,226 yards, 16.3, 8 TD
Defense
BC- Jamie Silva 6 INT, 115 tackles
MSU- Jonal Saint-Dic 10 sacks, 14.5 TFL
This is Michigan State's first bowl game since losing 3-17 to Nebraska in the 2003 Alamo Bowl. The Spartans are 7-10 in bowl games.
This will be the sixth time Boston College (10-3) and Michigan State (7-5) have played each other. The Eagles lead the series 3-1-1. Boston College started the season 8-0, but could only muster two victories over the last five games of the season. The Eagles’ sixth ranked passing offense is lead by future NFL quarterback Matt Ryan (4,258 yards and 28 touchdowns). Ryan’s favorite receiver is Rich Gunnell. Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth split time running the ball.
With the loss of defensive stud Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State will try to use the running of Javon Ringer (1,346 yards) and Jehuu Caulcrick (813 yards, 21 TDs) to keep the ball out of the hands of Matt Ryan. If the Spartans can find success running the ball expect Devin Thomas (16.3 ypc) to have a big game against the Eagles’ 103rd ranked pass defense.
Michigan State wins a bowl game for the first time since winning the 2001 Silicon Valley Classic.
Michigan State 24, Boston College 21
The Players
QB
BC- Matt Ryan 4,258 yards, 28 TD, 18 INT, 60.3%
MSU- Brain Hoyer 2,594 yards, 18 TD, 7 INT, 61.5%
RB
BC- Andre Callender 956 yards, 4.6 ypc, 9 TD, 4 rec. TD BC- L.V. Whitworth 343 yards, 4.5 ypc, 3 TD
MSU- Javon Ringer 1,346 yards, 6.0 ypc, 6 TD, MSU- Jehuu Caulcrick 813 yards, 3.9 ypc, 21 TD
WR
BC- Rich Gunnell 58 rec, 793 yards, 13.7. 5 TD
MSU- Devin Thomas 75 rec, 1,226 yards, 16.3, 8 TD
Defense
BC- Jamie Silva 6 INT, 115 tackles
MSU- Jonal Saint-Dic 10 sacks, 14.5 TFL
Friday, December 21, 2007
PapaJohns.com Bowl Southern Mississippi vs. No. 22 Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-4 in bowl games and has won two straight.
Southern Mississippi defeated Ohio 28-7 in last year's GMAC Bowl. The Golden Eagles have won three straight bowl games and have an 8-9 bowl record.
This will be the 15th time Southern Mississippi (7-5) and Cincinnati (9-3) have played each other. The series is tied 7-7.
USM's offense is powered by running back Damion Fletcher. Fletcher (1,431 yards, 15 touchdowns) will face a stiff challenge against Cincinnati's defense. A tougher challenge for Southern Mississippi might be getting over the firing of head coach Jeff Bower.
Cincinnati should win this game on both sides of the ball. Ben Mauk (2,787 yards, 27 TDs) has a great command of the offense. Mauk has faith in his talented receivers Dominick Goodman and Marcus Barnett. Goodman and Barnett have combined for 1,619 yards and 19 touchdowns.
If the Bearcats' 15th-ranked defense can stop the run Southern Mississippi will lose.
Cincinnati 30, Southern Miss. 20
The Players
QB
USM- Jermey Young 1,342 yards, 9 TD, 5 INT, 53.1%
UC- Ben Mauk 2,787 yards, 27 TD, 6 INT, 61.4 %
RB
USM- Damion Fletcher 1,431 yards, 5.4, 15 TD
UC- Butler Benton 499 yards, 5.0, 2 TD
WR
USM- Torris Magee 42 rec, 617 yards, 14.7, 3 TD
UC- Dominick Goodman 61 rec, 774 yards, 12.7, 6 TD
UC- Marcus Barnett 60 rec, 845 yards, 14.1, 13 TD
Defense
USM- Gerald McRath 131 tackles, 9.5 TFL
UC- Haruki Makamura 86 tackles
Las Vegas Bowl UCLA vs. No. 17 BYU
UCLA lost to Florida State in last year's Emerald Bowl. The Bruins are 13-14-1 in bowl games.
The Players
QB
UCLA- Ben Olson 1,040 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT, 48.3%
BYU- Max Hall 3,617 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT, 60.1%
RB
UCLA- Chris Markey 598 yards, 4.0 ypc, 5 TD
BYU- Harvey Unga 1,211 yards, 5.3 ypc, 13 TD
WR
UCLA- Brandon Breazell 47 rec, 766 yards, 16.3 ypc, 3 TD
BYU- Dennis Pitta 54 rec, 775 yards, 14.4 ypc, 5 TD
BYU- Austin Collie 50 rec, 839 yards, 16.8 ypc, 6 TD
Defense
UCLA- Bruce Davis 9.5 sacks, 12 TFL
BYU- Jan Jorgensen 11.5 sacks, 18 TFL
BYU defeated Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl last year and is 7-16-1 in bowl games.
UCLA is 7-1 against BYU and has won the past seven games in the series. The Bruins defeated the Cougars 27-17 on Sept. 8.
Although BYU (10-2) lost to UCLA (6-6) many things have changed since that game.
BYU's Max Hall threw for 3,617 yards and 24 touchdowns this season. Running back Harvey Unga rushed for 1,211 yards and 13 touchdowns and the Cougars finished the season with a nine-game winning streak.
Conversely UCLA finished the year losing three of their past four games and fired head coach Karl Dorrell. After playing BYU, UCLA will have lost four out of the past five games.
BYU 33, UCLA 17The Players
QB
UCLA- Ben Olson 1,040 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT, 48.3%
BYU- Max Hall 3,617 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT, 60.1%
RB
UCLA- Chris Markey 598 yards, 4.0 ypc, 5 TD
BYU- Harvey Unga 1,211 yards, 5.3 ypc, 13 TD
WR
UCLA- Brandon Breazell 47 rec, 766 yards, 16.3 ypc, 3 TD
BYU- Dennis Pitta 54 rec, 775 yards, 14.4 ypc, 5 TD
BYU- Austin Collie 50 rec, 839 yards, 16.8 ypc, 6 TD
Defense
UCLA- Bruce Davis 9.5 sacks, 12 TFL
BYU- Jan Jorgensen 11.5 sacks, 18 TFL
New Mexico Bowl Nevada vs. New Mexico
New Mexico (8-4) has lost five straight bowl games including a loss to San Jose State in last year's New Mexico Bowl. The Lobos are 2-7-1 in bowl games.
Nevada (6-6) is 3-4 in bowl games and lost to Miami, Fl. 20-21 in last season's MPC Computers Bowl.
New Mexico leads the series 1-0-1. A 0-0 tie in 1942 was the last time these schools played each other.
Nevada's high-powered offense is guided by sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick draws comparisons to Vince Young and provides the ammo for coach Chris Ault's pistol offense. With the rushing of Luke Lippincott (1,380 yards, 15 TDs) and the receiving of Marko Mitchell (1,033 yards) the Wolf Pack can score by ground and air.
Earlier this week New Mexico’s running back Rodney Ferguson (1,177 yards, 13 TDs) was ruled academically ineligible. Ferguson should be replaced by little used Paul Baker.
That leaves the Lobos’ offense in the hands of quarterback Donovan Porterie and wide receiver Marcus Smith. Their efforts won’t be enough. The hometown fans will be going home disappointed for the second time in as many years.
Nevada 45, New Mexico 33
The Players
QB
NM- Donovan Porterie 2,652 yards, 13 TD, 8 INT, 58.6%
NEV- Colin Kaepernick 2,038 yards, 19 TD, 3 INT, 55.6%
RB
NM- Rodney Ferguson 1,177 yards, 4.0 ypc, 13 TD NEV- Luke Lippincott 1,380 yards, 5.4 ypc, 15 TD, 3 rec. TD
NEV- Colin Kaepernic567 yards, 6.1 ypc, 6 TD
WR
NM- Marcus Smith 86 rec, 1,039 yards, 12.1 3 TD
NM- Travis Brown 69 rec, 911 yards, 13.2, 5 TD
NEV- Marko Mitchell 47 rec, 1,033 yards, 22.0, 8 TD
Defense
NM- Tyler Donaldson 15 TFL, 4.5 sacks
NEV- Ezra Butler 104 tackles, 15 TFL
Nevada (6-6) is 3-4 in bowl games and lost to Miami, Fl. 20-21 in last season's MPC Computers Bowl.
New Mexico leads the series 1-0-1. A 0-0 tie in 1942 was the last time these schools played each other.
Nevada's high-powered offense is guided by sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick draws comparisons to Vince Young and provides the ammo for coach Chris Ault's pistol offense. With the rushing of Luke Lippincott (1,380 yards, 15 TDs) and the receiving of Marko Mitchell (1,033 yards) the Wolf Pack can score by ground and air.
Earlier this week New Mexico’s running back Rodney Ferguson (1,177 yards, 13 TDs) was ruled academically ineligible. Ferguson should be replaced by little used Paul Baker.
That leaves the Lobos’ offense in the hands of quarterback Donovan Porterie and wide receiver Marcus Smith. Their efforts won’t be enough. The hometown fans will be going home disappointed for the second time in as many years.
Nevada 45, New Mexico 33
The Players
QB
NM- Donovan Porterie 2,652 yards, 13 TD, 8 INT, 58.6%
NEV- Colin Kaepernick 2,038 yards, 19 TD, 3 INT, 55.6%
RB
NM- Rodney Ferguson 1,177 yards, 4.0 ypc, 13 TD NEV- Luke Lippincott 1,380 yards, 5.4 ypc, 15 TD, 3 rec. TD
NEV- Colin Kaepernic567 yards, 6.1 ypc, 6 TD
WR
NM- Marcus Smith 86 rec, 1,039 yards, 12.1 3 TD
NM- Travis Brown 69 rec, 911 yards, 13.2, 5 TD
NEV- Marko Mitchell 47 rec, 1,033 yards, 22.0, 8 TD
Defense
NM- Tyler Donaldson 15 TFL, 4.5 sacks
NEV- Ezra Butler 104 tackles, 15 TFL
Hawaii Bowl No. 24 Boise State vs. East Carolina
Boise State defeated Oklahoma (43-42 OT) in last year's Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos are 5-2 in bowl games.
East Carolina has a two-game losing streak in bowl games including a 7-24 loss to South Florida in last year's PapaJohns.com Bowl. East Carolina has a 7-6 bowl record.
Will Boise State (10-2) have a let down playing East Carolina (7-5) in the Hawaii Bowl? Unlikely.
Quarterback Taylor Tharp (3,070 yards, 28 TDs) and running back Ian Johnson (1,030 yards, 16 TDs) will be too much for East Carolina's 98th ranked defense to handle.
Boise State 37, East Carolina 21
The Players
QB
BSU- Taylor Tharp 3,070 yards, 28 TD, 9 INT, 68.3%
ECU- Patrick Pinkney 1,240 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT, 60.2%,
RB
BSU- Ian Johnson 1,030 yards, 5.1, 16 TD, 1 rec. TD ECU- Chris Johnson 1,200 yards, 5.8, 16 TD 5 rec. TD
WR
BSU- Jeremy Childs 82 rec, 1,045 yards, 12.7, 9 TD
ECU- Jamar Bryant 42 rec, 626 yards, 14.9, 6 TD
Defense
BSU- Kyle Gingg 86 tackles, 7.5 TFL
ECU- C.J. Wilson 6 sacks, 9.5 TFL
East Carolina has a two-game losing streak in bowl games including a 7-24 loss to South Florida in last year's PapaJohns.com Bowl. East Carolina has a 7-6 bowl record.
Will Boise State (10-2) have a let down playing East Carolina (7-5) in the Hawaii Bowl? Unlikely.
Quarterback Taylor Tharp (3,070 yards, 28 TDs) and running back Ian Johnson (1,030 yards, 16 TDs) will be too much for East Carolina's 98th ranked defense to handle.
Boise State 37, East Carolina 21
The Players
QB
BSU- Taylor Tharp 3,070 yards, 28 TD, 9 INT, 68.3%
ECU- Patrick Pinkney 1,240 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT, 60.2%,
RB
BSU- Ian Johnson 1,030 yards, 5.1, 16 TD, 1 rec. TD ECU- Chris Johnson 1,200 yards, 5.8, 16 TD 5 rec. TD
WR
BSU- Jeremy Childs 82 rec, 1,045 yards, 12.7, 9 TD
ECU- Jamar Bryant 42 rec, 626 yards, 14.9, 6 TD
Defense
BSU- Kyle Gingg 86 tackles, 7.5 TFL
ECU- C.J. Wilson 6 sacks, 9.5 TFL
Saturday, December 15, 2007
If you’re reading this it is safe to say that you know Ohio State is playing LSU in the BCS National Championship Game. However, do you know the teams playing in the “other” bowl games? Challenge yourself to pick the correct teams playing in the bowl games deemed more important than having a playoff.
1. Orange Bowl
A. Hawaii vs. Georgia
B. Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
C. USC vs. Illinois
D. Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
2. Insight Bowl
A. BYU vs. UCLA
B. Central Michigan vs. Purdue
C. Indiana vs. Oklahoma State
D. Miss. State vs. UCF
3. Meineke Bowl
A. Clemson vs. Auburn
B. Colorado vs. Alabama
C. South Florida vs. Oregon
D. UConn vs. Wake Forest
4. Texas Bowl
A. Arizona State vs. Texas
B. Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech
C. Houston vs. TCU
D. Penn State vs. Texas A&M
5. Emerald Bowl
A. Florida State vs. Kentucky
B. Maryland vs. Oregon State
C. Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic
D. Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
6. Champ Sports Bowl
A. Boston College vs. Michigan State
B. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss.
C. Houston vs. TCU
D. Maryland vs. Oregon State
7. PapaJohns.com Bowl
A. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss.
B. East Carolina vs. Boise State
C. Nevada vs. New Mexico
D. Rutgers vs. Ball State
8. Poinsettia Bowl
A. California vs. Air Force
B. Michigan vs. Florida
C. Tulsa vs. Bowling Green
D. Utah vs. Navy
Number of Correct Answers
7-8: You must be on the bowl selection committee.
4-6: Advertising money is well spent on you.
1-3: You drank too much during the bowl selection show.
0: You’re probably a Notre Dame fan and don’t care about the bowls this year.
Answers:
1. d, 2. c, 3. d, 4. c, 5. b, 6. a, 7. a, 8. d
1. Orange Bowl
A. Hawaii vs. Georgia
B. Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
C. USC vs. Illinois
D. Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
2. Insight Bowl
A. BYU vs. UCLA
B. Central Michigan vs. Purdue
C. Indiana vs. Oklahoma State
D. Miss. State vs. UCF
3. Meineke Bowl
A. Clemson vs. Auburn
B. Colorado vs. Alabama
C. South Florida vs. Oregon
D. UConn vs. Wake Forest
4. Texas Bowl
A. Arizona State vs. Texas
B. Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech
C. Houston vs. TCU
D. Penn State vs. Texas A&M
5. Emerald Bowl
A. Florida State vs. Kentucky
B. Maryland vs. Oregon State
C. Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic
D. Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
6. Champ Sports Bowl
A. Boston College vs. Michigan State
B. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss.
C. Houston vs. TCU
D. Maryland vs. Oregon State
7. PapaJohns.com Bowl
A. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss.
B. East Carolina vs. Boise State
C. Nevada vs. New Mexico
D. Rutgers vs. Ball State
8. Poinsettia Bowl
A. California vs. Air Force
B. Michigan vs. Florida
C. Tulsa vs. Bowling Green
D. Utah vs. Navy
Number of Correct Answers
7-8: You must be on the bowl selection committee.
4-6: Advertising money is well spent on you.
1-3: You drank too much during the bowl selection show.
0: You’re probably a Notre Dame fan and don’t care about the bowls this year.
Answers:
1. d, 2. c, 3. d, 4. c, 5. b, 6. a, 7. a, 8. d
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
2007 Matt Stat Awards
The Matt Stat Awards are given to the players that had the best statistics in college football this season. Awards are not determined by feelings, team success, politics or bribery. Winners are based only on cold hard cash. Err, I mean stats.
Best Quarterback
The candidates are: Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) and Paul Smith (Tulsa).
The award goes to Graham Harrell, Texas Tech. This season Harrell threw for 5,298 yards, 45 touchdowns and completed 72.67% of his passes. All of those stats were best in the nation.
Brennan receives an achievement award for ending his career with 20 NCAA records.
Best Tailback
Surprisingly two finalists from last year (Ian Johnson and Steve Slaton) are not ranked among the top 25 in yards per game this season.
This year’s candidates are: Matt Forte (Tulane), Darren McFadden (Arkansas) and Kevin Smith (UCF).
Leading the nation with 2,448 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns, the winner is Kevin Smith. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and 188.31 yards per game. Smith is 180 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards in a season.
Best Receiver
The candidates are: Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) Ryan Grice-Mullen (Hawaii) and Jordy Nelson (Kansas State).
The receiver who had a nation’s best 125 receptions, 1,861 yards, 10.42 receptions a game and 155 yards a game is Michael Crabtree. Crabtree is only a freshman and could easily win this award the next two years.
Wrap Him Up Award
This award goes to the player with the most tackles this season. The candidates are: Dan Connor (Penn State), Jordon Dizon (Colorado) and Scott McKillop (Pitt).
The winner is linebacker Scott McKillop. McKillop made 151 tackles, 98 of which were solo tackles. Dizon led the nation with 107 solo tackles.
Sack Man Award
The candidates are: Greg Middleton (Indiana), George Selvie (USF) and Ken from Kroger.
Ken stepped up his sacking ability on my groceries, but still fell short again. Greg Middleton is the recipient of this year's Sack Man Award. Middleton collected 16 sacks which were 1.5 more than Selvie.
Blowin' Up Backfields Award
Awarded to the player who recorded the most tackles for loss. The candidates are: Shawn Crable (Michigan), Nick Reed (Oregon) and George Selvie.
Selvie, the runner-up for the Sack Man Award, takes the prize. Selvie recorded an 31.5 TFL. Incredibly 31were solo TFL. Combine that with his 14.5 sacks and Selvie was a one man wrecking crew.
Golden Arch Award
The Golden Arch goes to the kicker who made the most field goals per game. The candidates are: Gary Cismesia (Florida State), Colt David (LSU) and John Sullivan (New Mexico).
This year's winner is John Sullivan. Sullivan made 26 of 29 field goal attempts (.897) and averaged 2.36 made field goals a game.
For the final two awards we travel out of the world of the objective and into the nether regions of most awards, the subjective.
Best Analyst
The candidates are: Gary Danielson (CBS), Bob Greise (ABC) and Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN).
Herbstreit wins again. Having to share the booth with Brent Musburger for the entire season deserves more than a big paycheck.
Worst Analyst
The candidates are: Doug Flutie, Mark May and John Saunders.
