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

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Mid-Major Money: Big profits from NCAAF small conferences

Brandon Doughty, the C-USA Player of the Year, is back for Western Kentucky after being granted a sixth year of eligibility.

Some of the best betting value in college football is hiding beyond the BCS, in the small conferences. Each week, Sports Profits System Investors will look at the little programs that could help you make big cash this college season.

Team to Watch: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

This week: +1 at Vanderbilt

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were a team that flew very much under the radar last season but managed to pick up momentum in the second half, winning five of their last six games, including a win over Marshall in their season finale. Jeff Brohm is entering his second season as head coach, having posted an 8-5 record in 2014, and is poised to have an even more successful campaign in 2015.

Quarterback Brandon Doughty has been granted a sixth-year of eligibility, which means WKU has the reigning C-USA Player of the Year as the engine that runs its potent aerial attack. He led the nation with 4,344 passing yards and 44 touchdown passes last season and, even though Vanderbilt resides in a much tougher SEC conference, Doughty is likely one of the top quarterbacks that the Commodores will see this season.

Vanderbilt's best chance to win this game is to keep their offense on the field for prolonged periods of time in order to keep Doughty on the sidelines. With their inconsistent play at the quarterback position, the Commodores could struggle to score enough points to keep up with the Hilltoppers on the scoreboard.


Team to beware of: Navy Midshipmen

This week: -28.5 vs. Colgate

The Midshipmen are coming off a solid 8-5 season and will be entering the 2015 season as a member of the American Athletic Conference after spending the last 134 years as an Independent. Navy returns starting QB Keenan Reynolds, but he’s one of just three returning starters on offense. The biggest turnover for the Middies triple-option attack is on the offensive line, where the team’s career starts drop from 85 to 39 games.

On defense, Navy has long-term issues defending the pass, allowing opposing QBs to complete 65 percent of their attempts over the last five seasons. They’ve also lost three of their four starting linebackers, including Joran Drake who was the leader of this defensive unit a year ago. Drake had accounted for 109 tackles which was a team best and 23 more than the next leading tackler in 2014.

Navy should have an advantage in the AAC as very few teams have experience defending the Triple-Option. However, that mass turnover in talent on both sides of the ball could hurt the Middies in the early going. Colgate is nowhere near the same level as the Midshipmen, but this spread may be just a bit too much for Navy to cover in the first game of the season.


Total Team: Old Dominion Monarchs

This week: 66 at Eastern Michigan

The Monarchs were known for their offense last season but all of that is likely to change, at least in the early part of this season. They will need to recoup from the loss of their starting QB Taylor Heinicke, who threw for 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns a season ago. The experience and production of Heinicke will be missed especially on the road in a hostile Week 1 environment.

Eastern Michigan had a 2014 to forget under first-year head coach Chris Creighton, going just 2-7 overall. The Eagles couldn’t stop opposing teams from running up the score nor could they create turnovers, however, that should change heading into 2015. Creighton returns for his second year and his defense brings back eight starters from a season ago. Famili

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NCAAF

Thursday, September 3


Possible thunderstorms in Florida Thursday

Weather forecasts are predicting about a 55 percent chance of thunderstorms in Orlando as the UCF Knights kick off their 2015 college football season with the FIU Golden Panthers in town Thursday evening.

Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with wind blowing across the field around seven miles per hour.

As of Wednesday evening, the Knights are 14-point home faves after opening -17 and the total is 46.


Conditions could be windy as Utes host Wolverines

According to weather forecasts, wind is expected to blow toward the north end zone at Rice-Eccles Stadium at around 16 miles per hour when the Utah Utes host the Michigan Wolverines Thursday evening.

Temperatures will be in the high-70s under partly cloudy skies with a small 8-14 percent chance of rain.

The Utes opened as 5.5-point home favorites in their season opener, but that has been adjusted to -4.5. The total is presently 46.5.


Toledo is a popular play on Thursday's board

According to Consensus, the Toledo Rockets are the most supported team on Thursday's NCAAF board, seeing just under 74 percent of the support as of Wednesday evening.

The Rockets are presently 26.5-point home favorites (5Dimes) with Stony Brook in town.

Toledo was 5-7-1 against the spread last season, opening the 2014 campaign with a 54-20 win over New Hampshire as 11-point home faves in Week 1.


TCU was perfect versus non-conference foes in 2014

The Texas Christian Horned Frogs were one of the best bets in the college game last season, posting a record of 11-2 against the spread on the season a went unbeaten (4-0 ATS) in four games against non-conference opponents.

TCU backers will look for that hot betting trend to continue at the Minnesota Gophers Thursday evening.

At the time of writing, the Frogs were tabbed as 17-point road favorites.


Gators go with Harris as starting QB

Sophomore Treon Harris will start at quarterback for Florida in the season opener on Saturday against New Mexico State, but redshirt freshman Will Grier also will play.

New Gators coach Jim McElwain announced after Wednesday's practice that Harris won a close battle for the job between the two quarterbacks but cautioned, "I wouldn't read that much into. It's a painting in progress."

Harris replaced ineffective Jeff Driskel last season and started Florida's final six games, throwing for 1,019 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions and rushing for 338 yards and three touchdowns.

Grier, more of a drop-back passer and less mobile than Harris, also will see playing time after sitting out last season because of a back injury suffered while lifting weights.

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NCAAF

Thursday, September 3

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Game of the Day: Michigan at Utah
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The Michigan Wolverines head into Utah 0-8 against the spread in their last eight games versus teams from the Pac-12.

Michigan Wolverines at Utah Utes (-4.5, 46.5)

Expectations are modest in head coach Jim Harbaugh’s first season, but Michigan expects a gradual return to greatness with the mercurial former quarterback at the helm. Harbaugh will get his first chance to lead his alma mater when the Wolverines visit Utah to open the 2015 campaign on Thursday.

Harbaugh was lured back from the NFL after leading the San Francisco 49ers to three NFC Championship games and is expected to do for Michigan what he did for Stanford – mold the team into a consistent Rose Bowl contender. Harbaugh has yet to officially announce his starting quarterback, though transfer Jake Rudock is the presumed favorite to win the job. Utah went into Michigan and put a 26-10 beating on the Wolverines last season and will be motivated to do the same after the noted football gurus at Popular Mechanics magazine caused a mini controversy by referring to the opener as a “cupcake game” for Michigan. The Utes begin the campaign outside the top-25 and are predicted to finish fifth in the Pac-12 South after losing some talent to the NFL, most notably linebacker Nate Orchard.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Utah -5.5

LINE HISTORY: The Utes opened as 5.5-point home favorites, but that is now -4.5. The total opened at 46.5.

INJURY REPORT: Michigan - WR Amara Darboh (Probable, finger), RB Drake Johnson (Questionable, knee).

WEATHER: Temperatures in the high-70s with wind blowing toward the north end zone at around 18 mph.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "For the spread we are fairly split with the public bettors mostly backing Michigan and the sharper ones on Utah. The sharps liked Utah weeks ago but now we're seeing the mainstream guys come in and they're loving Harbaugh. More than two-thirds of our moneyline wagers are on the Wolverines. I think the smart play is the under and so do many of our professional clients."

ABOUT MICHIGAN (2014: 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Rudock or anyone else stepping under center for the Wolverines will need some help from the running attack in the opener, and the team is still waiting to see if Drake Johnson is ready to go after suffering a torn ACL against Ohio State last fall. "Drake is cleared, practicing and haven't decided whether he's going to play in this ballgame yet or not,” Harbaugh told reporters. “He's doing a fantastic job. He's in practice and an explosive football player.” Johnson did not get a carry against Utah last season but came alive down the stretch and ended up averaging six yards per carry.

ABOUT UTAH (2014: 9-4 SU, 9-4 ATS, 4-8-1 O/U): The Utes are going with senior Travis Wilson, who is beginning his fourth season as the starting quarterback in coach Kyle Whittingham’s high-scoring attack. Wilson threw for 18 touchdowns and ran for five more in 2014 and will again lean hard on running back Devontae Booker, who is coming off a 1,512-yard, 10-TD campaign. “Devontae Booker will carry the ball as many times as it takes to get a win,” Whittingham told reporters.

TRENDS:

* Wolverines are 0-8 ATS in their last eight vs. Pac-12.
* Utes are 5-0 ATS in their last five vs. Big Ten.
* Under is 7-3 in Utes last 10 home games.
* Utes are 37-17-2 ATS in their last 56 non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-three percent of users are backing the Wolverines.

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Thursday's Tip Sheet

September 2, 2015


College football is back and gone are the days of just one marquee game on opening night. This season’s Thursday night card features 10 contests, including several major conference teams in action in important games. Here is a look at three of the biggest games that will open up the 2015 college football season Thursday night.

Match-up: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
Venue: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina (Neutral Site)
Time/TV: Thursday, Sep. 3, 6:00 PM ET – ESPN
Line: South Carolina -2.5, Over/Under 64.5
Last Meeting: 2013, South Carolina (-12) 27-10 at home

South Carolina has been accustomed to playing on opening night and it usually has been a successful outing, including beating the Tar Heels to open the 2013 season the last time these programs met. Last season, a South Carolina squad that opened the season in the top 10 of the national rankings was blown out at home against Texas A&M. The Gamecocks lost 52-28 as a 10-point favorite and the final score was closer than the game ever felt as the Aggies made a big opening statement and wiped away the lofty season goals for the Gamecocks immediately.

This season, the expectations are far more grounded for Steve Spurrier’s squad entering his 11th season with the program. Sophomore Connor Mitch won a multi-player battle at the quarterback position and the Gamecocks will have new personnel throughout the offense with very few starters from 2014 returning. One of those returnees is wide receiver Pharoh Cooper, who had the second most yardage in the SEC last season and figures to rate as a 2016 NFL draft prospect as a receiver and a kick returner despite lacking great height.

South Carolina has been a sound defensive team for most of Spurrier’s tenure, but that changed in 2015 with over 30 points per game allowed and over 430 yards per game allowed. The Gamecocks allowed 34 or more points in six of the eight SEC games. The defense has most of last season’s key players back, but this will be a difficult opening matchup going up against a potentially explosive North Carolina offense. The Tar Heels fell short of expectations last season as has been the norm on the football field in the last decade in Chapel Hill. North Carolina returns junior quarterback Marquise Williams, who was the team’s top rusher as well as passer last season and most of his teammates from starting roles last season on the offense are also back.

Larry Fedora has seen the Tar Heels decline in wins each of the last two seasons after going 8-4 in 2012 and last season the Tar Heels allowed 39 points per game and 498 yards per game, featuring the worst defense in the ACC. This is a program known for producing NFL talent on defense but the front seven has lacked that type of talent the last two years and the defense is not likely to make a huge leap forward in 2015 as more high scoring showdowns could be possible. The total on this game is set rather high and it seems likely that South Carolina might have a more conservative approach early with a young quarterback while hoping to keep the Tar Heels off the field. Despite looking like a great offensive team on paper, it is worth noting that the Tar Heels posted just 28 points combined in the final two games last season with ugly losses to average NC State and Rutgers teams.

Historical Trends: South Carolina is just 3-6 ATS in neutral site games going back to New Year’s Day 2009, but the Gamecocks are on an 11-3-1 ATS run since 2000 when favored by 3 or fewer points. South Carolina is 7-10 ATS in season openers going back to 1998 though 5-5 ATS under Spurrier with the defeat last season as the first S/U loss. Under Fedora, North Carolina is just 5-8 ATS as an underdog with only three S/U upset wins, all of which came as an underdog of fewer than seven points. The Tar Heels are 2-6 S/U in neutral site games going back to 2004, but they did win the Belk Bowl against Cincinnati in this stadium after the 2013 season. North Carolina has just one S/U win in six meetings between these teams since 1988.

Match-up: Michigan Wolverines at Utah Utes
Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah
Time/TV: Thursday, Sep. 3, 8:30 PM ET – FOX Sports 1
Line: Utah -5.5 Over/Under 46.5
Last Meeting: 2014, Utah (+3.5) 26-10 at Michigan

Even in a down cycle, Michigan remains one of the most prominent college football programs in the nation and the hiring of Jim Harbaugh back to Ann Arbor puts the Wolverines back in the national spotlight. Harbaugh inherits a veteran roster and his reputation for quick success in his previous stops has many feeling very optimistic about Michigan’s chances to seriously compete right away in the Big Ten. Harbaugh has not officially announced a starting quarterback with Iowa transfer Jake Rudock and junior Shane Morris both in the mix. While it was a very disappointing 5-7 season for Michigan in 2014 under Brady Hoke, a -16 turnover margin and a handful of close losses are things that could turn around this season to produce better results with a similar roster.

Michigan actually had very respectable defensive numbers last season allowing just 22 points per game and 311 yards per game with particular success against the run, allowing just 3.2 yards per rush. The Wolverines also allowed only one 300 yard passing game all season. Seven starters are back on the defense and there is little reason to expect much of a drop off with the secondary for Michigan looking especially strong. In last season’s home meeting with Utah, Michigan lost 26-10 at home, but the Wolverines had more yards only to be burned by four turnovers and a punt return touchdown as Utah did not look like a vastly superior team.

The Utes wound up 9-4 last season for the most successful season for the program since moving to the Pac-12. Utah was in the Pac-12 South race for much of the season, but while it could be argued that Michigan underachieved last season, the Utes certainly overachieved with all five Pac-12 wins coming by six or fewer points and some great fortune with two double-overtime wins. Travis Wilson returns at quarterback after posting efficient numbers last season, but the Utes are a bit depleted at the receiver position with only one last season’s top four receivers back. Devontae Booker will carry a heavy load for the offense after rushing for over 1,500 yards last season, but Michigan will not be an easy team to rush against and Booker had just 34 yards in the matchup last season.

Utah will be a productive defensive team with the potential to force turnovers again as the front seven looks very promising even with the departure of Nate Orchard who had 18.5 sacks and was a second round pick in the NFL draft. The secondary remains the question mark for the Utah defense with injuries taking a toll on the defensive backs last season and limited experience for this season’s group. This is a huge home date for Utah with a truly marquee matchup for a home opener, something that has not occurred since at least 2010 when Utah beat a ranked Pittsburgh team to start the season. This will be a key game in determining the trajectory of the season for two programs looking to take the next step.

Historical Trends: Michigan last opened the season with a true road game in 1998 though the Wolverines did lose to Alabama to open the 2012 season in Arlington. Michigan is 5-1 ATS in season openers since 2009 with the loss to the Tide as the lone miss, but they were a heavy home favorite in most of those games. Michigan is on a 6-10 ATS run as a road underdog since 2009 and since 2007, Michigan is just 12-24-1 ATS in all road games. Utah is just 11-21 ATS as a home favorite of fewer than 10 points since 2000 while going just 3-7 ATS in season openers under Kyle Whittingham, though with just two S/U losses.

Match-up: TCU Horned Frogs at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Venue: TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Time/TV: Thursday, Sep. 3, 9:000 PM ET – ESPN
Line: TCU -14.5, Over/Under 57.5
Last Meeting: 2014, TCU (-16.5) 30-7 at home

Coming off a 4-8 season in 2013, TCU was certainly pegged as a team likely to improve in 2014 and when the Frogs dominated Minnesota in week 2 of the season, TCU started to get some attention. That game was in Fort Worth and while the Frogs had a big early lead, they were aided greatly by turnovers to pull away and were held well below their eventual season production average in the 30-7 win. Trevone Boykin was mostly unknown nationally at the start of last season and he did not have a great game vs. the Gophers, but by the end of last season, he was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation. He will enter the 2015 season in the spotlight as one of the Heisman favorites on a national title contender.

TCU has almost everyone back on offense and it was a team that scored over 46 points per game with over 530 yards per game. Top returning wide receiver Josh Doctson is recovering from a broken hand but he is expected to play and Boykin and senior running back Aaron Green will provide great threats on the ground. The questions for TCU are with an inexperienced defense that lost six of the top seven tacklers from last season on a defense that allowed a lot more yardage than the 19 points per game average against suggests. Five times TCU allowed 27 or more points and the statistics were padded a bit facing two lightweight foes in non-conference play.

The Big Ten West looks a bit wide open this season with three teams making coaching changes and if not for a more difficult schedule than its peers, Minnesota might be tabbed to take the title. The Gophers draw both Michigan and Ohio State from the East for a big disadvantage in the division race, but it has been a steady climb forward in four years for the program under Jerry Kill. With back-to-back 8-5 seasons, this is now a respectable program and the Gophers have started to win some big games, winning at Michigan and at Nebraska last season while also blowing out rival Iowa at home. This is a great opportunity for the program with a chance to make a huge national splash to start the season in one of the biggest home dates in many years.

Minnesota lacks flash on offense and with few returning receivers and the loss of 1,600 yard rusher David Cobb as the offense will lean heavily on imposing junior quarterback Mitch Leidner’s legs and a conservative offensive approach. The offensive line will be a strong point and against a formidable offense expect Minnesota to aim to move the chains and limit the possessions in the game. Minnesota does have some promise on defense with a quality linebacker corps and great depth up front as they should be a fairly difficult team to run against despite some inconsistency last season. It is a tough task for the Gophers in the opening week, but also a great opportunity while being a statement chance for TCU to pick up a quality road win and earn a spot on top of the national playoff conversation after being left out last season.

Historical Trends: TCU is just 4-8 ATS as a road favorite going back to 2011, going 1-4 ATS when laying 10 or more points in that span. In any venue, TCU is on a 31-18 ATS run when favored by at least 14 points, including a 49-0 S/U record as the last outright loss for the Frogs under Gary Patterson as this big of favorite came at SMU early in the 2005 season. Minnesota is 9-5 ATS as a home underdog since 2011 under Kill with the Gophers 6-1 ATS as a double-digit home underdog under Kill, including six straight ATS wins with three outright upset wins.

