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LETS START ROCKING THE BOOK THIS WEEK...HOWS THAT SOUND FOR CONFIDENCE. MOST PEOPLE HATE THE GAMES THIS WEEK, BUT I WORKED DOUBLETIME TO STOP THIS LOSING STREAK IN THE NCAA. ALOT OF VALUE THIS WEEK IN SOME GAMES MOST PEOPLE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. BUT THAT MY JOB SO WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY HERE IS THIS WEEKS EARLY CARD. AS ALWAYS EVERY GAME IS PLAYED AT $100/UNIT. GOOD LUCK IF YOU PLAY!
GET ALL OF MY PLAYS PLUS THE BONUS NEWSLETTERS FOR ONLY $65 FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. IF INTERESTED CONTACT ME AT [email protected]
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.
SUMMARY OF PLAYS NCAA FOOTBALL:
(7*) CLIENT PLAY!
(3*) TEXAS -6
(2*) LOUISVILLE -2
(2*) NORTHWESTERN +12
(2*) AUBURN -1.5
(2*) MICHIGAN -2.5
(2*) RUTGERS +26.5
(1*) TENNESSEE/AUBURN UNDER 38.5
(1*) AKRON +17
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KANSAS ST (4 - 1) at TEXAS (3 - 1)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 3:30 PM
vs 
347 KANSAS ST
348 TEXAS -6
Detailed Analysis
The Longhorns (3-1 SU/ATS) do really well against the poorer teams, as witnessed by their 63-18 romp over Tulane last Saturday night. But where was this same Texas team against Arkansas back on Sept. 13th when the Longhorns were defeated as 13-point favorites? Still, Texas has looked really good overall, allowing only 32 points in their three victories. All four of their games have gone OVER the total. However unique the situation might be, the Chance Mock/Vince Young QB rotation has to be considered a success at this point - Mock threw three touchdown passes and ran for another TD and Young ran and passed for two scores as the No. 14 Longhorns cruised against the Green Wave in their final tuneup before Big 12 play. The Wildcats (4-1 SU, 0-3 ATS), meanwhile, are coming off their first loss of the season against Marshall two weeks ago as a 22-point favorite. Both teams have shown a tendency to melt under pressure when favored so far this season, but the Wildcats will look to bounce back here on the road. These two teams faced off last season in Kansas St. with the Longhorns winning a ball control game 17-14. QB El Roberson may return here for K-State, but Texas still has too much speed.
Projected Score: Texas 34, Kansas St 17
PLAY 3* UNITS ON TEXAS -6
LOUISVILLE (4 - 0) at S FLORIDA (2 - 1)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 7:00 PM
vs 
365 LOUISVILLE -2
366 S FLORIDA
Detailed Analysis
The Louisville Cardinals open their Conference USA schedule on Saturday, when they take on the University of South Florida Bulls from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Cardinals enter the game with a perfect 4-0 mark, following a 21-12 victory over the Temple Owls on Saturday. The win concluded a successful two game home stand, which started off with a 42-14 victory over UTEP. Louisville will now be looking for its sixth 5-0 start in school history and the first since 1993. The team will also begin its league play after finishing in third place with a 5-3 mark last season. As for USF, it defeated Army, 28-0, last weekend for its first every victory in C-USA action. It was the second victory of the season for the Bulls, whose only loss came at the hands of Alabama, 40-17, in the season-opener. Last year, the Bulls were an independent and finished a respectable 9-2, but were not invited to a bowl game because they did not belong to a league. Tonight's game is the first of three straight at home for USF, which is an impressive 30-2 at Raymond James Stadium all-time. The team is also riding an amazing 20-game winning streak at home. The last time the Bulls were defeated at Raymond James Stadium was in 1999 against Hofstra in the last game of the season. Saturday's game will mark the first-ever meeting between Louisville and USF.
Louisville used a balanced attack, which consisted of 187 rushing yards and 197 passing yards in scoring three touchdowns in a win over Temple. Stefan LeFors had a solid game, completing 5-of-7 pass attempts for 100 yards and two touchdowns. However, he left the game with an injury, but is expected to play this Saturday. His replacement, Justin Rascati had a rough day, with just 97 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions on 8-of-16 pass attempts. The team's main target was J.R. Russell, who pulled five passes for 99 yards and a score. Heading the ground attack was Lionel Gates and Eric Shelton. Gates ran for a team-high 60 yards on 12 carries, while Shelton recorded 51 yards on 16 attempts. On the year, Louisville has rushed for an average of 200.8 ypg and thrown for an average of 222.2 ypg which has resulted in an impressive 33.2 ppg. Shelton leads the team with 366 yards and three touchdown, while Gates has added 200 yards and two scores. LeFors has also had an exceptional year under center, completing 63.5 percent of his passes for an average of 177.5 ypg. He has also thrown eight touchdowns against just two interceptions. His primary outlet is Russell, who has made 17 catches for 315 yards and two scores.
