No. 13 Syracuse 8-2 at No. 1 Miami 8-0 (-21)
Why to watch: Can Miami finally put together a performance worthy of being
considered a national title contender? After getting a scare against Boston College last
week, the ’Canes get Syracuse at home with a chance to reestablish their good name.
Syracuse started the season 0-2, then reeled off eight straight wins including a shocker
at Virginia Tech. Both teams still have major tests after this, but the winner will have
won at least a share of the Big East title.
One reason why Syracuse might win: Miami QB Ken Dorsey doesn't get touched in most
games behind his amazing offensive line. DE Dwight Freeney and the Orangemen’s
defensive line are going to get pressure on Dorsey all game long and if he has to throw on
the run, he won't be as effective.
One reason why Miami might win: While Syracuse has an amazing pass rush, the
Orangemen give up a ton of yards through the air. They aren't all that strong against the
run either and if RB Clinton Portis controls the game like he did against Boston College,
the pass rush will be neutralized and Dorsey will have a huge game.
We think: Everyone is focusing on what's wrong with Dorsey and the Freeney vs. OLT
Bryant McKinnie matchup, but the difference is going to be the Miami defense. Syracuse
can't throw at all, and if QB R.J. Anderson has to throw 20 times or more, the Hurricanes
secondary will pick him off at least twice. Syracuse RB James Mungro is the offense and
Miami should slow him down if Anderson isn't effective.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see – 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter):
5
Our Prediction: Miami 38, Syracuse 20
Expanded News: The injury list for Miami continues to grow. WR Daryl Jones, RB
Willis McGahee, DE Andrew Williams and OG Sherko Haji-Rasouli are not expected to play
this week. RB Clinton Portis had 160 yards on a Miami season-high 36 carries against BC.
Portis is expected to play this week despite an injured ankle. … Miami has the Big
East’s worst ranked kick-off return unit allowing 22 yards per return. DB Phillip
Buchanon is second in the nation, averaging 16.3 yards per punt return. PK Todd Sievers
was named Big East Special Teams POTW for going 4-for-4 in field goals (including
career-long 47-yarder) and two touchdown-saving tackles last week. Miami has the
nation’s top-ranked scoring defense, No. 3 pass defense and No. 10 total defense. ...
Syracuse’s formula for success has included solid defense and winning the turnover
battle — the Orangemen are third in the nation in turnover margin. Last week’s
Big East Defensive POTW, DE Dwight Freeney has also been named a finalist for the Lombardi
Award. Freeney has 16.5 sacks this season and is one sack away from the conference record.
QB R.J. Anderson (91-for-218, 4 TDs) will need to run more to support steady RB James
Mungro this week as Miami’s defense is only 44th in the nation against the
run. Undefeated in conference play, Syracuse should be ready for the Orange Bowl
atmosphere after having played both at Tennessee and Blacksburg, Virginia this season.
No. 2 Nebraska is idle
No. 3 Oklahoma 9-1 (-7.5) at Texas Tech 6-3
Why to watch: This could be the game Texas fans are hoping for. Texas Tech
appears to be right on the verge of a national-scale, breakthrough victory and none would
be bigger than bagging the Sooners. Beating Texas A&M and Kansas State is one thing,
but beating Oklahoma is another.
One reason why Oklahoma might win: The Sooners will be taking this extremely
seriously. Knowing there's no margin for error in the national title hunt and knowing that
just about everyone is talking about this as an "upset special," OU will come
out extremely fired up. The Red Raiders might have the superior offense, but the OU
defense has shut down high-powered offenses before.
One reason why Texas Tech might win: The Oklahoma offense stinks. Nate Hybl is a
totally mediocre quarterback even though he's been decent the last two weeks and if RB
Quentin Griffin isn't going off, the Sooners might not be able to match Texas Tech's
offense point for point.
We think: We wish we had the stones to take Texas Tech, but this is still the
Oklahoma defense we're talking about. We will put in this caveat: If the Red Raiders score
more than 24 points, they'll win.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 5
Our Prediction: Oklahoma 23, Texas Tech 20
Expanded Info: OU LB Rocky Calmus is a finalist for the Lombardi Award. …
OU’s stellar secondary will be challenged by QB Kliff Kingsbury and RB Ricky
Williams, who gave Nebraska and Kansas State all they could handle. … It will be
interesting to see how Oklahoma calls the game offensively. Lately, they have been running
a lot of QB draws and options even though they are one Hybl injury away from having a
third stringer in at QB. ... The key for the Tech offense will be to get good yardage from
the rushing game and Williams. A good running attack would keep the Sooners honest. That
is how they succeeded against Nebraska. … This game means a little more for head
coach Mike Leach. He was the one who installed OU’s spread attack in Stoops’
first year in Norman. He bolted for Lubbock after that year.
