News and Notes Week 2
By Phil Steele
Arizona had a young O-line making its first road trip and was also without top WR Juron Criner. Oklahoma St dominated going 88/9pl, 80/12pl and 70/10pl on their first 3 poss for a 21-0 lead while UA had 2 FD’s on their first 3 poss. OSU led 21-0 at the half and was never threatened. QB Brandon Weeden hit 22 of his first 23 passes and finished 42-53-397.
FIU got their first ever win against a BCS foe and did it with 3 big plays. For the game Louisville had a 24-9 FD edge but UL’s first drive was 10pl but not only ended on an int, Winston Fraser ret’d it 71 yds for a TD. FIU got a short pass to TY Hilton who took it 74 yds for a TD then Hilton split the DB’s and got behind them for an 83 yd TD pass and FIU stunningly led 21-3. UL did blow a couple of opportunities in the game. Trailing 24-10 they were SOD on 4&1 at the FIU12, SOD on 4&13 at the FIU36 and then scored a TD with 1:49 left to pull within 24-17 but FIU rec’d the onside kick. Hilton set a school record with 201 yds receiving.
It was an interesting Friday nighter for Missouri and Arizona St. Each team settled for some FG’s after long drives and MO led 16-10 at the half thanks to a blk’d xp. ASU scored TD’s on 89/10pl and 60/7pl drives and led 30-16 with 14:23 left in the game. The Devils then forced a punt on 4&18 but fmbl’d the punt then pass interference on 3&15 gave MO a FD and MO got a 25 yd TD pass on the next play. On MO’s next drive they converted on 3&14 and later on 4&gl from the 3 to tie it with 2:50 left. MO did miss a 48 yd FG with :12 left and ASU won it on a TD in OT.
Oregon St came in as a banged up team vs Wisconsin and was only outgained 397-284 but didn’t do themselves any favors. They had a -4 yd punt in the 1Q setting up the Badgers first TD, a 3&13, 17 yd pass 3pl later. An OSU PF pen on the punt gave UW the ball at their own 49 and Wilson hit a 10 yd TD pass on 3&5.The Badgers added a TD with :27 left in the half to lead 21-0. Once again OSU benched QB Katz early and Mannion took almost all of the snaps. OSU fmbl’d at the UW13 and was SOD at the UW17 on 2 of their last 3 drives.
It’s not very often that a team has 1 FD for an entire game. In fact the last time Michigan St held an opponent to just 1 FD was back in 1944 vs Maryland. MSU scored a TD or got a FG or missed a FG on their first 8 drives then got a 39 yd FR TD to lead FAU 44-0 with 8:22 left and finally punted for the first time with 3:36 left in the game. They had a 434-48 yd edge.
Army did have a 446-292 yd edge vs SDSt but were -3 in TO’s. Army fmbl’d at the SDSt42, fmbl’d at their own 26 and trailed 14-0 but it was 14-14 at the half with Army having a 245-130 yd edge. Army was SOD at the SDSt48 and on their final drive, down by 3, were on the fringe of FG range on 3&19 from the 34 when they took a 6 yd sack and had to go for it on 4&25 and fired incomplete.
Toledo scored their first points ever vs Ohio St having lost their previous 2 vs the Buckeyes by a combined score of 87-0 in ‘98 and ‘09 as they nearly upset OSU. In fact, OSU needed a 69 yd PR with :46 left in the half to lead 21-15. In the 2H TOL had a bad snap on a 51 yd FG and on their final drive they took over with 3:08 left and got to the Buckeye15 but on 4&5 fired incomplete and came up 5 pts short. TOL had a 338-301 yd edge.
Illinois had their biggest win since 1944 as they scored on 7 consec drives and rolled to a 56-3 win. They had 27-6 FD and 519-96 yd edges. SDSt did not get their first FD until the 2Q and had just 54 yds offense at the half. Illinois FB Becker left the game in the 1H and may be out for the season. It was 42-3 when bkp QB O’Toole came in with 8:58 left in the 3Q guiding the team to a 30/4pl TD drive.
Tough loss for C Michigan vs Kentucky and the key play came on a 4th down gamble. In the 1H CM went on an 81/16pl drive and settled for a 19 yd FG. Later they went 67/12pl settling for a 31 yd FG. They had a 227-93 yd edge but only led 13-6 at the half. On their 3rd 3Q poss, they went for it on 4&inches at their own 34 and were SOD. On the next play, UK got a 34 yd TD pass UK was then pinned at its own 13 when they got an 87 yd TD run to take their first lead, 20-13 and finally drove 85/13pl for a TD with 5:35 left to clinch it. CM finished with a 383-344 yd edge but lost by double digits.
Alabama’s D gave up 54/16pl on the opening drive of the game for a 43 yd FG and pretty much controlled the 1H with a 171-92 yd edge settling for a 22 yd FG after one 10pl drive and led 17-3. Bama got a TD by Richardson with 6:14 left as he rushed for 111 yds and 2 TD’s. Penn St then went 71/14pl incl 3&10 and 3&20 conversions and got a garbage TD with 1:53 left for a big part of their 251 yds.
N Carolina had a 5-0 TO deficit vs Rutgers and were actually outFD’d 19-17 but that is not indicative of the game. NC had a 286-91 yd edge in the 1H but due to the TO’s, only led 17-12. They led 24-15 with 1:12 left in the 3Q when RU went on a 62/13pl drive including a 4&12 conversion getting a TD with 10:40 left. RU’s last drive went 33/9pl but on 4&7 they were SOD at their own 42 and NC ended the game at the RU7.
Nobody gave Auburn a chance vs Miss St after their poor performance vs Utah St but they managed to extend the NCAA’s longest win streak to 17 and were highly motivated by being an underdog at home. AU led 14-0 but after MSU tied it at 14, AU gave up a 27 yd IR TD. AU still rallied and led 34-24 at the half and then got a TD with 14:03 left in the game for a commanding 41-27 lead and even forced a MSU punt with 9:43 left. MSU went 83/12pl getting a TD with 4:51 left then forced a punt with 2:52 left. MSU drove 67/11pl. On 2nd & gl from the 2 with no time-outs, they swept QB Relf and he was tkl’d at the half yd line.
Iowa had a 10-0 lead early vs Iowa St but it was 10-10 at the half. ISU led 17-16 but UI drove 80/11pl and got a TD with 5:50 left and the 2 pt conv put them up 24-17. ISU’s last drive in regulation featured a 3&16, 20 yd pass, a 3&20, 40 yd pass, a 4&1 conv and then on 3&gl got a 4 yd TD run. UI scored in the first of 3OT’s with a TD and ISU faced a 4&gl at the 4 and got a TD to keep the game going. In the 3rd OT UI got a FG and ISU a TD for the win. ISU had not scored a meaningful TD vs UI since 2006.
E Carolina QB Davis had 260 yds and 4 TD’s vs South Carolina but finished with just 127 yards passing, an int and was sk’d 5 times. Virginia Tech did have 20-11 FD and 332-112 yd edges but blew a couple of opportunities and actually needed a TD with 7:30 left to take their first lead of the game in their 17-10 win. VT got a 38 yd drive for a TD after a 30 yd punt, on 1st & gl from the 6 were int’d in the EZ and after having a FD at the EC14 settled for a 39 yd FG at the end of the half. VT’s winning drive was 89/13pl for the TD with 7:30 left and EC’s last 2 poss ended on a punt with 5:33 left from their own 26 and on 4&18 they fired incomplete from their own 43 and VT took a knee.
Idaho QB Reader threw for 299 yards and 4 TD’s and UI’s D had 2 IR TD’s. UI finished with 424-197 yd and 23-11 FD edges. They missed a FG and settled for a FG and only led 3-0 when N Dakota got a 79 yd PR TD to stunningly lead 7-3 (9:37 2Q). ND then got a 54/1pl TD pass 14-3 (7:33 2Q). UI went 80/15pl for a TD with 1:01 left in the half then went 71/6, 58/9, 91/11, their first 3 3Q poss to lead 31-14. They blew it open late when a 19 yd IR to the ND18 set up a 1pl 1 yd TD run by Bass then 2pl later with bkp QB Goska in for ND, the Vandals got a 37 yd IR TD with 4:41 left for the 44-14 final.
Tulsa/Tulane was a 3-3 game with 4:08 left in the half. TLN was at the TLS35 but on 3&15 they were int’d and TLS went 73/6pl for a TD and a 10-3 lead. TLN’s first two 3Q drives ended in a missed 44 yd FG and a fmbl at the TLS23 and TLS had TD drives of 82, 77 and 67 yds to go ahead 31-3. TLN fmbl’d at the TLS39, was SOD at the TLS42 and punted on their final 3 drives.
The key play of the Arkansas St/Memphis game happened early 2Q when Memphis, down 10-0, was SOD on 4&1 at the ASU29. ASU got a 71 yd TD pass on the next play to make it 16-0 and would go 82/13pl and 90/11pl for TD’s on their next 2 poss to blow it open at the half. ASU scored 2 TDs and a FG on their first three 3Q poss, the 2nd 2 were led by bkp QB Smith and they had a 611-169 yd edge.
Ohio U had a dominant 22-9 FD and 392-124 yd edges vs Gardner-Webb. OU got scoring drives of 40 and 28 yards and also got an IR TD but also blew some scoring drives. They had a 1st & gl at the 5 but fmbl’d, missed a 53 yd FG, fmbl’d at the GW47, were int’d at the GW35, SOD at the GW15 and settled for a 24 yd FG with 4:51 left.
Dan Persa sat out a 2nd straight game and Kolter hit 10-14-104 yd and rushed for 109 for Northwestern. Kolter inj’d his shoulder and only returned for a few plays later with 3rd string QB Trevor Siemian guiding 2 drives incl a 1 yd TD pass with 11:01 left and then Watkins was in for the final NW 2 drives. NW on 4&8 at the EI22 just ran the ball in the line for 3 yds with 1:27 left and EI got a 76 yd run and a 3 yd garbage TD with :07 left to make the stats closer than they really were at NW 437-341.
Nothing misleading about the Wash St/UNLV final. WSU scored on their first 5 drives of the game as Marshall Lobbestael hit 24-32-361 and they then scored on their first 3 drives of the 2H with the 3rd drive being led by bkp Halliday. WSU made it 59-0 with 5:29 left and LV’s only score came on a 95 yd KR TD. WSU’s final drive was SOD at the LV20 and they also had a 35 yd FG blk’d.
Southern Miss appeared in control vs Marshall as they were up 17-3 and had the ball with 2:00 left 1H. They only got off a 27 yd punt and MU went 41/7pl for a TD, 17-10. In the game SM turned it over SIX times and had a punt blk’d. SM fmbl’d at their own 35 early 3Q setting up a MU TD. MU took the lead with a TD with 1:19 left 3Q. SM was pinned at its 1 and RB Hardy was tkl’d for a safety and MU led 26-17. SM fmbl’d at the MU27, settled for a 28 yd FG then rec’d the onside kick but as you would expect, with 1:00 left on 3&10 ended the game on their 6th TO, an int at the 43.
New Mexico St/Minnesota looked to be a high scoring game as at the half, NMSt had a 21-14 lead and a 271-199 yd edge. They even blew a couple of scoring opportunities in the 1H as UM had a 1st & gl at the 4 but was int’d in the EZ and NMSt missed a 45 yd FG. UM missed a 38 yd FG in the 3Q but down 28-21, the Gophers had a 1st & gl at the 7 and got the game-tying TD with 7:54 left to make it 28-28 but replays respotted the ball at the footline and on 4&gl at the footline UM was stopped. NMSt got 4 FD’s’ and punted and UM got to the NMSt25. Coach Kill had a seizure on the sideline and the game was halted for a half hr and when they ret’d UM’s 4th&10 pass fell incomplete and NMSt held on for the upset.
Texas/BYU was played in 98? heat and BYU wilted in the 2H with UT having a 201-67 yd edge. UT QB Gilbert was benched and QB’s Ash and McCoy alternated on every poss the rest of the game. Gilbert had a couple of costly int’s and BYU jumped to a 13-0 lead. UT settled for a 23 yd FG late 1Q. In the 2H UT was SOD on 4&1 at the BYU13 and then up 17-16, had the ball at the BYU30. RB Brown broke off a run and had a shot but was tkl’d at the 14 of BYU and the Longhorns took a knee 2x.
Not many teams survive a defensive TO for a TD. It’s extremely rare when a team wins a game having 2 def TD’s go against them. Georgia pretty much controlled the S Carolina game from start to finish. In fact 3 of their first 4 drives got to the RZ but they settled for 3 FG’s and actually missed a chipshot 33 yd FG and led 6-3. SC ran a fake punt on 4&7 at their own 32 and DT Ingram got a FD and the 276 lb’r raced 68 yds for a TD. In the 3Q UGA appeared in control again leading 20-14 and had the ball at the SC39. RB Crowell, who hurt his ribs in the 1H was not 100% and fmbl’d when SC ret’d it 57 yds to the 5 basically a TO for a TD as SC got a 5 yd “drive” for a TD. SC then got a 25 yd IR TD to lead 28-20. UGA tied it and then retook the lead 35-31 but again was sk’d & fmbl’d and SC ret’d it for a TD. At the end, SC rec’d an onside kick and got a FD and took a knee. Basically 4 def and ST TD’s vs UGA and they only lost by 3.
