NCAA : Friday Football

Nebraska (5-6) at Colorado (5-6)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Folsom Stadium (51,748) -- Boulder, Colorado. Television:ABC. Home Record: Nebraska 4-3, Colorado 2-3. Away Record: Nebraska 1-3, Colorado 2-3. Neutral Record: Nebraska 0-0, Colorado 1-0. Conference Record: Nebraska 2-5, Colorado 3-4. Series Record: Nebraska leads, 46-17-2.

GAME NOTES: A couple of rivals trying to reach bowl eligibility meet at Folsom Stadium this Friday, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the Colorado Buffaloes in Big 12 play. The Huskers are coming off their most impressive win of the season, as they trounced Kansas State, 73-31, on November 10th. The 73 points were the most scored by Nebraska since it poured on 77 against Iowa State in 1997. The win also snapped a season-high five-game slide and improved the team to 5-6 overall and 2-5 in conference play. This game is the regular season finale for Nebraska as well as Colorado, with the winner earning bowl eligibility. Speaking of the Buffaloes, they had a great chance to notch their all important sixth win of the season in their last game, but they were unable to get past Iowa State, 31-28, on November 10th. It was the second straight loss and the fourth in the last five games by the Buffaloes, who dipped to 5-6 overall and 3-4 in league play. As far as the all-time series goes, Nebraska owns a 46-17-2 advantage over Colorado and it has won the last two meetings.

Making just his second career start, Joe Ganz rewrote the Nebraska record book, setting new single-game school records for total offense (528), passing yards (510) and touchdown passes (seven) in a lopsided win over Kansas State. Ganz, who is filling in for injured starter Sam Keller (out for season, shoulder), completed 30-of-40 pass attempts in the win. In his first start the previous week, Ganz threw for 405 yards and four scores against Kansas, but he was also picked off four times in that game. Ganz helped the Huskers roll up 702 total yards in the win against Kansas State, marking their most yards in single game since 1995. Marlon Lucky also had a big game, as he rushed for 103 yards and two scores, in addition to catching six passes for 78 yards and another touchdown. One of the most versatile backs in the Big 12, Lucky has now rushed for 950 yards and eight scores on the season. He also leads the team in catches (67) to go along with 590 receiving yards and three more touchdowns. As a team, Nebraska is producing 146.1 ypg on the ground, which is good, but not nearly as impressive as the 309.3 ypg it is throwing for.

On the defensive side of the ball is where the Huskers have had their troubles this season, allowing 35.3 ppg and 473.1 total ypg. The unit has bee simply dreadful against the run, surrendering 228.1 ypg and 32 touchdowns on the ground. Generating turnovers has also been an issue for this defense, which is forcing a mere one turnover per game. In the squad's last game, Nebraska gave up 428 total yards to Kansas State, although that number is a bit deceiving considering the game was out of reach early on. The defense though, did do a good job against the run, giving up only 108 yards on the ground. Steve Octavien led the charge with nine tackles, three TFLs and 1.5 sacks. On the season, Octavien leads the Huskers in tackles (80) as well as TFls (13).

The Buffaloes have had some problems putting points on the board this season, as they rank near the bottom of the Big 12 in scoring an average of just 24.2 ppg. The team is running the ball for 138.5 ypg and passing it for 225.7 ypg, and those numbers aren't great, but they are worse when considering Colorado has turned the ball over 25 times. In the squad's last outing, the Buffaloes committed just one turnover and racked up 419 total yards, but they were not able to hang on to a 21-0 lead in an eventual 31-28 loss to Iowa State. Hugh Charles had a decent game in the loss, as he ran for 83 yards and a score, while also catching two passes for 40 yards. In 10 games this season, Charles has run for 820 yards and five touchdowns to lead the team. Quarterback Cody Hawkins completed 23-of-40 pass attempts for 262 yards and two scores last game, and he also ran for a touchdown. The redshirt freshman and son of head coach Dan Hawkins, has struggled with some consistency, as expected, but he has still done a decent job in throwing for 2,452 yards with 17 touchdowns against 15 interceptions.

Defensively, the Buffaloes haven't been all the great, but they haven't been all that bad either. The unit is giving up 27.5 ppg, while limiting its foes to 127.8 ypg on the ground and 241.5 ypg through the unit. Last game, Colorado did a solid job in holding Iowa State to 351 total yards, although it did give up 31 points in the loss. The defense wasn't able to make many big plays in that game either, finishing with just two sacks and one forced turnover. Jordon Dizon though, continued to shine, as he notched a team-best 10 tackles in the setback. Dizon has been a tackling machine this season and he not only leads the Buffaloes, but the entire Big 12 with his 144 stops.

This is a huge game for both programs, as the loser's season will definitely come to an end. The Huskers are coming off a big time win and they should be able to put up enough points on the board to outlast a Colorado team that has struggled down the stretch.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Nebraska 35, Colorado 31

Ole Miss (3-8) at Mississippi State (6-5)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Scott Field (52,884) -- Starkville, Mississippi. Television: Local. Home Record: Ole Miss 2-5, MSU 3-2. Away Record: Ole Miss 1-3, MSU 3-3. Neutral Record: Ole Miss 0-0, MSU 0-0. Conference Record: Ole Miss 0-7, MSU 3-4. Series Record: Ole Miss leads, 59-38-6.

GAME NOTES: The Ole Miss Rebels and Mississippi State Bulldogs will add another chapter to their rivalry this Friday in Starkville. In this regular season finale, Ole Miss hopes to avoid a winless finish in SEC play. The Rebels are 3-8 overall and 0-7 in league action, and they are coming off a 41-24 loss to LSU last weekend. The only victories this season have come against Memphis, Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State, none of which can be considered quality wins. Mississippi State has enjoyed much more success, as the Bulldogs are bowl eligible for the first time since 2000. They carried a two-game win streak into last weekend's clash with Arkansas, but that contest resulted in a 45-31 setback. Despite that loss, it is obvious that MSU has come a long way since a 45-0 loss to LSU in the season opener. Ole Miss holds a 59-38-6 lead in the all-time series with Mississippi State, but the Rebels recorded a 20-17 decision over the Bulldogs last season.

Ole Miss is scoring only 20.6 ppg while gaining 347.6 total ypg. Of the 23 offensive touchdowns that the Rebels have scored this season, only seven have been of the rushing variety. There have been 16 passing scores posted by Ole Miss, which is averaging an impressive 13.0 yards per catch. On a down note, however, the Rebels have been guilty of 19 turnovers and have lost six fumbles. Seth Adams has taken the majority of snaps for Ole Miss, and he has completed 54.9 percent of his passes for 1,979 yards with 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Shay Hodge leads the club with 41 catches for 564 yards and five touchdowns, while Mike Wallace checks in with 37 catches for 707 yards and six scores. As for the ground attack, BenJarvus Green-Ellis leads the way with 1,020 yards and five scores while averaging 5.1 ypc. Against LSU last week, Brent Shaeffer saw extensive time at quarterback and threw a pair of interception. Adams also threw an interception in the contest, and turnovers killed the Rebels' chances of scoring an upset.

The Rebels have struggled defensively this season, as opponents are racking up 437.1 total ypg en route to 29.5 ppg. The fact that Ole Miss is allowing more than 200 yards per outing both rushing and receiving suggests that the defense has not been strong against either form of attack. Foes have scored 25 rushing touchdowns against Ole Miss, which has also surrendered 16 passing scores. The Rebels have a mere seven interceptions to their credit. Leading the way for the defense is Greg Hardy, as he has registered 18 TFLs, including 10 sacks. Hardy had a pair of sacks against LSU, but the Rebels proved to be no match for the mighty Tigers last weekend. Ole Miss gave up four rushing touchdowns and failed to record a single takeaway in the tilt.

Mississippi State has been inconsistent on offense this season, as the club is averaging only 22.9 ppg and 308.3 total ypg. Three different quarterbacks have started games for the Bulldogs this season, and while Josh Riddell is out for the season with a knee injury, both Wesley Carroll and Michael Henig are available. Carroll has clearly been the most productive signal caller on the roster, as he has completed 54.1 percent of his field goal attempts for 1,223 yards and eight touchdowns with only five interceptions. Tony Burks leads MSU with 30 catches for 418 yards and three touchdowns, while Anthony Dixon spearheads the ground attack with 954 yards and 13 scores. In the loss to Arkansas last weekend, Carroll racked up 421 passing yards on only 29 completions and finished with four passing scores. Unfortunately, he was intercepted four times, a major factor in the loss.

