NCAAF News and Notes Saturday 9/25

Games to Watch - Week 4
By Judd Hall

There was no shortage of excitement last week with some primetime games that finished in overtime. This week has some contests with teams looking to make a statement. Let’s look at a few of those matchups.

Thursday - Miami at Pittsburgh (ESPN, 7:45 p.m.)

Skinny

A game between teams that are conference title contenders has also become a fight for respectability. Miami is coming off of a week's rest from a disheartening 36-24 loss at Ohio State. Jacory Harris was picked off four times last week against the Buckeyes in one of his worst performances. Pitt is also hoping for better play out of the QB position from sophomore Tino Sunseri. The Panthers have also lost a big game on the road, falling 27-24 to the Utes in the season opener. Given how both the Big East and ACC have performed on the national stage, this game is needed by both leagues in order to save some face.

Gambling Notes

The 'Canes have had their way with Pitt in the head-to-head series, having gone 6-0 SU and 4-2 ATS in the last six meetings. Of course, the last time they met up was in 2003 when Miami was still in the Big East. One thing to look at is the fact that Miami has gone 0-5 SU and 3-2 ATS. Meanwhile, the Panthers are a smart play when taking on the ACC at home, evidenced by a 3-1 SU and ATS mark in their last four meetings.

Saturday - Oregon State at Boise State (ABC, 8:00 p.m.)

Skinny

The national championship landscape can change dramatically on what happens in Idaho this weekend. Boise State thought it had a signature win after dropping the Hokies in Washington, D.C. to start the year. That was before Virginia Tech lost to James Madison and had a scare against East Carolina. The Broncos put up some style points last weekend against Wyoming by winning 51-6. Kellen Moore is in mid-season form already with 585 passing yards and five touchdowns. Oregon State won't be all that frightened by the Broncos after playing tough against the Horned Frogs to start the season. Jacquizz Rodgers is the man that makes things move for the Beavers by gaining 207 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, his brother, James Rodgers, is OSU's top receiving target with seven catches for 102 yards and a score.

Gambling Notes

These two teams have played some entertaining contests over the past few seasons. The major trend that has happened between the Broncos and Beavers is that the home team has won the last four games. However, Boise State holds the edge for our purposes with a 3-1 ATS record in that stretch. One thing you can count on out of the Broncos is they know how to play the Pac-10. One look at their 4-3 SU and 5-1 ATS lends the proof. Total players will want to focus on the 'over' for this game since it is on a 3-0 run for the Beavers when they're road pups against non-conference foes and that will work against a high-powered offense like Boise State possesses.

Saturday - Alabama at Arkansas (CBS, 3:30 p.m.)

Skinny

The first big SEC showdown will happen in Fayetteville with the Hogs hosting the Tide to get the inside edge in the West Division. Alabama has had now problems this year with three straight covers as a huge "chalk." And they only got stronger last weekend with Mark Ingram coming back to take on Duke. All the reigning Heisman Trophy winner did was rack up 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Blue Devils. Meanwhile, the Razorbacks are coming into this game off of Ryan Mallett's finest performance. The Michigan transfer threw for 380 yards and three scores. His final touchdown strike coming with 27 seconds left on the clock to beat Georgia, 31-24. How big was the win for Mallett? It was his first SEC road win since joining the Hogs.

Gambling Notes

You'd be hard pressed not to side with the public in taking the Crimson Tide for this game. After all, Alabama is 12-5 ATS dating back to the start of the 2009 campaign, 6-3 in league play. Arkansas has been a reasonable team to take on at home with a 5-3 ATS record since Bobby Petrino took over in 2008. Alabama has been the smart team to back over the last few seasons when they Petri no take on Arkansas, going 3-1 SU and ATS. But gamblers need to keep in mind that the Hogs are 3-0 ATS in their last three games as home pups in SEC games.

Other Games to Watch

Temple at Penn State

I bet nobody figured this game might be worth taking a look at, right? Temple is 3-0 for the first time since 1979. The Owls have the 18th-best red zone defense in the land. Penn State is 2-1 right now, but are looking mighty sluggish on offense. Makes you wonder if Al Golden will get a shocker in Happy Valley.

South Carolina vs. Auburn

Cam Newton has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Tigers this year. South Carolina hasn't been a slouch this season with convincing wins over Southern Miss and Georgia. This is a big fight for the Gamecocks as they haven't beaten the Tigers since 1933, losing the last four meetings. Should be fun to see what Steve Spurrier can come up with to take on Auburn.

vegasinsider.com

College Football Top 25 Cheat Sheet: Week 4
By PATRICK GARBIN

Bowling Green Falcons at Michigan Wolverines (-25.5, 58.5)

Why Bowling Green will cover: The last three seasons, the Falcons have been spectacular on the road, going 13-2 ATS.

Why Michigan will cover: After its poor defensive showing against second-rate Massachusetts, the Wolverines won’t show any mercy to small-conference schools. Michigan is 26-1 SU all-time versus current MAC teams.

Total: In its 42-37 shootout with UMass last week, Michigan proved that its defense might be as bad as its high-scoring offense is electrifying. Bowling Green is averaging 34 points in its last eight games.

Ball State Cardinals at Iowa Hawkeyes (-28, 46)

Why Ball State will cover: The Cardinals are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games against Big Ten teams.

Why Iowa will cover: The Hawkeyes will be heavily motivated following their devastating, upset loss to Arizona a week ago.

Total: While Iowa has perhaps the most highly-regarded defense in the Big Ten, Ball State surprisingly has a sound defensive unit as well, allowing just one of its last eight opponents to score more than 27 points.

Miami (Ohio) Redhawks at Missouri Tigers (-20, 53.5)

Why Miami will cover: When facing a worthy opponent the last three seasons, Missouri has struggled, going just 3-11 ATS versus teams with a winning record.

Why Missouri will cover: The nationally-ranked Tigers are fast starters as evident by their 3-0 record this season and 10-4 ATS mark in their last 14 games in September.

Total: Miami ranks fifth in the nation in rushing defense, allowing 55 rushing yards per game, while Missouri is fifth in the nation in passing efficiency defense.

Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+4.5, 59.5)

Why Stanford will cover: Since the start of last season, Notre Dame’s defense has allowed a dismal passer rating of nearly 130 and must face arguably college football’s best quarterback in Andrew Luck.

Why Notre Dame will cover: Having lost consecutive heart breakers, the battle-tested Fighting Irish are just an eyelash from being undefeated. Stanford, on the other hand, has yet to face a challenging opponent.

Total: Stanford’s game totals have gone over in most situations, including 7-1 over/under in its last eight games overall.

Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ohio State Buckeyes (-44, 56)

Why Eastern Michigan will cover: Although Ohio State will win in a rout, besides two meetings with Northwestern, the Buckeyes have not scored 50-plus points in a game since 2003.

Why Ohio State will cover: The Buckeyes are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games.

Total: Ohio State will likely run the clock, giving several different backs plenty of carries while Eastern Michigan will be fortunate to score more than a touchdown against one of the best defenses in the country.

Temple Owls at Penn State Nittany Lions (-13.5, 43)

Why Temple will cover: The Owls are even better than their nine-win squad a year ago. Getting nearly two touchdowns from overrated Penn State could very well be a steal.

Why Penn State will cover: For the most part, the Nittany Lions have had an easy time with teams from the MAC, covering seven of their last 10 games against schools from the conference.

Total: Penn State is offensively challenged, scoring just three combined touchdowns against Alabama and Kent State. Temple has one of the most underappreciated defenses in the country.

UCLA Bruins at Texas Longhorns (-15.5, 43)

Why UCLA will cover: The Bruins may have had it rough in Pac-10 play lately but have fared well out of conference, recording a 6-1 ATS mark in their last seven non-conference games.

Why Texas will cover: Texas has line value since UCLA is benefitting from an upset victory over Houston last week – a Bruins win that came against a team losing its top two quarterbacks to injury.

Total: The Bruins are the worst team in the FBS in passing efficiency while Texas is currently ranked first in rushing defense.

Alabama Crimson Tide at Arkansas Razorbacks (+7, 54.5)

Why Alabama will cover: The Crimson Tide are one of the best in the nation against the number, particularly on the road, going 9-2 ATS in their last 11 away games.

Why Arkansas will cover: Alabama has yet to put much pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. If unsuccessful again, Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett could pick apart an average Crimson Tide secondary.

Total: Alabama realizes the best way to win this game is to run the ball and control the clock, keeping the ball away from Mallett and thus keeping points at a premium.

Oklahoma Sooners at Cincinnati Bearcats (+13.5, 52)

Why Oklahoma will cover: The last potent offense the Sooners faced was Florida State and Oklahoma shut the Seminoles down and could easily do the same against the spread of Cincinnati.

Why Cincinnati will cover: Despite their 1-2 record, the Bearcats aren’t far removed from their Big East title team from a year ago and are getting nearly two touchdowns at home.

Total: Due in large part to Oklahoma’s dominant defense, the under is 13-4 in the Sooners’ last 17 games.

Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators (-14, 50.5)

Why Kentucky will cover: An overrated Florida team giving two touchdowns to one of the most undervalued teams in the SEC could be too many points.

Why Florida will cover: Having covered 22 of their last 28 games against opponents with winning records, coach Urban Meyer’s Gators are seemingly always prepared for the reputable teams.

Total: Florida has scored many of its points this season off breaks and turnovers. Kentucky has not lost a turnover in three games, doesn’t give away.

South Carolina Gamecocks at Auburn Tigers (-3, 45.5)

Why South Carolina will cover: Auburn is coming off back-to-back exhausting, three-point wins and face the Gamecocks, who played a tuneup last week against Furman.

Why Auburn will cover: The Tigers are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games after rushing for 200-plus yards in their previous game.

Total: Coach Steve Spurrier benefits from an efficient, ball-control running game and a stifling defense, which should keep this game’s score down.

Oregon State Beavers at Boise State Broncos (-17, 57)

Why Oregon State will cover: There is line value here as the Beavers have been unimpressive so far in 2010 but still are one of the best in the Pac-10. Plus, they’ve been waiting for this game for a long while.

Why Boise State will cover: The Broncos realize that for any shot at a national title, they’ll have to undoubtedly win this game and probably by a very large margin.

Total: The Over is a perfect 4-0 in Oregon State’s last four games overall and 4-0 in Boise State’s last four games in September.

West Virginia Mountaineers at LSU Tigers (-9.5, 42)

Why West Virginia will cover: Simply put: the Mountaineers are an excellent, underappreciated football team and shouldn’t be an underdog by more than a touchdown for any game, especially against an offense the likes of LSU’s.

Why LSU will cover: Under Les Miles, the Tigers have always thrived as an established favorite at home. In its last five home games as a 3.5 to 10-point favorite, LSU is 3-1-1 ATS.

Total: This game’s total is low because of the teams’ renowned defenses. However, both squads have excellent special teams’ units, which will likely lead to more points than the oddsmakers think.

California Golden Bears at Arizona Wildcats (-7, 57)

Why California will cover: The Bears will be looking to bounce back following a disappointing loss to Nevada, plus, after Arizona’s upset win over Iowa last week, this is a classic setup for a Wildcat letdown.

Why Arizona will cover: If the Wildcats’ defense can apply pressure to the opposing quarterback, which it has accomplished in all three of its games, Arizona’s winning margin should be lopsided.

Total: Although nearing 60, the game’s total is still slightly influenced by Cal’s top-overall defensive ranking entering last week (before the Bears yielded 52 points and nearly 500 yards).

Oregon Ducks at Arizona State Sun Devils (+11.5, 54.5)

Why Oregon will cover: One could say it would be foolish to wager against perhaps the most complete team in college football. The Ducks are outstanding in all facets of the game while having quality depth throughout.

Why Arizona State will cover: The Sun Devils’ quality defense is yielding just 20 points and 300 yards per game since the start of 2009 and should keep the game close, especially since playing at home.

Total: The under is 33-16-2 in Arizona State’s last 51 games overall.