Connecticut/Vanderbilt was a pure defensive struggle. The two teams combined for 12 sks for -72 yds, there was 2 def TD’s and a blk’d punt for a TD. CT fmbl’d at their 42 setting up a 42/1pl TD pass for VU and VU went 80/6pl for a TD to lead 14-3 after 1Q with the 2Q producing 5 FD’s combined and 7 punts and 2 TO’s. After an int CT drove 6 yd for a 28 yd FG then blk’d a punt for a TD, 14-13 and got a 64 yd FR TD in the 4Q to lead 21-14. VU got a 50 yd IR TD with 6:45 left to tie then after a 48 yd run by Stacy got a 31 yd FG with 2:56 left for the lead. UConn on 4&16 fired incomplete from their own 25 with 2:09 left.
Florida was impressive for a 2nd straight week. They settled for FG’s on their first 2 drives. UAB had 2 of their first 3 drives getting 2 FD’s and had another FD wiped out by a hold on the first drive and punted. On their 3rd drive UAB got a 38 yd TD pass after 2 FD’s but it was wiped out by illegal shift and on 4&2 they were SOD. UAB had a snap go over the P’s head for a safety with 2:32 left and after the extremely poor free kick UF drove 52/5pl for a TD with 1:09 left to score 9 pts in the final 2:32 and open it up 25-0. UF had a 308-95 yd edge at the half. In the 2H UAB had a FD at the UF30 and fmbl’d then ran a fake punt from its own 36 and was SOD setting up a UF 36/3pl TD drive. The Gators finished with 512-212 yd and 28-11 FD edges and led 39-0 after 3Q before putting the offense away in the 4Q. UF had the advantage of a game under their belts as both teams who didn’t play the opening weekend were blown out..
Darron Thomas matched a school record with 6 TD passes as Oregon rebounded from their LSU loss with a 69-20 win. The loss snapped Nevada’s 7 gm win streak as they came out of last season 13-1 and ranked #11. Tyler Lantrip took over at QB for Kaepernick (NFL) and hit 21-35-219 yds and rushed 10x for 51 yds. UO led 55-13 after 3Q and the Ducks scored 2 TD’s in the last 2:24, one after UN was SOD at their own 27 and the 2nd on a 68 yd IR TD with :20 left.
Mike Glennon, the man who replaced Russell Wilson at NCSt hit 24-41-315 yds but a lot of it came in the 2H with NCSt down 34-13. At the half WF had a 278-127 yd edge. With Tanner Price at QB, WF led Syracuse by 15 when he was inj’d in Wk1. He ret’d to the lineup and hit 22-35-297 yds completing his first 8 passes. NCSt did pull within 34-27 on a 4&10, 63 yd TD pass with 5:34 left. NCSt’s final drive got to the WF38 and on 4&10 they dropped what would have been a sure a FD pass.
Keith Price is replacing Jake Locker at Washington and he hit his first 8 passes hitting 18-25-315 yds. UW survived the dreaded 14 pt swing in the 2Q threatening to take a 28-7 lead on 3&8 from the 10 Price was int’d and ret’d 99 yds for a TD. In the 1H UW had a 370-192 yd edge and led 28-14. Hawaii did fmbl at the UW5 and were SOD at the UW9 in the 1H. UH took over at the UW27 following a -5 yd punt and they trailed 38-26. They got a TD with 1:39 left but UW blk’d the xp and ret’d it for 2 and instead of only trailing 38-33 it was an 8 pt game at 40-32. UW rec’d the onside kick.
USC had a 416-319 yd edge vs Utah but a 3-1 TO deficit. The Trojans were SOD at the Utah32, int’d at the Utah15, had a FD at the Utah12 and fmbl’d and Utah which had been outgained 239-68 drove 84/12pl for a TD with :34 left in the half to get back in it at 10-7. USC led 17-7 when a fmbl set up Utah for a 51/1pl reverse to the 1 and a TD on the next play to make it 17-14. USC had a 47 yd FG wiped out by a false start pen and punted and the next 8 poss were punts. Utah took over at their own 33 and on the controversial final drive they had an int dropped by a LB and on 4&10 were spotted short but they reversed the spot via replay it and gave them the FD at the 38. A pass interfere pen gave Utah a FD to the 23 with :11 left and the Utes lined up for the game tying 41 yd FG. It was blk and ret’d for a TD. The officials originally wiped it off the board as the USC players came on the field while the ret was in progress and the final was announced 17-14. The P12 stepped in and said the P12 rule is that unsportsmanlike conduct penalties by substitutes are enforced as dead ball fouls. Therefore the TD was allowed making it 23-14.
AF came in expecting an upset and while they actually had a 416-410 yd edge, AF gained 128 of their yards in the 4Q when trailing 35-9. TCU had the game locked up 35-9 and AF surprisingly went for a 22 yd FG on 4&4 with 8:18 left. Still their next 3 poss were punts and AF took over at their 22 with the score 35-12. AF would get 2 FD’s and then a 33 yd pass to the 4 with :28 left and with :04 left in the game, a 1 yd TD run to make it 35-19. Once again, AF had 128 of their yds in the 4Q.
Colorado St has won the last 16 meetings in this series and are 17-0-1 vs N Colorado. This time they had 28-9 FD and 501-216 yd edges but NC got a garbage TD with 6:43 left to only lose by 19. CSU got a safety with 10:23 left for a 33-7 lead and had the game in hand. After the free kick they got 2 FD’s to the NC28 and were running out the clock when they fired incomplete on 4th down. On the next play, NC got a 66 yd TD run with 6:27 left. CSU went 47/10pl and they ran out the clock.
Keenan Allen got a 5 yd TD pass in OT’s from his half brother Zach Maynard as Cal beat Colorado 36-33 in a game that did not count as a league game. Tyler Hansen finished with a school record 474 yds with speedy Paul Richardson having 11 catches for 284 yds. CU had a 582-370 yd edge. The Bears had leads of 16-6 and later 23-13 but CU got a FG with :30 left to force OT. Cal’s TD came 2pl after they converted on 1st & 30 at their 35 in OT with a 32 yd pass. Hanson became the first QB to top 400 yards passing vs Cal since 2005.
Pitt did struggle at times vs Maine and MU’s QB Smith hit 27-45-334 yds. QB Tino Sunseri was pulled with Pitt ahead 28-15 in the 4Q and bkp Anderson led a 52/11pl TD drive and Pitt led 35-15 with 8:39 left. MU gained 159 yds on their final 2 drives going 81/13pl for a TD with 3:12 left. Pitt rec’d the onside kick, got 1 FD and missed a 39 yd FG with 1:13 left and MU gained 78 yds on 10pl getting a garbage TD with :03 left.
Once again the Irish shot themselves in the foot and lost a game they were in control of. In the 1H ND had a commanding 15-3 FD edge and 268-90 yd edge. The Irish went 57/7pl and 83/10pl for TD’s and UM would have 2 FD’s on their first 4 poss. On their 5th poss, on 2&8 they got 43 yd TD pass and stunningly pulled within 14-7. ND was int’d at the UM2 and settled for a 38 yd FG and only led 17-7. ND fmbl’d at the UM29 but drove 71/7pl for a TD, 24-7. UM got a 77 yd TD pass to Hemmingway which Robinson threw as he was being sk’d and that set up a TD, 24-14. ND got off a 25 yd punt and UM went 40/5pl for a td to pull within 24-21. ND was poised to put it away when they had a 1st & gl at the 9 but fmbl’d. UM took over with 2:16 left and got a 21 yd TD pass with 1:12 left for a stunning 28-24 lead. ND appeared to put it away again getting a 29 yd TD pass with :30 left to go up 31-28 but UM went 80/3pl and got a 64 yd pass to Gallon on 2&10 on a pass around midfield which he was left wide open and weaved through the secondary. UM turned down the FG and went for the TD and got a 16 yd TD on the next play with :02 let for the win. It was the first night game at Michigan Stadium and the crowd was loud and vibrant throughout.
Stony Brook blew a couple opportunities vs Buffalo as they were SOD on 4&3 from the BUF36 and BUF got a 57 yd TD pass on their first play, 21-7 at the half. SBU fmbl’d at their own 25 setting up a BUF TD in the 3Q and in the 4Q SBU had a 1st & gl at the 4 and fmbl’d again.
Wyoming did only lead Texas St 17-10 at the half thanks to a 20 yd FG on the last play of the half. After being int’d at the TSU20 on their first 3Q poss, WY went 62/6, 80/8p and 77/4pl for TD’s to blow it open 38-10. TSU missed a 32 yd FG with 6:36 left and WY added a 50 yd TD run with 2:11 left, actually gaining 116 of their 618 yds on their final 2 drives and Texas St had just 189 total yds.
Eastern Michigan had a dominating 336-(-13) rush edge vs Alabama St but blew a couple opportunities and ASt got a 48 yd TD drive following a fmbl and EM only won 14-7.
Preparing for the triple option is always tricky and Clemson struggled vs Wofford’s triple option as they only had a 476-399 yd edge and only led by 1 score late and WU had the ball 2x, down by 8. CU took a chance out of the box going for it on 4&1 at the Woff49 and were SOD and WU for a TD 5pl later. WU used a fake punt late 2Q to go 74/12pl for a TD to lead 21-13 and it was 21-21 at the half. WU got a 61 yd pass on the 2nd play of the 3Q for a FG to lead 24-21. CU went 65/12pl for a TD to take the lead. WU went on a 13pl drive for a 38 yd FG and CU answered with a 58/8pl drive for a TD with 14:35 left, 35-27. WU was int’d at the CU40, punted from the CU39 and were SOD at their own 31 on the final 3 poss.
It was 2 completely different games in the Norfolk St/West Virginia game. NSt dominated the 1H with a 242-143 yd edge and WV did not get its first FD until thir 2nd play of the2Q. NSt led 12-10. WV scored TD’s on its first 5 poss of the 2H and NSt got 2 FD’s in the 2H. WV’s final score was with backup QB Mallard in and a 4&8, 30 yd TD pass with 3:18 left in the 55-12 win.
Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson had concussion like symptoms and only played the 1H vs NMex. The Hogs rolled up 362 yds in the 1H and blew a couple scoring opportunities as they missed a 48 yd FG and settled for a 24 yd FG and were int’d at the NM21. NM fmbl’d at the UA20 blowing a scoring chance for them. In the 3Q UA with bkp QB Mitchell in went 55/8pl for a TD then went on an 8pl drive but fmbl’d at the NM15. Later, UA got a 54 yd TD pass and a 91/13pl drive for a TD to make it 52-3 with 4:28 left. NM was SOD at the UA31 with :46 left.
Tennessee did roll up a 34-18 FD edge vs Cincy and 531-396 yd edge. UC scored on their opening drive and UT answered with a 73/7pl TD drive then onside kicked and went 59/5pl for a TD. After a UC TD the Vols fmbl’d at the UC28, drove 80/7pl for a TD, UC was SOD at their own 48 but UT missed a 43 yd FG. UC was SOD on 4&1 at the UT46 with 5:02 left in the half and UT got 2 scores ahead with a 53/9pl drive for a TD to lead 28-14 then got the opening KO of the 3Q and went 70/10pl for a TD to get ahead by 3 scores and coasted from there.
It was an exciting 1H for N Texas in their brand new home stadium and they played Houston even in the 1H. It was 17-17 when UH got a 27 yd FG with :33 left in the half to take a 20-17 lead and the yards were 230-183 UH. Case Keenum then took over and on the first 4 poss of the 3Q, UH went 85/10, 75/9, 91/9 and 90/5pl for TD’s and just like that it was 48-17 with 13:42 left. NT had 1 FD on their first 2 poss of the half. Keenum hit 26-41 for 458 and 5 TD’s.
Tale of 2H’s. Weber St led 17-10 late 2Q when they allowed a 42 yd PR with 1:37 left 1H. That set up Utah St with :53 left and allowed them to pull even at 17. USt simply dominated the 2H. They scored TD’s on their first 3 poss then rec’d a fumbled KO and added a 39 yd FG. They continued with a 99/3pl TD drive for a 47-17 lead. USt brought in backup QB Kennedy in and punted with 8:58 left but then drove 56/8pl for another TD with 3:01 left to close the scoring.
ULM was dominant with a 21-4 FD and 452-144 yd edges vs their state rival. RB Donald rushed for 144 yards becoming the first ULM player to top 100 yards rushing since 2008. ULM did miss a 40 yd FG but blocked a punt to set up a 6 yd TD drive. Grambling’s only TD came after ULM fumbled the punt at their own 46. Five plays later Grambling got a TD to actually tie it at 7. ULM missed a 31 yd FG but got a 32 yd IR to the 3 setting up another TD to lead 14-7. Grambling did miss a 45 yd FG with 7:48 left in the half and ULM went 72/10pl the key was a roughing the kicker on 4&2 that kept the drive alive. The TD with 4:00 left in the half made it 21-7 then following another int, ULM on 3&20 ULM got a 55 yd TD run by Donald to lead 28-7 at the half with a 232-86 yd edge. The 3Q opened with 5 punts. ULM fumbled at the Grambling 44 then went 77/13pl for a TD. With backup QB Wells in they went 72/13pl and on 4&7 were SOD at the Grambling 20.
