The College View 2006 Week 9

What do former Ohio State coaches Francis Schmidt, Wesley Fesler and John Cooper have in common? They are the only Ohio State coaches to lose to Minnesota in Columbus. I’m sure Jim Tressel will do everything in his power not to join that list Saturday. You can watch No. 1 Ohio State (8-0) play 27.5 point underdog, Minnesota (3-5), on ABC at 3:30.

The History
1921 was the first time Ohio State and played (and defeated) Minnesota. Ohio State leads the series 38-7. The Buckeyes are 9-1in the last ten contests. The lone loss was at the ’Shoe in 2000 (17-29). Before that loss the last time Minnesota won in Columbus was 1949.

The Players
Antonio Pittman's performance against Indiana dropped him below 100 yards per game rushing (97.25) and broke his streak of 12 games with at least one touchdown. Anthony Gonzalez has 591 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Ted Ginn has 589 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Troy Smith is still Troy Smith.

James Laurinaitis (four) and Malcolm Jenkins (three) combine for seven of the Buckeyes fifteen interceptions. Quinn Pitcock has seven sacks in eight games. Freshman defensive end Robert Rose is tied for third on the team with three sacks.

Senior quarterback Bryan Cupito threw for 396 yards and a touchdown in last year’s loss to Ohio State. This season Cupito has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns. Amir Pinnix is Minnesota’s leading rusher with 769 yards and six touchdowns. Wide receiver Logan Payne and tight end Matt Spaeth each have 35 receptions this season.

Cornerback Jamal Harris leads the Gophers with three interceptions and linebacker Mike Sherels is averaging eight tackles a game. Sophomore defensive end William Van DeSteeg leads the team in sacks (four) and tackles for loss (8.5).

The Stats
Ohio State's defense ranks in the national top ten in the following statistical categories: scoring defense (first), interceptions (third), turnover margin (fourth), tackles for loss (fifth) and sacks (eighth). The Buckeyes' offense is leading the Big Ten in scoring offense, passing efficiency and sacks allowed. The team is second in the conference in passing and total offense.

Minnesota is ranked eighth in the Big Ten in passing and total offense. The Gophers are seventh in the conference in rushing and scoring offense. The defense is worse. Nationally, Minnesota’s defense is 102nd in pass efficiency defense, 97th in total defense, 96th against the run, and 95th in tackles for loss.

The View
A blow-out loss to Wisconsin (12-48) and a near loss to 1-AA North Dakota State last week proves that Minnesota hasn't recovered from the controversial defeat to Penn State three weeks ago. Glen Mason is on the hot seat. His team needs to win three of the four remaining games to become bowl eligible. After losing to Ohio State his team will need to win the last three games to possibly save his job.

Ohio State- 38, Minnesota- 13


Georgia at No. 9 Florida (minus 14)
Kickoff: 3:30
TV: CBS

The History
Georgia (6-2) and Florida (6-1) first played each other in 1904. Georgia leads the series 46-36-2. Excluding 1994 and 1995, this game has been played in Jacksonville every year since 1933. Florida is 8-2 in the last ten games against Georgia.

The Players
Key members of Georgia’s offense are: running back Kregg Lumpkin, quarterback Matt Stafford and wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi. Defensive end Charles Johnson leads the SEC with 12 tackles for loss.

Chris Leak and Tim Tebow continue to platoon at quarterback. DeShawn is the leading rusher and Dallas Baker has 556 yards receiving. Defensive backs Reggie Nelson and Ryan Smith each have two interceptions.

The Stats
Georgia is ranked 5th in the country in punt returns, 12th in total defense and 21st in rush defense. The Bulldog’s are ranked ninth in the SEC in rushing and total offense.

Florida has the 5th best rushing and scoring defense in the country. The Gators are averaging 27 points while only surrendering 12 points a game.

The View
School officials are trying to disassociate this game with the title “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”. In May the SEC asked television networks to stop referring to the game as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” because officials fear people will associate the schools with drinking. Even if it is no longer referred to as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”, I’m sure Gator and Bulldog fans will still drink in celebration, or to drown their sorrows, at “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”.

Florida- 23, Georgia- 14


Northwestern at No. 2 Michigan (minus 32.5)
Kickoff: Noon
TV: ESPN

The History
Michigan (8-0) leads the series 50-14-2. The first game was played in 1892. In the last ten games Michigan is 7-3 against Northwestern (2-6).

The Players
After eight games, Mike Hart has already rushed for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. Chad Henne has completed 62% of his passes and has thrown for 14 touchdowns. LaMarr Woodley leads the Big Ten with nine sacks.