Saturday's Highlighted Games

Home team won four of last five Virginia Tech-Boston College games, as Hokies lost last two visits here, 22-3/28-23. Hokies are 13-7-1 as a road favorite since '04, are 36-21 vs spread in game following a win. Boston College is 7-3 as home dog since '00, 3-0 since '06. Interesting to see if Tech has momentum after pulling away from East Carolina late last week ater starting season 0-2, including a loss to I-AA James Madison.

NC State lost 10 of last 12 games vs Georgia Tech, with visitor winning last two; Wolfpack is 9-6 as road dog under O'Brien; they scored 29 ppg in beating UCF/Cincinnati last two games, holding both teams under 100 rushing yards, but they did have trouble vs. UCF's mobile QB Godfrey. Georgia Tech is 5-4 as fave at home under Johnson, 11-9 vs spread after a win. Both teams have very experienced QBs.

Georgia is 0-2 in SEC for first time under Richt; they've won last nine vs Mississippi State, winning five of six visits here (only loss in '51). State is 1-7 as home favorite since '05; they scored 14-7 points in losing first two SEC games. UGa is 9-5 as road dog under Richt, 2-3 since '08; hard to win on road in SEC with frosh QB. Favorites are 4-2 so far in league play, with road teams covering four of the six games.

Fresno State is 18-11 as road underdog since 2001; they outscored foes 38-7 in second half of first two games this year, including 41-24 win at Utah State site where they've historically struggled. Ole Miss got beat at home by Vanderbilt last week (allowed 227 rushing yards); they're 8-4 as home favorite under Nutt, 7-2 in non-SEC games. WAC teams are 10-6 vs spread out of conference, 3-4 as a road underdog.

Alabama crushed Arkansas 49-14/35-7 last two years; Crimson Tide is 7-1 in last eight games as road favorite, but does have Florida game next, better not look past vet QB Mallett, who passed for 380 yards last week in 31-24 win at Georgia. Razorbacks are 4-2 as home dog under Petrino. Bama faced rookie QBs last two weeks; this will be tougher test for Tide defense that lost nine starters from LY.

Since 2000, Boise State is 38-17 as home favorite on blue turf; Oregon State actually painted a practice field blue to prepare (44,000 gallons of blue paint!!!). Beavers covered eight of last nine as road dog, covering in last six games when they were getting 6+ points. Broncos covered nine of last 11 non-WAC games; they scored 84 points in first two '10 games. WAC favorites are 5-0 vs spread out of conference.

Notre Dame lost last two games vs total of seven points, now Stanford comes to South Bend; Cardinal (-10) beat Notre Dame 45-38 LY, ending 7-game series skid-- they lost last two visits here, 31-10/28-21. Irish are 2-0 as underdog this year, 9-7 in last 16 games overall as dog. Stanford just scored 103 points in dismissing UCLA/Wake Forest. Pac-10 faves are 7-5 vs spread in non-league games, 2-3 away from home.

Home team won last five Cal-Arizona games; Golden Bears lost last two visits to Tucson, 24-20/42-17 (were favored in both). Wildcats are 8-2 in last ten games as home favorite; they survived collapse vs Iowa, blowing 27-7 lead last week, but winning game in last minute. Cal is 16-11-1 as a road underdog, but are just 8-13 vs spread in game after last 21 losses. Bears gave up 316 rushing yards last week at Nevada; only nine of 64 Wolf Pack plays came on 3rd down.

Texas has Red River rivalry game with Oklahoma next week; they're 2-5 in last seven games as home favorite. Big 12 favorites are 11-9 vs spread in non-league games, 8-8 at home. UCLA knocked out two Houston QBs last week, getting first win in three games; Bruins are 3-7 as underdog on road under Neuheisel, who was 2-1 vs Texas in his other coaching stops. Pac-10teams are 11-9 in non-league games, 3-3 as a road underdog.

Nevada is 4-7 as road favorite since 2007, 15-21 vs spread on road under Ault. BYU is 0-5 vs spread as road dog since '05; more experienced QB Nelson is out for year, so its up to freshman Heaps now. Cougars gave up 69 points, 687 rushing yards in losing last two games, at Air Force and Florida State- they're 3-5 in last eight tries as home underdog. MWC underdogs are 3-9 against the spread in non-league games.

South Carolina community saddened this week by death of McKinney, Gamecocks' all-time leading WR (only 23 years old); Carolina is 11-6-1 as road dog under Spurrier, 6-2 in last eight games as dog overall. Auburn was down 17-0 to Clemson last week, rallied to win in OT; they're 3-3 as home fave under Chizik, 9-15 since '06. Tigers won last two games in series, 48-7/24-17, but last merting was back in 2006.

LSU is 12-17-1 as home favorite under Miles, 4-2-1 in last seven, but the Tigers are in Miss State/Tennessee SEC sandwich; LSU is 3-7 in last 10 non-league games. West Virginia is 4-8 vs spread in last dozen non-league games, 9-5 as road dog since '02. WVa gained 509 yards in 41-30 loss at Auburn of SEC LY (-5 TOs). Mountaineers' new QB Smith looks like real deal after big comeback win at Marshall two weeks ago.

Oregon is 15-10 as road favorite since '01, 3-2 under Kelly; they won last five games vs Arizona State by average score of 42-19, winning last three visits here by 31-17/48-13/54-20 scores. Ducks have showdown with Stanford next week. Sun Devils are 6-4-1 in last 11 games as home dog, but they gave Wisconsin fight to finish in 20-19 loss last week (had game-tying PAT blocked with 4:00 left).

Rest of the Card

-- Northwestern is 4-18 as home favorite since 2001, 2-9 since Fitzgerald has been coach; Central Michigan is 6-2 in last eight as road underdog.
-- Purdue won last two games vs Toledo, 52-31/52-24; Boilermakers are 7-14 as a home fave since '05. Toledo won last two weeks as underdog, after losing opener 41-2 at home to Arizona.
-- Bowling Green covered its last eight games as road dog, is 13-4 since 2006. Michigan is 3-7 in last ten games as home favorite; they open play in Big 11 next week.
-- Ball State covered its last seven games as road dog, is 14-3 in that role since 2006. Iowa is 8-3 vs spread after a loss; they're 8-12 as home fave, play Penn State in Big 11 next week.
-- Ohio State covered eight of last ten games as home favorite. Eastern Michigan is 9-12-1 as a road dog. Buckeyes start Big 11 play next week.
-- Temple is 14-6-1 vs spread as underdog since '07, 6-2 in last eight games as road dog, but they got squashed in last four games vs Penn State by average score of 38-2.
-- Road team won last three Wake Forest-Florida State games; Deacons are 3-2 in last five series games, losing by 17-13 points, but they lost at Stanford last week 68-24 (was 41-10 at the half).
-- Army is 18-14 as road underdog since 2003; they lost 35-19 at home to Duke LY, giving up two INTs for TD's (outgained Duke 395-236). Blue Devils are 2-1-1 as home favorite under Cutcliffe.
-- Buffalo is 16-8 vs spread in last 24 games as road dog. UConn is 2-4-1 as home favorite since '08, but since 2001, is 28-14-1 vs spread in game following a loss.
-- Miami OH held Florida to 212 total yards in season opener, then won next two games, not sure why they're getting 19 points from Missouri squad that snuck by San Diego State in last minute last week.
-- Air Force in classic sandwich (Oklahoma/Navy) but they're good, with 27-24 loss in Norman maybe more impressive than 35-14 win vs BYU. Wyoming is 2-6 in last eight games as a home underdog.
-- Central Florida is 8-3 in last 11 games as road underdog, but is 11-19 in last 30 non-league games; tough to win on road with frosh QB. Snyder covered five of his last six games as a home favorite.
-- Houston is down to #3 QB after first two went out for year last week with injuries; Cougars won last five games vs Tulane by average score of 40-12. Green Wave is 8-9 as road underdog under coach Toledo.
-- Oklahoma is 6-3 in last nine games as road favorite; they play Texas in rivalry game next week. Cincinnati is 12-5 as home dog since '00, but this game is at Bengals' stadium, not campus site.
-- Idaho is favored on road or just second time in last six years; they beat Colorado State 31-29 (+4) LY (outgained 436-403). Vandals are 2-7 as a road favorite since '99. Rams are 6-1 in last seven games as home dog.
-- USC is 3-11 vs spread in last 14 games as road favorite; they won last visit here 69-0, then beat Wazzu 27-6 at home LY. Coogs are 9-16 last 25 games as underdog, 4-8 as home dog under Wulff.
-- New Mexico State is 7-5-1 as road dog since 2008, but 2-9-1 in last 12 non-WAC games. Kansas is 17-8 in last 25 games as home favorite; they open Big 12 play next week, at Baylor.
-- Florida spanked Kentucky the last two years, 63-5/41-7; Gators are 14-6 in last 20 games as home favorite. Kentucky is 6-2 as road dog, and is only team in America that played three games with no turnovers.
-- Southern Miss is 19-14 vs spread as favorite since '06, 15-6 in last 21 games as road favorite. Louisiana Tech is 6-1 as home dog since '07, but got spanked in Ruston last week by Navy, giving up 297 YR.
-- Tennessee won its last two games vs UAB 17-10/35-3; Vols are 11-7 as home favorite since '07, but are 3-7 in last 10 non-SEC games. Vols in Florida/LSU sandwich here. UAB is 4-10 as road dog since 2008.
-- Indiana is 8-4 as home favorite since '04; they play Michigan next, as Big 11 play starts. Akron is 2-6 as road dog; they lost by 26-37 points bvs I-A teams this year, and also lost 39-38 to I-AA Gardner-Webb.
-- Marshall is 0-3 this year; their last win was 21-17 (+3) vs Ohio in the Little Caeser's Bowl LY. Herd is 7-10 as home favorite, 4-11-1 in last 16 non-league games. Bobcats are 10-6-1 as a road underdog.
-- San Jose State is 12-27-1 as road dog since '03; they lost 24-14 LY at home to Utah (game was tied in 4th quarter). Utah is 11-8-1 as a home favorite since 2006. QB Wynn expected to play for Utes.
-- Utah State is 20-10 vs spread in last 30 games as underdog, 15-5 as a road dog since '07. San Diego State is 8-6-1 as home fave since '02; they have stud RB in freshman Hillman (228 yards at Missouri last week).
-- Since 2000, Baylor is 4-0 as road favorite (just 2nd in role since 2006). Bears are 12-3 in last 15 series games, winning last four (42-17, -7 in last meeting, '07). Rice is 1-4-1 in last six games as home underdog.
-- Road team won last two North Carolina-Rutgers games; still not sure whos in and whos out for suspension-riddled Tar Heels. Since 2003, Rutgers is 21-11-1 vs spread in non-league games.
-- Northern Illinois is 6-3 as road dog under coach Kill; they lost 31-27 (+8) on this field in '08. Minnesota just lost to South Dakota State/USC last two weeks; they're 4-2 vs spread in game after last six losses.
-- If you're not reading this article on army.com. ask why; its uncool to rip off other people's work.
-- Memphis won last three games vs UTEP, despite being underdog in all three game, but Tigers are just 2-8 in last 10 games as road dog. UTEP is 6-12 in last 18 games as home favorite, but did cover at home last week.
-- New Mexico won three of last four games vs UNLV, but are 4-8 in its last 12 games as road dog. Rebels are 5-16 vs spread in last 21 games as a home favorite, are 8-22 in last 30 games overall when favored.
-- Troy won last three games vs Arkansas State (average score of 31-12); Trojans covered 10 of last 14 as home favorite. ASU is 3-8 as road dog, and since 2001, is 10-27-1 vs spread in game following a win.
-- This is Middle Tennessee's last game without suspended QB Dasher; MTSU is 14-7 in last 21 games as favorite, 8-3 as road fave since 2005. UL-Lafayette is 2-5 as home underdog since 2007.
-- North Texas lost last five games vs FAU, losing last two visits here, by 26-23/46-13 scores; since 2003, Mean Green is 14-26 as a road dog. Owls are just 3-10 as home favorite in their program's history.
-- South Florida is 8-5 in last 13 games as home favorite; they won 35-13 at Western Kentucky LY (-24), as each team ran ball for 200+ yards. Hilltoppers are 3-5 as road underdog since jumping to I-A.
-- Florida International was winning in 4th quarter at Texas A&M last week, lost 27-20; not sure how they get 11 points from Maryland squad that lost to West Virginia after throwing for just 11 yards vs Navy.