No. 21 Florida State 6-3 at No. 4 Florida 8-1 (–15)
Why to watch: The luster might be off this anticipated rivalry with the limping
Seminoles appearing to be way overmatched against the mighty Gators, but don't expect
Florida to feel sorry for its in-state rival. This might be the first time since 1989
where both programs aren't ranked in the top ten, but that doesn't mean the Gators will
take this lightly after losing to FSU the last three years. Think this will be a cakewalk
for the Gators? Remember Marcus Outzen.
One reason why Florida State might win: While the FSU defense has been having
problems lately, the offense has been solid. If this gets into a shootout, the ’Noles
have more than enough weapons to match the Gators point for point. They just can't turn
the ball over.
One reason why Florida might win: The ’Noles don't have a pass rush. The
Gators offensive line is average at best, but QB Rex Grossman has had wonderful pass
protection. The Seminoles don't have a Peter Boulware or Jamal Reynolds to get in the
backfield on a consistent basis and even though the secondary is decent, they'll get
picked apart if Grossman has an hour and a half to throw.
We think: We've made the mistake of picking against Florida State before against
the Gators, but if the ’Noles win this, it has to be considered one of the biggest
upsets of the year. FSU just isn't making plays on defense and if Grossman and the passing
game aren't picking them apart, RB Earnest Graham (who should be fine for the game after
spraining his ankle against South Carolina) will eat them up on the inside. Out of respect
for the Florida State program and what they've done in this series, we're not predicting
the Gators to put up more than 50, but we wouldn't be shocked if this got really, really
ugly.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 5
Our Prediction: Florida 48, Florida State 20
Expanded News: Florida State isn't looking hard at its defense before the
Florida game after getting torched the last few weeks, but the coaches are trying to make
adjustments. The biggest problem is in the pass rush as the ’Noles haven't found a
player who can consistently get to the quarterback. ... The ’Noles took a huge hit
when star ORT Brett Williams injured his knee on the final drive against North Carolina
State and won't play against Florida. This means redshirt freshman Alex Barron will start
in his place to face Alex Brown. ... The team practiced for almost twice as long on Monday
as it usually would. The Seminoles did this due to the Veterans Day holiday, but also to
prepare more for the Gators. ... This weekend’s contest between Florida and Florida
State will mark the first meeting since 1989 that both teams are not ranked in the Top 10.
The Gators lead the series 26-17-2. Since 1990, the team that has rushed for more yards is
11-1-1. Over that same span, Florida has been ranked 197 of 198 weeks, and has appeared in
197 consecutive polls. … A win over FSU gives the Gators an SEC-record 12 consecutive
nine-win seasons. … QB Rex Grossman’s 302 yards against South Carolina allowed
him to join Shane Matthews and Danny Wuerffel as the only UF quarterbacks with more than
3,000 yards in a season. He has 3,244 so far in 2001. … Since 1990, UF is 99-1 when
holding opponents to 21 or less points. … The Gators are outscoring their opponents
238-48 in the first half. … Florida needs to forget how good it looked against South
Carolina and focus on Florida State if the Gators wish to keep dreaming of the Rose Bowl.
A lack of focus against the Seminoles could be disastrous.
No. 5 Texas is idle
No. 6 Tennessee 7-1 (–18) at Kentucky 2-7
Why to watch: Kentucky's been playing relatively well, hanging tough with LSU
and Mississippi State before destroying Vanderbilt. Tennessee is trying to get through the
appetizers without choking before dining on a main course of Gator.
One reason why Tennessee might win: Kentucky doesn't beat Tennessee. The Vols own
the Wildcats, beating them 16 times in a row. The only thing worse than the UK run defense
is the UK pass defense. Either RB Travis Stephens or QB Casey Clausen, or both, will have
a huge day. With WR Donte Stallworth back and playing well, the Volunteers’ passing
game should roar.
One reason why Kentucky might win: With the way QB Jared Lorenzen is playing,
anything is possible. After a rough start to the season, the sophomore has been on a roll
with 11 of his 13 TD passes coming in the last three games.
