Oregon WR Jones suspended indefinitely
October 19, 2007
Associated Press
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- The seventh-ranked Oregon Ducks have suspended sophomore receiver Derrick Jones indefinitely for violation of team rules.
The suspension means the Ducks' thin receiving corps just got thinner. Already out for the season was Brian Paysinger, who had knee surgery, and Cameron Colvin, who broke his ankle in Oregon's victory over Washington State last weekend.
True freshman Aaron Pflugrad, whose father is receivers coach Robin Pflugrad, will likely start when the Ducks visit Washington on Saturday. It will be his first college start.
Coming in after Colvin got hurt against the Cougars, Pflugrad caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Dennis Dixon for his first touchdown.
Status for Michigan's Hart still unknown
October 19, 2007
Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Coach Lloyd Carr didn't provide much guidance Friday about star running back Mike Hart's availability for No. 24 Michigan's key game at Illinois.
Carr told WOMC-FM in Detroit that Hart will be evaluated before Saturday night's contest.
Hart appeared to hurt his right ankle last Saturday against Purdue and did not play in the second half.
His teammates said they expect him to play.
When asked if Hart will play, Carr said: "We'll have to see."
Hart seemed to be relatively healthy in the second half against Purdue as he smiled and laughed with teammates while watching the game, walking on the sidelines without an obvious limp.
Hart leads the nation in rushing at 154 yards per game.
Fulmer says a healthy Vols team will face Alabama
October 18, 2007
Associated Press
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer says he's glad to have a healthy team taking on Alabama this Saturday, in what he believes could be the toughest challenge this season for the No. 20 Vols.
"We're really in good shape pretty much," Fulmer said Thursday. "The open date really helped us get some guys back well."
Despite the season losses of Brad Cottam, David Holbert and Antonio Gaines, the Vols have no injuries exceeding bruises and soreness, Fulmer said.
Tailback LaMarcus Coker and wide receiver Lucas Taylor, who both worked slowly back into the mix this week following a concussion and injured toe respectively against Mississippi State, are both healthy and will be available Saturday.
They'll be needed.
"We're playing one of the most physical defensive fronts that we've played," Fulmer said. "We're playing probably the best offensive front we've played this year; (and) best group of receivers that we've played, as a whole. So it's a heck of a challenge for us."
Despite trailing 38-44-7 all time, the Vols have posted a 10-2 record on the Crimson Tide since 1995.
Mizzou's Temple out again with ankle
October 18, 2007
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- For the second straight game, an ankle injury will keep senior running back Tony Temple on the sidelines.
Temple, Missouri's leading rusher, sprained his ankle in the second quarter of Missouri's 41-6 win over Nebraska Oct. 6. He did not travel with the team to Oklahoma last week, and will not play Saturday when the 15th-ranked Tigers (5-1, 1-1 Big 12) host No. 22 Texas Tech (6-1, 2-1), Missouri officials confirmed Thursday.
Jimmy Jackson got his first career start and rushed six times for 22 yards against the Sooners last week. His 4-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter gave Missouri a 24-23 lead.
This week, Jackson was listed as second on the depth chart, behind Temple, with junior Earl Goldsmith and senior Marcus Woods behind him. True freshman Derrick Washington was fifth on the list.
Earlier this week Pinkel said Temple was probable, and Missouri players talked as if he was going to play.
"He's our catalyst on the offense," quarterback Chase Daniel said. "It's definitely going to be a huge boost to get him back."
Temple said after not practicing the week leading up to the Oklahoma game, his right ankle felt better. He also said he didn't want to watch another Missouri game on TV.
"It was very hard," he said. "Probably one of the hardest things I've done since I've been here, to sit there and watch by myself."
Hogs' Monk will be gametime decision
October 18, 2007
Associated Press
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Arkansas coach Houston Nutt says the decision whether receiver Marcus Monk will play in the Razorbacks' game Saturday against Ole Miss will be made that day.
