No. 12 Washington 8-2 at No. 1 Miami 9-0 (-26)
Why to watch: All that kept Miami from a shot at Oklahoma and the national title
last year was a loss to Washington. We want to see 1) How much of a grudge the ’Canes
hold, 2) If they're really as dominant as they showed last week and 3) If Ken Dorsey can
exorcise his demons from last year's game. Washington had its best overall performance of
the year against Washington State last week and the Huskies could turn the BCS upside down
with a win.
One reason why Washington might win: Could this be a sandwich game for Miami? As
strange as this may sound, the ’Canes were so fired up to beat Syracuse last week and
might be looking ahead to Virginia Tech next week. Say Miami isn't blowing off Washington,
the Huskies may have the balanced offense the ’Canes haven't had to deal with yet.
Florida State was close, but QB Chris Rix kept giving up the ball. Washington QB Cody
Pickett is looking better than Rix.
One reason why Miami might win: The Hurricanes showed last week they can shut down
a decent rushing attack and have the nation's best secondary to slow down Reggie Williams
and the UW receivers. Ken Dorsey has been looking forward to this game for 12
months.
We think: We're not all that sold Miami will gear it up two games in a row, but
even so, they'll blow out the Huskies. Other than the 18-7 win over Boston College, no one
has come within 22 of the ’Canes as they have no weaknesses.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 5
Our Prediction: Miami 48, Washington 17
Expanded News: While top-ranked Miami’s kick-return coverage has been suspect,
the Hurricanes are allowing only 34 yards total this season on 10 punt returns. True
freshman RB Frank Gore is averaging nearly 10 yards per carry with four touchdowns. The
explosive Gore has had five runs of 35+ yards this season. QB Ken Dorsey rebounded nicely
with four TD passes last week earning him Big East co-offensive POTW. Miami has outscored
opponents 384-72 this season. Sophomore WR Andre Johnson has 32 catches for 615 yards
(19.2 avg.) and nine touchdowns. On Miami’s 17 interceptions this season, the
’Canes are averaging 26 yards per return with four touchdowns. The coaching staff
wasn’t joking when they called DB Phillip Buchanon the team’s best overall
player earlier this season. Against Syracuse, Buchanon had one fumble recovery, one sack,
a 76-yard interception return for a touchdown and a 59-yard punt return. OL Joaquin
Gonzalez (knee) is expected to start this week. WR Darryl Jones, RB Willis McGahee and DE
Andrew Williams are all ready to play. … UW hasn't faced a bigger point spread since
it was a 28-point underdog at Alabama in 1975 and lost 52-0 in Don James' first season as
Huskies coach. … The players seemed more amused than angry that few give them a
chance to derail the unbeaten Hurricanes' roll to the national title game. "(The
line) is like 55 points now — it just raised another five points," UW linebacker
Ben Mahdavi quipped. "I was asked earlier if it was a slap in the face. But it's more
a compliment to them." About the Hurricanes’ offensive line, "They're
superheroes. They're like a brick wall. They're Marvel Comics up front," Mahdavi
said. … On Sept. 10, Miami was No. 1 in both polls, as they are this week. The
Huskies are 12th in both polls, three places higher in The Associated Press poll and one
place higher in the USA Today/ESPN coaches' poll than they were before the game was
rescheduled. … As 2.5-point underdogs a year ago at Husky Stadium, Washington handed
Miami its last defeat and lone blemish in 2000, 34-29. "Of course there's bitter
feelings," Miami TB Clinton Portis told the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. "We
lost, and that cost us a chance for the national championship. We can't let them keep us
away from that (this year)." … The Huskies were extended a contingency
invitation to the Holiday Bowl yesterday — contingent only because the BCS didn't
release the Huskies, who are ranked 11th in this week's BCS rankings. Their chances of
earning an invitation to a BCS bowl are remote. … The UW uniforms feature black
patches that memorialize the 16 boosters who died in an airplane crash in Mexico City on
Sept. 12. The boosters were on a cruise headed to the UW-Miami game that was postponed.
… The Huskies will be playing in their seventh consecutive bowl game, the longest
streak in the Pac-10.
