The Bum's 2015 College Football All You Need To Know- Trends, Picks, News Etc.

[StarDust Bum]

Ducks QB Adams earns job, trust quickly

Sep 01, 2015

EUGENE, Ore. -- Vernon Adams took just two weeks to earn a starting spot at Oregon.

The senior graduate transfer from Eastern Washington joined the Ducks late for fall camp on Aug. 14 and on Aug. 28 he was named the starting quarterback when Oregon opens the season against his former team on Saturday. Adams was picked over redshirt junior Jeff Lockie, who has been Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota's backup the past three seasons.

"There are a ton of factors and it is not a drastic deal," Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said. "It's a little bit here, a little bit there. When you get into those things it's not like it is 100 percent to 80 percent, but just enough in a lot of categories to create separation."

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Adams threw for 10,438 yards and 110 touchdowns with 31 interceptions and completed 64.8 percent of his passes during three seasons at Eastern Washington while winning 28 of 34 starts. In two games against Pac-12 schools, Adams combined to throw 11 touchdowns passes in a win over Oregon State and a loss to Washington.

Now Adams is making the move from FCS to FBS for one season and his new teammates think he is ready for the advanced level.

"Vernon has been doing a great job," wide receiver Dwayne Stanford said. "He can push the ball down the field and he has a great arm. He likes to take shots and he is really accurate with the deep ball. I feel very comfortable with him."

Adams inherits a talented offense including sophomore Royce Freeman, who ran for 1,365 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Oregon also returns its top two receivers as Byron Marshall had 74 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns while Stanford had 43 catches for 639 yards and six touchdowns.

"Vernon has a good arm, he's mobile in the pocket and he knows the plays," Marshall said. "He is getting more used to the playbook and he has played before."

Adams, who has not been made available to the media since joining the Ducks, quickly gained the confidence of his new teammates.

"I trust the coaches to put the best guy out there and in our offense we know that we have a lot of guys capable at that position," Freeman said.

In an ironic twist, Adams will make his debut against his former team, but Helfrich said he would not seek a scouting report from the quarterback.

"That's not something we've talked about or will talk about," Helfrich said. "We're going to watch their film, which we've already done, and all those things and look at their scheme, and then it's all about us and how we can execute."

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--WR Byron Marshall ran for 1,038 yards as a sophomore before being moved to wide receiver last season and totaling 1,003 receiving yards. He is back at wide receiver this season, but with backup running back Thomas Tyner out for the season due to a shoulder injury, Marshall could be needed to line up at running back in a couple series.

--WR Charles Nelson spent most of the spring at defensive back as the Ducks considered using the multi-dimensional sophomore to help out an inexperienced defensive backfield, but he was moved back to wide receiver in the fall. Nelson had 23 catches for 327 yards and five touchdowns last season while running 11 times for 101 yards.

--CB Chris Seisay is a full-time starter for the first time as a redshirt sophomore and the most experienced cornerback in a young secondary. Seisay started three games last year and had a career-high seven tackles in a loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game while filling in for injured Ifo Ekpre-Olomu.

SERIES HISTORY: This is the first meeting between Oregon and Eastern Washington.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Vernon has just done a lot of good things as have the other guys. I think our quarterback position is a lot better now than it was last spring or even early fall because all the guys competed better." -- Oregon coach Mark Helfrich, talking about new quarterback Vernon Adams.

[StarDust Bum]

Question linger for LSU entering opener

Sep 01, 2015

BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU's questions about its quarterback and defense briefly shared center stage with concerns about head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron leading up to the Tigers season opener against McNeese State on Saturday in Tiger Stadium.

The Tigers revealed that Cameron has been treated for prostate cancer and received a "clean bill of health" in mid-August. He's expected to maintain all of his responsibilities.

Miles missed his first Monday news conference of the season and drove himself to a hospital for a brief visit after feeling "under the weather." He was back in his office and at practice later in the day. He later said he simply didn't feel well when he decided to go to the hospital and attributed that to drinking too much coffee.

With the coaches' health issues apparently under control, LSU was able to turn its attention back to the team.

Shortly after finishing practice Monday night, Miles announced that Brandon Harris will start the opener at quarterback.

"Absolutely, you betcha," Miles said when asked if Harris would start. "Unless something immaculate for some reason takes place this week. Right now, it seems like a foregone conclusion."

Miles wouldn't say if incumbent Anthony Jennings would also play, but indicated it was a strong possibility.

"Brandon Harris, he's throwing the ball more accurately," Miles said. "He's done everything we've asked him to do."

Harris and Jennings are listed as sharing the starting quarterback condition on the initial depth chart.

As for the defense, the Tigers are optimistic about a talented unit, but there is uncertainty about what to expect with a new coordinator (Kevin Steele) and a need for a stronger pass rush and more takeaways than LSU had last season under former coordinator John Chavis.

McNeese, which is located about a two-hour rive west of the LSU campus, provides a tune-up before the Tigers begin SEC play at Mississippi State and play their conference home opener against Auburn.

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

--QB Brandon Harris will start the opener, but the competition between him and Anthony Jennings is ongoing. Harris took the lead during the summer while Jennings was suspended because of an arrest, though he was reinstated after charges weren't filed. Erratic quarterback play was a significant liability last season and unless Harris or Jennings shows marked improvement, this will likely remain a two-man job.

--RB Leonard Fournette is unquestionably the Tigers most important player. He has the talent to be one of the most dynamic players in the country. LSU is not only counting on him to make life easier for the quarterbacks, but he'll also be a factor on kickoff returns.

--S Rickey Jefferson was thrust into the starting lineup late in preseason camp when Jalen Mills suffered a sprained ankle that is expected to sideline him for at least the first two games of the season. Jefferson, younger brother of former Tigers quarterback Jordan Jefferson, has impressed with his talent but has been unable to earn a significant role in his previous two seasons. He now has an opportunity to change that.

SERIES HISTORY: LSU won the only other meeting with its in-state FCS rival, 32-10 in 2010.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated." -- LSU Coach Les Miles on his brief, precautionary trip to a hospital after feeling "under the weather."

[StarDust Bum]

Aggies try to pick up beat quickly and keep rocking

Sep 01, 2015

COLLEGE STATION, TX -- Texas A&M held on through a roller-coaster season in 2014 to finish with an 8-5 record and a 45-37 victory over West Virginia in the Liberty Bowl.

But there were plenty of rough times as well. The Aggies fell flat in the heart of their schedule, losing to Mississippi State, Mississippi and Alabama by an average of more than 30 points.

The Aggies’ prowess in season-openers can’t be questioned, though. In 2014, Texas A&M went to South Carolina and walloped the Gamecocks, 52-28. Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin knows his team has to continue to start the season right and then keep it going.

“Whatever happens in this game is not going to define us,” Sumlin said. “If we didn’t learn that from last year, you don’t learn anything.”

Texas A&M’s big problem in 2014, other than turmoil and uneven play at quarterback as Kenny Hill won the starting job and failed to hold on to it, was a porous rush defense. The Aggies gave up 216 yards per game and finished the campaign ranking in triple digits.

In order to improve, Texas A&M brought in new defensive coordinator John Chavis from LSU. Chavis has been vague about specific changes but has said he’s encouraged by the Aggies’ young talent. They’ll need new starters at linebacker to fill holes up the middle in order to get better against the run.

Texas A&M has a trusted pass-rushing weapon as it named sophomore defensive end Myles Garrett a team captain. Sumlin said he’s putting a lot on Garrett to embrace that role.

“I used to be a senior-led-team guy and you want that,” Sumlin said. “When you’ve got a young guy who is (playing) every snap, you’re basically saying as a football team you’re trusting this guy every snap. Why can’t you be a leader? Just by your role you are a leader.”

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

--QB Kyle Allen passed for 1,322 yards and 16 TDs with 7 interceptions while splitting time as the Aggies starter in 2014. However, he took hold of the role in time to win MVP honors in the Liberty Bowl. Sumlin said at that point, Allen took on the leadership role of the Aggies’ offense.

--WR Josh Reynolds could be one of the most dynamic receivers in college football as he begins his junior season. He posted 842 yards and 13 TDs in his debut season at Texas A&M in 2014. With the departure of Malcome Kennedy and Kyle Allen going into his second season as a starter, Reynolds should have plenty of opportunities this season.

--WR Christian Kirk claimed a starting spot going into his first season on campus at Texas A&M. Sumlin said the freshman has the talent, size and understanding to do the job. However, Sumlin said it’s hard to replicate the speed of the game at the college level and it could take a bit for Kirk to adapt.

SERIES HISTORY: This is the first meetings between Texas A&M and Arizona State.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “Taylor (Bertolet) as we all know is gifted. He’s kind of like me two years ago as a golfer. He can go to the driving range and hit it a mile. The idea is to hit it straight. We’re moving from the driving range to the first tee. We’ve got some narrow fairways out there for him.” -- Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin likening his kicker’s consistency to his own golf game.

[StarDust Bum]

Depth chart 'flexible' at Auburn

Sep 01, 2015

AUBURN, AL -- Coach Gus Malzahn finally announced a depth chart for Auburn as the Tigers began final preparations for Saturday's opener against Louisville, but at the same time noted that nothing is written in stone or even ink, for that matter.

He expects to play at lot of players against the Cardinals even though many may not be listed as No. 1.

Not including special teams, the word "or" is written in at five starting positions, and some backups are listed as "or" as well.