Northwestern's sophomore running back, Tyrell Sutton, has gained 659 yards rushing and three touchdowns this season. Not bad, but last season (after eight games) he had 1,020 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. Senior Shaun Herbert is the go-to wide receiver. Linebacker Nick Roach leads the team with 62 tackles.

The Stats
Northwestern is ranked 110th in passing, 103rd in scoring and 94th in total offense. The Wildcats' defense is ranked 104th against the pass, 93rd in total and 90th in scoring defense.
Northwestern has allowed its opponents to score 30 or more points in five straight games.

On average Michigan is scoring 30 points and only allowing its opponents to score 13 points a game. The Wolverines are still lead the Big Ten in sacks, rushing and total defense.

The View
Michigan will beat Northwestern physically and on the scoreboard Saturday. Note to Buckeye fans: As each week passes, Mario Manningham's knee continues to get better. By the way, Manningham still leads the team in receiving and touchdown receptions despite not playing in the last two games.

Michigan- 34, Northwestern- 17


No. 5 Texas at Texas Tech (plus 12)
Kickoff: 7:00
TV: TBS

The History
Texas (7-1) leads the series 36-14 and has won 3 straight against Texas Tech (5-3).

The Players
Texas' running back combination of Jamaal Charles and Selvin Young has been producing. Charles is averaging 5.8 yards a carry and Young is averaging 5.3 yards a carry. In the last two games Colt McCoy has thrown for a total of 495 yards and eight touchdowns. Cornerback Aaron Ross lead the Big 12 with four interceptions.

Graham Harrel has thrown for 2,505 yards and 25 touchdowns in Texas Tech's pass happy offense. Wide receiver Joel Filani was on the other end of 689 of those yards and 9 touchdowns. Defensive backs Joe Garcia and Darcel McBath lead the team in tackles.

The Stats
Texas has defeated its last seven opponents by an average score of 44-12. The Longhorns offense leads the Big 12 in scoring, turnover margin and sacks allowed. The defense is best in the conference in rushing defense, scoring defense and sacks.

Texas Tech is second in the country with 2,729 passing yards. However, the rushing game is ranked 107th. The defense is poor at stopping the run (145 ypg) and gives up an average of 21 points.

The View
If Texas wins out they have a good chance of making it to the BCS championship game. If you are an Ohio State fan you should be rooting for Texas Tech to win. Unfortunately, The Red Raiders are ranked 76th against the run and have a turnover margin of negative 0.63 (96th). Look for Texas running backs, Jamaal Charles and Selvin Young, to keep Mike Leach's passing offense on the sideline and enable Texas to easily win.

Texas- 48, Texas Tech- 20


No. 8 Tennessee at South Carolina (plus 5.5)
Kickoff: 7:45
TV: ESPN

The History
Since joining the SEC in 1992 South Carolina (5-2) is 2-12 against Tennessee (6-1). Before losing last year, the Vols had won 12 straight against the Game Cocks. Tennessee leads the series 19-3-2.

The Players
Throwing the ball to receivers Robert Meachem, Jayson Swain and Bret Smith; Erik Ainge is only 41 yards shy of 2,000 for the season. Tennessee is going to have to rely even more on Ainge’s arm with the loss of tailback LaMarcus Coker for at least three weeks. Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty will replace Coker in the backfield. Linebacker Marvin Mitchell is third in the SEC in tackles and linebacker Jerod Mayo is third in the conference in tackles for loss.

South Carolina's Syvelle Newton has not looked back since being named the starting quarterback after Blake Mitchell was suspended for getting in a bar fight. Newton started the year as a wide receiver. Cory Boyd is South Carolina’s leading rusher and Sidney Rice is the top receiver.

The Stats
Tennessee leads the SEC in passing offense, sacks allowed and tackles for loss. The Vols are second in the SEC in scoring and total offense. Tennessee's weaknesses are scoring defense (8th) and having a negative turnover margin.

The Gamecocks are ranked second in the country in net punting, eighth in pass defense, tenth in pass efficiency defense and thirteenth in scoring defense. South Carolina is ranked ninth in the SEC in scoring offense, sacks allowed and rushing defense.

The View
Steve Spurrier has owned Phil Fulmer. By defeating Tennessee in his first season at South Carolina, Spurrier was able to do what Lou Holtz and Brad Scott were unable to do the previous 12 seasons. In fact, last year’s victory was the first time South Carolina had ever defeated Tennessee in Neyland Stadium. Spurrier is 8-3 against Fulmer. Tennessee’s Erik Ainge and his wide receivers will make Spurrier 8-4.

Tennessee- 33 , South Carolina- 27


No. 11 Notre Dame at Navy (plus 13.5)
Kickoff: Noon
TV: CBS

The History
Navy (5-2) has lost the last 42 games against Notre Dame (6-1). 1963 was the last time Navy defeated Notre Dame. 1960 was the last time Navy won at home. Notre Dame leads the series 69-9-1.