Although it was close, Saunders edges out Flutie and May. Flutie adds little factual or insightful information while May might still believe that South Florida deserves to be ranked No. 1. However, Saunders receives the award for his steadfast belief that the BCS is better than a playoff.
Best Quarterback
The candidates are: Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) and Paul Smith (Tulsa).
The award goes to Graham Harrell, Texas Tech. This season Harrell threw for 5,298 yards, 45 touchdowns and completed 72.67% of his passes. All of those stats were best in the nation.
Brennan receives an achievement award for ending his career with 20 NCAA records.
Best Tailback
Surprisingly two finalists from last year (Ian Johnson and Steve Slaton) are not ranked among the top 25 in yards per game this season.
This year’s candidates are: Matt Forte (Tulane), Darren McFadden (Arkansas) and Kevin Smith (UCF).
Leading the nation with 2,448 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns, the winner is Kevin Smith. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and 188.31 yards per game. Smith is 180 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards in a season.
Best Receiver
The candidates are: Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) Ryan Grice-Mullen (Hawaii) and Jordy Nelson (Kansas State).
The receiver who had a nation’s best 125 receptions, 1,861 yards, 10.42 receptions a game and 155 yards a game is Michael Crabtree. Crabtree is only a freshman and could easily win this award the next two years.
Wrap Him Up Award
This award goes to the player with the most tackles this season. The candidates are: Dan Connor (Penn State), Jordon Dizon (Colorado) and Scott McKillop (Pitt).
The winner is linebacker Scott McKillop. McKillop made 151 tackles, 98 of which were solo tackles. Dizon led the nation with 107 solo tackles.
Sack Man Award
The candidates are: Greg Middleton (Indiana), George Selvie (USF) and Ken from Kroger.
Ken stepped up his sacking ability on my groceries, but still fell short again. Greg Middleton is the recipient of this year's Sack Man Award. Middleton collected 16 sacks which were 1.5 more than Selvie.
Blowin' Up Backfields Award
Awarded to the player who recorded the most tackles for loss. The candidates are: Shawn Crable (Michigan), Nick Reed (Oregon) and George Selvie.
Selvie, the runner-up for the Sack Man Award, takes the prize. Selvie recorded an 31.5 TFL. Incredibly 31were solo TFL. Combine that with his 14.5 sacks and Selvie was a one man wrecking crew.
Golden Arch Award
The Golden Arch goes to the kicker who made the most field goals per game. The candidates are: Gary Cismesia (Florida State), Colt David (LSU) and John Sullivan (New Mexico).
This year's winner is John Sullivan. Sullivan made 26 of 29 field goal attempts (.897) and averaged 2.36 made field goals a game.
For the final two awards we travel out of the world of the objective and into the nether regions of most awards, the subjective.
Best Analyst
The candidates are: Gary Danielson (CBS), Bob Greise (ABC) and Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN).
Herbstreit wins again. Having to share the booth with Brent Musburger for the entire season deserves more than a big paycheck.
Worst Analyst
The candidates are: Doug Flutie, Mark May and John Saunders.
Although it was close, Saunders edges out Flutie and May. Flutie adds little factual or insightful information while May might still believe that South Florida deserves to be ranked No. 1. However, Saunders receives the award for his steadfast belief that the BCS is better than a playoff.
Friday, November 30, 2007
No. 9 Oklahoma at No. 1 Missouri
Oklahoma has won 17 of the last 18 games against Missouri, including a 41-31 victory in October. However, things have changed since that game.
Oklahoma will be without running back DeMarco Murray and defensive end Auston English is a game-time decision. Murray is a big loss since he averages six yards a carry and leads the team with 15 touchdowns. Allen Patrick filled in nicely with 202 rushing yards last week. English has 17 tackles for loss and averages a sack per game. He has been inactive since an ankle injury on November third.
Missouri's running back Tony Temple was not able to play in the regular season game. Now he's healthy and is a legitimate threat running the ball. With Temple, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and a typical Chase Daniel performance Missouri can win this game.
The View's Take
Had Ohio State finished the regular season undefeated Buckeye fans would be pulling for Missouri to win this game.
As it stands, a Missouri loss is the only thing standing in the way of the Buckeyes making it to the BCS title game. OU is now the surrogate OSU.
Oklahoma 35, Missouri 28
Oklahoma’s History Against LSU
Overall Record: 64-23-5
Points Scored: 2,037-1,059
Avg. Score: 22-12
Players
QB
MIZ- Chase Daniel 3,951 yards, 33 TD, 9 INT, 70.5%
OK- Sam Bradford 2,670 yards, 32 TD, 7 INT, 70.2%
RB
MIZ- Tony Temple 732 yards, 4.9, 8 TD
OK- Allen Patrick 839 yards, 5.7, 7 TD
WR
MIZ- Jeremy Maclin 69 rec, 954 yards, 13.8, 9 TD
MIZ- Martin Rucker 75 rec, 739 yards, 9.9, 8 TD
OK- Malcom Kelly 45 rec, 749 yards, 16.6, 9 TD
OK- Juaquin Iglesias 57 rec, 822 yards, 14.4, 4 TD
Defense
OK- Auston English 13 sacks, 17 TFL
Oklahoma will be without running back DeMarco Murray and defensive end Auston English is a game-time decision. Murray is a big loss since he averages six yards a carry and leads the team with 15 touchdowns. Allen Patrick filled in nicely with 202 rushing yards last week. English has 17 tackles for loss and averages a sack per game. He has been inactive since an ankle injury on November third.
Missouri's running back Tony Temple was not able to play in the regular season game. Now he's healthy and is a legitimate threat running the ball. With Temple, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and a typical Chase Daniel performance Missouri can win this game.
The View's Take
Had Ohio State finished the regular season undefeated Buckeye fans would be pulling for Missouri to win this game.
As it stands, a Missouri loss is the only thing standing in the way of the Buckeyes making it to the BCS title game. OU is now the surrogate OSU.
Oklahoma 35, Missouri 28
Oklahoma’s History Against LSU
Overall Record: 64-23-5
Points Scored: 2,037-1,059
Avg. Score: 22-12
Players
QB
MIZ- Chase Daniel 3,951 yards, 33 TD, 9 INT, 70.5%
OK- Sam Bradford 2,670 yards, 32 TD, 7 INT, 70.2%
RB
MIZ- Tony Temple 732 yards, 4.9, 8 TD
OK- Allen Patrick 839 yards, 5.7, 7 TD
WR
MIZ- Jeremy Maclin 69 rec, 954 yards, 13.8, 9 TD
MIZ- Martin Rucker 75 rec, 739 yards, 9.9, 8 TD
OK- Malcom Kelly 45 rec, 749 yards, 16.6, 9 TD
OK- Juaquin Iglesias 57 rec, 822 yards, 14.4, 4 TD
Defense
OK- Auston English 13 sacks, 17 TFL
Pittsburgh at No. 2 West Virginia
Scott McKillop and Joe Clermond must lead Pittsburgh's defense on a mission most of America sees as impossible. That mission is to stop Pat White and West Virginia's offense.
McKillop leads the nation with 142 tackles and Clermond wreaks havoc in backfields (9.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss), but White, Steve Slaton and Noel Devine have too much speed and talent to be stopped.
For Pitt to win this game three things have to happen. First, West Virginia needs to turn the ball over at least three times. Second, LeSean McCoy needs to rush for over 200 yards. Third, Pat Bostick cannot throw an interception.
Why Pitt will lose.
West Virginia doesn't turn the ball over. The Mountaineers have a plus 13 turnover/takeaway ratio and Pittsburgh is at negative six. West Virginia leads the Big East in rushing defense and will shut down the Panthers talented freshman. Pittsburgh's offense is ranked 99th passing the ball and Bostick has thrown more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (8).
West Virginia has won the last two games against Pitt 52-14 and 52-21. Mission impossible indeed.
West Virginia 52, Pitt 17
Pittsburgh's Record At West Virginia Last Ten Games
Away Last Ten: 4-4-2
Points Scored: 210-262
Avg. Score: 21-26
The Players
QB PIT- Tyler Lorenzen 2,118 yards, 12 TD, 5 INT, 58.0%
WV- Pat White 1,391 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT, 69.0%
RB
PIT- LeSean Bostick 1,180 yards, 5.0, 14 TD
WV- Steve Slaton 1,144 yards, 7.0, 14 TD
WV- Pat White 1,042 yards, 5.2, 17 TD
WR
PIT- T.J. Porter 35 rec, 327 yards, 9.3, 0 TD
PIT- Oderick Turner 33 rec, 467 yards, 14.2, 5 TD
WV- Darius Reynaud 56 rec, 645 yards, 11.5, 11 TD
WV- Steve Slaton 24 rec, 339 yards, 14.1, 1 TD
Defense
PIT- Scott McKillop 142 tackles
PIT- Joe Clermond 9.5 sacks, 11.5 TFL
WV- Reed Williams 53 tackles, 7.5 TFL
McKillop leads the nation with 142 tackles and Clermond wreaks havoc in backfields (9.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss), but White, Steve Slaton and Noel Devine have too much speed and talent to be stopped.
For Pitt to win this game three things have to happen. First, West Virginia needs to turn the ball over at least three times. Second, LeSean McCoy needs to rush for over 200 yards. Third, Pat Bostick cannot throw an interception.
Why Pitt will lose.
West Virginia doesn't turn the ball over. The Mountaineers have a plus 13 turnover/takeaway ratio and Pittsburgh is at negative six. West Virginia leads the Big East in rushing defense and will shut down the Panthers talented freshman. Pittsburgh's offense is ranked 99th passing the ball and Bostick has thrown more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (8).
West Virginia has won the last two games against Pitt 52-14 and 52-21. Mission impossible indeed.
West Virginia 52, Pitt 17
Pittsburgh's Record At West Virginia Last Ten Games
Away Last Ten: 4-4-2
Points Scored: 210-262
Avg. Score: 21-26
The Players
QB PIT- Tyler Lorenzen 2,118 yards, 12 TD, 5 INT, 58.0%
WV- Pat White 1,391 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT, 69.0%
RB
PIT- LeSean Bostick 1,180 yards, 5.0, 14 TD
WV- Steve Slaton 1,144 yards, 7.0, 14 TD
WV- Pat White 1,042 yards, 5.2, 17 TD
WR
PIT- T.J. Porter 35 rec, 327 yards, 9.3, 0 TD
PIT- Oderick Turner 33 rec, 467 yards, 14.2, 5 TD
WV- Darius Reynaud 56 rec, 645 yards, 11.5, 11 TD
WV- Steve Slaton 24 rec, 339 yards, 14.1, 1 TD
Defense
PIT- Scott McKillop 142 tackles
PIT- Joe Clermond 9.5 sacks, 11.5 TFL
WV- Reed Williams 53 tackles, 7.5 TFL
No. 11 Virginia Tech at No. 6 Boston College
Do you like offense or defense? If you're offensive minded Boston College is your team.
Matt Ryan has guided the Eagles to an ACC best 331.75 passing yards and 440 total yards of offense per game. BC's Achilles’ heel is pass defense as they are ranked 106th.
Virginia Tech is the ACC's best defensive team. The Hokies are second in the nation holding opponents to fewer than 16 ppg and are plus 13 in turnover margin. However, V-Tech is ranked 97th in total offense.
Boston College has won three of the last four games in this series. Unfortunately for them, the Hokies will win the game that matters the most.
If Oklahoma and Pittsburgh win Virginia Tech could be playing Ohio State in New Orleans.
Virginia Tech 27, Boston College 20
Virginia Tech's Record Against Boston College
Overall Record: 9-5
Points Scored: 357-260
Avg. Score: 26-19
The Players
QB VT- Sean Glennon 1,462 yards, 8 TD, 2 INT, 62.2%
VT- Tyrod Taylor 888 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT, 54.4%
BC- Matt Ryan 3,953 yards, 28 TD, 16 INT, 60.0%
RB
VT- Branden Ore 821 yards, 3.6, 8 TD
VT- Tyrod Taylor 395 yards, 4.5, 6 TD
BC- Andre Callender 905 yards, 4.7, 9 TD 4 Rec TD
BC- L.V. Whitworth 342 yards, 4.5, 3 TD
WR
VT- Justin Harper 35 rec, 549 yards, 15.7, 4 TD
VT- Josh Morgan 35 rec, 467 yards, 13.3, 4 TD
BC- Rich Gunnell 54 rec, 749 yards, 13.9, 5 TD
BC- Brandon Robinson 50 rec, 720 yards, 14.4, 5 TD
Defense
VT- Xavier Adibi 99 tackles 11 TFL
BC- Jamie Silva 110 tackles
Matt Ryan has guided the Eagles to an ACC best 331.75 passing yards and 440 total yards of offense per game. BC's Achilles’ heel is pass defense as they are ranked 106th.
Virginia Tech is the ACC's best defensive team. The Hokies are second in the nation holding opponents to fewer than 16 ppg and are plus 13 in turnover margin. However, V-Tech is ranked 97th in total offense.
Boston College has won three of the last four games in this series. Unfortunately for them, the Hokies will win the game that matters the most.
If Oklahoma and Pittsburgh win Virginia Tech could be playing Ohio State in New Orleans.
Virginia Tech 27, Boston College 20
Virginia Tech's Record Against Boston College
Overall Record: 9-5
Points Scored: 357-260
Avg. Score: 26-19
The Players
QB VT- Sean Glennon 1,462 yards, 8 TD, 2 INT, 62.2%
VT- Tyrod Taylor 888 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT, 54.4%
BC- Matt Ryan 3,953 yards, 28 TD, 16 INT, 60.0%
RB
VT- Branden Ore 821 yards, 3.6, 8 TD
VT- Tyrod Taylor 395 yards, 4.5, 6 TD
BC- Andre Callender 905 yards, 4.7, 9 TD 4 Rec TD
BC- L.V. Whitworth 342 yards, 4.5, 3 TD
WR
VT- Justin Harper 35 rec, 549 yards, 15.7, 4 TD
VT- Josh Morgan 35 rec, 467 yards, 13.3, 4 TD
BC- Rich Gunnell 54 rec, 749 yards, 13.9, 5 TD
BC- Brandon Robinson 50 rec, 720 yards, 14.4, 5 TD
Defense
VT- Xavier Adibi 99 tackles 11 TFL
BC- Jamie Silva 110 tackles
Washington at No. 12 Hawaii
With a win Hawaii will join Utah and Boise State as the only non-BCS schools to play in a BCS bowl. The path to victory appears clear against Washington. Pass, pass, pass and pass some more.
The Huskies are ranked 85th in pass defense while Hawaii puts up more than 450 passing yards per game. On the season Davone Bess has gained 1,164 yards and Ryan Grace-Mullen has racked-up 1,214. Bess and Grace-Mullen have combined for 23 of Colt Brennan's 33 touchdown passes.
If Jake Locker and the Huskies play like they did against Cal two weeks ago Hawaii will lose.
If Washington (4-8) looks at this game as a nice beach vacation the Warriors will be celebrating a BCS bowl invitation.
Hawaii 49, Washington 28
Washington’s History Against Hawaii
Overall Record: 1-0
Points Scored: 53-13
Avg. Score: 53-13
The Players
QB HAW- Colt Brennan 3,732 yards, 33 TD, 14 INT, 69.9%
WAS- Jake Locker 1,920 yards, 14 TD, 14 INT, 46.9%
RB
WAS- Louis Rankin 1,149 yards, 5.4, 6 TD
WAS- Jake Locker 903 yards, 5.8, 12 TD
WR
HAW- Ryan Grice-Mullen 90 rec, 1,214 yards, 13.5, 11 TD
HAW- Davone Bess 96 rec, 1,164 yards, 12.1, 12 TD
WAS- Anthony Russo 46 rec, 728 yards, 15.8, 5 TD
Defense
HAW- Solomon Eliminian 120 tackles
The Huskies are ranked 85th in pass defense while Hawaii puts up more than 450 passing yards per game. On the season Davone Bess has gained 1,164 yards and Ryan Grace-Mullen has racked-up 1,214. Bess and Grace-Mullen have combined for 23 of Colt Brennan's 33 touchdown passes.
If Jake Locker and the Huskies play like they did against Cal two weeks ago Hawaii will lose.
If Washington (4-8) looks at this game as a nice beach vacation the Warriors will be celebrating a BCS bowl invitation.
Hawaii 49, Washington 28
Washington’s History Against Hawaii
Overall Record: 1-0
Points Scored: 53-13
Avg. Score: 53-13
The Players
QB HAW- Colt Brennan 3,732 yards, 33 TD, 14 INT, 69.9%
WAS- Jake Locker 1,920 yards, 14 TD, 14 INT, 46.9%
RB
WAS- Louis Rankin 1,149 yards, 5.4, 6 TD
WAS- Jake Locker 903 yards, 5.8, 12 TD
WR
HAW- Ryan Grice-Mullen 90 rec, 1,214 yards, 13.5, 11 TD
HAW- Davone Bess 96 rec, 1,164 yards, 12.1, 12 TD
WAS- Anthony Russo 46 rec, 728 yards, 15.8, 5 TD
Defense
HAW- Solomon Eliminian 120 tackles
Saturday, November 24, 2007
No. 20 Connecticut at No. 3 West Virginia Week 13
The defensive unit is the strength of UConn's team. The Huskies have held ten of their last eleven opponents under 20 points and are ranked third nationally in scoring defense.
Danny Lansanah leads the defense with 109 tackles but will have his hands full with Pat White, Steve Slaton, Noel Devine and company.
This season White has thrown for 1,391 yards, 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions. White is putting up Heisman worthy numbers when you add his 958 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. The numbers most relevant to the Mountaineers will be getting to 10-1.
West Virginia 20, UConn 17
UCONN’s History Against West Virginia
Overall Record: 0-3
Points Scored: 43-113
Avg. Score: 14-38
Home Record: 0-2
Points Scored: 30-68
Avg. Score: 15-34
Away Record: 0-1
Points Scored: 13-45
Avg. Score: 13-4
The Players
QB CON- Tyler Lorenzen 2,118 yards, 12 TD, 5 INT, 58.0%
WV- Pat White 1,391 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT, 69.0%
RB
CON- Andre Dixon 742 yards, 5.1, 3 TD
CON- Donald Brown 620 yards, 4.6, 7 TD
WV- Steve Slaton 988 yards, 5.2, 15 TD
WV- Pat White 958 yards, 6.5, 12 TD
WR
CON- Terence Jeffers 39 rec, 522 yards, 13.4, 5 TD
WV- Darius Reynaud 51 rec, 569 yards, 11.2, 10 TD
WV- Steve Slaton 22 rec, 328 yards, 14.9, 1 TD
Defense
WV- Reed Williams 53 tackles, 7.5 TFL
CON- Danny Lansanah 6.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL
Danny Lansanah leads the defense with 109 tackles but will have his hands full with Pat White, Steve Slaton, Noel Devine and company.
This season White has thrown for 1,391 yards, 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions. White is putting up Heisman worthy numbers when you add his 958 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. The numbers most relevant to the Mountaineers will be getting to 10-1.