Said Malzahn: "I wouldn't read too much into the 'or.' You'll see multiple guys this first game."

In a position of note, sophomore Roc Thomas was named the starter at running back, winning out over sophomore Peyton Barber, heralded junior college transfer Jovon Robinson, and freshman Kerryon Johnson.

"He's definitely gotten bigger," Malzahn said of Thomas, now listed as 5-10, 203 pounds after playing at 193 as a true freshman last year. "He's kept his speed. He's more comfortable now, he knows what's going on.

"We've seen him grow, not just this spring, but more importantly in the fall."

If there was a surprise on the depth chart, though, it wasn't at running back. It was at linebacker, where sophomore Tre' Williams is listed as a co-starter with senior Cassanova McKinzy at one spot and with senior Kris Frost at another.

Senior Justin Garrett is the only starting linebacker listed without an "or" after his name.

New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, however, has said he may wait until just before kickoff before committing to starters.

One position where there is no question is at quarterback.

Junior Jeremy Johnson has had a solid grip on the position since Nick Marshall's eligibility ran out after last season.

"We feel like he's prepared," Malzahn said. "I know he's to the point he's tired of everybody talking about him. He just wants to get out there and play. He wants to prove himself. I think he's in a very good spot mentally right now going into this first game."

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--QB Jeremy Johnson gives the Auburn offense a new look from the run oriented attack of the last two years under Nick Marshall. Johnson has been a very effective passer in limited action the last two years (13 games, 57-of-78 passing for 858 yards and nine touchdowns) and goes into the season off a strong fall camp.

--WR D'haquille Williams was reinstated to the team after missing nearly all of the first week of fall camp has worked his way back up to No. 1 receiver after starting at the bottom of the depth chart upon reinstatement. He had 45 catches last year after transferring from junior college and has Auburn season records in receptions (60), receiving yards (1,068), and touchdown receptions (12) as a goal.

--DE Carl Lawson has been drawing raves in preseason practices and will be a key contributor to Auburn's defense. Lawson sat out last year after having knee surgery but already has been placed on several "watch lists" for national awards, most recently the Lombardi Award as college football's top lineman.

SERIES HISTORY: This will be just the second meeting between the two teams. Auburn beat Louisville 16-3 in the 1974 season opener.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It has been good that we've known who our starting quarterback is going to be since spring. I think it's been good for him, too, and for his teammates." -- Coach Guz Malzahn, on junior Jeremy Johnson as the starting quarterback.

[StarDust Bum]

Baylor expects to be headline material

Sep 01, 2015

WACO, Texas -- Baylor coach Art Briles claimed it's been a rough off-season for the Bears because of the way their 2014 campaign ended.

There's a lot to back up his statement. After being left out of the inaugural College Football Playoff, Baylor let a 20-point lead over Michigan State slip away and lost the Cotton Bowl, 42-41. As a result, Briles claimed the whole program has had a collective sour taste in its mouth since January.

The Bears will have a chance to change that starting Friday when they travel to Dallas to open the season at SMU.

Off the field, Baylor has had more than a sour taste in its mouth. The Bears preseason camp has been overshadowed by the sexual assault conviction of Sam Ukwuachu in August. Ukwuachu transferred to Baylor from Boise State, sat out the 2013 season and didn't play in 2014 due to the sexual assault charge. Regardless of the fact that Ukwuachu never actually played for Baylor, the Bears have been criticized for bringing the player to campus and how they handled their investigation after charges were levied.

Then last week Baylor President Ken Starr announced the school would hire independent investigators to evaluate how the case was handled within the athletic department. Faced with a question about the investigation at his Monday press conference, Briles said he was happy to hear it would take place, though he said he had not evaluated the school's current report on how the case was handled. Asked pointedly how he felt about the criticism the school has received, Briles diplomatically said he thinks everyone is entitled to their opinion.

As for how his team has handled the controversy, Briles indicated focusing on the players on the field has made that part easy.

"Honestly, I haven't felt anything," Briles said. "The thing about youth that keeps me going is that they're so resilient first and foremost, forgiving, nonjudgmental, just have good spirits and high hopes. That part of it has been, I don't want to say refreshing, but just encouraging."


NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--QB Seth Russell sits down in the driver's seat of one of the most dynamic offensive vehicles in college football. However, he's not exactly new to the role. Through one start and lots of mop-up duty over the last two seasons, Russell should be comfortable in the role. If the Bears miss a beat this season, it's doubtful it will be Russell's fault. The question is whether or not Russell can surpass his predecessors.

--When DE Jamal Palmer last played a full season, he held his own in most stat columns with his more heralded teammate Shawn Oakman. Palmer posted 11 tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks in 2013 and had 2.5 sacks in a little more than four games before a season-ending injury in 2014. While Oakman was block-able for huge chunks of last season, a healthy Palmer could present really worries for Bears opponents.

--RB Shock Linwood rushed for 1,293 yards and 16 TDs while sharing the spotlight with a dynamic passing game full of big, fast receivers, not to mention a couple of other productive running backs. With a new quarterback lining up in the shotgun, Linwood could be primed for a Heisman-candidate type of season.

SERIES HISTORY: Baylor leads SMU, 37-36-7.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're still in pain from the Cotton Bowl. We've lived for seven months with a really, really bad taste in our mouth. This an opportunity to let food taste good and music sound good again because it hasn't for seven months in our football lives." -- Baylor coach Art Briles on the Bears' offseason after losing a 20-point lead and falling to Michigan State, 42-41, in the Cotton Bowl.

[StarDust Bum]

Meyer mum on Ohio State QB

Sep 01, 2015

One of the great mysteries in college football during the 2015 preseason remains a secret.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said Monday during his weekly news conference that the question on everyone's mind -- Will J.T. Barrett or Cardale Jones start at quarterback in the opener next Monday night at Virginia Tech? -- won't be answered publicly until game time (8 p.m. on ESPN).

"We'll announce the starter when the first guy takes the snap," Meyer said. "It's still very close. Both guys are performing well."

Meyer praised both quarterbacks and said he has seen little separation between the two since the start of fall camp. But he hinted that the coaching staff would likely zero in on a starter by Wednesday when the top-ranked Buckeyes begin game preparation for the Hokies.

"I imagine if one of them was way ahead I probably would announce it, but they're not, and it's more for our team than who we're playing," Meyer said.

Meyer also raised the possibility that both quarterbacks could play against Virginia Tech and that the competition could continue into the season.

"I'd like to see both guys involved," Meyer said.

It's a good problem to have for the Buckeyes. Both quarterbacks have sterling credentials.

Barrett was thrust into the starting job last August when Braxton Miller went down with a shoulder injury in preseason and proceeded to lead Ohio State to an 11-1 record during the regular season until he suffered a broken ankle against Michigan in late November.

Barrett was named one of six team captains by his peers last week, but Meyer said that doesn't mean he has an edge in the quarterback competition.

The strong-armed Jones stepped in and took control of the offense after Barrett went down without the Buckeyes missing a beat, calmly helping direct Ohio State to the Big Ten and College Football Playoff national championships. A top NFL prospect, Jones decided against entering the draft to return to school.

"I don't know J.T.'s record, but it's pretty good. Cardale, I believe, is 3-0. So who gives us at that moment a chance to win," Meyer said.

There's also a lot of interest in the guy they replaced at quarterback. Miller, the two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, has spent the summer and fall camp transitioning to wide receiver/H-back and is starting to get the hang of playing the position.

"Braxton has really the last two days has been outstanding," Meyer said. "He's the whole idea of his body getting used to basically a track practice every day is taking root."

The Buckeyes will be counting on Miller and experienced wide receiver Michael Thomas to shoulder much of the load on the outside after losing returning wideouts/H-backs Jalin Marshall, Corey Smith and Dontre Wilson for the opener because of one-game suspensions for a violation of team rules during the offseason.

The Buckeyes also will be missing All-American defensive end Joey Bosa, who was suspended for the opener with the others. But they won't be lacking motivation after Virginia Tech put the only blemish on their record last year with an upset in Ohio Stadium.

"There is a little nudge around here because they beat us, and really the way they beat us," Meyer said. "Offensively, right now there is a lot of distaste for the way that thing happened, and that's not taking away from their personnel, because I think they have excellent personnel, especially on defense. But the way that happened, it was not -- a lot of it was lack of preparation."

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--QB J.T. Barrett had a record-setting first season as a starter for Ohio State in 2014 before he sustained a broken ankle in the regular-season finale against Michigan. He's fully recovered and contending with Cardale Jones to be the starter for the opener against Virginia Tech. Barrett, a redshirt sophomore, was named a team captain last week, an indication of the players' respect for him. Even if Jones is named the starter, Barrett is likely to see playing time.

--QB Cardale Jones had barely played when he was thrust into service at the end of last season when starting quarterback J.T. Barrett went down with injury, but all he did was lead Ohio State to a Big Ten and national championship. His performance didn't guarantee a starting job this year. Jones and Barrett were battling throughout fall camp. Coach Urban Meyer and his staff are charged with the difficult decision to choose Jones or Barrett. The good news for the Buckeyes is both have similar skill sets and are highly gifted.

--RB Ezekiel Elliott is listed as one of the early favorites for the Heisman Trophy after his romp through the postseason last year with 696 yards rushing on 76 carries and eight touchdowns in three games that netted a Big Ten and national championship. Elliott is primed for a new season and could reach the 2,000-yard plateau behind an experienced and talented offensive line.