WVU and LSU Preview
By Brad Diamond Sports

Baton Rouge Saturday Night

Always a difficult surrounding for a visiting team, voted the loudest fan base in the country by many media outlets. For sure this will be a difficult road game for West Virginia who has a smaller football team than the SEC Fighting Tigers. West Virginia has played one road game this season at in-state rival Marshall and barely survived in OT, 24-21.

The Developing LSU Defense

After graduation we noted that the Tigers lost many seniors on defense who logged much playing time under DC John Chavis. Chavis, the former Tennessee assistant, has fast become a respected mentor to his now young defense. Each week the LSU defensive unit has improved and last time out held an “improved” Mississippi State offense to just 268 total yards, while intercepting 5 passes. The pass rush was super from all angles and left HC Mullen of the Bulldogs in deep down and distance situations throughout the second-half. At times in passing situations, the Tigers will have one down linemen (Nevis) with the defensive ends in straight-up position to blitz the quarterback. Now we all know highly QB Geno Smith of WVA, who came out of Florida, has the poise of a big time signal-caller, but he has yet to face a defense with the speed and aggressiveness of the Bayou Bengals. At this writing, LSU is the #5 rated defense in the nation.

The Quarterbacks

Again, QB Geno Smith of West Virginia is a true sophomore, who the last two weeks put up 584 yards versus Maryland and Marshall. His 6-3 stature gives the kid the ability to see down the field against any defense. However, the smooth youngster has yet to go into a building such as Tiger Stadium and win a football game as a starter. He has never faced an old crow like DC Chavis of LSU. In fact, we have heard the Tigers have worked on new sets for this game in which Chavis will employ different down fronts to generate confusion for the West Virginia offense. Whereas, the West Virginia defense, though, smallish is hard tackling will be facing the weakness in the LSU offense QB Jordan Jefferson. Although the LSU coaches and media heads have been stating the athlete is improving, the jury is still out on the former 4-Star QB. Jefferson is ranked dead last in the SEC in the quarterback rating system. His major successes this season have been running the football, which included a 16-yard score last week against Mississippi State. The BOTTOM LINE Jefferson can ' t throw an accurate deep ball with consistency under any pressure. The word out of the SEC is, pinch the line of scrimmage and blitz, blitz, etc.

OFFENSE vs. DEFENSE

LSU has the speed edges against the West Virginia defense (3-3-5) which should amount to big gains running the football, especially if Jefferson can hit a few mid-range passes to slow the WVA aggressive LB corpse. The Mounties offense has jewels in QB Smith and RB Devine, but will need more support to offset the tenaciousness of the LSU defense. In the match-ups LSU has the edge because of their overall team speed, but the Mounties do have game breakers.

SPECIAL TEAMS

With CB/KR/PR Patrick Peterson on-deck for LSU the advantage is to the home club, but we must respect the speed of Devine and company who can break a big play from deep in opposite territory. Though LSU has improved their special teams in 2010, they can ' t take for granted West Virginia, or it will cost them the football game. In the kicking game, LSU has a major edge with PK Josh Jasper (5 field goals last week). Jasper has range from 65-yards.

TECHS

LSU coach Les Miles has been a poor proposition overall going 10-17-2 ATS the last thirty times out. In addition, he has bad numbers as a home chalk overall, but solid numbers when facing a non-conference foe. West Virginia has been cashing as a road puppy of late with a nice 6-1 ATS mark. But, remember last Sunday night the outlaw line hit the books with LSU -5 and the public has now pushed the numeric to -9 at the Hilton in Las Vegas. Even more interesting the total is at 42. In addition, the time start has been moved back to 9:00 PM EST.

THE BOTTOM LINE

LSU will win this SU, but the heavy line movement now on the board, could go to double digits with the late start. So, my suggestion is stay low with the total considering the LSU defensive speed and the fact, the Mounties 3-3-5 defense will confuse Jefferson of LSU.

Top 25 Preview Capsule

No. 1 Alabama (3-0, 0-0 SEC) at No. 10 Arkansas (3-0, 1-0), 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Line: Alabama by 7.
Series Record: Alabama leads 10-8.
Last Meeting: 2009, Alabama 35-7.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

In the first matchup of two top 10 teams in Fayetteville since 1979, Arkansas can put itself into this year's national title race by knocking off defending champion Alabama. The Crimson Tide will go after their fifth straight victory against a top-10 opponent and their first this season after going 4-0 last season.

KEY MATCHUP

Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett vs. Alabama's new defense. Mallett managed a season-low 160 yards on 12-for-35 passing at Alabama last year, but the Crimson Tide have just two starters back from that dominating defense. A strong performance will boost Mallett, the nation's No. 3 passer, toward the front of the Heisman Trophy race.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alabama: DE Marcell Dareus. Alabama has had only two sacks through three games this season. Dareus, who had a team-high 6 1/2 sacks last season, didn't play in two of those games and could lead the charge as the Tide try to disrupt Mallett.

Arkansas: Can someone in Arkansas' stable of running backs have a big enough day to take some of the pressure off Mallett in a pass-oriented offense? The Razorbacks haven't had a 100-yard rusher in their last eight games, and the Tide haven't allowed one in 37 games.

FACTS & FIGURES

Arkansas is 4-11 against No. 1-ranked teams. ... Alabama's 19 points allowed are the fewest for the team through three games since it yielded only nine to Georgia Tech, Baylor and Vanderbilt to start the 1979 season. ... The Tide host No. 9 Florida next week, then play at No. 12 South Carolina. ... Ronnie Caveness, a center and linebacker on Arkansas' 1964 national championship team, will be honored at halftime. He'll be inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in December. ... Bama has won 13 of the 20 meetings on the field, but has vacated two wins and forfeited another.

Eastern Michigan (0-3) at No. 2 Ohio State (3-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Ohio State by 44.
Series Record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Not much, judging from the line. The Buckeyes needed to fill out the schedule with another home date before opening Big Ten play next week at Illinois and Eastern Michigan, which has lost its last 15 games, needed an $850,000 check to underwrite its athletic program. Ohio State's third- and fourth-teamers should get lots of work.

KEY MATCHUP

Ohio State vs. itself. The Buckeyes have been Keystone Kops on kick coverage so far, allowing one punt and two kickoffs (one disallowed by a penalty) to be returned for touchdowns. In addition, they've had a punt and a field goal blocked. Much of the problem has been missed assignments. Priority one will be tightening things up and throttling the Eagles early.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Eastern Michigan: QB Alex Gillett's numbers don't point to a winless team. He's completed 58 percent of his passes in three games. But he'll have to be mobile to avoid Ohio State's rush, while making quick decisions such as short passes to TB Dwayne Priest and WR Ben Thayer if he wants to avoid a long afternoon.

Ohio State: DE Cameron Heyward always seems to be around the ball. So far in just three games, he's returned an interception 80 yards, had a tackle in the end zone for a safety and picked up a fumble for a short return. The Buckeyes figure to turn him loose, along with fellow DE Nathan Williams and DTs Dexter Larimore and John Simon, to see what havoc they can create.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Eagles have lost 15 in a row, all under coach Ron English. ... Eastern Michigan is 4-1 against Jim Tressel, all of the games taking place between 1986-90 when Tressel was the head coach at Division I-AA Youngstown State and the Eagles were (as now) in the bowl division. ... Tressel and English will be wearing patches on their sleeve to promote the cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, part of an initiative by the coaches' association. ... Ohio State leads the nation in turnover margin (+3.33). ... EMU has never beaten an Associated Press Top 25 team in five tries, and this is the first time it has played one ranked above No. 10.

No. 24 Oregon State (1-1) at No. 3 Boise State (2-0), 8 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Boise State by 17 1/2.
Series Record: Oregon State leads 4-2.
Last Meeting: 2006, Boise State won 42-14.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

This could be the most talented team left on Boise State's schedule. After hosting Oregon State, the Broncos enter a lull in their schedule with their next major test likely to come at the end of November with games against Fresno State and at Nevada. Oregon State would love to make up for their opening loss against TCU by taking out the other non-automatic qualifier threatening to bust the BCS. The Broncos have won 56 straight regular-season games at home.

KEY MATCHUP

RB Jacquizz Rodgers vs. Boise State front seven. Boise State's underrated defense held Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams to 44 yards rushing in the opener, then stymied Wyoming into minus-21 yards on the ground last week. But the Broncos have yet to face someone with the shiftiness or versatility of Rodgers. As a freshman, he had 213 combined yards and two touchdowns in an upset of then-No. 1 USC.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Oregon State: WR James Rodgers. The pass catching Rodgers' brother was relatively quiet in the Beavers first two games. Against TCU, James had four catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. Louisville did an even better job, holding Rodgers to three catches for 27 yards. Last year Rodgers had 11 catches in his third game. Seems like Rodgers is due for another breakout game.

Boise State: WR Austin Pettis. He was benched last week against Wyoming after somersaulting into the end zone on a 58-yard touchdown reception. Coach Chris Petersen didn't take too kindly to Pettis' display, sitting the lanky senior who caught the game-winning score against Virginia Tech.

FACTS & FIGURES

Oregon State painted one of its practice fields blue this week in preparation for blue turf in Boise. ... Beavers have won three of last four games against teams ranked in the top five in AP Top 25 - all Pac-10 foes. ... ESPN's College GameDay will broadcast from Boise on Saturday morning, on the blue field at Bronco Stadium. First time popular telecast has visited. ... Latest home opener for Boise State since 1969 when Broncos hosted Whitworth College on Sept. 27. Boise State was in second year of being a four-year school.

No. 5 Oregon (3-0) at Arizona State (2-1), 10:30 p.m. (Fox Sports Net)
Line: Oregon by 9 1/2.
Series Record: Arizona state leads 16-14.
Last Meeting: 2008, Oregon won 44-21.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

After rolling over its first three opponents by a combined score of 189-13 and Oregon opens conference on the road against a better-than-expected Arizona State team. The Sun Devils played No. 11 Wisconsin close on the road last week and will be the first big test for the Ducks in their bid to repeat at Pac-10 champs.

KEY MATCHUP

Arizona's run defense vs. LaMichael James. Arizona State has been pretty good defensively through the first three games, but the Sun Devils haven't seen anyone like James. Oregon's sophomore running back has been a highlight reel since missing the first game due to a suspension, including a 227-yard performance against Portland State last week.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Oregon: QB Darron Thomas. The sophomore has had no trouble handling the awkward transition of replacing Jeremiah Masoli, who was dismissed from the team. Thomas has thrown for 562 and eight TDs in three games, including a four-touchdown performance before halftime against Portland State.

Arizona State: WR Aaron Pflugrad. The junior played the first two years of his career at Oregon and was projected to be a starter after a strong spring game in 2009, but transferred to Tempe. He's had a team-best 15 catches for 165 yards the first three games and, despite saying otherwise, will likely be geared up to face his former team.

FACTS & FIGURES

Arizona State doesn't play at home again for 34 days after Saturday, with the next three games on the road. ... Oregon's offense is averaging a point a minute this season. ... The Sun Devils had kick returns of 97 and 95 yards against Wisconsin last week, but lost by one after having an extra point blocked. ... The Ducks have two shutouts - in three games, no less - in a season for the first time since 1964. ... Arizona State's defense leads the nation in three-and-outs possessions, averaging 3.75 per game. ... Oregon leads the nation in total and scoring offense, along with total and scoring defense.

South Dakota State (0-2) at No. 6 Nebraska (3-0), 7 p.m. (PPV)
Line: None.
Series Record: Nebraska leads 1-0.
Last meeting, 1963, Nebraska 58-7.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Nebraska gets a final tuneup before starting Big 12 play at Kansas State on Oct. 7. The best scenario for the Cornhuskers is to avoid injuries and play everybody in uniform. South Dakota State, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, gets a rare chance to play on the big stage.

