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WELL TOOK A BIT OF LUCK ON MONDAY, BUT IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF A GAME AS CRAZY AS THE ONE LAST NIGHT. AS ALWAYS, I PLAY ALL RATED GAMES AT $100/UNIT SO BET ACCORDINGLY, (IE REDUCED THE UNITS IF YOU PLAY A SMALLER AMOUNT. AS ALWAYS GOOD LUCK IF YOU PLAY!
IF YOUR INTERESTED IN GETTING A FULL SEASON OF MY PLAYS AND THE NEWSLETTERS SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AT [email protected] AS I WILL NOT BE POSTING ALL MY PLAYS THIS YEAR.
8* MY TOP PLAY...VERY RARE (23-8 ) LAST YEAR IN FOOTBALL (74%)
6-7* HIGH RATED SELECTION ONLY WHEN ALOT OF GAMES ON THE CARD TO CHOSE FROM (WELL OVER 60%)
5* EXCEPTIONAL PLAY USUALLY HIGHEST WHEN ONLY A FEW GAMES
4* VERY STRONG SELECTION
3* STRONG SELECTION
2* PROBABLE COVER (MOST COMMON RATING)
1* A GAME THAT SHOULD COVER
OPINION PLAY: GAME THAT I THINK MAY WIN BUT OFTEN JUST TO WATCH A GAME OR A LEAN USUALLY 1/2 A UNIT.
Season Record: College 5-5 50% (+.80) +$80
SUMMARY OF PLAYS NCAA FOOTBALL:
(2) SAN JOSE STATE +13
(2) OKLAHOMA/ALABAMA UNDER 46.5
(2) VIRGINIA -3
(1) UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME -5.5
(1) NC STATE/WAKE FOREST OVER 52
(1) SAN DIEGO STATE +32.5
*Opinion NEVADA +22
DETAILED WRITEUPS NCAA FOOTBALL
SAN JOSE ST (1 - 1) at STANFORD (0 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 10:00 PM
vs 
375 SAN JOSE ST 60
376 STANFORD -13
Detailed Analysis
With two games under their collective belts, albeit a contest vs. Grambling and a rout at the hands of the powerful Florida Gators, the Spartans hold a distinct advantage over the Cardinal who open their 2003 season this week. Moreover, before their drubbing last year, San Jose had covered six straight against the Cardinal from 1995-2000, and stood 7-0-1 ATS between 93-00. Senior quarterback Scott Rislov and his backup, Beau Pierce, were running for their lives in the Swamp last week, but won't see pressure anything like that this week vs. a porous Cardinal club that surrendered over 34 points per game last year. Stanford quarterback Chris Lewis is back for another season but only three other starters return on offense and the line looks ill equipped to take advantage of a soft Spartan defensive line. The Cardinal are also an unimpressive 11-22-1 as home favorites since 1993, and 2-12-1 as doouble-digit chalk during the same span. Making the host a double-digit chalk seems a bit much, so don't be surprised if the visitors not only hang in there, they may even win.
Projected Score: San Jose St 28, Stanford 21
PLAY 2* UNITS ON SAN JOSE STATE +13
OKLAHOMA (1 - 0) at ALABAMA (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 7:45 PM
vs 
367 OKLAHOMA -7.5
368 ALABAMA 46.5
Detailed Analysis
Alabama had an outstanding turnaround last week to overcome a dismal first half of play. However, this week as they face the stifling defense of Oklahoma that returns 9 starters. Oklahoma limited North Texas to just 154 yards of offense and just 50 yards through three quarters. Coach Stoops was very disappointed in his team’s running game only garnering 105 yards. Also, do not let Alabama’s air attack of last week fool you. Alabama averaged 213 yards per game rushing last year and surely would like to do more of the same this year. Especially, in last year's contest neither team ran the ball effectively. Alabama had just 96 yards on 45 carries. Look for a more concerted rush attack this week, slowing down the game and getting well under the generous totals line of 46.5.