--LB Joshua Perry is one of six team captains and a leader on defense of a strong linebacking corps. Perry's 124 tackles last season led the team and ranked second in the Big Ten and 19th nationally. He had a career-best 18 tackles against Penn State.

SERIES HISTORY: Virginia Tech leads Ohio State, 1-0, after winning 35-21 last season in Ohio Stadium.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're not deciding between average and good. We're deciding between good and good. We're pretty good at both spots. So we're trying to decide because, obviously, they've executed in games, big games, at a high level. So that's the thing that makes it tough and makes it the most intriguing story going." -- Ohio State co-offensive coordinator Ed Warinner on the quarterback battle between J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones

[StarDust Bum]

Gophers play protection game vs. TCU

Sep 01, 2015

It's hard enough to beat elite teams, even when you're playing your best football.

Last year in Fort Worth, the University of Minnesota played nowhere near the vicinity of its best football in a 30-7 loss to Texas Christian University last Sept. 13.

The Golden Gophers turned the ball over five times in the loss, accounting for 20 of TCU's points, including a pair of touchdowns in the decisive first half, which gave the Horned Frogs a 24-0 lead at the break.

Minnesota hopes to turn the tables this time around when the two teams open the season in a nationally televised game at TCF Bank Stadium on Thursday night. TCU comes to town ranked No. 2 in the country, giving this one plenty of buzz around the Twin Cities.

"About everywhere I go, I think the people are excited," Gophers coach Jerry Kill said. "I think the state is excited. I don't know how you couldn't be. You're going to go first game out of the gate against a great opponent, first game live, 8 p.m. For a player and a fan and for our state, they get that recognition, you can't put a price on it."

Kill acknowledged his team's penchant for giving away the ball against TCU last season and said that must change if the Gophers hope to spring the first upset of the 2015 college football season.

"You turn the ball over five times, you're not beating anybody," Kill said. "There's a lot of things that we can do on our own to take care of business to be able to have a good outing."

In addition to protecting the football, the Gophers defense will be charged with finding a way to slow TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin. Boykin passed for 258 yards and two scores and also ran for 96 yards against the Gophers a year ago.

A preseason favorite for the Heisman Trophy, Boykin will present Minnesota's stingy defense with perhaps its biggest test of the season right off the bat.

"Boykin is a guy that's got a very strong arm and he can throw bee-bees out there, gets the ball out quick so he's hard to sack, and he can run it as well as throw it," Kill said. "That's probably the toughest thing is being able to keep him locked in the pocket and don't let him get out of there and start running around everywhere."

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--QB Mitch Leidner was near the bottom of the Big Ten in many passing categories a year ago, but is coming into this season with confidence after a good offseason of work, including a standout performance at a Manning Passing Camp. The Gophers offense will need a big-time performance from him if it hopes to knock off the No. 2 Horned Frogs. Gophers coach Jerry Kill said he believes it could happen. "The last two weeks, he's been unbelievably sharp," Kill said. "It's the best I've seen him look since I've been here. He's done a really, really good job."

--CB Eric Murray could be a high pick in next spring's NFL Draft, and with one of the most explosive offenses in the country coming to town on Thursday, the Gophers need him to be at his best. TCU's receivers are some of the quickest in the country, which will provide Murray and the entire Minnesota secondary with a good test. "We ran with them a year ago," Gophers defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said. "A couple of the fades, we were right there and their receivers made great catches. You're going to lose a jump ball every now and then. You go through all the film and they didn't outrun us."

--DE Theiren Cockran led all returning Gophers with four sacks a year ago and will need to provide plenty of heat on TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin, who carved up Minnesota to the tune of 354 total yards in their meeting last season.

SERIES HISTORY: The series is tied, 1-1. TCU defeated Minnesota 30-7 in Fort Worth last season. Minnesota won 9-7 in the only other meeting in 1974.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Somebody said (we are) 17-point underdogs or something like that. What have we got to lose? We just go out there and have some fun and play hard and see what happens." -- Gophers coach Jerry Kill.

[StarDust Bum]

Sly Harbaugh leaning toward Rudock for Michigan's opener

Sep 01, 2015

New coach Jim Harbaugh is playing sly and not releasing the name of his starting quarterback, but all indications point to senior Jake Rudock taking the first offensive snap of Michigan's season-opening contest at Utah.

Rudock, a two-year starter at Iowa who transferred to Michigan during the offseason, has the overall game experience that competitor Shane Morris lacks. And Harbaugh wants to come in with a bang when the Wolverines face the Utes on Thursday.

Harbaugh said Tuesday that the two quarterbacks know which one will start the opener, but he wasn't ready to reveal a name.

"I feel like I want both of them to prepare that they're going to be the starter, I want both of them going into this game with the mindset that they're one play away or starting, that's the mindset I always want our quarterback and backup quarterback (to have)," Harbaugh said. "They know (who will start). ...

"We know who's going to start, we know who's going to go in second or who is going to go in next. We want them both to prepare like they're going to be the starter. I don't know how to make it any more clear than that. (Keeping Utah from knowing) is another positive or byproduct of it, then we'll take that as well."

Rudock passed for 16 touchdowns against five interceptions last season and his ability to avoid turnovers will be key if Michigan is to win Harbaugh's debut. He is an adept short passer but struggles when he attempts to stretch the field.

Morris has thrown five interceptions and zero touchdown passes in 87 career passes. He has progressed under Harbaugh's tutelage but starting him against the Utes -- who dominated the Wolverines 26-10 last season -- doesn't appear to be a solid option.

Regardless of the quarterback situation, the expectation is that Michigan will field a much better team than it did last season when it floundered to a 5-7 record under fired Brady Hoke.

Harbaugh's arrival has created plenty of buzz and his debut as coach makes the Michigan-Utah game one of the more intriguing contests of college football's opening week.

"Our expectations are very high," Harbaugh told reporters during one of the few times he met with them in August. "It will come through work but we have no predictions or crystal ball seeing into the future, not do we went it to be that way.

"We embrace the fact that there will be great competition and we have to get ourselves prepared for that."

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--MLB Joe Bolden is the defense's emotional leader as well as being the unit's top player. He recorded 102 tackles last season as a junior and is primed to deliver big as a senior. He had five double-digit tackle outings last season, including a career-best 14 versus Maryland. The 6-foot-3, 237-pound Bolden has 12 tackles for loss and five sacks in his career.

--TE Jake Butt has shown glimpses of stardom over his first two seasons and could flourish this season. Coach Jim Harbaugh emphasized utilizing the tight end when he was leading Stanford's program and the philosophy will present Butt with the opportunity to take a step forward. The 6-foot-6, 248-pound Butt has started 13 games and caught 41 passes over the last two campaigns.

--SS Jabrill Peppers arrived on campus with a lot of hype but his 2014 season ended after just three games because of knee and ankle injuries. He later received a medical redshirt and had a strong fall camp and the Wolverines are expecting him to make a huge impact in the back end. Peppers will also be used in the return game and there's a chance he will see some time on offense.

SERIES HISTORY: Utah leads Michigan, 2-1, and posted a 26-10 victory last season in Ann Arbor.

[StarDust Bum]

Golson will start at QB for Florida State

Aug 31, 2015

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- At 1 p.m. on the Monday of game week, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher could only smile when he heard the question he knew was coming.

"So ... have you decided on a starting quarterback?" was the inevitable inquiry from the media just five days before the No. 10 Seminoles were scheduled to open the 2015 season at home against Texas State.

To which Fisher grinned and replied: "I have a good idea of where we're going with things. You'll all know very soon."

Some five hours later, Seminole fans finally had their answer when Fisher made the announcement after practice.

Leading Florida State in 2015 will be graduate transfer Everett Golson, the former Notre Dame quarterback who came to Tallahassee this offseason seeking a shot at redemption -- and another shot at glory. The 6-foot, 200-pound senior was chosen over Sean Maguire, a 6-3, 221-pound redshirt junior who had just one start to his credit coming into the season.

Golson, meanwhile, brings loads of experience to the position, having led the Fighting Irish to the BCS National Championship game as a freshman in 2012 before sitting out the following season (academic suspension) and eventually returning to Notre Dame, where he struggled with inconsistency last year. He opted to leave South Bend for his final season under the NCAA's graduate transfer rule that allows players who have already fulfilled their undergrad requirements to play for another school immediately without sitting out a season.

Golson has the chore of replacing Jameis Winston, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, who led the Seminoles to the national championship in 2013 and to the four-team national playoff last season.

While the dual-threat Golson -- who last season passed for 3,445 yards and 29 touchdowns and rushed for 283 yards and eight more scores -- was the clear fan favorite in Tallahassee, Fisher said this year's competition was closer than expected.

"(It was) very close (in camp). Just like (two years ago) between Jacob (Coker) and Jameis (Winston), when everyone said Jameis took off, both of those guys played tremendously well and both of these guys did, too," Fisher said of Golson and Maguire, whose lone start and win came last season when he filled in for a suspended Winston against Clemson. "Both (Everett and Sean) had their moments where they shined and both improved in a lot of the areas where they had weaknesses. I really feel confident with either guy playing ... I really do."

But rather than use a two-quarterback system -- "I don't coach like that, where one guy's always looking over to the sideline every mistake he makes," Fisher said Monday -- Golson will now be leading the team he almost single-handedly beat last season in Tallahassee as Notre Dame's starting quarterback. What would have been the Fighting Irish's go-ahead touchdown with less than a minute to play was negated by a penalty for offensive pass interference, and the Seminoles prevailed, 31-27.

"Where we're at right now, it's best for the team," Fisher said after Monday's practice. "But we're definitely going to need both guys throughout the year, so I'm glad it was a tough decision and both guys are playing so well.

Neither Golson nor Maguire was made available to the media after practice. But several of their teammates were, and they seemed pleased by Fisher's decision.

"I guess y'all figured out who the quarterback is," linebacker Terrance Smith said with a smile. "We support whatever decision they make. We like Everett -- when the play breaks down, he has the ability to use his feet to extend the play a little bit. And, if necessary, he can bring the ball down and run. Just having that x-factor, that probably gave him the edge (over Sean)."

Added starting linebacker Jacob Pugh: "Both of them are real good quarterbacks. And it was a great competition. I really didn't know which one was going to be the quarterback. Both of them are great."

So with a quarterback officially named, now the Seminoles can truly focus only on Saturday's season opener against the Bobcats, who are coached by former Dennis Franchione. Franchione's 210 career wins rank fourth all-time among active FBS coaches, and he's in his second stint at Texas State, which transitioned to Division I in 2011 under the coach's watchful eye.

And while this will be the first meeting in school history between the two programs, the Bobcats have their work cut out for them: Florida State is 31-1 in its last 32 games against unranked opponents and 12-0 at home against unranked opponents since Fisher took over in 2010.

Florida State hasn't played a team from the Lone Star State since 2006, when it beat Rice 55-7, while Texas State hasn't played in Florida in 12 years, last facing Florida Atlantic in 2003. The Bobcats play in the Sun Belt Conference, which the Seminoles have owned in recent history, winning 10 straight games against Sun Belt opponents.

Fisher, however, thinks Texas State presents some concerns for the Seminoles and a new starting quarterback just learning the offensive system.

"I think their versatility and experience they have in their coaching staff. They're very diverse on offense; they're very diverse on defense," said Fisher, who has twice met Franchione during their coaching careers, splitting a pair of wins while Fisher was an assistant. "They present a lot of different problems. They're aggressive. They're very well coached. They've got good players. I know that sounds cliche, but that's a fact. This is a good program."

The Bobcats return their leading rusher (Robert Lowe, 1,091 yards, 12 TDs in 2014), starting quarterback Tyler Jones (2,670 yards passing, 22 TDs) and top defender in defensive back David Mims, who picked off five passes last season, returning one for a score.

FSU, meanwhile, has some questions marks coming in.

The offensive line sent four of its five starters to the NFL, with only left tackle Roderick Johnson, a sophomore, returning. Elsewhere on offense, FSU has to replace starting tight end and John Mackey Award winner Nick O'Leary, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, and starting wideout Rashad Greene -- Florida State's all-time leading receiver, who was taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Florida State also lost four defensive starters to the NFL, and its second-year defensive coordinator Charles Kelly may be on the hot seat if the big dropoff the unit saw from 2013 to 2014 doesn't improve.

Still, all things considered, Florida State is a 35-point favorite entering Saturday's game against Texas State at Doak Campbell Stadium, where Florida State has won 14 straight dating back to last season. And no one has forgotten that Florida State is an NCAA-best 29-1 record over the last three seasons, with that one loss coming to Oregon in the semifinals of last year's inaugural College Football Playoffs.

"We're going to have to play our best and we're going to have to make a lot fewer mistakes then they make -- and we're going to have to force some mistakes to happen," Franchione said when asked what it would take to upset the Seminoles. "But it's a big challenge. They've got five bona fide NFL prospects I hear, and 16 more possibles. They've won 29 out of their last 30 and three straight conference championships in the ACC, played for the national championship and won it two years ago and in the final four last year.

"We're not playing a good team. We're playing a great program."

FLORIDA STATE PLAYERS TO WATCH

--RB Dalvin Cook, a sophomore and the Seminoles' leading returning running back, is "full-go" for Saturday's game against the Bobcats, Fisher said Monday. Cook's status with the team is no longer in question after he was acquitted on misdemeanor battery charges last week by a Tallahassee jury. However, the number of plays he'd split in Saturday's opener with backup Mario Pender was unclear considering Cook missed more than half of preseason camp on suspension as he awaited the outcome of his legal issue. But after less than a week of full-contact practice, Fisher said he wouldn't limit last season's breakout star -- who set the Seminoles' rushing record for a freshman with 1,008 yards -- in the season opener Saturday. "He kept himself in tremendous condition (during his suspension)," Fisher said Monday. "He's still got that burst. Only thing I was worried about was his feel to run the holes and not be over-anxious. A great back ... you only see his speed when speed's needed. Great backs know tempo running -- they know how to take the handoff and know if it's half-speed, or three-quarters speed you need to go. And sometimes it takes reps in practice to get back in the groove. But not him. He just walked back out there with a natural feel to run the ball."

-- WR Travis Rudolph, a sophomore, was last season's second most pleasant surprise behind Cook, finishing as the team's fourth-leading wideout with 38 catches for 555 yards and four TDs. He was one of two five-star freshman receivers who stood out last year for the Seminoles, with the other being Ermon Lane. And while Lane was a nice complement to the offense last season (13 catches, 267 yards, 1 TD), it was Rudolph who had the knack for making the big play or extra move to break a long run after the catch. When asked about his receivers Monday, including juniors Jesus Wilson and Kermit Whitfield and Lane, a sophomore, Fisher said it's the one part of his offense he feels best about at the moment. "I've been very pleased. Just like I said, the blitzes, the sights, the routes, we're being healthy back with consistency," he said. "I've been extremely pleased these last six, seven days. They have responded in a very good manner."

--CB Jalen Ramsey, a junior captain of the FSU defense and unquestioned leader of the entire Florida State team, is one of two near-consensus preseason All-Americans for the Seminoles (the other being kicker Roberto Aguayo). He's moving from safety this season back at his natural position of cornerback, where he became the first true freshman to start at the position since Deion Sanders in 1985. Ramsey, who is also an All-American long-jumper in track and field, will make his 29th consecutive start for Florida State on Saturday during the Seminoles' season opener against Texas State. He's recorded 128 tackles, three interceptions, forced three fumbles and broken up 13 passes in two seasons for Florida State.

--LB Reggie Northrup, a 6-1, 231-pound senior used to be known around Tallahassee for his awesome robot dance after big tackles. But in the last two years, Northrup has endeared himself to Seminoles fans as something else: a heck of a player. He led the team in tackles last season with a staggering 122 tackles in just 14 games. He missed the Seminoles' final game, the Rose Bowl loss to Oregon, with a knee injury he's since recovered from. He became the first Florida State player to record more than 100 tackles in a single season since Buster Davis in 2006 and if he crosses the century mark again this season, he'll become the first Seminole defender to post back-to-back 100-plus-tackle seasons since Peter Boulware in 2002.

SERIES HISTORY: This is the first meeting between Florida State and Texas State.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I can't thank (Texas State) enough. They do not to have to do that. (Head coach Dennis Franchione) is a class guy, a great guy. I thank them for that. That happens to be our charity. Anytime we can help any childhood charities or any charity at all, we want to be that way. As an athlete, you can have a huge impact in the large window in which you're seen. I think for him to do that that's a huge gesture and I (know our school) would very willingly do (that for another program if they asked), whatever it is." -- FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher, on Texas State agreeing to wear a decal for Fisher's charity during Saturday's game in honor of the head coach's continued fight against Fanconi Anemia, a disease which afflicts his youngest son, Ethan. The decal will read, "I Fight Fanconi."

[StarDust Bum]

Arrested CB Adams suspended by UCLA

September 1, 2015

LOS ANGELES (AP) UCLA suspended cornerback Ishmael Adams indefinitely on Tuesday following his arrest last weekend on suspicion of felony robbery.

Coach Jim Mora announced the suspension after practice on campus for the 13th-ranked Bruins, who open their season Saturday at the Rose Bowl against Virginia.

''As a football coach, as a parent, you hate to see young men get themselves into bad situations,'' Mora said.

The redshirt junior was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly taking a phone from an Uber driver.

Adams' bail was set at $100,000, and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department records indicate Adams was released from custody Tuesday morning. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Mora said the Bruins have a responsibility ''to represent the highest ideals and moral values. Unfortunately ... when they do make a mistake, it's magnified. It tarnishes their reputation, and certainly tarnishes to some extent the reputation of this program.''

Adams has started every game in the past two seasons for the Bruins, making the All-Pac-12 team last season despite his undersized 5-foot-8 frame. He also returned kicks and punts for UCLA, repeatedly coming up with big returns.

Mora declined to provide any timetable for Adams' return.

''As facts become available, then we'll make our decisions as we go,'' Mora said.

Adams likely would have played extensively for the Bruins again this season, although UCLA doesn't release a preseason depth chart. Marcus Rios has been competing with Adams for a starting spot at cornerback opposite Fabian Moreau, which could have made Adams into the Bruins' nickel back.

Adams' teammates largely declined to speak about his absence after practice, but expressed support.

''You never want that to happen to your teammate,'' offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch said. ''But life goes on. We've got to play this game, and we wish the best for him.''

Adams is the son of Stefon Adams, who played most of his five NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders. Ishmael Adams was an elite recruit for UCLA as a defensive back out of nearby Woodland Hills, California.

[StarDust Bum]

After Edwards, Miami has many RB options

September 1, 2015

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) Of all the players who will be on the field for Miami this season, only one has scored multiple rushing touchdowns so far in his Hurricanes career.

That would be Dallas Crawford.

And he's now a starting safety for the Hurricanes, long removed from his running back days.

Losing Gus Edwards late last month to a season-ending foot injury means there's many more carries are up for grabs in a relatively untested Miami backfield. Edwards had 11 touchdowns in his first two Miami seasons, and he and Duke Johnson (now of the Cleveland Browns) combined for 16 of the 19 ground scores the Hurricanes had in 2014.

So when the season starts Saturday night against Bethune-Cookman, it'll be Joe Yearby, Mark Walton and Trayone Gray getting the bulk of the handoffs. Yearby was last year's backup who got 86 carries and most of those in second halves, Gray had just six carries in three games a season ago, and Walton is a true freshman.

''We don't feel like we're going to miss a beat there,'' Miami coach Al Golden said Tuesday. ''We feel badly for Gus, disappointed for him. He worked really hard but he's coming back, he's in great spirits and it's a great opportunity for the other three guys to step up and execute.''

The severity of the injury in Edwards' left foot - at first thought just to be a bruise of some sort - wasn't fully known until he underwent a surgical procedure on Saturday. Edwards has the mix of size (241 pounds was his listed weight on this year's roster) and speed (21 mph top-end sprinting speed according to the school's GPS data) that had him squarely in the mix to start.

''We didn't know how serious it was,'' Crawford said. ''I know he'll rehab and come back stronger than ever next year.''

But for this year, Yearby might have the edge on being the starter. A backfield-by-committee situation seems more than a little possible.

''That was heartbreaking,'' Yearby said of the news that Edwards' season ended before it started.

Yearby was then asked if he and Walton were ready to assume a heavier workload, and he nodded.

''Me, Mark and Choc,'' Yearby said, the last name being the moniker teammates have given to Gray.

Even with Edwards gone, Miami's backs could get off to a good start. Bethune-Cookman lost its top seven tacklers from last year, and Week 2 opponent Florida Atlantic gave up a staggering 34 touchdowns on the ground last season - only nine of the 125 teams at college football's highest level gave up more in 2014.

After that, the Hurricanes should have a much better feel for what the rotation taking handoffs from quarterback Brad Kaaya will look like.

''It is a big deal because (Edwards) is a weapon,'' Kaaya said. ''It sucks to lose a weapon but we also have three other guys who were recruited by us, good, athletic running backs.''

[StarDust Bum]

Tech Trends - Week 1

August 31, 2015

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge


SOUTH CAROLINA vs. NORTH CAROLINA (from Charlotte)
Spurrier 1-7 as chalk last season, 1-3 vs. non-SEC in reg season LY. Gamecocks 1-5-1 as chalk away from home since 2012. Heels only 3-7 vs. non-ACC since 2013, Fedora 4-7 as dog same span.

Slight to UNC, based on team trends.


FIU at UCF

Ron Turner 7-4 as dog LY, 8-4 overall vs. number in 2014, also 3-1 vs. line away from home and vs. non-CUSA LY. O’Leary 4-1 as DD chalk in 2014, 5-1 vs. spread in Orlando, and 7-5 as DD chalk since 2013.

Slight to FIU, based on recent trends.


OKLAHOMA STATE at CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Gundy 18-13 as DD chalk since 2010, but just 6-7 in role past two years, and 2-4 last six as road DD chalk. Yet OSU is 8-4 last 12 vs. number against non-Big 12. CMU 0-7 as home dog or pick since 2012, also 3-13 vs. number in reg.-season non-MAC games since 2011.

OSU, based on CMU home dog woes.


MICHIGAN at UTAH

Harbaugh Michigan debut! Harbaugh was 7-5-1 as dog with Niners, and covered his season opener past four years. Harbaugh 6-1 vs. line last seven openers dating to 2008. Though Harbaugh was only 11-13 as Stanford dog from 2007-10. Harbaugh was 23-15 vs. line his last three years with Tree and 41-26-4 with Niners, so he’s 64-41-4 vs. number since 2008. Hoke was 4-9-1 as dog past three years with Big Blue. Utes have covered last 8 vs. non-Pac 12 foes but covered only 1 of last 4 at Rice-Eccles LY.

Michigan, based on extended Harbaugh numbers.


TCU at MINNESOTA

Frogs 11-2 vs. line LY, but were only 3-2 as chalk away from Fort Worth. TCU 6-1 as DD chalk LY though Patterson was only 4-12-1 in role the previous three years, and was 1-6 as road chalk from 2011-13. Frogs have covered last five vs. non-Big 12 foes, and did whip Gophers 30-7 LY. Jerry Kill 9-4 as dog past two years, but only 2-4 last six vs. line against non-Big 10.

TCU, based on recent trends.


DUKE at TULANE

Wave 0-4 as home dog LY after 3-0 mark in role in 2013. Overall, Tulane 2-8 as dog in 2014 after 7-2 mark the previous year. Cutcliffe 9-3-1 last 13 vs. line away from Durham, 14-4-1 as chalk since 2012 (2-1-1 as visiting chalk that span). Cutcliffe 19-8 vs. spread since 2013 and routed Wave at Wallace Wade LY.

Duke, based on team trends.


UTSA at ARIZONA

Coker only 4-8 vs. line LY but did cover at home vs. Cats. UTSA only 1-4 vs. line last 5 away LY, and 2-2 as DD dog. Cats 5-2 vs. line at home vs. non-Pac 12 since Rich-Rod arrived in 2012. UA 4-1 laying 20 or more since 2012.

Slight to UA, based on team trends.

COLORADO at HAWAII

Buffs 1-5 vs. line away from Boulder LY, 3-8 last 11 in role. CU 1-2 as chalk LY. Norm Chow 3-0 as non-MW home dog past two years, 6-1 last seven vs. non-conference foes in Honolulu. Hawaii has covered five straight openers, the last three with Chow. Home team has covered all three in series since 2010.

Hawaii, based on team trends.


WESTERN KENTUCKY at VANDERBILT
Dores were 1-3 as chalk LY for Mason, all at home vs. lesser non-SEC foes. James Franklin had been 14-6 as chalk the previous three years. Tops 2-3 as single-digit dog LY but were 12-1 in role previous four seasons.

WKU, based on team trends.


FRIDAY, SEPT. 4

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

BAYLOR at SMU

Morris debut at SMU. Baylor routed SMU in 2012 & ‘14 by combined 104-24 score, covering each. But Briles only 3-7-1 as visiting chalk since 2011 (2-1-1 LY). Bears are 14-5-1 laying DDs since 2013, however, and have covered last 7 laying 30 or more. Ponies were just 1-5 as home dog in surrendering 2014 campaign, also 1-5 vs. spread as host (1-3 as home dog).

Baylor, based on team and series trends.


CHARLOTTE at GEORGIA STATE

Charlotte spread debut! GSU only favored once before and is 0-1 in role, also 1-5 vs. line at home LY. Expansion teams!

Slight to Charlotte, based on GSU negatives.


MICHIGAN STATE at WESTERN MICHIGAN
Dantonio great road chalk in recent years, 12-2 in role since 2010. Spartans also 8-3 last 11 vs. non-Big Ten foes. MSU 8-1 as DD chalk in 2014 but just 2-6 in role previous two years. Broncos were 4-1 vs. line at Waldo in bounce-back year of 2014 when covering 11 of 13. WMU 2-4 vs. line last six vs. Big Ten but did cover at East Lansing in 2013.

Slight to WMU, based on recent trends.


KENT STATE at ILLINOIS

Cubit debut for Illinois. In Kent State's last three at Big Ten sites, Flashes lost and failed to cover all and shut out each time (combined score 124-0). But none of those at Illinois. Kent 5-3 as DD dog under Paul Haynes since 2013, 6-3 in role since 2012. Illini 4-8 vs. line as chalk since 2012, 1-3 as DD chalk since 2013, and 1-4 vs. spread against non-Big Ten LY.

Slight to Kent State, based on team trends.

WASHINGTON at BOISE STATE

Petersen returns to Boise. Note Petersen just 5-14 vs. line his last 19 games on blue carpet before taking UW job. Though Huskies were 4-2 vs. spread as visitor LY. Broncos have covered last four as host vs. non-MW foes.

Slight to Boise, based on team trends.


SATURDAY, SEPT. 5

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge


OLD DOMINION at EASTERN MICHIGAN
ODU has been road chalk once, covering at Idaho in 2013. Monarchs 3-3 vs. points away LY compered to 1-5 at Norfolk. EMU 4-7-1 vs. line for Creighton LY, 10-25-1 overall vs. number since 2012, 5-11 last 16 vs. line at Ypsilanti.

Slight to ODU, based on EMU woes.


NEW MEXICO STATE at FLORIDA
McElwain debut for Gators. Jim M was 21-8 vs. line his last 19 at CSU, and 9-3 last 12 as home chalk with Rams. Gators were 3-1 as DD chalk LY and covered both at home vs. lower-echelon non-SEC foes. Ags 1-10 vs. line away since 2013, 4-10 as DD dog that span.

Florida, based on McElwain and NMSU trends.