We think: The Tennessee offense will score at will while the Volunteers’ pass
defense will give Lorenzen problems.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 2
Our Prediction: Tennessee 48, Kentucky 20
Expanded info: Kentucky's last win over Tennessee came at Knoxville in 1984 by
a 17-12 count. The last Wildcats victory over the Vols in Lexington came in 1981 by a
score of 21-10. … This marks the first time since 1952 that the Tennessee game has
not ended Kentucky’s regular season. … Sophomore WR Derek Abney ranks second in
the SEC and 13th nationally in all-purpose yards; he averages 153.6 all-purpose
yards per game. Abney has 560 receiving yards, 183 punt return yards, and 639 kickoff
return yards. … While head coach Guy Morriss had hoped to increase the strength of
the Wildcats ground game in 2001, UK is averaging only four more rushing yards per game as
compared to 2000 (114.1 to 110.1). … With 70 more yards of offense, Lorenzen will
move into second place on Kentucky’s career all-purpose yardage list. Lorenzen
currently has 5,386 yards, trailing all–time leader Tim Couch by 2,774 yards. ...
This week will mark the 97th meeting between Tennessee and Kentucky with the Volunteers
holding a 64-23-9 lead in the series. In the most-played rivalry in school history,
Tennessee has won the last 16 meetings dating back to 1985. It is the longest streak in
the series by either team. … Entering the Kentucky game, the Vols lead the league in
total defense (275.4) and rushing defense (82.0), while ranking second in scoring defense
(17.0) and passing defense (193.4). … UT is tied with four other teams for fourth in
the NCAA with 11 total turnovers. Only Indiana (9), Fresno State (10) and Oregon (10) have
fewer.
No. 7 Oregon is idle
Utah 7-2 vs. No. 8 BYU 10-0 (–7)
Why to watch: Besides being one of the nation's underrated rivalries,
this is also a chance for BYU to clinch the Mountain West title. Many think the Utes,
winners of six of their last seven, will be the Cougars’ biggest obstacle to an
undefeated regular season.
One reason why Utah might win: BYU hasn't faced a defense yet that can
slow anyone down. The Cougars also haven't faced a team as complete as the Utes and now
they get a real challenge against the Mountain West's best defense. Utah gives up less
than 300 yards and less than 16 points per game. Meanwhile, Utah's offense is second
in the conference behind you-know-who, rolling up 424 yards and 29 points per game.
One reason why BYU might win: Sheer volume. Utah has a strong offense,
but we don't think the Utes have the defense to shut down the Cougars enough to outscore
them. We know this is obvious, but the most points wins and Utah can't match the BYU
firepower.
We think: While all the talk is over BYU's wonderful RB Luke Staley, Utah
RB Adam Tate is making a name for himself as well. Along with Dameon Hunter, the Utah
running game must control the clock and the keep Staley off the field. Even if they do
that, we don't think the Utes have enough to pull off the upset. At home, we think BYU
will rise to the challenge and play its most complete game yet, but it'll be a fight.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter):
5
Our Prediction: BYU 31, Utah 27
Expanded News: BYU's leading WR Junior Mahe had his appendix taken
out on Sunday and is probable. He's still trying to get his wind back, but it looks like
he'll be close to 100%. ... BYU WR Rod Wilkerson looks ready to play despite a torn
meniscus. ... Since 1972, BYU has a 24-7 edge in the series, but Utah leads 48-30-4
overall. ... Don't look too much into Utah controlling the clock. BYU scores quickly and
the Cougars’ defense is used to being out on the field. ... Look for Utah to try and
stop Staley first and worry about the Cougars’ passing game second. The Utes coaches
feel their corners can handle the BYU receivers one-on-one, but stopping Staley will
require a team effort.
No. 9 Washington State 9-1 (-1.5) at No. 16 Washington 7-2
Why to watch: The Apple Cup really means something this year as the Pac-10 title
and a BCS berth may be on the line. Washington State has been tremendous all season with
only a late close loss to Oregon standing between the Cougars and a perfect season.
Washington has been living by its fourth-quarter wits with six of its seven wins coming in
the final frame.
One reason why Washington State might win: This gets into a shootout. Washington's
offensive talent is getting better each week, but the Huskies can't quite match the
Cougars’ passing attack. UW RB Rich Alexis is as good as WSU RB Dave Minnich, but the
UW receivers aren't as strong as the Cougars’ receivers (at least this year.) If QB
Jason Gesser doesn't get knocked out, the Cougars should be able to score points at will
with all the weapons Gesser has to work with.