Projected Score: Oklahoma 20, Alabama 10
PLAY 2* UNITS ON OKLAHOMA/ALABAMA UNDER THE TOTAL 46.5
VIRGINIA (1 - 0) at S CAROLINA (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 12:30 PM
vs 
333 VIRGINIA -3
334 S CAROLINA
Detailed Analysis
A key injury changed the complexion of this game and the pointspread: Virginia's quarterback Matt Schaub will miss this game due to a shoulder injury, and as of the time of this writing, redshirt freshman, Anthony Martinez will get the start. Beside the injury, the Cavs got off to the kind of start they were looking for last week, but with Matt Schaub watching the end of the game with his arm in a sling, some things will have to change quickly for the No. 15 Cavaliers. "This game has redefined our team," coach Al Groh said after the Cavaliers' 27-0 victory over Duke, engineered mostly by redshirt freshman Anthony Martinez at quarterback. Schaub went down on the 13th play from scrimmage, getting sacked for a 12-yard loss and landing hard on his right shoulder. He stayed in for two more plays, including a field goal, before Martinez took over. After overcoming some admitted jitters on his first two series, Martinez showed some of the promise that made him one of Virginia's most improved players during preseason. He was 6-for-15 for 76 yards, threw a touchdown pass to Heath Miller and a deep ball to set up another score. "Nervous," Martinez said about his first game action. "When I saw Matt get hit and I saw him grab his shoulder, my heart dropped. I had to get my focus and I realized I had to go in and win the game for my team." Martinez's 39-yard pass to Art Thomas set up Wali Lundy's 2-yard run. His pass to Miller over a defender in the right corner of the end zone made it 17-0 less than a minute before halftime. Martinez handed the ball off time and again as the Cavaliers gained 204 of their 376 yards on the ground. With the offensive leader on the sidelines, the defense did plenty to ensure the Cavaliers' first victory in their opener in four seasons. Duke gained just 272 yards and was stopped on downs at the Cavaliers 25 late. It was Virginia's first shutout since 1998. "Virginia beat us in every phase of the game," Duke coach Carl Franks said. "It also didn't help the Blue Devils that Martinez eventually got more comfortable after his first four passes all fell incomplete. Groh gave Martinez a passing grade for his first time out. "He brought his team home," he said. "I always say a quarterback is judged by his pelts, and he's got one now."
South Carolina squeaked by Lousiana-Lafayette last week, 14-7 as a 24-point favorite. La-Lafayette is 0-46 lifetime against the Southeastern Conference. In addition, the Gamecocks could only muster 141 yards on the ground. However, the Cocks new 4-3 defense did shut down the Cajuns holding them to just 132 yards on the ground and 135 yards through the air...but i need I say again this was against the Cajuns. The Gamecocks' defense was just stingy enough, allowing 272 yards and forcing a fumble that set up South Carolina's first score. The Ragin' Cajuns' offense didn't score as their lone touchdown came when Patrick Lamy returned a blocked field goal attempt 89 yards on the last play of the first half. Louisiana-Lafayette moved the ball into Gamecocks' territory six times, but the South Carolina defense forced two turnovers and three punts to go with a missed 52-yard field goal. South Carolina's receivers didn't help though, dropping a few well-thrown balls. By the middle of the third quarter with the game still tied at 7, boos could be heard from the crowd. Johnson also fumbled on the Ragin' Cajuns' 28, leading to a four-play drive capped by Pinkins 8-yard touchdown pass to Troy Williamson to give the Gamecocks a 7-0 lead.
As for this game, unbelievably, the linesmaker has opened the line at less than a FG (the line should be around -8 according to my formula)...the better question is why? Well the Book knows the public will look at the loss of Cavs super QB Schaub as a difficult adjustment and an inexperienced young QB. Now I ask you, after reading the above, who really has the QB problem? Based on last weeks performances of both QB's, I feel pretty comfortable with the Cavs Martinez who will now have the luxury of preparing for the game rather than being inserted in a horrific situation. Don't forget, last year, South Carolina was thumped by the Cavs, losing easily 34-21 in Charlottesville. South Carolina was just 1-6 ATS as an underdog last year. Plus, the Gamecocks did not cover a single game at home last year as an underdog going 0-2-1. No..no Mr. Linesmaker, the wise handicapper detects your flaws as the Cavs roll again.