Through 11 games, Mississippi State is surrendered 25.8 ppg and 343.2 total ypg. Considering that the Bulldogs are allowing 4.3 rushing yards per carry and 11.1 passing yards per completion, there is plenty of room for improvement against both means of attack. MSU has registered a solid total of 22 takeaways, but the club has only 15 sacks to its credit. Keep an eye on Titus Brown, as he leads the Bulldogs with 12 TFLs, including eight sacks. While MSU was busy turning the ball over on offense last weekend against Arkansas, the team's defense failed to register a single takeaway against the Razorbacks. The Bulldogs permitted over 200 yards both on the ground and through the air in what was a shaky performance to say the least.

Mississippi State is not an elite SEC team, but the Bulldogs are much more competitive this season than they have been in recent years. Expect a home victory over the Rebels, who will finish winless in SEC play.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Mississippi State 27, Ole Miss 14

Wyoming (5-6) at Colorado State (2-9)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Hughes Stadium (34,400) -- Fort Collins, Colorado. Television: The Mtn. Home Record: Wyoming 4-2, CSU 1-4. Away Record: Wyoming 1-4, CSU 1-4. Neutral Record: Wyoming 0-0, CSU 0-1. Conference Record: Wyoming 2-5, CSU 1-6. Series Record: Colorado State leads, 52-40-5.

GAME NOTES: The battle for the Bronze Boot takes place in Fort Collins this Friday as the Colorado State Rams host the Wyoming Cowboys in a Mountain West Conference showdown at Hughes Stadium. Left out of the postseason in 2006 even though they were bowl eligible, it is beginning to look like a similar scenario this season for the Cowboys because of the way they are closing out the campaign. Heading into the second week of October, Wyoming had won four of its first five games, but since then the squad has fallen in five of six, including three in a row. After being punished by Utah (55-0) for the comments made by head coach Joe Glenn about guaranteeing a win in Salt Lake City, the Pokes followed that up with a 35-10 loss to BYU last Saturday. The defeats now mean that the team has to win this weekend just to break even at 6-6, which means that there's still a slim chance of earning a postseason invite. As for the Rams, they at one point were carrying one of the longest losing streaks in the nation, but put an end to that with a 48-23 thrashing of UNLV on the road last month. More recently, CSU picked up its second victory of the season in a 42-34 decision against Georgia Southern at home last Saturday, which means the Rams still have only one win this year versus a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Rams retain a 52-40-5 lead in the all-time series with Wyoming, but it was the Pokes who punished CSU a year ago in a 24-0 shutout in Laramie. The win snapped a two-game slide for the Cowboys against the Rams.

The Cowboys did little to stand in the way of BYU claiming at least a share of the MWC title for the second season in a row with the 35-10 decision in Laramie last weekend. Nearly 20,000 watched as Karsten Sween connected on 17-of-29 passes for 217 yards and one interception, while being sacked three times. Fellow signal-caller Jacob Doss, who was the starter at the beginning of the 2006 campaign before being pulled in favor of Sween, also saw time in the pocket and completed 7-of-11 passes for 51 yards in the loss. Wynel Seldon scored the lone touchdown for Wyoming on a two-yard effort in the third quarter, and yet he still finished with only 28 yards overall, the running game a miserable nine yards on 24 attempts. Seldon leads the team with six rushing TDs this season, but he's averaging just 3.7 yards per carry as he and Devin Moore (889 yards, four TDs) try to compensate for a crumbling passing attack. Ranked eighth in the conference and 97th in the nation with just 189.6 ypg, Sween and Doss have little to distinguish the unit through the air this season and it shows in the team's 18.6 ppg which has them ranked not only last in the MWC but also 109th in the nation this week.

The pass defense for the Cowboys was exposed time and time again by Max Hall and BYU last weekend, as the signal-caller finished with 331 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers. As if that were not enough, Wyoming's front line was also helpless in allowing Harvey Unga to rush for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 23 attempts. Once considered the pride of the MWC as far as defens is concerned, this group has taken its lumps the last few weeks but don't tell that to Chris Prosinski, Quincy Rogers and John Prater who all recorded at least 12 tackles in the recent setback. By all accounts, the way this team has played the last several weeks the defense should be falling apart, but actually the unit is still ranked 28th in the country at stopping the run permitting 120.1 ypg and 29th versus the pass (206.1 ypg). There are certainly a number of quality performers on the squad, what with Julius Stinson posting 78 tackles and a team-best five interceptions, while John Fletcher has 11.5 tackles for loss and a team-high eight sacks to tie him for second in the Mountain West.

Caleb Hanie completed just 13-of-16 passes last weekend, but it resulted in 244 yards and three touchdowns in the victory over Georgia Southern. In addition to the outstanding effort by Hanie, Gartrell Johnson added 136 yards and another two scored on 19 rushing attempts, followed by Kyle Bell who also crossed the goal line once on 12 carries. Damon Morton was the top receiver for the group with four catches for 100 yards and a touchdown as CSU produced 507 yards of total offense. Hanie has now made good on 63.5 percent of his pass attempts for 200.9 ypg, but his 16 touchdowns have been almost matched by his 14 picks. Morton is now up to 36 receptions for 720 yards and six scores, all of which are team highs for the Rams. Johnson and Bell have combined for more than 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns and yet the group is still third in the conference with 168 ypg on the ground.

While some of it may have come in garbage time, Georgia Southern was allowed to generate 509 yards of total offense against a Rams defense that nearly watched a 28-3 advantage slip away. Even though the Eagles trailed by such a huge margin, the visitors never deviated from their offensive approach, which meant running the ball 60 times for 349 yards and four touchdowns. CSU simply could not get a handle on Jayson Foster who raced for 195 yards and three scores, nor could the Rams lock down Lamar Lewis who tallied 115 yards and a score on the ground as well. In what should have been a game in which the visitors were held in check, Colorado State's defense fell apart and is now ranked 110th in the nation in stopping the run, giving up an average of 217.1 ypg. The pass defense for the Rams certainly looks much better with just 206 ypg allowed, but opponents are probably well aware that they can run time and time again versus the squad and find success, so opting to go over the top doesn't make much sense anyway. While teams have thrown for more than 300 yards just twice this season, foes have gained more than 300 on the ground three times.

This 99th edition of the Border War, the oldest rivalry for both programs on the football field, means far too much to coach Glenn and the Cowboys to allow Colorado State to steal away a critical win.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Wyoming 24, Colorado State 13

Toledo (5-6) at Bowling Green (7-4)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Doyt L. Perry Stadium (23,724) -- Bowling Green, Ohio. Television: ESPNU. Home Record: Toledo 5-2, BGSU 3-1. Away Record: Toledo 0-4, BGSU 4-3. Neutral Record: Toledo 0-0, BGSU 0-0. Conference Record: Toledo 3-4, BGSU 5-2. Series Record: Bowling Green leads, 36-31-4.

GAME NOTES: In the battle for the Peace Pipe, I-75 rivals will collide at Doyt L. Perry Stadium Friday afternoon, as the Bowling Green Falcons get set to host the Toledo Rockets in a Mid-American Conference showdown. The last time the Rockets were on the field, the team had its three-game winning streak snapped with a rough, 41-20 setback to Ball State. With the loss, the Rockets are now 0-4 on the road this season and since the beginning of last year, Toledo is just 1-9 away from home. As for the Falcons, they have won four of their last five games, including three in a row. The last time the team was on the field, BGSU posted a 31-17 win over Buffalo. A victory would bring the Falcons' conference ledger to 6-2. The last time BGSU collected six wins in conference play was back in 2004 when the team advanced to the GMAC Bowl. The Falcons have a slim 36-31-4 lead over Toledo in the all-time series, however the Rockets have won three consecutive matchups and nine of the last 12 meetings, overall.