Western Michigan’s 38-7 final was indicative of the game. In fact, Nicholls St’s only score came on a 36 yard IR TD when they trailed 21-0 in the 2Q. WM led 28-7 at the half with a 202-86 yd edge and fmbl’d at their own 43 to open the 3Q then drove 44/7pl for a TD. Backup QB VanTubbergen was int’d at the NS7 but 2 poss later drove WM 37/8pl for a 40 yd FG in the 38-7 final. WM had a 399-185 yd edge.
UCF went 3 &out on their first poss then BC went on a 10 play drive for a 47 yd FG and UCF went 49/15pl for a 36 yd FG, 43/11pl for a 35 yd FG and 36/8pl for a 32 yd FG on their next 3 poss and led 9-3 at the half with a 183-68 yd edge. Each team was SOD to open the 3Q and there were 8 punts in the defensive struggle entered the 3Q, 9-3 but UCF went 67/8pl for a TD. After an int went 49/6pl for a TD, 2 poss later after another int, went 30/4pl for a TD to blow open a close game 30-3. UCF had an 18-7 FD edge and 422-141 yd edge.
USF was off of their big win over Notre Dame and ranked for the first time since Nov 2009 but Ball St was also off a big win over rival Indiana in Indianapolis. USF simply dominated this game and in the 1H they had a 386-76 yd edge and settled for 24, 31 and 38 yd FG’s and also had a 33 yd FG blocked and were int’d at the Ball St 9 so they “only” led 30-0. They missed a 41 yd FG early 3Q. USF opened it up to 37-0 and Ball St got a TD early 4Q on a drive where an int was wiped out by a roughing the passer and USF went to backup QB Eveld for 5 of their seven 2H drives.
Rhode Island gave Syracuse a game. SU got a TD with 6:17 left in the 1Q and then was SOD at the RI14. RI went 86/13pl for a TD to tie it at 7 (9:43 2Q). SU got a 62 yd pass to the RI4 and a TD on the next play to lead 14-7 and RI missed a 45 yd FG (4:12 2Q). SU had a 226-171 yd edge at the half. RI opened the 3Q with a 75/6pl TD drive to tie it. After 4 punts, SU went 80/8pl getting a TD with 8:34 left for the lead. RI punted with 5:20 left and then took over at their 47 with 3:16 left but after a pair of sacks on 4&24, from the RI33 they were int’d on a deep pass at the SU24 with 1:29 left. Each team had 20 FD’s.
Navy opened with a 50 yd TD run on the games 4th play in the sloppy conditions. Navy fumbled a punt at their 35 late 1Q but WKU missed a FG and Navy went 80/4pl for a 44 yd TD pass on the last play of the 1Q, 13-0. Navy went 78/5pl for a TD and WKU went 71/7pl for a TD, 20-7. Navy went 60/5pl for a TD to lead 27-7 at the half with a 300-122 yd edge. WKU turned it over on their first two 3Q poss and Navy was SOD at the WKU26 and got a 57 yd TD run to lead 33-7. WKU converted on 4&10 with a 13 yd pass on an 86/12pl drive and got a TD to pull within 33-14. Navy fmbl’d at the WKU24 with 13:27 left but got a 49 yd IR TD with 9:51 left. Navy’s last drive was 62/9pl. They had a 1st & gl at the 3 but ran out the clock at the 12. Navy had a 510-277 yd edge.
Middle Tennessee was poised for a big game as they had their largest home attendance ever at 30,502 as they were celebrating their 100th year as a school. GT deflated them right off the bat with a 73 yard TD pass from Washington to Lemon. GT went 98/17pl, then got a 71/1pl TD pass and went 90/7pl for TD’s and after 4 poss led 28-0. MT missed a 46 yd FG, were int’d at the 10 and fmbl’d at the 16 on 3 of their first 5 poss. GT led 28-7 at the half and went 85/11pl and 63/8pl on their first two 3Q drives to lead 42-7. MT trailing 49-14 took over with 3:16 left and gained 68/9pl getting an 18 yd TD pass with :53 left.
If you look at the stats, it would appear that Southern Illinois outplayed Mississippi with a 420-315 yd edge. UM did have a short field on a lot of drives but also led 28-3. UM went 75/8pl for a TD then got a 4 yd drive after an int and a 67 yd PR by Jeff Scott. Scott was playing in place of Ole Miss’ top 2 RB Brandon Bolden and Enrique Davis who were both injured and Scott rushed for 118 yards on 16 carries along with a PR TD. Ole Miss went 62/12pl for a TD, 28-3. SI went 80/16pl for a TD to pull within 28-10 at the half and SI had a 170-151 yd edge. SI was int’d on their first 2 3Q poss and UM got a 13 yd TD drive, 35-10. SI went 77/10pl scoring a TD on the last play of the 3Q, 35-17 then got a 74 yd run to the 20 but was int’d in the EZ. Ole Miss fumbled with 6:47 left and SI got a 31 yd TD pass on the next play to pull within 11. Miss got a TD with 1:28 left after a 64/7pl drive and SI gained 54 of their yards on the final drive incl a 44 yd pass on the final play.
Duke and Stanford was a different type of game as Duke did benefit from a 76 yards IR TD to pull within 10-7 with 2:14 left in the 2Q. Stanford would respond with 5 straight TD drives after that but upon closer inspection, Duke blew a couple of opportunities as well. Duke’s first drive was 70/9pl with 4 straight FD’s on 15, 11 and 19 yard plays but they missed a 27 yd FG. Duke went 53/13pl and missed a 45 yd FG. Duke also missed a 49 yd FG at the end of a 46/4pl drive. Duke’s first 3Q drive went 46/12pl and was SOD on 4&6 at the SU14. Duke fumbled at their own 39 setting up a SU TD and was SOD at the SU35. Duke did got 76/15pl for a TD.
Both San Jose St and UCLA had different starters at QB. Richard Brehaut started and went the whole way for UCLA and hit a pedestrian 12-23-145 yards. Derrick Coleman ran for 135 yards (all 2H). SJS started Dasmen Stewart who hit 15-31-111 and also rushed for 47 yards. Blake Jurich did come in for 2 series. UCLA led 14-7 at the half but Jurich came in for the 3Q trailing 17-10 and handed off to Rutley who went 65 yards for a TD. UCLA fumbled at their own 34 but Jurich after 1 FD was int’d at the 12. UCLA went on a 67/9pl drive but fumbled and SJS got the 4th TO in 6:00 when they were int’d at their own 37. UCLA settled for a 20 yd FG, 20-17 with 7:31 left then went 79/5pl and Coleman’s 24 yd TD run with 3:35 left clinched it.
It was a wild game between Kansas and Northern Illinois. As you can tell by the final scored, 45-42 and the fact KU had a 534-462 yd edge tells you the offenses had no trouble. Ironically the game opened with a pair of punts. With the game tied at 7, KU on 4&1 got a 51 yd TD run but it was called back on a hold and they missed a FG. KU’s next drive they fmbl’d and NI scored TD’s after each and led 21-7. KU pulled within 21-14 and NI went for it on 4&6 at the KU30 with 1:51 left in the half. They got a FD pass to the 1 and hurried to the LOS to get a snap off but it was reviewed and ruled incomplete. KU took advantage, they got 1 FD and then on 3&17 a 36 yd TD pass with :17 left tied it. Each team scored a TD to open the 3Q and NI actually punted. KU took the lead because of that. Tied at 35, KU drove 73/16pl but settled for a 27 yd FG with 8:50 left. NI at one point had 5 FD’s on 5pl on their next drive which was 85/11pl for a TD with 5:03 left to go up 42-38. KU got a 51 yd KR then 2 big plays. On 4&2 a 2 yd QB run by Webb got them a FD to the 5. Then on 4&gl from the 6 they got a 6 yd TD pass with :09 left to pull off the upset.
Rice took advantage of a couple of key plays to pull off their first win over AQ foes after dropping 22 straight (since 2001). Purdue settled for a 28 yd FG in the 2Q and led 17-10 when Rice took over with 1:48 left in the half. Rice had a key 3&4 conversion early then on 3&2 fell on a fumble setting up a 4&1 and converted. They faced an interesting dilemma when they had a 2&gl at the 4 with time for 1 more play. They passed up a FG which would have pulled them within 17-13 but got a 4 yd TD pass on the last play of the half. Rice opened the 3Q with an 80/11pl TD drive. PU had another unfortunate play when on 4&1 from the 2 they were stuffed. Rice fumbled at the PU38 with 10:38 left and PU drove 52/7pl for a 27 yd FG and trailed by 2. After 3 punts. PU took over with 1:52 left at the 48. They got 3 FD’s to the 14 spiked the ball and got conservative. Rice actually called time-out and PU let the clock run down and lined up for the game winning 31 yd FG but Justin Allen blocked it.
Fresno got a 55 yd pass to the NU21 and then on 3&15 a 26 yd TD pass but the 2 pt try failed, 28-26. NU KR Abdullah returned the KO 100 yards for a TD and a school rec 211 KR yards. Fresno went 52/14pl but now down by 2 scores, opted for a 38 yd FG, 35-29. NU got 2 FD’s and a 46 yard TD run by Martinez put them up 42-29 before Hill punted on 4&10 with 1:34 left.
UTEP played a pretty good game at SMU. They did lose their starting QB Lamaison to injury on the first drive of the 3Q and backup Jay Hall played the rest of the way hitting 8-20-131. SMU gave the start to JJ McDermott and Kyle Padron played sparingly but did get a 12 yd TD run in the 2Q. UTEP settled for a 34 yd FG and missed a 46 yd FG and had a 33 yd FG blk’d in the 1H. SMU had a 258-184 yard edge and led 21-10. Backup Hall took over at the SMU39 after a fumble and led them in 6pl to a TD to pull within 21-17. The next 9 poss featured 7 punts and 2 TO’s. UTEP was pinned at their 1 with 2:47 left down by 4 when Hall was sacked and fumbled and SMU fell on it in the EZ for a TD, 28-17. UTEP was SOD on 4&11 at the SMU43.
LSU only led lowly Northwestern St 7-3 in the 2Q and it was 14-3 when NSt was int’d at their 15 with 9:03 left in the half. LSU went 15/2pl for a TD. NSt went for it on 4&5 at the LSU48 with :50 left in the half and were tkl’d for a loss of -11 yards. LSU made them pay as they went 52/5pl and got a 3 yd TD run with :20 left in the half to go up 28-3. Mettenberger made his debut for LSU and added a 59/6pl drive for a TD to open the 3Q. NSt was SOD at their own 49 and 2 poss later LSU went 57/10pl for a TD then 68/15pl for a TD with 7:36 left 49-3. LSU fumbled at the NSt39 and punted on their final 2 drives.
Louisiana Tech appeared to have the Central Arkansas game in control numerous times. They had a 14-3 1Q lead and 21-10 lead and the ball with 1:50 left in the half at midfield but was int’d and ret’d to their 20 and CA got a TD with 1:11 left to get back in it at 21-17. LT was up 35-20 in the 3Q when they gave up a 3&10, 43 yd D pass and CA got a 56 yd TD pass on their next drive to tie. Roughing the Punter gave CA a FD but they would miss a 43 yd FG after a 9pl drive. LT went 46/10pl but missed a 46 yd FG with 5:15 left. CA was int’d and ret’d 19 yds to their 38 and LT had a FD at the CA26 when RB Creer who rushed for 177 yards on 32 carries, fumbled. Not only did CA scoop up the fumble, they ret’d it 73 yards for a TD and shockingly with 2:08 left, CA led 42-35. LT drove 72/7pl incl a 3&11, 12 yd run by Holley and Holley’s 7 yd TD run with :58 left forced OT. LT blocked a 39 yd FG by CA and then Creer ran 23 yards to the 2 and 2pl later his 1 yd TD run gave LT the win.
It was a very interesting game vs Louisiana and Kent St in the fact that two teams combined for just 19 FD’s and 345 ttl yards. Louisiana at the half had a 17-7 lead but their longest TD drive was 1 yd and their FG drive was kept alive by a personal foul on 3&10 when they gained 2 yards. At the half UL, in a game played in rain, had a 79-66 yd edge. UL got a 63 yard IR TD in the 1Q. UL fumbled at their own 44 and Kent St went 44/6pl for a TD with :39 left in the 1Q, 7-7. Kent fumbled at their own 1 and UL on 3&gl got a TD for a 14-7 lead. UL took over with 2:28 left in the half at their own 28 and after 2 FD’s, the first on a personal foul on a 5 yard run, on 3&10 they gained 2 yards and a PF gave them another FD. They got a 35 yd FG to lead 17-7. UL after the game returned from a 1:20 lightning delay at 10:18 pm, was sacked for a safety from its own 7 and Kent made it 17-9. Later Kent St added a 44 yd FG to pull within 17-12. There were 3 punts then Kent St fumbled at their own 38. Gautier came in at QB for UL and they got 2 FD’s and got a 28 yd FG with 6:08 left to lead 20-12. Kent St on 4&6 was SOD at their own 45. UL had a chance to put it away and Gautier’s 20 yard run to the 2 ended in another fumble. This time Kent on 4&2 got a 19 yd pass out to their 42 but fumbled at the end of it and UL took a knee.