West Virginia 20, UConn 17
UCONN’s History Against West Virginia
Overall Record: 0-3
Points Scored: 43-113
Avg. Score: 14-38
Home Record: 0-2
Points Scored: 30-68
Avg. Score: 15-34
Away Record: 0-1
Points Scored: 13-45
Avg. Score: 13-4
The Players
QB CON- Tyler Lorenzen 2,118 yards, 12 TD, 5 INT, 58.0%
WV- Pat White 1,391 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT, 69.0%
RB
CON- Andre Dixon 742 yards, 5.1, 3 TD
CON- Donald Brown 620 yards, 4.6, 7 TD
WV- Steve Slaton 988 yards, 5.2, 15 TD
WV- Pat White 958 yards, 6.5, 12 TD
WR
CON- Terence Jeffers 39 rec, 522 yards, 13.4, 5 TD
WV- Darius Reynaud 51 rec, 569 yards, 11.2, 10 TD
WV- Steve Slaton 22 rec, 328 yards, 14.9, 1 TD
Defense
WV- Reed Williams 53 tackles, 7.5 TFL
CON- Danny Lansanah 6.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL
No. 4 Missouri at No. 2 Kansas
Mighty mites Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing have played well enough to get their teams in a position to possibly play for the national championship. Both quarterbacks are under 5'10” (don't believe their listed heights), but play much larger.
Missouri's Chase Daniel has thrown for 3,590 yards 30 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Daniel likes to connect with Martin Rucker and speedster Jeremy Maclin. Maclin leads the team with 9 receiving touchdowns and averages 15 yards per reception.
Kansas' Reesing has thrown for 2,900 yards, 30 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Like Daniel, Reesing throws the majority of his passes to two receivers. Marcus Henry and Dexton Fields lead the Jayhawks in receptions. Henry averages 19.5 yards per catch and has 8 touchdowns.
Not only are Missouri and Kansas playing for a spot in the BCS championship game, but this is also a grudge match. Kansas would have a 54-52-9 series lead, but the Jayhawks had to forfeit a win from 1960. That means the series is tied 53-53-9.
Saturday's winner not only controls its own destiny, but gets bragging rights. A Missouri victory leads to Kansas misery.
Missouri 38, Kansas 35
Kansas’ History Against Missouri
Overall Record: 54-52-9
Points Scored: 1,769-1,906
Avg. Score: 15-17
Home Record: 26-17-3
Points Scored: 782-768
Avg. Score: 17-17
Away Record: 6-4
Points Scored: 239-212
Avg. Score: 24-21
The Players
QB MIZ- Chase Daniel 3,590 yards, 30 TD, 9 INT, 69.3%
KU- Todd Reesing 2,900 yards, 30 TD, 4 INT, 63.3%
RB
MIZ- Tony Temple 634 yards, 5.0, 8 TD
KU- Brandon McAnderson 1,019 yards, 6.3, 15 TD
KU- Jake Sharp 788 yards, 5.8, 7 TD
WR
MIZ- Jeremy Maclin 59 rec, 885 yards, 15.0, 9 TD
MIZ- Martin Rucker 70 rec, 699 yards, 10.0, 7 TD
KU- Marcus Henry 50 rec, 977 yards, 19.5, 8 TD
KU- Dexton Fields 48 rec, 617 yards, 12.9, 5 TD
Missouri's Chase Daniel has thrown for 3,590 yards 30 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Daniel likes to connect with Martin Rucker and speedster Jeremy Maclin. Maclin leads the team with 9 receiving touchdowns and averages 15 yards per reception.
Kansas' Reesing has thrown for 2,900 yards, 30 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Like Daniel, Reesing throws the majority of his passes to two receivers. Marcus Henry and Dexton Fields lead the Jayhawks in receptions. Henry averages 19.5 yards per catch and has 8 touchdowns.
Not only are Missouri and Kansas playing for a spot in the BCS championship game, but this is also a grudge match. Kansas would have a 54-52-9 series lead, but the Jayhawks had to forfeit a win from 1960. That means the series is tied 53-53-9.
Saturday's winner not only controls its own destiny, but gets bragging rights. A Missouri victory leads to Kansas misery.
Missouri 38, Kansas 35
Kansas’ History Against Missouri
Overall Record: 54-52-9
Points Scored: 1,769-1,906
Avg. Score: 15-17
Home Record: 26-17-3
Points Scored: 782-768
Avg. Score: 17-17
Away Record: 6-4
Points Scored: 239-212
Avg. Score: 24-21
The Players
QB MIZ- Chase Daniel 3,590 yards, 30 TD, 9 INT, 69.3%
KU- Todd Reesing 2,900 yards, 30 TD, 4 INT, 63.3%
RB
MIZ- Tony Temple 634 yards, 5.0, 8 TD
KU- Brandon McAnderson 1,019 yards, 6.3, 15 TD
KU- Jake Sharp 788 yards, 5.8, 7 TD
WR
MIZ- Jeremy Maclin 59 rec, 885 yards, 15.0, 9 TD
MIZ- Martin Rucker 70 rec, 699 yards, 10.0, 7 TD
KU- Marcus Henry 50 rec, 977 yards, 19.5, 8 TD
KU- Dexton Fields 48 rec, 617 yards, 12.9, 5 TD
Oklahoma State at No. 10 Oklahoma
After losing back-to-back games to Oklahoma State in 2001 and 2002 Oklahoma has won four straight in the series. A fifth straight win will earn the Sooners a spot in next week's Big 12 Championship game.
Oklahoma State's quarterback, Zac Robinson, gives the Cowboys a legitimate chance at winning this game.
Robinson is a threat through the air and ground. He has thrown for 2,417 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 705 yards and seven touchdowns.
Not only will Oklahoma have to contend with Robinson, but injuries as well. Running back DeMarco Murray dislocated his kneecap and quarterback Sam Bradford suffered a concussion in last week's loss to Texas. Murray will not play, but Allen Patrick (637 yards) will fill in nicely for the Sooners.
Oklahoma 33, Oklahoma State 24
Oklahoma’s Record Against Oklahoma State
Overall Record: 78-15-7
Points Scored: 2,765-999
Avg. Score: 28-10
Home Record: 37-8-2
Points Scored: 1,335-434
Avg. Score: 28-9
The Players
QB OSU- Zac Robinson 2,417 yards, 19 TD, 8 INT, 60.6%
OU- Sam Bradford 2,520 yards, 28 TD, 6 INT, 70.0%
RB
OSU- Dontrell Savage 1,064 yards, 5.9, 7 TD
OSU- Zac Robinson 705 yards, 6.4, 7 TD
OU- DeMarco Murray 764 yards, 6.0, 13 TD
OU- Allen Patrick 637 yards, 5.4, 5 TD
WR
OSU- Adarius Bowman 61 rec, 932 yards, 15.3, 7 TD
OSU- Brandon Pettigrew 32 rec, 501 yards, 15.7, 4 TD
OU- Juaquin Iglesias 55 rec, 778 yards, 14.1, 4 TD
OU- Malcolm Kelly 43 rec, 739 yards, 17.2, 9 TD
Oklahoma State's quarterback, Zac Robinson, gives the Cowboys a legitimate chance at winning this game.
Robinson is a threat through the air and ground. He has thrown for 2,417 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 705 yards and seven touchdowns.
Not only will Oklahoma have to contend with Robinson, but injuries as well. Running back DeMarco Murray dislocated his kneecap and quarterback Sam Bradford suffered a concussion in last week's loss to Texas. Murray will not play, but Allen Patrick (637 yards) will fill in nicely for the Sooners.
Oklahoma 33, Oklahoma State 24
Oklahoma’s Record Against Oklahoma State
Overall Record: 78-15-7
Points Scored: 2,765-999
Avg. Score: 28-10
Home Record: 37-8-2
Points Scored: 1,335-434
Avg. Score: 28-9
The Players
QB OSU- Zac Robinson 2,417 yards, 19 TD, 8 INT, 60.6%
OU- Sam Bradford 2,520 yards, 28 TD, 6 INT, 70.0%
RB
OSU- Dontrell Savage 1,064 yards, 5.9, 7 TD
OSU- Zac Robinson 705 yards, 6.4, 7 TD
OU- DeMarco Murray 764 yards, 6.0, 13 TD
OU- Allen Patrick 637 yards, 5.4, 5 TD
WR
OSU- Adarius Bowman 61 rec, 932 yards, 15.3, 7 TD
OSU- Brandon Pettigrew 32 rec, 501 yards, 15.7, 4 TD
OU- Juaquin Iglesias 55 rec, 778 yards, 14.1, 4 TD
OU- Malcolm Kelly 43 rec, 739 yards, 17.2, 9 TD
No. 8 Virginia Tech at No. 16 Week 13
The winner of this game will win the ACC Coastal Division and play in next week's ACC Championship game.
Virginia is coming off of a bye week after spanking Miami 48-0 two weeks ago. Virginia Tech defeated the Hurricanes 44-14 last week. Don't expect these teams to combine for more than 44 points this week.
Led by Chris Long (12 sacks, 17 TFL), Virginia's defensive unit allows less than 18 points per game. Virginia Tech is even stouter allowing less than 15 ppg.
As good as the defenses are, the offenses are bad. Virginia Tech ranks 103rd in total offense and Virginia is 99th. Look for Virginia Tech's running back Branden Ore and return specialist Eddie Royal to be the difference in this game.
Virginia Tech 23, Virginia 20
Virginia is coming off of a bye week after spanking Miami 48-0 two weeks ago. Virginia Tech defeated the Hurricanes 44-14 last week. Don't expect these teams to combine for more than 44 points this week.
Led by Chris Long (12 sacks, 17 TFL), Virginia's defensive unit allows less than 18 points per game. Virginia Tech is even stouter allowing less than 15 ppg.
As good as the defenses are, the offenses are bad. Virginia Tech ranks 103rd in total offense and Virginia is 99th. Look for Virginia Tech's running back Branden Ore and return specialist Eddie Royal to be the difference in this game.
Virginia Tech 23, Virginia 20
Florida State at No. 12 Florida Week 13
Although Bobby Bowden has guided Florida State to a bowl game every year since 1982 there are some grumblings in Tallahassee.
After last season's 7-6 record Bowden was persuaded to overhaul the offensive coaching staff with a multi-million dollar make-over. That money bought the Seminoles the nation's 94th ranked rushing offense and a 7-4 record.
Tim Tebow should have another Heisman worthy performance as he hands FSU their fourth straight loss to the Gators. The 'Noles are staring down another 7-6 season.
Florida 45, Florida State 14
Florida State’s Record Against Florida
Overall Record: 19-30-2
Points Scored: 986-1,183
Avg. Score: 19-23
Home Record: 10-11-1
Points Scored: 521-463 Avg. Score: 24-21
Away Record: 8-18-1
Points Scored: 422-651 Avg. Score: 16-24
Sugar Bowl: 1-1
Points Scored: 43-69
22-35
The Players
QB FLA- Tim Tebow 2,870 yards, 26 TD, 6 INT, 68.5%
FSU- Drew Weatherford 1,585 yards, 8 TD, 1 INT, 59.7%
RB
FLA- Tim Tebow 749 yards, 4.1, 20 TD
FLA- Kestahn Moore 548 yards, 5.6, 6 TD
FSU- Antone Smith 657 yards, 3.8, 3 TD
WR
FLA- Percy Harvin 45 rec, 714 yards, 15.9, 3 TD
FLA- Andre Caldwell 48 rec, 665 yards, 13.9, 4 TD
FSU-Gregg Carr 38 rec, 688 yards, 18.1, 3 TD
FSU- De’Cody Fagg 44 rec, 657 yards, 14.9, 5 TD
Defense
FLA- Brandon Spikes 108 tackles 11 TFL
FSU= Geno Hayes 5 sacks, 71 tackles, 17.5 TFL
After last season's 7-6 record Bowden was persuaded to overhaul the offensive coaching staff with a multi-million dollar make-over. That money bought the Seminoles the nation's 94th ranked rushing offense and a 7-4 record.
Tim Tebow should have another Heisman worthy performance as he hands FSU their fourth straight loss to the Gators. The 'Noles are staring down another 7-6 season.
Florida 45, Florida State 14
Florida State’s Record Against Florida
Overall Record: 19-30-2
Points Scored: 986-1,183
Avg. Score: 19-23
Home Record: 10-11-1
Points Scored: 521-463 Avg. Score: 24-21
Away Record: 8-18-1
Points Scored: 422-651 Avg. Score: 16-24
Sugar Bowl: 1-1
Points Scored: 43-69
22-35
The Players
QB FLA- Tim Tebow 2,870 yards, 26 TD, 6 INT, 68.5%
FSU- Drew Weatherford 1,585 yards, 8 TD, 1 INT, 59.7%
RB
FLA- Tim Tebow 749 yards, 4.1, 20 TD
FLA- Kestahn Moore 548 yards, 5.6, 6 TD
FSU- Antone Smith 657 yards, 3.8, 3 TD
WR
FLA- Percy Harvin 45 rec, 714 yards, 15.9, 3 TD
FLA- Andre Caldwell 48 rec, 665 yards, 13.9, 4 TD
FSU-Gregg Carr 38 rec, 688 yards, 18.1, 3 TD
FSU- De’Cody Fagg 44 rec, 657 yards, 14.9, 5 TD
Defense
FLA- Brandon Spikes 108 tackles 11 TFL
FSU= Geno Hayes 5 sacks, 71 tackles, 17.5 TFL
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Arkansas at No. 1 LSU
For LSU to stay in the hunt for a national title the Tigers' defense will have to maintain its dominance.
This season the Bayou Bengals have held opponents to under 79 rushing yards a game and are ranked second in the nation in total defense. That might be easier said than done.
Arkansas is the SEC's best team at running the ball. Together, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones have gained 2,551 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. As a team the Razorbacks are averaging over 288 yards on the ground per game.
LSU has won the last four games against Arkansas and hasn't lost at home to the Razorbacks since 1993. Les Miles may find it easier to prepare for Arkansas than handling the Michigan inquiries.
LSU 37, Arkansas 20
Arkansas’ History Against LSU
Overall Record: 17-32-2
Points Scored: 707-776
Home Record: 1-1
Points Scored: 562-37
Avg. Score: 23-19
Away Record: 1-6
Points Scored: 152-233
Avg. Score: 22-33
The Players
QB LSU- Matt Flynn 2,024 yards, 14 TD, 10 INT, 56.5%
ARK- Casey Dick 1,404 yards, 17 TD, 9 INT, 57.1%
RB
LSU- Jacob Hester 771 yards, 5.0, 9 TD
LSU- Keiland Williams 377 yards, 7.1, 6 TD
ARK- Darren McFadden 1,519 yards, 5.6, 12 TD
ARK- Felix Jones 1,032 yards, 9.1, 11 TD
WR
LSU- Brandon LaFell 42 rec, 554 yards, 13.2, 2 TD
LSU- Demetrius Byrd 23 rec, 475 yards, 20.7, 4 TD
ARK- Peyton Hillis 39 rec, 423 yards, 10.8, 3 TD
Defense
LSU- Kirston Pittman 6.5 sacks, 11.5 TFL
ARK- Ernest Mitchell 3.5 sacks, 9 TFL
ARK- Matt Hewitt 96 tackles
This season the Bayou Bengals have held opponents to under 79 rushing yards a game and are ranked second in the nation in total defense. That might be easier said than done.
Arkansas is the SEC's best team at running the ball. Together, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones have gained 2,551 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. As a team the Razorbacks are averaging over 288 yards on the ground per game.
LSU has won the last four games against Arkansas and hasn't lost at home to the Razorbacks since 1993. Les Miles may find it easier to prepare for Arkansas than handling the Michigan inquiries.
LSU 37, Arkansas 20
Arkansas’ History Against LSU
Overall Record: 17-32-2
Points Scored: 707-776
Home Record: 1-1
Points Scored: 562-37
Avg. Score: 23-19
Away Record: 1-6
Points Scored: 152-233
Avg. Score: 22-33
The Players
QB LSU- Matt Flynn 2,024 yards, 14 TD, 10 INT, 56.5%
ARK- Casey Dick 1,404 yards, 17 TD, 9 INT, 57.1%
RB
LSU- Jacob Hester 771 yards, 5.0, 9 TD
LSU- Keiland Williams 377 yards, 7.1, 6 TD
ARK- Darren McFadden 1,519 yards, 5.6, 12 TD
ARK- Felix Jones 1,032 yards, 9.1, 11 TD
WR
LSU- Brandon LaFell 42 rec, 554 yards, 13.2, 2 TD
LSU- Demetrius Byrd 23 rec, 475 yards, 20.7, 4 TD
ARK- Peyton Hillis 39 rec, 423 yards, 10.8, 3 TD
Defense
LSU- Kirston Pittman 6.5 sacks, 11.5 TFL
ARK- Ernest Mitchell 3.5 sacks, 9 TFL
ARK- Matt Hewitt 96 tackles
No. 19 Boise State at No. 15 Hawaii Week 13
At stake in this game is a possible BCS bowl and the WAC title. Boise State has won six straight against Hawaii and leads the series 6-2.
Provided neither team indulged on an abundance of turkey on Thanksgiving the scoreboard operator should be in for a long day. Hawaii leads the nation averaging 48 points per game and Boise State is ranked third scoring over 44 ppg.
Most people know about Hawaii's Colt Brennan and his record setting numbers, however Boise State's Taylor Tharp has been overlooked. Tharp has completed 69.1 percent of his passes for 2,839 yards and 27 touchdowns. That's a favorable comparison to Brennan's 3,237 yards, 28 touchdowns and 69.1 percent completion rating.
The deciding factor in this game will be Boise State’s defense and running game. Boise State leads the WAC in most defensive categories. Combine the solid defense with the running abilities of Ian Johnson and Jeremy Avery and Boise State will ruin Hawaii's BCS dreams.
Boise State 53, Hawaii 28
Boise State’s History Against Hawaii
Overall Record: 6-2
Points Scored: 318-212
Avg. Score: 40-27
Home Record: 3-0
Points Scored: 168-68
Avg. Score: 56-23
Away Record: 3-2
Points Scored: 150-144
Avg. Score: 30-29
The Players
QB HAW- Colt Brennan 3,237 yards, 28 TD, 12 INT, 69.1%
BSU- Taylor Tharp 2,839 yards, 27 TD, 8 INT, 69.1%
RB
BSU- Ian Johnson 944 yards, 5.2, 14 TD
BSU- Jermy Avery 563 yards, 6.6, 8 TD
WR
HAW- Ryan Grice-Mullen 85 rec, 1,159 yards, 13.6, 10 TD
HAW- Davone Bess 81 rec, 983 yards, 12.1, 10 TD
BSU- Jeremy Childs 74 rec, 943 yards, 12.7, 9 TD
BSU- Titus Young 35 rec, 577 yards, 16.5, 5 TD
Defense
HAW- Adam Leonard 87 tackles, 10 TFL
BSU- Kyle Gingg 85 tackles, 8 TFL
Provided neither team indulged on an abundance of turkey on Thanksgiving the scoreboard operator should be in for a long day. Hawaii leads the nation averaging 48 points per game and Boise State is ranked third scoring over 44 ppg.