One reason why Washington might win: The Huskies at home are going to at least keep
it close until the fourth quarter and that's when the magic happens. There is a method to
Washington's ability to win in the fourth quarter — they maintain an even keel. The
two games the Huskies have lost this season came when they were blown out early on the
road against ultra-motivated teams. As amazing as the Cougars’ offense is, Washington
isn't going to get down early at home and the longer it stays close, the more the
Huskies’ mystique takes over. Yes, the Huskies do turn the ball over and yes, they
make mistakes, but opponents rarely capitalize.
We think: If this was played at Washington State or on a neutral field, we'd go
with the veteran Cougars. We're not going to fight karma as Washington doesn't lose at
home in big games and doesn't play two clunkers in a row under head coach Rick Neuheisel.
While the Huskies are a year away from being something truly special, we'll take them at
home for the Apple Cup and Oregon will go to the BCS.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 5
Our Prediction: Washington 35, Washington State 31
Expanded Info: Washington QB Cody Pickett didn't blame his banged-up shoulder
for his poorest performance of the season in Washington’s loss last week to Oregon
State. Pickett only completed 13-of-32 passes for 160 yards with a long of only 23 and was
sacked three times. "It felt sore, but no more than any other day," he said. ...
Offensive coordinator Keith Gilbertson felt that the OSU secondary’s physical play
made if difficult for Huskies receivers to get off the line of scrimmage and into their
routes. ... The Huskies allowed a season-high 497 yards, the most they have given up to
any opponent since BYU went for 575 in Neuheisel's first game at UW in 1999. ... S Owen
Biddle dislocated his shoulder and may be out for the Apple Cup. ... Washington State LB
Raonall Smith picked up a controversial fumble against the Sun Devils and ran 27 yards for
a touchdown that made it 21-9. The ASU crowd booed loudly and threw tortillas and water
bottles on the field in protest for several minutes afterward, briefly delaying the game.
"Of course it was (a fumble). What else would you expect me to say?" head coach
Mike Price said later with a grin. ... Gesser suffered a concussion in the third quarter
last week, but he will start in the Apple Cup. ... WSU leads the Pac-10 with 34 sacks
No. 10 Maryland 9-1 (–3) at North Carolina State 6-3
Why to watch: Maryland can win the ACC title, completing one of the most
stunning turnarounds in college football history with a win. N.C. State has shown it's a
program to be reckoned with after a historic win at Florida State last week.
One reason why Maryland might win: Run defense. While N.C. State QB Philip Rivers
is the marquee player, RB Ray Robinson is the key. In N.C. State's six wins, Robinson has
run for 526 yards. In the three losses, he was held to only 134. Robinson has run for more
than 100 yards in each of the Wolfpack’s last three wins which plays right into
Maryland's hands as the Terps lead the ACC against the run giving up a mere 96 yards per
game.
One reason why N.C. State might win: While the Terps have proven to be able to run
on anyone, the N.C. State’s linebackers have the speed to keep the Maryland option in
check. If Terps RB Bruce Perry can't get free on the outside, he's not nearly as
effective.
We think: The Wolfpack is hot, but Maryland has come too far now to slip up.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 5
Our Prediction: Maryland 31, NC State 23
Expanded News: North Carolina State coaches have the tough task of getting the
players focused on Maryland after the huge win over Florida State. ... DE Shawn Price and
CB Brian Williams are probable for the Maryland game. ... It's not being played up much,
but N.C. State and Maryland players don't like each other. There was a lot of woofing in
last year's game and this one should be extremely intense. ... Robinson took the ACC
Offensive Back of the Week honors. Even though he won the game ball from the coaches, he
gave it to head coach Chuck Amato for the game plan. ... Maryland is surprisingly healthy
for so late in the season. CB Tony Okanlawon is questionable, but other than that, they
seem 100 percent. CB Dennard Wilson's shoulder is better and he'll play against N.C.
State. ... The win over Clemson wasn't only huge for this year, it was huge for the
future. The Terps were entertaining 60 top recruits and they got a show with the best
atmosphere for a Maryland game all year. ... LB E.J. Henderson was named ACC Player of the
Week for the fifth time.
No. 11 Michigan 7-2 (–5) at Wisconsin 5-5
Why to watch: The Badgers really, really, really want to beat Michigan. After
losing to the Wolverines the last four years, Wisconsin players have been pointing to this
game since the offseason as the one they want to win. Michigan is fighting for the Big Ten
title and can't afford a slip up. Any time the Wolverines come to Camp Randall, you know
it'll be rocking.
One reason why Michigan might win: The Badgers can't stop anyone. Yeah, CB Mike
Echols is going to exclusively cover WR Marquise Walker. Whoopee. He'll still get torched.