Defensively, the Cardinals have been on top of their game, surrendering just 17.5 ppg and 376.2 total ypg. However, the unit is allowing teams to convert 46 percent of third downs, while producing just six turnovers. Robert McCune leads the defense with 44 tackles, which is nearly 20 more than the second closest person. Josh Mikins has a team-high two interceptions, while Marcus Jones has recorded a team-best four sacks. Against Temple, the Cardinals defense was torched for 362 yards through the air, but permitted just 53 on the ground. The unit forced just two turnovers, but made up for it with six sacks. McCune once again led the charge with 13 tackles and half a sack. Jones also had a decent game with a team-high two sacks.
It wasn't one of the Bulls' best offensive games, but the team did enough to gain a win over Army. The offense racked up 370 total yards, but also turned the ball over three times. USF also had a tough time converting third downs, going just 3-of-15. Ronnie Banks had a rough night under center, completing 22-of-41 pass attempts for 218 yards and two interceptions. His go-to-guy was Huey Whittaker, who pulled down five passes for 94 yards. Clenton Crossley led the ground game, which gained 145 yards, as he tallied 65 yards and a score on 13 carries. For the season, USF has managed a solid 146.0 ypg on the ground and 239.3 ypg through the air. However, the unit has turned the ball over nine times in just three games. Banks has accounted for four of those turnovers on interceptions, but has made up for it with five touchdowns. He is averaging 235.0 passing ypg, while completing 52.4 percent of his pass attempts. Whittaker leads the team with just 13 catches for 188 yards and a touchdown. Next in line is Elgin Hicks and his 11 receptions for 194 yards and two scores. As for the rushing attack, it is headed by Crossley, who has managed 163 yards, with an average of 6.5 ypc.
USF played its best defensive game of the year against Army, holding it to a dismal 176 total yards, including a miniscule 17 on the ground in picking up its first shutout since the 2000 season. The defense also forced six turnovers, while holding Army to just 6-of-20 third down conversions. Tim Jones led the unit with seven tackles, including three TFLs. Courtney Davenport added six stops, while Lee Roy Selmon recorded five tackles and two forced fumbles. Overall, the Bulls' defense has been solid this season, yielding just 19.0 ppg and 294.0 total ypg. The unit has also come up with four fumbles and three interceptions. Maurice Jones has led the defense all season with his 29 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. J.R. Reed is second with 28 stops, followed by Davenport's 24 tackles. No player has more then one sack, but as a team, USF has recorded five in three games.
After strolling through their first four games of the season, the Cardinals will surely be tested by the Bulls' defense on Saturday. USF has been amazing at home over its existence, but will have its hands full with a tough Louisville squad. The Cardinals should be able to wear down the Bulls with Shelton in the backfield. South Florida has won 20 straight home games, so don't look for a blowout, but look for the less than 100% QB LeFors against the visitors depth and talent to end that 20 game streak. Cards balanced attack is the difference.
Projected Score: Louisville 28, South Florida 17
PLAY 2* UNITS ON LOUISVILLE -2
MINNESOTA (5 - 0) at NORTHWESTERN (2 - 3)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 12:00 PM
vs 
315 MINNESOTA -12
316 NORTHWESTERN
Detailed Analysis
After outscoring their first four opponents - Tulsa, Troy State, Ohio and Louisiana-Lafayette - by a combined 187-51 score, the No. 21 Golden Gophers (5-0, 1-0) passed their first legitimate test of the season with a 20-14 road victory over Penn State in their Big Ten opener last week. Justin Fraley made a key interception late in the game, and Marion Barber III gained 49 of his 134 rushing yards on the ensuing possession to set up Rhys Lloyd's 30-yard field goal with 2:21 left. The Golden Gophers haven't trailed at any point this season, and have a streak of 22 consecutive quarters without trailing that dates to last year.
Minnesota's six-game win streak dating to last year is its longest under Mason, and longest since the Rose Bowl season of 1961. The Gophers will try to win their first two Big Ten games for the first time since starting 3-0 in 1990. Although their offense wasn't as potent against the Nittany Lions, the Gophers are still averaging 41.4 points per game, seventh-best in the nation. Minnesota does most of its damage on the ground, ranking third in the country with 284.2 rushing yards per game. Four Gophers have rushed for at least 200 yards this season. Barber leads the team with 466 yards and is first in the nation with 11 touchdowns.