Projected Score: Virginia 28, So Carolina 10
PLAY 2* UNITS ON VIRGINIA -3
WASHINGTON ST (1 - 0) at NOTRE DAME (0 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 2:30 PM
vs 
329 WASHINGTON ST
330 NOTRE DAME -5.5
Detailed Analysis
Notre Dame looks for its defense to play the way it did during most of its surprising 2002 season as the Fighting Irish open at South Bend against Washington State on Saturday. The 19th-ranked Irish (10-3) owed much of their success in coach Tyrone Willingham's first season to an opportunistic, ball-hawking defense. Not much will change in 2003. Defensive line coach Greg Mattison is confident that the unit he helped assemble will again be one of the top defenses in the country. "There is a lot of talent here," Mattison said. "The word 'potential' is always there for Notre Dame football players. The key will be how hard this defensive front plays from game to game and doesn't look ahead and doesn't rest on what they've done, just like any great defensive line would have to do." Last season, Notre Dame ranked in the top 13 nationally in four major defensive categories: ninth in scoring defense (16.7 points per game), 10th in passing efficiency defense (98.24) and rushing defense (95.2 yards per game) and 13th in total defense (300). The Irish were at their best against the run, holding opponents to under 100 yards rushing on seven occasions while allowing just three backs to gain over 100 yards. "That's our defense," linebacker Derek Curry said "Notre Dame defense is flying to the football, making plays. That's what we do. There is no doubt about it." That defense faltered down the stretch, however, as the Irish yielded 44 points in a loss to Southern California in the regular season finale, and 28 to North Carolina State in a Gator Bowl loss. Even if the defense does return to form, Willingham knows a football team cannot live on that alone.
Last year's radical change in offensive philosophy from an option-oriented attack that ex-coach Bob Davie had employed to the West Coast system may prove more effective this season. "Anytime you are in a system, the longer you are in it, the more you start understanding what you are doing," said Willingham. "I've seen a lot of good things, and we need more consistency at all of our positions, including receiver." To do so, quarterback Carlyle Holiday will need talented second-year wideout Maurice Stoval to flourish as his main target. The 6-foot-5 Stoval will be replacing game breaker Arnaz Battle as the Irish's top pass-catcher. He believers he can build on his 18 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns last season. "Physically, I've gotten a lot stronger," Stoval said. "My routes are more crisp and on point."
Washington State tuned up for this Nationally televised contest with 19th ranked Notre Dame with an easy win over Idaho last week, 25-0. The Cougars cruised to an easy win behind 339 net yards of rushing. Despite winning the Pac-10 last year and earning a Rose Bowl berth, the Cougars enter the 2003 campaign unranked. Jonathan Smith ran 16 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns to give first-year Washington State coach Bill Doba a victory in his coaching debut with Saturday's 25-0 rout of Idaho. Notre Dame's rush defense will be put to the test after the Cougars rushed for 339 yards in their opener -- the best rushing output for Washington State since it gained 318 yards in a 54-14 victory over Montana State in 1993. Doba knows how important a win over Notre Dame would be for the defending Pac-10 champions. "It would (certainly) help build the credibility for this program and this coaching staff," Doba said. "You win that ballgame and you can establish some national credibility. You get the eyes of a nation on you."
The Cougars have shown they can play well on the road, compiling an 11-4 record both s/u and ats since 2000. Meanwhile, Ty Willingham will attempt to improve on last year’s 10-3 su mark with possibly one of the toughest schedules in the country. After jumping out of the gates with a 8-0 mark last year, Ty’s club struggled down the stretch, posting a 2-3 mark in the final five games, including a 28-6 drubbing at the hands of North Carolina in the Gator Bowl. The Irish have 14 returning starters this season, but only one to the offensive line. When you consider the other four offensive linemen were all drafted into the NFL, Notre Dame will have some big shoes to fill. Notre Dame will be hard pressed to repeat the double-digit wins again this year considering their schedule, but if anyone can get this team motivated, it’s Ty Willingham. Look for the Irish to be fired up by the hugh home crowd, not to mention the luck of the Irish.