Most people know about Hawaii's Colt Brennan and his record setting numbers, however Boise State's Taylor Tharp has been overlooked. Tharp has completed 69.1 percent of his passes for 2,839 yards and 27 touchdowns. That's a favorable comparison to Brennan's 3,237 yards, 28 touchdowns and 69.1 percent completion rating.
The deciding factor in this game will be Boise State’s defense and running game. Boise State leads the WAC in most defensive categories. Combine the solid defense with the running abilities of Ian Johnson and Jeremy Avery and Boise State will ruin Hawaii's BCS dreams.
Boise State 53, Hawaii 28
Boise State’s History Against Hawaii
Overall Record: 6-2
Points Scored: 318-212
Avg. Score: 40-27
Home Record: 3-0
Points Scored: 168-68
Avg. Score: 56-23
Away Record: 3-2
Points Scored: 150-144
Avg. Score: 30-29
The Players
QB HAW- Colt Brennan 3,237 yards, 28 TD, 12 INT, 69.1%
BSU- Taylor Tharp 2,839 yards, 27 TD, 8 INT, 69.1%
RB
BSU- Ian Johnson 944 yards, 5.2, 14 TD
BSU- Jermy Avery 563 yards, 6.6, 8 TD
WR
HAW- Ryan Grice-Mullen 85 rec, 1,159 yards, 13.6, 10 TD
HAW- Davone Bess 81 rec, 983 yards, 12.1, 10 TD
BSU- Jeremy Childs 74 rec, 943 yards, 12.7, 9 TD
BSU- Titus Young 35 rec, 577 yards, 16.5, 5 TD
Defense
HAW- Adam Leonard 87 tackles, 10 TFL
BSU- Kyle Gingg 85 tackles, 8 TFL
No. 13 Texas at Texas A&M Week 13
Texas will play Texas A&M for the 106th time today and leads the series 68-34-3. Last year the Aggies defeated the Longhorns 12-7 ending Texas' six game winning streak against them.
I didn't fork over $1,500 to Dennis Franchione for inside information, but I'm certain A&M will try to defeat Texas by running the ball. Behind the legs of quarterback Stephen McGee and Jorvorskie Lane, the Aggies are ranked 14th in the nation in rushing offense. McGee leads the team with 828 rushing yards and Lane has carried the ball into the endzone 16 times.
Texas has a decent runner in Jamaal Charles. Charles leads the Big 12 with 1,366 rushing yards and has 15 TDs. Colt McCoy's arm (2,900 passing yards) gives the Longhorns a balanced offense. Provided McCoy throws to his receivers, Texas should win this grind-it-out ball game. If the Longhorns win, and Oklahoma loses, Texas will play for the Big 12 title.
Texas 24, Texas A&M 21
Texas’ Record Against Texas A&M
Overall Record: 68-34-3
Points Scored: 2,011-1,307
Avg. Score: 19-13
Away Record: 23-21-2
Points Scored: 815-676
Avg. Score: 18-15
The Players
QB A&M- Stepehn McGee 1,785 yards, 9 TD, 5 INT, 56.2%
TEX- Colt McCoy 2,900 yards, 20 TD, 17 INT, 65.9%
RB
A&M- Stephen McGee 828 yards, 5.2, 4 TD
A&M- Jorvorskie Lane 677 yards, 4.8, 16 TD
TEX- Jamaal Charles 1,366 yards, 6.4, 15 TD
WR
TEX- Nate Jones 61 rec, 695 yards, 11.4, 5 TD
TEX- Quan Cosby 58 rec, 613 yards, 10.6, 5 TD
Defense
A&M- Mark Dodge 94 tackles
TEX- Lamarr Houston 4 sacks, 9.5 TFL
I didn't fork over $1,500 to Dennis Franchione for inside information, but I'm certain A&M will try to defeat Texas by running the ball. Behind the legs of quarterback Stephen McGee and Jorvorskie Lane, the Aggies are ranked 14th in the nation in rushing offense. McGee leads the team with 828 rushing yards and Lane has carried the ball into the endzone 16 times.
Texas has a decent runner in Jamaal Charles. Charles leads the Big 12 with 1,366 rushing yards and has 15 TDs. Colt McCoy's arm (2,900 passing yards) gives the Longhorns a balanced offense. Provided McCoy throws to his receivers, Texas should win this grind-it-out ball game. If the Longhorns win, and Oklahoma loses, Texas will play for the Big 12 title.
Texas 24, Texas A&M 21
Texas’ Record Against Texas A&M
Overall Record: 68-34-3
Points Scored: 2,011-1,307
Avg. Score: 19-13
Away Record: 23-21-2
Points Scored: 815-676
Avg. Score: 18-15
The Players
QB A&M- Stepehn McGee 1,785 yards, 9 TD, 5 INT, 56.2%
TEX- Colt McCoy 2,900 yards, 20 TD, 17 INT, 65.9%
RB
A&M- Stephen McGee 828 yards, 5.2, 4 TD
A&M- Jorvorskie Lane 677 yards, 4.8, 16 TD
TEX- Jamaal Charles 1,366 yards, 6.4, 15 TD
WR
TEX- Nate Jones 61 rec, 695 yards, 11.4, 5 TD
TEX- Quan Cosby 58 rec, 613 yards, 10.6, 5 TD
Defense
A&M- Mark Dodge 94 tackles
TEX- Lamarr Houston 4 sacks, 9.5 TFL
Nebraska at Colorado Week 13
Deserving or not, the winner of this game will become bowl eligible. Colorado could have won its sixth game of the season two weeks ago. Instead the Buffaloes lost to Missouri (10-55) and last week Iowa State defeated them 28-31.
Coming off of a record loss to Kansas (39-76) nobody expected Nebraska to show up last week. Instead the Cornhuskers lambasted Kansas State 73-31 to keep their bowl dreams alive.
Nebraska's backup quarterback, Joe Ganz, will try to repeat his school record 519 yards and seven touchdowns from a week ago to let head coach Bill Callahan finish on a positive note.
Nebraska 33, Colorado 28
Coming off of a record loss to Kansas (39-76) nobody expected Nebraska to show up last week. Instead the Cornhuskers lambasted Kansas State 73-31 to keep their bowl dreams alive.
Nebraska's backup quarterback, Joe Ganz, will try to repeat his school record 519 yards and seven touchdowns from a week ago to let head coach Bill Callahan finish on a positive note.
Nebraska 33, Colorado 28
The Game
The more things change, the more they stay the same. What a hackneyed cliché. However, it continues to ring true for the Big Ten. The conference champion will again be decided by the winner of The Game. Ohio State has won 30 Big Ten championships and Michigan has won 42. In the last thirty years Ohio State and Michigan have combined for at least a share of 26 Big Ten titles. Two things will separate Saturday’s game from the others. Both teams lost the week before The Game for only the second time and this could be Lloyd Carr’s last appearance against the Buckeyes.
Why are most Ohio State fans down this week? Because the Buckeyes lost to Illinois? Had someone told you in July that Ohio State would only have one loss and be ranked seventh in the country going into the Michigan game would you have believed them? Yet, that is where the team is and most fans have turned into a gang of gloom and doom. The Nancy nay sayers are braced for the upcoming loss to Michigan and the consolation prize of the Citrus or Outback Bowl.
I'd like to try and penetrate some rays of positivity down on the destitute Buckeye Nation. This isn't the first time a Jim Tressel coached team lost the week before playing Michigan. It's the third time. In 2001 Ohio State lost at home to Illinois (22-34) and defeated the Wolverines in the Big House 26-20. In 2004 Tressel and the Buckeyes lost at Purdue (17-24) and were able to beat Michigan 37-21 in Columbus. That was the first game of Troy Smith's trilogy against the Maize and Blue. This season, like 2001, the Buckeyes lost to the Illini at home and Tressel will have them ready to win again in Ann Arbor.
As a fan you should be excited about the opportunity Ohio State has. With a victory it will only be the third time in Ohio State’s history that the Buckeyes defeated Michigan four straight games. Francis A. Schmidt (1934-1937), Woody (1960-1963) and soon to be added to that short list, Jim Tressel.
As a fan you should be excited that Ohio State has an opportunity to go back to the Rose Bowl. Ohio State has not played in the Rose Bowl since the 1996 season. For some of you it may not match a “national championship”, but wouldn’t a win over Michigan and a Rose Bowl victory be a nice ending to a season in which Ohio State was supposed to finish fourth…in the Big Ten?
Ohio State 24, Michigan 16
Why are most Ohio State fans down this week? Because the Buckeyes lost to Illinois? Had someone told you in July that Ohio State would only have one loss and be ranked seventh in the country going into the Michigan game would you have believed them? Yet, that is where the team is and most fans have turned into a gang of gloom and doom. The Nancy nay sayers are braced for the upcoming loss to Michigan and the consolation prize of the Citrus or Outback Bowl.
I'd like to try and penetrate some rays of positivity down on the destitute Buckeye Nation. This isn't the first time a Jim Tressel coached team lost the week before playing Michigan. It's the third time. In 2001 Ohio State lost at home to Illinois (22-34) and defeated the Wolverines in the Big House 26-20. In 2004 Tressel and the Buckeyes lost at Purdue (17-24) and were able to beat Michigan 37-21 in Columbus. That was the first game of Troy Smith's trilogy against the Maize and Blue. This season, like 2001, the Buckeyes lost to the Illini at home and Tressel will have them ready to win again in Ann Arbor.
As a fan you should be excited about the opportunity Ohio State has. With a victory it will only be the third time in Ohio State’s history that the Buckeyes defeated Michigan four straight games. Francis A. Schmidt (1934-1937), Woody (1960-1963) and soon to be added to that short list, Jim Tressel.
As a fan you should be excited that Ohio State has an opportunity to go back to the Rose Bowl. Ohio State has not played in the Rose Bowl since the 1996 season. For some of you it may not match a “national championship”, but wouldn’t a win over Michigan and a Rose Bowl victory be a nice ending to a season in which Ohio State was supposed to finish fourth…in the Big Ten?
Ohio State 24, Michigan 16
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Illinois at No. 1 Ohio State Week 11
Saturday you will be able to watch 16-point favorite Ohio State play Illinois on ABC. With a victory the Buckeyes will improve to 61-29-4 against the Illini, retain the IlliBuck trophy and extend their Big Ten regular season winning streak to 21 games.
Ohio State was fortunate that P.J. Hill was injured last week. This week the defense won't be as lucky. Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall comes into the game with 1,314 rushing yards, 573 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. He averages over seven yards of offense every time he touches the ball.
Juice Williams is hoping to have a repeat of his performance against Minnesota last week. Williams had season highs in rushing (133 yards) and passing (207 yards). The sophomore will need to lean on Mendenhall and Arrelious Benn (46 receptions for 573 receiving yards) as he plays in Ohio Stadium for the first time.
Beanie Wells may find the yards hard to come by this week. J Leman (102 tackles) and Will Davis (10.5 TFL and 7.5 sacks) anchor a solid rush defense. Brian Robiskie (touchdowns in three straight games) and Brian Hartline should have big games against the Illini's 81st ranked pass defense.
The View's Take
Is it just a coincidence that annoy and Illinois rhyme? Not if you're an Ohio State fan old enough to remember the Cooper era. Between 1988 and 1994 the Illini were 6-1 against the Buckeyes. On the bright side, Illinois has lost the last nine games against Ohio State when the Buckeyes are ranked No. 1.
Ohio State 33, Illinois 24
Ohio State was fortunate that P.J. Hill was injured last week. This week the defense won't be as lucky. Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall comes into the game with 1,314 rushing yards, 573 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. He averages over seven yards of offense every time he touches the ball.
Juice Williams is hoping to have a repeat of his performance against Minnesota last week. Williams had season highs in rushing (133 yards) and passing (207 yards). The sophomore will need to lean on Mendenhall and Arrelious Benn (46 receptions for 573 receiving yards) as he plays in Ohio Stadium for the first time.
Beanie Wells may find the yards hard to come by this week. J Leman (102 tackles) and Will Davis (10.5 TFL and 7.5 sacks) anchor a solid rush defense. Brian Robiskie (touchdowns in three straight games) and Brian Hartline should have big games against the Illini's 81st ranked pass defense.
The View's Take
Is it just a coincidence that annoy and Illinois rhyme? Not if you're an Ohio State fan old enough to remember the Cooper era. Between 1988 and 1994 the Illini were 6-1 against the Buckeyes. On the bright side, Illinois has lost the last nine games against Ohio State when the Buckeyes are ranked No. 1.
Ohio State 33, Illinois 24
No. 12 Michigan at Wisconsin Week 11
This week Michigan gets Ohio State's leftovers. The Wolverines have won eight straight games and are in the hunt for the Big Ten title. A major factor for this recent success is the defense. The Wolverines' defense is ranked in the top 20 in sacks, tackles for loss, pass and total defense.
Win or lose Michigan will be playing for the Big Ten title next week against Ohio State.
Michigan 28, Wisconsin 20
Win or lose Michigan will be playing for the Big Ten title next week against Ohio State.
Michigan 28, Wisconsin 20
No. 18 Auburn at No. 10 Georgia Week 11
Georgia's freshman running back, Knowshon Moreno, has rushed for 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns in nine games. Moreno and the Bulldogs should face a challenge against Auburn's defense. The Tigers are holding opponents under 15 ppg and are ranked 8th in the NCAA in total defense. Auburn leads the series 53-49-8, but this year is for the Dawgs.
Georgia 17, Auburn 13
Georgia 17, Auburn 13
No. 15 Florida at South Carolina Week 11
South Carolina's top ranked pass defense is in jeopardy against Tim Tebow. Tebow ranks first in pass efficiency. Then again, the Gamecock's pass defense ranking might be safe.
Florida, like every other opponent, should be able to run all day against the Gamecocks. South Carolina's defense is allowing over 206 rushing yards per game.
This will be Spurrier's second straight loss to his former team after defeating the Gators in 2005.
Florida 30, South Carolina 14
Florida, like every other opponent, should be able to run all day against the Gamecocks. South Carolina's defense is allowing over 206 rushing yards per game.
This will be Spurrier's second straight loss to his former team after defeating the Gators in 2005.
Florida 30, South Carolina 14
Air Force at Notre Dame Week 11
If Air Force defeats Notre Dame it will be the first time since 1944 that the Irish lost to two service academies in the same season.
Like Navy last week, Air Force will use the run to defeat Notre Dame. The Falcons average over 270 rushing yards a game and could top 300 against the Irish. Notre Dame's defense is ranked 95th against the run and is allowing opponents to score over 31 ppg.
Air Force will make Notre Dame 1-9 for the first time since 1963. Going back to last season, the sliding Irish have won once in the previous eleven games. Make that twelve games.
Air Force 41, Notre Dame 28
Like Navy last week, Air Force will use the run to defeat Notre Dame. The Falcons average over 270 rushing yards a game and could top 300 against the Irish. Notre Dame's defense is ranked 95th against the run and is allowing opponents to score over 31 ppg.
Air Force will make Notre Dame 1-9 for the first time since 1963. Going back to last season, the sliding Irish have won once in the previous eleven games. Make that twelve games.
Air Force 41, Notre Dame 28
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wisconsin at No. 1 Ohio State Week 10
Wisconsin has won the last two games against Ohio State and four out of the last six. However, the top-ranked Buckeyes are favored by 15.5-points over the 21st ranked Badgers.
Wisconsin is a heavy underdog because P.J. Hill has a bruised left foot and his backup, Lance Smith, is suspended from playing away games. That leaves freshman Zach Brown to carry most of the load if Hill can't perform.
If the running game has troubles Wisconsin's offense will need Tyler Donovan to show his senior leadership. Donovan has thrown for 1,855 yards and 12 touchdowns, but he has also thrown nine interceptions.
Donovan has a playmaker in tight end Travis Beckum. Beckum is among the nation's best tight ends with 625 receiving yards and three TDs. The Badgers might be without receiver Luke Swan, but senior Paul Hubbard should be at full speed after suffering a knee injury in the second week.
The View's Take
Most fans won’t be able to watch Beanie Wells pass the 1,000-yard rushing mark as the Buckeyes improve to 10-0. What happened to only missing the YSU and Akron games?
I find it ridiculous that Time Warner and the Big Ten are keeping the majority of Central Ohio from watching the No. 1 team in the country. They're also going to prevent fans from watching at least 13 of the basketball games. Shame on both of them.
Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 10
Ohio State's History Against Wisconsin
Overall
50-17-5
1,574-863
22-12
Home 27-7-3
923-426
25-12
Away
23-10-2
651-437
19-13
Last Ten
5-5 181-171
18-17
The Players
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 1,799 yards 21 TD 8 INT 66.5%
UW- Tyler Donovan 1,855 yards 12 TD 9 INT 59.2%
RB
O-State- Beanie Wells 996 yards, 5.7 ypc, 7 TD
UW- P.J. Hill 1,066 yards, 5.0 ypc, 14 TD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 41 rec, 787 yards, 19.2 ypc, 8 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 34 rec, 429 yards 12.6 ypc, 5 TD
UW- TE Travis Beckum 53 rec, 625 yards 11.8 ypc, 3 TD
UW- Luke Swan 25 rec, 451 yards 18.0 ypc, 2 TD
Wisconsin is a heavy underdog because P.J. Hill has a bruised left foot and his backup, Lance Smith, is suspended from playing away games. That leaves freshman Zach Brown to carry most of the load if Hill can't perform.
If the running game has troubles Wisconsin's offense will need Tyler Donovan to show his senior leadership. Donovan has thrown for 1,855 yards and 12 touchdowns, but he has also thrown nine interceptions.
Donovan has a playmaker in tight end Travis Beckum. Beckum is among the nation's best tight ends with 625 receiving yards and three TDs. The Badgers might be without receiver Luke Swan, but senior Paul Hubbard should be at full speed after suffering a knee injury in the second week.
The View's Take
Most fans won’t be able to watch Beanie Wells pass the 1,000-yard rushing mark as the Buckeyes improve to 10-0. What happened to only missing the YSU and Akron games?
I find it ridiculous that Time Warner and the Big Ten are keeping the majority of Central Ohio from watching the No. 1 team in the country. They're also going to prevent fans from watching at least 13 of the basketball games. Shame on both of them.
Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 10
Ohio State's History Against Wisconsin
Overall
50-17-5
1,574-863
22-12
Home 27-7-3
923-426
25-12
Away
23-10-2
651-437
19-13
Last Ten
5-5 181-171
18-17
The Players
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 1,799 yards 21 TD 8 INT 66.5%
UW- Tyler Donovan 1,855 yards 12 TD 9 INT 59.2%
RB
O-State- Beanie Wells 996 yards, 5.7 ypc, 7 TD
UW- P.J. Hill 1,066 yards, 5.0 ypc, 14 TD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 41 rec, 787 yards, 19.2 ypc, 8 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 34 rec, 429 yards 12.6 ypc, 5 TD
UW- TE Travis Beckum 53 rec, 625 yards 11.8 ypc, 3 TD
UW- Luke Swan 25 rec, 451 yards 18.0 ypc, 2 TD
No. 4 Arizona State at No. 5 Oregon Week 10
Arizona State continues to win. If the Sun Devils can win the remaining games on their schedule, they should be in New Orleans. That will be a tough task.
ASU passed the first hurdle last week by defeating Cal. This week they face Dennis Dixon and the Pac-10's best offense. Although I normally like the team with the best defense to win the game, Oregon has too many weapons (Dixon, Jonathon Stewart and Jaison Swain) and the home-field advantage.
Oregon 31, Arizona State 23
Oregon's History Against Arizona State
Overall Record: 11-15
Points Scored: 697-749
Avg. Score: 27-29
Home Record: 7-7
Points Scored: 389-376
Avg. Score: 28-27
Away Record: 4-8
Points Scored: 308-373
Avg. Score: 26-31
The Players
QB
ORE- Dennis Dixon 1,885 yards, 16 TD, 3 INT, 68.8%
ASU- Rudy Carpenter 1,949 yards, 17 TD, 7 INT, 65.4%
RB
ORE- Jonathon Stewart 1,043 yards, 6.7 ypc, 9 TD
ASU- Ryan Torain 553 yards, 5.0 ypc, 5 TD,
WR
ORE- Jaison Williams 32 rec, 515 yards, 16.2, 5 TD
ASU- Chris McGaha 27 rec, 381 yards, 14.1, 0 TD
ASU- Michael Jones 432 yards, 16.6, 5 TD
ASU passed the first hurdle last week by defeating Cal. This week they face Dennis Dixon and the Pac-10's best offense. Although I normally like the team with the best defense to win the game, Oregon has too many weapons (Dixon, Jonathon Stewart and Jaison Swain) and the home-field advantage.
Oregon 31, Arizona State 23
Oregon's History Against Arizona State
Overall Record: 11-15
Points Scored: 697-749
Avg. Score: 27-29
Home Record: 7-7
Points Scored: 389-376
Avg. Score: 28-27
Away Record: 4-8
Points Scored: 308-373
Avg. Score: 26-31
The Players
QB
ORE- Dennis Dixon 1,885 yards, 16 TD, 3 INT, 68.8%
ASU- Rudy Carpenter 1,949 yards, 17 TD, 7 INT, 65.4%
RB
ORE- Jonathon Stewart 1,043 yards, 6.7 ypc, 9 TD
ASU- Ryan Torain 553 yards, 5.0 ypc, 5 TD,
WR
ORE- Jaison Williams 32 rec, 515 yards, 16.2, 5 TD
ASU- Chris McGaha 27 rec, 381 yards, 14.1, 0 TD
ASU- Michael Jones 432 yards, 16.6, 5 TD
No. 3 LSU at No. 24 Alabama Week 10
The talk going into this game will be about Alabama's head coach, Nick Saban, coaching against his former team. The Crimson Tide has lost the last three games against the Tigers, but still holds a 43-22-5 series lead.
Fortunately for Saban this game is being played in Tuscaloosa. Unfortunately for Saban he's going to find out what it's like to play against LSU's defense.
LSU 33, Alabama 17
Fortunately for Saban this game is being played in Tuscaloosa. Unfortunately for Saban he's going to find out what it's like to play against LSU's defense.
LSU 33, Alabama 17
Navy at Notre Dame
Navy has lost 43 straight games to Notre Dame. 1963 was the last time the Midshipmen had a victory over the Fighting Irish. That was when a guy named Kennedy was president.
After losing to Delaware (52-59) last week you would assume the 44th loss would be imminent. You would assume wrong. Navy will use its top ranked rushing offense (2,743 yards) to run over Notre Dame's deficient rushing defense.
Expect Navy's coach, Paul Johnson, to use misdirection and a couple of big play-action passes to pull off the victory.
Navy 44, Notre Dame 33
Notre Dame's History Against Navy
Overall Record: 70-9-1
Points Scored: 2,181-830
Avg. Score: 27-10
Home Record: 27-3
Points Scored: 946-353
Avg. Score: 32-12
Away Record: 43-6-1
Points Scored: 1,235-477
Avg. Score: 25-10
The Players
QB
ND- Evan Sharpley 596 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT, 53.1%
BC- Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada 634 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT, 54.5%
RB
ND- James Aldridge 249 yards, 0 TD
Navy- Kaip-Noa Keheaku-Enhada 655 yards, 5.0 ypc, 11 TD
Navy- Eric Kettani 557 yards, 5.6 ypc, 6 TD
WR
ND- TE John Carlson 26 rec, 188 yards, 7.2 ypc, 1 TD
ND- Robby Parris 22 rec, 287 yards, 13.0 ypc, 1 TD
Navy- Zerbin Singleton 9 rec, 162 yards, 18.0 ypc, 0 TD
Navy- O.J. Washington 9 rec, 215 yards, 23.9 ypc, 1 TD
After losing to Delaware (52-59) last week you would assume the 44th loss would be imminent. You would assume wrong. Navy will use its top ranked rushing offense (2,743 yards) to run over Notre Dame's deficient rushing defense.
Expect Navy's coach, Paul Johnson, to use misdirection and a couple of big play-action passes to pull off the victory.
Navy 44, Notre Dame 33
Notre Dame's History Against Navy
Overall Record: 70-9-1
Points Scored: 2,181-830
Avg. Score: 27-10
Home Record: 27-3
Points Scored: 946-353
Avg. Score: 32-12
Away Record: 43-6-1
Points Scored: 1,235-477
Avg. Score: 25-10
The Players
QB
ND- Evan Sharpley 596 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT, 53.1%
BC- Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada 634 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT, 54.5%
RB
ND- James Aldridge 249 yards, 0 TD
Navy- Kaip-Noa Keheaku-Enhada 655 yards, 5.0 ypc, 11 TD
Navy- Eric Kettani 557 yards, 5.6 ypc, 6 TD
WR
ND- TE John Carlson 26 rec, 188 yards, 7.2 ypc, 1 TD
ND- Robby Parris 22 rec, 287 yards, 13.0 ypc, 1 TD
Navy- Zerbin Singleton 9 rec, 162 yards, 18.0 ypc, 0 TD
Navy- O.J. Washington 9 rec, 215 yards, 23.9 ypc, 1 TD
Florida State at No. 2 Boston College Week 10
Florida State is only one victory away from becoming bowl eligible, but that victory won't come this week. Boston College's second ranked rush defense will dominate Florida State's anemic rushing game. That will force Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee to win the game for Florida State.
Florida State will need to defeat Virginia Tech, Maryland or Florida so Bobby Bowden won’t miss a bowl game for the first time since 1981.
Boston College 28, FSU 17
Florida State's History Against Boston College
Overall Record: 3-2
Points Scored: 123-77
Avg. Score: 25-15
Home Record: 1-1
Points Scored: 60-31
Avg. Score: 30-16
Away Record: 2-1
Points Scored: 63-46
Avg. Score: 21-15
WR
FSU- Drew Weatherford 981 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT, 60.5%
FSU- Xavier Lee 972 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT, 53.2%
BC- Matt Ryan 2,433 yards, 19 TD, 8 INT, 61.0 %
RB
FSU- Antone Smith 582 yards, 4.1, 3 TD
BC- Andre Callender 656 yards, 4.9, 8 TD
BC- L.V. Whitworth 307 yards, 4.7, 3 TD
WR
FSU- Preston Parker 37 rec, 516 yards, 13.9, 2 TD
FSU- Greg Carr 28 rec, 549 yards, 19.6, 3 TD
BC- Brandon Robinson 35 rec, 488 yards, 13.9, 4 TD
Florida State will need to defeat Virginia Tech, Maryland or Florida so Bobby Bowden won’t miss a bowl game for the first time since 1981.
Boston College 28, FSU 17
Florida State's History Against Boston College
Overall Record: 3-2
Points Scored: 123-77
Avg. Score: 25-15
Home Record: 1-1
Points Scored: 60-31
Avg. Score: 30-16
Away Record: 2-1
Points Scored: 63-46
Avg. Score: 21-15
WR
FSU- Drew Weatherford 981 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT, 60.5%
FSU- Xavier Lee 972 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT, 53.2%
BC- Matt Ryan 2,433 yards, 19 TD, 8 INT, 61.0 %
RB
FSU- Antone Smith 582 yards, 4.1, 3 TD
BC- Andre Callender 656 yards, 4.9, 8 TD
BC- L.V. Whitworth 307 yards, 4.7, 3 TD
WR
FSU- Preston Parker 37 rec, 516 yards, 13.9, 2 TD
FSU- Greg Carr 28 rec, 549 yards, 19.6, 3 TD
BC- Brandon Robinson 35 rec, 488 yards, 13.9, 4 TD
Thursday, October 25, 2007
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 25 Penn State Week 9
Saturday night will mark the 23rd time Ohio State has played Penn State. The series is tied 11-11 and Joe Paterno is 7-11 against the four-point favorite Buckeyes.
If history repeats itself expect neither team to score more than thirty points. In the previous 22 games Penn State scored over thirty points four times and Ohio State twice. When you add these two great defenses to the mix you would expect the first team to score 14 points to win.
Quarterback Anthony Morelli, halfback Rodney Kinlaw, receivers Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler are Penn State's key offensive players. However, the Nittany Lions' defensive players will determine the outcome of this game.
Maurice Evans, Sean Lee and Dan Connor have led Penn State to the most sacks (35) in the nation. If Ohio State’s offensive line can’t contain Penn State’s front four the Buckeyes could be in for a long night.
The View's Take
Expect Penn State to apply the same defensive pressure you saw from Michigan State in the second half of last week's game. Boeckman will make the right decisions, the line will hold and the Buckeyes should score more than 30 points.
Ohio State 30, Penn State 13
The Players
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 1,546 yards 18 TD 7 INT 65.6%
PSU-Anthony Morelli 1,739 yards 13 TD 7 INT 59.5%
RB
O-State- Beanie Wells 863 yards, 5.8 ypc, 7 TD
PSU- Rodney Kinlaw 728 yards, 5.2 ypc, 6 TD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 37 rec, 728 yards, 19.7 ypc, 7 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 30 rec, 360 yards 12.0 ypc, 4 TD
PSU- Jordan Norwood 30 rec, 381 yards 12.7 ypc, 3 TD
PSU- Javon Ringer 30 rec, 418 yards 13.9 ypc, 1 TD
Ohio State's History Against Penn State
Overall
Record: 11-11
Points Scored: 395-406
Avg Score: 18-19
Home
8-5
227-160
18-12
Away
3-5
149-215
19-27
Last Ten
6-4
230-127
23-13
Away Since PSU Joined Big 10
2-5
137-208
20-30
Away Since 2000
1-2
58-66 1
9-22
If history repeats itself expect neither team to score more than thirty points. In the previous 22 games Penn State scored over thirty points four times and Ohio State twice. When you add these two great defenses to the mix you would expect the first team to score 14 points to win.
Quarterback Anthony Morelli, halfback Rodney Kinlaw, receivers Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler are Penn State's key offensive players. However, the Nittany Lions' defensive players will determine the outcome of this game.
Maurice Evans, Sean Lee and Dan Connor have led Penn State to the most sacks (35) in the nation. If Ohio State’s offensive line can’t contain Penn State’s front four the Buckeyes could be in for a long night.
The View's Take
Expect Penn State to apply the same defensive pressure you saw from Michigan State in the second half of last week's game. Boeckman will make the right decisions, the line will hold and the Buckeyes should score more than 30 points.
Ohio State 30, Penn State 13
The Players
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 1,546 yards 18 TD 7 INT 65.6%
PSU-Anthony Morelli 1,739 yards 13 TD 7 INT 59.5%
RB
O-State- Beanie Wells 863 yards, 5.8 ypc, 7 TD
PSU- Rodney Kinlaw 728 yards, 5.2 ypc, 6 TD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 37 rec, 728 yards, 19.7 ypc, 7 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 30 rec, 360 yards 12.0 ypc, 4 TD
PSU- Jordan Norwood 30 rec, 381 yards 12.7 ypc, 3 TD
PSU- Javon Ringer 30 rec, 418 yards 13.9 ypc, 1 TD
Ohio State's History Against Penn State
Overall
Record: 11-11
Points Scored: 395-406
Avg Score: 18-19
Home
8-5
227-160
18-12
Away
3-5
149-215
19-27
Last Ten
6-4
230-127
23-13
Away Since PSU Joined Big 10
2-5
137-208
20-30
Away Since 2000
1-2
58-66 1
9-22
No. 12 USC at No. 5 Oregon Week 9
This is the yin and yang game of the day. Oregon's offense will play the role of yin. The Ducks lead the PAC-10 in rushing, scoring and total offense.
The yang role goes to USC. The Trojans' defense leads the PAC-10 in pass and total defense; and is ranked second in rushing and scoring defense.
Do you like offense or defense? Yin or yang? I like the team that can hold onto the ball. Oregon has a positive .71 turnover margin, while USC has a negative .57.
Yin 38, Yang 35
The Players
QB
ORE- Dennis Dixon 1,721 yards, 16 TD, 3 INT, 69.2%
USC- John David Booty 1,239 yards, 12 TD, 8 INT, 64.6%
USC- Mark Sanchez 153 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 61.9%
RB
ND- James Aldridge 249 yards, 3.7 ypc, 0 TD
ND- Armanod Allen 126 yards, 3.6 ypc, 0 TD
USC- Stafon Johnson 378 yards, 8.2 ypc, 4 TD,
USC- Chauncey Washington 362 yards, 3.6 ypc, 0 TD
WR
ND- Robby Parris 272 yards, 14.3, 1 TD
ND- John Carlson 160 yards, 7.3, 1 TD
USC- TE Fred Davis 498 yards, 17.2, 4 TD
USC- Patrick Turner 289 yards, 10.3, 1 TD
USC's History Against Oregon
Overall Record: 35-15-2
Points Scored: 1,272-640
Avg. Score: 25-12
Home Record: 22-6-1
Points Scored: 795-336
Avg. Score: 27-12
Away Record: 9-5-1
Points Scored: 367-224
Avg. Score: 25-15
Portland: 2-4
Points Scored: 69-74
Avg. Score: 12-12
Pasadena: 1-0
Points Scored: 21-0
Avg. Score: 21-0
Tokyo: 20-6
Points Scored: 243-190
Avg. Score: 24-19
The yang role goes to USC. The Trojans' defense leads the PAC-10 in pass and total defense; and is ranked second in rushing and scoring defense.
Do you like offense or defense? Yin or yang? I like the team that can hold onto the ball. Oregon has a positive .71 turnover margin, while USC has a negative .57.
Yin 38, Yang 35
The Players
QB
ORE- Dennis Dixon 1,721 yards, 16 TD, 3 INT, 69.2%
USC- John David Booty 1,239 yards, 12 TD, 8 INT, 64.6%
USC- Mark Sanchez 153 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 61.9%
RB
ND- James Aldridge 249 yards, 3.7 ypc, 0 TD
ND- Armanod Allen 126 yards, 3.6 ypc, 0 TD
USC- Stafon Johnson 378 yards, 8.2 ypc, 4 TD,
USC- Chauncey Washington 362 yards, 3.6 ypc, 0 TD
WR
ND- Robby Parris 272 yards, 14.3, 1 TD
ND- John Carlson 160 yards, 7.3, 1 TD
USC- TE Fred Davis 498 yards, 17.2, 4 TD
USC- Patrick Turner 289 yards, 10.3, 1 TD
USC's History Against Oregon
Overall Record: 35-15-2
Points Scored: 1,272-640
Avg. Score: 25-12
Home Record: 22-6-1
Points Scored: 795-336
Avg. Score: 27-12
Away Record: 9-5-1
Points Scored: 367-224
Avg. Score: 25-15
Portland: 2-4
Points Scored: 69-74
Avg. Score: 12-12
Pasadena: 1-0
Points Scored: 21-0
Avg. Score: 21-0
Tokyo: 20-6
Points Scored: 243-190
Avg. Score: 24-19
No. 21 California at No. 4 Arizona State Week 9
Led by their talented quarterbacks, the offenses of California and Arizona State are putting up more than 35 points per game.
Nate Longshore has thrown for 1,369 yards, ten touchdowns and five interceptions for the Golden Bears. Arizona State's Rudy Carpenter has completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,730 yards and 16 TD.
Carpenter has a great receiver in Michael Jones, but Longshore will win this game because he has the dual threat of DeSean Jackson (41 receptions) and Lavelle Hawkins (39 receptions).
California 45, Arizona State 31
The Players
QB
ASU- Rudy Carpenter 1,730 yards, 16 TD, 7 INT, 66.3%
CAL- Nate Longshore 1,369 yards, 10 TD, 5 INT, 64.0%
RB
ASU- Ryan Torain 553 yards, 5.0, 5 TD
ASU- Keegan Herring 480 yards, 6.6, 4 TD
CAL- Justin Forsett 811 yards, 5.0 ypc, 10 TD
WR
ASU- Michael Jones 24 rec, 396 yards, 16.5, 5 TD
ASU- Chris McGaha 23 rec, 323 yards, 14.0, 0 TD
CAL- DeSean Jackson 41 rec, 453 yards, 11.0, 4 TD
CAL- Lavelle Hawkins 39 rec, 559 yards, 14.3, 4 TD
Arizona State's History Against California
Overall Record: 13-13
Points Scored: 708-571
Avg. Score: 27-22
Home Record: 9-6
Points Scored: 482-299
Avg. Score: 32-20
Away Record: 4-7
Points Scored: 226-272
Avg. Score: 21-25
Nate Longshore has thrown for 1,369 yards, ten touchdowns and five interceptions for the Golden Bears. Arizona State's Rudy Carpenter has completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,730 yards and 16 TD.
Carpenter has a great receiver in Michael Jones, but Longshore will win this game because he has the dual threat of DeSean Jackson (41 receptions) and Lavelle Hawkins (39 receptions).