KEY MATCHUP

Kyle Minnet vs. Nebraska's defensive line. The Jackrabbits are probably not capable of pounding away at the Huskers' front four, but that won't stop them from trying to run. Minnet is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The Huskers could stand to shore up their rush defense before going against Kansas State star Daniel Thomas in two weeks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

South Dakota State: The Jacks need all the poise QB Thomas O'Brien can muster. He started seven games last season, including one at Minnesota, but Memorial Stadium is an entirely different animal. He's already thrown five interceptions in two games. He must be better or this one will get ugly.

Nebraska: Backup QB Cody Green figures to get significant playing time, just the tonic to rebuild his confidence. Green fumbled twice in two snaps at Washington, with one of them setting up a Husky touchdown. He needs to be ready down the road if Taylor Martinez goes down.

FACTS & FIGURES

Nebraska has scored on its first drive in each of its three games... South Dakota State is Nebraska's first FCS opponent since Nicholls State in 2006... The Jackrabbits have lost five of their last six games, with four of those losses by 10 or more points... The Huskers have 22 plays of 20 yards or longer... SDSU is allowing 222 rushing yards a game to rank 104th in rush defense in FCS. Nebraska averages 344 yards on the ground to rank fourth in FCS.

UCLA (1-2) at No. 7 Texas (3-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Texas by 15 1/2.
Series Record: Tied 2-2.
Last Meeting: 1998, UCLA won 49-31.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Texas is desperate to crank up its sputtering offense a week a before meeting Big 12 rival No. 8 Oklahoma in Dallas. The Bruins are trying to maintain momentum after they beat up then-No. 23 Houston for their first win of the season. Longhorns fans haven't forgotten the last time the Bruins came to Austin in 1997 and humiliated Texas 66-3.

KEY MATCHUP

UCLA's big offensive line vs. a Texas defense that has proved it can sack a quarterback but has yet to face a running team like the Bruins. Texas freshman end Jackson Jeffcoat has been a standout pass rusher but weighs just 238 pounds. The Longhorns haven't given up more than one offensive touchdown in any game this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Texas: Pick a tailback. Any tailback. Just make it a healthy one. Fozzy Whittaker gets the start for the second straight week but he and backups Tre' Newton and Cody Johnson have struggled with nagging injuries and the running game is in slow motion.

UCLA: TB Johnathan Franklin. He rushed for a career-high 158 yards and three touchdowns last week against Houston, the most yards by a Bruins back since 2007.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Bruins have lost 15 straight against ranked opponents on the road. Texas is 4-3 against Pac-10 teams since 1999 ... A rematch for UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who was at USC when the Trojans lost to Texas 41-38 in the 2006 BCS championship game ... The first of a two-game contract. Texas travels to UCLA next season.

No. 8 Oklahoma (3-0) vs. Cincinnati (1-2), 6 p.m. (ESPN2)
Line: Oklahoma by 18.
Series Record: Oklahoma leads 1-0.
Last Meeting: 2008, Oklahoma won 56-26.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Oklahoma wants to start 4-0 for the first time since 2008 and take some momentum into its next game, Oct. 2 against No. 8 Texas at the Cotton Bowl. The Bearcats desperately need a good showing. The two-time defending Big East champs have already lost twice as many games as last season and are in danger of falling to 1-3 for the first time since 2006.

KEY MATCHUP

WR Ryan Broyles vs. Cincinnati's inexperienced defense. The junior receiver made his collegiate debut during a 52-26 win over Cincinnati in Oklahoma in 2008, setting a school freshman record with 141 yards on seven catches. He has six straight 100-yard receiving games and has scored at least one touchdown in five of the last six. He'll be facing a defense that has no senior starters.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Oklahoma: DE Jeremy Beal has four tackles for a loss and a pair of sacks. He had 11 sacks last season, the fourth-best total in school history. Cincinnati hasn't been able to protect QB Zach Collaros, sacked 15 times already - matching the Bearcats' total for last season. Cincinnati's offensive line has already been revamped.

Cincinnati: RB Isaiah Pead missed most of the last two games with a swollen knee. Without their top returning rusher, the Bearcats had to rely on Collaros, who ran 22 times for only 32 yards against North Carolina State. If Pead can't get some yards on the ground, Bearcats are in for a tough time.

FACTS & FIGURES

The game is at Paul Brown Stadium, the Bengals' home field. It's the second time Cincinnati has played there. The last time produced one of the most memorable games in school history. A dropped pass in the end zone allowed Ohio State to hold on for a 23-19 win on Sept. 21, 2002. The Buckeyes went on to win the national title. ... Oklahoma hasn't played in Ohio since Sept. 24, 1977, when Uwe Von Schamann's field goal in the closing seconds gave the Sooners a 29-28 win at Ohio State. They'll play in Columbus again in 2017. ... Oklahoma is accustomed to playing in NFL stadiums. They played in the Cowboys' and Dolphins' stadiums last season. ... It concludes a two-game series for the schools.

Kentucky (3-0) at No. 9 Florida (3-0, 1-0 SEC), 7 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: Florida by 14.
Series Record: Florida leads 43-17.
Last Meeting: 2009, Florida 41-7.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

One of the longest winning streaks in college football. The Gators have won 23 in a row in the series, the second-longest active streak between two Football Bowl Subdivision teams in an uninterrupted series. Kentucky's last win came on Nov. 15, 1986.

KEY MATCHUP

Florida's defense vs. QB Mike Hartline, RB Derrick Locke and WR Randall Cobb. Kentucky's talented trio is among the league leaders in several categories. Hartline ranks third in passing yards, Locke is the SEC's leading rusher and scorer, and Cobb is eighth in receptions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kentucky: LB Danny Trevathan, who attended high school about an hour from Gainesville, has led the Wildcats in tackles all three games. He has 25 tackles, including six for loss.

Florida: RB Jeff Demps is the only player in the country with a run longer than 70 yards and a kick return longer than 50 yards. He averages 196.7 all-purpose yards a game, which leads the SEC and ranks third in the country. He carried a career-high 26 times last week at Tennessee.

FACTS & FIGURES

Coaches from both teams will wear Coach to Cure MD patches Saturday to raise awareness and funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research. ... Kentucky hasn't turned the ball over this season, ranking 16th nationally and second in the SEC with a turnover margin of plus-4. Florida ranks second in the nation and leads the league at plus-7. ... Kentucky has won seven consecutive games when scoring 30 or more points. ... The Wildcats haven't beaten a ranked team since 2007, haven't defeated a ranked team on the road since 2002 and haven't knocked off top-10 team from the SEC on the road since 1964. ... Kentucky RBs coach Larry Brinson played at Florida (1973-76), running for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. ... The Gators have won 23 consecutive regular-season games, including 13 straight at home.

Austin Peay (2-1) at No. 11 Wisconsin (3-0), Noon (Big Ten Network)
Line: None.
Series Record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Wisconsin has a final tuneup game before Big Ten Conference play begins at Michigan State on Oct. 2. The Badgers have said they aren't going to run up scores to impress poll voters, but have had close calls in recent years with FCS opponents. Austin Peay has already played one FBS team, losing to Middle Tennessee 56-33 on Sept. 11.

KEY MATCHUP

Wisconsin's offensive line vs. Austin Peay's defensive line. It's definitely a mismatch on paper, with the Badgers' projected starting five averaging 321 pounds to 278 pounds for Austin Peay's front four. If 252-pound running back John Clay gets through the line, watch out - every Governors player left in the back seven weighs at least 20 pounds less than Clay. Cornerback Sheldon Brown is the smallest at 156 pounds.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin Peay: RB Ryan White. The 2009 Ohio Valley Conference rushing leader had 112 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against Tennessee State last week for his first 100-yard rushing performance this season.

Wisconsin: DE David Gilbert. Gilbert is replacing injured linebacker Chris Borland in the ``Badger package,'' a defense that features three defensive linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs that Wisconsin likes using in passing downs. Borland's athleticism allowed the Badgers to hide a variety of blitzes. Gilbert is much taller than Borland and undersized for an end in Wisconsin's scheme.

FACTS & FIGURES

Wisconsin has 27 straight nonconference wins. ... Austin Peay is playing a Big Ten opponent for the first time in school history. ... Clay has nine straight 100-yard games and has scored at least one touchdown in each. ... The Governors returned to scholarship football in 2006 and were picked to finish seventh out of nine teams in the OVC's preseason poll. ... Austin Peay beat Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan. in 1987.

No. 12 South Carolina (3-0, 1-0 SEC) at No. 17 Auburn (3-0, 1-0), 7:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Auburn by 3.
Series Record: Auburn leads 6-1-1.
Last meeting: Auburn 24-17, Sep. 28, 2006.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Respect and holding ground in the SEC divisional races. Auburn actually dropped a spot in the rankings after an overtime win over Clemson. South Carolina is seeking only its ninth 4-0 start and first since 2001.

KEY MATCHUP

Auburn has the SEC's top rushing offense while South Carolina's defense is stingiest against the run. The Tigers have three of the league's top-10 runners. The Gamecocks are giving up just 60 yards a game on the ground and haven't allowed a rushing TD.

Players to Watch

South Carolina: RB Marcus Lattimore. Highly touted freshman has been offense's workhorse, while Auburn's defense is still somewhat thin. If forced to load up against the run, cornerbacks could be vulnerable to big plays against Gamecocks' taller receivers.

Auburn: QB Cam Newton. Newton has been a formidable runner and mixed in some big plays in the passing game. This could be a time when he'll be called on to win with his arm, though his scrambling might also provide the best chance for sizable runs.

FACTS & FIGURES

These teams have only met four times since South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, and Auburn has won all four meetings. It's the first time they've played when both teams were ranked. The Auburn leads the nation in pass efficiency mostly because it averages the most yards per attempt (11.8) and touchdown percentage (13.73). Gamecocks have lost five straight SEC road games, dating back to win over Kentucky on Oct. 22, 2008. South Carolina has scored on all 12 red zone opportunities, including 10 touchdowns.

San Jose State (1-2) at No. 13 Utah (3-0), 8 p.m. EDT (no TV)
Line: Utah by 31 1/2.
Series record: Utah leads 5-1.
Last Meeting: 2009, Utah 24-14.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Utah is coming off one-sided wins over UNLV and New Mexico and is looking for a final tuneup before a week off, then three road games in October. San Jose State is just trying to survive a brutal first month that included road games against top-ranked Alabama, No. 11 Wisconsin and now the 13th-ranked Utes.

KEY MATCHUP

Utah's defensive front vs. San Jose State's sputtering offense. Utah more than doubled its season total with five sacks last week against New Mexico and faces a San Jose State team that is averaging just 244 yards of offense and 11 points per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose State: LB Vince Buhagiar, a freshman who moved from offense to defense midway through training camp and is tied for the team lead with 20 tackles.

Utah: WR/KR Shaky Smithson has returned punts for touchdowns in each of the last two games. He is one short of Steve Smith's school record of three in a season, set in 1999.

FACTS & FIGURES

Utah moved up to No. 13 in this week's AP Top 25, the Utes' highest ranking since finishing the 2008 season at No. 2. ... Utah QB Jordan Wynn resumed throwing this week after missing the last two games with a sprained right thumb. Coach Kyle Whittingham said Wynn was likely to play Saturday, but would not say whether the Utes would still start Terrance Cain for a third straight game. ... San Jose State hasn't visited Salt Lake City since 1974, when the Spartans won 24-6 for their only victory in the six meetings. ... The Spartans are playing three teams from the state of Utah this season. Their first win under coach Mike MacIntyre came on a late touchdown to beat Southern Utah 16-11 last week. The Spartans also host Utah State in November.

No. 22 West Virginia (3-0) at No. 15 LSU (3-0), 9 p.m. (ESPN2)
Line: LSU by 9.
Series Record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

LSU and West Virginia both seek to remain undefeated and continue to move up in the rankings with a noteworthy out-of-conference victory.