PENN STATE at TEMPLE
Owls no SU wins vs. Penn State since pre-Pearl Harbor 14-0 job in 1941, 30 SU losses in row since! But not James Franklin was 0-3 as road chalk LY for Nittany Lions, and PSU 0-4 as single-digit chalk a year ago. After 7-1 dog mark in Matt Rhule debut in 2013, Temple sagged to 3-5 record in role LY, but Owls still 13-7 vs. spread last 20 on board since mid 2013.

Slight to Temple, based on recent trends.


FAU at TULSA

Montgomery Tulsa debut. Golden Hurricane just 3-9 vs. line since 2013 at home, 3-7 as chalk overall that span. Crushed 50-21 at FAU LY. Owls 14-4 as visiting dog since 2012, 3-2 in role for Partridge LY. FAU was 12-2 vs. line away in 2012-‘13 prior to 3-4 spread mark in role LY.

FAU, based on team trends.


VIRGINIA at UCLA
Cavs played Bruins tough LY en route to covering 5 of 7 as doggie, now 7-2 last 9 getting points. UCLA only 2-4 vs. line at Rose Bowl LY, first losing spread mark at home since Bob Toledo’s last season of 2002. Bruins also 0-4 as DD chalk in 2014 after Mora was 6-2 in role previous two years.

Slight to Virginia, based on team trends.


STANFORD at NORTHWESTERN

David Shaw just 3-6 as visiting favorite past two years, but Tree was 5-0 as DD chalk in 2014. Pat Fitzgerald just 8-16 vs. spread past two years after losing just once vs. line in 2012. Cats were 2-1 as home dog LY, but just 1-5 vs. spread last six vs. non-Big Ten foes.

Stanford, based on team trends.


LOUISVILLE vs. AUBURN (at Georgia Dome, Atlanta)

Petrino 5-2 vs. line away from Papa John’s LY but only 2-2 overall as dog. Cards were 8-1 as dog 2011-13 under Charlie Strong, bulk of that damage occurring in 2011 when 6-1 in role. After Auburn’s 13-game cover streak ended early last season, Malzahn just 2-9 vs. line thereafter, and Tigers only 3-7 as chalk in 2014 after 6-2 record in role previous year. Gus still 24-15 vs. line since 2012 at Ark State & Auburn.

Slight to Auburn, based on extended Malzahn marks.

ARIZONA STATE vs. TEXAS A&M (at NRG Stadium, Houston)
Todd Graham just 3-7 as dog at ASU, but was 2-2 in role LY. Sun Devils 2-5 vs. line last seven vs. non-Pac 12 foes. Graham only 13-14 vs. spread since 2013. Ags a bit worse lately, just 9-17 vs. spread since 2013, 5-11 last 16 on board, 2-7 last 9 as chalk. Though A&M was 4-3 vs. points away from Kyle Field LY.+

Slight to ASU, based on recent trends.


BYU at NEBRASKA

Riley Husker debut! Riley 1-1 SU and vs. spread against Bronco Mendenhall in 2011-12. Note that Riley OSU teams were 8-15 as home favorite from 2009-15, and his Beavers were 1-5 overall as chalk LY. His teams are 11-23 their last 34 as chalk. Huskers 6-8 as home chalk for Pelini past two years. Bronco was 8-2 as dog 2011-13 before 1-3 LY, all dog 2014 games after Taysom Hill injury.

BYU, based on team trends.

TROY at NC STATE

Neal Brown Troy debut. Trojans 7-4-1 as DD dog since 2012 though just 3-6 last nine vs. line against non-Belt. Dave Doeren 10-4 as DD chalk since 2012 (6-1 at NIU in 2012) and covered last 3 vs. non-ACC foes LY.

NC State, based on team trends.


UNLV at NORTHERN ILLINOIS

Sanchez UNLV debut! Rebs were 8-4 vs. line as visitor past two years after 5-20 spread mark away previous four years. But Rebs 1-8 vs. number last 9 vs. non-MW away from Sam Boyd Stadium. Huskies only 1-4 as DeKalb chalk LY, but are 20-14 as favorite since 2012.

NIU, based on UNLV extended road non-MW woes.


AKRON at OKLAHOMA

Stoops very middling in most spread categories lately, but is 6-2 last 8 vs. line when hosting non-Big 12 foes. OU 7-7 laying DD since 2013, 6-4 last 10 laying 20 or more. Bowden just 3-5 as DD dog since 2013, and Zips just 8-14-2 overall vs. spread past two years.

OU, based on team trends.

BOWLING GREEN vs. TENNESSEE (at Nissan Stadium, Nashville)

This game at Titans’ Stadium, and Vols were 3-4 as reg season chalk LY. Counting bowl win, UT 4-4 as chalk LY for Butch, improvement over 5-12 chalk mark 2012-13. BG 5-3-1 as dog since 2013 and 3-2-1 in role LY, 6-4 vs. line since 2013 against non-MAC foes.

Slight to Bowling Green, based on team trends.

ULM at GEORGIA

Richt only 4-7 as DD chalk since 2013, 2-3 laying 30 or more. ULM 3-5 as DD dog since 2013, 1-2 as dog of 30 or more since 2014, just 3-8 last 11 vs. line against non-Belt.

Slight to Georgia, based on recent ULM non-Belt mark.

UL-LAFAYETTE at KENTUCKY
Hudspeth only 5-5 as dog past two years but was 11-1 in role 2011-12. Ragin’ Cajuns also 0-4 as DD dog since 2013 after 5-1 mark previous two years in role. ULL 2-6 vs. spread last 8 vs. non-Belt FBS foes. Mark Stoops 5-1 as home chalk past two years, Cats 12-4 as Commonwealth Stadium chalk since 2010. Stoops 5-1 as DD chalk since 2013. Cats covered all four non-SEC games LY.

Kentucky, based on team trends.

UTEP at ARKANSAS

Miners improved to 3-3 as road dog LY after 0-6 mark in role previous year. Kugler 2-9 as DD dog past two years though 0-6 in 2013 in role. Bielema 3–0 as home chalk LY (all as DD chalk) and Hogs now 11-3 vs. number last 14 since late 2013. Bielema has not laid more than 26 ½ as Arkansas coach until this game.

Arkansas, based on team trends.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN at WEST VIRGINIA
GS 2-0 as DD dog LY for Willie Fritz, 3-0 in role since late 2013. Mounties 3-9 as chalk past two years, 4-17 last 21 in role. WVU 3-9 vs. spread at Morgantown since 2012.

Georgia Southern, based on team trends.


TEXAS at NOTRE DAME

Irish just 11-16 last 27 vs. line, and just 6-9-1 vs. spread last 16 at South Bend. Brian Kelly 5-11 as chalk past two years. Charlie Strong 3-5 as dog in difficult Texas debut LY but was 8-1 as dog in previous three years at ‘Ville. Horns 5-1 vs. spread away from Austin in reg season LY.

Texas, based on team trends.

TEXAS STATE at FLORIDA STATE

Franchione 4-0 as road dog LY, 6-1 overall as dog in 2014. Texas State also covered last six games in 2014 en route to 9-3 spread mark. Jimbo 1-6 as home chalk LY after 6-0 mark in role for 2013, also 1-8 as DD chalk in 2014 after 8-2-1 mark in role in 2013.

Texas State, based on recent trends.

WISCONSIN vs. ALABAMA (at Jerry Jones AT&T Stadium, Arlington)

Chryst Wiscy debut! Badgers 6-2-1 as dog since 2012, 11-4-1 since 2009. Though Wiscy only 7-10 last 17 on board overall. Nick only 3-9 vs. spread last 12 laying points away from Tuscaloosa, and 2-8 vs. number last 10 reg season games away from Bryant-Denny.

Wisconsin, based on team trends.

MISSISSIPPI STATE at SOUTHERN MISS

Dak only 4-5-1 as chalk LY despite MSU emergence. Bulldogs 3-3-1 as DD chalk LY. USM 0-4 as home dog LY and just 4-7-1 vs. line overall, though that was improvement from back-to-back 3-9 spread marks that preceded 2014. Golden Eagles were 2-2 as DD dog LY, but just 3-13-1 vs. line at home since 2012.

MSU, based on USM negatives.

ARKANSAS STATE at SOUTHERN CAL

Sark 2-3 as DD chalk LY, 7-9 in role since 2011 counting UW days. Trojans 13-22 as DD chalk since 2009, though Sark was 2-0 laying 20 or more LY. SC 4-9 vs. spread against non-Pac 12 foes since 2012. Ark State only 2-5 vs. spread since 2012 as visitor vs. non-Belt foes, but is 7-5 as DD dog since 2010. Note Trojans “over” 36-16 since 2011, Red Wolves “over” 35-17 same span.

“Over” and slight to Ark State, based on team trends.


SUNDAY, SEPT. 6

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

PURDUE at MARSHALL
Purdue now 5-1 last six as dog away from Ross-Ade and 9-5 vs. spread last 14 overall since late 2013. Herd 3-3-1 as home chalk in 2014 after 6-0 mark in role previous year. Herd 18-10-1 last 29 on board.

Slight to Purdue, based on recent Boilermaker road success.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

OHIO STATE at VIRGINIA TECH
Urban Meyer revenge from lone loss LY. But note Buckeyes were just 1-2 as visiting chalk LY, and had dropped three straight vs. line before closing with that tremendous rush last year vs. Wiscy, Bama, and Oregon. Urban just 17-17 as chalk with Buckeyes since 2012, but is 8-2 last 10 vs. non-Big Ten. Also just 10-10 as DD chalk since 2013, 12-15 in role since 2012. Beamer 4-2 as rare home dog since 2005, though just 18-34-1 last 53 on board. Beamer 2-1 as DD dog since 2012.