Projected Score: Notre Dame 24, Washington St 14
PLAY 1* UNIT ON UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME -5.5
NC STATE (1 - 0) at WAKE FOREST (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 12:00 PM
vs 
317 NC STATE -7.5
318 WAKE FOREST 52
Detailed Analysis
Option attacks like Wake Forest are very hard to prepare for. The best way to prepare for them is to have your offense ready. NC State's was more than ready when it scored 59 points last week. Today, QB Philip Rivers and NC State will attack a weak Wake Forest defense through the air, while the Demon Deacons will go to a ground attack to try and control the ball, which is exactally what they did last week, rolling up 316 yards on the ground (4.9 yds per carry), though the defense gave up 448 yards to Boston College. Still, Wake impressed many with 20 fourth quarter points and a surprising 32-28 upset win at BC. Rivers (3,125 yards in 2002) has his best targets back in WR Jerricho Cotchery and dynamic sophomore RB T.A. McLendon (1,083 rushing yards, 16 TDs). Good luck picking a side here, the sure bet is OVER...OVER...OVER!
Projected Score: NC State 42, Wake Forest 33
PLAY 1* UNIT ON NC STATE/WAKE FOREST OVER THE TOTAL 52
SAN DIEGO ST (1 - 0) at OHIO ST (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 12:00 PM
309 SAN DIEGO ST
310 OHIO ST -32.5
Detailed Analysis
It's very difficult to see the powerful Buckeyes being especially interested in this mismatch, which gets me interested from a spread standpoint. Let's face facts, San Diego State has no chance in this game. It's definitely the type of game where Aztecs head coach Tom Craft can gear his troops up for a "moral victory". In other words, if San Diego State can put up a decent fight and not get annihilated, they can use the game as a confidence booster for future efforts vs. entries that actually have a chance to beat. San Diego State may be without their starting QB, Adam Hall. He left last week's 19-9 win over Eastern Washington with an injury and is currently questionable for this game. However, there's really little dropoff to soph Matt Dlugolecki, who did a nice job in the opening week win. Ohio State's staunch defense will likely shut down exciting true freshman RB Lynell Hamilton, who is eventually going to be a star for the Aztecs. On the flip side, Ohio State can have some offensive fun against San Diego State. Despite holding the opposition to single digits last week, this is not a particularly solid SD State defense. But we already know that Ohio State is still without RB Maurice Clarett and that the Buckeyes offense is basically conservative. Scheduling is a prime spread edge for the visitors. I've already outlined what the Aztecs can reap from this trip (aside from the big dollars for their athletic program that trips like this guarantee). Meanwhile, Ohio State has a big game with North Carolina State on deck, and off the big game with Washington to open the year, this is definitely a potential flat spot. Ohio State won only two games by more than the line for this game during their championship run, and if San Diego State can score just once they will have a great chance to cover this huge spot. Well last week I used the same logic when I chose UTEP, and we all know what happened in that game. Again here I am Hunting for a spread winner with a huge underdog in a sandwich game situation. Play at your own risk...I am beginning to think I have a problem as its 2:00 in the morning and I can't stop.
Projected Score: Ohio St 33, San Diego St 7
PLAY 1* UNIT ON SAN DIEGO STATE +32.5
NEVADA (1 - 0) at OREGON (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 3:30 PM
339 NEVADA
340 OREGON -22
Detailed Analysis
As reported in this weeks Gold Sheet Update...Nevada is hurting in the def. backfield, with sr. starting S Ronnie Hardiman (knee) through for the year, soph CB Chris Handy (concussion) doubtful, and jr. starting CB Marlon McGlaughlin (knee; DNP 1st game) questionable. This is not a good thing against a passy Happy Ducks team. Play DOWNGRADED to an opinion selection as a result!