KEY MATCHUP

West Virginia running back Noel Devine against LSU's stout defense. Devine has averaged 118 yards rushing and has been held to no fewer than 111 yards in a game, while the Tigers' defense is allowing 80.3 yards rushing per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

West Virginia: QB Geno Smith was 19 of 29 for 268 yards and four TDs in a 31-17 win over Maryland last weekend. Devine rushed for 131 yards against the Terrapins, while reserve DE Bruce Irvin emerged as a serious pass-rushing threat with three of Mountaineers' eight sacks last weekend.

LSU: CB Patrick Peterson had two interceptions in LSU's victory over Mississippi State and remains a threat to return kicks and punts for scores. DT Drake Nevis leads LSU with 3 1/2 sacks and got his first career interception last week. WR Russell Shepard is a threat in both the passing game and running game. His two longest gains of the season were on 50- and 30-yard TD runs.

FACTS & FIGURES

West Virginia is 22-18-2 all-time against current members of the Southeastern Conference, going 1-1 against the SEC under current coach Bill Stewart. ... WVU is 15-3 when Devine rushes for 100-plus yards ... Mountaineers receiver Jock Sanders has a reception in 31 straight games ... West Virginia's average yards passing (267) is more than double that of LSU (120). ... LSU is seeking a fourth straight 4-0 start and seeks to extend its longest-in-the-nation 30-game regular season winning streak against nonconference teams. ... LSU coach Les Miles is 24-1 with the Tigers in nonconference games. The only loss came against Penn State in last season's Capital One Bowl. ... LSU is 1-3 against current Big East members, but hasn't played a current Big East team since losing to Syracuse in the 1989 Hall of Fame Bowl.

No. 16 Stanford (3-0) at Notre Dame (1-2), 3:40 p.m. (NBC)
Line: Stanford by 4 1/2.
Series Record: Notre Dame leads 17-7.
Last Meeting: 2009, Stanford won 45-38.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Off to its best start in nine years, Stanford still has yet to be tested. That's about to change, with the trip to Notre Dame kicking off what should be the toughest three weeks of the Cardinal's season. Games at Oregon and against USC follow. With two straight losses and six in its last seven games, not to mention an oh-fer in its last 10 games against ranked opponents, Notre Dame just wants a win.

KEY MATCHUP

QB Andrew Luck vs. Notre Dame's secondary. Luck is the best quarterback the Irish will see this year, with 10 touchdown passes already this year and the third-best pass efficiency ranking (192.31) in the country. He's a challenge for any team, but Notre Dame's injury-plagued secondary has been a problem. It's allowing almost a first down per pass and 250 yards passing a game - and its opponents haven't exactly been pass-happy teams.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stanford: WR Chris Owusu. The big-play receiver came back from a reported knee injury last weekend in a big way, with touchdowns on each of his first two drives. He wasn't in on kick returns - he returned three for scores last year - but coach Jim Harbaugh said that's coming soon, and the Irish are fully expecting to see him on special teams.

Notre Dame: S Jamoris Slaughter. The starter was sidelined by a sprained ankle against Michigan and Michigan State (he got in for one play in East Lansing), and the Irish lost both games. Coaches praise him for both his leadership and play, and his return should help settle a secondary that's been a series of moving parts the first three weeks.

FACTS & FIGURES

Stanford hasn't won in South Bend since 1992, when it upset the sixth-ranked Irish 33-16. ... Notre Dame hasn't beaten a ranked opponent since Sept. 9, 2006. ... Stanford is trying to go 4-0 for the first time since 1986. ... Dating back to last season, Notre Dame has lost six of its last seven games, all by a touchdown or less. ... Stanford is averaging almost 52 points a game, third-best in the country. ... Harbaugh was 2-0 against Notre Dame when he played at Michigan. ... The first game in the series was the 1925 Rose Bowl.

Ball State (1-2) at No. 18 Iowa (2-1), 12 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
Line: Iowa by 28
Series Record: Iowa leads 1-0
Last Meeting: 2005, Iowa won 56-0

WHAT'S AT STAKE

With Big Ten play on the horizon, Iowa needs to shore up its special teams and offensive line play. Both were shaky in a 34-27 loss at Arizona last week. Ball State put up a fight in losing to Purdue 24-13 last week, and a good showing at Iowa could give the Cardinals momentum heading into MAC play.

KEY MATCHUP

Ball State's offensive line vs. Iowa's defensive ends. The Cardinals lost left tackle Camerton Lowry to a torn ACL last week. That's not good news heading to Iowa City, given that Hawkeyes ends Adrian Clayborn and Broderick Binns are two of the best in the Big Ten.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ball State: KR Eric Williams. He's averaging over 36 yards on kickoff returns this season, while Iowa has proven to be one of the nation's worst in kickoff coverage. If Williams can give the Cardinals short fields to work with, Ball State has a chance to hang around.

Iowa: RB Adam Robinson. Jewel Hampton's season-ending knee injury leaves the top spot to Robinson, who had been sharing duties with Hampton. Robinson, who's rushed for 270 yards this season, has a punishing style but needs to stay productive and healthy for the Hawkeyes. Freshmen Marcus Coker and De'Andre Johnson will serve as backups.

FACTS & FIGURES

Iowa will wear 1960-era throwback uniforms to commemorate the tenure of former coach Forest Evashevski, who died in 2009...Ball State has gone 61 games without being shut out, though the Hawkeyes blanked the Cardinals 56-0 in their only meeting five years ago...Ball State coach Stan Parrish lost to Iowa 38-13 in 1987 and 45-10 the following year as the head coach at Kansas State.

No. 20 Southern California (3-0) at Washington St. (1-2), 3 p.m. (FSNNW)
Line: Southern Cal by 22.
Series Record: Southern Cal 57-8-4.
Last Meeting: 2009, Southern Cal won 27-6.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Southern Cal is banned from Pac-10 title or bowl game because of NCAA penalties, but still wants to make a statement after three lackluster wins. Washington State looking to prove it has made improvements under third-year coach Paul Wulff, and hopes to break seven-game losing streak to Trojans.

KEY MATCHUP

USC defensive line vs. WSU's young and maligned offensive line. The Trojans are vulnerable to the pass, and WSU QB Jeff Tuel and talented receivers could hurt them if Tuel gets time. Southern Cal's deep running back corps, led by Allen Bradford and Marc Tyler, could exploit a WSU defense that gives up 180 yards per game on the ground.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Southern California: QB Matt Barkley has thrown for nine touchdowns with just two interceptions this season. Bradford and Tyler have each topped the 100-yard rushing mark in a game.

Washington State: QB Jeff Tuel made his college debut against USC last year, and is having a good season. Receivers Marquess Wilson and Jared Karstetter are standouts.

FACTS & FIGURES

USC has lost only three times in Pullman since the series started in 1921. ... Lane Kiffin trying to become first USC coach since Jess Hill in 1951 to begin his Trojans' career at 4-0. ... Southern California has no players from Washington, while WSU has 42 California kids. ... WSU ranks near bottom of NCAA in rushing, defense and points allowed. ... USC ranks near bottom of NCAA in pass defense. ... WSU has 11 straight losses to FBS teams.

Bowling Green (1-2) at No. 21 Michigan (3-0), noon (ESPN2)
Line: Michigan by 25 1/2.
Series record: Michigan leads 1-0.
Last Meeting: 2000, Michigan won 42-7.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Michigan's defense has a lot to prove after letting Massachusetts move the ball easily on the ground and through the air, adding up to 37 points last week in a close call. The Wolverines would like to get backup quarterbacks Devin Gardner and Tate Forcier along with backup running backs some experience, but they'll play Denard Robinson and Michael Shaw play as much as necessary to win. For the Falcons, it would the upset in program history.

KEY MATCHUP

Bowling Green WR Kamar Jorden vs. Michigan DBs. Jordan leads the nation with 34 receptions, three more than Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles, and he has to like what he's seen on film from the Wolverines. Michigan's inexperienced secondary has been the weak link of its team, allowing 61 catches for 808 yards and four touchdowns.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Michigan: Denard Robinson had the 10th-best day offensively in school history against UMass after setting a team record in the opener and breaking it against Notre Dame with 502 yards of offense. Coach Rich Rodriguez's first priority is to win Saturday and his second is to get Robinson some rest. Seth Broekhuizen and Brendan Gibbons have combined to make only 1 of 5 field goals, leading to a student approaching Rodriguez in a parking lot this week and asking for tryout.

Bowling Green: Aaron Pankratz or Kellen Pagel are expected to take the first snap for the first time, replacing Matt Schilz, who left last week's game against Marshall with a shoulder injury. Pankratz was 5 of 8 for 111 yards, helping turn a tied game into the fourth quarter into a 44-28 victory. RB Willie Geter had 100 yards rushing and 86 yards receiving against Marshall.

Facts & Figures

Robinson is averaging a nation-best 186.3 yards rushing and 410 yards total offense. ... Bowling Green is 3-13 against ranked teams since 1996, beating No. 25 Pittsburgh two years ago. ... Michigan ranks 11th in the Big Ten in total defense (439 yards a game) in first downs allowed (65) and is among the conference's worst with just two sacks in three games. ... The Falcons fell at Troy 30-27 in their opener and then 33-20 at Tulsa.

Temple (3-0) at No. 23 Penn State (2-1), 3:37 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
Line: Penn State by 13 1/2.
Series Record: Penn State leads 35-3-1.
Last Meeting: 2009, Penn State won, 31-6.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Off to their best start since 1979, the surging Owls can get a measure of their rebuilding progress against in-state rival Penn State. The Nittany Lions have one final tuneup before Big Ten play and hope to stay free of injuries and build running game momentum. An unlikely Temple win would boost coach Al Golden's resume and send Penn State fans into message-board hysterics.

KEY MATCHUP

RB Bernard Pierce vs. Penn State defense. Temple is touting Pierce as a Heisman Trophy candidate, and there's no better stage to prove his worth than against the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. If Pierce and the Owls' experienced offensive line can wear down a defense plagued by missed tackles at times, Temple might - might - have a chance to keep things close.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Temple: DE Adrian Robinson led the Mid-American Conference last season with 13 sacks. He has one sack so far this year, but did force a fumble and returned it for a touchdown last week against Connecticut. Penn State's offensive line hasn't allowed true freshman QB Rob Bolden to get sacked.

Penn State: RB Evan Royster. While pass blocking may be a strength, the front five has been inconsistent on the run. Royster has just 110 yards on 31 carries, with the senior splitting more time than fans expected with backups Stephfon Green and Silas Redd. Coach Joe Paterno says Royster is fine, and that he isn't worried about his production.

FACTS & FIGURES

Royster's slow start has him inching away at the school career rushing record, 371 yards behind Hall of Famer Curt Warner (3,398 between 1979-82). ... Golden played tight end for Paterno at Penn State from 1987-91, while Owls defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio played linebacker. They were Penn State captains together their senior season in Happy Valley. ... Penn State has outscored Temple 154-9 since Golden took over the Owls in 2006. ... Penn State has eight turnovers, though the defense has forced just two - a pair of interceptions.

Northern Colorado at No. 25 Michigan State (3-0), noon (Big Ten Network)
Line: No line.
Series Record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Michigan State won't admit it publicly, but this matchup with second-tier Northern Colorado comes at the perfect time. The Spartans beat Notre Dame in an overtime thriller last weekend, and coach Mark Dantonio had a mild heart attack immediately afterward. Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell is filling in for Dantonio, and Michigan State has every reason to be distracted. The Spartans will simply try to avoid the upset.

KEY MATCHUP

Michigan State RBs Le'Veon Bell and Edwin Baker vs. the Northern Colorado defensive front. Bell and Baker have already combined for 694 yards on the ground, and each is averaging over 8 yards per carry.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Northern Colorado: QB Dylan Orms has thrown for six touchdowns and only one interception and will need to take care of the ball for the Bears to stay close.

Michigan State: LB Greg Jones, a returning All-American, leads the Big Ten in tackles. He and the Spartans hope to shut down Northern Colorado in what could be a mere tuneup for games against Wisconsin and Michigan in early October.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Spartans moved into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2008 after beating Notre Dame. ... Michigan State has rushed for over 200 yards in all three games this season. ... Northern Colorado is trying for its first 3-1 start since 2003. The Bears won three games all last season. ... Michigan State WR B.J. Cunningham is one reception short of 100. ... Northern Colorado WR Jace Davis has caught at least one touchdown pass in each of the first three games.