The Rockets racked up 417 total yards of offense the last time they were on the field, but that was still not enough to get Toledo past Ball State, as the Rockets suffered a 21-point loss. Once again the team was led by the ground attack, which totaled 214 yards on 5.5 ypc. Jalen Parmele was the main option out of the backfield, rushing for 123 yards and one touchdown. Parmele has been outstanding all year and heads into this game with 1,429 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 5.6 ypc. Unfortunately, the passing attack did not have similar success in the loss, as Aaron Opelt only threw for 203 yards and one score along with one interception. Opelt did connect on 20-of-30 pass attempts, but suffered an ankle injury and was replaced by D.J. Lenehan. Lenehan only threw four passes against Ball State, but the signal caller will have a chance to throw plenty more this week, as he will be under center again.

The main reason why the Rockets suffered a setback against Ball State was due to the performance of the defense, as Toledo surrendered 446 total yards and 41 points. The team was dismantled by the run for 181 yards, and also torched through the air for another 265 yards. Stopping the run has been a huge problem for the Rockets all season as the team is being pounded for 216.2 ypg. Unfortunately, the team was unable to force any turnovers, or collect any sacks. Through 11 games, the Rockets have forced 25 miscues, but have struggled getting to the quarterback, posting a mere nine sacks on the season. Barry Church has done a solid job for this defense all year and comes into this matchup with 84 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and three interceptions.

The Falcons have depended heavily on their passing attack throughout the season as the team is averaging a whopping 290.9 ypg through the air. Overall the unit is producing 414.5 total ypg, and that has led to an impressive 31.6 ppg. With the offensive burden being placed solely on the shoulders of Tyler Sheehan, the quarterback has rarely faltered and heads into this game with a 63.6 percent completion percentage. The signal caller has thrown for 2,898 yards and has 20 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Freddie Barnes has been the main target downfield, as the wideout has hauled in 72 passes for 825 yards and eight touchdowns. In the victory over Buffalo, the Falcons were once again led by Sheehan, as the signal caller threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Barnes added on to his strong statline by grabbing 10 passes for 113 yards and one score.

Thankfully the Rockets have the ability to throw the ball, because the defensive unit has struggled to the point where BGSU is consistently caught in high scoring affairs. The defense for the Falcons has been terrorized for 421.3 total yards per outing and that has led to 31.3 ppg. The squad has struggled against the pass and the run, allowing 203.3 ypg through the air, while surrendering 218.0 ypg on the ground. This unit has been inconsistent in terms of making big plays, forcing 22 turnovers, while grabbing 20 sacks. Making stops and getting off the field has been a struggle for BGSU as well, with the team allowing the opposition to convert on 46 percent of their third down opportunities.

The Rockets have had the Falcons' number over the past few seasons, but BGSU should be able to come away victorious at home. Look for Sheehan to continue to air the ball out, as he leads the Falcons to their sixth conference win.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Bowling Green 35, Toledo 24

Arkansas (7-4) at (1) L-S-U (10-1)

GAME NOTES: The top-ranked LSU Tigers will attempt to avoid an upset as the Arkansas Razorbacks with their stud backfield invade Baton Rouge. Arkansas has played well lately, winning four of its last five games to move to 7-4 overall. The Razorbacks, who are coming off a 45-31 decision over Mississippi State, are just 3-4 in SEC play. They are obviously underdogs heading into this weekend's clash, but there is enough talent in place, especially on the offensive side of the ball, to score an upset. LSU has won 10 games for the third straight season, the first time in program history that such a streak has been established. The Tigers, who are coming off a 41-24 victory over Ole Miss, have won four straight games since their lone loss of the season, an overtime setback to Kentucky. They have already clinched their first outright SEC Western Division title and will play in the SEC Championship Game. LSU owns a 33-17-2 lead in the all-time series with Arkansas, and the Tigers posted a 31-26 decision over the Razorbacks last season.

Arkansas averages 38.9 ppg, and it is the team's ground attack that leads the way. The Razorbacks are posting 288.7 rushing ypg on an average of 6.1 ypc, and 27 touchdowns have come on the ground. Darren McFadden finished second in the Heisman Trophy race a year ago, and he has rushed for 1,519 yards and 12 touchdowns this season while also throwing for three touchdowns and catching another. Clearly, he is one of the most versatile players in the nation. The same can be said of fellow Razorback runner Felix Jones, who averages a ridiculous 9.1 ypc. Jones has only carried the ball 114 times in 11 games, but he has racked up 1,032 yards and 11 scores. One of the top kickoff returners in the nation, Jones has scored twice. Unfortunately, Jones has a thigh injury that has his status for this weekend's game up in the air. The passing game for Arkansas is led by quarterback Casey Dick, who has completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 1,404 yards with 17 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Dick was nothing short of sensational in last weekend's victory over Mississippi State, as he completed 14-of-17 passes for 199 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. McFadden had one receiving touchdown, while Robert Johnson caught a pair of scoring passes.

The Razorbacks are yielding 23.5 ppg this season and 352.8 total ypg. The pass defense has allowed its fair share of big plays, as opposing quarterback are averaging 12.5 yards per completion, and they have thrown 18 touchdown passes. Still, Arkansas can take pride in their 19 interceptions and the fact that only 186 of the 408 passes that they have faced have been completed. The run defense has been solid, permitting 3.8 ypc. Against Mississippi State last weekend, the Arkansas defense allowed the Bulldogs' quarterback to throw for 421 yards and four touchdowns. Clearly, that effort was disappointing, but the Razorbacks did register four interceptions, key to the victory. The run defense was strong, limiting MSU to 80 yards on 31 attempts.

LSU has scored no fewer than 28 points in every game this season, and the Tigers have posted at least 40 points on six occasions. Tremendous balance has been key to the offensive success of the club, as it is rushing for 220.9 ypg while passing for 229.0 ypg. Matt Flynn leads the team from the quarterback position, and he has completed 56.5 percent of his passes for 2,024 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. While those numbers aren't overly impressive, Flynn is a strong leader and a smart player under center. The ground attack is spearheaded by Jacob Hester, who has rushed for 771 yards and nine touchdowns. There are seven players on the LSU roster with at least two rushing touchdowns, proof of the team's depth and talent. In the victory over Ole Miss last weekend, the Tigers scored all four of their offensive touchdowns on the ground and finished with 228 rushing yards. The touchdowns were scored by four different players, and no individual has more than 66 rushing yards.

Opponents are scoring 17.4 ppg against LSU, which is yielding 257.6 total ypg. Of the 21 touchdowns that have been scored against the Tiger defense, 13 have come through the air. The run defense has been stellar, limiting foes to 78.3 ypg and 2.4 ypc. There have been some big plays made through the air against LSU, but the team has held opposing quarterback below a 50 percent completion rating with 19 interceptions. Glenn Dorsey is a finalist for multiple individual awards, as the big defensive tackle has posted 11.5 TFLs, including six sacks. He is joined up front by Kirston Pittman, who has made 12.5 TFLs, including seven sacks. Craig Steltz leads the Tigers with six interceptions and 73 total tackles. LSU surrendered 466 total yards to an Ole Miss team that has struggled to move the ball on offense this season. The Tigers yielded 201 rushing yards on 28 attempts, surprising to say the least, and they yielded 15.6 yards per pass completion. Fortunately, LSU came up with four takeaways, including three interceptions.

LSU is the smart pick in this contest, but don't expect a blowout by the Tigers. Arkansas will pound Darren McFadden at the LSU's defensive front, keeping things close from start to finish.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: LSU 31, Arkansas 27

(13) Texas (9-2) at Texas A&M (6-5)

GAME NOTES: The 13th-ranked Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies are set to collide in an important Big 12 contest. Texas enters this game with a 9-2 record, including a 5-2 mark in the league. The Longhorns have been idle for two weeks, as their last outing on November 10th resulted in a 59-43 victory over Texas Tech. They have won their last five games and can clinch at least a share of the Big 12 South Division title with a victory this weekend. Oklahoma, which plays Oklahoma State this week, also has two league losses, but the Sooners beat Texas in a head-to-head matchup back in early October. Therefore, if Oklahoma can win its rivalry game against the Cowboys on Saturday, the Sooners would advance to the Big 12 title game. A victory by Texas and an Oklahoma loss would land the Longhorns in the championship game. As for Texas A&M, it is bowl eligible at 6-5, but the team owns a rather disappointing 3-4 mark against Big 12 competition. The Aggies have lost their last three games, including a 40-26 setback against Missouri last time out. They have had two weeks to prepare for this weekend's clash. The Longhorns hold a 73-35-5 lead over the Aggies in the all-time series between the rivals, but Texas A&M recorded a 12-7 upset victory in last season's meeting.