Monk had soreness in his knees after practice Wednesday. Monk, Arkansas' career leader in touchdown catches, has been out all season with a knee injury. Nutt has said Monk wants to play rather than redshirt the season.
Receiver Robert Jordan returned to practice Thursday after an ankle injury and is expected to play Saturday.
Arkansas held an hourlong practice in shorts and helmets Thursday. Much of the practice focused on kicking, ranging from kickoffs, punts to field goals.
Felix Jones is fifth in the nation in kick returning and has already run back two for touchdowns this year. Arkansas' other return man, Darren McFadden, finished second in the Heisman Trophy race last season because of his exploits as a running back and occasional quarterback.
Ole Miss does "a great job (on special teams)," Nutt said. "They blocked an Alabama punt and they squib a lot of kicks. They will try and keep it away from Felix as best they can."
USC will start Sanchez at QB versus Irish
October 19th, 2007
Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - University of Southern California head football coach Pete Carroll confirmed on Friday that starting quarterback John David Booty will not start when the Trojans play at Notre Dame on Saturday.
Carroll decided to go with Mark Sanchez over Booty, who is recovering from a broken finger on his throwing hand.
It will be the second start for Sanchez, a highly touted recruit from Mission Viejo, Ca., who completed 19-of-31 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown in USC's 20-13 win over Arizona at the Coliseum last Saturday.
Sanchez threw two interceptions in the first half, but rebounded to throw the game-winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to tight end Fred Davis.
College football bettors’ TV Guide: Week 8
ASSOCIATED PRESS
No. 25 Penn State (5-2) at Indiana (5-2), Noon (ESPN)
Line: Penn State -7 1/2.
Series Record: Penn State leads 10-0.
Last Meeting: 2004, Penn State 22-18
Facts & Figures
Penn State has scored 398 points (39.8 points per game) in 10 games against the Hoosiers. ... Penn State is tied for second in the nation with 29 sacks, fifth in scoring defense (12.7 points per game), seventh in total defense (264.3 yards per game), and ninth in rushing defense (81.4 yards per game). ... Indiana leads the nation with 32 sacks. ... Indiana is third in the Big 10 in scoring offense (36 points per game), and total offense (448 yards per game), fifth in rushing offense (201.8 yards per game), and fourth in passing offense (246.2 yards per game).
Iowa (3-4) at Purdue (5-2), Noon (ESPN2)
Line: Purdue -7
Series Record: Purdue leads 44-32-3.
Last Meeting: 2006, Iowa 47-17
Facts & Figures
Iowa has won three straight and four of the last five. ... Iowa is ninth in the nation in scoring defense (15.1 points per game). ... Iowa is last in the Big 10 in rushing offense (118.3 yards per game), and total offense (312.3 yards per game). ... The Hawkeyes are third in the Big 10 in total defense (304.3 yards per game). ... Purdue leads the Big 10 in passing offense (302.8 yards per game), and total offense (458.5 yards per game). ... Purdue is 43-6 at home against unranked opponents under Joe Tiller. ... Purdue is third in the Big 10 in passing defense (107.72).
No. 4 Oklahoma (6-1) at Iowa State (1-6), 12:30 p.m. (FSN)
Line: Oklahoma -30
Series Record: Oklahoma leads 66-5-2.
Last Meeting: 2006, Oklahoma 34-9
Facts & Figures
Oklahoma has won the last 10 and are 37-1-1 in the last 39 meetings against Iowa State. ... Oklahoma is first in the nation in passing efficiency (180.6), fourth in scoring (48.4 points per game), and sixth in sacks allowed (0.71 per game). ... The Sooners are fourth in the nation in rushing defense (65.1 yards per game), sixth in sacks (3.7 per game), and ninth in tackles for loss (8.9 per game). ... Iowa State hasn't beat Oklahoma since a 33-31 win in Norman in 1990. ... The last Cyclones' win against the Sooners at home was a 10-6 victory in 1960. ... Iowa State is last in the Big 12 in total offense (333.1 yards per game), and last in passing defense (153.98).