California 45, Arizona State 31
The Players
QB
ASU- Rudy Carpenter 1,730 yards, 16 TD, 7 INT, 66.3%
CAL- Nate Longshore 1,369 yards, 10 TD, 5 INT, 64.0%
RB
ASU- Ryan Torain 553 yards, 5.0, 5 TD
ASU- Keegan Herring 480 yards, 6.6, 4 TD
CAL- Justin Forsett 811 yards, 5.0 ypc, 10 TD
WR
ASU- Michael Jones 24 rec, 396 yards, 16.5, 5 TD
ASU- Chris McGaha 23 rec, 323 yards, 14.0, 0 TD
CAL- DeSean Jackson 41 rec, 453 yards, 11.0, 4 TD
CAL- Lavelle Hawkins 39 rec, 559 yards, 14.3, 4 TD
Arizona State's History Against California
Overall Record: 13-13
Points Scored: 708-571
Avg. Score: 27-22
Home Record: 9-6
Points Scored: 482-299
Avg. Score: 32-20
Away Record: 4-7
Points Scored: 226-272
Avg. Score: 21-25
Nebraska at No. 19 Texas Week 9
With the firing of Steve Pederson Bill Callahan is on borrowed time at Nebraska. To have a chance at saving his job he'll have to win the remaining games on this year's schedule. That still might not be enough.
Callahan has directed the Cornhuskers to four or more losses the previous three seasons. Nebraska currently has a three-game losing streak. Halfway through his fourth season Callahan has lost 18 games. The last time Nebraska lost that many games in a three year span was 1959-1961.
Texas 31, Nebraska 20
Callahan has directed the Cornhuskers to four or more losses the previous three seasons. Nebraska currently has a three-game losing streak. Halfway through his fourth season Callahan has lost 18 games. The last time Nebraska lost that many games in a three year span was 1959-1961.
Texas 31, Nebraska 20
No. 11 Florida at No. 18 Georgia Week 9
This is the 85th game between Florida and Georgia. Florida has won 15 out of the last 17 games in the contest formerly known as the World's Largest Cocktail Party. The last five games in this series have been decided by seven points or less.
Tim Tebow leads the nation in pass efficiency, however he should be challenged by Georgia's 13th ranked pass defense. Tebow's test won't be as stiff as the cocktails the fans aren't supposed to be drinking.
Florida 30, Georgia 14
The Players
QB
FLA- Tim Tebow 1,711 yards, 17 TD, 3 INT, 66.1%
UG- Matthew Stafford 1,364 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT, 55.3%
RB
FLA- Tim Tebow 578 yards, 4.6, 10 TD
FLA- Kestahn Moore 381 yards, 5.4, 6 TD
UG- Knowshon Moreno 619 yards, 5.2, 3 TD
UG- Thomas Brown 413 yards, 5.4, 6 TD
WR
FLA- Percy Harvin 34 rec, 563 yards, 16.6, 3 TD
FLA- Louis Murphy 23 rec, 353 yards, 15.3, 2 TD
UG- Sean Bailey 19 rec, 290 yards, 15.3, 2 TD
Defense
UG- Dannell Ellerbe 53 tackles, 7.5 TFL
FLA- Derrick Harvey 6.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL
Tim Tebow leads the nation in pass efficiency, however he should be challenged by Georgia's 13th ranked pass defense. Tebow's test won't be as stiff as the cocktails the fans aren't supposed to be drinking.
Florida 30, Georgia 14
The Players
QB
FLA- Tim Tebow 1,711 yards, 17 TD, 3 INT, 66.1%
UG- Matthew Stafford 1,364 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT, 55.3%
RB
FLA- Tim Tebow 578 yards, 4.6, 10 TD
FLA- Kestahn Moore 381 yards, 5.4, 6 TD
UG- Knowshon Moreno 619 yards, 5.2, 3 TD
UG- Thomas Brown 413 yards, 5.4, 6 TD
WR
FLA- Percy Harvin 34 rec, 563 yards, 16.6, 3 TD
FLA- Louis Murphy 23 rec, 353 yards, 15.3, 2 TD
UG- Sean Bailey 19 rec, 290 yards, 15.3, 2 TD
Defense
UG- Dannell Ellerbe 53 tackles, 7.5 TFL
FLA- Derrick Harvey 6.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Michigan State at No. 1 Ohio State Week 8
No. 1 Ohio State looks to extend its regular season winning streak to 26 against 17-point underdog Michigan State. The Buckeyes are 25-12 against the Spartans and have won the last five games in the series.
Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer has three dynamic weapons at his disposal. Receiver Devin Thomas, along with running backs Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick, account for over 95% of the yards accumulated by the Big Ten's leading offensive unit. Thomas is second in the nation with 1,487 all-purpose yards . He also averages 18.2 yards per catch and has five touchdowns.
Ohio State's top-ranked defense is going to be tested by Michigan State's stellar running game. Javon Ringer has 932 rushing yards and is averaging 7.1 yards per carry. Caulcrick has 499 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Buckeyes' offensive line will be challenged as well. Led by defensive linemen Jonal Saint-Dic and Ervin Baldwin; the Spartans' defense is ranked second in the country in sacks (29) and third in tackles for loss (66).
The View's Take
Michigan State has the talent to beat Ohio State. Do they have the mind-set?
Ohio State 31, Michigan State 17
Ohio State's History Against Michigan State
Overall
25-12 935-600 25-16
Home 13-7 515-329
27-18
Away
12-5
400-236
24-14
Last Ten
8-2
284-178
28-18
Last Ten Home
8-2
271-163
27-16
Last Ten Away
8-2
276-152
28-15
The Players
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 1,353 yards 16 TD 6 INT 65.6%
MSU-Brian Hoyer 1,476 yards 11 TD 3 INT 61.2%
RB
O-State- Beanie Wells 642 yards, 5.4 ypc, 6 TD
MSU- Javon Ringer 932 yards, 7.1 ypc, 6 TD
MSU- Jehuu Caulcrick 499 yards, 4.3 ypc, 13 TD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 35 rec, 636 yards, 18.2 ypc, 6 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 26 rec, 319 yards 12.3 ypc, 4 TD
MSU- Devin Thomas 38 rec, 690 yards 18.2 ypc, 5 TD
MSU- Javon Ringer 23 rec, 216 yards 9.4 ypc, 0 TD
DL Jonal Saint-Dic 1.14 sacks, 1.57 TFL
DL Ervin Baldwin .64 sacks, 1.5 TFL
Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer has three dynamic weapons at his disposal. Receiver Devin Thomas, along with running backs Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick, account for over 95% of the yards accumulated by the Big Ten's leading offensive unit. Thomas is second in the nation with 1,487 all-purpose yards . He also averages 18.2 yards per catch and has five touchdowns.
Ohio State's top-ranked defense is going to be tested by Michigan State's stellar running game. Javon Ringer has 932 rushing yards and is averaging 7.1 yards per carry. Caulcrick has 499 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Buckeyes' offensive line will be challenged as well. Led by defensive linemen Jonal Saint-Dic and Ervin Baldwin; the Spartans' defense is ranked second in the country in sacks (29) and third in tackles for loss (66).
The View's Take
Michigan State has the talent to beat Ohio State. Do they have the mind-set?
Ohio State 31, Michigan State 17
Ohio State's History Against Michigan State
Overall
25-12 935-600 25-16
Home 13-7 515-329
27-18
Away
12-5
400-236
24-14
Last Ten
8-2
284-178
28-18
Last Ten Home
8-2
271-163
27-16
Last Ten Away
8-2
276-152
28-15
The Players
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 1,353 yards 16 TD 6 INT 65.6%
MSU-Brian Hoyer 1,476 yards 11 TD 3 INT 61.2%
RB
O-State- Beanie Wells 642 yards, 5.4 ypc, 6 TD
MSU- Javon Ringer 932 yards, 7.1 ypc, 6 TD
MSU- Jehuu Caulcrick 499 yards, 4.3 ypc, 13 TD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 35 rec, 636 yards, 18.2 ypc, 6 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 26 rec, 319 yards 12.3 ypc, 4 TD
MSU- Devin Thomas 38 rec, 690 yards 18.2 ypc, 5 TD
MSU- Javon Ringer 23 rec, 216 yards 9.4 ypc, 0 TD
DL Jonal Saint-Dic 1.14 sacks, 1.57 TFL
DL Ervin Baldwin .64 sacks, 1.5 TFL
No. 24 Michigan at Illinois Week 8
This game pits the Big Ten's best rushing team, Illinois, against the nation's leading rusher, Mike Hart. The Illini's J Leman will have the defense ready for Hart and the running game. Unfortunately for Illinois Chad Henne and Mario Manningham will exploit their 95th ranked pass defense. Illinois fans will still be looking for their first victory over Michigan since 1999.
Michigan 32, Illinois 24
Michigan's History Against Illinois Overall Record: 65-21-2
Points Scored: 1,870-900 Avg. Score: 21-10
Home Record: 33-9-1 Points Scored: 1,087-449 Avg. Score: 25-10
Away Record: 30-12-1 Points Scored: 759-446 Avg. Score: 25-10
The Players
QB
ILL- Juice Williams 716 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT, 55.5%
ILL- Eddie McGee 342 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 52.4%
UM- Chad Henne 1,057 yards, 8 TD, 4 INT, 61.7%
RB
ILL- Rashard Mendenhall 839 yards, 6.5, 10 TD
ILL- Juice Williams 319 yards, 4.6, 2 TD
UM- Mike Hart 1,078 yards, 5.4 ypc, 12 TD
UM- Brandon Minor 181 yards, 4.1 ypc, 0 TD
WR
ILL- Arrelious Benn 33 rec, 424 yards, 12.8, 1 TD
ILL- Rashard Mendenhall 21 rec, 200 yards, 9.5, 2 TD
UM- Mario Manningham 549 yards, 14.8 ypc, 4 TD
UM- Adrian Arrington 453 yards, 12.2 ypc, 4 TD
Michigan 32, Illinois 24
Michigan's History Against Illinois Overall Record: 65-21-2
Points Scored: 1,870-900 Avg. Score: 21-10
Home Record: 33-9-1 Points Scored: 1,087-449 Avg. Score: 25-10
Away Record: 30-12-1 Points Scored: 759-446 Avg. Score: 25-10
The Players
QB
ILL- Juice Williams 716 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT, 55.5%
ILL- Eddie McGee 342 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 52.4%
UM- Chad Henne 1,057 yards, 8 TD, 4 INT, 61.7%
RB
ILL- Rashard Mendenhall 839 yards, 6.5, 10 TD
ILL- Juice Williams 319 yards, 4.6, 2 TD
UM- Mike Hart 1,078 yards, 5.4 ypc, 12 TD
UM- Brandon Minor 181 yards, 4.1 ypc, 0 TD
WR
ILL- Arrelious Benn 33 rec, 424 yards, 12.8, 1 TD
ILL- Rashard Mendenhall 21 rec, 200 yards, 9.5, 2 TD
UM- Mario Manningham 549 yards, 14.8 ypc, 4 TD
UM- Adrian Arrington 453 yards, 12.2 ypc, 4 TD
No. 15 Florida at No. 7 Kentucky Week 8
If Kentucky can return to reality from last week's upset, they have the opportunity to give Florida its third straight loss. The challenge will be for Wesley Woodyard (76 tackles) and Jeremy Jarmon (6.5 sacks) to be prepared for Florida's potent offense.
When was the last time Florida had a three-game losing streak? Galen Hall was in his last season as the Gators coach and the year was 1988. 2007 won't be added to the list.
Florida 35, Kentucky 21
Florida's History Against Kentucky Overall Record: 40-17 Points Scored: 1,447-968 Avg. Score: 22-14
Home Record: 23-4
Points Scored: 822-386
Avg. Score: 30-14
Away Record: 15-10
Points Scored: 559-503
Avg. Score: 22-10
Jacksonville Record: 1-2
Points Scored: 42-31
Avg. Score: 14-10
Tampa Record: 1-1
Points Scored: 24-48
Avg. Score: 12-24
Last Ten: Points Scored: Avg. Score:
The Players
QB FLA- Tim Tebow 1,455 yards, 13 TD, 3 INT, 65.5%
UK- Andre Woodson 1,786 yards, 21 TD, 4 INT, 63.7%
RB
FLA- Tim Tebow 500 yards, 4.8, 9 TD
FLA- Kestahn Moore 365 yards, 5.4, 4 TD
UK- Rafael Little 682 yards, 6.4, 3 TD
UK- Derrick Locke 275 yards,
WR
FLA- Percy Harvin 32 rec, 513 yards, 16.0, 3 TD
FLA- Cornelius Ingram 19 rec, 293 yards, 15.4, 4 TD
UK- Keenan Burton 39 rec, 511 yards, 13.1, 5 TD 1 RTD
UK- Steve Johnson 27 rec, 469 yards, 17.4, 6 TD
When was the last time Florida had a three-game losing streak? Galen Hall was in his last season as the Gators coach and the year was 1988. 2007 won't be added to the list.
Florida 35, Kentucky 21
Florida's History Against Kentucky Overall Record: 40-17 Points Scored: 1,447-968 Avg. Score: 22-14
Home Record: 23-4
Points Scored: 822-386
Avg. Score: 30-14
Away Record: 15-10
Points Scored: 559-503
Avg. Score: 22-10
Jacksonville Record: 1-2
Points Scored: 42-31
Avg. Score: 14-10
Tampa Record: 1-1
Points Scored: 24-48
Avg. Score: 12-24
Last Ten: Points Scored: Avg. Score:
The Players
QB FLA- Tim Tebow 1,455 yards, 13 TD, 3 INT, 65.5%
UK- Andre Woodson 1,786 yards, 21 TD, 4 INT, 63.7%
RB
FLA- Tim Tebow 500 yards, 4.8, 9 TD
FLA- Kestahn Moore 365 yards, 5.4, 4 TD
UK- Rafael Little 682 yards, 6.4, 3 TD
UK- Derrick Locke 275 yards,
WR
FLA- Percy Harvin 32 rec, 513 yards, 16.0, 3 TD
FLA- Cornelius Ingram 19 rec, 293 yards, 15.4, 4 TD
UK- Keenan Burton 39 rec, 511 yards, 13.1, 5 TD 1 RTD
UK- Steve Johnson 27 rec, 469 yards, 17.4, 6 TD
No. 17 Auburn at No. 4 LSU Week 8
Statistically LSU and Auburn have the SEC's top two defenses. However, the deciding factor in this game will come from the offensive side of the ball. Auburn is ranked a meager 105th in passing and 97th in total offense.
Since the turn of the century Auburn has won the even years and LSU the odd. I'll guarantee one thing in this game, the Tigers will win.
LSU 20, Auburn 13
The Players
QB
LSU- Matt Flynn 947 yards, 5 TD, 4 INT, 53.8%
LSU- Ryan Perrilloux 414 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT, 72.5%
AUB- Brandon Cox 1,064 yards, 4 TD, 7 INT, 58.8%,
RB
LSU- Jacob Hestter 494 yards, 4.8, 5 TD
LSU- Keiland Williams 277 yards, 6.9, 5 TD
AUB- Ben Tate 597 yards, 4.8, 4 TD
AUB- Mario Fannin 330 yards, 5.2, 5 TD
WR
LSU- Brandon LaFell 27 rec, 394 yards, 14.6, 1 TD
LSU- Demetrius Byrd 11 rec, 210 yards, 19.1, 2 TD
AUB- Rodgerigus Smith 27 rec, 397 yards, 14.7, 3 TD
AUB- Carl Stewart 11 rec, 129 yards, 11.7, 0 TD
Since the turn of the century Auburn has won the even years and LSU the odd. I'll guarantee one thing in this game, the Tigers will win.
LSU 20, Auburn 13
The Players
QB
LSU- Matt Flynn 947 yards, 5 TD, 4 INT, 53.8%
LSU- Ryan Perrilloux 414 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT, 72.5%
AUB- Brandon Cox 1,064 yards, 4 TD, 7 INT, 58.8%,
RB
LSU- Jacob Hestter 494 yards, 4.8, 5 TD
LSU- Keiland Williams 277 yards, 6.9, 5 TD
AUB- Ben Tate 597 yards, 4.8, 4 TD
AUB- Mario Fannin 330 yards, 5.2, 5 TD
WR
LSU- Brandon LaFell 27 rec, 394 yards, 14.6, 1 TD
LSU- Demetrius Byrd 11 rec, 210 yards, 19.1, 2 TD
AUB- Rodgerigus Smith 27 rec, 397 yards, 14.7, 3 TD
AUB- Carl Stewart 11 rec, 129 yards, 11.7, 0 TD
No. 13 USC at Notre Dame Week 8
USC is 2-1 over the last three games, losing to Stanford and squeaking out wins against Washington (27-24) and Arizona (20-13). The once invincible Trojans are now vulnerable.
Unfortunately for Notre Dame, no matter how mortal USC is looking, the Irish offense is D.O.A. Charlie Weis has directed the nation's worst offense and Notre Dame's offensive line has given up more sacks (34) than any other team.
After this loss, the only bowling Charlie Weis will be doing this year will be at South Bend's Chippewa Bowl.
USC- 53, Notre Dame 10
USC's History Against Notre Dame Overall Record: 31-42-5 Points Scored: 1,376-1,571
Avg. Score: 18-20
Home Record: 21-17-4
Points Scored: 809-779
Avg. Score: 19-19
Away Record: 10-23-1
Points Scored: 549-772
Avg. Score: 16-23
Last Ten: 7-3
Points Scored: 221-261
Avg. Score: 22-26
Last Ten Away: 3-7 Points Scored: 221-261
Avg. Score: 22-26
Last Ten Home: 5-4-1
Points Scored: 243-190
Avg. Score: 24-19
Pete Carrol: 5-2
Points Scored: 224-119
Avg. Score: 32-17
Unfortunately for Notre Dame, no matter how mortal USC is looking, the Irish offense is D.O.A. Charlie Weis has directed the nation's worst offense and Notre Dame's offensive line has given up more sacks (34) than any other team.
After this loss, the only bowling Charlie Weis will be doing this year will be at South Bend's Chippewa Bowl.
USC- 53, Notre Dame 10
USC's History Against Notre Dame Overall Record: 31-42-5 Points Scored: 1,376-1,571
Avg. Score: 18-20
Home Record: 21-17-4
Points Scored: 809-779
Avg. Score: 19-19
Away Record: 10-23-1
Points Scored: 549-772
Avg. Score: 16-23
Last Ten: 7-3
Points Scored: 221-261
Avg. Score: 22-26
Last Ten Away: 3-7 Points Scored: 221-261
Avg. Score: 22-26
Last Ten Home: 5-4-1
Points Scored: 243-190
Avg. Score: 24-19
Pete Carrol: 5-2
Points Scored: 224-119
Avg. Score: 32-17
Miami at Florida State Week 8
Points will be at a premium in this game. Last year Florida State defeated Miami 13-10. In 2005 they won 10-7. Miami's offense is ranked 95th and FSU is ranked 102nd in rushing. A victory Saturday will improve Bobby Bowden's record to 8-8 at home against the Hurricanes. This game might end 3-0 after four overtimes.