Texas is averaging 36.5 ppg and 471.5 total ypg this season, and the offense has been particularly potent during the current winning streak. Tailback Jamaal Charles has been outstanding in recent weeks, as his fourth-quarter heroics have salvaged a couple of games for the 'Horns. Charles has rushed for 1,366 yards and 15 touchdowns through 11 outings, and he is averaging 6.4 ypc. Quarterback Colt McCoy, who has rushed for 384 yards and three scores, has completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 2,900 yards and 20 touchdowns. On a down note, McCoy has thrown 17 interceptions. Both Nate Jones and Quan Cosby have five receiving scores, as those two players have produced similar stats in the area of catches and yards. In the recent victory over Texas Tech, the Longhorns racked up 551 total yards. Charles rushed for 174 yards and one touchdown, while McCoy threw for 268 yards and four scores. Cosby caught two touchdown passes, while Jones hauled in one.

Opponents are posting 23.4 ppg and 360.5 total ypg against Texas, which has been shaky at times defensively. The Longhorns have had problems stopping the pass, as foes are racking up 267.2 ypg through the air on an average of 11.2 yards per completion. Of the 26 touchdowns that Texas has surrendered to opposing offenses, 17 have been passing scores. Stopping the run has actually been an area of strength for the team, as it is limiting foes to 92.8 rushing ypg on 2.9 ypc. Marcus Griffin paces the 'Horns with 83 total tackles, and he has registered three interceptions. Lamarr Houston has recorded 10 TFLs and has been credited with 20 quarterback hurries. Texas allowed 476 total yards to Texas Tech in the most recent outing, and the Longhorns surrendered five passing touchdowns. Clearly, it is hard to give any credit to the defense for the victory.

Texas A&M is scoring 28.0 ppg while gaining 390.9 total ypg, and it is clearly the ground attack that is the strength of the team. In fact of the 38 offensive touchdowns that the Aggies have scored this season, 27 have come by way of the run. Quarterback Stephen McGee is a dangerous dual threat who has rushed for a team-high 828 yards and four touchdowns on an average of 5.2 ypc. As a passer, McGee has completed 56.2 percent of his passes for 1,785 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Martellus Bennett has been the best of the receivers, as he has made 40 catches for 493 yards and four touchdowns. Against Missouri last time out, Texas A&M only managed 380 total yards, not enough to keep pace with the Tigers. McGee threw two touchdowns against one interception, and Lane scored once on the ground.

Opponents are scoring 25.7 ppg against Texas A&M, which is yielding 421.4 total ypg. The pass defense has been particularly problematic, as foes are averaging 267.4 ypg and 12.4 yards per completion. The Aggies have surrendered 20 passing touchdowns while registering a mere six interceptions, concerning numbers to say the least. Also, the team's sack total of 14 is rather low. Mark Dodge has made 94 total tackles to lead Texas A&M. The Aggies figured to have their troubles slowing down the explosive Missouri offense in the most recent outing, and that was certainly the case. The defense yielded 555 total yards, including 352 yards through air. Texas A&M surrendered three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores.

Go with the Longhorns this week, as Jamaal Charles will carry the load. Also, Colt McCoy should be productive against a week Texas A&M secondary.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Texas 31, Texas A&M 28

(17) Boise State (10-1) at (14) Hawaii (10-0)

GAME NOTES: At the beginning of the 2007 campaign this was the game that was going to put the Western Athletic Conference on the map and now it's finally here. With the outright league title on the line and a possible BCS berth also at stake, the 17th-ranked Boise State Broncos drop in on 14th-ranked Hawaii in a primetime affair on Friday night at Aloha Stadium. Last season, it was Boise State that ran the table and was the only undefeated team at the Division I-A level and this season the honor remains a possibility for the Warriors who are one of only two schools (Kansas) still without a loss and riding an 11-game win streak (tied for longest in the nation) dating back to last season's bowl victory. However, this high-powered confrontation could lose some of its luster if Hawaii's Colt Brennan is unable to take the field due to a concussion that kept him out much of last week's 28-26 win over Nevada. Tied for the longest winning streak in school history, the Warriors haven't begun a season a perfect 10-0 since 1925 and have never made it to 11-0, which is what Boise State is trying to prevent. Winners of nine straight and 23 of the last 24 under the direction of second-year head coach Chris Petersen, BSU left no doubt last week when it crushed Idaho with a 34-point second half run that resulted in a 58-14 victory at home. Over the last three games, the Broncos have left no stone unturned, outscoring their opponents by a combined 152-21, on their way to a 52-3 all-time record in WAC action. As far as the all-time series is concerned, BSU has taken six of the first eight meetings, including a 41-34 decision on the mainland last year. Hawaii's most recent victory over the Broncos came in 1999 in a 34-19 triumph in Honolulu.

It was almost like the Broncos were toying with Idaho last weekend, allowing the visitors to stick around at the break before blowing the contest wide open and cruising to the 44-point decision. Taylor Tharp again made all the right reads with a 22-of-31 effort for 282 yards and four touchdowns, which allowed him to take an early seat and give some of the other signal-callers a chance to make plays. Ian Johnson chipped in 108 yards and two scores on 21 carries for a team that produced 556 yards of total offense. The nation's top-scoring program since 2000, Boise State is at it again with 44.2 ppg this season, trailing only Kansas and those Hawaii Warriors. The squad is putting up close to 500 ypg of total offense, thanks to Johnson and Tharp who are carrying quite a bit of the load. Even though he missed two games due to injury, Johnson is second in the WAC with 944 yards and has amassed 14 rushing scores, adding one more on 22 receptions as well. Spreading the wealth down the field, Tharp has completed an unbelievable 69.1 percent of his attempts for 27 touchdowns and a mere eight INTs on 343 attempts.

Boise State surrendered 348 yards of offense to the Vandals, but considering the visitors were trying to fight their way back into contention the entire game it only makes sense that the Broncos were touched for a few yards here and there. Despite controlling the ball for almost 31 minutes, the Vandals did so even though they converted just 4-of-16 on third down and 1-of-3 on fourth-down opportunities. Always the heavy hitter for the Broncos, Marty Tadman led the group with nine tackles, matched by Dallas Dobbs who logged two of his behind the line of scrimmage. Coupled with one of the most powerful offenses in football again this season, the Boise State defense demands that opponents give them proper respect that befits a unit that is ranked first in the league and 10th in the country with just 304 ypg allowed. Throw out the obscene 69-67 quadruple-overtime win against Nevada, and the stats would be simply frightful for this group in 2007. BSU is permitting a mere 18.3 ppg to rank first in the WAC and 17th in the nation. Take the Nevada meeting out of the equation and Boise State has a scoring defense that has allowed a mere 13.4 ppg over 10 outings.

Even without a healthy Brennan to lean on last week in the victory over Nevada, the Warriors still had the WAC's Offensive and Special Teams Players of the Week in QB fill-in Tyler Graunke and kicker Dan Kelly. Graunke didn't miss a beat for Hawaii as he threw for 358 yards and two touchdowns on 33-of-46 passing, adding a rushing touchdown in the critical win as well. But there would not have been a win had it not been for the late heroics of Kelly who shook off what was a successful field goal waved off due to a penalty to knock through the game-winning 45-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining. Chances are Graunke will make his way back to the bench this week, with Brennan listed as probable leading up to the biggest game of his career. Because he made an appearance last week for just two completed passes, many of Brennan's amazing passing streaks have come to an end, yet he's still on the verge of becoming the NCAA leader in passing TDs, currently with 121, and TDs responsible for (135) with the next passing score he logs. Making stars out of several receivers, Brennan has three of the NCAA's seven active players who have at least 3,000 yards receiving in Jason Rivers (3,534), Davone Bess (3,327 yards) and Ryan Grice-Mullen (3,169).