No. 18 Texas (5-2) at Baylor (3-4), 12:30 p.m.
Opening Line: Texas -24 1/2.
Series Record: Texas leads 70-22-4.
Last Meeting: 2006, Texas 63-31
Facts & Figures
Texas has won nine straight over the Bears. ... Texas is third in the Big 12 in rushing defense (80 yards per game), passing defense (109.6), and total defense (308 yards per game). ... Since 1999, Texas has outscored Baylor 425-69, with 31 of Baylor's points coming last year. ... Baylor has not beaten Texas since 1997's 23-21 victory over the Longhorns in Waco. ... Baylor has lost seven straight Big 12 games since its 36-35 victory over Kansas in 2006. ... Baylor is last in the Big 12 in rushing offense (81.29 yards per game) and passing efficiency (107.06).
Miami (4-3) at Florida State (4-2), 3:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN2)
Line: Florida State -5 1/2.
Series Record: Miami leads 29-22.
Last Meeting: 2006, Florida State 13-10
Facts & Figures
The last time both teams were unranked was 1977, a 23-17 Miami victory. ... In the last four games the margin of victory has been 3.5 points per game (2-2). ... The Hurricanes have won six of eight over the Seminoles but have lost the last two. ... Miami has lost their last five regular-season road games. ... Since 2000, Miami has won 15-of-17 against teams from the state of Florida, including a 9-1 record at home. Both losses were season openers to Florida State (2005, 2006). ... Florida State is 0-7 in one-point games against Miami, and 5-12 in games decided by a field goal or less. ... Florida State is fourth in the ACC in rushing defense (98.2 yards per game) and total defense (318 yards per game).
Michigan State (5-2) at No. 1 Ohio State (7-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN2)
Line: Ohio State -17 1/2
Series Record: Ohio State leads 25-12.
Last Meeting: 2006, Ohio State 38-7
Facts & Figures
Michigan's State last victory over Ohio State came on Nov. 6, 1999, 23-7 in Spartan stadium. ... The Spartans' last win in Columbus came over the top-ranked Buckeyes on Nov. 7, 1998, 28-24. ... Michigan State is 2-4 against Ohio State when the Buckeyes are ranked No. 1. ... Michigan State has lost six straight against ranked teams. ... Michigan State is ranked ninth in the NCAA in rushing offense (242.7 yards per game). ... Ohio State has won five straight over Michigan State. ... Ohio State has won a school record 25 regular-season wins in a row. ... The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense (6.57 points per game) and total defense (211.86 yards per game), second in the nation in rushing defense (62.8 yards per game) and pass defense (149 yards per game) and third in pass efficiency defense (86.8). ... Ohio State has won 17 consecutive Big Ten conference games.
No. 21 Texas Tech (6-1) at No. 17 Missouri (5-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Missouri -3 1/2
Series Record: Missouri leads 4-2.
Last Meeting: 2006, Missouri 38-21
Facts & Figures
Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell leads the nation in total offense (445.7 yards per game) and is second in passing efficiency (178.4). ... Texas Tech leads the nation in total offense (582 yards per game), passing offense (500.4 yards per game), and third in scoring offense (50 points per game). ... The Red Raiders are fourth in the Big 12 in passing defense (109.9). ... In the last three games, the Red Raider defense is holding opponents to an average of 257 yards and 10.3 points per game. ... Missouri is fifth in the nation in total offense (533.5 yards per game), passing offense (358.2 yards per game) and 10th in scoring offense (40 points per game). ... Tigers QB Chase Daniel is fifth in the nation in total offense (376.7 yards per game). ... Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin is fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards (209.83 yards per game). ... Missouri has won 12 of their last 13 home games dating back to 2005. ... The Tigers are 4-1 at home versus ranked opponents under coach Gary Pinkel.