No. 2 Nebraska 11-0 (–10) at No. 14 Colorado 8-2
Why to watch: This rivalry might not have the magic of Nebraska-Oklahoma or be
as intense as other Big XII rivalries like Texas-Texas A&M, but the battle between
these two is quickly turning into one of the elite showdowns. You could argue that over
the last two years, no two teams have played better games as Nebraska needed an Eric
Crouch last-gasp drive and a Josh Brown field goal to win last season. Two years ago, the
Buffs were all but knocked out then rallied from 24 points down in the fourth quarter
before succumbing late. This time, there are national title implications and this has all
the makings of another classic.
One reason why Nebraska might win: We're not all that sold that Colorado is an
elite team with Bobby Pesavento at quarterback and we believe the Huskers just have to
avoid screwing up. If the Huskers win the turnover battle, they'll win and if the margin
is by more than two, they'll blow out the Buffs. In Colorado's 41-7 loss to Texas, the
Buffs turned it over four times while the Longhorns didn't give it up at all. Against
Fresno State, Colorado's other loss, they turned it over five times. Fresno State didn't
have any turnovers. The Nebraska offense doesn't need any help.
One reason why Colorado might win: We know Eric Crouch is throwing better than
ever, but if the two teams are marching up and down the field all game long, we'll take
the balance of Colorado. Nebraska hasn't faced a team that can run and pass equally well
and much like UCLA's defense, which looked great until it faced a decent offense, we're
starting to think the Huskers’ defense might not be as great as advertised. If the
Buffs get all phases of the offense going, they'll win.
We think: We can't wait to find out a few things. 1) Can the Colorado linebackers
do anything to contain Crouch? 2) Will Craig Ochs see any playing time? While his stats
are nice against average to bad teams, we think Pesavento will crumble against a decent
pass defense. We can't get his performance against Texas out of our heads. The Huskers
will go up big early, Colorado will make it close late, then the Huskers will go on a
time-killing drive to put them in the Big XII title game and give Crouch the Heisman.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 5
Our Prediction: Nebraska 34, Colorado 27
Expanded News: Senior QB Bobby Pesavento will get the start Friday against
Nebraska. Craig Ochs’ injured ankle has limited him to only half-speed, three-step
drops in practice so Pesavento will start. … Look out for a trick play from the
Buffs. Gary Barnett says that he installs one every week but has not needed to call one
yet. … DT Justin Bannan, DE Tyler Brayton, LB Drew Wahlroos and S Robbie Robinson are
all being held out of practice this week and are questionable for the Nebraska game.
… Freshman rover Philip Bland remains questionable for Colorado with an ankle sprain.
… The Blackshirts would like to get a little revenge on RB Cortlen Johnson who has
torched NU for 290 rushing yards the past two years. NU will also have to watch him
catching passes out of the backfield; he went for 100 yards receiving against Iowa State
two weeks ago.
No. 3 Florida is idle
Oklahoma State 3-7 at No. 4 Oklahoma 10-1 (–27)
Why to watch: The Sooners can clinch the Big XII South and continue their drive
toward a possible national title berth with a win. Oklahoma State has put up solid fights
against Texas A&M and Colorado and gave OU its biggest test last year.
One reason why Oklahoma State might win: Oklahoma might already be focusing on the
Big XII title game. The Cowboys will be totally loose with nothing to lose and are looking
at this game as their bowl.
One reason why Oklahoma might win: The Cowboys have no defensive backs, literally.
They're injured and even though they'll have enough players to field a secondary, they'll
get torched.
We think: Oklahoma State has the fight, but they don't have the players. If Josh
Fields and Rashaun Woods aren't lighting up the Sooners’ defense, this will be a
blowout. We think the Cowboys’ defense will play relatively well.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 3
Our Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Oklahoma State 10
Expanded News: Freshman Josh Fields led OSU to four touchdowns last week in
relief of the injured Aso Pogi and will get the start this week against the Sooners. Head
coach Les Miles is not too concerned with starting Fields because of his experience
playing against Texas A&M. … OSU is short in the secondary after four players
missed the Baylor game. This could spell doom for the Cowboys when Oklahoma lines up with
five wide receivers. … The Cowboys’ players are excited for the chance to upset
the Sooners and are treating this game as their bowl game. … The Sooners will be
looking for a better performance than last year’s ugly 12-7 win. … OU put two
backs in the backfield more often last week in an attempt to establish more of a running
game after the passing game has stalled at times this year. … OU leads the all-time
series 73-14-7.