Projected Score: Oregon 38, Nevada Reno 20
OPINION SELECTION ON NEVADA 22
IF YOUR INTERESTED IN GETTING A FULL SEASON OF MY PLAYS AND THE NEWSLETTERS SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AT [email protected] AS I WILL NOT BE POSTING ALL MY PLAYS THIS YEAR.
8* MY TOP PLAY...VERY RARE (23-8 ) LAST YEAR IN FOOTBALL (74%)
6-7* HIGH RATED SELECTION ONLY WHEN ALOT OF GAMES ON THE CARD TO CHOSE FROM (WELL OVER 60%)
5* EXCEPTIONAL PLAY USUALLY HIGHEST WHEN ONLY A FEW GAMES
4* VERY STRONG SELECTION
3* STRONG SELECTION
2* PROBABLE COVER (MOST COMMON RATING)
1* A GAME THAT SHOULD COVER
OPINION PLAY: GAME THAT I THINK MAY WIN BUT OFTEN JUST TO WATCH A GAME OR A LEAN USUALLY 1/2 A UNIT.
Season Record: College 5-5 50% (+.80) +$80
SUMMARY OF PLAYS NCAA FOOTBALL:
(2) SAN JOSE STATE +13
(2) OKLAHOMA/ALABAMA UNDER 46.5
(2) VIRGINIA -3
(1) UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME -5.5
(1) NC STATE/WAKE FOREST OVER 52
(1) SAN DIEGO STATE +32.5
*Opinion NEVADA +22
DETAILED WRITEUPS NCAA FOOTBALL
SAN JOSE ST (1 - 1) at STANFORD (0 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 10:00 PM
vs 375 SAN JOSE ST 60
376 STANFORD -13
Detailed Analysis
With two games under their collective belts, albeit a contest vs. Grambling and a rout at the hands of the powerful Florida Gators, the Spartans hold a distinct advantage over the Cardinal who open their 2003 season this week. Moreover, before their drubbing last year, San Jose had covered six straight against the Cardinal from 1995-2000, and stood 7-0-1 ATS between 93-00. Senior quarterback Scott Rislov and his backup, Beau Pierce, were running for their lives in the Swamp last week, but won't see pressure anything like that this week vs. a porous Cardinal club that surrendered over 34 points per game last year. Stanford quarterback Chris Lewis is back for another season but only three other starters return on offense and the line looks ill equipped to take advantage of a soft Spartan defensive line. The Cardinal are also an unimpressive 11-22-1 as home favorites since 1993, and 2-12-1 as doouble-digit chalk during the same span. Making the host a double-digit chalk seems a bit much, so don't be surprised if the visitors not only hang in there, they may even win.
Projected Score: San Jose St 28, Stanford 21
PLAY 2* UNITS ON SAN JOSE STATE +13
OKLAHOMA (1 - 0) at ALABAMA (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 7:45 PM
vs 367 OKLAHOMA -7.5
368 ALABAMA 46.5
Detailed Analysis
Alabama had an outstanding turnaround last week to overcome a dismal first half of play. However, this week as they face the stifling defense of Oklahoma that returns 9 starters. Oklahoma limited North Texas to just 154 yards of offense and just 50 yards through three quarters. Coach Stoops was very disappointed in his team’s running game only garnering 105 yards. Also, do not let Alabama’s air attack of last week fool you. Alabama averaged 213 yards per game rushing last year and surely would like to do more of the same this year. Especially, in last year's contest neither team ran the ball effectively. Alabama had just 96 yards on 45 carries. Look for a more concerted rush attack this week, slowing down the game and getting well under the generous totals line of 46.5.