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ACC Report - Week 1

September 3, 2015

2014 ACC STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under

Boston College 7-6 4-4 8-5 5-7-1

Clemson 10-3 6-2 6-7 4-9

Duke 9-4 5-3 8-4-1 4-8

Florida State 13-1 8-0 3-11 6-8

Georgia Tech 11-3 6-2 10-4 8-6

Louisville 9-4 5-3 7-6 5-7-1

Miami (Fla.) 6-7 3-5 5-8 4-9

North Carolina 6-7 4-4 5-8 5-7

North Carolina State 8-5 3-5 8-5 6-6-1

Pittsburgh 6-7 4-4 5-7-1 7-5-1

Syracuse 3-9 1-7 4-8 2-9-1

Virginia 5-7 3-5 7-4-1 4-8

Virginia Tech 7-6 3-5 6-7 5-7

Wake Forest 3-9 1-7 4-8 2-9-1

North Carolina at South Carolina (in Charlotte) (Thursday - ESPN, 6:00 p.m. ET)

The wait is over, and the battle of the Carolinas will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte early Thursday night. South Carolina has had a little more success in recent seasons, but they have a bunch of relative unknowns heading into the 2015 season. In fact, on offense the 'Cocks are returning a total of just four starters, while eight starters are back on defense. It will be interesting to see if South Carolina's unproven offensive attack can take advantage of a North Carolina defense which was putrid in 2014. The Tar Heels have all of the key components on offense back for another turn, including QB Marquise Williams and WRs Quinshad Davis and Ryan Switzer. UNC is 1-4 ATS in their past five non-conference games, while South Carolina is 5-1 ATS in their past six against ACC foes.

Duke at Tulane (Thursday - CBS Sports Network, 9:30 p.m. ET)

Duke rolls into this season looking for its third straight trip to a bowl game. It will be interesting to see if the Blue Devils can reload, something that seemed unthinkable just a few seasons ago. QB Thomas Sirk takes over under center full-time. In a part-time roll, he shined, including 94 rushing yards and a touchdown in last season's win over Tulane. For the Green Wave, they have plenty of offensive talent returning, including Rob Kelley who missed the 2014 season due to suspension. Duke enters this game with 10 straight victories against non-conference opponents, including a 47-13 win Sept. 20, 2014 at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. The Blue Devils are 5-1-1 ATS in their past seven non-conference games, and 19-7-1 ATS in their past 27 overall. Tulane is 11-5 ATS in the past 16 at home, although they're 0-4 ATS in their past four against ACC teams and 3-8 ATS in their past 11 in the month of September.

Virginia at UCLA (FOX, 3:30p.m. ET)

UVA heads out for the coast looking to take down UCLA and repay them for a home loss at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville last fall. This Bruins team has a much different makeup, including under center, where true freshman Josh Rosen starts at quarterback, replacing the departed Brett Hundley. Virginia also lost its top two rushers, but top-flight recruit Taquan Mizzell takes over and will get first crack. Dependable QB Matt Johns is back and looking to get the Cavaliers over the hump. He performed well in a 28-20 loss to the Bruins Aug. 30, 2014. UVA is 4-0 ATS in their past four non-conference games, and the over is 6-1 in their past seven against non-conference foes. The under went 4-1-1 in six home games for UCLA last season.

Louisville vs. Auburn (in Atlanta) (CBS, 3:30 p.m. ET)

The Cardinals and Tigers do battle in Georgia, and it will likely be a pro-Auburn crowd. That will help spur on QB Jeremy Johnson, who takes over under center with QB Nick Marshall having moved on. While Auburn has a fairly green QB going, that's nothing compared to Louisville, which lists four potential starters for Saturday. It's a bit of gamesmanship from head coach Bobby Petrino, who has already settled on a starter. Will Gardner and Reggie Bonnafon have the most experience at QB for the Cards. Auburn has several new starters on offense, including RB Roc Thomas, and two fullbacks who have zero games experience. It could mean a fairly sloppy start for both sides, making the total difficult to forecast. Struggling offenses could mean few points, but costly turnovers could mean plenty of points.

Ohio State at Virginia Tech (Monday - ESPN, 8:00 p.m.)

The defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes roll into Blacksburg looking to avenge its only loss of the season, a stunning early-season 35-21 home loss to Virginia Tech Sept. 6, 2014. The Buckeyes were obviously a much more complete team down the stretch and into the four-team playoff than that early-September club. RB Ezekiel Elliott was a stud, and is a Heisman Trophy candidate, while former QB Braxton Miller looks to shore up an inexperienced wide receiver corps. The quarterbacks Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett are both back and likely to each see action against the Hokies. The defending champs are a two-touchdown favorite. Ohio State is 36-15-1 ATS in their past 52 road games, while the Va. Tech is 5-13-2 ATS in their past 20 non-conference games and 2-5 ATS in their past seven in Blacksburg. The over was the dominant trend down the stretch for both sides, going 21-6 in the past 27 for Ohio State and 5-1 in Va. Tech's past six non-conference games.

Other ACC teams in action

Elon at Wake Forest (THU - ESPN3, 7:00 p.m.)

Alcorn State at Georgia Tech (THU - ESPN3, 7:30 p.m.)

Rhode Island at Syracuse (FRI - ESPN3, 7:00 p.m.)

Wofford at Clemson (SAT - ESPN3, 12:30 p.m.)

Maine at Boston College (SAT - ESPN3, 1:00 p.m.)

Youngstown State at Pitt (SAT - ESPN3, 1:00 p.m.)

Bethune-Cookman at Miami (SAT - ESPN3, 6:00 p.m.)

Troy at North Carolina State (SAT - ESPN3, 6:00 p.m.)

Texas State at Florida State (SAT - ESPNews, 8:00 p.m.)

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Ohio State-Virginia Tech matchup highlights ACC's Week 1

September 3, 2015

A look at things to watch in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the opening week of the season:

GAME OF THE WEEK:

No. 1 Ohio State at Virginia Tech. This marks the first time the reigning national champion opens on the road since USC visited Hawaii to open the 2005 season and only the third time in 20 seasons, according to STATS. Throw in the fact that the Hokies handed the Buckeyes their only loss last season - a curious result since Virginia Tech finished 7-6 - and this Labor Day tilt has plenty of national interest. ''The whole country will be watching,'' Hokies coach Frank Beamer said. ''People will have an opinion of Virginia Tech after that game, so we're going to determine whether it's a good opinion or not.''

BEST MATCHUP:

Louisville's defense vs. No. 6 Auburn's ground game. The Cardinals' defense, which lost half its starters, must try to slow the Southeastern Conference favorite in Atlanta on Saturday. Louisville had the nation's No. 6 total defense last year (309.5 yards), while the Tigers must replace SEC top rusher Cameron Artis-Payne in a ground attack that ranked 13th nationally.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

ACC player of the year James Conner is back at Pittsburgh and ready to put up more impressive numbers. The junior ranked among the nation's rushing leaders with 1,765 yards and an ACC-record 26 touchdowns. He enters Saturday's game against Youngstown State already ranked 10th in program history in rushing yards (2,564).

LONG SHOT:

Virginia travels to No. 13 UCLA on Saturday as a roughly 20-point underdog. The Cavaliers can at least take some hope from last year's season-opening meeting. Virginia hung around with then-No. 7 UCLA at home before falling 28-20. The trick now is trying to play tough again after traveling to the West Coast.

PLAYER TO WATCH:

North Carolina State's Matt Dayes. With top rusher Shadrach Thornton suspended for two games, the junior running back will start Saturday against Troy. He's in an offense that averaged 204.5 yards rushing last year in the program's best total since 1992. Dayes thrived once before when Thornton was suspended in 2013, running for 84 yards and three touchdowns in his college debut against Louisiana Tech.

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Saturday's Top Action

September 3, 2015


LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (0-0) vs. AUBURN TIGERS (0-0)
Georgia Dome - Atlanta, GA
Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Auburn -10.5, Total: 56

No. 6 Auburn looks to kick off its season on the right foot when it travels to Atlanta Saturday to face Louisville.

The Cardinals have piled up 32 wins over the past three seasons, going 9-4 SU (7-6 ATS) last year. They have also been a great bet away from home this decade at 23-9 ATS (72%) since the 2010 season. Head coach Bobby Petrino has yet to name a starter between junior QB Will Gardner and sophomore QB Reggie Bonnafon, but what is known for Louisville is that RB Brandon Radcliff will be the focal point of the offense. The Tigers followed up their national championship appearance in 2013 with five straight wins to begin the 2014 campaign. But the team was only 3-5 SU (1-7 ATS) after that quick start to finish with just eight wins.

Do-it-all QB Nick Marshall is gone, but the Auburn coaches know that QB Jeremy Johnson is a better pure passer and should keep the passing attack lethal. Bettors should note that excellent rushing teams (5.25+ yards per carry last year) are 40-14 ATS (74%) over the past 10 seasons when favored between 10.5 and 21 points, which obviously favors Auburn. But if Louisville's offense can put up 28 points against a rebuilt defense, the team is 98-47 ATS (68%) when scoring 28 in a game since 1992. With Tigers star WR D'haquille Williams (ankle) upgraded to probable, both programs have relatively healthy rosters to begin the season.

Whoever is eventually named the starter between QB Will Gardner (1,669 pass yds, 7.6 YPA, 12 TD, 3 INT) and QB Reggie Bonnafon (864 pass yds, 7.2 YPA, 5 TD, 4 INT) will not have much experience to work with, as five of the top six receivers from last year are gone. The best remaining options are junior WR James Quick (566 rec yds, 3 TD) and UAB transfer WR Jamari Staples (648 rec yds, 5 TD in two seasons). Junior RB Brandon Radcliff (737 rush yds, 5.1 YPC, 12 rush TD) is the clear focal point of the offense and he should greatly improve the team's subpar 143 rushing YPG (92nd in nation) on 3.6 yards per carry from a year ago.

The defense departed with seven starters, but returning DE Sheldon Rankins (9 sacks, 54 tackles, 14.5 TFL) is a monster up front, and a pair of sure tacklers remain with ILBs Keith Kelsey (87 tackles) and James Burgess (71 tackles). The team's biggest question mark is in the secondary that lost all four starters on a unit that led the nation with 26 interceptions, including 14 by Gerod Hollimon. Louisville hopes Georgia transfer S Josh Harvey-Clemons (65 tackles, 3 FR in 2013) is even better than advertised.

Nick Marshall left this Auburn offense that averaged 35.5 PPG (25th in nation) and 485 total YPG (16th in FBS), but QB Jeremy Johnson (858 pass yds, 9 TD, 2 INT career) is a better passer than Marshall in the spread offense. He stands tall at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, and has been extremely accurate in his collegiate career with a 73% completion rate. Auburn's ground game chewed up 256 YPG (13th in nation) last year, but lost its top three rushers. Expect a committee approach with sophomore RB Roc Thomas (214 rush yds, 5.0 YPC, 2 TD) as the most experienced back on the roster.

The below-average defense (399 YPG allowed, 64th in nation) brought in new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and provided him with eight returning starters to work with. That includes talented DT Montravius Adams (43 tackles, 8 TFL), tackling machine LB Cassanova McKinzy (91 tackles, 11 TFL) and star CB Jonathan Jones (6 INT).Muschamp's biggest worry is a thin pass rush that recorded only 1.62 sacks per game in 2014 (95th in FBS).

ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS (0-0) vs. TEXAS A&M AGGIES (0-0)
NRG Stadium - Houston, TX
Kickoff: Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Texas A&M -3, Total: 67

No. 15 Arizona State opens the 2015 campaign on Saturday night in Houston with a tough test versus a Texas A&M team that will have plenty of fans in the seats.

The Sun Devils won 10 games for the second consecutive year, going 10-3 SU (6-7 ATS) and rolling up 41.0 PPG in the final three contests. Although top QB Taylor Kelly and No. 1 WR Jaelen Strong are both gone, Arizona State does return 16 starters to help with the maturation of strong-armed senior QB Mike Bercovici. With Houston being a short two-hour drive from College Station, this is a virtual home game for Texas A&M, but the Sun Devils were 5-2 SU (3-4) ATS in non-road games last year.

The Aggies posted their fifth straight winning season in 2014, going 8-5 SU (5-8 ATS), but they closed the campaign with five losses in the final eight games, losing those five contests by an average of 20.8 PPG. The Texas A&M defense surrendered 517 total YPG in its final three games. Sophomore QB Kyle Allen beat out highly-recruited freshman Kyler Murray for the much-publicized starting job. Allen will be asked to throw early and often in a pass-heavy offense that rolled up 37.4 PPG and 507 total YPG in non-home games last season, going 5-2 SU (4-3 ATS).

While the Aggies are virtually injury-free, the Sun Devils are riddled with ailments, especially among pass catchers, as WR Cameron Smith (knee) is out, WR Jalen Harvey (collarbone) is doubtful and TE Grant Martinez (ankle) is questionable for Saturday. LB Laiu Moeakiola (foot) and OL Sam Jones (knee) are also questionable to suit up for Arizona State.

ASU's stacked backfield will allow former RB D.J. Foster (1,081 rush yds, 9 TD; 688 rec yds, 3 TD) to now wreak havoc as a slot receiver catching passes from senior QB Mike Bercovici (1,445 pass yds, 7.8 YPA, 12 TD, 4 INT). Bercovici will also rely heavily on seldom-used WRs Gary Chambers (204 rec yds, 2 TD) and Fred Gammage (127 rec yds, 1 TD). The ground game expects to improve its middling 169 rushing YPG (56th in nation) from a year ago, as sophomore RB Demario Richard (478 rush yds, 5.7 YPC, 4 TD) has a punishing running style. Foster will still take some handoffs as a change of pace.

ASU lost its two best defensive players (DE Marcus Hardison and S Damarious Randall) from a unit that surrendered 27.9 PPG (74th in FBS) and 417 total YPG (81st in nation). However, the cupboard is not bare with returning LBs Antonio Longino (94 tackles, 5.5 TFL) and Salamo Fiso (83 tackles, 11 TFL), as well as CBs Kweishi Brown (3 INT, 9 PD, 46 tackles) and Lloyd Carrington (6 PD, 58 tackles).

Texas A&M QB Kyle Allen (1,322 pass yds, 6.9 YPA, 16 TD, 7 INT) played very well as a freshman, and will continue his progression by targeting top WR Josh Reynolds (842 rec yds, 16.2 avg, 13 TD), as well as sophomore WR Speedy Noil (583 rec yds, 5 TD) and junior WR Ricky Seals-Jones (465 rec yds, 4 TD). The ground game was subpar last season with 150 YPG (82nd in nation), and was a big reason the team held the football for a mere 26:15 (4th-fewest in FBS). Senior RB Tra Carson (581 rush yds, 4.7 YPC, 5 TD) is the lead back with his 235-pound frame, and explosive sophomore RB James White (7.0 YPC) complements him nicely.

New defensive coordinator John Chavis, who comes from LSU, inherits a unit with plenty of upside, but they have to make more plays after a season of only 13 takeaways (119th in FBS). The lack of turnovers allowed teams to run up 451 total YPG (102nd in nation), including 216 YPG (109th in FBS) on the ground. DT Alonzo Williams (57 tackles, 5.5 TFL) and LB Shaan Washington (64 tackles) are the leaders in the front seven. They will do their best to help a poor passing defense that recorded only five interceptions (119th FBS) and surrendered 235 YPG (80th in nation) last season.

WISCONSIN BADGERS (0-0) vs. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (0-0)
AT&T Stadium - Arlington, TX
Kickoff: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Alabama -10, Total: 53.5

A pair of top-20 programs open their 2015 season on Saturday night when No. 20 Wisconsin and No. 3 Alabama collide in Arlington, TX.

The Badgers are coming off their third 11-win season in the past five years, going 11-3 SU, but only 6-8 ATS. While they return 13 starters for new head coach Paul Chryst, only five are on an offense that no longer has RB Melvin Gordon. He was a big reason why the team ran for 320 yards per game (3rd in nation), but backup RB Corey Clement was just 51 yards shy of the century mark last year. Wisconsin was a respectable 4-3 SU (3-4 ATS) in road/neutral games last year, but averaged only 24.1 PPG away from Camp Randall.

The Crimson Tide were 12-2 SU last year, but fell short of their national championship quest and posted a weak 5-8-1 ATS mark, including 2-5 ATS in non-home games. Seven offensive starters from last year are gone, including the top three players in WR Amari Cooper, RB T.J. Yeldon and QB Blake Sims. New QB Jacob Coker, a Florida State transfer, still has plenty of depth to work with though. He'll also be helped out by Alabama's elite defense (18.4 PPG, 6th in nation) providing great field position for this offense.

There are no recent meetings between these schools and no significant injuries for either program as well. Although the Tide are a dismal 4-10 ATS in non-conference games in the past three seasons, their head coach Nick Saban is 113-83 ATS when playing on a Saturday as a college head coach.

New head coach Paul Chryst is not expected to hand the ball off 647 times like the Badgers did last year (13th-most in FBS), but he inherits a team that led the nation with 6.9 yards per carry. Junior RB Corey Clement (949 rush yds, 9 TD) rumbled for 6.5 YPC and ran for at least 100 yards in four of seven games in which he had 10+ carries. Chryst wants more balance this year, and new offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph -- formerly the Pittsburgh OC -- will implore senior QB Joel Stave (1,350 pass yds, 6.6 YPA, 9 TD, 10 INT) to not force the issue. The 6-foot-5 Stave tossed six interceptions in his final two games, the first of which was a 59-0 humiliating loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. WR Alex Erickson (772 rec yds, 3 TD) is the clear No. 1 receiver, but will need help from another wideout or two to keep the double teams away.

The Wisconsin defense was outstanding last year in allowing just 294 total YPG (4th in FBS) and 20.8 PPG (17th in nation). The unit should remain top-notch with eight returning starters that include LB Vince Biegel (7.5 sacks, 16.5 TFL, 56 tackles, 2 FF), LB Joe Schobert (3 sacks, 13.5 TFL, 69 tackles) and S Michael Caputo (106 tackles, 6 PBU). The defensive line is the weak spot of the team, but big things are expected out of DE Chikwe Obasih (1.5 sacks) in his sophomore season.

Even without superstar WR Amari Cooper, senior QB Jake Coker (403 pass yds, 6.8 YPA, 4 TD, 0 INT) should be able to keep the Alabama passing offense just as potent as it was last year (278 YPG, 28th in FBS). Coker will get plenty of protection from an elite offensive line to throw to green-but-talented sophomore WRs ArDarius Stewart (149 rec yds) and Robert Foster (44 rec yds), as well as five-star freshman recruit Calvin Ridley. The Crimson Tide didn't run the ball as well as they would have liked last year (207 YPG, 35th in FBS), but RB Derrick Henry (990 rush yds, 5.8 YPC, 11 TD) is a 6-foot-3, 240-pound mountain of a man that will make this offense thrive as the lead back.

The nation's 12th-ranked defense returns seven starters, including superstars NT A’Shawn Robinson (49 tackles, 11 TFL) and ILB Reggie Ragland (95 tackles, 10.5 TFL) up front. The secondary underachieved last year in allowing 226 passing YPG (58th in FBS), but the unit has great depth at the cornerback position, including playmaking CB Eddie Jackson (6 PBU, 2 FF), who can also play safety.

[StarDust Bum]

Coach Ferentz overhauls Hawkeyes

September 2, 2015

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) It all seemed so very unlike Kirk Ferentz.

There was the 60-year-old Iowa coach, whose approach to football has often been mocked for being too old-fashioned, teasing new ''blackout'' uniforms in front of his Hawkeyes as a song by rapper Rick Ross played in the background.

A fashion show during fall camp?

That would seem to be the last thing the Ferentz of old would ever allow.

''We had some sharp young guys think about some stuff and come up with some ideas and did a little unveiling with our players. It was well-received,'' Ferentz said.

Ferentz couldn't help himself from chuckling that he found it ''amazing'' that anyone would be so interested in new uniforms. Still, it was a sign that Ferentz is trying to adapt to changing times after winning just 34 games in the last five seasons.

''It's a new era, right? New millennium and all that stuff,'' said Ferentz, who will open his 17th season at Iowa on Saturday against Illinois State.

And instead of the new coach many fans were hoping for, Iowa has apparently gotten a new Ferentz.

Ferentz, the nation's second-longest tenured coach, has spent the last eight months overhauling the program. It began in January, when Ferentz seemingly acceded to the howls of a frustrated fan base by elevating backup quarterback C.J. Beathard over two-year starter Jake Rudock.

The move came just a week after Tennessee blew Iowa out in a bowl game and was announced in a depth chart released to the media, a first for Ferentz for that time of year.

It was costly, too. Rudock responded by transferring to Michigan.

It was around that time that players and staff members finally moved into the Hansen Football Performance Center, a 76,000-square foot building that, paired with a new indoor field, is as modern as any football facility in the country.

Ferentz and his staff took advantage of the new digs by snagging way more early commitments than they have in the past. The Hawkeyes currently have their best-ranked recruiting class in about a decade as a result.

Ferentz, who visited with a number of schools in the offseason for new ideas, also switched Iowa's practices from the afternoon to the morning. The move has been met with wide approval by the players, who've said they've felt fresher as a result of the switch.

''You're always looking to get better and always looking for better ways to do things. The world of recruiting has changed dramatically. I think we've picked up the pace a little bit. You have to because it's a national trend, and then this facility has made a big difference,'' Ferentz said.

But it's not as though Ferentz has made all these changes in a vacuum.

Unlike contemporaries like Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Georgia's Mark Richt, Ferentz doesn't have a ranked team that appears poised to compete for a playoff spot.

Ticket sales have also plummeted in recent years for the Hawkeyes. After years of sellouts, they could have as many as 12,000 empty seats for Saturday's opener.

And even though the $13 million buyout Ferentz would be owed if Iowa fired him before the season starts apparently makes him safe, change could be on the horizon for the entire athletic department.

Longtime university President Sally Mason retired on Aug. 1 - coincidentally the day Ferentz turned 60. Her replacement could be named as early as this week.

Whoever takes over will surely take a long look at the athletic department and director Gary Barta, who's come under heavy criticism of late.

An internal e-mail from head track coach Layne Anderson obtained by The Associated Press alleges that athletic department administrators ordered a female to be hired over male candidates for an assistant coaching job regardless of qualifications. The Education Department is also investigating gender bias complaints against Barta over his firing of field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum and other female head coaches.

But Barta's decision in 2010 to sign Ferentz to what amounted to a lifetime contract - highlighted by that Ferentz-friendly buyout - has been the move that fans have been harping on as Iowa's fortunes took a downturn.

So even though alternate uniforms, fancy facilities and more aggressive recruiting have been trends for years around the country, it's symbolic that Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have joined in.

The game has undergone a revolution since Ferentz took over in 1999, and he finally appears ready to accept it.

''He knows that we have to adapt to the current situation,'' Iowa running back LeShun Daniels Jr. said. ''I never thought we'd do blackout uniforms and stuff like that. I guess he's sort of changing in his ways.''

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF

Short Sheet

Week 1


Thursday, September 3

South Carolina vs North Carolina, 6:00 PM EST
S. Carolina: 7-0 UNDER in road games when playing on a Thursday
North Carolina: 1-9 ATS in the first half of the season

Florida International at UCF, 6:00 EST
FLA International: 1-9 ATS when they gain less than 250 total yards
UCF: 9-0 ATS when they allow less than 250 total yards

Oklahoma St. at Central Michigan, 7:00 EST
Oklahoma St: 70-19 OVER when they allow 28 or more points
Central Michigan: 18-34 ATS when they commit 2 turnovers

Michigan at Utah, 8:30 EST
Michigan: 21-8 OVER when they rush for 4 to 4.5 yards per attempt
Utah: 3-0 ATS versus MICHIGAN since 1992

TCU at Minnesota, 9:00 EST
TCU: 11-2 ATS when they score 28 or more points
Minnesota: 4-15 ATS when they're outgained by opponents by 1.5 to 2 yards/play

Duke at Tulane, 9:30 EST
Duke: 20-7 ATS in all games
Tulane: 1-9 ATS against ACC opponents

Ohio U. at Idaho, 9:00 EST
Ohio U: 11-1 UNDER in the first half of the season
Idaho: 24-48 ATS in home games

UTSA at Arizona, 10:00 EST
UTSA: 17-6 UNDER in games played on turf
Arizona: 49-82 ATS as a favorite

Colorado at Hawaii, 11:59 EST
Colorado: 54-79 ATS in the first half of the season
Hawaii: 19-8 ATS in the first two weeks of the season

Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt, 8:00 EST
W. Kentucky: 6-0 OVER in the first month of the season
Vanderbilt: 28-14 UNDER in September games


Friday, September 4

Baylor at SMU, 7:00 EST
Baylor: 6-0 ATS in the first month of the season
SMU: 0-8 ATS in non-conference games

Charlotte at Georgia ST, 3:30 EST
Charlotte: N/A
Georgia ST: 6-0 OVER in home games in the first half of the season

Michigan ST at Western Kentucky, 7:00 EST
Michigan ST: 18-8 ATS in all games
Western Kentucky: 6-17 ATS as a home underdog

Kent State at Illinois, 9:00 EST
Kent State: 3-0 ATS as an underdog of 10.5 to 21 points last 3 seasons
Illinois: 2-7 ATS vs Mac opponents

Washington at Boise ST, 10:15 EST
Washington: 9-2 UNDER in games played on turf
Boise ST: 99-67 ATS as a favorite


Saturday September 5

Old Dominion at Eastern Michigan, 3:00 EST
Old Dominion: 8-1 OVER in road games
E. Michigan: 13-26 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points

New Mexico ST at Florida, 7:30 EST
New Mexico ST: 82-111 ATS in all lined games
Florida: 7-3 OVER as a home favorite

Penn State at Temple, 3:30 EST
Penn ST: 0-6 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points
Temple: 9-1 ATS when the total is 42 or less

Florida Atlantic at Tulsa, 3:30 EST
Florida Atlantic: 11-3 ATS as an underdog
Tulsa: 0-8 ATS in non-conference games

Virginia at UCLA, 3:30 EST
Virginia: 2-5 when the total is between 49.5 and 56
UCLA: 50-31 ATS in September games

Stanford at Northwestern, 12:00 EST
Stanford: 3-1 as a favorite of 10.5 to 21 points
Northwestern: 3-11 ATS in home lined games

Louisville vs Auburn, 3:30 EST
Louisville: 17-7 UNDER in all games
Auburn: 10-2 UNDER against ACC opponents

Arizona ST vs Texas A&M, 7:00 EST
Arizona ST: 134-128 ATS in all lined games
Texas A&M: 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) in road games in the first half of the season

BYU at Nebraska, 3:30 EST
BYU: 8-19 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 63
Nebraska: 9-2 OVER in all games over

Troy at NC State, 6:00 EST
Troy: 11-13 ATS in all lined games
NC State: 45-26 UNDER as a favorite

UNLV at Northern Illinois, 7:30 EST
UNLV: 12-25 ATS in road games in non-conference games
Northern Illinois: 78-55 UNDER in all lined games

Akron at Oklahoma, 7:00 EST
Akron: 6-0 UNDER as a road underdog
Oklahoma: 12-10 ATS as a favorite of 31 or more points

Bowling Green vs Tennessee, 4:00 EST
Bowling Green: 18-8 ATS as an underdog of 10.5 to 21 points
Tennessee: 29-39 ATS as a favorite of 10.5 to 21 points

LA Monroe at Georgia, 12:00 EST
LA Monroe: 12-27 ATS as a road underdog of 21.5 or more points
Georgia: 9-1 OVER as a favorite of 31 or more points

LA Lafayette at Kentucky, 7:00 EST
LA Lafayette: 35-18 OVER (+15.2 Units) in the first half of the season
Kentucky: 5-1 OVER as a home favorite

Utep at Arkansas, 3:30 EST
UTEP: 4-13 ATS as an underdog
Arkansas: 9-2 ATS when playing on a Saturday

Georgia Southern at West Virginia, 7:30 EST
Georgia Southern: 6-1 ATS as a road underdog
West Virginia: 1-5 ATS as a road favorite

Texas at Notre Dame, 7:30 EST
Texas: 10-2 UNDER as an underdog
Notre Dame: 46-68 ATS as a home favorite

Texas ST vs Florida State, 8:00 EST
Texas ST: 6-0 ATS in road lined games
Florida State: 3-11 ATS in all lined games

Wisconsin vs Alabama, 8:00 EST
Wisconsin: 75-57 ATS in the first half of the season
Alabama: 22-26 ATS when the total is between 49.5 and 56

Mississippi ST at Southern Miss
Mississippi ST: 13-8 ATS in games played on turf
Southern Miss: 4-13 ATS in home games in games played on turf

Arkansas ST at USC, 11:00 EST
Arkansas ST: 90-79 ATS when playing on a Saturday
USC: 61-69 ATS in the first half of the season


Sunday September 6

Purdue at Marshall, 3:00 EST
Purdue: 21-29 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points
Marshall: 5-1 OVER when the total is between 56.5 and 63


Monday September 7

Ohio State at Virginia Tech, 8:00 EST
Ohio State: 12-3 OVER in all lined games
Virginia Tech: 10-2 ATS as a home underdog

[StarDust Bum]

NCAA FB

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

6:00 PM EDT

133 SOUTH CAROLINA -1 -2.5 -05 / -1 / -1 -05 -1 -119
134 NORTH CAROLINA 63.5 63.5 / 63 / 62.5u13 62 -101

SCA-QB-Connor Mitch-Probable | TV: ESPN, DTV: 206 | PARTLY CLOUDY, NORTH WIND 2-7. GAME TEMP 84, RH 54% HEAT INDEX 87

6:00 PM EDT

135 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 47 46 / 44.5 / 44 44.5 +330
136 CENTRAL FLORIDA -16.5 -12 / -12.5 / -11 -11 -05 -410

TV: CBSC, DTV: 221 | PARTLY CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. NORTHWEST WIND 5-10. GAME TEMP 85, RH 67% HEAT INDEX 92

7:00 PM EDT

137 OKLAHOMA STATE -19 -22.5 / -21 / -21 -11 -21 -1200
138 CENTRAL MICHIGAN 56 59 / 58 / 58.5 58 +800

TV: ESPNU, DTV: 208 | PARTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS EARLY. SOUTHEAST WIND 2-7. GAME TEMP 73, RH 81% HEAT INDEX 77

8:30 PM EDT

139 MICHIGAN 46.5 46.5 / 46 / 45.5 46 +185
140 UTAH -4.5 -5.5 -15 / -6 / -6 -05 -5 -215

TV: FS-1, DTV: 219 | PARTLY CLOUDY, SOUTH WIND 15-25, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 87, RH 17% WIND CHILL 0

9:00 PM EDT

141 TCU -14 -16.5 / -16.5 -05 / -16.5 -16.5 -05 -825
142 MINNESOTA 58.5 58u14 / 57.5 / 58 57 +600

TCU-WR-Josh Doctson-Probable | TV: ESPN, DTV: 206 | MOSTLY FAIR, EAST WIND 5-10. GAME TEMP 80, RH 69% HEAT INDEX 84

9:30 PM EDT

143 DUKE -11 -7.5 +03 / -7 -05 / -6.5 -27 -7 -290
144 TULANE 48 49.5 / 50 / 51 51.5 +230

TV: CBSC, DTV: 221 | Dome

9:00 PM EDT

145 OHIO -10 -7 / -7 -15 / -7 -7 -05 -280
146 IDAHO 54.5 59 / 58 / 58.5 59 +230

Time-change to 09:00pm EDT | OHI-QB-Derrius Vick-Probable | Dome

10:00 PM EDT

147 TEX SAN ANTONIO 54 59.5 / 60 / 60.5 60
148 ARIZONA -32 -31.5 / -32 / -31.5 -07 -31.5 -05

TV: Pac-12 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. SOUTH WIND 7-12. GAME TEMP 82, RH 52% HEAT INDEX 84

1:00 AM EDT

149 COLORADO -8 -8 / -7 -15 / -7.5 -7.5 -05 -300
150 HAWAII 57.5 59.5 / 60 / 61 61.5 +240

8:00 PM EDT

211 WESTERN KENTUCKY 66.5 -3 -05 / -3 EVEN / -3 +05 -2.5 -140
212 VANDERBILT -2.5 62.5 / 62 / 62u11 62 +120

TV: SEC, DTV: 611 | PARTLY CLOUDY, NORTH WIND 4-9. GAME TEMP 87, RH 49% HEAT INDEX 90

7:00 PM EDT

301 ELON
302 WAKE FOREST -27 -27

TV: ESPN3.com | PARTLY CLOUDY, NORTH WIND 3-8. GAME TEMP 82, RH 56% HEAT INDEX 84

7:00 PM EDT

303 VMI
304 BALL STATE -30 -30 / -30 -27 / -31 -18 -33

BLS-WR-Jordan Williams-Probable | BLS-QB-Ozzie Mann-OUT | TV: ESPN3.com | PARTLY CLOUDY, WEST WIND 3-8. GAME TEMP 80, RH 66% HEAT INDEX 83

7:00 PM EDT

305 STONY BROOK
306 TOLEDO -23 -24 / -23.5 / -25.5 -26

TOL-RB-Kareem Hunt-OUT | TOL-QB-Phillip Ely-probable | TV: ESPN3.com | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. WEST WIND 4-9. GAME TEMP 80, RH 69% HEAT INDEX 84

7:30 PM EDT

307 ALCORN ST
308 GEORGIA TECH -40 -40 / -40 -21 / -41 -21 -41

TV: ESPN3.com | PARTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. NORTHWEST WIND 3-8. GAME TEMP 83, RH 64% HEAT INDEX 88

7:30 PM EDT

309 VILLANOVA -6 -7 -05 / -8 / -8 +02 -6.5
310 CONNECTICUT

CON-QB-Bryant Shirreffs-Probable | TV: ESPN3.com | PARTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. NORTH WIND 3-8. GAME TEMP 79, RH 66% HEAT INDEX 82

9:00 PM EDT

311 SOUTHERN UTAH
312 UTAH STATE -30 -30 / -31 -32

PARTLY CLOUDY, SOUTH WIND 12-17. GAME TEMP 85, RH 18% WIND CHILL 0

10:00 PM EDT

313 UC DAVIS
314 NEVADA -22.5 -22.5 / -23 -24 -15

PARTLY CLOUDY, WEST WIND 15-25, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 75, RH 19% WIND CHILL 0

10:00 PM EDT

315 NEW HAMPSHIRE
316 SAN JOSE STATE -2 -2.5 / -4 / -5 -5.5 -15

MOSTLY FAIR, WEST WIND 12-17. GAME TEMP 68, RH 56%

10:00 PM EDT

317 ABILENE CHRISTIAN
318 FRESNO STATE -19.5 -19.5 -21

FRS-QB-Zach Greenlee-Probable | FAIR, NORTHWEST WIND 8-13. GAME TEMP 81, RH 31% HEAT INDEX 80

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF Consensus Picks

SIDES (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

10:00 PM Abilene Christian +21 49 15.86% Fresno State -21 260 84.14% View View

7:00 PM Stony Brook +26 250 22.77% Toledo -26 848 77.23% View View

10:00 PM UC - Davis +24 79 27.72% Nevada -24 206 72.28% View View

7:00 PM Virginia Military +33.5 88 28.39% Ball State -33.5 222 71.61% View View

10:00 PM New Hampshire +5 90 29.90% San Jose State -5 211 70.10% View View

9:00 PM Southern Utah +32 86 31.05% Utah State -32 191 68.95% View View

7:30 PM Alcorn State +41 107 32.04% Georgia Tech -41 227 67.96% View View

10:00 PM Texas-San Antonio +31 646 34.04% Arizona -31 1252 65.96% View View

7:30 PM Villanova -8 124 35.94% Connecticut +8 221 64.06% View View

6:00 PM North Carolina +1 854 36.16% South Carolina -1 1508 63.84% View View

6:00 PM Florida International +11 716 36.31% Central Florida -11 1256 63.69% View View

7:00 PM Elon University +27 136 40.84% Wake Forest -27 197 59.16% View View

11:59 PM Colorado -7.5 871 44.67% Hawaii +7.5 1079 55.33% View View

8:00 PM Western Kentucky -2.5 999 48.31% Vanderbilt +2.5 1069 51.69% View View

8:30 PM Michigan +5 1142 50.51% Utah -5 1119 49.49% View View

7:00 PM Oklahoma State -21 1157 57.85% Central Michigan +21 843 42.15% View View

9:00 PM Texas Christian -16.5 1273 58.37% Minnesota +16.5 908 41.63% View View

9:00 PM Ohio -7 1147 62.92% Idaho +7 676 37.08% View View

9:30 PM Duke -7 1333 64.99% Tulane +7 718 35.01% View View



TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

7:30 PM Villanova 51.5 68 31.92% Connecticut 51.5 145 68.08% View View

6:00 PM North Carolina 62 668 41.59% South Carolina 62 938 58.41% View View

8:00 PM Western Kentucky 62 658 45.41% Vanderbilt 62 791 54.59% View View

8:30 PM Michigan 45.5 711 46.50% Utah 45.5 818 53.50% View View

9:00 PM Ohio 59 674 51.45% Idaho 59 636 48.55% View View

10:00 PM New Hampshire 52.5 102 53.68% San Jose State 52.5 88 46.32% View View

6:00 PM Florida International 44.5 754 54.09% Central Florida 44.5 640 45.91% View View

9:30 PM Duke 51.5 770 56.25% Tulane 51.5 599 43.75% View View

10:00 PM Abilene Christian 58 111 57.22% Fresno State 58 83 42.78% View View

7:00 PM Elon University 42 135 57.45% Wake Forest 42 100 42.55% View View

11:59 PM Colorado 61 806 59.13% Hawaii 61 557 40.87% View View

7:00 PM Virginia Military 64.5 134 59.82% Ball State 64.5 90 40.18% View View

7:30 PM Alcorn State 65 134 60.91% Georgia Tech 65 86 39.09% View View

9:00 PM Texas Christian 56.5 931 63.59% Minnesota 56.5 533 36.41% View View

10:00 PM UC - Davis 59 122 63.87% Nevada 59 69 36.13% View View

10:00 PM Texas-San Antonio 60 896 64.05% Arizona 60 503 35.95% View View

9:00 PM Southern Utah 47 132 67.01% Utah State 47 65 32.99% View View

7:00 PM Stony Brook 51 148 69.81% Toledo 51 64 30.19% View View

7:00 PM Oklahoma State 58.5 1098 71.95% Central Michigan 58.5 428 28.05% View

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Game Score Status Pick Amount

North Carolina - 6:00 PM ET North Carolina +2 500 *****
South Carolina -

Florida International - 6:00 PM ET Central Florida -13 500
Central Florida -

Stony Brook - 7:00 PM ET Toledo -26.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Toledo -

Oklahoma State - 7:00 PM ET Central Michigan +23.5 500
Central Michigan -

Western Kentucky - 8:00 PM ET Western Kentucky -2 500 *****
Vanderbilt -

Michigan - 8:30 PM ET Utah -5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Utah -

Ohio - 9:00 PM ET Ohio -7 500
Idaho -

Texas Christian - 9:00 PM ET Texas Christian -17 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Minnesota -

Duke - 9:30 PM ET Duke -7 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Tulane -

Texas-San Antonio - 10:00 PM ET Arizona -31 500 BLOW OUT
Arizona -

Colorado - 11:59 PM ET Hawaii +7.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Hawaii -

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Pac-12 Report - Week 1

September 3, 2015

2015 PAC-12 STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under

Arizona 10-4 7-2 5-9 5-9

Arizona State 10-3 6-3 6-7 7-6

California 5-7 3-6 7-5 7-5

Colorado 2-10 0-9 6-6 7-5

Oregon 13-2 8-1 10-5 7-7-1

Oregon State 5-7 2-7 3-9 5-6-1

Southern California 9-4 6-3 7-6 6-7

Stanford 8-5 5-4 7-6 3-9

UCLA 10-3 6-3 5-8 5-7-1

Utah 9-4 5-4 9-4 4-8-1

Washington 8-6 4-5 7-7 4-10

Washington State 3-9 2-7 4-8 6-6


Washington at Boise State (Friday - ESPN, 10:15 p.m.)
Washington head coach Chris Petersen returns to where he made a name for himself - the Smurf Turf of Boise. It won't be easy for the Huskies, who are a 12-point 'dog. Boise State has lost outright just four times in the past 96 games, a fact Petersen knows all too well. Washington has a mish-mash offense with QBs Jake Browning, Jeff Lundquist and K.J. Carta-Samuels vying for time under center. WR Jaydon Mickens and RB Lavon Coleman can make things easier for the quarterbacks if they stay healthy. Boise State hasn't lost at home in a non-conference game since 2001, a 41-20 setback to Washington State. QB Ryan Finley isn't about to let that streak end. However, the Broncos have a big piece to replace in RB Jay Ajayi. Three tailbacks look to fill the big shoes. Washington thrashed Boise 38-6 in the last meeting Aug. 31, 2013 in Seattle, but these squads are much different now. The Broncos will win, but do they have enough to cover a big number with new pieces against a quality defense?

Stanford at Northwestern (ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET)
The Cardinal head for suburban Chicago looking to start out on a good note. Set those alarm clocks Stanford fans, as it's a 10 a.m. local time TV kickoff for you! The alarm clock hasn't been going off for the Wildcats at home in recent years, at least against the number and in non-conference games. Northwestern is 2-11 ATS in the past 13 home games, and 1-5 ATS in their past six non-conference tilts. Stanford is just 2-5 ATS in their past seven road games, but 14-6 ATS in their past 20 non-conference games. Still, senior QB Chris Hogan has 24 wins, second-most among all active players, and that will be huge against an inexperienced Northwestern offense led by QB Clayton Thorson. The last time these teams met resulted in a 41-41 tie in Evanston back in 1994. If Stanford does win, it will be a rare loss in an opener for Northwestern. The 'Cats are 8-1 in season openers under the tutelage of head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

Virginia at UCLA (FOX, 3:30 p.m. ET)
UVA heads out for the coast looking to take down UCLA and repay them for a home loss at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville last fall. This Bruins team has a much different makeup, including under center, where true freshman Josh Rosen starts at quarterback, replacing the departed Brett Hundley. Virginia also lost its top two rushers, but top-flight recruit Taquan Mizzell takes over and will get first crack. Dependable QB Matt Johns is back and looking to get the Cavaliers over the hump. He performed well in a 28-20 loss to the Bruins Aug. 30, 2014. UVA is 4-0 ATS in their past four non-conference games, and the over is 6-1 in their past seven against non-conference foes. The under went 4-1-1 in six home games for UCLA last season.

Arizona State at Texas A&M (in Houston) (ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)
Arizona State has lofty expectations this season, and if they want to fulfill those expectations they need to win as short 'dogs in a neutral-site game in Houston against Kevin Sumlin's bunch. QB Mike Bercovici takes over full-time duties under center after shining as an understudy and injury replacement last season. He'll face a defense which ranked 102nd in the country, so the Sun Devils could get off to a quick start if things haven't improved for A&M on that side of the ball. QB Kyle Allen keeps his starting gig, but will have QB Kyler Murray breathing down his neck. It's a nice problem to have for the Aggies. WRs Josh Reynolds and Ricky Seals-Jones give the offense some big playmakers in a game which could be a shootout. Vegas seems to believe so with a total hovering around 70.

Arkansas State at Southern California (Pac-12 Network, 11:00 p.m. ET)
USC opens with a creampuff game against Ark State, and the Trojans are a four-touchdown favorite. In the past few seasons they're just 4-9 ATS in their past 13 non-conference games, but they look to change that. The Red Wolves haven't been very good in early-season games, going 2-5-1 ATS in their past eight September tilts, and they're just 1-4 ATS in their past five road outings. A lot is expected of the 10th-ranked Trojans, so they'll look to fire out of the box early. RBs Justin Davis and Tre Madden, as well as WR JuJu Smith-Schuster give the offense an embarrassment of riches. If the Trojans are to cover they'll need to shut down QB Fredi Knighten who is a threat not only to pass, but also do it with his feet, too. RB Michael Gordon is an underrated back with a 1,000-yard season and 13 touchdowns in 2014, too. However, the defense allowed 27.8 points per game and that doesn't bode well against a USC quick-strike offense which could be covering the spread by halftime.

Other ACC teams in action
Weber State at Oregon State (Pac-12 Network, 8:00 p.m.)
Portland State at Washington State (Pac-12 Network, 2:00 p.m.)
Grambling State at California (Pac-12 Network, 5:00 p.m.)
Eastern Washington at Oregon (Pac-12 Network, 8:00 p.m.)

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Tip Sheet

September 1, 2015


**Michigan State at Western Michigan**

-- Michigan State finished 2014 with an 11-2 straight-up record and a 9-4 against-the-spread mark. Since 2011, Mark Dantonio's team has hooked up its gambling supporters at a 34-20 ATS clip. The Spartans capped last year with a 42-41 comeback win over Baylor at the Cotton Bowl. They won outright as 2.5-point underdogs after rallying from a 41-21 deficit.

-- Michigan State returns seven starters on offense and six on defense. The latter unit lost a key starter to a season-ending injury a few weeks ago when Ed Davis went down. He had 58 tackles and seven sacks last season.

-- Dantonio lost workhorse running back Jeremy Langford and his top two wide receivers, but the offense still has its leader in QB Connor Cook. The senior signal caller threw for 3,214 yards with a 24/8 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2014. Cook has a 47/15 TD-INT ratio for his career. Langford is gone after rushing for 1,522 yards and 22 TDs. Also, Cook's favorite target Tony Lippett has departed following a season in which he hauled in 65 receptions for 1,198 yards and 11 TDs.

-- Michigan State owns an incredible 17-4-1 spread record in 22 games as a road favorite on Dantonio's watch.

-- Western Michigan improved from 1-11 in P.J. Fleck's first season ('13) to go 8-5 SU and 10-3 ATS last year. The Broncos bring back nine starters on offense and seven on defense. They saw their six-game winning streak snapped in the regular-season finale, a 31-21 home loss to No. Illinois, and then dropped a 38-24 decision to Air Force as two-point 'chalk' at the Idaho Potato Bowl.

-- Western Michigan returns nearly all of its skill players, including true sophomore RB Jarvion Franklin, who came out of nowhere to rush for 1,551 yards and 24 TDs while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also had 14 catches for 163 yards and one TD. Franklin garnered MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors, was on the first-team All-MAC squad and was also the MAC Freshman of the Year.

-- As a third-year sophomore in 2014, Zach Terrell completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 3,443 yards with a 26/10 TD-INT ratio. Terrell has two of the MAC's top wideouts in juniors Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman. Davis had 78 receptions for 1,408 yards and 15 TDs last year, while Braverman finished the season with 86 catches for 997 yards and six TDs.

-- Western Michigan played a pair of Power Five opponents last year, losing 43-34 at Purdue as an 8.5-point underdog in the season opener. The Broncos also lost at Virginia Tech, but they took the cash in a 35-17 loss as 21-point 'dogs.

-- Western Michigan opened the season at Michigan State two seasons ago, losing 26-13 in East Lansing. However, Fleck's team covered the number as a 28-point underdog.

-- As of Tuesday, most books had Michigan State listed as an 18-point favorite with a total of 58. The Broncos were +650 on the money line (risk $100 to win $650).

-- Kickoff on Friday night is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPNU.

**Baylor at Southern Methodist**

-- Baylor smashed SMU by a 45-7 count as a 34.5-point home favorite in last season's opener. The Bears defense limited the Mustangs to just 67 yards of total offense. Baylor has won 11 in a row over SMU and has taken the cash in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.

--Art Briles' squad returns nine starters on offense and nine starters on defense. Baylor finished last year with an 11-2 SU record and a 7-5-1 ATS ledger. The Bears 41-27 at West Va. and then lost to Michigan State in heartbreaking fashion in the postseason.

-- With Bryce Petty gone to the NFL, junior QB Seth Russell is poised to take over under center. The fourth-year junior had eight TD passes compared to only one interception last season. Russell will have weapons galore around him, including one of the nation's best set of wide receivers. Corey Coleman had 64 receptions for 1,119 yards and 11 TDs in 2014, while K.D. Cannon hauled in 58 catches for 1,030 yards and eight TDs. RB Shock Linwood also returns following a season in which he ran for 1,252 yards and 15 scores.

-- Baylor has posted a 5-7-1 spread record in 13 games as a road 'chalk' during Briles's tenure.

-- The Baylor defense will be led by senior DE Shawn Oakman, who had 51 tackles, 11 sacks and nine QB hurries in 2014. This unit allowed 25.5 points per game last year.

-- As of Tuesday, most spots had Baylor favored by 36 with a total of 74.5 points.

-- SMU was outscored by a combined score of 159-6 in three games against Power Five schools (at Baylor, vs. Texas A&M and vs. TCU) in 2014. The Mustangs saw June Jones resign after a 43-6 loss at North Texas in Week 2. They would lose their first 11 games before winning 27-20 at UConn as 14-point underdogs in the regular-season finale.

-- SMU went out and hired highly-regarded Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris as its next head coach. Morris, who spent 16 years as a high school coach in Texas before getting the Clemson gig, inherits a team which finished 1-11 SU and 4-8 ATS last season. The Mustangs bring back nine starters on offense and seven on defense.

-- Morris will give junior Matt Davis the starting nod at QB. Davis started the last five games last year, finishing the campaign with 855 passing yards and a 3/5 TD-INT ratio. Davis rushed for a team-best 613 yards and four TDs while averaging 5.7 YPC.

-- From 2009-2013, SMU compiled an 8-2 spread record in 10 games as a home underdog. However, the Mustangs limped to a 1-5 ATS mark in six such spots last season.

-- ESPN will have the telecast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Washington at Boise State**

-- Chris Petersen enjoyed a dynastic eight-year tenure at Boise State from 2006-2013, turning down a plethora of big-name jobs while compiling a 92-13 record with seven double-digit win seasons and five years with 12 wins or more. However, when the University of Washington came calling, Petersen finally decided to make the move to a Power Five school. Now he returns to the smurf turf to take on his former team Friday night at 10:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

-- As of Tuesday, most books had Boise State installed as an 11.5-point home favorite with a total of 57. The Huskies were available on the money line for a +350 payout (risk $100 to win $350).

-- Boise State went 12-2 straight up and 8-6 against the spread in 2014. The Broncos bring back nine starters on offense and eight on defense. They have named true sophomore Ryan Finley as the starting quarterback. Finley served as the departed Grant Hedrick's back-up last year, completing 12-of-27 throws for 161 yards and two TDs with one interception.

-- BSU has to replace workhorse RB Jay Ajayi, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins after rushing for 1,823 yards and 28 TDs last season.

-- Since 2006, the first year of Petersen's tenure, Boise State has won 55 of 57 home games with the two losses coming by three combined points. This is the first time since 2009 -- when the Broncos smashed Oregon and LeGarrette Blount to begin Chip Kelly's reign -- that they've played a season opener at home.

-- The BSU defense is led by LBs Tanner Vallejo and Kamalei Correa. Vallejo had a team-high 100 tackles in 2014, while Correa had 59 tackles and 12 sacks.

-- Washington finished a disappointing 8-6 SU in Petersen's first season, going 7-7 versus the number. The Huskies lost a 30-22 decision to Oklahoma State six-point 'chalk' at the Cactus Bowl. They return five starters on offense and four on defense.

-- Petersen told the media Monday that he's decided on a new starting QB but won't reveal the news before Friday's kick. The three candidates are junior Jeff Lindquist, redshirt freshman K.J. Carta-Samuels and true freshman Jake Browning. Lindquist started one game last season, finishing the year with only 10 completions in 30 attempts for 162 yards and one TD without an interception. Cyler Miles was the starter last year and had a 17/4 TD-INT ratio and four rushing scores in 2014. However, a lingering hip injury forced Miles into retirement over the summer.

-- Petersen had this say about the homefield advantage BSU will enjoy: “It’s a great place to play. Unbelievable home-field advantage. The size of the stadium has nothing to do with it. Those are very passionate fans and a really good place to play a college football game. Noise is a factor. Tough place to play.”

-- Washington returns its top four pass catchers and top two leading rushers, including Dwayne Washington, who had 697 rushing yards and nine TDs with a 5.3 YPC average. Senior WR Jaydon Mickens had 60 catches for 617 yards and four TDs last year.

-- BSU posted a 4-3 spread record as a home favorite last season, while UW went 2-1 ATS as a road underdog.

[StarDust Bum]

Top 25 Capsules

September 4, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Trevone Boykin threw for 246 yards and a touchdown and ran for 92 yards and another score to help No. 2 TCU outlast Minnesota 23-17 on Thursday night.

Boykin started his Heisman push by completing 26 of 42 passes. But he also threw an interception and the Horned Frogs had a difficult time getting their frenetic offense rolling against Minnesota's determined defense. Their 23 points were their fewest scored since Nov. 9, 2013.

The Horned Frogs shared the Big 12 title last year, but were left out of the four-team playoff field. They've heard nothing but questions about the crushing disappointment for the last nine months, providing plenty of motivation to erase that memory with a national championship run this season.

Jaden Oberkrom made three field goals, including a 53-yarder, and Josh Doctson had eight catches for 74 yards and a touchdown for TCU.

Mitch Leidner threw for 197 yards for Minnesota. His touchdown pass to K.J. Maye with 1:32 left pulled the Golden Gophers within a touchdown, but TCU recovered the onside kick to hang on.

Maye had four catches for 73 yards and Rodney Smith rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown for the Golden Gophers. They haven't beaten a Top 10 team at home since 1977.

NO. 22 ARIZONA 42, UTSA 32

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Anu Solomon threw four touchdown passes to help Arizona beat UTSA, but the Wildcats suffered a big blow when All-America linebacker Scooby Wright went out early with a left knee injury.

Wright, the junior who swept the major defensive player of the year awards last season, went down in the first quarter and spent the second half in street clothes, walking with a cane.

Arizona sputtered on offense most of the night and allowed UTSA, a team returning two offensive starters, to rack up 525 total yards.

Arizona scored two defensive touchdowns, but had numerous breakdowns, even before Wright went down.

UTSA's Blake Bogenschutz had 332 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-43 passing after throwing an interception that Anthony Lopez returned 23 yards for a touchdown on the game's first pass.

Solomon threw for 229 yards on 22-of-26 passing, and Nick Wilson ran for 97 yards.

NO. 16 GEORGIA TECH 69, ALCORN STATE 6

ATLANTA (AP) - Freshman Marcus Marshall ran for 184 yards and two long touchdowns in his college debut, Patrick Skov scored three TDs in his first game at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech scored on its first seven possessions in the opener for both teams, barely breaking a sweat against the Football Championship Subdivision school from Mississippi.

The Yellow Jackets led 34-0 at the end of the first quarter, their most points in an opening quarter since at least 1950. The officials were already letting the clock run in the second quarter, looking to make things a little easier on the Braves. Georgia Tech led 48-0 at halftime and never let up.

Quarterback Justin Thomas played only the first quarter, running for one score and passing for another.