Against a revived and thriving offense like Nevada, the Warriors had to be on their toes to stop Wolf Pack quarterback Colin Kaepernick who is capable of carrying the team both with his arm and his legs. Grabbing an interception and collecting a pair of fumbles were key to stopping Nevada, not to mention limiting the home team to just 4-of-13 on third down in the event of the season in Reno. Desmond Thomas finished with a game-high 11 tackles, while Solomon Elimimian contributed seven stops and a sack. Also having some big plays was John Fonoti who was credited with a sack and a forced fumble. No longer a pushover on the defensive side of the ball, the Warriors are actually getting pretty good at the game, allowing opponents just 23.5 ppg to rank second in the conference and 38th in the nation at the moment. Considering how much teams have to resort to passing the ball once the Warriors post numerous touchdowns early in games, the secondary has been rather impressive in allowing just 223.4 ypg to rank third in the WAC. Opposing quarterback under the gun are not only facing a quick secondary, they are also having to prepare for a mad pass rush that is first in the WAC and fourth in the nation in both sacks (3.5 per game) and TFLs (8.6).

As the highest-ranking WAC teams to take the field against each other since 1994, the league could not have asked for a better finale to give it visibility on a national scale. With so much riding on this game for both programs, it will be the respective defenses that will decide the outcome. BSU will certainly try to get in the head of Colt Brennan, but as long as he keeps control and continues to make the right reads, this will be the contest that puts him on the map.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Hawaii 42, Boise State 38

Texas A&M facing another crossroads heading into Texas game
November 22, 2007

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) -Five years later, Texas A&M is back where it started.

In 2002, the Aggies were 6-5 heading into their season finale with Texas, and disgruntled fans were calling for a coaching change. By then, A&M had slipped from elite to ordinary, the ``Wrecking Crew'' defense had become a remnant of the past and its once-steady supply of in-state recruits had started looking elsewhere.

The Longhorns beat the Aggies 50-20 and three days later, R.C. Slocum was fired. Texas finished 10-2, won the Big 12 South and played in the Cotton Bowl.

The bitter rivals meet for the 114th time Friday and the scenario is much the same, right down to the records.

Dennis Franchione succeeded Slocum, but he has failed to lead the Aggies back to prominence, with hardly a defining victory to show for his efforts. With a messy e-mail scandal this season added to his ho-hum record, he's likely coaching his last game for A&M, even if the Aggies (6-5, 3-4 Big 12) beat the 13th-ranked Longhorns (9-2, 5-2).

Franchione, 31-28 at A&M, has dodged questions about his future since his personal assistant was caught e-mailing inside information about the program to boosters who paid $1,200 a year to get it. The anti-Franchione sentiment from fans has only intensified as the Aggies have lost four of their past five games.

The school has reportedly started negotiating a buyout of Franchione's $2 million-per-year contract that runs through 2012. A&M officials have denied those reports.

Franchione says he's kept himself insulated from the firestorm seemingly swirling around him.

``I get here early, and I spend all of my time working on game plans with the coaches,'' Franchione said. ``I go to practice, I spend my time with the team. As I eat dinner, I watch the practice tape.

``Other than my personal family, that is my entire focus. It has been for almost all the time. And certainly, this year. That's the only thing that I control, and that's what's most important.''

Franchione probably saved his job by beating Texas 12-7 last season, A&M's first win in Austin since 1994. The Aggies drove 88 yards for the deciding touchdown in the closing minutes to snap a six-game losing streak in the series.

There's been even less margin for error on the field this season for the Aggies, who have faced the added burden of answering countless questions about the uncertainty surrounding Franchione.

But the Aggies say playing in games like last year's win over Texas make it worthwhile.

``Those moments you have like that one, when you got in the huddle and those guys were laying it all on the line for each other, that's something you hold on to forever,'' said quarterback Stephen McGee, who ran for the winning touchdown last year.

Once again, the Longhorns are playing for much more than sentiment.

Texas can win the South Division with a victory over A&M and an Oklahoma loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Horns can also secure their seventh consecutive 10-win season.

And there's that whole revenge thing - the loss to A&M last year cost Texas a berth in the Big 12 title game.

``We have a bad taste in our mouth,'' quarterback Colt McCoy said. ``We lost the opportunity to be able to play for the Big 12 championship and who knows what happens after that. I think it's big for us to go down there to finish this season.''

The Longhorns have averaged 42 points during a five-game winning streak that started after a loss to their other big rival, Oklahoma. In that span, McCoy has averaged 264 passing yards per game and thrown 10 touchdowns.

``We know that ever since the Oklahoma game, we have talked about finishing, we've talked about being committed to one another and fighting to the end,'' said McCoy, who gave a passionate speech in the locker room after the OU loss dropped Texas to 0-2 in conference for the first time in 50 years. ``I think that we have showed that throughout all the games since then.''

Like all in-state rivalries, Texas-Texas A&M divides families, strains marriages and pits former high school teammates against each other.

McGee and Texas receiver Jordan Shipley led Burnet to Class 3A championship games in 2002 and '03. Aggies offensive lineman Kirk Elder's mother went to A&M, and his stepfather played for legendary Texas coach Darrell Royal. Texas tight end Jermichael Finley and A&M running back Jorvorskie Lane are brothers by the same father.

``Last year, it was my bragging rights. I just bugged him all the time,'' said Lane. ``He'd be like, 'Whatever,' and he'd get a little mad. This year, it could go either way. We're really looking forward to playing each other again.''

Stakes in Egg Bowl are high for bowl-hopeful Mississippi State
November 22, 2007

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -Mississippi State has reached so many milestones this season - six wins, bowl eligibility, upsets of ranked teams.

Yet none of it will matter to coach Sylvester Croom or anybody else in Starkville if the Bulldogs lose Friday to Mississippi in the Egg Bowl.

``If we beat Ole Miss it's a great year,'' Croom said. ``If we don't beat Ole Miss it's not a good year in my mind. It's that simple.''

The 104th game in the rivalry means something more than bragging rights for the first time since 2003, when Ole Miss won a share of the Southeastern Conference Western Division title with a 31-0 win.

For Mississippi State (6-5, 3-4), a win strengthens the resume of a team that hasn't been to a bowl since 2000 - even though seven wins won't guarantee a postseason trip in a crowded conference bowl picture.

Ole Miss (3-8, 0-7) needs a victory to avoid its first winless conference season since 1982.

Mississippi State players are keenly aware of the stakes and the attitude Ole Miss is likely to bring to Starkville. The Rebels are coming off their best performance of the season in a 41-24 loss to top-ranked LSU last week. And the Bulldogs are in their must-win situation after a disappointing 45-31 loss at Arkansas.

``We just know they ain't got nothing to lose, so they're really just trying to mess up our season,'' Bulldogs wide receiver Jamayel Smith said. ``After watching them play hard (against LSU), we've just got to bring it.''

The Bulldogs have done just that in games against Auburn, Kentucky and Alabama this year. After three years of rebuilding, Croom has the team headed in the right direction, reaching milestones every week as the season progressed.

The Rebels have been on the opposite track, though they have shown improvement despite losing four of their last five. Yet the momentum is slipping away against their rival, who they compete against not only on the field, but also in recruiting and fundraising.

A win against Mississippi State might give Ole Miss the nudge it needs in the offseason for coach Ed Orgeron's rebuilding effort.

``It would make a good ride home, I'll tell you that,'' Orgeron said. ``We are looking forward to something like that, but just first of all the team deserves a win. They have worked hard, and they deserve it more than anybody you can talk about.''

The story lines for both teams are similar.

Mississippi State finally looks settled at quarterback, where Wes Carroll threw for 421 yards and a record-tying four touchdowns against Arkansas. The Bulldogs also feature power runner Anthony Dixon, who is 46 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season and fourth in the nation with 14 touchdowns.

Quarterback Brent Schaeffer likely will start for Ole Miss after slashing LSU for 302 total yards. The Rebels also feature a physical running back in BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who clinched his second straight 1,000-yard season last week.

If the Bulldogs can wrap up Schaeffer and Green-Ellis, they could be chosen by the Music City, Liberty or Independence bowls. It would be Mississippi State's first trip to a bowl since beating Texas A&M in the 2000 Independence Bowl, providing a significant mile marker on the road back to success.

Bulldogs defensive end Titus Brown said a loss would be devastating.

``It's like you worked so hard to achieve something that's so great and at the end and you just throw it all away,'' he said.

``So this week is very important. It's a big game for us. It's a big game for this program. It's critical we go out and play our best game so we can get Mississippi State back on track.''

No. 14 Hawaii faces No. 17 Boise State in 'biggest game in WAC history'
November 22, 2007

HONOLULU (AP) -Hawaii's to do list: win the Western Athletic Conference title, go 12-0, secure a BCS berth and knock off a big-name program. Sound familiar?

The 14th-ranked Warriors are trying to repeat Boise State's magic from last season. But to do so, they need to first get past the 17th-ranked Broncos on Friday night.

On the line for Hawaii (10-0, 7-0) is its perfect season, BCS hopes, first outright WAC title and some respect.

``Obviously, we're playing for a lot,'' said record-breaking quarterback Colt Brennan, who will start for the Warriors after recovering from a concussion sustained two weeks ago. ``It almost seems like the situation is bigger than us. All we can do is focus on the game itself and hopefully get that victory.''

Since joining the WAC in 2001, Boise State (10-1, 7-0) has dominated the conference - and Hawaii. The Broncos are seeking a seventh straight victory over the Warriors and their sixth consecutive WAC title. Boise State also hasn't given up hope of making it to the big stage for a second consecutive year.

``This is, as we say every week, our bowl game right now,'' said Broncos running back Ian Johnson, who is averaging 104.9 rushing yards a game and has scored 15 TDs.

Hawaii is 15th in the BCS standings and needs to finish 12th or higher to secure a spot in a BCS bowl. Boise State is 19th.

The WAC heavyweights are two of the winningest teams in college football. Boise State has won 23 of its last 24 games, while Hawaii has won 20 of its last 21 games, including 11 straight.

``It is the biggest game in WAC history,'' WAC commissioner Karl Benson said. ``It has all the buzz and all the hype that we were expecting it to have.''

The game is expected to be a shootout, with Hawaii leading the nation with an average of 48 points. Boise State is third with 44.2 points.

``For us to compete, it's probably going to have to be (high scoring),'' Broncos coach Chris Petersen said. ``They're a hard team to match in terms of points but we're going to have to get some things done on offense.''

Boise State put itself in position to win a sixth consecutive WAC crown by dismantling Idaho last week 58-14. The victory was the Broncos' ninth straight since losing at Washington.

Hawaii closes the regular season at home against Washington next week.

Last year, Boise State handed Hawaii its lone WAC loss, 41-34, during the Broncos' remarkable season capped by a stunning win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

``If we wanted to win the WAC, we knew we had to beat Boise and that's where we're at,'' Hawaii coach June Jones said. ``They do a great job executing. They're good in all phases of the game and we're going to have to play our best game to beat them.''

The Broncos realize the Warriors are much improved this year, especially on defense. Hawaii is second in the WAC in total and scoring defense.

``It's a huge reason they are 10-0,'' Johnson said. ``Their defense is making plays.''

Brennan said the Warriors have learned how to win the close game.

``We were 18 points from being undefeated last year,'' Brennan said. ``I think the lesson was learned. ... We've learned how to win and we've learned how to finish. ... We've come this far and it doesn't mean anything if we don't finish undefeated.''

Boise State represents this season's only ranked opponent for Hawaii, which has enjoyed a schedule as soft as the ocean breezes in Waikiki. The strength, or softness, of the Warriors' schedule has prevented them from making a serious move up the polls and BCS standings. It has also drawn scrutiny and debate.

``The only time we'll be able to silence the critics is if were to go to a BCS bowl and play a big-time school and we win,'' Brennan said. ``Until then, we're still going to have people who hate. It's just something we have to deal with.''

Brennan, who has thrown for 3,237 yards and 28 TDs, needs just one scoring pass to break former BYU standout Ty Detmer's NCAA career mark of 121. Brennan also is tied with Detmer for most touchdowns responsible for with 135.

Brennan already owns or shares 24 NCAA records.

``I think Colt is, if not the best, one of the best QBs in the country right now,'' Petersen said. ``The guy's a phenomenal player.''

The Warriors are coming off a 28-26 victory at Nevada without Brennan, who suffered a concussion Nov. 10 against Fresno State. Brennan said he's at 100 percent for Friday.

His favorite targets are Ryan Grice-Mullen and Davone Bess, who have combined for 166 receptions for 2,142 yards and 20 TDs this season.

Taylor Tharp leads the passing game for Boise State and is looking sharper every week. The senior has completed 80 percent of his passes in the past three games, throwing for 824 yards and nine TDs with one interception.

LSU looks to keep top ranking amid speculation over Miles' future
November 22, 2007

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -LSU fans have finally warmed up to Les Miles.

Whether they see him coach another game in Tiger Stadium after Friday remains to be seen.

The game for ``the Golden Boot,'' a trophy shaped like Arkansas and Louisiana, routinely provides a compelling end to the regular season for the Tigers and Razorbacks. But this year's edition carries even more subplots than usual.

No. 1 LSU (10-1, 6-1) needs a win to carry national championship hopes into the Southeastern Conference title game Dec. 1 in Atlanta. Arkansas (7-4, 3-4) might be playing for coach Houston Nutt's job.

Then there's that vacancy at Michigan, where Miles played, was an assistant coach and is now being talked about as a prime candidate to take over the Wolverines' storied program.

``We're not letting any of that (Michigan talk) get in our heads,'' LSU linebacker Luke Sanders said. ``We're focused on Arkansas, because it really has an impact on what our whole season's going to be.''

Miles avoided discussing Michigan at length during his weekly luncheon with reporters on Monday, pausing, watery-eyed, to compose himself as he asserted that he loves his current team and wouldn't do anything to hurt it.

The coach stopped short of promising to return next season. If he comes back, it would seem fitting that it took him time to decide whether LSU is the place he wants to be for the foreseeable future.

Tigers fans certainly took their time deciding whether Miles was the guy they wanted to lead their beloved team.

Miles had the good fortune of inheriting a squad loaded with talent (see the four first-round draft picks in 2006) when he took over for Nick Saban in 2005. During Saban's two seasons in the NFL, many continued to credit the former coach's groundwork when LSU won and blame Miles when the Tigers lost. Miles was 11-2 in each of his first two seasons with a pair of lopsided bowl victories, but two losses were too many for a team with national championship aspirations.

Support for Miles began to surge this season when Saban returned to the college ranks with SEC West Division rival Alabama. Now, Miles has not only vanquished Alabama but has used daring, exciting play-calling to keep LSU in the hunt to play in the BCS title game in January in New Orleans.

Plus, he's had several highly regarded recruiting classes, keeping LSU in line for future success.

``I have a great job. I love this place. This is a place where I am comfortable and my family is comfortable,'' Miles said. ``I don't want to talk about jobs and don't care about jobs. I don't want to involve myself in that thought process. It is counterproductive to preparation.''

LSU spent the week preparing for an Arkansas offense that looked impressive in a 45-31 win over Mississippi State last Saturday. Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Darren McFadden, the Razorbacks have won three of their last four SEC contests, topping 40 points in each win.

McFadden averages 138.1 rushing yards per game; his 4,279 career rushing yards are the best in Arkansas history. If he gains more than 25 yards Friday, he'll pass Bo Jackson for third on the SEC's all-time list. Felix Jones, who has 1,032 yards and 11 TDs but has been slowed in recent weeks by a bruised thigh, will be ready for the Tigers as well, Nutt said.

Arkansas' attack has been bolstered recently by the improving health of receiver Marcus Monk, who was hampered by an early season knee injury but had three receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown last week.

``That's what makes you wish you could play September over again,'' Nutt said in reference to SEC losses that month to Alabama and Kentucky. ``He's the biggest difference. ... It's a different scenario because you're able to throw balls up. You're able to take more shots.''

LSU's statistical charts lack eyebrow-raising individual numbers. The Tigers have many players they can win with, and Miles seems willing to use them all.

Receivers Demetrius Byrd, Brandon LaFell, Jared Mitchell and Terrance Tolliver have joined senior Early Doucet and tight end Richard Dickson to give quarterback Matt Flynn a variety of play-making targets. In the running game, Miles has rotated Jacob Hester, Keiland Williams, Charles Scott, Richard Murphy and small-but-speedy track star Trindon Holliday, who's also a dangerous kick returner. Together, they average 221 yards per game on the ground.

Friday is senior day at LSU, meaning the Tigers will playing with an extra shot of emotion in a stadium where they've won 19 straight.

Nutt has to contend with all that - and rumors in Fayetteville, Ark., that he will be out as Razorbacks coach after the game. Arkansas athletic officials are denying that, for now, while Nutt has sought to deflect scrutiny.

``I don't think our people sometimes realize how hard it is to get to Atlanta'' for the SEC title game, Nutt said.

``Your players deserve the credit of playing in the toughest league in America,'' he said. `` ... I just appreciate their effort. I think attention needs to be brought to those guys.''

CSU coach Lubick wants focus on Wyoming game, not his future
November 22, 2007

Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick doesn't want the season finale to be about him.

Yet it's all about him. The Lubick Era at Colorado State could possibly be coming to an end after the Rams' season-ending game against Wyoming on Friday.

However, the 70-year-old Lubick wasn't ready to deal with that possibility quite yet. He'll assess his coaching future after the contest.

``This is about this football team. This is not about Sonny Lubick,'' he said. ``It has nothing to do with me other than I'll be coaching, hoping, hollering, swearing and cussing. I'll be there on the sideline coaching like I (always have) with all the intention to continue coaching.''

Lubick's teams have stumbled onto hard times. The Rams lost 13 in a row dating back to last season, before snapping the string with a 48-23 win over UNLV on Oct. 20.

The Rams (2-9, 1-6 Mountain West Conference) had to withstand a furious fourth-quarter rally from Georgia Southern last week to earn a 42-34 win.

Despite the Rams' woes this season, Lubick said this group occupies a special place with him.

``I personally thanked them for everything they've done this year,'' Lubick said. ``I've been in programs where, when things don't go your way, you quit. But these kids are just something. I see a team that has played with more heart and character.''

The Rams have been highly successful under Lubick's 15-year regime. The team has won or shared six conference titles since 1994, more than any other conference member over that period. The Rams have also been to nine bowl games in that stretch.

Lubick also has helped renovate and expand a stadium and field that now bears his name.

Although the team has struggled, Lubick's passion for the game remains the same. He has been staying at the office until midnight preparing for Wyoming, and returning again at 6 a.m.

Winning the Border War means that much to him.

``When I see those Cowboy uniforms, that gets me fired up,'' Lubick said. ``That's all I think about.''

Wyoming (5-6, 2-5) appeared to be a lock for a possible bowl bid before dropping five of its last six contests. The Cowboys have been outscored 112-34 in their last three losses, including a 50-0 drubbing at Utah.

``Our hopes and dreams were different early in the year,'' Cowboys coach Joe Glenn said.

There's still plenty on the line for CSU and Wyoming - like the Bronze Boot, the trophy given to the winner of the annual Border War game. The tradition began with the 1968 season, and Wyoming leads the series 20-19.

``Everybody wants the Boot,'' said Glenn, whose team possesses the trophy thanks to a 24-0 win last season. ``All the alums want the Boot. You can walk a little taller in the offseason. It lets you go into the offseason with a little more momentum.

``Regardless of what their record and our is, you know this will be a fight. That's the way we want it. That's the way they want it.''

Lubick can't put his finger on what has gone wrong over the past few seasons. But he points to recruiting as a potential culprit.

``It's an uphill battle and it's always hard,'' he said. ``You're not going to get the best kids out of Denver. They'll go to CU or somewhere. Just got to upgrade the playing, do a little better coaching. I don't think we're that far. Every school has their ups and downs and problems.''

Lubick has been asked all week if this may be the end of the road for him. And while he appreciates the concern, the longtime coach is sick of the inquiry.

``I'm not thinking anything other than coaching as I always have been,'' Lubick said. ``I'm up in my office the same time as usual. I'm coaching as hard as I always have. I haven't given that (coaching next season) much thought. I'm figuring out this football game. ... This is about a big game with Wyoming. It has not anything to do with me.''

Callahan focuses on Colorado, but decision looms on his future
November 22, 2007

The stakes go way beyond bowl eligibility when the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Colorado Buffaloes play their annual grudge match on the day after Thanksgiving.

Only interim athletic director Tom Osborne knows for sure if this is Bill Callahan's last game as Nebraska's coach. What is certain is that if the Buffs win, the Huskers' season is over.

That also would make Colorado bowl-eligible just a year after going 2-10 in Dan Hawkins' inaugural season as coach.

Both teams are 5-6 and need a victory to avoid staying at home for the holidays.

The Buffaloes are aiming to avoid consecutive losing seasons for the first time in 22 years. The Cornhuskers are hoping for their 38th trip to a bowl game in 39 seasons despite a five-game losing streak that put Callahan's job in peril.

Callahan is scheduled to meet Saturday with Osborne, who has given no indication which way he's leaning.

``No disrespect, but we're just focused on Colorado,'' Callahan said.

But he's given his players notice that change could be coming, receiver Todd Peterson said.

``Basically, they've just told us that this is a business and it's about putting a product out on the field,'' Peterson said. ``And when you put the product we've put out this year, eventually there are going to be some changes. Whether it will be this year, we don't know. We can't control that.''

Colorado linebacker Jordon Dizon, one of the nation's top tacklers, knows exactly what the Huskers are going through, having experienced Gary Barnett's fade into firing in 2005. He expects Nebraska to look nothing like the team that couldn't seem to stop anybody for much of the season.

``I can kind of put myself in their shoes. Two years ago when we were hearing that Coach Barnett was going to get fired we all started playing harder, trying to keep him around, and I can only see what they're doing,'' Dizon said. ``And that is trying to keep him around because he is pretty much their father away from home and they are going keep him around as long as possible.

``To do that they have to play their hardest, and I know they are going to play their best game against us and they're going to bring their hard hat.''

The Huskers did that last week, snapping their five-game skid with a 73-31 whipping of Kansas State in which Joe Ganz threw for 510 yards and seven touchdowns in his second start.

The Buffs, coming off a bye, tied a school record by blowing a 21-point lead in a 31-28 loss at Iowa State two weeks ago. It was the first time they had squandered a three-touchdown advantage in a defeat since 1950, when Kansas State rallied for a 27-21 win.

Still, of these two programs, it's Colorado that appears on the rise with Nebraska slipping.

The Huskers have one of the worst defenses in the country, having allowed 40 points or more in five games. That includes a 76-39 loss at Kansas and other weeks in which Nebraska wasn't even competitive.

It's not in Callahan's favor that Steve Pederson, the athletic director who hired him, was fired last month. Nor does it help Callahan that he changed many facets of the program, structurally and philosophically, that were established by Osborne during a 25-year coaching run that netted three national championships in his last four years.

Those changes have brought minimal success by Nebraska standards, and it's widely believed that Callahan will be dismissed Saturday.

``I've never been one to get all tensed up and tightened up about anything like jobs,'' Callahan said. ``You go out and do the best you can. I'm not worried about next week or next month or next year.''

Callahan said a win is important Friday not to salvage his job but to save the season.

``There's no better way to conclude a year than have an opportunity to go to a bowl and finish on a winning note,'' Callahan said. ``That's in both programs' minds, because no one likes to be 6-6.''

``There's no better way to conclude a year than have an opportunity to go to a bowl and finish on a winning note,'' Callahan said. ``That's in both programs' minds, because no one likes to be 6-6.''

AP Sports Writer Eric Olson in Lincoln, Neb., contributed to this report.