Projected Score: Oklahoma 20, Alabama 10
PLAY 2* UNITS ON OKLAHOMA/ALABAMA UNDER THE TOTAL 46.5
VIRGINIA (1 - 0) at S CAROLINA (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 12:30 PM
vs 333 VIRGINIA -3
334 S CAROLINA
Detailed Analysis
A key injury changed the complexion of this game and the pointspread: Virginia's quarterback Matt Schaub will miss this game due to a shoulder injury, and as of the time of this writing, redshirt freshman, Anthony Martinez will get the start. Beside the injury, the Cavs got off to the kind of start they were looking for last week, but with Matt Schaub watching the end of the game with his arm in a sling, some things will have to change quickly for the No. 15 Cavaliers. "This game has redefined our team," coach Al Groh said after the Cavaliers' 27-0 victory over Duke, engineered mostly by redshirt freshman Anthony Martinez at quarterback. Schaub went down on the 13th play from scrimmage, getting sacked for a 12-yard loss and landing hard on his right shoulder. He stayed in for two more plays, including a field goal, before Martinez took over. After overcoming some admitted jitters on his first two series, Martinez showed some of the promise that made him one of Virginia's most improved players during preseason. He was 6-for-15 for 76 yards, threw a touchdown pass to Heath Miller and a deep ball to set up another score. "Nervous," Martinez said about his first game action. "When I saw Matt get hit and I saw him grab his shoulder, my heart dropped. I had to get my focus and I realized I had to go in and win the game for my team." Martinez's 39-yard pass to Art Thomas set up Wali Lundy's 2-yard run. His pass to Miller over a defender in the right corner of the end zone made it 17-0 less than a minute before halftime. Martinez handed the ball off time and again as the Cavaliers gained 204 of their 376 yards on the ground. With the offensive leader on the sidelines, the defense did plenty to ensure the Cavaliers' first victory in their opener in four seasons. Duke gained just 272 yards and was stopped on downs at the Cavaliers 25 late. It was Virginia's first shutout since 1998. "Virginia beat us in every phase of the game," Duke coach Carl Franks said. "It also didn't help the Blue Devils that Martinez eventually got more comfortable after his first four passes all fell incomplete. Groh gave Martinez a passing grade for his first time out. "He brought his team home," he said. "I always say a quarterback is judged by his pelts, and he's got one now."
South Carolina squeaked by Lousiana-Lafayette last week, 14-7 as a 24-point favorite. La-Lafayette is 0-46 lifetime against the Southeastern Conference. In addition, the Gamecocks could only muster 141 yards on the ground. However, the Cocks new 4-3 defense did shut down the Cajuns holding them to just 132 yards on the ground and 135 yards through the air...but i need I say again this was against the Cajuns. The Gamecocks' defense was just stingy enough, allowing 272 yards and forcing a fumble that set up South Carolina's first score. The Ragin' Cajuns' offense didn't score as their lone touchdown came when Patrick Lamy returned a blocked field goal attempt 89 yards on the last play of the first half. Louisiana-Lafayette moved the ball into Gamecocks' territory six times, but the South Carolina defense forced two turnovers and three punts to go with a missed 52-yard field goal. South Carolina's receivers didn't help though, dropping a few well-thrown balls. By the middle of the third quarter with the game still tied at 7, boos could be heard from the crowd. Johnson also fumbled on the Ragin' Cajuns' 28, leading to a four-play drive capped by Pinkins 8-yard touchdown pass to Troy Williamson to give the Gamecocks a 7-0 lead.
As for this game, unbelievably, the linesmaker has opened the line at less than a FG (the line should be around -8 according to my formula)...the better question is why? Well the Book knows the public will look at the loss of Cavs super QB Schaub as a difficult adjustment and an inexperienced young QB. Now I ask you, after reading the above, who really has the QB problem? Based on last weeks performances of both QB's, I feel pretty comfortable with the Cavs Martinez who will now have the luxury of preparing for the game rather than being inserted in a horrific situation. Don't forget, last year, South Carolina was thumped by the Cavs, losing easily 34-21 in Charlottesville. South Carolina was just 1-6 ATS as an underdog last year. Plus, the Gamecocks did not cover a single game at home last year as an underdog going 0-2-1. No..no Mr. Linesmaker, the wise handicapper detects your flaws as the Cavs roll again.