No. 9 California (5-1) at UCLA (4-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: OFF.
Series Record: UCLA leads 48-27-1.
Last Meeting: 2006, California 38-24.
Facts & Figures
The teams have alternated wins the last seven years with the home team winning each game. ... California has not won against UCLA in the Rose Bowl since 1999. ... California is third in the Pac-10 in rushing offense (196.2 yards per game) and total offense (434.7 yards per game). ... UCLA is third in the Pac-10 in rushing defense (81.7 yards per game), fourth in passing defense (116.32) and fourth in total defense (324.5 yards per game).
No. 14 Florida (4-2) at No. 8 Kentucky (6-1), 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Line: Florida -6 1/2
Series Record: Florida leads 40-17.
Last Meeting: 2006, Florida 26-7
Facts & Figures
Florida has won 20 straight over Kentucky. ... Urban Meyer is 10-4 against ranked opponents. ... Florida is third in the SEC in rushing offense (202.8 yards per game), passing offense (246.7 yards per game) and total offense (449.5 yards per game). ... The Gators are second in the SEC in rushing defense (94 yards per game) and lead the SEC in red zone defense, allowing only 10 touchdowns in 23 trips. ... Coach Meyer-led teams are 22-2 all-time after an open date. ... Kentucky has won a record eight straight home games. ... Kentucky is ranked seventh in the nation in scoring offense (42.7 points per game). ... The Wildcats last victory over Florida was in 1986, a 10-3 win in Lexington. ... Kentucky is 3-24 against Florida when the Gators have been ranked and 3-1 vs. Florida when the Wildcats are ranked.
No. 9 Southern Cal (5-1) at Notre Dame (1-6), 3:30 p.m. (NBC)
Line: Southern Cal -17
Series Record: Notre Dame leads 42-31-5.
Last Meeting: 2006, Southern Cal 44-24
Facts & Figures
Southern Cal is 3-9 in their last 12 visits to South Bend. ... USC has won its last seven non-conference road games. ... Southern Cal is fifth in the nation in rushing defense (66.8 yards per game) and eighth in total defense (266.7 yards per game). ... This game marks the 30th anniversary of Notre Dame's ''Green Jersey'' victory in 1977. ... Notre Dame has lost five straight to the Trojans. ... Notre Dame is 11-8-1 against USC when the Irish are unranked. ... Notre Dame is last in the nation in rushing offense (32.14 yards per game), total offense (190.86 yards per game) and sacks allowed (4.86 per game).
No. 15 Kansas (6-0) at Colorado (4-3), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Kansas -3 1/2
Series Record: Colorado leads 41-22-3.
Last Meeting: 2006, Kansas 20-15
Facts & Figures
Kansas is looking to match its best start since opening the 1995 season 7-0. ... Kansas has won nine of its last 10 games. ... Kansas has lost five straight at Boulder since a 40-24 victory in 1995. ... Three of Kansas' last four road losses were decided by one score (37-31 at Toledo, 39-32 at Nebraska, and 36-35 at Baylor). ... Since 1989 Colorado has beaten 10 ranked undefeated opponents at home, including No. 3 Oklahoma in their last home game. ... Colorado is 19-5 in the last 24 meetings against Kansas. ... Colorado has allowed five 100-yard rushers over the last 32 games.
Michigan (5-2) at Illinois (5-1), 8 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Michigan -2 1/2.
Series Record: Michigan leads 65-21.
Last Meeting: 2004, Michigan 30-19
Facts & Figures
Michigan has won five straight over Illinois and eight of the last nine. ... Michigan coach Lloyd Carr is 4-0 lifetime in Champaign. ... Wolverines RB Mike Hart leads the nation in rushing (154 yards per game). ... Michigan is second in the nation in turnovers forced (23). ... The last time Illinois beat Michigan at home was in 1983, a 16-6 victory over the Wolverines. ... Illinois is eighth in the nation in rushing offense (243.4 yards per game). ... Illinois is 3-0 at home for the first time since 2001.