Slight to VPI, based on team trends.

[StarDust Bum]

Final Four Consensus Picks

September 1, 2015

College football season is finally here as the second go-around of the four-team playoff takes place. Florida State, Oregon, and Alabama were all no-brainers to head to the inaugural playoff in 2014, but Ohio State shocked the world with a pair of wins as the fourth seed to capture the national championship. Will the Buckeyes be the team to beat once again in 2015, or will the likes of TCU, Alabama, Georgia, or Baylor hoist the championship trophy?

We asked our panel of college football handicappers their thoughts on which teams will qualify for the playoff in 2015. Looking back at last season, none of our ‘cappers predicted Ohio State to win the title, as the run to the playoff will certainly be tough once again this season.

Joe Nelson believes you can’t go wrong by going with the defending champion Buckeyes once again in 2015, “Ultimately backing the talent-rich Ohio State Buckeyes is the safest choice for the championship and the oddsmakers don’t disagree. The Buckeyes will likely be a double-digit favorite in every regular season game and they have the depth to survive an injury at a key position. Urban Meyer’s big game record is incredibly impressive and even if Ohio State is upset at some point in the regular season they might get the benefit of the doubt if it is a close call for the final spot as they did last season.”

The Big 12 saw a pair of powerhouse teams not qualify for the playoff last season as both TCU and Baylor are looking to finish in the top four this season. Vince Akins is high on the Horned Frogs to break through in 2015, “TCU was left out of the playoffs last year and they had a legitimate gripe as one of the top teams in the country last year. This team has one of the most experienced squads in the country returning in 2015, particularly with their stacked offense, and they are on a mission led by their Heisman candidate Trevone Boykin at quarterback and 10 returning starters in the group. Playing the relatively weak Big 12, they are the second most likely power conference team to get through their schedule unblemished this year.”

What about Baylor? The Bears are expected to score plenty of points even with a new quarterback as Paul Bovi predicts Baylor will finish in the final four, “Baylor will once again feature a potent offense led by QB Seth Russell. They were an offensive juggernaut last year and managed an 11-2 record though allowing 58 and 46 to TCU and Texas Tech in wins, while giving up 41 and 42 to West Virginia and Michigan State in losses. They get nine starters back on both sides of the ball and should be vastly improved on defense though they lose leading tackler Bryce Hager. Kansas State, Oklahoma State and TCU on the road will be no easy task, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.

In the SEC, there is no overwhelming favorite to win the conference in 2015, but Alabama, Georgia, and LSU are three teams to watch out for. Auburn is looking to return to the national championship after falling short against Florida State in 2012. Brian Edwards is bullish on the War Eagle this season, “I love the addition of defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to get things right on that side of the ball for Auburn. In addition, DE Carl Lawson returns after missing all of 2014, and I believe he's the second-best pass rusher in the SEC behind only Texas A&M Myles Garrett. Also, QB Jeremy Johnson is poised for a monster season and he might have the nation's best WR in Duke Williams. Perhaps most important, the schedule works. Auburn gets Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama at home down the stretch.”

NCAA FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

Playoff team #1 Playoff team #2 Playoff team #3 Playoff team #4 Champion

Andy Iskoe TCU Auburn Michigan State Arizona State Michigan State

Antony Dinero Ohio State Alabama TCU Arizona Ohio State

ASA Baylor Ohio State USC LSU Ohio State

Brian Edwards Auburn TCU Ohio State UCLA Auburn

Bruce Marshall Ohio State TCU Georgia Michigan State TCU

Dave Cokin Ohio State TCU Alabama Oregon Ohio State

Don Anthony Ohio State TCU Auburn Florida State Florida State

James Manos LSU Ohio State TCU Michigan State Michigan State

Jim Feist Ohio State Alabama TCU Georgia Ohio State

Jimmy Boyd Ohio State TCU Alabama USC TCU

Joe Nelson TCU Alabama Ohio State Baylor Ohio State

Joe Williams Ohio State Michigan State Auburn Clemson Ohio State

John Fisher Ohio State LSU UCLA Baylor Baylor

KellyInVegas Wisconsin TCU Georgia USC TCU

Kevin Rogers LSU TCU Michigan State Arizona State TCU

Kyle Hunter Ohio State TCU Auburn Notre Dame Ohio State

Marc Lawrence Ohio State Alabama TCU USC USC

Mark Franco Ohio State TCU Oregon Georgia Ohio State

Michael Black Ohio State TCU Notre Dame UCLA Ohio State

Pat Hawkins Baylor Ohio State Georgia Stanford Baylor

Paul Bovi Ohio State Michigan State USC Baylor Ohio State

Scott Pritchard Ohio State TCU Alabama Oregon Ohio State

The SportsBoss Ohio State Michigan State TCU LSU Michigan State

Vince Akins Ohio State TCU Oregon Georgia TCU

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF

Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 1

Thursday's games

South Carolina (-13) beat UNC 27-10 two years ago, running ball for 228 yards; Gamecocks lost 7 starters on offense, have new QB, were 1-7 vs spread when favored LY, are 9-5-1 in non-SEC games since 2012. Tar Heels are 4-8 in last 12 games as an underdog, 4-6 in last ten non-ACC games; they've got 105 starts back on OL and a senior QB. UNC has 17 starters back, ten on offense.

Harbaugh makes Michigan debut with new QB but four starters back on OL: Wolverines are 7-14 as road underdog since 2008, 4-9-1 in non-league games since '12- they were -16 in tunovers LY, when Utah (+3) won 26-10 in Ann Arbor. Utes had a +3 turnover ratio but were outgained 308-286. Utah covered five non-league games in row; since '10, they're 12-10-1 as a home favorite.

TCU has to have chip on shoulder after being shunned for shot at 4-team playoff LY. Horned Frogs have 10 starters back on offense and a senior QB; they're just 3-8 as road favorite since 2011, but waxed Minnesota 30-7 (-16) LY, outgaining Gophers 427-268- it was Minnesota's only loss LY by more than 10 points. Minnesota is 7-6 as a home underdog under coach Kill; they have a QB wth 16 career starts and an experienced (88 starts) OL.

Friday's game

Coach Petersen returns to Boise (92-12 as HC there) with Washington team whose QB quit (injuries) this spring and with OL that lost four of its starters (and 149 starts) from LY. Huskies hammered Boise 38-6 in last meeting in '13 opener, after Broncos beat U-Dub 28-26 in Las Vegas Bowl eight months earlier. Boise also has new QB but has all 5 starters back (96 starts) on OL- they're 9-16 as home favorites since 2011.

Saturday's games

Arizona State is 3-7 as an underdog under coach Graham; they're 1-7 in last eight neutral field games, 6-6 in non-league games. Sun Devils have a senior QB who made three starts LY. Texas A&M has soph QB with 5 career starts; Aggies are 3-10 vs spread in last 13 neutral field games, are 5-10 as a favorite since '13. Both teams have three starters back on OL. A&M is 8-7 vs spread in its last fifteen non-conference games.

Western Kentucky has 6th-year QB with 24 career starts and 3 starters back on OL: Hilltoppers are 13-7 as road underdogs since 2010, 10-5 in last 15 non-league games. Anytime a team like WKU plays an SEC club it is a big chance for them, even if it is Vanderbilt. Commodores have 4 starters back on OL; they're 3-5 in last eight games as home faves, 3-6 in last nine non-SEC games- their soph QB has made five career starts.

Stanford has a senior QB with 32 career starts and four starters back on its OL (65 starts), but Cardinal is just 3-6 in last nine games as a favorite on road, 4-6-2 in last 12 non-league games- since '12, they're 14-16 as a favorite. Northwestern covered just three of last 14 home games; since '08, they're 7-10 as a home dog- they're 3-8 in last 11 non-league games. Wildcats have a new QB and only two starters back on offensive line.

Nebraska has new coach in Riley; they're learning new offense, but their QB has 21 starts. Huskers lost 3 starters on OL: they're 6-8 as a favorite at home last two years, 10-5 in last 12 non-league games. BYU has a brutal September (Boise-UCLA-Michigan after this); they're 7-3 in last ten games as a road dog, 9-11 vs teams from Power-5 leagues. Cougars have a senior QB (20 starts) and three starters back on OL.

Petrino returns to Georgia Dome; he was Falcons' coach in '07 but quit before first season (3-10) was done. Louisville covered nine of last ten as an underdog but they lost 158 starts off their OL, have just one starter back there. Auburn is 9-8 as a favorite under Malzahn, 7-3 vs spread in neutral field games- they're 18-26 in non-SEC games since '08. Junior QB has made two starts; they've got three starters (60 starts) back on OL.

UCLA (-20) won 28-20 at Virginia LY; Bruins have 18 starters back but lost their QB- their 131 returning starts on OL is most in county. Since 2012, UCLA is 8-6 as a home favorite; they failed to cover its last four non-league games. Virginia is 9-6 in last 15 games as a dog, covering six of last eight non-ACC games; Cavaliers have four starters back on OL (68 starts) but their junior QB has made only three starters in his career.

Since 2005, Notre Dame is 18-31-3 as a home favorite; they're 8-13 vs Power 5 teams, 12-18 in last 30 games as a favorite anywhere. Irish have three starters (68 starts) back on OL but a new QB who started only one game LY. Texas are 3-5 SU in last eight games away from Austin; they're 5-11 as an underdog since '06, 10-12 in last 22 road games. Longhorns are 3-4 as a road dog since '11; their junior QB has made 12 starts.