Alabama at Arkansas
By Brian Edwards

Alabama (3-0 straight up, 3-0 against the spread) hasn’t tasted a defeat in the regular season since the 2007 Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide has won 27 straight regular-season games going into Saturday’s SEC West showdown against Arkansas.

The Razorbacks have the best team they’ve fielded during the three-year tenure of Bobby Petrino. The hope is that Arkansas (3-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) can produce one of the biggest wins in school history against the Tide.

Although Las Vegas Sports Consultants recommended that ‘Bama be a 4½-point favorite Sunday night, most betting shops opened the Tide as a seven-point ‘chalk.’ As of Friday morning, this number had not moved much at all with only a few books briefly adjusting by one-half point either way.

Most spots had the total at 55½ or 56, while gamblers could back the Hogs to win outright for a plus-230 return (risk $100 to win $230).

BoDog was one of those betting shops that moved to 7½ early Wednesday afternoon. BoDog Sportsbook Manager Richard Gardner told VI, “Alabama really stands out as the most one-sided action we’ve taken, forcing us to move off the key number to 7½.”

During Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours on VI Radio, Gardner said the Tide were still at 7½, but most books in Vegas were stuck on seven.

Nick Saban’s team has been dominant in rolling to blowout wins over San Jose St. (48-3), Penn St. (24-3) and Duke (62-13). Even without reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram for the first two games, the defending national champs showed no signs of slippage.

Trent Richardson filled in just fine, scoring a pair of touchdowns against the Spartans before rushing 22 times for 144 yards and one TD against PSU. For the season, Richardson has 39 carries for 271 yards and four touchdowns for a 6.9 yards-per-carry average.

When Ingram returned last week at Duke, all he did was bust off a 48-yard run on his first touch. Ingram finished with nine carries for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Blue Devils.

Arkansas beat up on a pair of scrub squads (Tennessee Tech and ULM) at home before going on the road to Athens last week. The Hogs jumped out to a 24-10 lead, only to watch the Dawgs pull even late in the fourth quarter. UGA actually had the ball back with a chance to go ahead before a promising drive stalled near midfield with more than a minute remaining.

As it turned out, that was entirely too much time to leave Ryan Mallett. The Michigan transfer quickly guided his team into UGA territory. Then with 15 seconds left, he found Greg Childs streaking down the left sideline for a 40-yard scoring strike to give Arkansas a 31-24 win as a one-point road underdog.

If Mallett can have a big game against the Tide, he will obviously catapult himself to the top of the Heisman candidate list. So far this year, Mallett has completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,081 yards with a 9/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Meanwhile, McElroy has connected on 71.7 percent of his attempts for 705 yards with a 6/1 TD-INT ratio.

Both QBs have big-time weapons. In fact, the Hogs’ D.J. Williams might be the nation’s premier tight end. Williams has hauled in 14 catches for 173 yards.

When McElroy wants to stretch the field, he usually looks for junior WR Julio Jones, who has 15 receptions for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jones averages 16.5 yards per catch.

When these schools met last season at Bryant-Denny Stadium, McElroy threw for a career-high 291 yards and three TDs to lead the Tide to a 35-7 victory as a 17½-point home ‘chalk.’

Alabama has won three in a row over the Hogs, who last prevailed in 2006 by capturing a 24-23 decision in double overtime.

On Petrino’s watch, the Hogs own a 4-2 spread record as home underdogs. Meanwhile, ‘Bama is 8-3 ATS in 11 games as a road favorite under Saban.

CBS will provide television coverage at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

Alabama has won 18 straight SEC openers dating back to 1992.

Florida has won 23 in a row over Kentucky dating back to 1986. The Wildcats haven’t won at The Swamp since 1979. They are 14-point underdogs Saturday night at UF. ESPNU will have the telecast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Bowling Green owns a 3-0 spread record to date, taking the cash as an underdog in losses at Troy and at Tulsa before beating Marshall 44-28 last week as a four-point puppy. The Falcons are 25 ½-point underdogs Saturday at Michigan, but they will be without starting QB Matt Schilz, who sustained a shoulder injury against the Thundering Herd. Before the Falcons lost their QB, I was planning on backing them catching this huge number at The Big House. However, I can’t be confident in a back-up QB getting his first start on the road.

Wake Forest owns a 14-7 spread record in 21 double-digit underdog spots during Jim Grobe’s 10-year tenure. FSU had lost six in a row ATS as a double-digit ‘chalk’ until taking the cash in last week’s win over BYU. When I asked Bruce Marshall about this game earlier this week, he said, “Wake really ran into a buzzsaw last week, but it didn’t show much resistance defensively against Duke, either. Grobe has had some NFL-type talent in recent years, but I’m not so sure that he does this season, so I’m staying away from Wake Forest until further notice. As for FSU, going to Oklahoma was just a little too much, but Jimbo Fisher is starting to establish some balance offensively. I think FSU is the side or pass the game.

I also asked Marshall about Va. Tech’s trip to BC as a four-point favorite. Marshall said, “I still think Va. Tech is probably the best team in the ACC. The losses to Boise and James Madison could’ve clearly gone either way. I think this week the Hokies take that positive step toward turning this season back around.”

vegasinsider.com.

Game of the day: Alabama at Arkansas
By PATRICK GARBIN

Undefeated Arkansas hosts top-ranked Alabama for the first Top-10 matchup in Fayetteville in more than 30 years. The winner will undoubtedly be in the driver’s seat to capture the SEC West division.

In the minds of many bettors, the Razorbacks have the luxury of being a substantial underdog at home. However, there are several reasons why Alabama has been one of the best in college football the past two-plus years, including having little trouble playing on the road.

Line movement

Alabama opened as a 7-point favorite. The spread momentarily jumped to 7.5 before settling back to 7, where it has remained for several days.

Expecting a shootout, two-thirds of the public has sided with the over and it certainly showed early on. The total opened at 49, quickly jumped all the way up to 55.5 and is currently at 56.

Significant injuries

Arkansas DT Zach Stadther is questionable for the game because of an undisclosed injury. After making 16 starts and 99 tackles in 2008 and 2009 combined, Stadther has yet to make an appearance for the Razorbacks this year.

Alabama has no significant injuries or suspensions.

Movin’ on up

If one thing stands out concerning Arkansas this season compared to the previous two, it’s the Hogs’ fundamentally sound defense.

In the first two seasons under head coach Bobby Petrino, the Razorbacks allowed an average of 28 points and 389 total yards per game. This year, Arkansas has held two of three opponents to a touchdown or less and under 200 total yards. Georgia might have gained nearly 400 yards on the Hogs, but the Bulldogs could only muster 24 points.

Last season against Alabama, the Razorbacks trailed just 14-7 several minutes into the third quarter. Then, their defense completely collapsed, allowing three consecutive touchdown drives in an eventual 35-7 pummeling.

Obscure but lethal

All of the attention surrounds running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson but the most dangerous player on Alabama’s potent offense may very well be unsung quarterback Greg McElroy.

McElroy’s best game last season was against Arkansas when he completed more than 70 percent of his passes for almost 300 yards and three touchdowns.

"(McElroy) knows how to make big plays," said Petrino "He executes their offense exactly the way they want him to."

If Arkansas decides to primarily focus on the Tide’s rushing attack, although the Hogs’ defense has improved, McElroy could have his second banner day against Arkansas in as many games.

Key matchup

The two primary differences in Ryan Mallett this season compared to last are that he has significantly matured, as evident by his spectacular performance last week in Athens after a season of sub-par play on the road and he rarely gets pressured.

Mallett has been sacked only twice in three games while Alabama’s defense has registered just two sacks in three contests. Regardless, Mallet’s superb protection apparently won’t faze the Crimson Tide. In fact, they are looking forward to the challenge.

"Right now, we're licking our chops," Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris told reporters. "We're ready to play and show the world what we can do…"

If the Crimson Tide cannot apply pressure to Mallett, armed with arguably the best receiving corps in college football, the Heisman candidate could pick apart a young and inexperienced Alabama secondary.

Trends

Since the start of the 2008 season, Alabama is 7-1 ATS as an away favorite.

In its last 4 games as a home dog, Arkansas is 4-0 ATS, including winning outright the last three - Tulsa and LSU in 2008, Auburn in 2009.

Oregon State at Boise State: What Bettors Need to Know
By Marc Lawrence

The No. 24 Beavers are 18.5-point underdogs in Saturday night’s game at No. 3 Boise State.

Move over DiMaggio

Boise State has a 56-game regular season winning streak intact at Bronco Stadium. The Broncos haven't lost at home since Washington State beat them, 42-20, on September 8, 2001.

In addition to its 56-game home streak, Boise State also brings a 27-game regular season win streak into Saturday’s fray.

Much like Jim Babgy Jr., the Cleveland Indians hurler who halted Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, OSU head coach Mike Riley was a streak-buster in his own right when his Beavers stopped USC in their tracks at Reser Stadium in 2006.

The Trojans had won 27 straight Pac-10 games and 38 straight regular season contests before Oregon State upended them, 33-31, as a 10.5-point underdog.

Duck dilemma

With Boise State at No. 3 and Oregon at No. 5 in the nation, and both teams without especially strong schedules to boost those rankings, one would think Ducks fans should root for Oregon State to beat the Broncos Saturday.

Or should they? Jerry Palm, longtime college basketball and football rankings guru, doesn’t think so.

“I don’t think the Broncos will finish ahead of any major undefeated team at the end of the season, regardless of where they are ranked currently,” Palm said. “If Oregon finishes 12-0, they’ll eventually jump Boise State. So Ducks fans need not be conflicted - root freely against the Beavers.”

Of course, Oregon (which must finish at least second in the BCS standings to reach the national title game) also must worry about the teams on its heels. But with six teams in the Top 25, the Southeastern Conference is “more likely than the others” to leapfrog the Ducks, Palm said.

Rain gauge

An economics professor has discovered an unlikely measure of a college football team: its rain gauge.

It seems Daniel Kuester, director of undergraduate studies in economics at Kansas State, grouped teams by climates that received more than 32 inches of precipitation per year (humid) and those that received less than that (arid). Kuester then analyzed seven years of results against the pointspread of games between the groups.

In most cases the home team covered the spread 49.8 percent to 50.7 percent of the time, just as one would predict. But when an arid-climate team hosted a humid-climate team, the arid team covered nearly 57 percent of the time.

That could mean trouble for both Oregon and Oregon State tonight. Both teams travel to the relatively dry climes of Boise State and bone-dry Arizona State, respectively.

So why do dry climate teams fare better at home than their wet weather foes?

"The idea might be that the hydration issues come into effect," Kuester said.

As for Saturday's games, Kuester said, "The data might suggest that Arizona State's a little undervalued. But just from what I've seen, I'm a little more impressed with Oregon."

Kuester is in the process of expanding his study from seven years to 20.

Do not adjust your television

Saturday's home opener has been designated as the Tri-Color Home Opener, with fans encouraged to wear an alternating mix of blue, orange and white depending on stadium sections.

In addition, the Broncos have installed a new blue turf this season.

Meanwhile, ESPN College GameDay will broadcast its show live from Boise.

ESPN says the attendance record for ESPN College GameDay is 15,800 at Nebraska, when the Huskers were played Notre Dame in 2001.

Boise State fans have been challenged to break it. Our bet is they smash it.

Practice like a winner

At least the OSU players won’t be shocked at the color of the turf when they walk into Bronco Stadium on Saturday. That’s because they will have seen it before.

According to Paul Buker of the Oregonian, Prothro Field, the Beavers’ practice facility, was painted blue in preparation for Saturday’s contest.

The question is will it help?

“I wish,” said Riley.

Boise State head coach Chris Petersen had another reaction.

"Perfect. We've got them right where we want them if they're painting their field,” he said.

Statwise

• At first glance a 17-point spread appears inordinate for a WAC team to be favored over a Pac-10 squad. And it is.

Since 1980 WAC teams stand 54-145-1 straight up against teams from the Pac-10, including 12-19 ATS when favored.

Of the 31 WAC teams that were installed as the favorite, 10 of them managed to win the game by 17 or more points.

The largest degree of WAC favoritism over the Pac-10 occurred during the final game of the 2008 season when Hawaii laid 28-points at home against hapless Washington State. The Warriors won, 24-10.

• Oregon State is 15-4 ATS in its last 19 games as an underdog, but just 3-2 outside the conference.

• Boise State is 15-0 straight up and 14-1 ATS at home laying less than 23 points when playing off a straight-up and ATS win.

SEC Prime-Time Tips
By Brian Edwards

There are three SEC games that’ll be played under the lights in Week 4. The action starts in Gainesville at The Swamp, where Kentucky will be looking to snap a 23-game losing streak against Florida. Forty-five minutes later, a pair of unbeaten teams will square off on The Plains, where Auburns hosts South Carolina. Finally, LSU will take on West Virginia from out of the Big East at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Let’s take a look at all three of these contests.

**Kentucky at Florida**

As of Friday afternoon, most books were listing Florida (3-0 straight up, 2-1 against the spread) as a 14-point favorite with the total in the 49-50 range. Bettors can back the Wildcats on the money line for a plus-450 return (risk $100 to win $450).

Kentucky (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS) is the nation’s only team that hasn’t committed a turnover through three games. The ‘Cats have posted wins over Louisville (23-16), Western Kentucky (63-28) and Akron (47-10), but we should note that those three teams have a 1-8 combined record with the lone win coming over Eastern Kentucky.

Rich Brooks did what many felt was impossible during his seven-year tenure in Lexington. He overcame NCAA sanctions, built up the talent base, made UK football relevant and took the school to four consecutive bowl games. Brooks stepped aside following the 2009 campaign, handing over the controls to long-time assistant Joker Phillips. Now Phillips will take the ‘Cats into Gainesville on Saturday in search of their first win at The Swamp since 1979. Needless to say, a win here would be a program-defining triumph that would do wonders for the UK program.

Florida opened SEC play last week with a 31-17 win at Tennessee as a 13 ½-point road favorite. The 48 combined points slipped ‘over’ the 45-point total. John Brantley hit Frankie Hammond Jr. for a seven-yard touchdown pass, and RB Mike Gillislee had a pair of TD runs to help UF to its sixth straight win over the Vols.

Brantley, the fourth-year junior QB, hasn’t put up monster numbers in terms of yardage yet. However, he has been steady since the season opener in which there were issues galore with the center-to-QB exchange from out of the shotgun formation. To be clear, those mistakes couldn’t be blamed on Brantley in just about every instance. Whatever the case, the Ocala product has connected on 62 percent of his throws for 452 yards and five TDs. Most importantly, Brantley hasn’t been intercepted. In fact, he owns a 15/1 TD-INT ratio for his career.

When the season is this young, I’m not a big fan of dubbing an offense or a defense the second-best or third-best in a conference or the nation – or whatever. I say that because these things can be misleading based on the competition, or lack thereof. But with that said, we’ll give props to UK for its 44.3 points-per-game average that ranks second in the SEC and 11th nationally. This unit is led by senior QB Mike Hartline, who owns an 11-6 record in 17 career starts. Hartline has completed 72 percent of his passes for 680 yards and five TDs without throwing an interception.

Hartline has a pair of big-time weapons in WR Randall Cobb and RB Derrick Locke. Cobb is one of the country’s most versatile players who can beat you on special teams, throwing the ball, running the ball or catching it. Cobb has 12 receptions for 160 yards and three TDs, in addition to nine rushes for 108 yards and one TD. He’s also completed both of his pass attempts for 34 yards and another TD, and Cobb has a punt return for a TD. Locke is leading the SEC in rushing with 372 yards and five TDs on 61 carries.

Florida owns a 20-11-1 spread record in 32 games as a home favorite during Urban Meyer’s six-year tenure.

Since 2008, Kentucky has cashed tickets at a 6-2 clip in eight road underdog situations.

Both teams have seen the ‘over’ go 2-1 so far this year.

ESPNU will have television coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**South Carolina at Auburn**

As of late Friday afternoon, most betting shops had Auburn (3-0 SU, 1-2 ATS) listed as a three-point favorite with a total of 46. Gamblers can back the Gamecocks to win outright for a plus-130 payout (paid $130 on $100 wagers).

South Carolina (3-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) is off a 38-19 home win over Furman in a non-lined affair. Freshman RB Marcus Lattimore ran for 97 yards and one touchdown, bringing his season totals up to 333 rushing yards and five TDs through three games. His presence is starting to open up the passing game, and you can expect junior QB Stephen Garcia to have plenty of chances to stretch the field to his favorite target Alshon Jeffery off of play-action fakes.

Auburn had to rally from a 17-0 deficit against Clemson last week. Gene Chizik’s team outscored the Tigers 21-0 in the third quarter and eventually captured a 27-24 win. However, Clemson took the money as a seven-point road underdog.

Cam Newton threw for 203 yards and two TDs and also rushed for 68 yards in the win over Clemson. For the season, Newton has 525 passing yards and a 7/3 TD-INT ratio. Also, he has rushed for 309 yards and two TDs while averaging 6.2 YPC.

During Steve Spurrier’s six-year tenure, South Carolina owns an 11-6-1 spread record as a road underdog. On the flip side, Auburn is 3-4 ATS in seven games as a home favorite on Chizik’s watch.

Auburn RB Mario Fannin has been upgraded to ‘probable’ after missing last week’s win over Clemson with a shoulder injury. Fannin has rushed eight times for 20 yards this year, but he does have five receptions for 79 yards and a pair of TDs.

South Carolina junior linebacker Shaq Wilson will make his season debut at Auburn. Wilson, who led the Gamecocks with 85 tackles in 2009, has missed the first three games after sustaining a hamstring injury at practice in early August.

Kickoff is slated for 7:45 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**West Virginia at LSU**

As of late Friday afternoon, most spots had LSU (3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) installed as a 10-point favorite with a total of 43. Bettors can take WVU on the money line for a generous plus-350 return (risk $100 to win $350).

West Virginia (3-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) raced out to a 28-0 lead and then held off Maryland for a 31-17 win as a 10-point home favorite last week. QB Geno Smith completed 19-of-29 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns without being picked off. Tavon Austin hauled in seven receptions for 106 yards and two TDs, while Noel Devine rushed 27 times for 131 yards.

LSU is out to a 2-0 start in SEC play after beating Vanderbilt (27-3) and Mississippi St. (29-7) in back-to-back weeks. Before that, the Tigers opened the season with a 30-24 win over North Carolina at the Georgia Dome back in Week 1. However, the Tar Heels took the cash by posting a backdoor cover as 7 ½-point underdogs.

Nearly all of LSU’s offense has come from junior RB Stevan Ridley, who has 55 carries for 318 yards and two TDs. Ridley is averaging 5.8 YPC. As for junior QB Jordan Jefferson, it has been a struggle. Jefferson threw for 151 yards and two TDs in the opener against UNC, but he has zero TD passes and one interception since then. He threw for just 96 yards at Vandy and only 97 vs. the Bulldogs last week.

WVU sophomore QB Geno Smith is completing 70.3 percent of his throws. He has 800 passing yards through three games and an excellent 7/1 TD-INT ratio. Jock Sanders has been his favorite target with 19 catches for 214 yards and one TD.

Devine’s season numbers to date look like this: 73 rushes for 354 yards and two TDs with a 4.8 YPC average.

LSU has been abysmal as a home favorite during Les Miles’ six-year tenure, compiling a 12-19-1 spread record in such spots. Meanwhile, WVU is 2-1 ATS as a road underdog under Bill Stewart. The lone non-cover was last year’s 41-30 loss at Auburn when catching 7 ½ points.

The ‘under’ is on an 8-1 run in LSU’s last nine home games at Tiger Stadium.

ESPN2 will have the telecast at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

vegasinsider.com

Beware of Let Downs - Week 4
By Judd Hall

One of the things that makes college football different than what you see in the NFL is how emotions play a part in the outcome. Now there is no mistaking that talent is the most important piece in how teams will come out on top. Yet you see programs year after year fall apart right after picking up a big win or suffering a crushing defeat.

There’s plenty of proof to teams coming down hard in recent history. Last year the Trojans fell at Washington a week after beating Ohio State in Columbus. And the Buckeyes found themselves in a funk after an overtime loss at Northwestern a few seasons back.

This past weekend’s close calls and big wins are leading into some prime situations for us to fade a few schools.

No Luck for the Irish…

I seriously doubt that I’m the only person that was banking on Notre Dame on winning last Saturday night in East Lansing against the Spartans. The Fighting Irish took a 31-28 lead in overtime and had Michigan State down to a 4th-and-13 at the 28-yard line. Everything was set for Brian Kelly’s club to win in primetime. Yet the officials decided to an expired play clock as Sparty wound up with a Charlie Gantt touchdown on Aaron Bates’ throw to win 34-31. For those playing along at home, that makes two straight crushing losses the Irish have had in as many weeks.

Those setbacks have helped the Irish find themselves as 4 ½-point home underdogs against Stanford.

All the Cardinal have done this season is outscore their opponents by a combined score of 155-41. And these weren’t games against pushovers…well…they were playing UCLA and Wake Forest, which aren’t exactly the stalwarts of their respective leagues.

Bettors wanting to play on Notre Dame in this game do have something to go on as they’ve gone 1-1 straight up and 2-0 against the spread in its last two games as a home pup. Plus, the Irish are 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five head-to-head meetings with Stanford. However, Brian Kelly’ team has gone 5-2 SU and 2-5 ATS in its last seven home tests against the Pac-10.

Relaxing the ‘Pack…

Out of all the surprising results from last week, none was bigger to me was the Wolf Pack’s 52-31 destruction of California. You’ll get that kind of result when Colin Kaepernick throws for 181 yards and two touchdowns with 148 rushing yards and another three scores.

So you’d think that Nevada would get a lot of love from the sportsbooks this weekend, but they are listed as a five-point home “chalk” against the Cougars.

Could BYU’s reputation have something to do with the line being so small? That is no doubt a possibility. However, the Cougs are coming off of losses at Air Force and at Florida State that make them look like they should be sponsored by Chico’s Bail Bonds.

Gamblers will no doubt look to the fact that BYU is still very green on offense when making their plays at the window. It also doesn’t hurt that Nevada is 4-0 SU and ATS over the last five years as a home favorite against teams out of the Mountain West. But we must temper our enthusiasm with the fact those Wolf Pack triumphs came against Colorado State and UNLV, which doesn’t exactly make everyone jump and say “Huzzah!” Maybe it would make some say “Lightning Bolt,” but not “Huzzah!”

They Might Bear Down…

Not many people saw it over here on the East Coast, but Arizona put together a mighty fine 34-27 win over the Hawkeyes. What makes this win most impressive for Mike Stoops and Company fought back in this battle. The Wildcats found itself tied at 27-27 after giving away a 27-7 halftime lead. But their defense was up to the task by sacking Ricky Stanzi on four straight plays (one didn’t count due to an Iowa penalty) to seal the deal.

Now the ‘Cats have to figure out a way to get up for California as 6 ½-point home favorites this Saturday. The Golden Bears are in a funky spot here as well after their aforementioned beating at the hands of Nevada last Friday night.

The recent information of the series between these Pac-10 rivals does suggest that Arizona is the right play as the home team is on a 5-0 SU and ATS run. Yet the Golden Bears have won and covered the number in their last two games as the league opener for ‘Zona. Also, Cal has gone 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS in its past three games as a conference road pup.

vegasinsider.com

Tips and Trends

Alabama Crimson Tide AT Arkansas Razorbacks

CRIMSON TIDE: (-7.5, O/U 54) Alabama has proven that their hasn't been a dropoff from last year's departures. Instead, it is quite evident that Alabama simply reloads. Coach Saban has built a dynasty here at Alabama, and the Crimson Tide players aren't likely to let go of their lofty position amongst everyone else in the nation. Not only is Alabama undefeated this year, but they are also 3-0 ATS to boot. The Crimson Tide have easily covered all 3 games this year, and will be facing their 1st single digit spread since they faced LSU last November. Alabama has top 10 rankings in nearly every major team category, notably PPG and opposing PPG. This Crimson Tide offense is averaging 44.7 PPG, the 9th most in FBS this year. With reigning Heisman winner RB Mark Ingram fully healthy, this offense becomes that much more balanced. Defensively, Alabama is only allowing their opponents to average 6.3 PPG, the 2nd fewest in the nation. Alabama is likely to be facing one of their toughest tests of the season, as they will be playing in hostile territory.

Crimson Tide are 7-1 ATS last 8 games as a road favorite.
Under is 11-4-1 last 16 conference games.

Key Injuries - None Reported.

Projected Score: 27

RAZORBACKS: Arkansas believes they are worthy of a top 10 ranking. They are about to find out if that ranking is justified, as they get the defending BCS champions today at home. The home crowd is likely to prove an electric atmosphere considering this is the first time two top 10 teams have met in Fayetteville since 1979. The Razorbacks are led by likely number 1 draft pick QB Ryan Mallet. Mallet directs the 3rd most prolific passing offense in the nation, averaging 367.7 YPG. Having Mallet at the helm gives Arkansas a true gamebreaker, who happens to direct this offense with every snap of the ball. Arkansas is only 1-2 ATS this year, and they were nearly beaten last week on the road against Georgia. Without question, this Razorbacks team was looking ahead to today. Last year, Arkansas was beaten 35-7 SU by Alabama. Defensively, the Razorbacks are going to have to be able to stop the Crimson Tide rushing attack. The Razorbacks are only allowing 11.3 PPG this season, the 5th fewest in the nation.

Razorbacks are 4-0 ATS last 4 games as a home underdog.
Over is 11-2 last 13 games in September.

Key Injuries - RB Dennis Johnson (lower body) is questionable.

Projected Score: 24 (SIDE of the Day)

Stanford Cardinal AT Notre Dame Fighting Irish

CARDINAL: (-4.5, O/U 58.5) Stanford has been arguably one of the 5 most impressive teams in the nation this year. The Cardinal have dominated their opponents this year, averaging over 50 PPG so far this season. Stanford has plenty at stake today on the road against Notre Dame, as they look to win in Notre Dame for the first time in 18 years. Also at stake is the first 4-0 SU start to a year since 1986. Lastly, Stanford has never won back to back games against the Fighting Irish. This Cardinal team appears to be just the team to rewrite history, as they are extremely. Coach Harbaugh gets the most he possibly can out of his players, a perfect winning combination. QB Andrew Luck is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and he leads an offense that is averaging 51.7 PPG, the 3rd most in the nation. Luck had 4 TD's in his last game, a 68-24 SU win over Wake Forest. The Cardinal defense has played well this season too, allowing only 13.7 PPG, the 16th fewest in all of FBS play. Stanford will be playing their final non-conference game today, as they have national powerhouse Oregon next up on their schedule.

Cardinal's are 7-3 ATS last 10 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
Over is 4-0 last 4 non-conference games.

Key Injuries - DL Trent Murphy (leg) is questionable.

Projected Score: 34 (OVER-Total of the Day)

FIGHTING IRISH: Notre Dame is 1-2 both SU and on the RL respectively this season. The Fighting Irish have played 3 heart wrenching games, so Coach Kelly much be questioning why he came to Notre Dame in the first place. Clearly the Fighting Irish are better than they were last year, as this team is at least competitive game in and game out. Notre Dame has a very good passing offense, but don't do anything else particularly well. QB Dayne Crist is a very underrated QB, and he leads a passing game that is averaging 318.3 PPG, the 8th best in FBS play. Unfortunately, the Fighting Irish struggle to run the ball so inevitably they become too one dimensional. Notre Dame struggles the most on the defensive side of the ball, as they simply can't stop well balanced offenses. The Fighting Irish are allowing opponents to score 24.7 PPG, not nearly good enough for a team with the expectations that the Fighting Irish have. Against Stanford, Notre Dame is going to have to step up defensively and play their best game of the year.

Fighting Irish are 4-9 ATS last 13 non-conference games.
Over is 5-2 last 7 games following a S.U. loss.

Key Injuries - S Jamoris Slaughter (ankle) is probable.

Projected Score: 31

Fade Alert - Week 4
By Bruce Marshall

Several new "trouble spots" have popped up on the college football landscape the past week, but not all are necessarily go-against propositions. The following sides, however, might be candidates to "fade" in Saturday action...

Wake Forest... Not to overreact to last week’s loss at an apparently-loaded Stanford. But, we’re going to at least react to a Demon Deacon defense that appears woefully short on playmakers and has allowed 58 ppg the past two weeks vs. Duke and Jim Harbaugh’s Cardinal. Wake’s offense is doing its best to trade points each week, but it looks like the Deacs are going to have trouble slowing any competent offenses. Does Saturday foe Florida State qualify as such? This week at Florida State

Ole Miss... Rebel fans were so excited about the prospects of QB Jeremiah Masoli transferring in over the summer that many forgot this was supposed to be a rebuilding year in Oxford, especially on offense where only three starters returned from 2009. Three weeks into the new season, Masoli is struggling to get in sync with his new teammates, who lack the playmaking dimensions of Masoli’s previous Oregon comrades. The rebuilt offensive line has been inconsistent. As had the defense, which blew a 21-point lead in the opener vs. FCS Jacksonville State and allowed Vanderbilt to break three big-play TDs last week. Think about it, Ole Miss has already lost to Jacksonville State and Vandy and couldn’t cover at Tulane. Meanwhile, HC Houston Nutt is beginning to feel some heat from Rebel backers who are beginning to talk about bringing Mike Leach to Oxford. And the teeth of the SEC schedule is still to come. This week hosts Fresno State

Cincinnati... It’s not 2008 or 2009 anymore for the Bearcats, and there’s not any more Brian Kelly around, either. Reality has struck Cincy in 2010, as the offense scored 2 TDs less pg than a year ago and has allowed more sacks than any team in the nation through three games. That’s made QB Zach Collaros take a lot more lumps than expected, and with new deep threat and Southern Cal transfer WR Vidal Hazelton done for the season with a season-ending knee injury, the Bearcats are going to have to hustle to just get bowl-eligible for new HC Butch Jones...never mind the BCS. This week hosts Oklahoma (at Paul Brown Stadium)

California... We’re not giving up on the Bears quite yet, but sr. QB Kevin Riley regressing back into mistake mode when throwing three damaging picks last week at Nevada is a disturbing development for HC Jeff Tedford, whose team has tended to melt down when Riley self-destructs. Which has happened often lately; remember last year, when the Bears responded to a 42-3 loss at Oregon with a 30-3 loss vs. Southern Cal, one of five double-digit defeats suffered by last year’s Golden Bears? Indeed, Cal’s last eight losses have been by DD margins, which mostly coincide with Riley’s poorer efforts when his mistake tend to help the opponent’s margin grow exponentially. Facing a hungry and revenge-minded Arizona team that has covered 15 of its last 19 games at Tucson might not be what the doctor ordered for the vulnerable Golden Bears this week. This week at Arizona

Colorado State... Things aren’t getting any better for the Rams, now losers of 12 straight games and with no covers their last nine on the board. There are some whispers at the foot of the Rockies that HC Steve Fairchild might find himself in a little trouble if the slide continues, as on the heels of a hugely-disappointing 3-9 a year ago, it was hard to envision CSU taking another step back. Some MWC observers believe Fairchild’s first Ram team in 2008 benefited from a big dose of upperclassmen left behind by predecessor Sonny Lubick, and point to the program’s rapid descent as an indictment of Fairchild. Some Fairchild supporters (who are disappearing quickly) might point to a true freshman QB, Pete Thomas, as an excuse for the poor early start this season, but the Rams might only have a few chances left to score a win; they’re a 7-point home dog vs. visiting Idaho this week, the latest indicator of the erosion within the program. Things are getting pretty desperate in Fort Collins. This week hosts Idaho

BYU... The Cougars have been in pretty tough the past few weeks vs. Air Force and Florida State, but indicators of a big dropoff from the past two years are everywhere in Provo. And especially at QB, where Bronco Mendenhall’s rotation system didn’t work after the opening win over Washington, and now half of that tandem, Utah State transfer Riley Nelson, is done for the season with a shoulder injury. That means true frosh Jake Heaps will sink or swim piloting the offense until further notice. And with the "D" ranking a very uncharacteristic last in the nation vs. the rush (271 ypg and a whopping 5.8 ypc), things could get scary on Saturday vs. the Nevada Pistol. This week hosts Nevada

New Mexico State... So much for the supposed souped-up offense we were told to expect from NMSU. Not only has that failed to materialize, but the Aggie defense has been MIA through the first two weeks when DeWayne Walker’s stop unit allowed 42 ppg in a pair of one-sided losses and non-covers vs. San Diego State and UTEP. As the only team in the country without a sack, Walker has been forced into a variety of unorthodox blitz packages to create some pressure on enemy QBs. To this point, it hasn’t worked. This week at Kansas

Akron... Not much has gone right for the Zips, who have lost and failed to cover their first three games and now stand 3-14 vs. the number their last 17 on the board. MAC sources warned that new HC Rob Ianello, who brought in an entirely new staff, with new terminology and new schemes, inherited something of a bare cupboard from predecessor J.D. Brookhart, and the team has been completely outclassed vs. BCS opponents Syracuse and Kentucky while losing in OT vs. FCS Gardner-Webb from Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The quickest way to get competitive in a hurry, a potent pass attack, looks way beyond the current Zips, whose QBs Patrick Nicely and Matt Rodgers have passed for only a combined 381 yards in three games. Not good. This week at Indiana

North Texas... Tough times in Denton, where HC Todd Dodge fell to 0-3 this season and 5-34 since he took charge of the Mean Green three years ago after last week’s 24-0 loss at Army. Moreover, UNT is now down to its third QB, Todd’s son Riley Dodge, a former QB who was moved to WR in the spring because shoulder injuries limited his ability to throw. But now, with starter Nathan Tune (dislocated hip) and backup Derek Thompson (broken leg) out of the picture, young Dodge is the last alternative. And that’s a sobering thought for papa Todd, who was widely acknowledged by Sun Belt scouts to need something close to a .500 record to justify getting another year to turn things around. Instead, Dodge might be a candidate to be relieved before the season completes if UNT continues in its downward spiral. This week at Florida Atlantic

But be careful about the following squads, which have taken some knocks but might not necessarily be in the go-against category this week...

Houston... Conventional wisdom suggests the Cougars could be in some rouble now that QB and Heisman contender Case Keenum and his backup Cotton Turner are out for the season after injuries suffered during last week’s loss at UCLA. But C-USA sources alert to keep an eye on freshman QB Terrance Broadway, one of the nation’s top-dual threat recruits (ranked fifth) last year, who is simply moving into the featured role for the Cougar offense a year sooner than expected. Broadway isn’t quite a thrower in the Keenum mold, but he can move out of the pocket, dangerously so, and could give the Cougar spread an extra dimension. Broadway also moved the UH offense in late going at the Rose Bowl last week, so don’t be surprised if the Cougars win and cover for the ninth straight time against Tulane on Saturday. This week hosts Tulane

San Jose State... Sure, the Spartans are in tough this week at Utah. But they’ve already visited Tuscaloosa and Madison, and didn’t fare badly at the latter (losing only 27-14), and did get their first win of the season last week against a representative Southern Utah, 16-11. Nobody is expecting San Jose to rally into contention for a bowl berth under new HC Mike MacIntyre, but the Spartans have an able and experienced QB (Jordan La Secla) who can effectively manage the game and move the offense with a ball-control pass attack, which could effectively slow the pace of the game (but speed up the clock) and make it hard for the Utes to extend the margin into the stratosphere. This week at Utah