No. 5 Texas 9-1 (-11.5) at Texas A&M 7-3
Why to watch: Take away a tentative and somewhat strange performance against
Oklahoma, and Texas would be the nation's most dominating team. They’re winning by an
average of 34 points per game and even then, most of the teams only scored after the issue
had long been decided. Texas A&M comes in limping after losing two straight and most
likely will be without its best runner, Derek Farmer and best receiver, Jamaar Taylor who
are both injured.
One reason why Texas might win: If the Longhorns score 24 points, they'll win.
A&M's offense has gone past the 24-point barrier once and that was against a bad
Wyoming defense. If the Texas passing game clicks early against the mediocre A&M
secondary, this could be all over by halftime and we'll see QB Major Applewhite play the
whole fourth quarter.
One reason why Texas A&M might win: The Aggies’ defense doesn't give up
big plays but they won't be helped by an offense that isn't going to go on any long,
sustained drives. That means the Wrecking Crew will probably be out on the field for a
majority of the game. They'll have to force turnovers — they lead the Big XII with 14
interceptions — and put pressure on Simms. Rocky Bernard has been a terror the last
few weeks.
We think: The Aggies’ defense will keep it close early as we love their
linebackers and think they'll keep RB Cedric Benson in check, but how are the Aggies going
to score? This was a mediocre offense at best before Taylor and Farmer got hurt and now
they could be positively stagnant. QB Chris Simms has only thrown four interceptions,
other than the four he gave to Oklahoma, and if the Aggies are to stay in the game at all,
they'll need to force several Texas mistakes.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 5
Our Prediction: Texas 38, Texas A&M 13
Expanded News: Offensive linemen Antwan Kirk Hughes and Tillman Holloway are
the only Longhorns questionable for the Texas A&M game, but head coach Mack Brown
expects them to play. … Even though Chris Simms says that he will return next year,
he is going to listen to NFL scouts to see what he can improve on for next year. …
Cedric Benson needs 105 yards to become the first Longhorns freshman to gain 1,000 yards
rushing. … The Aggies have more injury problems going into the Texas game. Derek
Farmer and Jamaar Taylor were both listed as doubtful for Friday’s game. They are the
team leaders in rushing and receiving respectively. … An interesting matchup to watch
against Texas will be CB Sammy Davis against the spectacular Texas receivers. Davis has
given up two catches all year when he has been in press man-to-man coverage.
No. 6 Oregon is idle
Vanderbilt 2-7 at No. 7 Tennessee 8-1 (–25)
Why to watch: With a few sluggish performances behind them, Tennessee wants to
flex a little muscle and throw a little bit of worry into the hearts of the Gators.
Vanderbilt has nothing to lose.
One reason why Vanderbilt might win: They say they're focused on this game, but
there's no way Tennessee isn't looking ahead to the showdown in Gainesville. At some
point, the Commodores’ passing game will burn someone. They have too much talent not
to put up a few points.
One reason why Tennessee might win: The Vols have had enough scares and are taking
this game really seriously. After Tennessee fought through close wins against Kentucky and
a dogfight against Notre Dame, the Commodores’ defense will look like Christmas.
We think: Vanderbilt always seems to put up a decent fight against Tennessee, but
not this time. It'll be a shock if Vanderbilt keeps the Vols under 50.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 3
Our Prediction: Tennessee 52, Vanderbilt 17
Expanded News: This weekend’s Volunteer State tilt will mark the 95th
meeting between Tennessee and Vanderbilt, with the Volunteers holding a 63-26-5 lead in
the series. Four of the last six meetings have been decided by seven points or less.
… RB Travis Stephens needs 303 yards in the next two games to set UT's single-season
rushing mark. … Donte’ Stallworth seems to have been catching everything in
sight over the past two games, hauling in 15 of UT’s 42 completions, for 311 yards
(20.7 avg.) and six touchdowns. … Although the Vols needed an amazing second-half
surge to beat Kentucky, Vanderbilt is not playing like Kentucky. Look for even parts
Claussen, Stephens, Stallworth and Washington in a Tennessee romp. Vanderbilt’s last
win over Tennessee came at Nashville in 1982 by a 28-21 count. The last Commodores victory
over the Vols in Knoxville came in 1975 by a score of 17-14. … Last year's 28-26
Tennessee win was the closest in the series since 1987 (UT, 38-36). In the game, Vandy
scored 20 fourth-quarter points but Tennessee, behind the running of Travis Henry, was
able to run out the clock. … Vanderbilt sports the SEC’s worst scoring defense
(36.2 ppg), 11th ranked pass defense (287.1 ypg), and 11th ranked
run defense (204.0 ypg), ranking them last in total defense (491.1 ypg). … This
Commodores squad is merely riding the storm out that is the Widenhofer Era at Vanderbilt.
Even an exceptional effort by the QB Greg Zolman, WR Dan Stricker, and RB Rodney Williams
would allow for the upset this week. Still, Vanderbilt has been known to play the
Volunteers closely.
No. 8 Maryland is idle
No. 9 BYU is idle
Northwestern 4-6 at No. 10 Illinois 9-1 (–17)
Why to watch: With a win, Illinois can stay in the race for the outright Big Ten
title and can even go to a BCS game. Northwestern is trying to screw up the Illini's
season and looks at this as its bowl game.
One reason why Northwestern might win: The Illini could be extremely tight, knowing
its season would be a disappointment at this point without a win. QB Zak Kustok can still
make magic and could make plays against the average Illinois defense.
One reason why Illinois might win: The Wildcats are miserable against the pass,
giving up a Big Ten-worst 250 yards per game. QB Kurt Kittner and his array of receivers
should move the ball at will.
We think: Illinois remembers last year's 61-23 embarrassment against the rolling
Wildcats and now it's payback time. There's no way the Wildcats will ever slow down the
Illinois offense.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 3
Our Prediction: Illinois 48, Northwestern 20
Expanded News: The UI – Northwestern game isn’t on TV because
it’s not for the outright Big Ten title. ESPN wouldn’t carry it. Then why have
the game on Thanksgiving Day? The Illini offense should have a field day on Thanksgiving
facing the woeful Northwestern defense that gave up more than 600 yards to Bowling Green
despite the absence of Antoineo Harris who is still injured. The Illini’s secondary
leads the Big Ten in pass efficiency defense and is tied for the most interceptions in the
conference — not good news for Northwestern which won’t have the luxury of
running with RB Damien Anderson. As of Monday, there were more than 34,000 tickets
available at Illinois, a team tied for the Big Ten lead. Illinois is looking to go
undefeated at home for the first time since 1984. … All signs point to the fact that
the Wildcats have given up on this season, but playing spoiler against their intrastate
rival would add one bright spot to the season. Unfortunately, the injury bug has bit this
team often. In addition to Anderson, the Wildcats have lost eight other players to
season-ending injuries. The latest to go was LB Billy Silva in the Bowling Green game. He
is scheduled to have surgery on Friday, leaving the defensive load to Kevin Bentley, who
recorded 15 tackles against Iowa and 20 against Bowling Green.
Ohio State 6-4 at No. 11 Michigan 8-2 (–8)
Why to watch: It's Michigan playing Ohio State with the Big Ten title on the
line. Do you need a reason to watch? If Illinois beats Northwestern, the Wolverines will
need this for the title. If the Wildcats win, the Wolverines will have won and might let
down.
One reason why Ohio State might win: The Buckeyes’ secondary is among the best
in the country and if UM’s running game isn't going and QB John Navarre has to win
the game, Michigan will be in big trouble. If the Wolverines’ offense sputters and
coughs like it did against Wisconsin, the Buckeyes will be in the game until the
end.
One reason why Michigan might win: Ohio State is still in upheaval over the QB
situation. With Craig Krenzel starting for a few minutes until Steve Bellisari moves
magically up the depth chart, the team will always be looking over its shoulder for
Bellisari to come in. This means the Buckeyes will rely on the running game more than
ever, but the Wolverines have the top run defense in the Big Ten, giving up 86 yards per
game.
We think: Michigan doesn't have the killer team it’s had in the past, but it
still finds ways to win. The defense will control the game as we don't think Ohio State
has enough offense to win this game. We're also sort of shocked how many are making it
sound like if Bellisari plays, the Buckeyes will win and if he doesn't they'll lose. Let's
tone it down a bit. While he's been playing better, he's still Bellisari.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 5
Our Prediction: Michigan 31, Ohio State 17
Expanded News: A little hype was lost when Illinois ended Ohio State’s BCS
hopes in Columbus. However, Michigan is still in a must-win, and if they do it’s most
likely off to Tempe for the Fiesta. Michigan’s offense struggled against Wisconsin,
meaning they could have problems with Joe Cooper, Mike Doss, and Ohio State’s
defense. Look for the Wolverines to go to WR Marquise Walker early to try and soften up
the Buckeyes’ defense for the running game. … The Michigan pass defense only
ranks ninth in the Big Ten, but it won’t face Bellisari the whole time and the
defensive line should be able to put on ample pressure. … Michigan has won the last
two games between the two teams. … Former Ohio State coach Earl Bruce visited the
team on Sunday telling them a win in Ann Arbor is very possible. Craig Krenzel will get
his first career start this Saturday; Krenzel is a third-year sophomore replacing Scott
McMullen who had started for Bellisari Saturday. Bellisari, however, will make the trip to
Michigan though head coach Jim Tressel said Bellisari is currently the fourth-string
quarterback. SE Michael Jenkins had a career-high 10 receptions Saturday against the
Illini. He has been underused until this point and the Buckeyes will be looking for him
often on Saturday.
Notre Dame 4-5 at No. 13 Stanford 7-2 (–7)
Why to watch: Take away the State of Washington and Stanford would be unbeaten.
They're fighting for a great bowl bid while Notre Dame needs this win and a win over
Purdue next week to be bowl eligible. No one is talking about it, but Notre Dame
administrators would be nuts not to look at the Stanford sideline and think about how
amazing it would be to have Ty Willingham as the Irish’s new head coach.
One reason why Notre Dame might win: Stanford was sluggish and sloppy last week
turning the ball over five times. If the Cardinal plays like that again, a decent team
like Notre Dame will take advantage. … O.K., so we can't find a real reason why the
Irish will win.
One reason why Stanford might win: Notre Dame is great at running the ball, but
they're the nation's second worst passing team and with WR David Givens doubtful, the
passing game will be that much more woeful. The Irish aren't going to beat the Cardinal
through the air and, oh yeah, Stanford is 16th in the nation and first in the Pac-10
against the run, giving up a little more than 100 yards per game.
We think: Stanford won't play two miserable games in a row and at home should
destroy the Irish. This will be the final nail in Bob Davie’s coffin.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 3
Our Prediction: Stanford 31, Notre Dame 14
Expanded News: Stanford's victory in the Big Game and Washington's defeat of
Washington State likely puts the Cardinal in the Sun Bowl. … QB Randy Fasani needed
just one snap — his only snap — in his return from a sprained right knee to
scare Stanford's sideline. Fasani entered with 3:46 remaining in the third quarter after
Cal's Josh Beckham drilled Chris Lewis in the midsection. … RB Brian Allen injured
his ankle late in the third quarter and did not return but should be ready for Notre Dame.
… Tom Kolich has taken over the center position to help out the injured line. …
The Irish begin their quest to win a road game at night this Saturday. They have lost all
eight times they have tried with their last victory coming on Nov. 29, 1997 in a 23-22 win
over Hawaii. The winner of the Notre Dame-Stanford series receives the Legends Trophy, a
combination of Irish crystal and California redwood. The Notre Dame Club of the San
Francisco Bay Area presented the trophy for the first time in 1989. Despite rumors and
speculation, Bob Davie continues to assume he will return next season. The fact remains
that Notre Dame can still go bowling this year by winning their next two. However, they
will be underdogs in both games and likely will still be beleaguered with injuries. Five
starters are probable to miss the Stanford game. QB Carlyle Holiday seemed to take a step
backward in his progression on Saturday. Offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers said Holiday
audibled out of many pass plays to run the option. Part of the confusion was his inability
to read Navy’s defense throughout the game.
No. 15 Washington State is idle
No. 16 Virginia Tech is idle
No. 17 Louisville 10-1 (-7) at TCU 4-5
Why to watch: The Cardinals are already in the Liberty Bowl, but they're now
going for lofty rankings and national respect and want to win the Conference USA title
outright. Under the new nutty NCAA rules for bowl eligibility this year, TCU is bowl
eligible with a win.
One reason why Louisville might win: Few quarterbacks are playing as sharp or as
well as Dave Ragone right now. The Cardinals’ QB has thrown a mere three
interceptions in the last seven games to 13 touchdowns. With his full arsenal of
receivers, he should have little trouble picking apart the good, but burnable TCU corners.
One reason why TCU might win: TCU QB Casey Printers has thrown for more than 300
yards in the last two games and with Michael Josiah and Dewayne White breathing down his
neck, he has the escapability and mobility to elude them and make plays.
We think: Louisville coming out a little sluggish and sloppy with the Liberty Bowl
in hand, then a fiery halftime speech from head coach John L. Smith will turn them around
and they'll pull away in the second half.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 3
Expanded News: This is the first meeting between Louisville and TCU …
Louisville is nearly 100 percent healthy with LB Chad Lee returning from a sprained knee
while DE Dewayne White will play with a cast on his broken hand. … After the East
Carolina game, the UL coaching staff is trying to make sure the secondary plays more
aggressively and tighter. … TCU's RB situation is in trouble as Corey Connally is out
with a broken leg which means Ricky Madison will get most of the work with FB Reggie Holts
seeing a little bit of work. … Don't be surprised if WR LaTarence Dunbar gets a few
carries.
Our Prediction: Louisville 35, TCU 21
No. 18 South Carolina is idle
No. 19 Georgia 6-3 at No. 21 Georgia Tech 7-3 (–2)
Why to watch: As rivalries go, this is one of the nation's most underrated.
These two teams always play fun and competitive games and while there's certainly the bad
blood and the anger between the two schools that any real rivalry has, this one isn't as
mean and nasty as some others. This one is just really, really fun with Georgia leading
the series 52-38-5.
One reason why Georgia might win: If the Ole Miss game was any indication, the
Bulldogs are at the top of their game as evidenced by a dominating performance last week.
The key was keeping the Mississippi running game in check, holding the Rebels to a mere 22
yards on the ground. If the Bulldogs can stop RB Joe Burns, the Georgia Tech offense won't
flow nearly as well.
One reason why Georgia Tech might win: QB George Godsey. We know QB David Greene is
playing well for Georgia and we know the young Bulldogs are playing like veterans, but
Godsey is a seasoned vet and in high-pressure, rivalry games, experience usually wins out.
The Georgia secondary has been merely average and we think Godsey can pick them apart if
Burns is effective against the Bulldogs’ run defense.
We think: This isn't as sexy as Michigan-Ohio State or this year's Oregon-Oregon
State game in the world of rivalries, but this will be the best game out of the bunch. The
difference in the game will be the Georgia Tech defense, which will slow down the
Bulldogs’ passing game, and Godsey — he'll have a huge game.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 5
Our Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, Georgia 31
Expanded News: DE David Jacobs was admitted to the ICU at St. Mary’s
Hospital on Wednesday, after suffering a stroke. He was transferred to Emory University
Hospital on Thursday. The stroke has affected primarily the right side of Jacobs' body, as
well as his ability to talk. … Georgia leads the series with Ga. Tech 52-36-5. After
winning seven straight in the series from 1991-97, Georgia has lost the last three (22-19,
51-48{OT} and 27-15). Georgia hasn't dropped four straight to the Yellow Jackets since its
longest losing streak in the series history, an eight-year stretch from 1949-56. …
For the fourth straight year, this matchup will feature both teams ranked in the AP Top
25. Georgia is 19th while the Yellow Jackets are #21. … FB turned TB Verron Haynes
will be the starter for the remainder of the year following his 192-yard performance
against Ole Miss. … After missing time with a sprained ankle, Georgia Tech WR
Kelly Campbell returns this week. … With the Tech-Florida State game coming Dec. 1,
this is the first time since 1940 that Georgia hasn't been the last game of the Yellow
Jackets’ regular season.
Youngstown State 8-2 at No. 20 Marshall (9-1)
Why to watch: Marshall players and fans always want their shot at the big time
and want to prove the Herd can hang with the top teams in college football. Youngstown
State is a Division I-AA power and wants to prove it can play with the D-I teams. The
Penguins are better than several D-I teams.
One reason why YSU might win: Marshall's run defense is lousy, giving up 195 yards
per game on the ground. The Herd might not face a better back this year than the
Penguins’ P.J. Mays whose 18 touchdowns and 1,285 yards make him one of D-IAA's top
players.
One reason why Marshall might win: The Penguins haven't faced a D-I team yet this
year, much less a team with a passing game that's humming like Marshall's. QB Byron
Leftwich and WR Darius Watts have hooked up for 17 touchdowns this year and might hit 20
after this week.
We think: When YSU faced a decent passing team, Northern Iowa, the Penguins lost.
Don't look for them to slow down Marshall, but the Pens will get their share of points.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 2
Our Prediction: Marshall 38, Youngstown State 17
Expanded News: This game replaces Marshall's originally scheduled contest with
TCU that was cancelled after the games of Sept. 15 were wiped out. … Even though Ohio
is one of the nation's best running teams, Herd coaches were slightly concerned over
giving up 318 yards on the ground and feel YSU could have a strong day running the ball.
… Marshall accepted the bid to the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala., giving its fans a break
from Detroit and the Motor City Bowl.
No. 25 Boston College 7-3 at No. 22 Syracuse 8-3 (–4)
Why to watch: The members of the We've Been Burned By Miami club will now
convene as these two lost in painful fashion to the ’Canes the last two weeks and now
these two can take out their frustrations on each other. Syracuse can clinch the No. 2
spot in the Big East with a win.
One reason why Boston College might win: The Syracuse run defense is average and RB
William Green should run in, around and over them. He's been held under 100 yards once, by
Virginia Tech and has torn off 590 yards and five touchdowns in his last three games.
One reason why Syracuse might win: Pride. The Orangemen are smarting from being the
butt of national jokes after getting embarrassed by the ’Canes last week. There's no
way they're going to stink it up two weeks in a row.
We think: Boston College is too balanced on offense for SU to stop them while the
Orangemen have no hope of slowing down Green. SU doesn't throw the ball at all and the
same way Miami took advantage of stopping the Orangemen’s running game, BC will force
QB R.J. Anderson to throw and we don't think he can do it.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 4
Our Prediction: Boston College 27, Syracuse 24
Expanded News: Boston College RB William Green was awarded Big East co-offensive
POTW for his season-high 213 yards rushing vs. Rutgers. The Eagles are ranked 25th
in the latest AP Poll for their first ranking this season. QB Brian St. Pierre has an
impressive 23-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio. P Kevin McMyler is averaging a Big
East-best 44 yards per punt, including landing 18 of his 54 punts inside the
opponent’s 20-yard line. BC ranks near worst in the nation in punt returns as return
man Dedrick DeWalt averages only 5.3 yards. … 8-3 Syracuse can secure a Gator Bowl
berth this Saturday with a win at home against Boston College. Sophomore P Mike Shafer has
broken the Big East record with 74 punts this season. Senior RB James Mungro is now 4th
all-time on the Syracuse rushing yardage list. The Orangemen’s defense had caused 29
turnovers and 38 sacks entering last week’s game against Miami. In addition, WRs
Johnnie Morant and Jamel Riddle had a combined 28 catches for 640 yards (23 avg.) and
three touchdowns. Against the ’Canes, the defense caused zero turnovers, had only one
sack and Morant and Riddle combined for one catch for nine yards.
San Jose State 3-7 at No. 23 Fresno State 9-2 (–28)
Why to watch: After two close losses, Fresno State has sort of fallen off the
national map, but the Bulldogs have become stronger than ever scoring 151 points in their
last three games. San Jose State is trying to overcome the blowout loss to Boise State
last week.