Florida State 17, Miami 14
The Players
QB
ND- Jimmy Clausen 618 yards, 1 TD, 5 INT, 57.4%
ND- Evan Sharpley 479 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 53.8%
USC- John David Booty 1,239 yards, 12 TD, 8 INT, 64.6%
USC- Mark Sanchez 153 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 61.9%
RB
ND- James Aldridge 249 yards, 3.7 ypc, 0 TD ND- Armanod Allen 126 yards, 3.6 ypc, 0 TD
USC- Stafon Johnson 378 yards, 8.2 ypc, 4 TD, USC- Chauncey Washington 362 yards, 3.6 ypc, 0 TD
WR
ND- Robby Parris 272 yards, 14.3, 1 TD
ND- John Carlson 160 yards, 7.3, 1 TD
USC- TE Fred Davis 498 yards, 17.2, 4 TD
USC- Patrick Turner 289 yards, 10.3, 1 TD Miami at Florida State (minus 3)
Florida State's History Against Miami
Overall Record: 22-28
Points Scored: 982-980
Avg Score: 20-20
Home Record: 9-12
Points Scored: 471-389
Avg Score: 22-19
Away Record: 13-16
Points Scored: 511-591
Avg Score: 18-20
Last Ten: 5-5
Points Scored: 229-194
Avg Score: 23-19
Last Ten Home: 6-4
Points Scored: 263-179
Avg Score: 26-18
Last Ten Away: 3-7
Points Scored: 192-226
Avg. Score: 19-23
Bowden Overall: 13-18
Points Scored: 699-659
Avg. Score: 23-21
Bowden Home: 7-8
Points Scored: 382-304
Avg Score: 26-20
Bowden Away: 6-10
Points Scored: 317-355
Avg Score: 20-22
The players
QB
MIA- Kyle Wright 1,152 yards, 9 TD, 8 INT, 62.1%
MIA- Kirby Freeman 113 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 39.4%
FSU- Xavier Lee 764 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT, 56.5%
FSU- Drew Weatherford 642 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 54.0%
HB
MIA- Graig Cooper 484 yards, 5.7 ypc, 3 TD
MIA- Javarris James 343 yards, 3.7 ypc, 4 TD
FSU- Antone Smith 322 yards, 3.4 ypc, 3 TD
FSU- Xavier Lee 82 yards, 2.6 ypc, 2 TD
WR
MIA- Darnell Jenkins 360 yards, 20.0 ypc, 1 TD
MIA- Lance Leggett 235 yards, 16.8 ypc, 1 TD
FSU- Greg Carr 508 yards, 20.3 ypc, 3 TD
FSU- Preston Parker 344 yards, 14.3 ypc, 1 TD
Florida State 17, Miami 14
The Players
QB
ND- Jimmy Clausen 618 yards, 1 TD, 5 INT, 57.4%
ND- Evan Sharpley 479 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 53.8%
USC- John David Booty 1,239 yards, 12 TD, 8 INT, 64.6%
USC- Mark Sanchez 153 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 61.9%
RB
ND- James Aldridge 249 yards, 3.7 ypc, 0 TD ND- Armanod Allen 126 yards, 3.6 ypc, 0 TD
USC- Stafon Johnson 378 yards, 8.2 ypc, 4 TD, USC- Chauncey Washington 362 yards, 3.6 ypc, 0 TD
WR
ND- Robby Parris 272 yards, 14.3, 1 TD
ND- John Carlson 160 yards, 7.3, 1 TD
USC- TE Fred Davis 498 yards, 17.2, 4 TD
USC- Patrick Turner 289 yards, 10.3, 1 TD Miami at Florida State (minus 3)
Florida State's History Against Miami
Overall Record: 22-28
Points Scored: 982-980
Avg Score: 20-20
Home Record: 9-12
Points Scored: 471-389
Avg Score: 22-19
Away Record: 13-16
Points Scored: 511-591
Avg Score: 18-20
Last Ten: 5-5
Points Scored: 229-194
Avg Score: 23-19
Last Ten Home: 6-4
Points Scored: 263-179
Avg Score: 26-18
Last Ten Away: 3-7
Points Scored: 192-226
Avg. Score: 19-23
Bowden Overall: 13-18
Points Scored: 699-659
Avg. Score: 23-21
Bowden Home: 7-8
Points Scored: 382-304
Avg Score: 26-20
Bowden Away: 6-10
Points Scored: 317-355
Avg Score: 20-22
The players
QB
MIA- Kyle Wright 1,152 yards, 9 TD, 8 INT, 62.1%
MIA- Kirby Freeman 113 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 39.4%
FSU- Xavier Lee 764 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT, 56.5%
FSU- Drew Weatherford 642 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 54.0%
HB
MIA- Graig Cooper 484 yards, 5.7 ypc, 3 TD
MIA- Javarris James 343 yards, 3.7 ypc, 4 TD
FSU- Antone Smith 322 yards, 3.4 ypc, 3 TD
FSU- Xavier Lee 82 yards, 2.6 ypc, 2 TD
WR
MIA- Darnell Jenkins 360 yards, 20.0 ypc, 1 TD
MIA- Lance Leggett 235 yards, 16.8 ypc, 1 TD
FSU- Greg Carr 508 yards, 20.3 ypc, 3 TD
FSU- Preston Parker 344 yards, 14.3 ypc, 1 TD
Friday, October 12, 2007
Kent State at No. 3 Ohio State Week 7
The last, and only, time Ohio State played Kent State was a 51-17 drubbing in 2002. Saturday the Buckeyes are a 30.5-point favorite.
The Golden Flashes will rely on the legs and hands of Eugene Jarvis. Averaging 141 yards per game he is ranked fifth in the nation. With 201 yards receiving, Jarvis is only four yards shy of the team leader.
Perhaps Kent State’s quarterback, Julian Elderman, should use his legs more than his arm. He is ranked 93rd in pass efficiency and has thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (6).
Todd Boeckman doubled his interception total by throwing three interceptions last week at Purdue. Kent State's pass defense may not be the remedy Boeckman is looking for. The Golden Flashes are ranked 22nd against the pass and could provide a decent test.
Beanie Wells' four-game streak of 100 yard rushing games ended last week. Will the coaches keep him in long enough to break 100 yards this week? Probably not. Look for Brandon Saine and Maurice Wells to get more carries to protect Beanie's ankle.
The View's Take
Thank you Time Warner, and The Big Ten Network, for not allowing most of Central Ohio the opportunity to watch another in-state team get slaughtered by Ohio State.
Ohio State 41, Kent State 7
Player Stats
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 1,169 yards 14 TD 6 INT 63.9%
Kent-Julian Edelman 1,141 yards 6 TD 8 INT 51.8% 358 rushing yards 3.8 TD
RB
O-State- Beanie Wells 625 yards 5.5 ypc 5 TD
Kent- Eugene Jarvis 851 yards 5.9 ypc 8 TD 2 RETD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 594 yards, 19.2 ypc, 6 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 272 yards 11.8 ypc, 3 TD
Kent- Derek McBryde 11 rec, 205 yards 18.6 ypc, 0 TD
Kent- Eugene Jarvis 15 rec, 201 yards 13.4 ypc, 2 TD
The Golden Flashes will rely on the legs and hands of Eugene Jarvis. Averaging 141 yards per game he is ranked fifth in the nation. With 201 yards receiving, Jarvis is only four yards shy of the team leader.
Perhaps Kent State’s quarterback, Julian Elderman, should use his legs more than his arm. He is ranked 93rd in pass efficiency and has thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (6).
Todd Boeckman doubled his interception total by throwing three interceptions last week at Purdue. Kent State's pass defense may not be the remedy Boeckman is looking for. The Golden Flashes are ranked 22nd against the pass and could provide a decent test.
Beanie Wells' four-game streak of 100 yard rushing games ended last week. Will the coaches keep him in long enough to break 100 yards this week? Probably not. Look for Brandon Saine and Maurice Wells to get more carries to protect Beanie's ankle.
The View's Take
Thank you Time Warner, and The Big Ten Network, for not allowing most of Central Ohio the opportunity to watch another in-state team get slaughtered by Ohio State.
Ohio State 41, Kent State 7
Player Stats
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 1,169 yards 14 TD 6 INT 63.9%
Kent-Julian Edelman 1,141 yards 6 TD 8 INT 51.8% 358 rushing yards 3.8 TD
RB
O-State- Beanie Wells 625 yards 5.5 ypc 5 TD
Kent- Eugene Jarvis 851 yards 5.9 ypc 8 TD 2 RETD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 594 yards, 19.2 ypc, 6 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 272 yards 11.8 ypc, 3 TD
Kent- Derek McBryde 11 rec, 205 yards 18.6 ypc, 0 TD
Kent- Eugene Jarvis 15 rec, 201 yards 13.4 ypc, 2 TD
No. 1 LSU at No. 17 Kentucky Week 7
Kentucky, and quarterback Andre Woodson (1,536 yards, 18 TD, 2 INT), will be the best passing offense to test LSU's secondary. The Wildcats are averaging 474 yards of offense and are scoring over 42 points a game.
LSU’s offense gains close to 230 rushing yards a game and Kentucky's defense is ranked 91st against the run. Quarterbacks platoon, Jacob Hester scores, Craig Steltz intercepts a pass and LSU wins.
LSU 35, Kentucky 21
LSU's History Against Kentucky
Overall Record: 38-15-1
Points Scored: 1,170-738
Avg. Score: 22-14
Home Record: 22-5-1
Points Scored: 637-350
Avg. Score: 23-13
Away Record: 16-10
Points Scored: 533-388
Avg. Score: 21-15
LSU’s offense gains close to 230 rushing yards a game and Kentucky's defense is ranked 91st against the run. Quarterbacks platoon, Jacob Hester scores, Craig Steltz intercepts a pass and LSU wins.
LSU 35, Kentucky 21
LSU's History Against Kentucky
Overall Record: 38-15-1
Points Scored: 1,170-738
Avg. Score: 22-14
Home Record: 22-5-1
Points Scored: 637-350
Avg. Score: 23-13
Away Record: 16-10
Points Scored: 533-388
Avg. Score: 21-15
No. 19 Wisconsin at Penn State Week 7
This is only the twelfth game between Wisconsin and Penn State. Wisconsin leads the series 7-4, but is 2-3 at Penn State. The feature match-up is the nation's ninth ranked rusher P.J. Hill (125 ypg) against Penn State's eighth ranked defense (80.5 ypg).
However, this game will probably come down to turnovers. Wisconsin is 98th in turnover margin and Penn State is 91st. Whichever team can hold onto the ball should win this defensive game.
Penn State 17, Wisconsin 14
Penn State's History Against Wisconsin:
Overall Record: 4-7
Points Scored: 174-213
Avg. Score: 16-19
Home Record: 2-3
Points Scored: 108-89
Avg. Score: 22-18
Away Record: 2-4
Points Scored: 66-124
Avg. Score: 11-21
Last Ten: 4-6
Points Scored: 174-193
Avg. Score: 17-19
However, this game will probably come down to turnovers. Wisconsin is 98th in turnover margin and Penn State is 91st. Whichever team can hold onto the ball should win this defensive game.
Penn State 17, Wisconsin 14
Penn State's History Against Wisconsin:
Overall Record: 4-7
Points Scored: 174-213
Avg. Score: 16-19
Home Record: 2-3
Points Scored: 108-89
Avg. Score: 22-18
Away Record: 2-4
Points Scored: 66-124
Avg. Score: 11-21
Last Ten: 4-6
Points Scored: 174-193
Avg. Score: 17-19
No. 11 Missouri at No. 6 Oklahoma Week 7
If you like offense, in particular passing offense, this is your game. Missouri's Chase Daniel has thrown for 1,712 yards and 15 touchdowns. Oklahoma's Sam Bradford has thrown for 1,423 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Offense is nice, but the better defense will win. Oklahoma's defense leads the Big 12 in rushing defense (66.5 ypg) and sacks (23). Missouri's defense is ranked 100th against the pass and has given up over 141 ypg on the ground.
Oklahoma 30, Missouri 21
Oklahoma's History Against Missouri
Overall Record: 63-23-5
Points Scored: 1,996-1,026
Avg. Score: 22-11
Home Record: 31-8-5
Points Scored: 1,117-455
Avg. Score: 25-10
Away Record: 32-15
Points Scored: 879-573
Avg. Score: 19-12
Last Ten: 9-1
Points Scored: 326-145
Avg. Score: 33-15
Last Ten @: 8-2
Points Scored: 296-135
Avg. Score: 30-14
Offense is nice, but the better defense will win. Oklahoma's defense leads the Big 12 in rushing defense (66.5 ypg) and sacks (23). Missouri's defense is ranked 100th against the pass and has given up over 141 ypg on the ground.
Oklahoma 30, Missouri 21
Oklahoma's History Against Missouri
Overall Record: 63-23-5
Points Scored: 1,996-1,026
Avg. Score: 22-11
Home Record: 31-8-5
Points Scored: 1,117-455
Avg. Score: 25-10
Away Record: 32-15
Points Scored: 879-573
Avg. Score: 19-12
Last Ten: 9-1
Points Scored: 326-145
Avg. Score: 33-15
Last Ten @: 8-2
Points Scored: 296-135
Avg. Score: 30-14
Louisville at No. 15 Cincinnati Week 7
At the start of this season many people, head coach Steve Kragthorpe included, thought Louisville would go undefeated. Having lost three out of the last four games the Cardinals are fighting to become bowl eligible. As disappointing as Louisville has been Cincinnati has been surprising. With a win Saturday the Bearcats will be 7-0 for only the fourth time in school history.
Cincinnati 38, Louisville 33
Cincinnati 38, Louisville 33
Friday, October 5, 2007
No. 4 Ohio State at No. 23 Purdue Week 6
Saturday will mark the 50th game between No. 4 Ohio State and No. 23 Purdue. The seven-point favorite Buckeyes lead the series 35-12-2.
Quarterback Curtis Painter (12 touchdowns, 3 interceptions), tailback Kory Sheets (5.8 yards per carry), wide receiver Dorien Bryant (40 receptions, 4 TD) and tight end Dustin Keller (319 receiving yards) play large roles in the Boilermakers' potent offense.
Purdue's offense leads the Big Ten in passing (309.8 yards per game), total yards (495.8) and scoring (45 points per game). The Boilermakers’ defense is susceptible to the pass. Look for Ohio State to pick on sophomore cornerback David Pender when he is on the field.
Ohio State's defense has held opponents to a total of 36 points. Nine of those points coming from a safety and a kickoff returned for a touchdown. The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten in the following defensive categories; rushing (55 ypg), passing (142.6), total (197.6 ypg) and scoring (7.2 ppg).
The View's Take
Ohio State is winning this year by using a stout defense, a heady quarterback, a powerful but somewhat injury-prone running back and a big play receiver. Kind of resembles the 2002 team. Hopefully Beanie Wells will have a career night under the lights and this game won't come down to another fourth down miracle.
Ohio State 27, Purdue 17
Quarterback Curtis Painter (12 touchdowns, 3 interceptions), tailback Kory Sheets (5.8 yards per carry), wide receiver Dorien Bryant (40 receptions, 4 TD) and tight end Dustin Keller (319 receiving yards) play large roles in the Boilermakers' potent offense.
Purdue's offense leads the Big Ten in passing (309.8 yards per game), total yards (495.8) and scoring (45 points per game). The Boilermakers’ defense is susceptible to the pass. Look for Ohio State to pick on sophomore cornerback David Pender when he is on the field.
Ohio State's defense has held opponents to a total of 36 points. Nine of those points coming from a safety and a kickoff returned for a touchdown. The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten in the following defensive categories; rushing (55 ypg), passing (142.6), total (197.6 ypg) and scoring (7.2 ppg).
The View's Take
Ohio State is winning this year by using a stout defense, a heady quarterback, a powerful but somewhat injury-prone running back and a big play receiver. Kind of resembles the 2002 team. Hopefully Beanie Wells will have a career night under the lights and this game won't come down to another fourth down miracle.
Ohio State 27, Purdue 17
No. 9 Florida at No. 1 LSU (minus 8.5) Week 6
In 2002 Bowling Green lost back-to-back games to Northern Illinois and South Florida. What significance does that have with this game? That was the last time an Urban Meyer coached football team lost back-to-back games.
Since losing to Florida last year, LSU has won 12 straight games. Will Ryan Perrilloux see more time behind center if Matt Flynn continues to struggle? No matter who the quarterback is; LSU's defense, Jacob Hester and Brandon LaFell will get the Tigers to 13 straight victories.
LSU 24, Florida 20
Since losing to Florida last year, LSU has won 12 straight games. Will Ryan Perrilloux see more time behind center if Matt Flynn continues to struggle? No matter who the quarterback is; LSU's defense, Jacob Hester and Brandon LaFell will get the Tigers to 13 straight victories.
LSU 24, Florida 20
No. 19 Texas at No. 10 Oklahoma (minus 10.5) Week 6
Even though he suffered a concussion against Kansas State, Colt McCoy is slated to start this week. Having thrown eight touchdowns and nine interceptions this season might be adding to his headache. On the other sideline, Oklahoma's Sam Bradford has thrown for 15 TD and only 4 INT. Bradford's stellar play, coupled with the running of Allen Patrick and DeMarco Murray, will lead Oklahoma to victory in the 100th game between these rivals.
Oklahoma 38, Texas 21
Oklahoma 38, Texas 21
No. 20 Cincinnati at No. 21 Rutgers (minus 3) Week 6
Cincinnati has won eight straight games. This is the first time the Bearcats have won the first five games of a season since 1954. Unfortunately, Rutgers is 6-0 against Cincy in New Brunswick, NJ. The Scarlet Knights' average margin of victory over the Bearcats is 35-17 in Rutgers Stadium. Most college football fans mention Ray Rice when they talk about Rutgers football. Rutgers Quarterback Mike Teel will be the player Cincinnati fans talk about Sunday.
Rutgers 35, Cincy 28
Rutgers 35, Cincy 28
Notre Dame at UCLA (minus 20.5) Week 6
Notre Dame has never lost to UCLA. The Fighting Irish won 20-17 last year and are 3-0 against the Bruins. Should be an Irish win. Then again, Notre Dame is giving up 33 ppg and has never played UCLA outside of South Bend. 0-6, pick up sticks.
UCLA 33, Notre Dame 24
UCLA 33, Notre Dame 24
Thursday, September 27, 2007
No. 8 Ohio State at Minnesota Week 5
Since 1969 No. 8 Ohio State is 32-2 against Minnesota. The Buckeyes have outscored the Gophers 1,160-447 in those 34 games. Ohio State leads the series 39-7 and is 19-4 at Minnesota.
Todd Boeckman is ranked tenth in the nation among quarterbacks in pass efficiency. His rating of 172.6 should improve against Minnesota's defenseless pass defense. The Gophers' defense is as putrid as Notre Dame's offense. Minnesota ranks last in pass defense, total defense and turnover margin.
Minnesota's offense can't be blamed for this season's 1-3 start. Led by dual threat quarterback Adam Webster the Gophers have scored at least 31 points each game. Webster has already thrown for 1,031 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has rushed for 257 yards and two touchdowns.
The Buckeyes' defense will also have to contain running back Amir Pinnix (5.7 yards per carry) and receivers Eric Decker and Ernie Wheelwright. Decker and Wheelwright have combined for 626 yards and nine touchdowns.
The View's Take
Jim Tressel is 4-0 against the Gophers winning by an average score of 39-16. This should be another easy win for Tressel, provided nobody else takes a stroll down High Street. Does Ohio State, a 24-point favorite, travel to Minneapolis with a welcome mat that says “Dome Sweet Dome”?
Ohio State 34, Minnesota 13
The History
Overall Record: 39-7
Points Scored: 1,383-592
Avg Score: 30-13
Ohio State Records at Minnesota
Most points- 49 (1995)
Largest Margin-48-0 (1950)
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 753 yards 10 TD 3 INTs MINN- Adam Weber 1,031 yards 11 TD 8 INTs, 257 ryd 4.1 ypc 2 TD
RB
O-State- Maurice Wells
MINN- Amir Pinnix 439 yards 5.7 ypc 3 TD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 20 rec, 431 yards, 21.6 ypc, 5 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 16 rec, 175 yards 10.9 ypc, TD
MINN- Eric Decker 30 rec, 421 yards, 4 TD
MINN- Ernie Wheelwright 16 rec, 205 yards, 5 TD
Todd Boeckman is ranked tenth in the nation among quarterbacks in pass efficiency. His rating of 172.6 should improve against Minnesota's defenseless pass defense. The Gophers' defense is as putrid as Notre Dame's offense. Minnesota ranks last in pass defense, total defense and turnover margin.
Minnesota's offense can't be blamed for this season's 1-3 start. Led by dual threat quarterback Adam Webster the Gophers have scored at least 31 points each game. Webster has already thrown for 1,031 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has rushed for 257 yards and two touchdowns.
The Buckeyes' defense will also have to contain running back Amir Pinnix (5.7 yards per carry) and receivers Eric Decker and Ernie Wheelwright. Decker and Wheelwright have combined for 626 yards and nine touchdowns.
The View's Take
Jim Tressel is 4-0 against the Gophers winning by an average score of 39-16. This should be another easy win for Tressel, provided nobody else takes a stroll down High Street. Does Ohio State, a 24-point favorite, travel to Minneapolis with a welcome mat that says “Dome Sweet Dome”?
Ohio State 34, Minnesota 13
The History
Overall Record: 39-7
Points Scored: 1,383-592
Avg Score: 30-13
Ohio State Records at Minnesota
Most points- 49 (1995)
Largest Margin-48-0 (1950)
QB
O-State- Todd Boeckman 753 yards 10 TD 3 INTs MINN- Adam Weber 1,031 yards 11 TD 8 INTs, 257 ryd 4.1 ypc 2 TD
RB
O-State- Maurice Wells
MINN- Amir Pinnix 439 yards 5.7 ypc 3 TD
WR
O-State- Brian Robiskie 20 rec, 431 yards, 21.6 ypc, 5 TD
O-State- Brian Hartline 16 rec, 175 yards 10.9 ypc, TD
MINN- Eric Decker 30 rec, 421 yards, 4 TD
MINN- Ernie Wheelwright 16 rec, 205 yards, 5 TD
No. 6 California at No. 11 Oregon Week 5
Oregon's coach, Mike Bellotti, is 7-2 against Cal and has never lost to the Golden Bears in Oregon. Oregon's Dennis Dixon has thrown for 932 yards, 11 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He has also four rushing touchdowns and averages 6.1 ypc. Add the running game of Jonathon Stewart, the receiving of Jaison Williams and an opportunistic defense and Bellotti will be 5-0 at home against Cal.
Oregon 33, Cal 23
Oregon's History Against California:
Overall Record: 30-36-2
Points Scored: 1,105-1,345
Avg. Score: 16-20
Mike Bellotti versus Cal
Record: 7-2
Points Scored: 288-206
Avg. Score: 32-23
The Players
QB
CAL- Nathan Longshore 852 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT, 63.3%
ORE- Dennis Dixon 932 yards, 11 TD, 0 INT, 68.8%, 291 ryd, 6.1, 4 TD
RB
CAL- Justin Forsett 484 yards, 5.7, 7 TD
ORE- Jonathon Stewart 503 yards, 7.7, 4 TD
WR
CAL- Lavelle Hawkins 25 rec, 315 yards, 12.6, 2 TD
CAL- DeSean Jackson 17 rec, 151 yards, 8.9, 0 TD
ORE- Jaison Williams 18 rec, 267 yards, 14.8, 4 TD
ORE- Cameron Colvin 12 rec, 170 yards, 14.2, TD
Oregon 33, Cal 23
Oregon's History Against California:
Overall Record: 30-36-2
Points Scored: 1,105-1,345
Avg. Score: 16-20
Mike Bellotti versus Cal
Record: 7-2
Points Scored: 288-206
Avg. Score: 32-23
The Players
QB
CAL- Nathan Longshore 852 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT, 63.3%
ORE- Dennis Dixon 932 yards, 11 TD, 0 INT, 68.8%, 291 ryd, 6.1, 4 TD
RB
CAL- Justin Forsett 484 yards, 5.7, 7 TD
ORE- Jonathon Stewart 503 yards, 7.7, 4 TD
WR
CAL- Lavelle Hawkins 25 rec, 315 yards, 12.6, 2 TD
CAL- DeSean Jackson 17 rec, 151 yards, 8.9, 0 TD
ORE- Jaison Williams 18 rec, 267 yards, 14.8, 4 TD
ORE- Cameron Colvin 12 rec, 170 yards, 14.2, TD
Auburn at No. 4 Florida Week 5
Florida is 8-2 in the last ten games against Auburn. The Gators have defeated the Tigers by an average score of 31-16 in those games. This season Tim Tebow has thrown for 1,069 yards, ten touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Tebow also leads Florida with 358 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Perhaps Florida should make Tebow play by himself to make this a fair game.
Tebow 30, Auburn 16
Florida's History against Auburn
Overall Record: 38-41-2
Points Scored: 1,327-1,417
Avg. Score: 16-18
The Players
QB AUB- Brandon Cox 571 yards, 3 TD, 6 INT, 53.2%
FLA- Tim Tebow 1,069 yards, 10 TD, 0 INT, 358 ryd, 5.1, 7 TD
RB
AUB- Ben Tate 345 yards, 4.7, 2 TD
AUB- Mario Fannin 205 yards, 5.7, 4 TD FLA- Kestahn Moore 279 yards, 5.3, 4 TD
WR
AUB- Rodgerigus Smith 11 rec, 253 yards, 23.0, 2 TD
AUB- Prechae Rodriguez 9 rec, 108 yards, 12.0, 0 TD
FLA- Percy Harvin 21 rec, 336 yards, 16.0, 3 TD
FLA- Louis Murphy 13 rec, 215 yards, 16.5, TD
Tebow 30, Auburn 16
Florida's History against Auburn
Overall Record: 38-41-2
Points Scored: 1,327-1,417
Avg. Score: 16-18
The Players
QB AUB- Brandon Cox 571 yards, 3 TD, 6 INT, 53.2%
FLA- Tim Tebow 1,069 yards, 10 TD, 0 INT, 358 ryd, 5.1, 7 TD
RB
AUB- Ben Tate 345 yards, 4.7, 2 TD
AUB- Mario Fannin 205 yards, 5.7, 4 TD FLA- Kestahn Moore 279 yards, 5.3, 4 TD
WR
AUB- Rodgerigus Smith 11 rec, 253 yards, 23.0, 2 TD
AUB- Prechae Rodriguez 9 rec, 108 yards, 12.0, 0 TD
FLA- Percy Harvin 21 rec, 336 yards, 16.0, 3 TD
FLA- Louis Murphy 13 rec, 215 yards, 16.5, TD
Notre Dame at Purdue Week 5
The beat(ing) goes on. Notre Dame is still ranked last in rushing offense, total offense and sacks allowed. Via Curtis Painter's arm (1,290 yards, 16 TD, 1 INT) the Boilermakers will end a two-game losing streak to the Tarnished Domers. Notre Dame will be 0-5 and another step closer to 0-8.
Purdue 42, Notre Dame 17
Notre Dame's History Against Purdue
Overall Record: 51-25-2
Points Scored: 1,869-1,246
Avg. Score: 24-16
The Players
QB
PUR- Curtis Painter 1,290 yards, 16 TD, INT, 68.7%
ND- Jimmy Clausen 252 yards, 0 td, 2 int,
RB
PUR- Kory Sheets 374 yards 6.0, 4 TD (1 rec. TD)
PUR- Jaycen Taylor 197 yards, 7.0, TD
ND- Armando Allen 60 yards, 3.0 ypc, 0 td
WR
PUR- Dorien Bryant 368 yards, 11.5, 3 TD (1 Rushing)
PUR- Dustin Keller 283 yards, 18.9, 4 TD
ND- Robby Parris 72 yards, 14.4 ypr, 0 td
Purdue 42, Notre Dame 17
Notre Dame's History Against Purdue
Overall Record: 51-25-2
Points Scored: 1,869-1,246
Avg. Score: 24-16
The Players
QB
PUR- Curtis Painter 1,290 yards, 16 TD, INT, 68.7%
ND- Jimmy Clausen 252 yards, 0 td, 2 int,
RB
PUR- Kory Sheets 374 yards 6.0, 4 TD (1 rec. TD)
PUR- Jaycen Taylor 197 yards, 7.0, TD
ND- Armando Allen 60 yards, 3.0 ypc, 0 td
WR
PUR- Dorien Bryant 368 yards, 11.5, 3 TD (1 Rushing)
PUR- Dustin Keller 283 yards, 18.9, 4 TD
ND- Robby Parris 72 yards, 14.4 ypr, 0 td
No. 1 USC at Washington Week 5
Which wide receiver, Vidal Hazelton or David Ausberry, leads USC in receiving yards in 2007? Neither. Tight end Fred Davis leads the Trojans with 211 receiving yards. Washington's Jake Locker is looking more like a Heisman candidate than USC's John David Booty. However, Booty will look like a winner after USC beats Washington for the sixth time in six games.
USC 40, Washington 21
USC's History Against Washington
Record: 47-26-4
Points Scored: 1,513-986
Avg. Points Scored: 20-13
The Players
QB
USC- John David Booty 629 yards, 9 TD, 2 INT, 70.1%
UW- Jake Locker 704 yards, 6 TD, 6 INT, 53.1%, 361 yards, 6.6, 3 TD
RB
USC- Stafon Johnson 256 yards, 8.0 3 TD
USC- C.J. Gable 143 yards, 11.0
UW- Louis Rankin 276 yards, 4.5, 4 TD
Receiving
USC- TE Fred Davis 211 yards, 15.1, 2 TD
USC- FB Stanley Havili 2 rushing TD, 2 receiving TD
USC- Vidal Havelton 93 yards 8.5 2 TD
UW- Marcel Reece 279 yards, 16.4, 2 TD
UW- Anthony Russo 240 yards, 13.3, 3 TD
USC 40, Washington 21
USC's History Against Washington
Record: 47-26-4
Points Scored: 1,513-986
Avg. Points Scored: 20-13
The Players
QB
USC- John David Booty 629 yards, 9 TD, 2 INT, 70.1%
UW- Jake Locker 704 yards, 6 TD, 6 INT, 53.1%, 361 yards, 6.6, 3 TD
RB
USC- Stafon Johnson 256 yards, 8.0 3 TD
USC- C.J. Gable 143 yards, 11.0
UW- Louis Rankin 276 yards, 4.5, 4 TD
Receiving
USC- TE Fred Davis 211 yards, 15.1, 2 TD
USC- FB Stanley Havili 2 rushing TD, 2 receiving TD
USC- Vidal Havelton 93 yards 8.5 2 TD
UW- Marcel Reece 279 yards, 16.4, 2 TD
UW- Anthony Russo 240 yards, 13.3, 3 TD
Thursday, September 20, 2007
DI-AA Watch
Everyone knows that Appalachian State pulled off the improbable
against Michigan. However, did you know that five other DI-AA
schools have defeated DI schools this season?
Last season only four DI-AA schools defeated DI schools.
Look for North Dakota State, Gardner-Webb, Central Conn. State
or Portland State to pull off the improbable this week.
Northwestern at No. 8 Ohio State Week 4
Ohio State is 32-8 at home against Northwestern. 1971 was the last time the Wildcats, a 22 point underdog, won in Ohio Stadium.
Northwestern's quarterback, C.J. Bacher, has thrown for 838 yards this season. 368 of those yards came last week against Duke. Wide receiver Ross Lane has 14 receptions for 179 yards.
If Tyrell Sutton can't play (bum ankle) look for Brandon Roberson (5.6 yards per carry, 2 touchdowns) to take his place.
Ohio State's Beanie Wells (5.4 ypc) and Brandon Saine (5.5 ypc) are becoming the one-two punch that Maurice Wells was hoping to be apart of this year. Brian Robiskie's 342 receiving yards have him tied for the lead in the Big Ten.
Like last year, James Laurinaitis has his name all over Ohio State's defensive statistics. The “Little Animal” leads the team in interceptions, tackles and sacks.
The Views Take
For a brief time in the recent past Northwestern actually gave Ohio State fans some pause for concern. Today the men in purple are back to the Mildcats of old.
Ohio State 27, Northwestern 7
Ohio State's History Against Nortwestern
Overall Record (57-14-1)
Avg. Score 27-9
Total Score 1,954-671
Home Record (32-8)
Avg. Score 27-8
Total Score 1,097-309
Away Record (24-6-1)
Avg. Score 28-12
Total Score 857-365
Cleveland 1991 (1-0)
Score 34-3
Last Ten Games (9-1)
Avg. Score 37-12
Total Score 367-120
Home Record (5-0)
Avg. Score 41-7
Total Score 206-36
Away Record (4-1)
Avg. Score 32-17
Total Score 161-84
Northwestern's quarterback, C.J. Bacher, has thrown for 838 yards this season. 368 of those yards came last week against Duke. Wide receiver Ross Lane has 14 receptions for 179 yards.
If Tyrell Sutton can't play (bum ankle) look for Brandon Roberson (5.6 yards per carry, 2 touchdowns) to take his place.
Ohio State's Beanie Wells (5.4 ypc) and Brandon Saine (5.5 ypc) are becoming the one-two punch that Maurice Wells was hoping to be apart of this year. Brian Robiskie's 342 receiving yards have him tied for the lead in the Big Ten.
Like last year, James Laurinaitis has his name all over Ohio State's defensive statistics. The “Little Animal” leads the team in interceptions, tackles and sacks.
The Views Take
For a brief time in the recent past Northwestern actually gave Ohio State fans some pause for concern. Today the men in purple are back to the Mildcats of old.
Ohio State 27, Northwestern 7
Ohio State's History Against Nortwestern
Overall Record (57-14-1)
Avg. Score 27-9
Total Score 1,954-671
Home Record (32-8)
Avg. Score 27-8
Total Score 1,097-309
Away Record (24-6-1)
Avg. Score 28-12
Total Score 857-365
Cleveland 1991 (1-0)
Score 34-3
Last Ten Games (9-1)
Avg. Score 37-12
Total Score 367-120
Home Record (5-0)
Avg. Score 41-7
Total Score 206-36
Away Record (4-1)
Avg. Score 32-17
Total Score 161-84
No. 10 Penn State at Michigan Week 4
Remember when John Cooper took a lot of heat for not beating Michigan? Joe Paterno has lost eight straight to the Wolverines. If Joe Pa wants to claim his first victory since 1996 three things must happen.
First, his defense must shut down Mike Hart and his Big 10 leading 507 rushing yards.
Second, tailbacks Austin Scott and Rodney Kinlaw need to maintain their 4.5 and 6.1 yards per carry average.
Third, Michigan's Ryan Mallet must play like a freshman quarterback.
Penn State 30, Michigan 20
The Players
First, his defense must shut down Mike Hart and his Big 10 leading 507 rushing yards.
Second, tailbacks Austin Scott and Rodney Kinlaw need to maintain their 4.5 and 6.1 yards per carry average.
Third, Michigan's Ryan Mallet must play like a freshman quarterback.
Penn State 30, Michigan 20
Michigan's History against Penn State:
Overall Record: 9-3
Points Scored: 295-205
Avg. Score: 25-17
Home Record: 4-2
Points Scored: 155-120
Avg. Score: 26-20
Away Record: 5-1
Points Scored: 140-85
Avg. Score: 23-14
Last Ten: 8-2
Points Scored: 250-161
Avg. Score: 25-16
The Players
QB
PSU- Anthony Morelli 628 yards, 8 td, 1 int, 63.2%
UM- Ryan Mallett 139 yards, 3 td, 1 int, 40.6%
RB
PSU- Rodney Kinlaw 244 yards, 6.1 ypc, 2 td
PSU- Austin Scott 215 yards, 4.5 ypc, 5 td
UM- Mike Hart 502 yards, 6.0 ypc, 5 td
WR
PSU- Deon Butler 9 rec, 154 yards, 0 td
PSU- Jordan Norwood 12 rec, 141 yards, 2 tds
UM- Mario Manningham 13 rec, 218 yards, 1 td
UM- Adrian Arrington 12 rec, 136 yards, 2 tds
No. 22 Georgia at No. 16 Alabama Week 4
This is the 65th meeting between Georgia and Alabama. Alabama leads the series 35-25-4 and is 22-13-4 when the game is played in the state of Alabama.
Tailback Terry Grant (403 yards, 5 TDs), quarterback John Parker Wilson (666 yards, 4 TDs) and receiver DJ Hall (22.4 ypc) are the key components to the Tide's balanced offense.
Talented players, Nick Saban's defensive mind and history are on Alabama's side.
Alabama 17, Georgia 10
Tailback Terry Grant (403 yards, 5 TDs), quarterback John Parker Wilson (666 yards, 4 TDs) and receiver DJ Hall (22.4 ypc) are the key components to the Tide's balanced offense.
Talented players, Nick Saban's defensive mind and history are on Alabama's side.
Alabama 17, Georgia 10
Alabama's History against Georgia
Overall Record: 35-25-4
Points Scored: 993-715
Avg. Score: 16-11
Home Record: 22-13-4
Points Scored: 610-353
Avg. Score: 16-9
Away Record: 13-12
Points Scored: 383-362
Avg. Score: 15-14
Last Ten: 5-5
Points Scored: 186-180
Avg. Score: 19-18
The Players
QB
'Bama- John Parker Wilson 666 yards, 4 td, 3 int, 56.1%
Georgia- Matthew Stafford 621 yards, 4 td, 1 int, 58%
RB
'Bama- Terry Grant 403 yards, 6.5 ypc, 5 td
Georgia- Knowshon Moreno 268 yards, 5.7 ypc, 1 td
WR
'Bama- DJ Hall 13 rec, 291 yards, 2 td
Georgia- Sean Bailey 11 rec, 163 yards, 1 td
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