Wisconsin has its third HC in four years but has a senior QB; Badgers covered five of last seven as an underdog- they're 7-3 in last ten games out of conference. Only two of their top 10 on OL are seniors- they have 58 starts back on OL (6 of top 10 back). Alabama is 7-12 vs spread in last 19 non-SEC games, 9-4 in last 13 neutral games; Tide has new QB, three new starters on OL (40 starts)- they lost eight starters on offense.

Sunday's game

Purdue is 7-point dog to a MAC team? Boilers are 4-5 as road dogs in Hazell era, 9-13 in last 22 non-league games. Marshall is 9-3-1 as home favorite since '13 but has new QB-- they're 12-5-1 out of conference.

Monday's game

Ohio State won national title LY but lost 35-21 (-11) to Virginia Tech at home in September; Buckeyes completed only 9-29 passes in game that yardage was 327-324. OSU covered eight of last 11 non-league games, are 16-15 as favorites under Meyer. Hokies covered five of last seven as an underdog but since '06 are 13-25-6 vs spread in non-ACC contests. Buckeyes have four starters back on OL; Tech has two (42 starts).

Notes on other games.........

-- Central Florida is 29-16 as home favorite since '05; they beat FIU last two years 38-0/33-20, after losing 17-10 to Panthers in '11. Since 2011, FIU is 10-8 as a road underdog.

-- Oklahoma State has four starters back on OL but its QB is starting for only 4th time; since '12, Cowboys are 2-6 as road faves. CMU covered once in its last nine tries as a home underdog.

-- Duke is breaking in new QB but is 11-4 vs spread in last 15 non-ACC games; Blue Devils whacked Tulane 47-13 LY ; total yardage was just 437-391. Green Wave was 0-4 as a home dog last season.

-- Ohio (-13) beat Idaho 36-24 LY, running ball for 272 yards; Bobcats are 10-8-1 as road favorites since '08. Vandals are 5-10 in last 15 as a home dog; their QB is son of Dallas Cowboy OC Scott Linehan.

-- Arizona beat Tx-San Antonio 38-13/26-23 last two years; Wildcats are 8-9 as home faves under RichRod- they lost three starters off OL. UTSA lost 179 starts from LY's OL, plus they have a new starting QB.

-- Colorado (-8) beat Hawai'i 21-12 LY, outgaining them 405-286; since '08, Buffs are 0-3 as road favorites- they have junior QB with 18 starts. Hawai'i is 5-9 as home dog since '11; they have options at QB.

-- Baylor is breaking in new QB but has 106 starts back on OL; they've beaten SMU 59-24/45-0 in last two meetings. Bears are just 3-7-1 in last 11 tries as road favorite. Mustangs have new coach, but whole OL back.

-- Georgia State is favored for second time ever despite being 2-33 last three years with a -49 turnover ratio. This is Charlotte's first year as a D-I team; they've got four starters back on OL and a vet (24 starts) QB.

-- Michigan State hosts Oregon next, could be looking ahead, but State is 16-3-1 as road favorite since '07- they've got four starters back on OL and a senior QB (26 starts). WMU is 3-8-1 in last 12 tries as home dog.

-- Illinois had rough offseason; they're 6-12 in last 18 tries as favorite at home (4-7 with Beckman). Kent State has four starters back on OL and vet QB (21 starts); since '07, they're 16-21 as a road underdog.

-- Eastern Michigan lost 17-3 at Old Dominion LY; outgained by 152 yards; Eagles are 11-21 as home underdogs since '06, 4-8 in non-MAC games. ODU has new QB but four starters back on OL.

-- Florida has a new QB, new coach, very thin OL; two freshmen, two sophs could start- they're 5-11 in last 16 games as a HF. New Mexico State is 2-13-1 in last sixteen games as a road underdog.

-- Penn State (-12) beat Temple 30-13 LY, running ball for 254 yards; Lions are 2-6 as road favorite since 2011. Since '05, Temple is 17-10-1 as a home dog-- they have all 11 starters back on defense.

-- Florida Atlantic is 14-4 in last 18 games as a road dog; they crushed Tulsa 50-21 (even) LY, averaging 14.8 ypa, outgaining Tulsa 518-363. Tulsa covered once in its last seven games as a home favorite.

-- Since 2012, Troy is 7-5-2 as a road underdog; they're 3-6 vs spread in last nine non-league games. NC State is 4-5 as home fave under Doeren; they're 5-4 vs spread in last nine non-ACC games.

-- Georgia Southern is 6-1 as road underdog since '10; they lost four of LY's starters from OL. West Virginia is 5-12 as home favorite since '11; their QB has started only two games.

-- Florida State lost 164 starts off its OL, QB who was 27-1; ;they were 1-6 as home favorite LY. Texas State is 12-7 in last 19 games as a home underdog; they covered seven of last nine non-league games.

-- Mississippi State plays LSU next week; they're 8-4-1 as road faves under Mullen. Bulldogs lost 114 starts off LY's OL. Since '09, Southern Miss 9-17-1 out of conference, 1-6 in last seven as a home dog.

-- USC has senior QB with 27 starts, but they're 6-14 vs spread in last 20 non-Pac-12 games- theya also have whole OL back. Arkansas State is 8-4 in last 12 games as road dog- they have a senior QB (13 starts).

[StarDust Bum]

Conference title game odds for every NCAAF team

Online sportsbook Bookmaker.eu released odds for every college football team to win its respective conference's title game Monday.

Here's a look at what prices the shop is offering:

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 BIG TEN TITLE GAME

ILLINOIS +20000
INDIANA +9000
IOWA +5500
MARYLAND +12500
MICHIGAN +2003
MICHIGAN STATE +781
MINNESOTA +3517
NEBRASKA +1400
NORTHWESTERN +8000
OHIO STATE -375
PENN STATE +1752
PURDUE +20000
RUTGERS +20000
WISCONSIN +793

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 SEC TITLE GAME

ALABAMA +224
ARKANSAS +1002
AUBURN +475
FLORIDA +2515
GEORGIA +475
KENTUCKY +10000
LSU +695
MISSISSIPPI STATE +3533
MISSOURI +2262
OLE MISS +851
SOUTH CAROLINA +3024
TENNESSEE +1101
TEXAS A&M +1716
VANDERBILT +20000

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 BIG 12 CONFERENCE

BAYLOR +253
IOWA STATE +20000
KANSAS +30000
KANSAS STATE +1007
OKLAHOMA +476
OKLAHOMA STATE +625
TCU +170
TEXAS +754
TEXAS TECH +4500
WEST VIRGINIA +1516

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 PAC-12 TITLE GAME

ARIZONA +1699
ARIZONA STATE +788
CALIFORNIA +4000
COLORADO +20000
OREGON +265
OREGON STATE +20000
STANFORD +350
UCLA +350
USC +225
UTAH +4000
WASHINGTON +8500
WASHINGTON STATE +20000

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 ACC CONFERENCE

BOSTON COLLEGE +15000
CLEMSON +215
DUKE +4500
FLORIDA STATE +250
GEORGIA TECH +499
LOUISVILLE +1297
MIAMI FLORIDA +1250
NC STATE +2001
NORTH CAROLINA +1250
PITTSBURGH +1990
SYRACUSE +15000
VIRGINIA +15000
VIRGINIA TECH +600
WAKE FOREST +20000

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 AAC TITLE GAME

CENTRAL FLORIDA +623
CINCINNATI +200
EAST CAROLINA +1101
HOUSTON +425
MEMPHIS +265
NAVY +1201
SMU +15000
SOUTH FLORIDA +6500
TEMPLE +650
TULANE +15000
TULSA +10000
UCONN +20000

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 C/USA TITLE GAME

CHARLOTTE +30000
FIU +5000
FLORIDA ATLANTIC +4500
LOUISIANA TECH +230
MARSHALL +150
MIDDLE TENNESSEE +1200
NORTH TEXAS +10000
OLD DOMINION +8000
RICE +815
SOUTHERN MISS +6000
UTEP +4000
UTSA +15000
WESTERN KENTUCKY +270

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 MAC TITLE GAME

AKRON +1000
BALL STATE +2001
BOWLING GREEN +450
BUFFALO +7500
CENTRAL MICHIGAN +5500
EASTERN MICHIGAN +30000
KENT STATE +3004
MIAMI OHIO +15000
NORTHERN ILLINOIS +300
OHIO +1100
TOLEDO +270
UMASS +1250
WESTERN MICHIGAN +399

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 MOUNTAIN WEST TITLE GAME

AIR FORCE +1823
BOISE STATE -299
COLORADO STATE +1517
FRESNO STATE +3586
HAWAII +3062
NEVADA +3062
NEW MEXICO +10000
SAN DIEGO STATE +652
SAN JOSE STATE +3586
UNLV +20000
UTAH STATE +659
WYOMING +8500

ODDS TO WIN 2015/2016 SUN BELT CONFERENCE

APPALACHIAN STATE +110
ARKANSAS STATE +473
GEORGIA SOUTHERN +350
GEORGIA STATE +10000
IDAHO +6500
NEW MEXICO STATE +6000
SOUTH ALABAMA +3006
TEXAS STATE +1001
TROY +4500
UL LAFAYETTE +475
UL MONROE +2504