Nebraska (5-6, 3-8 ATS) at Colorado (5-6 SU and ATS)

Two Big 12 rivals simply playing out the string meet up in Boulder, Colo., where the Buffaloes host Nebraska.

Colorado’s bowl hopes have been dashed by an ongoing 1-4 SU and ATS slide, which includes a 31-28 loss at Iowa State as a four-point road chalk on Nov. 10. During their current slump, the Buffs have lost consecutive home games to Big 12 North rivals Missouri (55-10) and Kansas (19-14).

Nebraska bounced back from one of the worst losses in school history – a 79-39 disaster at Kansas on Nov. 3 – with a 73-31 rout of Kansas State as a 7½-point home underdog on Nov. 10, a win that snapped a five-game losing streak. The Huskers rolled up 702 yards of total offense in the win over Kansas State, with QB Joe Ganz going 30-for-40 for 510 yards with seven TDs and no INTs in just his second career start.

The Cornhuskers have killed Colorado the last two seasons, wining 30-3 as a 17-point road underdog in 2005 and 37-14 as a 13-point home chalk last year. Prior to 2005, the Buffs had been on a 7-1 ATS roll in this rivalry.

The underdog is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 series clashes.

In crushing Kansas State, the Huskers ended a streak in which they had been outgained and outrushed in eight consecutive games. However, Nebraska is still just 2-8 ATS in its last 10 outings, including 2-5 ATS against conference foes.

Colorado is on a 9-4 ATS run against sub-.500 teams, but 1-6 ATS in its last seven November games.

Both teams have topped the total in their last two contests.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

Arkansas (7-4, 5-4 ATS) at (1) LSU (10-1, 4-6 ATS)

Just two wins away from a berth in the BCS Championship Game, LSU concludes the regular season with its annual showdown against SEC West rival Arkansas.

The Tigers struggled to put away three-win Mississippi State on Saturday, prevailing 41-24 but failing to cover as a 20-point road favorite. LSU got outgained for the first time this season (480-397), but the defense benefited from three interceptions, helping the Tigers to their fourth straight victory.

Arkansas comes into this contest on a 4-1 SU and ATS run following Saturday’s 45-31 win over Mississippi State as a 12½-point home favorite. Like LSU against Ole Miss, the Razorbacks got outgained against Mississippi State (501-429), but picked off four passes.

LSU, which long ago clinched the SEC West title, is 6-1 in conference play (2-5 ATS). Arkansas is 3-4 in the SEC (4-3 ATS).

The Tigers have defeated Arkansas each of the last four seasons, including a 31-26 win as a 1½-point road pup last year. The host is 8-2 SU in the last 10 meetings, but the visitor is 5-1 ATS in the last six clashes. Going back to 2002, though, LSU is on a 4-1 ATS run against the Hogs.

Since covering the spread in its first two games this year, LSU has gone 2-6 ATS, including 1-4 ATS at home. The Tigers are also mired in extended ATS slumps of 3-10-1 in SEC games and 3-6-1 as a home favorite.

Arkansas is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 November games.

LSU has scored at least 40 points in six games this season, including the last three in a row. Likewise, Arkansas has topped 40 points six times, accomplishing the feat in four of its last five outings.

LSU has topped the total in six straight games overall, including three in a row at home. Also, the over is 7-3 in Arkansas’ 10 lined contests this year and 3-1 in the last four Tigers-Razorbacks battles.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

(13) Texas (9-2, 6-5 ATS) at Texas A&M (6-5, 4-6 ATS)

Needing a win to keep its Big 12 North title hopes alive, Texas visits College Station for an annual battle with archrival Texas A&M

Although the Longhorns were idle last week, they still received good news when Oklahoma lost to Texas Tech, paving the way for Texas to backdoor its way to the Big 12 title game. To do so, the Longhorns will have to extend their five-game winning streak today and hope the Sooners lose tomorrow at Oklahoma State.

In its most recent contest, Texas pounded Texas Tech 59-43, easily covering as a 6½-point home favorite. The Longhorns, who set a season-high for points scored, piled up 551 total yards and outrushed the Red Raiders 283-10. On the downside, Mack Brown’s defense has given up an average of 506 yards in its last three games.

The Aggies carry a three-game losing skid (1-2 ATS) into this showdown, leading to speculation that embattled coach Dennis Franchione is on his way out the door. During its slump, Texas A&M has been outscored by an average of 17 points per game (34-17) and outgained by an average of 150 yards per game (477-327).

Texas A&M snapped a six-game losing streak to the Longhorns with last year’s stunning 12-7 victory as a 14-point road underdog, holding Texas to just 230 total yards, including 70 rushing yards. The Aggies have cashed in each of the last two meetings (both as an underdog) after going 2-6 ATS in the previous eight clashes.

The host is 7-2 ATS in the last nine series battles.

Not including a neutral-site loss to Oklahoma, Texas is 4-0 on the road (2-2 ATS), including 3-0 when visiting Big 12 foes (1-2 ATS).

The Aggies won their first five at home this season (2-2 ATS in lined games) before losing 19-11 to Kansas as two-point underdog in their most recent game in College Station on Oct. 27. Despite that setback, they’re still 4-1-1 as a home pup since 2004.

The over is on runs of 7-3 for Texas overall and 12-5-2 for Texas A&M in November. However, the under is 5-1-1 in the Aggies’ last seven overall and 3-0-1 in the last four series meetings.

ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS

(17) Boise State (10-1, 6-4 ATS) at (14) Hawaii (10-0, 3-5 ATS)

The game of the year in the Western Athletic Conference takes place on the Islands, where 14th-ranked Hawaii puts its undefeated record on the line when it hosts No. 17 Boise State.

Boise State won its ninth game in a row on Saturday, pummeling Idaho 58-14 and covering easily as a 34-point home favorite. The Broncos, who are on a 4-0 ATS run, have outgained all but one foe this season, including the last three by a total of 740 yards.

The Warriors survived yet another scare a week ago at Nevada, getting a 45-yard field goal from kicker Dan Kelly as time expired to escape with a 28-26 win. However, they came up short as a six-point home chalk, dropping to 1-4 ATS in their last five games.

Hawaii played virtually the entire game at Nevada without star QB Colt Brennan (concussion), but backup Tyler Graunke performed well, going 33 of 46 for 358 yards with two TDs and no INTs. Overall, the Warriors finished with a 430-350 edge in total offense – Hawaii has outgained every opponent this season – but scored fewer than 30 points for the first time since the 2006 season-opener, a span of 23 games.

Hawaii will be looking to halt a six-game losing skid to Boise State (2-4 ATS). Last year, the Broncos won 41-34, but failed to cover as a 14-point home favorite. Boise, which has come away victorious in each of its last three trips to the Islands by margins of 3, 17 and 7 points, has averaged 51.4 points in its last five wins against Hawaii.

This game features two of the most explosive offenses in the country. Hawaii averages 48 points and 524 total yards per game, figures that rank first and third nationally, while Boise puts up 44.2 points and 488.7 total yards, which rank third and 10th, respectively. The difference between the offenses is the Broncos are more balanced, averaging 288.3 passing yards and 200.5 rushing yards per game, while Hawaii ranks second in the NCAA in passing (460.2 ypg), while rushing for just 77.4 ypg.

Both starting quarterbacks – Brennan and Taylor Tharp – complete 69.1 percent of their passes. Brennan has thrown for 28 TDs against 12 INTs, while Tharp has 27 passing TDs and just eight INTs.

Defensively, Boise State allows 18.3 points and 304 yards per contest, while Hawaii yields 23.5 points and 345.7 yards per outing.

The Broncos are 5-2 ATS in WAC contest, while the Warriors are 2-5 ATS in conference.

Hawaii is just 7-19 ATS in its last 26 games against winning teams and 1-4 ATS in its last five home games.

Boise State is 8-1 ATS in its last nine Friday games. Also, the Broncos, who have been favored in every game this year, went 2-0 SU and ATS as an underdog in 2006, including the 43-42 upset win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Warriors have stayed under the total in three straight games, while Boise State has done so in three of its last four overall and three of its four road games. However, the over is on runs of 9-3 for Hawaii in November games, 23-8-1 for Hawaii in WAC contests and 4-1 in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BOISE STATE

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