Virginia (6-1) at Maryland (4-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Maryland -4
Series Record: Maryland leads 41-28-2.
Last Meeting: 2006, Maryland 28-26
Facts & Figures
Virginia has won 11 of the last 15 meetings. ... Virginia has won six straight games, their longest streak since 2002, and one shy of tying a school record. ... The Cavaliers average margin of victory is only 4.3 points per game this season. ... Maryland has won 10 of its last 14 games, including six of its last nine conference games. ... Maryland has not played three consecutive home games since 2002, and has not played three consecutive conference home games since 1999. ... The Terrapins have won their last six games decided by a touchdown or less.
No. 19 Auburn (5-2) at No. 5 LSU (6-1), 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: LSU -10
Series Record: LSU leads 21-19-1.
Last Meeting: 2006, Auburn 7-3
Facts & Figures
The home team has won in each of the last seven years. ... In the last three meetings, the winning team has averaged 12.3 points per game. ... Auburn has won eight consecutive SEC road games. ... Auburn has the nation's second-best road record 19-5 (.792). ... Auburn is ninth in the nation in total defense (279 yards per game), and 10th in scoring defense (15.6 points per game). ... Auburn has won nine of its last 10 games against Top 10 teams. ... Since 2004, Auburn is 14-1 on the road against SEC teams. ... Auburn is 4-1-1 when the Tigers are ranked and playing a No. 5 team. ... LSU has won a school-record 17 games in a row at home. ... LSU hasn't lost a home game since a 30-27 overtime setback to Tennessee in 2005. ... LSU is first in the nation in pass efficiency defense (83.75 rating), second in total defense (233.14 yards per game), fourth in passing defense (155.14 yards per game), sixth in scoring defense (14.14 points per game), and seventh in rushing defense (68 yards per game). ... LSU has won three straight over Auburn in Tiger Stadium. ... LSU has not lost a Saturday night game in Tiger Stadium since 2002, when Alabama posted a 31-0 over the Tigers.
Doc's Friday Public Action Report
by T.O. Whenham
As is quickly becoming a trend this year, we had another solid week last week by looking at what the public was doing, spotting the places where the books weren't reacting as expected to the public, and acting on it. In college, we spotted that Alabama was vulnerable, and we found outright NFL winners with both Tampa Bay and Minnesota. It's not always easy to explain why football lines are making unexpected moves, but the fact that they are makes it worthy of attention. The mere fact that they are moving as they are, though, means that something is going on and we need to look at it. So far this year we have identified 32 games that fit our criteria, and 18 of our teams have covered in those games. Though that might not be completely overwhelming, it is still more than 56 percent, and it is an excellent starting point to look at games we might want to bet, and others that we would want to avoid backing a favorite that might otherwise look tempting.
It's a slower week on this front than we have come to expect. We have three college games that fit the criteria, but none in the NFL. There is one NFL game involving a very prominent public team, though, that doesn't specifically fit the criteria but is nonetheless acting a bit different than we might expect and is therefore worthy of attention.
NCAA Football
Miami of Ohio (-5.5) at Temple (Saturday, Oct. 20, 12:00 p.m.) - This week 71 percent of bettors have put their money on Miami, yet the line started at the key number of seven and has fallen to 5.5. Though Miami is a better team by record (4-3 vs. 2-5), both teams are strong betting squads with identical 5-2 ATS marks. Supporting Temple, as this line move suggests we should consider, isn't as irrational as it may have been in past years. They have won their last two, including an outright win at Akron last weekend as 12-point underdogs. The Owls' recent form would suggest that the line may have originally been set with the public in mind, and that the smart money is thinking in an opposite direction. That would move the line as it has moved, and that would mean that we should be paying more attention than we normally would to Temple.