One reason why San Jose State might win: Maybe this will get into a shootout and
maybe the Spartans can summon the offense that hung 64 on Nevada, 63 on Tulsa and 40 on
UTEP. When he's rolling, QB Marcus Arroyo can match QB David Carr yard for yard.
One reason why Fresno State might win: The Spartans’ defense has no hope of
slowing down David Carr and the Bulldogs’ passing game. Carr blew up for 364 yards
and four touchdowns against Nevada and should at least equal those numbers this week.
We think: The only question is whether or not Fresno State scores 60.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 2
Our Prediction: Fresno State 58, San Jose State 17
Expanded News: Fresno State heads into its "rival" game against San
Jose State needing a win to keep a faint hope alive for a share of the WAC title. Like
Boise State, Fresno will be rooting for hapless Tulsa to pull of an upset of Louisiana
Tech this weekend. If such an upset did occur, then Fresno would be a lock for the Silicon
Valley Bowl. While they are still most likely headed there, they cannot be sure of a bowl
berth if Louisiana Tech wins the conference outright. Coach Pat Hill has indicated that he
wants to stay in Fresno and says he will not talk to any other schools, most notably
Kansas, about coaching vacancies until after the season. Bulldogs kick returner Bernard
Berrian was named the WAC special teams player of the week. Berrian had a 70-yard punt
return for a touchdown and a 49-yard kickoff return en route to 357 all-purpose yards on
Saturday. Hill said, "Bernard Berrian is definitely an NFL-type player" who
could be a top 15 draft pick when he comes out. … The Spartans are coming off of a
56-6 pasting at the hands of Boise State while gaining only 184 yards one week after
gaining 849 yards against Nevada. Spartans coach Fitz Hill admitted that his team was not
mentally prepared to play that game and that they did not play to 50 percent of their
potential. Just whose job is it to make sure that those things do not happen? WR Edell
Shepherd has 38 catches for 725 yards and eight touchdowns in his last five games for
SJSU. If the Spartans can pull of the upset, they would be at .500 to finish the WAC
season.
No. 24 Arkansas 7-3 at LSU 6-3 (–9)
Why to watch: The SEC East is easy. The winner of the Florida - Tennessee clash
will go to the title game, but the West is still a mess. LSU will win it if it beats
Arkansas this week and Auburn next week while Arkansas is in the title game if the Hogs
win this week and LSU beats Auburn next week. Both teams are hot as Arkansas has reeled
off six straight wins while LSU has won two straight.
One reason why Arkansas might win: We're not sure how, but the Hogs just keep on
winning. QB Matt Jones has been an outstanding find, running for 519 yards and four
touchdowns while rejuvenated RB Cedric Cobbs showed he still has life in his legs with his
100-yard, three-touchdown performance last week. The Hogs find ways to make big plays when
they have to.
One reason why LSU might win: The linebackers. The Tigers faced a similar
quarterback to Matt Jones earlier when they played Alabama and held Tyler Watts to 86
yards rushing. If the outstanding corps can keep the Hogs’ running game under
wraps, Arkansas' SEC worst passing offense won't be able to pick up the slack.
We think: With two weeks off to heal, the Tigers will pull off the win and set up
the showdown with Auburn next week. Arkansas is too one-dimensional to win in Death
Valley.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 eat another drumstick): 5
Our Prediction: LSU 31, Arkansas 21
Expanded News: Arkansas FL Marvin Jackson has a severely sprained ankle and is
questionable for the LSU game. OLB Caleb Miller still has a sore shoulder, but should see
action. … Arkansas coach Houston Nutt is 2-1 against LSU, the sole loss being a 35-10
thrashing in Baton Rouge in 1999. The Razorbacks are 1-4-1 all-time in Baton Rouge; 1-5-1
according to LSU. The schools disagree on whether the 1907 game, a 17-12 LSU win, was
played in Little Rock or Baton Rouge. … The home team has won the last four and five
of the last six meetings. … LSU leads, 5-4, in games as SEC opponents, and 28-16-2
overall. … The closest margin in those nine games has been 10 points (1996, LSU 17-7;
1997, LSU 31-21). … LSU should feel safe in the fact that their 10th-ranked
pass defense (286.4 avg.) matches up against the Razorbacks’ last-place passing
offense (134.7 avg.). |