The Akron/Temple game was closer than the final but not much. The first 3 poss were all punts and the game went to a 1:19 lightning delay. When they returned, TU took advantage going 76/7pl for a TD. TU punted on their next poss but then after returning a fumble 12 yards to the 4, got a short TD DRIVE then went 43/6pl, 63/6pl for TD’s and led 28-3 at the half. Akron in the 2H was int’d at the TU35, SOD on 4&9 at the TU36, SOD on 4&10 at the TU34 and SOD on 4&10 at the AU44 on their 4 drives. TU got a TD with 2:46 left to extend the margin and only had a 416-269 yd edge.
CFB Week 2 Trend Tip Sheet
By Jeff Scott Sports
Oklahoma is 8-1 ATS off a SU win vs a non-conf opponent also off a SU win
Florida State is 0-14 ATS at home after scoring 35 or more points
Eastern Michigan is 6-24 ATS in non-conf road games and 0-4 ATS off a SU win vs an non-conf opponent
Michigan is 4-0-1 ATS after Notre Dame, but 1-6-1 ATS as DD faves off a SU dog win
Penn State is 1-5 as non-conf favs of 10 or less
Temple is 10-1-1 ATS as DD home dogs vs an opponent off a DD loss
Stanford is is 8-0 ATS as favs of 35 or less vs an opponent off a DD loss and 6-0 as favs off a non-conf game
Arizona is 14-0 ATS as conf dogs of 4 or more when seeking revenge
Utah is 7-2 ATS the last 9 at BYU and 4-1 ATS as dogs in the 2nd of BB road game
BYU is 6-1 ATS as favs of 6 or less, but 1-10 ATS as home favs of 14 or less off BB road games
Head Coach Les miles (LSU) is 44-4 SU in night games and the Tigers are 8-1 ATS their last 9 at Mississippi State
The Bulldogs are just 3-11 in their last 14 vs LSU and 0-8 in their last 8 weekday games.
Virginia is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 trips to Chapel Hill
North Carolina is 1-5 ATS as conf favs vs an opponent w/ revenge
Oklahoma State is 1-6 the last 7 at Tulsa, but 9-0 ATS as road favs off BB SU wins
Tulsa is 7-1 ATS off a conf opponent
Boise State is 0-4 ATS as weekday favs of 21 or less, but 4-0-1 ATS in the 2nd of BB road games
Toledo is 2-9 ATS as dogs off a non-conf opponent vs an opp off a SU win
Troy is 0-5 ATS in the 2nd of BB road games
Arkansas is 1-6 ATS before Alabama
Central Michigan is 11-1-1 ATS in MAC openers and 13-2 in the 2nd of BB road games
Western Michigan is 6-1 ATS as conf faves of less than 10 w/ revenge, but 0-4 ATS the last 4 in the series
O/U TRENDS FOR WEEK 2
The Over is 28-11 in Toledo's last 39 home games
The Under is 25-11 in Duke's last 36 road games
The Over is 12-4 when Michigan State is a road dog of 3.5 to 7
The Under is 16-6 in Syracuse's last 22 road games
The Under is 10-3 in UCLA's last 13 home games
The Under is 16-5 in Iowa State's last 21 games on grass
The Under is 8-0 in Auburn's last 8 vs the ACC, but the Over is 8-2 in their last 10 September games
The Under is 10-1 when Northern Illinois is a dog of 10.5 to 21
The Over is 41-21 in Minnesota's last 62 home games.
The Over is 11-2 in Kentucky's last 13 home games
Teams stepping up in class for Week 3
By Andrew Lange
You mean we have an actual game this week? Taking a look at college football teams that take a considerable step up in class this week after back-to-back cakewalks to open the season.
Florida -9 vs. Tennessee (UAB, Florida Atlantic) - Are we sure Urban Meyer isn't ghost-coaching this team? The Gators won their first two games by a combined score of 80-3. John Brantley was far from lights out with only one touchdown pass and a pair of interceptions but he did complete 67% of his passes.
Illinois +1 vs. Arizona State (Arkansas State, South Dakota State) - You'd almost wish the Illini got a stiffer test before playing the Sun Devils. Oddsmakers not giving them much respect by opening ASU as a road favorite.
Michigan State +5 at Notre Dame (Youngstown State, Florida Atlantic) - The Spartans got more of a game from Youngstown State (28-6) than they did in last week's win over FAU (44-0). MSU beat the Irish 34-31 in a wild OT game last season in East Lansing.
Florida State +3.5 vs. Oklahoma (UL-Monroe, Charleston Southern) - The Sooners come in off a bye week but the Seminoles should be rested after trouncing Charleston Southern 62-10. Not sure what a 4th quarter 59-yard touchdown pass up 48-7 does for one's karma.
Clemson -3.5 vs. Auburn (Troy, Wofford) - Clemson probably shouldn't even be on the list considering they needed all fourth quarters to dispose of Wofford (35-27). They also trailed Troy 16-13 at halftime before pulling away 43-19.
Washington State +7 at San Diego State (Idaho State, UNLV) - Gotta give WSU's Paul Wulff credit; he knows how to make the home faithful happy when given the rare opportunity. Cougars lead the country in scoring (61.5 ppg) but will be tested on the road with back-up quarterback Marshall Lobbestael.
Pittsburgh +3.5 at Iowa (Maine, Buffalo) - Doesn't help Pitt's cause that the Hawkeyes are off a tough triple OT loss to rival Iowa State. Like Clemson, the Panthers didn't have it easy last week in a 35-29 win over Maine. Todd Graham's offense has not looked in-sync and the defense allowed 387 ypg after allowing 305 ypg under Dave Wannstedt last season.
West Virginia +1.5 at Maryland (Marshall, Norfolk State) - The Mountaineers were down 12-10 to Norfolk State before hanging 45 in the second half. Similar to Pittsburgh, the move to a new offense has not been a seamless transition.
Navy +18.5 at South Carolina (Delaware, Western Kentucky) - Last week had the potential for a challenge but the Midshipmen rolled all over Western Kentucky, 40-14. This could be a dangerous spot however for the Gamecocks who are off a three-point win at Georgia and have a conference game on deck.
Big Ten Betting News and Notes
Michigan madness
The Wolverines are 2-0 and they just won the most exciting game of the season. Fans are giddy. There’s a problem, though. The team is pretty terrible. The offense is wildly inconsistent and only Denard Robinson’s magic and some horrible secondary play by Notre Dame got them the win.
The defense is better than last year, but that’s not saying much and they are still far from good. Michigan has an incredible amount of work to do before conference play starts. It plays a hopelessly-outclassed Eastern Michigan squad next time out, so it’s a perfect opportunity to work on those weaknesses.
If the Wolverines don’t look like a more polished, disciplined team on Saturday, then there are serious issues. Michigan is favored by 29 points.
Kirk Cousins seeks revenge
Two years ago, Cousins had a chance to lead his Michigan State Spartans to a win in South Bend, but he threw a lousy interception late in the game to seal the Notre Dame victory. Now he has revenge on his mind, and he has a better team around him than he did then.
Notre Dame has all sorts of vulnerabilities to exploit. If the Spartans can expose them, then it’s really time to start believing in MSU. The Irish are favored by 5.5.
Jerry Kill falls ill
The new Minnesota coach has a history of seizures, and the problem struck again late in his home debut against New Mexico State Saturday. He’s reportedly fine, but he likely won’t return to practice until at least Wednesday.
Kill has the Gophers working well together despite two losses, and against USC in the opener, they showed some periodic flashes of brilliance. This is a team that can’t afford any distractions, though, so it will be very important to watch how Kill recovers and whether his issues limit him in coming weeks.
Minnesota is a 3.5-point favorite at home against Miami-Ohio.
Dave Doeren goes home
Doeren, the former popular Wisconsin defensive coordinator, became the first assistant who served under Bret Bielema to get a head coaching gig when he took over at Northern Illinois in the offseason. Now Doeren brings his squad to Madison for the biggest game of his career.
Doeren and the Huskies are obviously badly outmatched by the Badgers, but they will have more insight to their opponents than most teams could ever dream of. Can Doeren and company make this one at least interesting? The Badgers are favored by 16 points.
Penn State QB issues
Having two starting quarterbacks is only slightly better than having none. The Nittany Lions were one of many teams that came into the season with unresolved QB questions. Unfortunately, while others have figured things out, Penn State doesn’t seem any closer to a resolution.
The lack of a chosen starter has unquestionably been a distraction that is hurting the team. If Joe Paterno still wants to prove he can coach, he needs to make a statement, pick a horse to run with, and let things turn out as they will.
This week the Lions visit Temple where they’re favored by 9.5 points. This would be the perfect chance to pick a starter and let him build confidence.
Games to Watch - Week 3
By Brian Edwards
LSU at Mississippi State
As of Tuesday, most books had LSU favored by three or 3½ with a total of 48 1/2. The Tigers have to go on the road on a short week of preparation for Thursday's game in Starkville, but they are coming off an easy 49-7 home win over Northwestern St. On the other hand, Mississippi St. is off a 60-minute battle at Auburn that went down to the final play. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Dan Mullen didn't call for a pass - that would've resulted in a subsequent snap - and the final play was stuffed inches short of the end zone. The 41-34 loss at AU leaves MSU in desperation mode, but a win over LSU will have the Bulldogs right back in the SEC West mix. However, LSU has won 11 in a row against MSU and has an 11-3 spread record in the last 14 head-to-head meetings. The 'over' had cashed in six straight MSU-LSU games before last year's encounter saw the 'under' prevail. LSU needed a goal-line stand at crunch time to beat MSU by a 30-26 count two years ago. Russell Shepard, LSU's starting WR, will not play (suspension) but can return next week at WVU.
Auburn at Clemson
As of Tuesday, most spots were listing Clemson as a 3½-point favorite with a total of 59. Dabo Swinney's squad trailed Troy at halftime in Week 1, only to outscore the Trojans 30-3 in the second half en route to a 43-19 victory. Clemson struggled for four full quarters last week, eventually beating Wofford by a 35-27 score. Auburn wasn't impressive in its opener, needing 10 points in the last 2:07 to rally past Utah St. for a 42-38 triumph. Gene Chizik's team played much better in Week 2, knocking off Mississippi St. 41-34 as a six-point home underdog. Barrett Trotter has played well at QB, throwing five TD passes compared to only one interception so far. When these teams met last year, Clemson raced out to a 17-3 halftime lead but Cam Newton rallied Auburn to a 27-24 win in overtime. During Chizik's tenure to date, AU has compiled a 2-2 spread record in four road underdog situations. As for Clemson, it is 7-6 ATS as a home 'chalk' under Swinney.
Tennessee at Florida
The early action Sunday night came in on Tennessee, prompting the line to move from nine to 8 ½. But the Monday money was all Gators, who were 9½-point home ‘chalk’ late Tuesday afternoon. The total opened at 50½. Florida has covered the number in back-to-back home wins over FAU (41-3) and UAB (39-0). Meanwhile, UT quarterback Tyler Bray has played lights out in wins over Montana (42-16) and Cincy (45-23). Bray threw for a career-high 405 yards and had five TDs (4 passing, 1 rushing) against the Bearcats. UF is 18-9 ATS as a home favorite dating back to 2007. The Gators have won six in a row over the Vols, beating them by double-digit margins in each of the last four meetings. UT has seen the ‘over’ cash at a lucrative 11-3 clip on Derek Dooley’s watch.
Michigan State at Notre Dame
Michigan State at Notre Dame - As of Tuesday, most books had Notre Dame installed as a 4½-point favorite with a total of 51. The Irish have lost a pair of nail-biters to start the year, falling 23-20 at home to USF before losing 35-31 at Michigan. Brian Kelly's team gave up a 16-yard TD pass with two ticks remaining at The Big House. Turnovers were the Irish's undoing, as they committed five of them. Michigan St. has won a pair of home games against soft competition, beating Youngstown St. 28-6 before dealing out cream-cheese treatment in a 44-0 win over FAU. Kirk Cousins is one of the Big Ten's top QBs, throwing for three TDs without an interception in the Spartans' first two games. B.J. Cunningham (14 catches for 203 yards) is his favorite target.
Stanford at Arizona
As of Tuesday, most spots had Stanford tabbed as a 10-point favorite with a total of 54. Andrew Luck has led the Cardinal to a pair of easy wins and covers vs. San Jose St. and at Duke. He has six TD passes and only one interception to date. Arizona is coming off a 37-14 loss at Oklahoma St. last Thursday. The Wildcats will once again be without their star WR Julian Criner, who recently underwent an appendectomy. Gamblers have feasted on Arizona as a home underdog during Mike Stoops' eight-year tenure, cashing tickets at a 12-4-1 clip in 17 such spots. The Wildcats are 7-2 ATS when catching double digits at home under Stoops.
College Football Top 25 Betting Cheat Sheet: Week 3
By Adam Thompson
Thursday
LSU Tigers at Mississippi State Bulldogs (+3, 48.5)
Why LSU will cover: The Tigers cruised past Oregon 40-27 and nearly covered a 49-point spread against Northwestern State (49-3). They’ve rolled the competition, and have seen tougher than the Bulldogs. LSU has beaten MSU by double digits nine of the last 10 seasons.
Why Mississippi State will cover: The Bulldogs come back home after a narrow loss at Auburn, but are still poised to make this a breakout year for the program.
Points: Both teams are led by their defense, but the Bulldogs allowed 41 to Auburn. Still, fireworks aren’t expected.
Friday
Boise State Broncos at Toledo Rockets (+19.5, 58.5)
Why Boise State will cover: Boise States already went into the heart of Georgia and beat the Bulldogs. The Broncos beat the Rockets by 43 last year and have most of their starters back from 2010.
Why Toledo will cover: The Rockets hung at Ohio State until the very end, falling 27-22. It’s as marquee a home game as Toledo is going to get, and the MAC favorites won’t hold anything back.
Points: Boise State scored at least 42 points nine times in 2010. Toledo has the tools to keep up, at least for a while.
Saturday
Oklahoma Sooners at Florida State Seminoles (+3, 54.5)
Why Oklahoma will cover: The Sooners hammered the Seminoles 47-17 last year. While FSU is improved, OU’s depth is still superior. Eventually, the Seminoles will wear down.
Why Florida State will cover: This year’s Seminoles are more talented than last year’s. Oklahoma’s defense showed flaws in its opener, allowing 400 yards to Tulsa.
Points: Two of the nation’s best offenses under perfect weather conditions could make for an entertaining game.
North Texas Mean Green at Alabama Crimson Tide (-45.5, 53)
Why North Texas will cover: That’s a huge pointspread.
Why Alabama will cover: The Mean Green stands little chance of slowing down the Crimson Tide. And judging by the way Alabama’s defense dominated Penn, this game could get ugly in a hurry.
Points: Alabama may have to reach the over by itself, but North Texas has already been blown out by worse teams.
Stanford Cardinal at Arizona Wildcats (+9.5, 53.5)
Why Stanford will cover: The Cardinal have already covered spreads of 20 and 30 points. The goal is a national title, and a slipup in a Pac-12 opener seems unlikely. Stanford, which beat Arizona 42-17 last year, doesn’t let up.
Why Arizona will cover: The Wildcats are never out of a game with the passing attack they bring. Being at home, at night, doesn’t hurt.
Points: Arizona can score, but its defense was exposed in a 37-14 loss to Oklahoma State. Andrew Luck and Co. will be licking their chops.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Tulsa Golden Hurricane (+13.5, 68.5)
Why Oklahoma State will cover: The Cowboys look like the real deal after blowing out Arizona. A young defense should continue to improve.
Why Tulsa will cover: Tulsa showed offensive promise in a loss to mighty Oklahoma, so the Hurricane could stay close enough until the end.
Points: Both teams can score in bunches, especially OSU.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (+16.5, 63.5)
Why Wisconsin will cover: Wisconsin is averaging 223 yards passing and 224 yards rushing per game. It doesn’t get more balanced than that. But the strength is still on the ground, and Northern Illinois is 117th against the run so far. Wisconsin is 8-0-1 ATS in its last nine games.
Why Northern Illinois will cover: The Huskies are averaging 47 points per game, against Kansas and Army. Even if NIU only puts up 35, that forces Wisconsin to score more than 50.
Points: Both teams have shown the ability to light up the scoreboard. Can NIU keep it up against a tougher opponent?
Idaho Vandals at Texas A&M Aggies (-35.5, 56.5)
Why Idaho will cover: Maybe Texas A&M comes out a little rusty after a week off and Idaho catches it by surprise. All it takes is a little competitiveness to cover a spread of that size.
Why Texas A&M will cover: The Aggies shut down the run-and-shoot style of SMU in a 46-14 win. What’s Idaho going to do? Meanwhile, with nine starters back on offense, Texas A&M should pour it on all day.
Points: Idaho’s offense has struggled this season, and that’s not likely to change here.
Washington Huskies at Nebraska Cornhuskers (-17, 54)
Why Washington will cover: Washington has scored 40 and 30 points in games so far. The Huskers haven’t been as impressive as expected, 0-2 ATS, and their defense allowed 29 points to a decimated Fresno State squad.
Why Nebraska will cover: The Huskers have a potent offense led by dynamic dual-threat QB Tyler Martinez. Washington has struggled to slow down the likes of Eastern Washington and Hawaii so far. The Huskies could be in for a rude awakening.
Points: Both offenses have looked good in the young season, while both defenses have been suspect.
Navy Midshipmen at South Carolina Gamecocks (-17.5, 55.5)
Why Navy will cover: Those not ready for the Midshipmen’s style can get sunk in a hurry. Often, it takes squads used to getting by on superior talent to settle down. By then, it may be too late to cover.
Why South Carolina will cover: The Gamecocks have figured out how to get it done in wins over East Carolina and Georgia. Navy’s defense simply doesn’t have the personnel to stay with the ultra-athleticism of the Gamecocks.
Points: USC averages 55.1 points per game, Navy averages 40.0, albeit against pedestrian competition.
Troy Trojans at Arkansas Razorbacks (-22.5, 62)
Why Troy will cover: Troy’s wide-open offense could give initial troubles to an Arkansas team that’s played subpar competition. Its defensive backfield is considered one of its strengths, which is good against the high-powered Razorbacks.
Why Arkansas will cover: Despite being favored by 41.5 and 37.5 in its games so far, Arkansas has covered just fine. Troy steps up the level of competition for the Hogs, but not enough to think the Trojans can hang.
Points: The over is 9-0 in Troy’s last nine games against the SEC. Arkansas will hold up its bargain to make it 10-0.
Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-4.5, 50.5)
Why Michigan State will cover: The Spartans will be Notre Dame’s toughest competition to date. Since the Irish are 0-2, MSU could definitely win outright and have a good shot at covering.
Why Notre Dame will cover: Notre Dame is better on paper than its record. The Irish has faced South Florida and Michigan, while the Spartans have faced Youngstown State (didn’t cover) and Florida Atlantic (won 44-0). They’ll be ready for this high-level competition, will the Spartans?
Points: Expect more defense than offense, because that’s what it will likely take for the host Irish to get the job done.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Miami Hurricanes (-3, 47.5)
Why Ohio State will cover: It’s still tough to put points on OSU’s defense, and the offense is its usual mundane, successful self. It also gets back two players from suspension, starting tailback Jordan Hall and corner Travis Howard.
Why Miami will cover: The Hurricanes get nine players back from suspension, including star QB Jacory Harris for their home opener, which should make a world of difference. The Buckeyes struggled against Toledo, hanging on for a 27-22 win.
Points: The under is 8-2-1 in OSU’s last 11 road games, and is 6-2-1 in Miami’s last nine games anywhere. Don’t be surprised if a defensive slugfest breaks out.
Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators (-9.5, 50)
Why Tennessee will cover: The passing game has been surprisingly solid, averaging 358 yards through the air. If the Vols get behind, it won’t take long to get back in it. Plus, some experts are still waiting for a Florida slide. Tennessee’s easily the best opponent the Gators will have faced.
Why Florida will cover: The Gators were supposedly in for a transition year, but so far they’re 2-0 ATS, outscoring the opposition 80-3. UF can be overwhelming in The Swamp.
Points: The over is 0-2 in Florida games so far, and 2-0 in UT games. When undecided, follow the trend of the home team.
Arizona State Sun Devils at Illinois Fighting Illini (-1.5, 59)
Why Arizona State will cover: The Sun Devils are riding the momentum after finding a way to beat Missouri last week.
Why Illinois will cover: The Illini will go as sophomore QB Nathan Scheelhaase goes, and ASU’s passing defense ranked 101st last year and is 76th so far this year.
Points: The over is 7-1 in Illinois’ last eight games as a home favorite, and if Illinois is going to win this one, it’s likely going to take a lot of points.
Auburn Tigers at Clemson Tigers (-3, 59)
Why Auburn will cover: The Tigers haven’t looked great, 0-2 ATS, but they’ve found ways to win both games. With a manageable spread this time, the defending national champs find a way again and will likely cover, too.
Why Clemson will cover: Auburn’s defense has allowed 38 and 34 points to Utah State and Mississippi State, respectively. The Tigers’ offense, with eight returning starters, has been clicking, and there’s no indication that will change Saturday.
Points: The under is 8-0-1 in Auburn’s last nine games vs. ACC opponents, and it’s 7-2 in Clemson’s last nine vs. the SEC. That said, so far this season both teams have been piling on the points without stopping the foe with regularity.
West Virginia Mountaineers at Maryland Terrapins (-1, 54.5)
Why West Virginia will cover: The Mountaineers haven’t put a full game together yet for first-year coach Dana Holgorsen, and have manhandled the competition. A complete game will put away the Terps.
Why Maryland will cover: Maryland played with major emotion and took care of Miami in its opener. West Virginia is 0-2 ATS against poor competition, while the Terps are 7-1 ATS in its last eight games.
Points: The over is 6-1-1 in Maryland’s last eight games, and 9-2 in West Virginia’s last 11 as an underdog. We should see some points.
Texas Longhorns at UCLA Bruins (+3.5, 44)
Why Texas will cover: While the Longhorns’ offense has been mediocre, the defense has been tough, shutting down Rice and BYU in wins (1-1 ATS). With a new QB, maybe Texas’ offense breaks out and wins going away.
Why UCLA will cover: Texas is going with a new QB in unproven sophomore Case McCoy, which may help an aggressive defense.
Points: The under is 8-3 in UT’s last 11 games as a favorite, and 15-7 in UCLA’s last 22 as an underdog. And both offenses are still finding their way.
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at TCU Horned Frogs (-28.5, 51.5)
Why ULM will cover: ULM gained confidence by beating down Grambling 35-7. TCU’s defense is still questionable, leaving the chance the Warhawks can at least lose by less than four touchdowns.
Why TCU will cover: After scoring 48 in a loss at Baylor, the Horned Frogs found their way and hammered Air Force. ULM is overmatched from one end to the other.
Points: ULM lost to Florida State 35-0 in its opener. A similar score isn’t out of the question.
Arkansas State Red Wolves at Virginia Tech Hokies (-24, 53)
Why Arkansas St. will cover: Arkansas State hung with Illinois for a half and dominated Memphis, going 2-0 ATS. The Red Wolves have the skill players to hang, leading one of the nation’s top pass offenses.
Why Virginia Tech: As usual, it’s tough to score on the Hokies, especially for teams not used to that level of talent and intensity. Virginia Tech will wear down Arkansas State just like Illinois did, and pull away in the second half.
Points: The under is 7-2 in the Hokies’ last nine games and 19-6-1 in the Red Wolves’ last 26 on the road.
Big 12 Betting News and Notes
By Nick Parsons
Man of Steele
Things didn’t look so great for the Iowa State Cyclones after their narrow 20-19 win over Northern Iowa. Their new QB did manage three total TDs (1 passing, 2 rushing), but his three INTs didn’t present much hope.
Well for college football non-handicappers at least.
Those three INTs perhaps provided an inflated spread and total. Iowa State was listed as a 6.5-point underdog to Iowa at home, and the closing line on the over/under was 44 points. The Cyclones won 44-41 in overtime and a key part of that success was Steele Jantz, who went 25 for 37 with 279 yards and four TDs.
Jantz was a lightly recruited JuCo QB out of City College of San Francisco and head coach Paul Rhoads even admits he didn’t show much promise in spring.
“He never really excelled in a scrimmage practice format,” Rhoads told reporters.
Now, as Jantz develops superhero status in Ames, the key concern for handicappers is whether or not Iowa State’s stock is overvalued or undervalued?
Friday night, they travel to UConn and opened as 5-point underdogs. The line has since moved down to +4 at most books. The total currently sits at 44.5.
Playing to your potential at home, against instate rivals is expected, but how a new QB performs on the road in a possible let-down game is another matter. UConn looked decent in its 24-21 loss at Vandy and it will look to slow down the pace, especially with ISU averaging 91 plays per game - fifth highest in the NCAA.
However, outside of Iowa, not much is known of Jantz. He threw for over 3,000 yards in JuCo, and that was with a team that didn’t have as much talent as Iowa State. He’s no Superman, but with Rhoads’ offense and Shontrelle Johnson at his side, Jantz and the Cyclones are more than capable of coming to the rescue.
Big cover consensus
Consensus opinion this week in the Big 12 is on all the teams with big spreads to cover. Texas Tech has the ability and style to cover the 21 points against New Mexico and Texas A&M-Idaho is enough of a mismatch to make the 35.5-point cover a distinct possibly.
But the key concern with both those games is the backdoor cover. Time of possession in the fourth quarter becomes critical and what a big team decides to do in the final quarter is anyone’s guess.
We saw that in the opening NCAA game, where UNLV managed a half-point cover, even though Wisconsin was in good position to cover at the half. An often overlooked option in games with big spreads is the first-half spread, which might be the better option in both situations. And also, don't forget about that total.
Oklahoma State conference champion?
The Cowboys face a tough two-game stretch against both Tulsa and Texas A&M on the road. Oklahoma State beat them both at home last year by a combined score of 103-63, meaning they will have to deal with the revenge factor this time around.
However, those thinking that the Sooners present the only real concern for Brandon Weeden and Co. might want to invest in OSU at +650 to win the conference. Having the Oklahoma game at the end of the year provides a good opportunity to hedge.
This Week in the ACC
By Marc Lawrence
Here We Go Again
Florida State is looking for its second win over a No. 1-ranked opponent in Saturday's home game against Oklahoma and its first since defeating No. 1 Florida, 24-21, at Doak Campbell Stadium in the 1996 regular-season finale.
The fifth-ranked Seminoles (2-0) will be looking to open the season 3-0 for the first time since 2005. Oklahoma defeated FSU, 47-17, in Norman last year when it’s no-huddle offense caught the Seminoles off-guard.
Senior S Terrance Parks says FSU is better prepared for Oklahoma's up-tempo offense Saturday. The Sooners tallied 487 total yards in last year's win. "We just were not used to it," Parks said. "They got our eyes kind of mixed up."
Florida State is 8-1 at home in two seasons under coach Jimbo Fisher, with his lone loss to North Carolina 37-35 last November.
Fisher's attention to detail is well known. "To us, every game is a national championship," said Fisher said. "Every practice is a national championship because you have to create that habit. And that's the fundamental we want to instill in our guys."
The first sellout (83,200) in three home games should provide an advantage.
"Anytime you're at home and there's atmosphere and environment and the noise factor, that's huge," Fisher said. "There's things you need to do to help our team."
Institutional Cellmates
In the wake of the numerous players suspended by the NCAA on both teams, the UM-OSU matchup this Saturday has been dubbed the "Ineligi-Bowl".
While Miami will have back five starters after a one-game suspension, including QB Jacory Harris and star WR Travis Benjamin on offense and LB Sean Spence, DT Marcus Forston and DE Adewale Ojomo on defense.
Two starters remain out: safety Ray-Ray Armstrong and defensive end Olivier Vernon.
Ohio State will be without four players: running back Dan Herron, receiver DeVier Posey, defensive end Solomon Thomas and left tackle Mike Adams, because of the tattoo-gate scandal.
Meanwhile, the NCAA has reinstated OSU RB Jordan Hall, CB Travis Howard and S Corey Brown. The players had missed two games while serving suspensions for accepting money at a charity event.
The Buckeyes beat the Hurricanes fell, 36-24, in Columbus last year. The last time Miami beat Ohio State was in 1999 at the Kickoff Classic.
“We definitely feel like we should have won that game,” Spence said. “Coming into this game we have a lot to prove.”
Every Point Counts
The ACC finds itself under pressure to perform with four schools hosting ranked non-conference teams for the first time this weekend.
“The media will make it a big weekend,” said Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson, whose team hosts unranked Kansas. “We don’t talk about it a whole lot. We’re trying to uphold Georgia Tech, and along with Georgia Tech the conference affiliation.”
The Jackets have produced five offensive plays of 70 yards or longer this season, which is more than any entire conference. SEC teams have combined for a total of four offensive plays of 70 yards or longer.
Georgia Tech leads the nation in pass efficiency (315.9) and the Jayhawks rank fourth (209.2). Tech ranks second in scoring and total offense and third in rushing. Kansas ranks 10th in rushing. The teams have averaged a combined 99.5 points.
Say What
Virginia Tech fell this week to No. 12 in the USA Today coaches poll and dropped to No. 13 in the Associated Press Top 25.
The Hokies were ranked No. 11 in both polls last week but dropped after scratching out a 17-10 win at East Carolina. The VPI defense allowed 112 total yards in Saturday’s victory.
The motivation from winning and falling in the polls has inspired the Tech players.
“We practiced with a purpose all week,” said rover back Eddie Whitley. “We just came out in the game and it got easy. That’s when we started having fun. We could have fun and just make plays.”
Last week’s win makes the team 2-0 for the first time since 2006. Virginia Tech is 15-1 since 2000 in games played in North Carolina.
Here Come The Champs
When Auburn invades Death Valley to face Clemson the defending national champions will enter the contest undefeated and ranked No. 19 despite returning only three starters on both sides of the ball this season.
Tiger DC Kevin Steele said the Auburn offense is still dangerous without QB Cam Newton, and notes his defense must clean up the missed tackles of the opening two weeks. "You can’t replace a guy like (Newton), but the offense doesn’t look any different," Steele said. "They’ve got good players and they’re well-coached."
Steele said missed tackles allowed Wofford to gain an additional 145 yards Saturday. It was the second straight week Clemson missed a number of tackles. Steele said ‘fixing’ the issue is a focus in practice this week.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney exchanged text messages with Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn this week. Swinney said Malzahn suggested that Clemson spot Auburn seven points Saturday as Malzahn strongly recommended his protégé Chad Morris to Swinney when he was searching for an OC in the offseason.
From The Database
• ACC Coaches: Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer is 22-11 ATS at home versus a non-conference foe off a win; Duke’s Davis Cutcliffe is 15-8-2 ATS as a single-digit conference road dog; Maryland’s Randy Edsall is 0-6 SU and 1-5 ATS versus the Mountaineers; Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson is 4-7 SU and ATS versus undefeated opposition.
•ACC versus other conferences: 12-3 ATS last 15 with rest versus Big East; 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS versus Big 12 since 2008 Gator Bowl; 7-13 ATS home versus SEC last seven years.
• STAT OF THE WEEK: Since 1990, Florida State is 21-6 SU at home versus undefeated opponents.
Pac 12 Conference News and Notes
By Matt Fargo
Another Average Week
The Pac 12 went 6-2 in the eight games that were not played against fellow conference foes. The two losses were rather ugly as Arizona and Oregon St. were both manhandled on the road. Oregon bounced back in a big way while both Stanford and Washington St. rolled for the second week in a row. The Cougars are 2-0 for the first time since 2005.
UCLA followed up its loss at Houston with an unimpressive win over San Jose St. and the hot seat for Rick Neuheisel continues to stay rather warm.
Overall, the conference went 4-4 ATS and on the season, the Pac 12 is 10-14 against the number so as a whole, it is not winning any popularity contests from bettors.
Winner or Loser
USC blocked Utah's 41-yard field-goal attempt on the final play and returned it for a touchdown that wasn't counted until two hours after the game ended in USC's 23-14 win Saturday night. It was originally taken off the scoreboard because of an unsportsmanlike penalty that was called after the score.
However, the Pac-12 announced that the Trojans had scored after all, saying the penalty was what didn't count.
To the common fan, it meant nothing as a win is a win but to the betting public, this is a huge reversal. The Utes had the 8.5-point spread covered but the added touchdown gave USC the frontdoor cover. Then the real confusion started as books in Vegas and offshore had mixed conclusions on what to pay out.
"Vegas is split on this," said Jay Kornegay, the Las Vegas Hilton's race and sports book director. "It's all up to the house rules, and even how you interpret those rules."
Hopefully you got away with a winning ticket.
Pac 14?
The Big XII Conferences losses could continue to be the Pac 12 Conference gains. Colorado was the first to make the switch and rumor has it that Oklahoma could be next. It is being reported that the Sooners are ready to apply for membership in the Pac-12 by the end of September.
If Oklahoma does apply, Oklahoma St. is expected to do the same which would essentially be the end of the Big XII as we know it.
The source states that Oklahoma is "fed up with Big XII instability" and is prepared to move on with or without Texas. Getting powerful conferences together is a good thing for fans but where does the line get drawn?
Offense Ruled
Pac 12 quarterbacks accounted for 33 touchdown passes this weekend and just four interceptions. In addition, five quarterbacks lit up the opposition for more than 350 passing yards which is pretty impressive considering that position had the biggest question marks for the conference as a whole coming into the season.
You would think that would send the majority of games over the total but in the 10 games played, it was a 5-5 split on the totals.
The over is now a slightly profitable 9-7 on the season.
Looking Ahead
One of the biggest rivalries in football is Utah against BYU and they meet this coming Saturday in what used to be an end of the season matchup. Colorado and Colorado St. meet in their annual rivalry game from Sports Authority Stadium at Mile High.
There is only one Pac 12 matchup as Stanford takes its sixth ranking into Arizona to face the Wildcats. This is one of two tough road games for the Cardinal, who play at USC on 10/29, before their showdown with Oregon.
Two of the better matchups has Arizona St. favored by a point and a half at Illinois and Texas favored by 3.5 points at UCLA.
NCAA Football Systems
By Robert Gainous
In researching NCAA Football systems, we looked at how undefeated and winless teams have done in certain situations. We found several outstanding scenarios that have produced spectacular against the spread results over the years. For this week’s NCAA System of the Week we reveal one of those key scenarios.
System: Play AGAINST an undefeated road team (not an underdog of 7+ points) off a favorite OT SU win in its last game. Playing against these undefeated road teams has produced a record of 12-0 ATS covering the spread by 14.0 points per game since 1997.
Our system of the week identifies undefeated teams that hit the highway after needing overtime to secure a victory their last time out. The system was last active in 2008 when Texas Tech was installed as a 20.5-point road at Texas A&M and failed to cover winning 43 to 25. Prior to that we see that the system had two active dates back in 2006 the first came on September 16 as Texas Tech was installed as a 1-point road favorite versus TCU and lost 12 to 3 to the Horned Frogs. The second active date in 2006 was on September 23 as Boston College traveled to Raleigh North Carolina to face the Wolf Pack as a 6.5-point road favorite and proceeded to lose 17 to 15.
This week Arizona State travels to Champaign Illinois to face the Illini as a 1.5-point road favorite. Arizona State played host to the Missouri Tigers back on September 9 and needed an extra stanza to get the victory 37 to 30 in overtime. That performance by the Sun Devils qualifies them in our System of the Week this week. Albeit a play against qualification because as a favorite they needed extra time to dispatch their last opponent and we expect them to be flat here facing a non-conference foe on the road.
This game for Arizona State is sandwiched between that overtime victory over Missouri and their Pac-12 Season opener, which takes place next week in Tempe where they host rival USC Trojans. For Illinois, this is their big game for September as they have faced Arkansas State, South Dakota State and only have Western Michigan on deck. Not a who’s who of college football so the game this week is huge for the Illini and their faithful.
With all the system parameters met this week’s Cajun Sports Wire NCAA Football System of the Week qualifies the Arizona State Sun Devils are our Play AGAINST team of the week. Take the Illinois Fighting Illini plus the point(s) over the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday in Champaign.
SEC Betting News and Notes
By Ted Sevransky
Covers Experts Ted Sevransky takes a look inside the SEC and gives you the best betting notes heading into Week 3 of the college football season.
Wiseguy bettors burned
I was at the Golden Nugget this past summer when the very first college football lines came up for the coming season. There was an absolute feeding frenzy of money pouring in against Auburn on that day.
The wiseguys continued to fade Auburn throughout the offseason, betting the under in the Tigers’ season win total as well as betting against them in all of their Games of the Year on the futures board. That included numerous big bets against the Tigers in their matchup against Mississippi State last weekend.
Those wiseguy bettors aren’t necessarily ruing their win-total bets just yet, but they’re certainly not happy after the Tigers stole back-to-back victories in the past two weeks. A recovered onside kick allowed them to sneak past Utah State in the closing seconds in Week 1. Last week, it was a bad play call from Mississippi State that allowed Auburn to make a goal-line stand as the clock ran out.
“We’d prefer to win football games a lot different than we are, but there’s something to be said when you can fight down to the end when it doesn’t look good and still win the game,” head coach Gene Chizik told the media.
Last year, Chizik’s squad stole a 27-24 overtime win against Clemson, rallying back from a 17-0 deficit at home. Dabo Swinney’s squad gets their chance for revenge in Death Valley Saturday. Clemson is currently a 3-point favorite with the total set at 61.
Volunteering for duty
There’s a lot of debate in the handicapping community about how good Tennessee actually is as it prepares for the annual showdown against Florida. Tennessee has won its last six regular season games dating back to last year, including last week’s blowout against Cincinnati, and the Vols have covered the spread in all six of those wins.
Tennessee hasn’t exactly been beating up on juggernauts during this run. Last year’s final four wins came against Memphis, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Kentucky – a bottom feeder and the three worst teams in the SEC. This year, they’ve beaten FCS Montana and a Cincy squad that went 4-8 last year. The Vols haven’t left the state of Tennessee since last October’s game at South Carolina - a two-touchdown loss. And with a whopping 31 underclassmen in head coach Derek Dooley’s two-deep, Saturday’s trip to Gainesville is the first real step-up game in a hostile environment for these youngsters.
“I’ve said it all along, you can’t be held hostage to the past … The bulk of our team, this is the first time they’re starting against Florida….. We took care of two opponents we should have taken care of, and we did them the way Tennessee should take care of them. And I told them, ‘That’s good. That’s a good start. Now, what’s next?’ That’s what matters,” Dooley told the media.
The Vols have had a tough time simulating Florida’s overall team speed in practice this week, particularly on the defensive side of the football against the likes of Gators track stars Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps.
“Yeah, you talk about it, you emphasize it and you put the best guys you can to give you a service look and it's just, there's nothing like that game speed. That's hard to do,” defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said this week.
Going Hog wild
Every year in the SEC, there are quality teams that get overlooked because there are so many other teams worthy of national attention early in the season. Look no further than last year’s Auburn squad for a prime example – the eventual national champs didn’t even crack the Top 10 until October. This year’s under-the-radar juggernaut just might be Arkansas.
In a pair of tuneup games to open the season, the Razorbacks have outscored their foes 103-10, gained nearly 1,100 yards of total offense and scored three times on special teams. They’ve won SU and ATS in both contests, despite failing to win the turnover battle either time.
Head coach Bobby Petrino still found a way to criticize and motivate his first-year starter at quarterback, junior Tyler Wilson, whose headlong dive into the end zone against New Mexico last week earned his coach’s ire and his respect at the exact same time.
“You have to be smart enough to get the first down and keep yourself healthy….. That’s the competitive spirit that allows your teammates to see you as a leader, and it’s hard not to have somebody compete like that. That’s just his competitive spirit,” said Petrino.
Kickoff and punt return TD’s from Joe Adams and Marquel Wade go a long way towards pointspread success. Petrino has been thrilled with the performance of the freshman, Wade, in his first two collegiate games.
“He gives us a lift on No. 1, his speed and No. 2, his toughness,” Petrino told reporters. “He’s a very, very physical, tough player. When he covers kickoffs, he’s physical and fast. When he runs the football, he’s fearless. He’s a good football player…I think you’re going to see him as the year goes on get better and better.”
The Hogs have another pre-SEC tuneup this week against Sun Belt foe Troy State. Arkansas is currently a 23-point home favorite, with the total set at 63.5.
Big 10 Report - Week 3
By ASA
Ohio State (+3) at Miami
OSU: 2-0 SU. 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. Toledo, W 27-22
MIA: 0-1 SU. 0-1 ATS - Last week: OFF
Don't buy too much into Ohio State's near debacle against Toledo last week. Toledo is a solid team and their coach Tim Beckman had a stellar gameplan against his former team. Plus, Ohio State probably had its sights set on Miami this week and overlooked the Rockets a bit. The Buckeyes now make their first road trip of the season to Miami where they are underdogs for the first time since late 2009.
OSU has allowed just 81 rushing yards on 57 carries through two games (1.4 YPC). As a team, Miami rushed for 172 yards and three touchdowns in its Labor Day loss at Maryland. The 'Canes rushed for 120 yards against OSU last season and had a punt and kickoff return for touchdown. They were ultimately doomed by QB Jacory Harris' four interceptions and lost by 12. Harris returns from his one-game suspension this week (as well has three other Miami starters) and he'll be extremely motivated to have a redemption performance this season.
Things to consider: The Canes are just 16-33 ATS as a home favorite dating back to 2001 but they've pulled off a couple of big wins (vs. #20 Texas A&M in 2007 and vs. #8 Oklahoma in 2009).
Injury/suspension notes: OSU RB Hall, and DB's Howard and Brown were reinstated this week but Herron, Posey, Adams are still out. Three starters remain suspended for Miami (SS Armstrong, DT Vernon, and WR Johnson) and OT Henderson is out with a back injury.
Arizona State at Illinois (-1)
ASU: 2-0 SU, 0-2 ATS - Last week: vs. Missouri, W 37-30
ILL: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs FCS South Dakota State, W 56-3
This marks the first real test of the season for Illinois after two big wins against Arkansas State and FCS South Dakota State (combined score of 89-18). Sophomore QB Scheelhaase has completed 71% of his passes, rushed for 172 yards, and accumulated four total touchdowns through two games. Arizona State really struggled against a mobile QB last week and could have some problems if Scheelhaase gets on a roll.
The Sun Devils are off of an extremely emotional game. ASU was at home in front of a "black-out" crowd against a ranked team. The Devils survived a comeback attempt and ultimately won in overtime. This is a let-down situation as the Devils are playing in their first road game of the season at an underrated Big Ten squad.
Something to consider: Illinois is just 3-9 vs. non conference BCS opponents under head coach Ron Zook. Arizona State has dropped three straight road openers but the last two have come by a total of just four points against two quality opponents (Georgia and Wisconsin).
Washington at Nebraska (-17)
UW: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. Hawaii, W 40-32
NU: 2-0 SU, 0-2 ATS - Last week: vs. Fresno State, W 42-29
The Cornhuskers normally stout defensive unit allowed 444 yards, 24 first downs, and 29 points to Fresno State at home last week. Nebraska should expect much more from its defense going forward and coach Bo Pelini will make adjustments. Offensively, the Huskers had its ups and downs. QB Martinez rushed for 166 yards and two scores, but completed just 48% and threw two picks.
Washington was outgained by 254 by FCS Eastern Washington in week one and only won by three points despite +4 turnover ratio. They then staved off a Hawaii comeback in week two and won by eight points. Washington was dominated by the Huskers, 21-56, early last season and then beat Nebraska, 19-7, in the Holiday Bowl for a shocking turnaround. Nebraska had 385 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the first matchup, then gained just 94 yards with no touchdowns in the Bowl game.
Something to consider: The Huskies rank 7th in the nation defending the run (43 yards per game) and dead last in the nation defending the pass (403 yards per game). Nebraska has lost two straight home games against non-conference BCS foes (Virginia Tech in 2008 & USC in 2007).
Injury report: Nebraska star CB Dennard remains questionable and is unlikely to play for the third straight week.
Michigan State (+5.5) at Notre Dame
MSU: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. Florida Atlantic, W 44-0
ND: 0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS - Last week: at Michigan, L 31-35
MSU's defense was supposed to struggle after losing four of its top five defenders from a year ago. Instead the Spartans have allowed just six points through two games, albeit to FCS Youngstown State and Florida Atlantic. Last week FAU had just one first down and just 48 total yards. The Spartans will have their first real test against a fully motivated Notre Dame squad this week.
Notre Dame is on the brink of starting the season 0-3. The Irish have out-gained both opponents so far, racking up over 500 yards in two losses; but have committed five turnovers in each game. They also have the extra motivation to revenge last year's loss in this rivalry game, when MSU used a fake punt in overtime to beat the Irish.
Something to consider: Michigan State has covered seven straight times at Notre Dame while the Irish are just 1-6 ATS the last seven games vs. the Big Ten.
Injury report: MSU could be without two starters for the second straight week as WR Bennie Fowler (foot) and DE Tyler Hoover (back) remain questionable heading into the weekend.
Penn State (7.5) at Temple
PSU: 1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS - Last week: vs. Alabama, L 11-27
TU: 2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS - Last week: at Akron, W 41-3
The Nittany Lions were dominated by Alabama for the 2nd year in a row to the tune of 27-11. It's worth noting that Bama has arguably the best defense of any team in the past decade, and PSU gained 251 yards in the loss. The outcome may have been different if the Lions could have avoided their three turnovers. They'll look to bounce back against a Temple squad that they've beaten 28 straight times - including five straight by an average score of 35-4 (two shutouts).
Temple is 2-0 and has outscored its first two opponents 83-10 (FCS Villanova and Akron). RB Bernard Pierce has 297 rushing yards and six touchdowns already and he'll need a big performance if Temple is going to pull off the upset. Defensively the Owls lost its top four players from a year ago but seem to have found a few capable replacements. PSU still hasn't settled on a starting quarterback and lacks an offensive identity and that could keep Temple in this game.
Something to consider: Since 1977 (25 games), Temple has topped 14 points just four times (!) against Penn State with an average score of 37-9.
Suspension report: Stephfon Green (No. 2 running back) has been re-instated to the team after being suspended for disciplinary reasons, yet remains questionable for Saturday.
Wisconsin (16.5) at Northern Illinois
UW: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. Oregon State, W 35-0
NIU: 1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: at Kansas, L 42-45
This will be Wisconsin's first "road" game of the season (game is being played at Soldier field yet is deemed "home" for Northern Illinois. The Badgers won the previous two meetings (07 & 09) by a combined score of 72-23. QB Wilson has been brilliant in his first two games as a Badger, completing 79% for 444 yards and five touchdowns. RB Ball leads the ground game with 181 rushing yards and six touchdowns so far.
NIU's first year head coach is Dave Doeren, who was Wisconsin's defensive coordinator the past three seasons. He has a great grasp on the Badger's roster make-up and offensive and defensive philosophy (UW had to change defensive signals this week so he wouldn't recognize). He inherited a ton of returning talent on offense led by senior quarterback Chandler Harnish. Harnish is completing 75% through two games and has 11 total touchdowns (7 passing, 4 rushing).
Something to consider: Wisconsin is just 4-11-1 ATS its last 16 games as a double-digit road chalk.
Injury report: Wisconsin lost starting CB Devin Smith to an ankle injury against Oregon State and he's out for the season. That could be a big absence against Harnish and this NIU offense.
Pittsburgh at Iowa (-3)
PITT: 2-0 SU, 0-2 ATS - Last week: vs. FCS Maine, W 35-29
UI: 1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS - Last week: at Iowa State, L 41-44
This Iowa defense lost four players to the NFL from last year and really struggled in the loss to Iowa State last week. Iowa was outgained by 100+ yards and had eight fewer first downs. ISU QB Jantz was 18-of-40 with 3 INT's against FCS Northern Iowa in week one, but he torched this Hawkeyes defense to the tune of 25-of-37 with 4 touchdowns last week. The Hawks 'D' needs to rebound this week against a Pitt team that runs a high-tempo spread offense.
Pitt is 2-0 under first-year coach Todd Graham with two unimpressive wins over Buffalo and FCS Maine. RB Ray Graham leads the nation with 332 rushing yards (5.6 YPC) with six touchdowns. He could have a big day against this Hawkeye run defense that surrendered 194 rushing yards to ISU. Pittsburgh is just 1-4 since 2007 in non-conference road games against BCS schools.
Something to consider: Iowa is just 6-5 straight up the last 11 years following its rivalry game with Iowa State. That includes a loss at Pittsburgh in 2008.
Northwestern (-9) at Army
NU: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. FCS Eastern Illinois, W 42-21
Army: 0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. San Diego State, L 20-23
After a big road win against Boston College in week one, Northwestern returned home and easily dispatched of FCS Eastern Illinois, 42-21. QB Colter had another strong performance (3 rushing touchdowns) as a starter in place of injured Dan Persa. This defense did allow 132 rushing yards (5.1 YPC) and that's concerning heading into a game against a team that averages 353 rushing yards per game.
Army outgained San Diego State by 154 yards and held the ball for +25 minutes yet still lost by three points. They ran the ball 77 times for 403 yards and fumbled eight times (lost three). Look for another run-dominated gameplan against the Wildcats.
Something to consider: Army is 1-11 straight up and 3-9 ATS as a touchdown or more underdog at home since 2005.
Injury report: NU QB Persa remains questionable heading into this weekend. Northwestern hasn't needed him yet and may not need him against Army.
Eastern Michigan at Michigan (-30)
EMU: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. FCS Alabama State, W 14-7
UM: 2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS - Last week: vs. Notre Dame, W 35-31
Eastern Michigan has a pair of unimpressive wins over FCS schools Howard and Alabama State. So take the Eagles strong defensive rankings (8th in total yards, 8th in scoring) with a grain of salt. EMU is averaging 331 rushing yards per game and that's good for fifth in the nation.
Michigan will try to avoid a hangover after a huge Saturday night win in which they scored the final touchdown with just seconds left against rival Notre Dame (the first night game ever in Ann Arbor). The Wolverines are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games favored by 20 points or more (0-4 ATS when favored by 28 points or more).
Something to consider: Eastern Michigan has lost 12 straight road openers by an average of 28 points per game. Michigan is 9-0 against EMU and has won the last four by an average of 48-15.
Miami (OH) at Minnesota (4.5)
Miami: 0-1 SU, 1-0 ATS - Last week: OFF
UM: 0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. New Mexico State, L 21-28
The status of Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill is uncertain this week after he suffered a seizure on the sidelines against New Mexico State. OC Limegrover and DC Claeys have been running practices this week in anticipation that Kill will not be there this weekend. Minnesota can ill afford to lose continuity this early in the season as the Gophers are 0-2 in Kill's first season as head coach. Minnesota was a heavy favorite against New Mexico State yet was bested in almost every aspect of the game last week.
Miami is 0-1 after a week one loss at Missouri under new head coach Don Treadwell. Defensively the RedHawks held Mizzou to just 291 yards and 15 first downs in the narrow loss. This team has a lot of talent and could be primed for an upset against a Minnesota team that's not mentally prepared.
Something to consider: Miami already has a strong track record against the Big Ten (4-1 ATS the past five seasons). And now Treadwell takes over after serving as the OC at Michigan State the past three seasons so he knows the Big Ten well.
FCS SE Missouri State at Purdue
FCS SE Missouri State: 0-1 SU
PU: 1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS - Last week: at Rice, L 22-24
Purdue lost its first game of the season in heartbreaking fashion against a strong Rice team last week. Rice blocked a short field goal attempt on the final play to seal the deal. Purdue gets (what should be) a clean-up game here against FCS SE Missouri State.
QB Robert Marve has been cleared to play this week since recovering from a knee injury. Caleb TerBush has filled in nicely and remains #1 on the depth chart but Marve will see some snaps.
FCS South Carolina State at Indiana - 3:30 PM EST, Big Ten Network
FCS SC St: 1-1 SU
IU: 0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS - Last week: vs. Virginia, L 31-34
Indiana has suffered two tough losses to start the Kevin Wilson era, but should finally get win number one this weekend against FCS South Carolina State. IU was down by 20 points early in the 2nd half against Virginia last week. They made a huge comeback, scoring 28 unanswered points and actually took an eight point lead into the final minutes. The Hoosiers then squandered that eight-point lead and managed to lose to the Cavaliers by three points.
NCAAF Preview
Saturday's best games
West Virginia won its last five games vs Maryland, the last four by 12+; WVU won last two visits here 31-14/31-19- they've got 1,194 yards on ground in last four series games. Terps gained 499 yards, 348 thru air in 32-24 win over suspension-plagued Miami, which turned ball over four times. Terps covered four of last five as home favorite. Mountaineers trailed Norfolk State 12-10 at half last week- they play LSU next week. WVU covered 11 of last 16 games as a road underdog.
Auburn gave up 38-34 points in its first two games, snuck out both wins now inexperienced team (6 starters back, QB's first road start) travels to play Clemson squad that lost 27-24 on Plains LY, Auburn's third series win in row, by 3-3-4 points. Clemson struggled with I-AA Wofford last week, winning 35-27 (21-21 at half); Terriers had 272 rushing yards vs Clemson. I'm guessing Auburn runs ball better than Wofford. Clemson is 7-5 as home fave under Swinney. Since '02, Auburn is 12-8 as road dog.
Over last 10 years, Ole Miss is just 4-12 as a road favorite. Underdogs are 8-3-1 vs spread in last dozen Ole Miss-Vandy games; Rebels won four of last six visits here, with favorites covering their last three trips to Music City. Vandy gave up defensive TD and another on a blocked punt last week, but still beat UConn despite completing only 13 of 27 passes, convering 2-16 on 3rd down. Commodores are 1-8 as home dog the last two years. First road start for Ole Miss QB Stoudt.
Colorado outgained Cal by 212 yards in OT loss last week, finding a star in soph WR Richardson (11 catches, 284 yards, two TDs)- they're 6-2 in last eight games vs Colorado State, with faves covering four of last five in series despite seven of last nine series games decided by 7 or less points. Buffs have injury problems on OL. State is 3-10 as road underdog with Fairchild as coach. Since '05, Colorado is 2-5 as fave away from Boulder. With Ohio State game on deck, Buffs need win here to avoid 0-4 start.
Florida won its last six games vs Tennessee (4-2 vs spread); Volunteers lost last three visits to Swamp by 10-39-9 points. Gators crushed pair of inferior foes (41-3/39-0) to start season, but both teams are I-A teams at least. Florida has very young OL (36 starts) and only four starters back on defense, but they have senior QB. Vols were 10-13 on 3rd down last week in 45-23 win over Cincinnati (was 14-14 in 1st quarter). Tennessee covered seven of its last ten games as a road underdog.
Underdogs are 7-1-1 vs spread in last nine Michigan State-Notre Dame games; Spartans won five of last six visits here- they've outgained Irish in 11 of last 14 series games, with five of last seven totals 55+. Notre Dame lost its first two games in excruciating style, giving up 203 passing yards in 4th quarter last week (to a QB not known for passing skills), turning ball over five times (three in red zone) week before. Senior QB Cousins threw for 2,825 yards LY; if young OL protects him, look out. Since '06, Spartans are 7-5 as a road underdog.
UCLA (+15) won 34-12 at Texas LY, running ball for 264 yards; it was supposed to be Neuheisel's breakthrough win, but Longhorns' struggles rest of year diminished win. Both sides are still struggling to find QB, are trying multiple kids in non-conference play. Bruins allowed 202 yards on ground to San Jose State, but pulled away late- they're 14-8 as home dog since '03, but just 7-6 under Neuheisel. Texas was down 13-3 at half to young BYU, pulled game out late- they're 7-4 as road fave since '08.
Louisville lost last four games vs Kentucky, with three of four by seven or less points; Cardinals lost last two visits here, 31-27/40-34. Dogs are 3-0 vs spread in their last three visits here. Cards outgained FIU 446-293 last week, held Panthers to nine first downs, but lost 24-17, with WR on FIU catching seven balls for 201 yards. Wildcats had only 114 yards in air in last week's 27-13 win over Central Michigan (trailed 13-6 at half). Louisville is 4-6-1 vs spread in last 11 games as a road underdog.
USC snuck out wins in its first two games, beating Minnesota 19-17 and Utah 23-14 (Utes' game-tying FG was blocked/run back for TD on last play of game); Trojans are now 3-10 in last 13 games as home favorite. Syracuse had only 36 yards rushing in 21-14 win over I-AA URI last week, after they beat Wake Forest in OT in opener (trailed 20-7 at half). Orange are just 6-23 on 3rd down- they're 5-3 vs spread under Marrone as road dog. USC had Pac-10 game last week, has another next week.
Oklahoma was 32-42/394 passing in 47-17 (-7) pasting of Florida State LY; Sooners are just 2-6 as road favorite last two years; they've got first Big 12 game next week. OU ran 100 plays for 663 yards in opener, easy win over Tulsa- they had 246 rushing yards, 417 thru air. Since 2007, Seminoles are 6-7 as underdog; over last decade, they're 2-2 as home dog. FSU hasn't been tested yet, waxing pair of overmatched foes. Each team has 16 starters back.
LY, Miami had TDs on both punt/kick return in Columbus, but still lost 36-24 (+8), thanks to minus-4 turnover ratio. No idea what to expect in Ohio State-Miami game this year, with so many guys still suspended on both sides. Hurricanes get QB Harris back here, but sub Morris played well enough in 32-24 loss at Maryland, as Miami gained 399 yards but turned ball over four times. Over last nine years, Miami is 16-33 as home favorite. Over last decade, Ohio State is 4-4 as a road underdog.
Home side won last four Utah-BYU games, with dogs 11-3 vs spread in last 14 series games; Utes lost last two visits here, 26-23/27-10- they're 6-1 vs spread in last seven series games as a dog, but are 6-7 as road dog under Whittingham. Both sides lost tough road games last week; this is an intense rivalry, but no longer a conference game, with Utah moving to Pac-10, and BYU an independent. Cougars have already played couple of tense road games; since '06, they're 15-10 as a home favorite.
Since 2005, Arizona is 9-1-1 as a home underdog, but they have one of youngest OLs in country; last week, Wildcats had only 41 rushing yards in 37-14 (+14) loss at Oklahoma State, now they get Stanford's prolific QB Luck. Cardinal had 205 yards rushing, 299 passing in 44-14 win last week at Duke. Arizona is way better than Duke, but Stanford won four of last five visits to Tucson, with last three decided by 5 or less points. Cardinal covered five of last six games as a road favorite.
SEC Betting News and Notes
By Alatex Sports
The Alabama defense has looked amazing thus far, allowing just 341 total yards of offense in two games. It has yet to face a decent offense, however, and certainly won’t on Saturday with North Texas coming to Tuscaloosa. AJ McCarron played every snap at quarterback last week at Penn State and it appears he is the clear-cut starter at the position. Look for the Tide to throw downfield more against North Texas to build confidence in the passing game.
Arkansas faces Troy at home this week after two impressive blowout wins against weak competition. Quarterback Tyler Wilson has been upgraded to probable after leaving last week’s game. Troy, who comes in off of a bye week, could keep this one close for a while if it holds on to the football (three turnovers vs. Clemson).
Auburn upped its winning streak to 17 with a goal line stand against Mississippi State last week. It may not last past this week, however, as they face a revenge-minded Clemson team on the road. Auburn’s defense has some major holes after allowing 979 yards and 72 points to Utah State and Mississippi State. The inability to slow down MSU (531 total yards) looks even worse after the Bulldogs were throttled at home by LSU, scoring a measly six points and gaining just 190 total yards.
Even though they faced two lower class opponents in Florida Atlantic and UAB I was pleased with Florida’s defensive performance in both games. They didn’t allow a touchdown but that is likely to change this week against Tennessee as the Vols sport a fairly potent passing attack. There are still plenty of unknowns with this Florida squad but the betting markets showed some confidence by betting them up off the opener from -8.5 to -9.5.
Georgia fought gamely at home against South Carolina last week, but they just do not have the depth or talent of a top-tier SEC team. They allowed two defensive touchdowns and a long touchdown run on a fake punt to the Gamecocks; mistakes that they cannot afford to make against high caliber competition. They will get their first win of the year this week against Coastal Carolina but go on the road three of the following four weeks: at Ole Miss, vs. Mississippi State, at Tennessee and at Vanderbilt.
After two horrible games against Western Kentucky and Central Michigan it is clear –Kentucky- doesn’t possess much speed or playmaking ability. Quarterback Morgan Newton is just 16-of-36 for 211 yards and two touchdowns on the year. I am not sure the problems can be fixed, especially with Florida and LSU coming up after this week’s rivalry game against Louisville.
Mississippi another team that looked helpless on offense during its first two games. The quarterback situation is bad and they have also lost their best player, running back Brandon Bolden, to an ankle injury. The Rebels were outgained by over 100 yards by both BYU and more alarmingly, Southern Illinois last week. A little surprised to see the money (pk to -2.5) come in on their side for this week’s trip to Vanderbilt.
South Carolina has so much talent that despite two sloppy performances against East Carolina and Georgia they sit 2-0. They get another test this week with Navy and its option attack headed to Columbia. It should be a mismatch at the line of scrimmage, but from what I have seen so far, the Middies could give the Gamecocks lots of trouble if they play undisciplined again.
Much like Florida, Tennessee has been impressive thus far, especially on offense. This will be a litmus test to see if in fact Derek Dooley’s squad is greatly improved over last season or if their success thus far has been solely a result of their opponents.
The James Franklin era is off to a good start (2-0) even if –Vanderbilt- once again looks lost on offense. The defense though has looked pretty sharp, forcing seven turnovers in their first two games against Elon and Connecticut. It should shine again against an inept Ole Miss offense this week.
Las Vegas Money Moves
By Micah Roberts
The Wynn and Las Vegas Hilton adjust college numbers early and often
# Michigan opened -29½ at the Las Vegas Hilton Monday morning and the line was bet up to a high of -31 before some Eastern Michigan money moved the line where it started at -29½.
# Penn State was a game that the Wynn opened at -6½ for its road game at Temple. When the market price was set Monday, -9 was the number and then Temple money slowly came in dropping the game all the way to -6½. The game has been bet up to -7 at the Hilton.
# Georgia Tech opened as a 14-point home favorite against Kansas and was bet up to -15½ and then bet against down to -14½ where it sits now.
# Colorado was an initial 10-point favorite for the intrastate rival match against Colorado State from Invesco Field, but was quickly bet down to -8 where it sits now at the Hilton.
# The Wynn opened Wisconsin -14 against Northern Illinois and by Monday morning the market price was -16½. It got to -17 and has since been bet down to -16½. (Game being played at Soldier Field)
# The Wynn opened 0-2 Notre Dame as a 3½-point home favorite against Michigan State. The first bet was on Michigan State taking it down to -3, but then it was bet up to -5 within two hours. The opening number at the Hilton was -6 on Monday morning and has since been bet down to -5 where it currently sits. The Wynn never went to -6. Although the first bettor at the Wynn got the worst of the number, the type of players that wait for these games to come up are pretty sharp and he saw value in the virgin number. Remember, when the Wynn numbers go up, no one in the world has a line up to compare them with. It’s old school handicapping at it’s best for an hour.
# New Mexico getting +24 all the way down to +19½ against visiting Texas Tech was one of the more attractive wagers from everyone Sunday night at the Wynn. The low limits drove the game fast and by the time offshore outfits had put their numbers up, the game had settled around -19½. As of Thursday evening, the game was bet back up to -21.
# The biggest disparity of the week rests with Texas A&M being opened Sunday as –a 29½-point home favorite to Idaho. The Wynn currently has A&M -36 while the high number of the week was the Hilton's -37, which has since been bet down to -35 ½.
# Arizona State opened -1 at the Hilton for their road game at Illinois and has slowly turned into the favorite being with the friendly Illini now a 2-point favorite.
# USC opened -13 at the Wynn for their home game against Syracuse and has been bet up to -16. The Hilton currently has USC -17 after opening the game -16 on Monday.
# The big game of the week has seen big two-way action. Oklahoma and Florida State have plenty of supporters and valid opinions for wagering on each side. Oklahoma opened as a 3-point road favorite and it’s stayed there.
# Ohio State visiting Miami, Fl. doesn’t quite have the same luster it would have had, but it’s still an attractive feature game. The Wynn opened Miami a short 1 ½-point favorite and it has been bet up to -3.
# Hawaii got early action at the Wynn when they posted -17 against UNLV. On Thursday morning, most sports books had the game up to -20½, but later in the day Hawaii action started coming in. The Hilton currently has the low number of -18.
# Stanford has been a popular play with the small money but some respected faces like Arizona as a home underdog getting 10-points here. Coast Resort properties have the low number of -9 while the consensus is -9½ around town.
# The interesting oddity of the week is seeing Alabama as 45½-point home favorites against North Texas while the total is only 53½. Anytime you can get the spread-to-total percentage at around 50%, there is great correlated parlay value by either taking the Underdog-Under or the Favorite-Over at 13/5 odds (Bet $50 to win $130). In this game, the percentage is 85%.