Northwestern (2-3) will be facing an unbeaten team for the second straight week following Saturday's 20-0 loss to defending national champion Ohio State. The Wildcats, limited to 185 yards, missed two field goals and had a touchdown called back by a penalty. Brett Basanez completed just 10 of 24 passes for 64 yards and was sacked twice. Senior running back Jason Wright is the focal point of the Wildcats' offense, averaging 105 yards per game with eight touchdowns. Basanez has thrown for 820 yards this season, but has been picked off five times while throwing just one touchdown. A vastly improved defense is the biggest strength for Northwestern, but that unit will face another difficult challenge against high-scoring Minnesota. The Wildcats are yielding 146.4 rushing yards per game in 2003 after allowing 313 per contest last season. The defense already has eight sacks in five games this season after totaling just six all of last year. "It's clear that our defense has made some huge strides," coach Randy Walker said.
This week's Minnesota-Northwestern contest has a number of conflicting items that makes picking a spread winner extremely tough. The road team has been utterly dominant in the series, with the visitor having cashed the ticket in each of the last eight meetings. But on the flip side, this is a dangerous scheduling spot for Minnesota. The Gophers just passed their first big road test with the win at Penn State, and next week they have a huge home game vs. Michigan. Northwestern is the sandwich opponent, and claiming substantial points from the oddsmaker, the Wildcats become a live underdog. But from a physical standpoint, it seems as though the powerful running game of Minnesota should be able to dictate the tempo and the Northwestern attack is too limited to put together the time consuming drives likely necessary to challenge the Gopher defense. Add it all up and it looks like a Minnesota win, but covering a double digit spot may be asking too much. Oops some late breaking information here that may just offset the visiting team trend. Minnesota has lost five of the last seven meetings. All 10 games between the teams since 1988 have been decided by 10 points or fewer.
Projected Score: Minnesota 28, Northwestern 20
PLAY 2* UNITS ON NORTHWESTERN +12
TENNESSEE (4 - 0) at AUBURN (2 - 2)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 7:45 PM
vs 
319 TENNESSEE 38.5
320 AUBURN -1.5
Detailed Analysis
Too bad this game is not at Tennessee, then what to do would be obvious. For the third consecutive time this year, Tennessee failed to cover as a home favorite after their thrilling OT win against South Carolina 23-20 SU. However, this game is at Auburn, who last week trounced a defenseless I-AA Western Kentucky, 48-3 SU.
The seventh-ranked Vols (4-0, 2-0 SEC) may be unbeaten but their play so far has been spotty on both sides of the ball, especially during last week's 23-20 overtime win over South Carolina. Against South Carolina, the offense got off to a good start, scoring 17 first-half points. However, Tennessee's running game struggled in both halves, and the Vols had seven penalties for 83 yards, including three pass interference and three holding calls. South Carolina freshman Demetris Summers had 115 yards rushing on 12 carries in the first half but managed just 43 yards on 15 attempts in the second half. The Vols came in allowing just 53 yards per game on the ground.
Auburn (2-2, 1-0) will try to run the football with tailbacks Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown. "Typically, we don't give up too many yards rushing," Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said. Fulmer also said he expects Auburn to be his team's biggest challenge to date, particularly since the Tigers' defense is ranked second in the nation in total defense, allowing 265.3 yards per game. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville says his team has played well since starting the season 0-2. "Our attitude has been great all along, we just haven't executed," Tuberville said. Tuberville said he'll know how good his defense is after it tries to slow down a Tennessee offense averaging 382 yards per game, much due to the hard work of running backs Cedric Houston and Jabari Davis, and a veteran offensive line.
Now, the word is that Auburn has righted their ship. Nevertheless, Auburn HC, Tommy Tuberville is now starting to make those apologetic comments applauding the overall play of his team. Recently, he stated that his defense has played well this year except for a few bad plays. This tells you all you need to hear. Vol's D allowing 15 ppg & Tigers a paltry 12 ppg. Enuff said...TAKE THE UNDER! Also look for an Auburn cover!
Projected Score: Tennessee 10, Auburn 17
PLAY 1* UNIT ON TENNESSEE/AUBURN UNDER 38.5
PLAY 2* UNITS ON AUBURN -1.5
AKRON (3 - 2) at MIAMI OHIO (3 - 1)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 2:00 PM
vs 
327 AKRON
328 MIAMI OHIO -17
Detailed Analysis
Two of the top offensive teams in the Mid-American Conference meet at Yager Stadium in Oxford this Saturday in what promises to be a classic showdown, as the Miami-Ohio Red Hawks play host to the Akron Zips. The Zips come into this contest riding a three-game winning streak, which was extended with a 38-21 victory over lowly Buffalo last Saturday. Akron is now 2-1 in MAC play this year and has taken off after losing its first two games of the season. In the Zips' three wins they have turned up their offensive production and outscored their opponents by a combined tally of 127-45. After opening their season with a 21-3 loss to Iowa, the Red Hawks have also reeled off three straight wins. Unlike the Zips, however, this will be the first conference tilt of the season for Miami and only its second contest at home. The Red Hawks were able to escape with a win in last weekend's home opener, as they held on for a 42-37 victory against Cincinnati. Miami-Ohio leads the all-time series with the Zips by a margin of 9-4-1, getting to that point by winning five of the last six meetings. The Red Hawks claimed a 48-31 victory in Akron last season.
Akron's offense was in high gear last weekend against Buffalo, as it racked up 527 total yards and registered 38 points on the scoreboard. The rushing and passing attack was working equally well, as the Zips ran for 165 yards and passed for 362. They also did an excellent job under pressure, converting 8- of-13 third-down opportunities. Tailback Bobby Hendry led the offensive onslaught with 148 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. It marked the fourth straight 100-yard rushing game for Hendry and the ninth time he has hit the mark in his last 11 games. Charlie Frye had a solid game as well, completing 26-of-41 attempts for the 362 yards with a touchdown. Frye also added a rushing touchdown for the Zips, and has now thrown for over 300 yards in four of the team's first five contests this year. Matt Cherry was once again Frye's target of choice, hauling in eight catches for 131 yards. Frye ranks second in the nation in total offense with 346.6 ypg, as he trails only Texas Tech's B.J. Symons (509.3). He also needs just 160 passing yards this weekend to become Akron's all-time career passing leader.
While the Akron offense rolled once again in the win over Buffalo, its defense had an impressive showing as well. The Zips held the Bulls to only 227 yards of total offense, of which just 119 came through the air. Akron was able to attack Buffalo with constant pressure, recording three quarterback sacks and holding it to just 4-of-14 on its third-down opportunities. John Fuller led the Zips with 14 tackles, nine of which were solo stops, while also recording two TFLs. Chase Blackburn was one of the key players in applying pressure to the Bulls, as he finished with six tackles, three TFLs and a sack. Jared Smith and Kiki Gonzalez each had a sack as well, while both players also recorded three tackles with Gonzalez registering two TFLs. Blackburn is leading the team this season with 43 stops, eight TFLs and one sack. Diontre Earl is following close behind with 39 tackles, five TFLs and one quarterback takedown. Rickey McKenzie has played extremely well for the Zips in the secondary and leads the team with three interceptions and five pass breakups.
Ben Roethlisberger continued to impress in the Red Hawks' win over Cincinnati, throwing for 377 yards and two scores on 31-of-49 passing. Roethlisberger recorded a school-first by throwing for his third straight 300-yard game, but he did however show some signs of inaccuracy, throwing three interceptions on the day. Matt Brandt pulled down a team-best eight balls for 93 yards and two scores, while Martin Lance added five catches for 115 yards. While the passing attack was in mid-season form, the rushing game still has major room to improve after gaining just 98 yards against the Bearcats. Mike Smith led the team with 50 yards and two scores on 18 carries, while Cal Murray rumbled for 42 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 12 rushing attempts. Roethlisberger leads a Miami-Ohio offense that is averaging 457.5 ypg of total offense, including 331.2 ypg through the air. The Heisman-hopeful has thrown for 1,310 yards and seven scores this season, while completing a sizzling 68.9 percent of his pass attempts. Murray leads the team with 225 yards rushing, while Smith has found the end zone six times already this year.
Although Miami-Ohio was happy to walk away with a win last weekend against Cincinnati, the glaring weakness for this squad once again reared its ugly head as the defense bent time and time again in allowing the Bearcats to nearly pull off a miraculous come-from-behind victory. The Red Hawks allowed Cincinnati to nearly come back and win the game after trailing by 28 points at one point. Miami-Ohio allowed the Bearcats to rush for 152 yards and throw for 226 more, while also allowing it to score all four times it made appearances in the red zone. Matt Pusateri posted a team-high 10 tackles and two PBUs in the win, while Terrell Jones had one of the RedHawks' three sacks and recorded seven stops and one TFL. Ryan Spraque came up with the unit's lone interception, while Terna Nande added eight tackles, a TFL and recovered a fumble. Pusateri is leading the team with 38 stops this season, while Will Stanley has a team-high three sacks and five quarterback hurries to credit. Nande has provided solid pressure for Miami-Ohio in the opposition's backfield, registering 29 tackles, six and one sack thus far.
The Zips are perhaps more well rounded on offense at the moment, but the RedHawks have one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and a defense that should rebound from last weekend's near debacle against Cincinnati. Akron will keep the game close for the second half, but will fade down the stretch as Roethlisberger and company record their first conference win of the season. Nevertheless, the number is set too high for an explosive Zip offense. Last two games ended 48-31 and 30-27 and Akron is 3-1 against the spread versus Miami O since 1992
Projected Score: Miami Oh 34, Akron 24
PLAY 1* UNIT ON AKRON +17
GET ALL OF MY PLAYS PLUS THE BONUS NEWSLETTERS FOR ONLY $65 FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. IF INTERESTED CONTACT ME AT [email protected]
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.
SUMMARY OF PLAYS NCAA FOOTBALL:
(7*) CLIENT PLAY!
(3*) TEXAS -6
(2*) LOUISVILLE -2
(2*) NORTHWESTERN +12
(2*) AUBURN -1.5
(2*) MICHIGAN -2.5
(2*) RUTGERS +26.5
(1*) TENNESSEE/AUBURN UNDER 38.5
(1*) AKRON +17
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KANSAS ST (4 - 1) at TEXAS (3 - 1)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 3:30 PM
vs 347 KANSAS ST
348 TEXAS -6
Detailed Analysis
The Longhorns (3-1 SU/ATS) do really well against the poorer teams, as witnessed by their 63-18 romp over Tulane last Saturday night. But where was this same Texas team against Arkansas back on Sept. 13th when the Longhorns were defeated as 13-point favorites? Still, Texas has looked really good overall, allowing only 32 points in their three victories. All four of their games have gone OVER the total. However unique the situation might be, the Chance Mock/Vince Young QB rotation has to be considered a success at this point - Mock threw three touchdown passes and ran for another TD and Young ran and passed for two scores as the No. 14 Longhorns cruised against the Green Wave in their final tuneup before Big 12 play. The Wildcats (4-1 SU, 0-3 ATS), meanwhile, are coming off their first loss of the season against Marshall two weeks ago as a 22-point favorite. Both teams have shown a tendency to melt under pressure when favored so far this season, but the Wildcats will look to bounce back here on the road. These two teams faced off last season in Kansas St. with the Longhorns winning a ball control game 17-14. QB El Roberson may return here for K-State, but Texas still has too much speed.
Projected Score: Texas 34, Kansas St 17
PLAY 3* UNITS ON TEXAS -6
LOUISVILLE (4 - 0) at S FLORIDA (2 - 1)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 7:00 PM
vs 365 LOUISVILLE -2
366 S FLORIDA
Detailed Analysis
The Louisville Cardinals open their Conference USA schedule on Saturday, when they take on the University of South Florida Bulls from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Cardinals enter the game with a perfect 4-0 mark, following a 21-12 victory over the Temple Owls on Saturday. The win concluded a successful two game home stand, which started off with a 42-14 victory over UTEP. Louisville will now be looking for its sixth 5-0 start in school history and the first since 1993. The team will also begin its league play after finishing in third place with a 5-3 mark last season. As for USF, it defeated Army, 28-0, last weekend for its first every victory in C-USA action. It was the second victory of the season for the Bulls, whose only loss came at the hands of Alabama, 40-17, in the season-opener. Last year, the Bulls were an independent and finished a respectable 9-2, but were not invited to a bowl game because they did not belong to a league. Tonight's game is the first of three straight at home for USF, which is an impressive 30-2 at Raymond James Stadium all-time. The team is also riding an amazing 20-game winning streak at home. The last time the Bulls were defeated at Raymond James Stadium was in 1999 against Hofstra in the last game of the season. Saturday's game will mark the first-ever meeting between Louisville and USF.
Louisville used a balanced attack, which consisted of 187 rushing yards and 197 passing yards in scoring three touchdowns in a win over Temple. Stefan LeFors had a solid game, completing 5-of-7 pass attempts for 100 yards and two touchdowns. However, he left the game with an injury, but is expected to play this Saturday. His replacement, Justin Rascati had a rough day, with just 97 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions on 8-of-16 pass attempts. The team's main target was J.R. Russell, who pulled five passes for 99 yards and a score. Heading the ground attack was Lionel Gates and Eric Shelton. Gates ran for a team-high 60 yards on 12 carries, while Shelton recorded 51 yards on 16 attempts. On the year, Louisville has rushed for an average of 200.8 ypg and thrown for an average of 222.2 ypg which has resulted in an impressive 33.2 ppg. Shelton leads the team with 366 yards and three touchdown, while Gates has added 200 yards and two scores. LeFors has also had an exceptional year under center, completing 63.5 percent of his passes for an average of 177.5 ypg. He has also thrown eight touchdowns against just two interceptions. His primary outlet is Russell, who has made 17 catches for 315 yards and two scores.
Defensively, the Cardinals have been on top of their game, surrendering just 17.5 ppg and 376.2 total ypg. However, the unit is allowing teams to convert 46 percent of third downs, while producing just six turnovers. Robert McCune leads the defense with 44 tackles, which is nearly 20 more than the second closest person. Josh Mikins has a team-high two interceptions, while Marcus Jones has recorded a team-best four sacks. Against Temple, the Cardinals defense was torched for 362 yards through the air, but permitted just 53 on the ground. The unit forced just two turnovers, but made up for it with six sacks. McCune once again led the charge with 13 tackles and half a sack. Jones also had a decent game with a team-high two sacks.
It wasn't one of the Bulls' best offensive games, but the team did enough to gain a win over Army. The offense racked up 370 total yards, but also turned the ball over three times. USF also had a tough time converting third downs, going just 3-of-15. Ronnie Banks had a rough night under center, completing 22-of-41 pass attempts for 218 yards and two interceptions. His go-to-guy was Huey Whittaker, who pulled down five passes for 94 yards. Clenton Crossley led the ground game, which gained 145 yards, as he tallied 65 yards and a score on 13 carries. For the season, USF has managed a solid 146.0 ypg on the ground and 239.3 ypg through the air. However, the unit has turned the ball over nine times in just three games. Banks has accounted for four of those turnovers on interceptions, but has made up for it with five touchdowns. He is averaging 235.0 passing ypg, while completing 52.4 percent of his pass attempts. Whittaker leads the team with just 13 catches for 188 yards and a touchdown. Next in line is Elgin Hicks and his 11 receptions for 194 yards and two scores. As for the rushing attack, it is headed by Crossley, who has managed 163 yards, with an average of 6.5 ypc.
USF played its best defensive game of the year against Army, holding it to a dismal 176 total yards, including a miniscule 17 on the ground in picking up its first shutout since the 2000 season. The defense also forced six turnovers, while holding Army to just 6-of-20 third down conversions. Tim Jones led the unit with seven tackles, including three TFLs. Courtney Davenport added six stops, while Lee Roy Selmon recorded five tackles and two forced fumbles. Overall, the Bulls' defense has been solid this season, yielding just 19.0 ppg and 294.0 total ypg. The unit has also come up with four fumbles and three interceptions. Maurice Jones has led the defense all season with his 29 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. J.R. Reed is second with 28 stops, followed by Davenport's 24 tackles. No player has more then one sack, but as a team, USF has recorded five in three games.
After strolling through their first four games of the season, the Cardinals will surely be tested by the Bulls' defense on Saturday. USF has been amazing at home over its existence, but will have its hands full with a tough Louisville squad. The Cardinals should be able to wear down the Bulls with Shelton in the backfield. South Florida has won 20 straight home games, so don't look for a blowout, but look for the less than 100% QB LeFors against the visitors depth and talent to end that 20 game streak. Cards balanced attack is the difference.
Projected Score: Louisville 28, South Florida 17
PLAY 2* UNITS ON LOUISVILLE -2
MINNESOTA (5 - 0) at NORTHWESTERN (2 - 3)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 12:00 PM
vs 315 MINNESOTA -12
316 NORTHWESTERN
Detailed Analysis
After outscoring their first four opponents - Tulsa, Troy State, Ohio and Louisiana-Lafayette - by a combined 187-51 score, the No. 21 Golden Gophers (5-0, 1-0) passed their first legitimate test of the season with a 20-14 road victory over Penn State in their Big Ten opener last week. Justin Fraley made a key interception late in the game, and Marion Barber III gained 49 of his 134 rushing yards on the ensuing possession to set up Rhys Lloyd's 30-yard field goal with 2:21 left. The Golden Gophers haven't trailed at any point this season, and have a streak of 22 consecutive quarters without trailing that dates to last year.
Minnesota's six-game win streak dating to last year is its longest under Mason, and longest since the Rose Bowl season of 1961. The Gophers will try to win their first two Big Ten games for the first time since starting 3-0 in 1990. Although their offense wasn't as potent against the Nittany Lions, the Gophers are still averaging 41.4 points per game, seventh-best in the nation. Minnesota does most of its damage on the ground, ranking third in the country with 284.2 rushing yards per game. Four Gophers have rushed for at least 200 yards this season. Barber leads the team with 466 yards and is first in the nation with 11 touchdowns.
Northwestern (2-3) will be facing an unbeaten team for the second straight week following Saturday's 20-0 loss to defending national champion Ohio State. The Wildcats, limited to 185 yards, missed two field goals and had a touchdown called back by a penalty. Brett Basanez completed just 10 of 24 passes for 64 yards and was sacked twice. Senior running back Jason Wright is the focal point of the Wildcats' offense, averaging 105 yards per game with eight touchdowns. Basanez has thrown for 820 yards this season, but has been picked off five times while throwing just one touchdown. A vastly improved defense is the biggest strength for Northwestern, but that unit will face another difficult challenge against high-scoring Minnesota. The Wildcats are yielding 146.4 rushing yards per game in 2003 after allowing 313 per contest last season. The defense already has eight sacks in five games this season after totaling just six all of last year. "It's clear that our defense has made some huge strides," coach Randy Walker said.
This week's Minnesota-Northwestern contest has a number of conflicting items that makes picking a spread winner extremely tough. The road team has been utterly dominant in the series, with the visitor having cashed the ticket in each of the last eight meetings. But on the flip side, this is a dangerous scheduling spot for Minnesota. The Gophers just passed their first big road test with the win at Penn State, and next week they have a huge home game vs. Michigan. Northwestern is the sandwich opponent, and claiming substantial points from the oddsmaker, the Wildcats become a live underdog. But from a physical standpoint, it seems as though the powerful running game of Minnesota should be able to dictate the tempo and the Northwestern attack is too limited to put together the time consuming drives likely necessary to challenge the Gopher defense. Add it all up and it looks like a Minnesota win, but covering a double digit spot may be asking too much. Oops some late breaking information here that may just offset the visiting team trend. Minnesota has lost five of the last seven meetings. All 10 games between the teams since 1988 have been decided by 10 points or fewer.
Projected Score: Minnesota 28, Northwestern 20
PLAY 2* UNITS ON NORTHWESTERN +12
TENNESSEE (4 - 0) at AUBURN (2 - 2)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 7:45 PM
vs 319 TENNESSEE 38.5
320 AUBURN -1.5
Detailed Analysis
Too bad this game is not at Tennessee, then what to do would be obvious. For the third consecutive time this year, Tennessee failed to cover as a home favorite after their thrilling OT win against South Carolina 23-20 SU. However, this game is at Auburn, who last week trounced a defenseless I-AA Western Kentucky, 48-3 SU.
The seventh-ranked Vols (4-0, 2-0 SEC) may be unbeaten but their play so far has been spotty on both sides of the ball, especially during last week's 23-20 overtime win over South Carolina. Against South Carolina, the offense got off to a good start, scoring 17 first-half points. However, Tennessee's running game struggled in both halves, and the Vols had seven penalties for 83 yards, including three pass interference and three holding calls. South Carolina freshman Demetris Summers had 115 yards rushing on 12 carries in the first half but managed just 43 yards on 15 attempts in the second half. The Vols came in allowing just 53 yards per game on the ground.
Auburn (2-2, 1-0) will try to run the football with tailbacks Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown. "Typically, we don't give up too many yards rushing," Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said. Fulmer also said he expects Auburn to be his team's biggest challenge to date, particularly since the Tigers' defense is ranked second in the nation in total defense, allowing 265.3 yards per game. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville says his team has played well since starting the season 0-2. "Our attitude has been great all along, we just haven't executed," Tuberville said. Tuberville said he'll know how good his defense is after it tries to slow down a Tennessee offense averaging 382 yards per game, much due to the hard work of running backs Cedric Houston and Jabari Davis, and a veteran offensive line.
Now, the word is that Auburn has righted their ship. Nevertheless, Auburn HC, Tommy Tuberville is now starting to make those apologetic comments applauding the overall play of his team. Recently, he stated that his defense has played well this year except for a few bad plays. This tells you all you need to hear. Vol's D allowing 15 ppg & Tigers a paltry 12 ppg. Enuff said...TAKE THE UNDER! Also look for an Auburn cover!
Projected Score: Tennessee 10, Auburn 17
PLAY 1* UNIT ON TENNESSEE/AUBURN UNDER 38.5
PLAY 2* UNITS ON AUBURN -1.5
AKRON (3 - 2) at MIAMI OHIO (3 - 1)
Week 6 Saturday, 10/4/2003 2:00 PM
vs 327 AKRON
328 MIAMI OHIO -17
Detailed Analysis
Two of the top offensive teams in the Mid-American Conference meet at Yager Stadium in Oxford this Saturday in what promises to be a classic showdown, as the Miami-Ohio Red Hawks play host to the Akron Zips. The Zips come into this contest riding a three-game winning streak, which was extended with a 38-21 victory over lowly Buffalo last Saturday. Akron is now 2-1 in MAC play this year and has taken off after losing its first two games of the season. In the Zips' three wins they have turned up their offensive production and outscored their opponents by a combined tally of 127-45. After opening their season with a 21-3 loss to Iowa, the Red Hawks have also reeled off three straight wins. Unlike the Zips, however, this will be the first conference tilt of the season for Miami and only its second contest at home. The Red Hawks were able to escape with a win in last weekend's home opener, as they held on for a 42-37 victory against Cincinnati. Miami-Ohio leads the all-time series with the Zips by a margin of 9-4-1, getting to that point by winning five of the last six meetings. The Red Hawks claimed a 48-31 victory in Akron last season.
Akron's offense was in high gear last weekend against Buffalo, as it racked up 527 total yards and registered 38 points on the scoreboard. The rushing and passing attack was working equally well, as the Zips ran for 165 yards and passed for 362. They also did an excellent job under pressure, converting 8- of-13 third-down opportunities. Tailback Bobby Hendry led the offensive onslaught with 148 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. It marked the fourth straight 100-yard rushing game for Hendry and the ninth time he has hit the mark in his last 11 games. Charlie Frye had a solid game as well, completing 26-of-41 attempts for the 362 yards with a touchdown. Frye also added a rushing touchdown for the Zips, and has now thrown for over 300 yards in four of the team's first five contests this year. Matt Cherry was once again Frye's target of choice, hauling in eight catches for 131 yards. Frye ranks second in the nation in total offense with 346.6 ypg, as he trails only Texas Tech's B.J. Symons (509.3). He also needs just 160 passing yards this weekend to become Akron's all-time career passing leader.
While the Akron offense rolled once again in the win over Buffalo, its defense had an impressive showing as well. The Zips held the Bulls to only 227 yards of total offense, of which just 119 came through the air. Akron was able to attack Buffalo with constant pressure, recording three quarterback sacks and holding it to just 4-of-14 on its third-down opportunities. John Fuller led the Zips with 14 tackles, nine of which were solo stops, while also recording two TFLs. Chase Blackburn was one of the key players in applying pressure to the Bulls, as he finished with six tackles, three TFLs and a sack. Jared Smith and Kiki Gonzalez each had a sack as well, while both players also recorded three tackles with Gonzalez registering two TFLs. Blackburn is leading the team this season with 43 stops, eight TFLs and one sack. Diontre Earl is following close behind with 39 tackles, five TFLs and one quarterback takedown. Rickey McKenzie has played extremely well for the Zips in the secondary and leads the team with three interceptions and five pass breakups.
Ben Roethlisberger continued to impress in the Red Hawks' win over Cincinnati, throwing for 377 yards and two scores on 31-of-49 passing. Roethlisberger recorded a school-first by throwing for his third straight 300-yard game, but he did however show some signs of inaccuracy, throwing three interceptions on the day. Matt Brandt pulled down a team-best eight balls for 93 yards and two scores, while Martin Lance added five catches for 115 yards. While the passing attack was in mid-season form, the rushing game still has major room to improve after gaining just 98 yards against the Bearcats. Mike Smith led the team with 50 yards and two scores on 18 carries, while Cal Murray rumbled for 42 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 12 rushing attempts. Roethlisberger leads a Miami-Ohio offense that is averaging 457.5 ypg of total offense, including 331.2 ypg through the air. The Heisman-hopeful has thrown for 1,310 yards and seven scores this season, while completing a sizzling 68.9 percent of his pass attempts. Murray leads the team with 225 yards rushing, while Smith has found the end zone six times already this year.
Although Miami-Ohio was happy to walk away with a win last weekend against Cincinnati, the glaring weakness for this squad once again reared its ugly head as the defense bent time and time again in allowing the Bearcats to nearly pull off a miraculous come-from-behind victory. The Red Hawks allowed Cincinnati to nearly come back and win the game after trailing by 28 points at one point. Miami-Ohio allowed the Bearcats to rush for 152 yards and throw for 226 more, while also allowing it to score all four times it made appearances in the red zone. Matt Pusateri posted a team-high 10 tackles and two PBUs in the win, while Terrell Jones had one of the RedHawks' three sacks and recorded seven stops and one TFL. Ryan Spraque came up with the unit's lone interception, while Terna Nande added eight tackles, a TFL and recovered a fumble. Pusateri is leading the team with 38 stops this season, while Will Stanley has a team-high three sacks and five quarterback hurries to credit. Nande has provided solid pressure for Miami-Ohio in the opposition's backfield, registering 29 tackles, six and one sack thus far.
The Zips are perhaps more well rounded on offense at the moment, but the RedHawks have one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and a defense that should rebound from last weekend's near debacle against Cincinnati. Akron will keep the game close for the second half, but will fade down the stretch as Roethlisberger and company record their first conference win of the season. Nevertheless, the number is set too high for an explosive Zip offense. Last two games ended 48-31 and 30-27 and Akron is 3-1 against the spread versus Miami O since 1992
Projected Score: Miami Oh 34, Akron 24
PLAY 1* UNIT ON AKRON +17