Cincinnati (-9) at Pittsburgh (Saturday, Oct. 20, 12:00 pm.) - Almost 80 percent of support is with Cincinnati, but the line opened on the key number of 10 and has fallen to nine in many places. That means that we are in the unfortunate position of having to consider backing the pathetic Dave Wannstedt. The Panthers are just 2-4 and 2-2 ATS, while the upstart Bearcats are 6-1, and 5-1 ATS. Cincinnati, though, has to bounce back this week from the disappointment of losing a winnable game against Louisville to knock them from the undefeated ranks and end their dim BCS hopes completely. Pittsburgh has lost four in a row, and haven't covered in more than a month, so it would take a leap of faith to be backing them. Their loss last week was in overtime, though, and they did have a nice cover against Michigan State earlier in the season, so there could be some reason for hope. More importantly, the movement of the numbers tells us to take a look.
Michigan (-1) at Illinois (Saturday, Oct. 20, 8:00 p.m.) - It kills me to have to talk about this game because the movement of the numbers means I have to talk up Illinois and not my beloved Michigan. The numbers in this case are particularly compelling, though. A whopping 73 percent of support is on Michigan, but the line opened at 3.5 and moved right through the key number of three to end up all the way down at one. 2.5 points is a big move in pure terms, and especially so when the key number of three is involved. After failing to cover twice in a row, Michigan finally rewarded their backers support in fine fashion last week with a blowout of Purdue. Illinois had covered four straight before a very frustrating loss to Iowa last week. Despite recent form for both teams, one obvious factor to explain some of the line movement is the status of Michigan running back Mike Hart. He left the Purdue game at halftime with a sore ankle, and his status and effectiveness are up in the air. He's been the total heart of the offense, so his loss would be problematic. The Michigan defense will also have to deal with a mobile quarterback, and we all know how well that has gone in the past. My heart will strongly be with Michigan, but my mind tells me I need to pay attention to the Illini.
www.docsports.com
Where the action is: College football line moves
Covers.com
Army at Georgia Tech
Open: -25 ½
Current: -23 ½
The Yellow Jackets have had an up-and-down season. A win over Miami last week was certainly among the highlights, but it’s hard to find anything in this team’s record that qualifies them as a favorite of almost four touchdowns. Bettors must have realized the only game in which Georgia Tech has won by 25 ½ points against a Bowl Subdivision opponent was their Week 1 win over Notre Dame. This offense hasn’t looked dangerous all year and bettors are right to be wary of any offensively challenged team laying big points.
Tennessee at Alabama
Open: -1
Current: +1
Every game in Tuscaloosa this season (aside from their opener against Western Carolina) has been decided by a less than a touchdown and the last three games between Alabama and Tennessee have followed the same theme.
Bettors obviously like Tennessee’s 4-2 against the spread record as opposed to the Tide’s 1-5 mark, but a word of warning based completely on anecdotal evidence: Whenever betting action forces oddsmakers to change a line so that their original favorite becomes an underdog, the original favorite always seems to win. It happened two weeks ago when Tennessee played Georgia and it wouldn’t be surprising if it happened again tonight.
North Texas at Troy
Open: -17 ½
Current: -21 ½
Troy is playing its homecoming game against the worst defense in the country. That’s promising news for a team that has been on fire since it took a pair of losses to Arkansas and Florida to start the season. But the kicker here is that North Texas, as good as its offense is, hasn’t shown the ability to run the ball – which is the only way to beat Troy. This one has blowout written all over it.
California at UCLA
Open: +1 ½
Current: +2
It’s technically not a line move, but this pointspread wasn’t released until Friday night. Linesmakers were waiting as long as possible to get information on the status of players like Cal receiver DeSean Jackson (probable), Cal QB Nate Longshore (questionable) and UCLA QB Patrick Cowan (probable), but it’s still a mystery which of these injured stars will be on the field when the game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET.