The Bum's Aug-Sept College Football Best Bets !

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Friday, September 14

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Washington State - 9:00 PM ET Washington State -8 500

UNLV - Over 55.5 500

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Notre Dame An Underdog At Michigan State Spartans

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are making big news on and off the field as they visit the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday night.

The Don Best college football odds screen opened with Michigan State as 4-point favorites, but that has been bet up to 5½-6. The total is currently at 43½ and ABC will have the 8:00 p.m. (ET) national telecast from Spartan Stadium.

These teams play every year, but that could change in the future with Notre Dame just joining the ACC and the still independent Notre Dame football program guaranteeing five games a year against that conference.

The Irish (2-0 straight up, 1-1 against the spread) are ranked No. 19 in the AP Poll and No. 20 in the Coaches, but the Don Best Linemakers Poll feels more strongly about them at No. 13. That’s despite a closer than expected 20-17 victory over Purdue last week as 14-point favorites.

Junior quarterback Tommy Rees led the game-winning field goal drive after coming in with 2:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. Redshirt freshman Everett Golson was the starter, going 21-of-31 for 289 yards, but was replaced after being banged up with a thumb injury. He’s listed as probable on the Don Best injury report.

Coach Brian Kelly has continued to say that Golson is his starter, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rees get some time and that means the Michigan State defense has to prepare for both. The Irish need to do a better job in pass protection no matter who is the signal caller, allowing five sacks last week.

One player definitely in the lineup this week is running back Cierre Wood. He rushed for over 1,100 yards last year, but was suspended the first two games this season for a rules violation. Wood should be a major upgrade after the team rushed for just 52 total yards against Purdue.

The Spartans (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) are ranked No. 10 in the AP and Coaches Poll, plus No. 11 by Don Best. They got tested in Week 1 of the season with a 17-13 comeback home win over ranked Boise State before a 41-7 blowout at Central Michigan last week.

Running back Le’Veon Bell continues to be a man among boys, rushing for two TDs last week to give him four for the season. He only had 18 carries versus a huge 44 against Boise State, so he should be fresh this Saturday.

Junior quarterback Andrew Maxwell threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns last week, plus no interceptions. He had three picks against Boise State which really brought his ability to replace the departed Kirk Cousins into question. Getting Maxwell’s confidence up against the MAC school was very important heading into Notre Dame.

The underrated Spartans defense is the biggest reason why this spread has moved in their direction. They rank No. 8 in the nation in total defense (225.5 YPG) and should fare well against Notre Dame even if they do fear the quickness and athletic ability of Golson.

The road team is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings between the teams, although splitting the last four. Notre Dame won 31-13 as 6-point home favorites last year, winning the rushing battle 114-29. That won’t come close to happening on Saturday even with Wood back.

The ‘over’ is 6-2 in the last eight matchups.

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USC Trojans Collide With Stanford Cardinal

USC at Stanford College Football Betting Preview

Date: 9/15/2012 at 7:30 p.m. (ET)

Opening Lines: USC -9, O/U 60

USC Trojans: This is a huge revenge game for the Trojans (2-0 straight up, 0-2 against the spread), who lost three straight games to Stanford with NFL top overall pick Andrew Luck under center for the Cardinal. USC is just 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings since winning 42-0 in Palo Alto back in 2006 with the ‘over’ cashing in the last four overall. However, the Trojans have not been very impressive in their first two games this season despite the fact that star QB Matt Barkley returned for his senior year. They are coming off a 42-29 win over Syracuse last Saturday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with Barkley throwing six touchdown passes but just 187 yards through the air.

Stanford Cardinal: The Cardinal (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) survived a 20-17 scare from San Jose State in their season opener but rebounded to rout Duke 50-13 last week. They will be playing their third home game in row before heading to Washington in two weeks when they will begin a stretch of three road games in a month. Stanford will likely rely on its strong running game again in this year’s meeting with USC, as senior RB Stepfan Taylor has totaled 203 yards on the ground and three touchdowns in the past two combined. New QB Josh Nunes threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns against the Blue Devils last Saturday after totaling 125 yards and one score in his first career start a week earlier. The Cardinal is 5-0 ATS in their last five as home underdogs but the road team is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings.

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Top-Ranked Alabama Up Next For Battered Arkansas

Fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks will undoubtedly be out in full force calling the hogs this Saturday when the Alabama Crimson Tide comes to Fayetteville. But unless there's a strong-armed sow in the bunch to play quarterback, not to mention a few quick little piglets to man the defensive backfield, those cries of, "Woooo, pig soooie!" might turn to, "Ew, pig pewy" by game's end.

Nick Saban brings the top-ranked Tide into Razorback Stadium as huge 20½-point favorites for the mid-afternoon kickoff that many will see on CBS. Alabama opened as fairly large 15½-point road chalk, but the number immediately shot up as news from Arkansas regarding QB Tyler Wilson's status pointed to the senior sitting this one out with lingering symptoms from a concussion he suffered last week.

Saturday's total has also inched up a bit from the 52 points initially posted to 54 as of midday Thursday.

Maybe it's best that Wilson doesn't remember much about Arkansas' recent performance. Favored by 30 and up by 21 early in the third quarter, the Razorbacks folded in an eventual 34-31 overtime defeat to Louisiana-Monroe. A couple of interceptions – one by Wilson and the other by his successor Brandon Allen – didn't help matters, but it was an Arkansas defense that played an even bigger role in the upset.

The Warhawks ran and passed their way to 550 yards against the Hog stop unit, more than 400 of that coming through the air. ULM ended the day with nearly a 2:1 advantage on the clock, and converted an amazing 6-of-7 fourth-down attempts. Arkansas' secondary will be without starting cornerback Tevin Mitchell this Saturday due to a neck injury, while his partner on the other side, CB Kaelon Kelleybrew, is probable despite an arm injury.

All signs point to Allen, a redshirt freshman out of Fayetteville, getting the start under center for the Razorbacks. He completed just 6-of-20 pass attempts last week in relief, along with a touchdown and the aforementioned pick.

Whether it's Allen or Wilson guiding the Arkansas offense, they'll be going up against yet another staunch Crimson Tide defensive unit that ranks fifth in the country allowing just 14 points combined in the first two games, and 14th in total defense (246.5 ypg). Alabama whitewashed Western Kentucky last week, 35-0, but fell a field goal shy of covering the 38-point spread. That victory followed a 41-14 thrashing of then-No. 8 Michigan at Cowboys Stadium in the season opener.

AJ McCarron directed 'Bama with precision in the win over WKU, completing 14-of-19 passes for 219 yards and four touchdowns, two each to Christion Jones and Kevin Norwood. The Crimson Tide has turned it over just once this year while the defense has tallied seven takeaways.

Arkansas' loss a week ago dropped the Hogs out of the AP poll after sitting eighth heading into the game vs. Louisiana-Monroe. They fell 11 spots to No. 21 in the coaches rankings, and five rungs to No. 14 in the Don Best Linemakers Poll.

Alabama continues to sit atop the latest Don Best ratings where the Crimson Tide began the season. Saban's squad is also No. 1 in the AP and coaches polls.

Saturday's meeting will be the 23rd in the series; Alabama has won the last five, including the last two in Fayetteville, and owns a 14-8 record all-time.

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Pac-12 & SEC Battle Pits Arizona State At Missouri

Arizona State at Missouri College Football Betting Preview
Date: 9/15/2012 at 7:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Missouri -8½, O/U 59½


Arizona State Sun Devils: The Sun Devils (2-0 straight up and against the spread) have absolutely dominated their first two opponents at home, beating the line easily against Northern Arizona and Illinois. This under new head coach Todd Graham after the team dropped five in a row both SU and ATS to end last year. Arizona State routed the Illini 45-14 last week as 5½-point home favorites with quarterbacks Taylor Kelly and Michael Eubank combining for 318 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Sun Devils also ran the ball well with 192 rushing yards on 38 carries and Cameron Marshall, D.J. Foster and Michael Eubank each scoring a TD on the ground. The ‘over’ is 10-1 in their last 11 lined games dating back to last season, including their 56-24 loss to Boise State in the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas.

Missouri Tigers: The Tigers (1-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) are coming off a crushing 41-20 home loss to Georgia last week in their SEC debut, getting blown out in the second half after leading 17-9 early in the third quarter. Missouri surrendered two touchdown passes and two TD runs in the last quarter-and-a-half in getting outscored 32-3 down the stretch. Mizzou won its season opener 62-10 over Southeastern Louisiana behind 121 yards and two scores from RB Kendial Lawrence and would be wise not to try to get into a scoring duel with Arizona State. The ‘over’ is 2-0 in the team’s last two lined games after the total went ‘under’ in three straight – all SU wins.

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Big Ten Report - Week 3

September 14, 2012

It was a forgettable Week 2 in the Big Ten to say the least. Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Illinois all dropped games to Pac-12 opponents. And Purdue, Penn State, and Iowa all lost games they could've won. There is only one Top-25 matchup this week in the Big Ten and that's between Michigan State and Notre Dame. Continue reading for the inside scoop on that game as well as the other 11 matchups!

Michigan State (-6) vs. Notre Dame - (ABC, 8:00 p.m. ET)
MSU: Last week vs. Central Michigan: W 41-7
ND: Last week vs. Purdue: W 20-17

The Spartans got a bounce-back performance from quarterback Andrew Maxwell after he struggled in the opener against Boise State. Maxwell had two touchdown passes and no interceptions against Central Michigan last week. The Spartans didn't suffer any sort of big-win hangover after the win over Boise State. Defensively this is the best unit in the Big Ten and likely a top-five defense nationally. The Spartans have allowed only six offensive points through two games (the two touchdowns scored against Michigan State so far have been defensive touchdowns). Boise State and Central Michigan have combined to rush for just 109 yards on a 2.3 YPC average while their quarterbacks have completed 32-of-70 passes (45.7%) with three interceptions.

Notre Dame is off of a poor performance at home against Purdue. The Irish may have been suffering from jet-lag after their first game was in Dublin. Notre Dame needed a field goal with seven seconds remaining in the game to take the lead and seal the victory. Purdue was able to hold ND to just 52 rush yards on 36 carries (1.4 YPC). That rushing attack should get a boost with Cierre Wood back in the lineup after serving his two game suspension. Still, it's hard to envision the Irish rushing with much luck here against the Spartans.

Michigan State lost to Notre Dame by 18 points last season at Notre Dame. The Irish were outgained and had fewer first downs, but had a kickoff return for touchdown which put them up early. The Spartans have won 10 of the last 15 meetings, including two straight at Notre Dame. Notre Dame is 19-11 ATS in its past 30 games as a road underdog.

Ohio State (-17) vs. California - (ABC, 12:00 p.m. ET)
OSU: Last week vs. Central Florida: W 31-16
CAL: Last week vs. FCS Southern Utah: W 50-31

After cruising in week one, the Buckeyes faced a much stiffer test from a strong UCF squad. Quarterback Braxton Miller looks like a superstar in Urban Meyer's offense, but he needs some help around him. Miller completed 18-of-24 passes for 155 yards, rushed for 141 yards, and totaled four touchdowns. The defense struggled at times, but timely turnovers generated by the OSU secondary helped secure the win.

The Golden Bears have struggled on defense, giving up 31 points in a home loss to Nevada and 31 points in a home win over Southern Utah. They've given up an average of 150 rush yards per game and 411 total yards per game. Offensively senior QB Zach Maynard has gotten off to a strong start. He has tossed for 476 yards (65%) and three scores with three different receivers already over 100 yards receiving. If they can get their high-powered offense rolling, they could cause some problems for OSU. However, Cal could have problems getting going, as the Bears will have to cross three time zones and play at 9 AM Pacific time here in Columbus (only their third trip East of the Mississippi over the last eight seasons).

Ohio State is 9-2 SU & 8-3 ATS in its last 11 home games against non-conference BCS schools. The only two losses over that span were against #3 USC and #2 Texas. Cal is 5-2 since 2001 in non-conference true road games against BCS schools (2-0 over the last three years).

Injury report: RB Carlos Hyde likely won't play after suffering a sprained MCL in his right knee. Freshman Bri'onte Dunn is listed as the starter on the depth chart. DE Michael Bennett will miss a few more weeks with a groin injury. DE Nathan Williams, who played a good amount in the opener but missed the UCF game, likely will be questionable for the coming weeks because of the nature of his knee surgery (microfracture). True freshmen Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington logged plenty of snaps against UCF and we'll fill in over the next few weeks.

Northwestern (-3.5) vs. Boston College - (Big Ten Netowrk, 3:30 p.m. ET)
NW: Last week vs. Vanderbilt: W 23-13
BC: Last week vs. FCS Maine: W 34-3

Northwestern is looking for a 3-0 start against three BCS schools: Syracuse, Vanderbilt and Boston College. Despite poor rankings on offense (98th in total yards) and defense (99th in total yards allowed) through two games, the Wildcats have found ways to win. Northwestern broke a tie against Vandy later in the 4th quarter and added another score to pull away and win by 10. Pat Fitzgerald's quarterback rotation of Kain Colter and Trevor Siemian also seems to be working. Siemian is the better pure passer while Colter is more of a dual-threat.

Boston College looks to be much improved on offense. The Eagles have put up more than 30 points in each of their first two games. They even appeared to take the foot off the gas pedal in the third quarter last week with a big lead over FCS Maine. It's unclear how strong the defense is. BC allowed 41 points in the opening week loss to Miami as the Hurricanes offense really had their way against the Eagles. Miami gained 415 total yards, including 208 rushing yards on a 6.1 YPC average. They shutdown FCS Maine, but the Miami game is a better indicator of where this unit is this season.

Boston College has dropped three straight road openers by 24 points per game. Northwestern won at Boston College to open the season a year ago in Kain Colter's first start at quarterback.

Penn State (-5.5) vs. Navy - (ABC/ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET)
PSU: Last week at Virginia: L 16-17
Navy: Last week: BYE

The Nittany Lions desperately need a win here. The defense played an inspired performance for 58 minutes on the road Saturday against Virginia. They held the Cavs to just 295 yards and 14 first downs, but Virginia scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:28 remaining. Penn State even had a +4 turnover advantage, but the offense struggled behind QB Matt McGloin and could only manage 16 points. Navy allowed 50 points in the season opener against Notre Dame, and Penn State could really use an offensive explosion like that this Saturday.

Navy had last week off after getting smoked in Dublin by Notre Dame. Navy's option attack could struggle against this Penn State defense that allowed just 32 rush yards on 25 carries last week against Virginia. Defensively the Midshipmen allowed 490 yards to Notre Dame, including 293 on the ground (6.4 YPC average).

Penn State is 4-12-1 ATS in its last 17 games overall. The Nittany Lions have won 25 of the last 26 home games against non BCS opponents by an average score of 39-10. However, the one loss was two weeks ago hosting Ohio.

Wisconsin (-14) vs. Utah State - (Big Ten Netowrk, 8:00 p.m. ET)
WISC: Last week at Oregon State: L 7-10
USU: Last week vs. Utah: W 27-20

Wisconsin was stunned by Oregon State last week. This offensive juggernaut from 2011 that averaged 470 yards and 44 points per game managed just 7 points (scored in the final two minutes) and 207 total yards. The Badgers were just 2-for-14 on third downs and Heisman hopeful RB Montee Ball only tallied 61 rushing yards. Wisconsin fired its offensive line coach after that game in hopes to fire up an anemic offense through the first two weeks of 2012. The Badgers will be fired up for this home night game at Camp Randall and this one could get ugly if Utah State suffers any sort of hangover after its big win last week.

Utah State stunned in-state rival Utah last Friday. The Aggies were aided when Utah QB Jordan Wynn left with an injured shoulder, but credit Utah State for hanging on in overtime. QB Chuckie Keeton completed 22-of-32 passes for 216 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. It was a huge home win for the Aggies, even though it wasn't a terrific performance overall, and they'll have to bounce back for a long travel here to Wisconsin to face a fired up Badgers squad.

Wisconsin has won 26 straight regular season games vs. non-conference FBS schools by an average of 21 points per game. The Badgers have won 17 straight home games and they are 12-5 ATS over that span. Utah State has dropped 14 straight road openers by 18 points per game and 29 straight against ranked opponents.

Injury report: Top wide receiver Jared Abbrederis could return this week as he has no structural damage following a chest injury sustained at Oregon State. Wisconsin starting SS Shelton Johnson is out approximately six weeks after suffering a broken arm against Oregon State. Sophomore Michael Trotter will start in Johnson's spot this week against Utah State.

Iowa (NL) vs. FCS Northern Iowa - (Big Ten Netowrk, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Iowa: Last week vs. Iowa State: L 6-9

The Hawkeyes are off of a rough loss to in-state rival Iowa State. The offense was anemic. They managed just 304 yards, 15 first downs, and six points off of two field goals. QB James Vandenberg completed less than 50% of his passes with two interceptions and the running game notched just 68 yards on a 2.4 YPC average. It was the second consecutive game that this offensive unit struggled and the Hawks now rank 115th in yards and points through two games. Defensively Iowa has been strong. This unit has allowed just 271 yards per game and 26 total points through two weeks.

Northern Iowa showed in its opening performance against Wisconsin that it is not to be taken lightly. The Panthers' defense held Wisconsin to 387 yards and 26 points while QB Sawyer Kollmorgen tossed three touchdowns. UNI was one 4th quarter drive away from taking the lead and upsetting the Badgers and they could present a difficult task for the Hawkeyes here.

Iowa is 14-1 all-time against Northern Iowa. The last time here the Hawkeyes were favored by 24 points. They barely escaped with a 17-16 victory. Iowa blocked two field goals in the final seven seconds to prevent the Panthers from the huge upset.

Minnesota (-2.5) vs. Western Michigan - (Big Ten Netowrk, 12:00 p.m. ET)
MINN: Last week vs. FCS New Hampshire: W 44-7
WMU: Last week vs. Eastern Illinois: W 52-21

After making quick work of FCS New Hampshire last week, Minnesota is going for 3-0 for the first time since 2008. The Gophers racked up 412 total yards, including 240 on the ground in their 44-7 win. QB Marquies Gray had a big game as he threw for two touchdowns and rushed for two more. It was a promising performance after Gray struggled on the road at UNLV in week one. Defensively the Gophers were strong, especially up front, where they allowed just 68 rushing yards (2.1 YPC average). Head coach Jerry Kill faced Western Michigan four times during his tenure at Northern Illinois (including two wins in 2009 & 2010).

Western Michigan is no stranger to the Big Ten. They outplayed Illinois in week one, but had four debilitating turnovers and only managed seven total points. This will be the Broncos' eighth game against a Big Ten school since the start of 2009. They are 0-7 SU and 1-6 ATS in the previous seven meetings with a Big Ten squad. QB Alex Carder and the rest of this offense is certainly capable of putting up points. Last week Carder threw for 364 yards and five touchdowns while this offense rushed 47 times for 229 yards. They'll have no problems keeping up with Minnesota.

As we stated above, WMU is no stranger to playing Big Ten teams as they are 6-34 SU against Big Ten squads all-time. Minnesota is just 4-8 SU & ATS in its last 12 games as a home favorite.

Nebraska (-24.5) vs. Arkansas State - (ESPN2, 12:00 p.m. ET)
NEB: Last week at UCLA: L 30-36
ASU: Last week vs. Memphis: W 33-28

Nebraska's Black Shirts were embarrassed at UCLA last Saturday. The Bruins rushed 56 times for 344 yards (6.1 YPC) and passed 38 times for 309 yards and four touchdowns. Nebraska had absolutely no answer for UCLA's playmakers. Offensively QB Taylor Martinez couldn't successfully follow-up his five-touchdown performance against Southern Miss in week one. He passed for just 179 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. This team gets another tough challenge as the Gus Malzahn offense (offensive coordinator of Auburn for the last three years) of Arkansas State comes to Lincoln.

Arkansas State racked up 530 yards and 34 points in the week one loss to Oregon. The Red Wolves bounced back the next week and gained 619 yards and scored 33 points in a win over Memphis. They now rank 7th in total yards, 26th in passing, and 15th in rushing through two games this season. If Nebraska plays like it did against UCLA last week, Arkansas State will run all over the Huskers.

Arkansas State is 1-14 SU but 10-5 ATS since 2006 in non-conference road games against BCS schools. Nebraska is just 1-7 ATS its last eight games as a 20-point or more home favorite.

Injury report: Coach Pelini stated that starting RB Rex Burkhead, who missed last week's game against UCLA, remains day-to-day with a ligament sprain in his left knee.

Indiana (-2.5) vs. Ball State - (Big Ten Netowrk, 8:00 p.m. ET)
IU: Last week at UMass: W 45-6
BSU: Last week at Clemson: L 27-52

After finishing with one win last year, Indiana is already trying for its third win this season here against Ball State. They got some bad news last week, however; as promising sophomore QB Tre Roberson, who accounted for 190 yards and three touchdowns last week, suffered a leg injury and will miss the remainder of the season. The Hoosiers will move forward with Junior College transfer Chase Coffman under center. Coffman finished last week's game 16-of-22 passing for 159 yards and a touchdown after Roberson left with an injury.

Ball State beat the Hoosiers last season 27-20 and in 2008 42-20. They have a strong offense, led by a rushing game averaging 290 yards per game so far this season. They are 2-0 ATS this season after a big win over Eastern Michigan in week one and a closer-than-it-looks 25-point loss to Clemson last week (27-point underdog).

Other than those two victories against Indiana, Ball State is 0-40 in road/neutral games against BCS teams dating back to 1990. Indiana is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 as a home favorite against non-conference opponents.

Michigan (-47) vs. UMass - (Big Ten Netowrk, 3:30 p.m. ET)
MICH: Last week vs. Air Force: W 31-25
UMass: Last week vs. Indiana: L 6-45

UMass has been outscored 82-6 in its first two games as a FBS member, and those were games against UConn and Indiana. Michigan should be able to score at will here, and anything resembling a close game would be a huge disappointment. Denard Robinson had a huge game last week against Air Force. He passed for 208 yards and two scores while rushing for 218 yards and two more scores. The Falcons almost pulled the upset after Michigan lost to Alabama in week one, so it will be good for the Wolverines to notch a big win here.

UMass actually almost pulled a miraculous upset over Michigan in 2010. The Minutemen gained 439 yards, had 26 first downs, and scored 37 points in the five point loss in the Big House. This year has been different. They managed 59 total yards in a shutout loss to Connecticut and 264 yards against Indiana (most of which came after Indiana had a large lead).

Michigan is 8-15 ATS when favored by 30 or more points dating back to 1980.

Purdue (-24) vs. Eastern Michigan - (Big Ten Netowrk, 12:00 p.m. ET)
PU: Last week at Notre Dame: L 17-20
EMU: Last week vs. FCS Illinois State: L 14-31

The Boilermakers should be able to take out some of their frustrations over the Notre Dame loss against this winless MAC squad. Purdue QB Caleb TerBush led the Boilers on a touchdown drive with 2:12 remaining to tie the game. The defense couldn't hold and Notre Dame kicked the game-winning field goal with just seven seconds left. TerBush didn't play exceptionally well as he tossed two interceptions. The running game never got underway either, totaling just 90 yards on 30 carries. QB Robert Marve looked good, but he tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season - meaning it's TerBush leading this team for the rest of the year.

Eastern Michigan is off of an embarrassing loss to FCS Illinois State. ISU had +123 yards and +10 first downs in the 17-point win. Eastern Michigan QB Alex Gillett had a forgettable game. He completed just 11-of-25 passes for 145 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. He could have another rough day against this Purdue defensive front that sacked Notre Dame quarterbacks five times last week.

Eastern Michigan has lost 13 straight road openers by an average of 26 points per game. Purdue is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games as a 20+ point favorite.

Injury report: Top CB Ricardo Allen wasn't on the field for Notre Dame's game-winning drive Saturday. Allen suffered a mild ankle injury and he expects to be back in the lineup this weekend.

Illinois vs. FCS Charleston Southern - (Big Ten Netowrk, 12:00 p.m. ET)
ILL: Last week at Arizona State: L 14-45

Illinois got smoked by Arizona State last week to the tune of 45-14. ASU jumped out to a 35-7 lead by the 3rd quarter and never looked back. The Sun Deveils racked up 510 total yards and 26 first downs. Illinois allowed ASU QB's to complete 23-of-29 passes with three touchdowns while also allowing 192 rushing yards on 5.1 YPC. Illinois was without starting QB Scheelhaase so they never really got much going through the air. Reilley O'Toole and Miles Osei combined to throw three interceptions. Luckily they should get a big home win here over Charleston Southern.

Charleston Southern was 0-11 in the FCS last year and was outscored 80-24 by Jacksonville State and The Citadel in the first two weeks of this season.

Injury report: Coach Tim Beckman said Monday that starting QB Nathan Scheelhaase (ankle) could have played at Arizona State in an emergency situation and could return this week against Charleston Southern. Beckman also said the quarterback situation is "wide open" with Reilly O'Toole and Miles Osei in the mix.

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Florida at Tennessee

September 14, 2012

We certainly aren’t about to imply that Saturday’s Tennessee-Florida game carries the importance of their showdowns in the 1990s. Back in those days, the winner basically wrapped up the SEC East title with a victory in their respective league openers.

With that said, there’s zero question that this is the biggest game of Derek Dooley’s three-year tenure at UT. With a win, the Volunteers will announce themselves as legitimate SEC East contenders and, at least for the time being, put to bed the hot-seat status Dooley has been dealing with for months.

The stakes aren’t quite as high for second-year Florida coach Will Muschamp, but this is undoubtedly a huge game for his program, one that has gone from sleeping in the penthouse to occupying a room at the Mediocrity Motel in the span of just two years.

Perhaps, just maybe, last week was a turning point for the Gators, who overcame a 17-7 deficit and rallied to capture a 20-17 win at Texas A&M as one-point favorites. Muschamp and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn have to get props galore for their halftime adjustments that resulted in shutting the Aggies out completely in the second half.

Trailing by 10 with 1:49 left in the second quarter, Florida (2-0 straight up, 1-1 against the spread) got a big boost from All-American place-kicker Caleb Sturgis, who buried a 51-yard field goal to make it a one-possession game heading into intermission.

UF pulled to within four on a 25-yard field goal by Sturgis early in the third quarter. Then early in the fourth quarter, senior running back Mike Gillislee found paydirt on a 12-yard touchdown scamper.

From there, UF’s defense took care of business. QB Jeff Driskel also scrambled for a crucial first down to put the game on ice at crunch time.

Gillislee, who leads the SEC with 231 rushing yards and is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, ran for 83 yards and two TDs on 14 carries against the Aggies. Driskel completed 13-of-16 throws for 162 yards.

The ‘under’ has easily cashed in both of UF’s games, staying below the 50-point tally last week.

Tennessee (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) began the season in style at the Ga. Dome in Atlanta, where it cruised to a 35-21 win over North Carolina St. as a three-point favorite. The 56 combined points went ‘over’ the 52 ½-point total.

Tyler Bray threw for 333 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Wolfpack. Juco transfer Cordarrelle Patterson made his presence known early and often, catching a 41-yard TD bomb from Bray to start the scoring before adding a 67-yard TD run off a gadget play.

UT’s defense got after N.C. St. QB Mike Glennon, intercepting him four times while never letting him get into a comfort zone in the pocket.

In Week 2, Tennessee trounced Ga. St. by a 51-13 count but failed to cover the number as a 46-point home ‘chalk.’ Bray was sensational again, throwing four TD passes. For the season, Bray leads the SEC in passing yards (643) and has a 6/0 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Justin Hunter, who tore his ACL in Week 3 at Florida last year, had eight receptions for 146 yards and three TDs against Ga. St. Patterson produced 195 all-purpose yards on just seven touches (1 rush, 3 catches, 3 kick returns).

Florida’s secondary will have a daunting task in containing Bray and his favorite targets, Patterson and Hunter, who I believe are the best 1-2 WR punch in the nation outside of Robert Woods and Marquise Lee at Southern Cal. The Gators will have to do so without starting CB Cody Riggs, who is ‘out’ indefinitely after breaking his foot at Texas A&M.

Also, UF will be without senior LB Jelani Jenkins, who could miss a month with a broken thumb. True freshman LB Antonio Morrison will get his first career start in place of Jenkins.

As a home underdog on Dooley’s watch, the Vols have limped to a miserable 1-6 spread record. Meanwhile, the Gators have gone 2-1 ATS as road favorites under Muschamp.

ESPN will provide television coverage at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Florida DE Ronald Powell tore his ACL in the spring game but was hoping to return to action sometime in October. That optimism went out the window earlier this week when he suffered a setback in rehab. Muschamp told the media this week that an MRI was inconclusive because of the swelling in his knee, so he’ll be re-evaluated next week. But the prevailing sentiment out of Gainesville is that Powell is done for the year and will be redshirted.

--On Friday, the University of Arkansas released a statement that QB Tyler Wilson would be a game-time decision Saturday against Alabama. However, according to a tweet from Bo Mattingly, who hosts the state’s most popular sports radio show, his sources have told him that Wilson has not been cleared and will not play against the Crimson Tide. As of late Friday afternoon, most books had ‘Bama favored by 20 with a total of 54.

--Alabama owns a 13-7 spread record in 20 games as a road favorite on Nick Saban’s watch.

--The last time the Razorbacks were underdogs of 20-plus points was at The Swamp in 2009. On that day in Gainesville, Arkansas easily took the cash in a 23-20 loss as a 24 ½-point underdog. As many of you will remember, the Gators were the benefactors of several controversial calls at crunch time.

--Sportsbook.ag updates the lines for its Games of the Year every week. Here are a few interesting numbers for upcoming games:
LSU -6 at Florida
LSU -11.5 vs. South Carolina
Florida -3 vs. South Carolina
Georgia -4 vs. Florida (Jacksonville)
Alabama -1.5 at LSU
Southern Cal -3.5 vs. Oregon
South Carolina pick ‘em at Clemson

--Sportsbook has also updated its futures to win the BCS Championship and Southern Cal and Alabama are now 3/1 co-favorites. LSU has 5/1 odds, followed by Oregon (7/1), FSU (10/1), Georgia (12/1), Oklahoma (15/1) and South Carolina (18/1).

[StarDust Bum]

No. 20 Notre Dame visits No. 10 MSU Saturday

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (2-0)
at MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (2-0)

Kickoff: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Michigan State -6, Total: 42

Two of the top teams in the land square off in their annual meeting when No. 20 Notre Dame visits No. 10 Michigan State on Saturday night.

Michigan State is 10-5 (10-4-1 ATS) in this series since 1997, but Notre Dame won last year’s meeting 31-13, holding the Spartans to 29 rushing yards. Irish top RB Cierre Wood, who scored two touchdowns in last year’s game, returns from his two-game suspension. Notre Dame won a squeaker over Purdue last week, 20-17, in a game where Everett Golson threw for 289 yards and 1 TD, but Tommy Rees came off the bench to lead the team to the game-winning FG drive. Golson (thumb) expects to start against MSU’s defense that has allowed just 20 points and 451 total yards in two games.

Who will prevail in this matchup of top-20 teams? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the ******* Experts picks for every key college football game throughout the 2012 season.

If Golson cannot produce on this big stage, the Irish are confident that Rees is capable of winning this game. He was the only quarterback in last year’s blowout win over MSU, completing 18-of-26 passes for 161 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Wood will provide a huge boost to the Irish running game that gained a mere 52 yards on 36 carries in last week’s narrow win over Purdue. Star TE Tyler Eifert had a big game though, with 98 receiving yards on his four catches. Defensively, Notre Dame already has seven sacks this year and is allowing just 315 total YPG. The Irish have lost six straight road games against ranked teams by an average of 16.7 PPG.

Michigan State QB Andrew Maxwell is coming off a huge performance in the 41-7 win over Central Michigan, completing 20-of-31 passes for 275 yards, 2 TD and 0 INT. That was quite an improvement from his three-interception game (one returned for a TD) in the 17-13 season-opening win over Boise State. Le’Veon Bell is the engine to this Spartans offense with four touchdowns and 280 rushing yards (sixth-most in FBS). But Bell was stalled in last year’s game, gaining just 27 yards on seven carries, a significant drop-off from his 114 rushing yards last time Notre Dame was in East Lansing in 2010. The Spartans defense has not allowed an offensive touchdown this year, but they have tallied just one sack this year. However, they believe they can pressure the Irish quarterback, considering Notre Dame has already allowed seven sacks in two games. Michigan State is seeking its fifth straight home win against a Top 25 opponent.

[StarDust Bum]

Stanford seeks 4th straight series win over USC

USC TROJANS (2-0)
at STANFORD CARDINAL (2-0)

Kickoff: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: USC -8½, Total: 56

No. 2 USC looks to snap a rare series losing streak to No. 21 Stanford when the Pac-12 rivals meet Saturday night at Stanford Stadium.

The Cardinal are seeking their fourth straight win over USC, including a 56-48 triple overtime victory over the Trojans last year. USC QB Matt Barkley threw for 284 yards and 3 TD in that loss, which is nothing compared to his six touchdown passes in last week’s 42-29 win over Syracuse, giving him 10 TD throws on the year, four each to WRs Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. Stanford responded from a weak 3-point win over San Jose State in Week 1 by thumping Duke 50-13 last week, as Josh Nunes threw for 275 yards and 3 TD.

Can Stanford stun USC once again? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the ******* Experts picks for every key college football game throughout the 2012 season.

In addition to his gaudy numbers against the Cardinal last year, Barkley had a monster game at Stanford in 2010, completing 28-of-45 passes for 390 yards, 3 TD and 0 INT. Woods has been the main beneficiary of Barkley’s past two performances, catching 21 passes for 313 yards and four touchdowns in the two games. Lee currently ranks among the top-five players in the nation in both receptions (21) and receiving yards (263), and he caught seven passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in the triple-OT classic in 2011. The Trojans are no longer a one-dimensional offense as Penn State transfer Silas Redd has galloped for 163 yards on 24 carries (6.8 YPC) in his first two games in a USC uniform. On the defensive side of the ball, the Trojans are very capable of applying heavy pressure on Nunes, having already amassed seven sacks and 19 Tackles For Loss. The defense has allowed 265 passing YPG (84th in FBS), but to be fair, both Hawaii and Syracuse are pass-happy offenses that threw a combined 85 attempts in the two games.

Nunes has big shoes to fill with the departure No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Andrew Luck, but Nunes has been solid so far with 400 passing yards, 4 TD and 1 INT in two games. Four different receivers have at least 70 yards through the air, but none have surpassed 90 receiving yards, showing Nunes’ ability to survey his options. His best option though, is handing the ball off to Stepfan Taylor, who has rushed for 203 yards (4.4 YPC) and three touchdowns in the past two meetings with USC. For the season, Taylor has 214 total yards and two scores. The defense must be having nightmares on how to slow down the Trojans’ potent air attack. Stanford allowed 363 passing yards to Duke last week, although the Blue Devils did throw 63 times without scoring a receiving touchdown. The run defense (54 YPC, 10th in nation) should be OK though. During the three-game win streak over USC, the Cardinal have allowed the Trojans to gain a pedestrian 131 rushing yards per game on 5.1 YPC.

[StarDust Bum]

Tyler Wilson doubtful vs. No. 1 Alabama Saturday

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (2-0)
at ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (1-1)

Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Alabama -21, Total: 53½

Arkansas will not likely have its starting quarterback ready to play when it hosts No. 1 Alabama on Saturday afternoon.

Razorbacks QB Tyler Wilson, a preseason Heisman candidate, suffered concussion-like symptoms in last week’s stunning defeat to 30-point underdog Louisiana-Monroe and is not expected to play in this game. CB Tevin Mitchel (head) and RB Kody Walker (season-ending knee injury) will also miss this contest for Arkansas. Alabama has won five straight meetings in this series, scoring an average of 37.4 PPG in these wins. In last year’s 38-14 victory over the Razorbacks, Tide QB A.J. McCarron went 15-of-20 for 200 yards and 2 TD. McCarron has thrown 6 TD and 0 INT in leading his team to 76 points in two lopsided victories this year.

Can Alabama win by three touchdowns on the road? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the ******* Experts picks for every key college football game throughout the 2012 season.

Although McCarron has averaged an impressive 10.5 yards per pass attempt, the Alabama ground game was less than stellar in last week’s 35-0 win over Western Kentucky, gaining just 103 yards on 31 carries (3.3 YPC). Eddie Lacy was supposed to fill the shoes of the departed Trent Richardson, but Lacy has just 71 yards on 18 carries (3.9 YPC) this season. Freshman T.J. Yeldon ran all over Michigan (111 yards on 11 carries), but carried the ball just six times against Western Kentucky. The offensive line needs to protect McCarron better though, as the Tide quarterback was sacked a career-high six times by the Hilltoppers. Defensively, Alabama has been quite impressive, allowing just 14 points and 247 total YPG (14th in nation) despite facing ultra-talented Denard Robinson and Michigan in the season opener. CB Dee Milliner (hip flexor) and DT Jesse Williams (concussion) are both expected to return to action this week to further help this defense. The Tide have already forced seven turnovers this year, while committing just one miscue. Alabama has won 32 straight games against non-ranked opponents.

With Wilson doubtful to play, the Razorbacks will likely start freshman Brandon Allen under center. The junior had a horrible game subbing in for Wilson against Louisiana-Monroe, completing just 6-of-20 passes for 85 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Junior wide receiver Brandon Mitchell might also take some snaps under center in this contest. If Arkansas is to keep this game close, RB Knile Davis needs to have a huge game. Davis, who rushed for just 62 yards on 16 carries (3.9 YPC) versus ULM, has found room to run against Alabama with 48 yards on just eight carries in his career. The defense, which allowed the Warhawks to compile 550 yards (412 passing), will be hard-pressed to slow down the Crimson Tide. In addition to Mitchel being out, fellow CB Kaelon Kelleybrew is also dealing with an arm injury. Arkansas is 7-3 in its past 10 games versus ranked teams, winning four of the past five such contests.

[StarDust Bum]

Cal visits No. 12 Ohio State on Saturday

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS (1-1)
at OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (2-0)

Kickoff: Saturday, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Ohio State -17½, Total: 52½

No. 12 Ohio State looks to improve its record to 3-0 when California visits The Horseshoe on Saturday afternoon.

These teams meet for the first time since 1972. Cal led 36½-point underdog Southern Utah by just three points after three quarters last week and allowed 31 points for the second straight game. Meanwhile, Ohio State has piled up 87 points in two games, thanks to 664 total yards and seven scores from QB Braxton Miller, but the Buckeyes defense has been burned through the air, allowing 281 passing YPG (96th in FBS).

Can the Bears keep this game close against mighty Ohio State? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the ******* Experts picks for every key college football game throughout the 2012 season.

Cal senior QB Zach Maynard has been pretty efficient this season, completing 34-of-53 passes for 474 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He threw just six incomplete passes (17-of-23) in the win over Southern Utah. The Bears offense though will need inconsistent senior RB Isi Sofele to have a huge game on Saturday. Sofele rushed for 104 yards on 19 carries against Southern Utah, but has reached 100 yards rushing just once in his past three road contests. Sofele eating up clock is also necessary to keep his subpar defense off the field. This unit allowed Southern Utah, an FCS school, to throw for 292 yards and 4 TD last week. The Bears have allowed 411 total YPG so far (76th in nation), and will definitely have their hands full trying to stop Miller.

Miller has rushed for 302 yards already, which ranks fourth in the nation among all players, not just quarterbacks. He’s also been very accurate in his passing, completing 18-of-24 throws against UCF last week. Dating to last season, Miller has scored at least two touchdowns in eight straight contests. Junior RB Carlos Hyde is looking to bounce back from a rough game against the Knights, when he carried the ball just seven times for 27 yards. Defensively, the Buckeyes boast one of the better run defenses in the nation, giving up a mere 102 rushing yards over two games (7th-best in FBS). However, the defense needs to provide more pressure on the quarterback, tallying just three sacks and five Tackles For Loss (2nd-lowest in nation) so far this season.

[StarDust Bum]

No. 19 Louisville seeks 3-0 start vs. UNC

NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS (1-1)
at LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (2-0)

Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Louisville -3, Total: 52

No. 19 Louisville caps off a three-game homestand when North Carolina pays a visit to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The last time UNC traveled to Louisville in 2005, it left with a 69-14 defeat, but the Tar Heels beat the Cardinals last year, prevailing 14-7. Carolina is trying to bounce back from a 28-27 loss at double-digit underdog Wake Forest, but the offense gained 428 yards in the defeat, including 271 passing by Bryn Renner. Louisville has crushed both Kentucky (32-14) and Missouri State (35-7), as Teddy Bridgewater has completed 82% of his passes. He was a pedestrian 19-of-30 for 173 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT versus UNC last season.

Can Louisville start the season 3-0 with a convincing win over UNC? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the ******* Experts picks for every key college football game throughout the 2012 season.

North Carolina is dealing with a whole host of injuries, most notably Renner (head), RB Giovani Bernard (knee) and DE Kareem Martin (knee). All three players should be able to start this game, but it’s unclear how the injuries will affect each Tar Heel. Renner was pretty efficient in last year’s win over Kentucky, completing 12-of-18 passes for 178 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT. Bernard, who missed last week’s loss to Wake Forest, had a huge game in 2011 against the Cardinals with 109 rushing yards (4.4 YPC) and a touchdown. If Bernard is hindered by his knee injury, the combination of A.J. Blue and Romar Morris proved to be a worthy duo against the Deacons with a combined 177 yards on 33 carries (5.4 YPC). Defensively, Carolina has done a great job stuffing the run (53 rushing YPG, 9th in nation), but the secondary was burned for 362 yards against Wake Forest.

Bridgewater and the rest of the Cardinals tried unsuccessfully to run the football in last year’s loss to UNC, needing 38 carries to gain 100 yards (2.6 YPC). Considering how feeble the ground game was last week against FCS school Missouri State (131 yards on 37 carries, 3.5 YPC), Louisville will likely take to the air again. Bridgewater torched Missouri State for 344 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 30-of-39 throws (77%). With top WR Michaelee Harris out for the season with a torn ACL, Bridgewater has spread the wealth in the passing game. Seven different Louisville players have more than 50 receiving yards, but nobody has reached 100 yards yet. The defense has been tough so far in 2012, allowing just 10.5 PPG and 311 total YPG, but the special teams has been a major problem. Louisville is averaging minus-2.3 yards per punt return and a paltry 13.5 yards per kick return this season.

[StarDust Bum]

No. 23 Tennessee hosts No. 18 Florida Saturday

FLORIDA GATORS (2-0)
at TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (2-0)

Kickoff: Saturday, 6:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Tennessee -3, Total: 47

Two once-proud programs quickly getting their swagger back will play their annual meeting on Saturday night when No. 18 Florida visits No. 23 Tennessee, which is ranked for the first time in four seasons.

Both of these schools suffered losing seasons in the SEC last year, as the Gators were 3-5 and the Vols finished 1-7. Florida has won seven straight meetings in this series, including three in a row in Knoxville. The Gators led 30-7 in last year’s meeting and held on for the 33-23 win. Tennessee QB Tyler Bray, who threw for 288 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT in the loss at Gainesville, has 643 passing yards (10.5 YPA), 6 TD and 0 INT in wins over NC State and Georgia State this season. Florida shut out Texas A&M in the second half of its 20-17 win on Saturday. QB Jeff Driskel was 13-of-16 for 162 yards in his first career start, while teammate Mike Gillislee rushed for 83 yards and had both touchdowns.

Who will come out on top in this key SEC East matchup? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the ******* Experts picks for every key college football game throughout the 2012 season.

Driskel showed great composure in a hostile Texas A&M environment last week, but it won’t get any easier in Knoxville. Gillislee actually hurt his groin in the win over the Aggies, but he is expected to start on Saturday. Gillislee did not have a carry in last year’s win over Tennessee, but he did score two touchdowns against the Vols in 2010 despite getting just eight carries for 27 yards. The one major problem with this offense is pass protection, as Florida has already surrendered nine sacks in two games. The defense looked strong against A&M, allowing 334 total yards and 3.5 yards per carry. This unit held Tennessee to minus-9 rushing yards on 21 carries in last year’s meeting.

Bray’s numbers this season are even more impressive considering his top wideout, Da’Rick Rogers, was dismissed from the team shortly before the season opener. Bray has quickly found his new go-to receiver in Justin Hunter, who already has 17 catches for 219 yards and three touchdowns. Bray also has another reliable target in Mychal Rivera (83 rec. yds, 1 TD), who caught a touchdown pass in last year’s meeting with Florida. Vols RB Marlin Lane Jr., who also scored on a TD reception against the Gators in 2011, has rushed for 106 yards on 17 carries (6.2 YPC) this year. However, junior Rajion Neal has gotten more than twice as many carries (35), despite gaining just 118 yards (3.4 YPC) with that extra work, scoring three times. Tennessee’s defense has done a great job in forcing turnovers this season, causing four miscues versus NC State and two last week against Georgia State. Although the pass defense has been below average (237 passing YPG, T-73rd in nation), the run-stop unit has been aces, allowing an average of 106 yards per game on 2.9 YPC.

[Dat Boi E]

gl bum

[StarDust Bum]

Good Luck to you also BOI......