Projected Score: Virginia 28, So Carolina 10
PLAY 2* UNITS ON VIRGINIA -3
WASHINGTON ST (1 - 0) at NOTRE DAME (0 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 2:30 PM
vs 329 WASHINGTON ST
330 NOTRE DAME -5.5
Detailed Analysis
Notre Dame looks for its defense to play the way it did during most of its surprising 2002 season as the Fighting Irish open at South Bend against Washington State on Saturday. The 19th-ranked Irish (10-3) owed much of their success in coach Tyrone Willingham's first season to an opportunistic, ball-hawking defense. Not much will change in 2003. Defensive line coach Greg Mattison is confident that the unit he helped assemble will again be one of the top defenses in the country. "There is a lot of talent here," Mattison said. "The word 'potential' is always there for Notre Dame football players. The key will be how hard this defensive front plays from game to game and doesn't look ahead and doesn't rest on what they've done, just like any great defensive line would have to do." Last season, Notre Dame ranked in the top 13 nationally in four major defensive categories: ninth in scoring defense (16.7 points per game), 10th in passing efficiency defense (98.24) and rushing defense (95.2 yards per game) and 13th in total defense (300). The Irish were at their best against the run, holding opponents to under 100 yards rushing on seven occasions while allowing just three backs to gain over 100 yards. "That's our defense," linebacker Derek Curry said "Notre Dame defense is flying to the football, making plays. That's what we do. There is no doubt about it." That defense faltered down the stretch, however, as the Irish yielded 44 points in a loss to Southern California in the regular season finale, and 28 to North Carolina State in a Gator Bowl loss. Even if the defense does return to form, Willingham knows a football team cannot live on that alone.
Last year's radical change in offensive philosophy from an option-oriented attack that ex-coach Bob Davie had employed to the West Coast system may prove more effective this season. "Anytime you are in a system, the longer you are in it, the more you start understanding what you are doing," said Willingham. "I've seen a lot of good things, and we need more consistency at all of our positions, including receiver." To do so, quarterback Carlyle Holiday will need talented second-year wideout Maurice Stoval to flourish as his main target. The 6-foot-5 Stoval will be replacing game breaker Arnaz Battle as the Irish's top pass-catcher. He believers he can build on his 18 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns last season. "Physically, I've gotten a lot stronger," Stoval said. "My routes are more crisp and on point."
Washington State tuned up for this Nationally televised contest with 19th ranked Notre Dame with an easy win over Idaho last week, 25-0. The Cougars cruised to an easy win behind 339 net yards of rushing. Despite winning the Pac-10 last year and earning a Rose Bowl berth, the Cougars enter the 2003 campaign unranked. Jonathan Smith ran 16 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns to give first-year Washington State coach Bill Doba a victory in his coaching debut with Saturday's 25-0 rout of Idaho. Notre Dame's rush defense will be put to the test after the Cougars rushed for 339 yards in their opener -- the best rushing output for Washington State since it gained 318 yards in a 54-14 victory over Montana State in 1993. Doba knows how important a win over Notre Dame would be for the defending Pac-10 champions. "It would (certainly) help build the credibility for this program and this coaching staff," Doba said. "You win that ballgame and you can establish some national credibility. You get the eyes of a nation on you."
The Cougars have shown they can play well on the road, compiling an 11-4 record both s/u and ats since 2000. Meanwhile, Ty Willingham will attempt to improve on last year’s 10-3 su mark with possibly one of the toughest schedules in the country. After jumping out of the gates with a 8-0 mark last year, Ty’s club struggled down the stretch, posting a 2-3 mark in the final five games, including a 28-6 drubbing at the hands of North Carolina in the Gator Bowl. The Irish have 14 returning starters this season, but only one to the offensive line. When you consider the other four offensive linemen were all drafted into the NFL, Notre Dame will have some big shoes to fill. Notre Dame will be hard pressed to repeat the double-digit wins again this year considering their schedule, but if anyone can get this team motivated, it’s Ty Willingham. Look for the Irish to be fired up by the hugh home crowd, not to mention the luck of the Irish.