The Badgers are 11th in the Big Ten against the pass and unless DE Wendell Bryant can get
to QB John Navarre on a consistent basis, Michigan will throw at will.
One reason why Wisconsin might win: The Badgers might have enough diversity on
offense to cross up the Wolverines. Michigan can stop the run and can stop the pass, but
we're not so sure the Wolverines can stop teams who can do both equally well. Wisconsin is
throwing the ball well helped by the outstanding year by WR Lee Evans and defenses
concentrating on stopping RB Anthony Davis and the run first.
We think: Wisconsin will put up a really good fight, but come up just short. It's
taken two miracles to beat Michigan this year. The Badgers don't have that sort of charm.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 4
Our Prediction: Michigan 23, Wisconsin 20
Expanded News: Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr might not get the credit he
deserves on a national scale, but he gets the credit where it counts — from his
bosses. Carr received a contract extension keeping him at Michigan through 2008. Instead
of adding a raise to his personal salary, Carr asked for the pay increase in a
discretionary fund, from $55,000 to $155,000, to be dispersed among the assistant coaches.
... S Julius Curry should be back in time for whatever bowl game the Wolverines go to. ...
The Ohio State game could be for all the marbles. If OSU beats Illinois this weekend and
Michigan beats Wisconsin, the winner of the Buckeyes-Wolverines clash will win the Big Ten
and go to the BCS bowl. ... LB Eric Brackins and DT Jake Frysinger will be ready to go for
the Wisconsin game. ... Marquise Walker is one of the 11 semi-finalists for the
Biletnikoff Award. ... While all teams could use a break late in the season, the week off
really helped Wisconsin. The Badgers were banged up just about everywhere and used the
week to get healthy and get another week to focus on Michigan. ... RB Anthony Davis is a
Doak Walker semifinalist. ... Last year the focus before the Michigan game was the matchup
between superstars David Terrell and Jamar Fletcher. This year, Mike Echols will get a
chance to make a name for himself after successfully lobbying the coaching staff to cover
UM star WR Marquise Walker exclusively.
No. 12 Illinois 8-1 vs. No. 25 Ohio State 6-3 (–2)
Why to watch: Both teams are still in the hunt for the Big Ten title and
desperately need this win. The Buckeyes win the title if they can beat the Illini then
beat the Wolverines next week. Illinois needs to win out and hope for another Michigan
loss.
One reason why Illinois might win: If anyone's going to handle the Ohio State
secondary, it'll be Kurt Kittner. While the Illini’s senior quarterback hasn't been
amazing, he has been good enough when challenged to keep the Illini in the title hunt. The
senior hasn't played up to the hype, but few are better in the final moments of big games.
One reason why Ohio State might win: Which quarterback in this game has the better
quarterback rating? Yup, it's Steve Bellisari with a rating of 133.4 (Kittner's is 127.4.)
Bellisari has been playing better and better thanks to the emergence of his young wide
receivers and RB Jonathan Wells taking the heat off him. We don't think the Illini can
stop Wells and if Bellisari continues to play as well as he did in the last few games, the
Buckeyes should roll.
We think: Ohio State is better than most think while Illinois is a little worse
than all the credit they've been getting. Ohio State's three losses came by a total of 12
points, including a miracle to Penn State and a collapse against Wisconsin. The Buckeyes
should be considered a legitimate threat to win the Big Ten title while Illinois needs to
overcome the loss of RB Antoineo Harris and show that they can stop a top running back. WR
Brandon Lloyd needs to have a really big day.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 4
Our Prediction: Ohio State 31, Illinois 24
Expanded Info: Ohio State is improving and controls its own destiny for the Big
Ten title due to one main reason — Bellisari. The much-maligned quarterback has been
playing extremely well helped by a more open offense, a better throwing touch and a
maturing receiving corps. WR Chris Vance has turned into a weapon and with the way Wells
and the running game have been playing, the offensive situation has shaped up perfectly
for Bellisari. ... Don't look for the Buckeyes to rotate the safties in crunch time of the
upcoming games. Will Allen played in a long series against Purdue with Mike Doss sitting.
... Why isn't C LeCharles Bentley getting more national pub? He's been simply dominating
this season. ... Illinois DB Eugene Wilson was named the national defensive player of the
week for his three interceptions against Penn State. ... This is Illinois' longest winning
streak, five, since 1989. ... With Harris out for the year with a wrist injury, look for
TB Rocky Harvey to get more work and FB Carey Davis to see more carries. ... Kittner is
one win behind Jack Trudeau for the honor of being Illinois' winningest quarterback.
Kittner has produced 22 victories.
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