The Players
Brady Quinn threw for 284 yards and four touchdowns against Navy last year. Jeff Samardzija had a season high 118 yards to go along with the winning touchdown against UCLA. Rhema McKnight should gain more than the 28 yards he had against Navy the last time he played them in 2004.

Navy quarterback, Brian Hampton, has amassed 948 of Navy’s 2,591 yards of total offense. Hampton dislocated his knee against Rutgers and is out for the rest of the season. Sophomore Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada should be taking the snaps behind center. Running backs Reggie Campbell and Adam Ballard will get the ball a lot Saturday.

The Stats
Notre Dame's passing game accounts for 74% of the total offense. The Irish rank 99th in rushing offense and have allowed 20 sacks. Notre Dame's pass defense is allowing 213 yards a game.

Navy is ranked last in the country in passing offense and is next to last in passing efficiency. However, the midshipmen's running game is ranked second nationally.

The View
I know it's tradition, but why do they continue to play this game? In fact, why does Notre Dame continue to play the service academies? The Irish will say they play because of tradition and they are independent. I believe Notre Dame continues to play the service academies because they are guaranteed an easy victory.

Notre Dame- 31, Navy- 14


No. 3 USC at Oregon State (plus 13)
Kickoff: 3:30
TV: GamePlan

The History
USC (6-0) did not play Oregon State (4-3) last year. Oregon State defeated USC for the first time in PAC 10 play in 2000. That win snapped a Southern Cal 26-game winning streak against Oregon State. The Trojans have won the last four games and are 30-1 against the Beavers in PAC 10 play. USC leads the series 57-8-4.

The Players
USC’s offensive players: quarterback John David Booty , running backs Chauncey Washington and Emanuel Moody, and wide receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. John David Booty has yet to throw for 300 yards in a collegiate game. Linebackers Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers lead the team in tackles.

Oregon State
Half back Yvenson Bernard leads the team in rushing with 746 yards and seven touchdowns. Wide receiver Sammie Stoughter leads the team in receiving yards and is also the best punt return man in the PAC 10. Senior Matt Moore is the quarterback. Linebacker Derrick Doggett leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss.

The Stats
Southern Cal has the best scoring defense and pass efficiency defense in the PAC 10. The Trojans are second in total defense.

Oregon State leads the PAC 10 in sacks (26) and tackles for loss (64). The Beavers are second in the conference in rush defense and are third in total defense.

The View
Oregon State is ranked 19th in the country in rushing defense. USC’s running game should have difficulties gaining yards against Oregon State’s defense. However, near the goal line the Trojans should be able to penetrate the line and score on the Beavers. Oregon State has given up nine rushing touchdowns this season. USC just keeps winning.

USC- 33, Oregon State- 21


Ohio at Kent State (minus 6.5)
Kickoff: 2:00
TV: Fox Sports Ohio

The History
Ohio leads the series 35-21-2. 1936 is the first year these teams played. Ohio (5-3) is 7-3 in the last ten games against Kent State (5-2).

The Players
Kalvin McRae has accounted for 10 of Ohio's 22 touchdowns this season. McRae leads the team in rushing yards (579) and receptions (19) and is second in receiving yards (201). Chris Garrett continues to lead the country in punt return average with just over 20 yards a return. Tyler Russ leads the team in tackles (62) and interceptions (2).

Kent State's offense is lead by quarterback Julian Edelman, running back Eugene Jarvis, and wide receiver Najah Pruden. In his last game, Jarvis ran for 179 yards against Toledo. Pruden has 29 receptions, 610 yards and five touchdowns. Last year he torched OU for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

The Stats
In the MAC, Ohio is second to Kent State in pass efficiency defense and scoring defense in. Even after playing Buffalo last week, the OU offense is still anemic. The Bobcats rank109th in total offense and 103rd in passing offense.

Kent State is tops in the MAC in scoring defense, pass efficiency defense, pass defense and tackles for loss. The Golden Flashes are second in total defense and sacks. Kent State's offense is second in the MAC in rushing, but ranks 87th nationally in passing.

The View
Kent State did not win a MAC game last year. This season they have exacted revenge on every MAC opponent that defeated them in 2005. Can OU keep the Golden Flashes from fulfilling their payback tour? The winner of this game has the inside track to win the MAC East.

Kent State- 24, Ohio- 17


The View's Record
Last Week: 6-1, 3-4 against the spread
Season: 27-12, 20-19 against the spread

(Matt Gutridge is a freelance writer for the Eagle-Gazette. Contact him by e-mail at TheCollegeView@hotmail.com.)