Projected Score: Notre Dame 24, Washington St 14
PLAY 1* UNIT ON UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME -5.5
NC STATE (1 - 0) at WAKE FOREST (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 12:00 PM
vs 317 NC STATE -7.5
318 WAKE FOREST 52
Detailed Analysis
Option attacks like Wake Forest are very hard to prepare for. The best way to prepare for them is to have your offense ready. NC State's was more than ready when it scored 59 points last week. Today, QB Philip Rivers and NC State will attack a weak Wake Forest defense through the air, while the Demon Deacons will go to a ground attack to try and control the ball, which is exactally what they did last week, rolling up 316 yards on the ground (4.9 yds per carry), though the defense gave up 448 yards to Boston College. Still, Wake impressed many with 20 fourth quarter points and a surprising 32-28 upset win at BC. Rivers (3,125 yards in 2002) has his best targets back in WR Jerricho Cotchery and dynamic sophomore RB T.A. McLendon (1,083 rushing yards, 16 TDs). Good luck picking a side here, the sure bet is OVER...OVER...OVER!
Projected Score: NC State 42, Wake Forest 33
PLAY 1* UNIT ON NC STATE/WAKE FOREST OVER THE TOTAL 52
SAN DIEGO ST (1 - 0) at OHIO ST (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 12:00 PM
309 SAN DIEGO ST
310 OHIO ST -32.5
Detailed Analysis
It's very difficult to see the powerful Buckeyes being especially interested in this mismatch, which gets me interested from a spread standpoint. Let's face facts, San Diego State has no chance in this game. It's definitely the type of game where Aztecs head coach Tom Craft can gear his troops up for a "moral victory". In other words, if San Diego State can put up a decent fight and not get annihilated, they can use the game as a confidence booster for future efforts vs. entries that actually have a chance to beat. San Diego State may be without their starting QB, Adam Hall. He left last week's 19-9 win over Eastern Washington with an injury and is currently questionable for this game. However, there's really little dropoff to soph Matt Dlugolecki, who did a nice job in the opening week win. Ohio State's staunch defense will likely shut down exciting true freshman RB Lynell Hamilton, who is eventually going to be a star for the Aztecs. On the flip side, Ohio State can have some offensive fun against San Diego State. Despite holding the opposition to single digits last week, this is not a particularly solid SD State defense. But we already know that Ohio State is still without RB Maurice Clarett and that the Buckeyes offense is basically conservative. Scheduling is a prime spread edge for the visitors. I've already outlined what the Aztecs can reap from this trip (aside from the big dollars for their athletic program that trips like this guarantee). Meanwhile, Ohio State has a big game with North Carolina State on deck, and off the big game with Washington to open the year, this is definitely a potential flat spot. Ohio State won only two games by more than the line for this game during their championship run, and if San Diego State can score just once they will have a great chance to cover this huge spot. Well last week I used the same logic when I chose UTEP, and we all know what happened in that game. Again here I am Hunting for a spread winner with a huge underdog in a sandwich game situation. Play at your own risk...I am beginning to think I have a problem as its 2:00 in the morning and I can't stop.
Projected Score: Ohio St 33, San Diego St 7
PLAY 1* UNIT ON SAN DIEGO STATE +32.5
NEVADA (1 - 0) at OREGON (1 - 0)
Week 2 Saturday, 9/6/2003 3:30 PM
339 NEVADA
340 OREGON -22
Detailed Analysis
As reported in this weeks Gold Sheet Update...Nevada is hurting in the def. backfield, with sr. starting S Ronnie Hardiman (knee) through for the year, soph CB Chris Handy (concussion) doubtful, and jr. starting CB Marlon McGlaughlin (knee; DNP 1st game) questionable. This is not a good thing against a passy Happy Ducks team. Play DOWNGRADED to an opinion selection as a result!
Projected Score: Oregon 38, Nevada Reno 20
OPINION SELECTION ON NEVADA 22
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