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

[StarDust Bum]

Vegas Money Moves - Week 1

September 4, 2015

One of the biggest stories coming into the 2015 college football season is a loaded Ohio State championship team going for a repeat, and the enthusiasm to see how they do appears to be translating to the bet windows in Las Vegas as well.

“Our biggest risk of the weekend is with Ohio State,” said CG Technology VP of risk management Jason Simbal, who currently has them minus-14. “We’re going to need Virginia Tech pretty good. They just keep betting the Buckeyes.”

It’s not a surprise that the Buckeyes are garnishing lots of attention because they‘re always a popular team, but the fact that the game isn’t until Monday and it has more risk than any of the Friday or Saturday games is a big deal and a major statement of their popularity.

By game day when it’s isolated and 70 percent more action comes on the game, this is going to be a monster decision with every sports book executive rooting for the Hokies.

“This is going to be just like a big Monday Night NFL decision,” said the South Point’s Jimmy Vaccaro, who begins his 41st season booking games in Las Vegas. “It’s got everything you could possibly want from a big game with the champs first game out and revenge on their mind.”

Vaccaro said he expects the Ohio State money to keep rolling in.

“The smarts took +14 with Virginia Tech when we first posted it, but it’s been all Buckeyes since then, even after the suspensions. I think the number will run and close -15 or higher by kickoff.”

CG Tech books opened Ohio State -12 back in July and got as high as -14.5 towards the end of the month until four Buckeye players were suspended on July 30, which included wide-receiver Corey Smith and All-American defensive-end Joey Bosa. CG adjusted to -11, and the public has been betting them ever since back up to -14.

The good news for the books knowing they’ve got a monster to deal with on Monday is that they eliminated so much risk on Thursday by winning several key decisions. They won’t have that tidal wave of parlay liability, or as much, that rolls into each day.

“We held almost 65 percent of our (Thursday) parlay action,” said Simbal. “TCU not covering was very good us and South Carolina was also good too. We got a lot of late action on North Carolina that made it a big decision. Duke rolling also was good for us.”

Thursday was great for the house, but they've got to try and win a few of the Saturday games to negate the public parlay risk going into Monday. If they doesn’t win a few of the big games on Saturday, they're going to have four and five teamers waiting to cash on Monday with Ohio State.

“We took a really big money-line bet on Penn State (-500), so we’ll be rooting for Temple to win outright,” Simbal said of Saturday's games. “UCLA is turning out to be an interesting game because we’re getting lots of money on Virginia. We’re at -18.5 right now, the lowest in the city, and they’re still taking Virginia. We’re also going to need Wisconsin.”

Simbal opened Alabama -10.5 over Wisconsin in July and is currently sitting at -11, which is the lowest number in Las Vegas as most other books are sitting at -12.

“Tennessee is one of our most one-sided games of the day,“ said Simbal where the Vols are 21.5-point home favorites. “This is a game where both sharp and public money have been on the same side.“

CG Tech books opened Tennessee -19 back in early July. Simbal said Kentucky (-17) has also been one-sided action for its opener against UL Lafayette.

Floyd Mayweather is one of Simbal’s biggest customers at his M Resort book and loves betting football, but he hasn’t seen him yet.

“He’s training and getting ready for his fight, but I’m pretty sure we’ll see him for Week 1 of the NFL, which is the day after he fights.”

CG Tech has Mayweather -3000 for the Sept. 12 fight at the MGM Grand Graden Arena against Andre Berto (+1400).

[StarDust Bum]

A&M, ASU meet for 1st time in opener

September 4, 2015

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) Texas A&M quarterback Kyle Allen was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, just 15 minutes from Arizona State.

It's a fact has the sophomore more than a little excited for Saturday's season-opener against the 15th-ranked Sun Devils in Houston.

''Special one for me,'' he said. ''A lot of people say A&M has a lot of rivals in the SEC. I didn't grow up in the South, I grew up in Arizona. So this is a rivalry game for me.''

It will be the first meeting between these schools and the only game between teams from the Pac-12 and Southeastern conferences this season. The Sun Devils are 0-6 against SEC teams.

Allen started the last five regular-season games as a freshman in 2014, but had to fight off talented freshman Kyler Murray in camp to keep the job this year. He was MVP of the Aggies' win over West Virginia in the Liberty Bowl, and finished the season with 1,322 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Coach Kevin Sumlin said Allen has become more of a leader since the bowl game and has been impressed with the 19-year-old.

''He likes where he is right now from a growth standpoint,'' Sumlin said. ''Has been growing mentally but also physically. Up to 215 pounds now. All part of the process. He's come along just fine.''

Arizona State coach Todd Graham, who tried to recruit Allen, raved about his work so far.

''There are a lot of guys that have strong arms and he can make all the throws, but he's really accurate down the field and makes quick decisions,'' Graham said. ''And is a guy that is able to buy time in the pocket.''

While Texas A&M will start at teenager at quarterback, the Sun Devils have a senior signal-caller in Mike Bercovici. Bercovici threw for 1,445 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, most of which came in four games he started in place of injured starter Taylor Kelly before getting the job full-time this season.

''He's like having a coach on the field,'' Graham said. ''All the things that Taylor did, he's at that level and expanded on that level. I think Taylor's the best I've ever coached and I think that Mike's got a chance to be better.''

Some things to know about the opener between Arizona State and Texas A&M:

GO D.J.:

Arizona State receiver D.J. Foster is the only active player in the Football Bowl Subdivision to enter this season with more than 1,500 yards rushing and 1,500 yards receiving in his career. He ran for 1,081 yards and nine touchdowns to lead the Sun Devils last season and was second on the team with 62 catches for 688 yards and three more scores. He had at least one reception in each game last season to extend his streak to 40 straight games, which leads the nation.

''This guy is electric, dynamic,'' Sumlin said.

OLD FOES:

While their teams are meeting for the first time on Saturday, it isn't the first time Sumlin and Graham have faced one another. The pair met three times in Conference USA games from 2008-10 when Sumlin was at Houston and Graham coached Tulsa. Sumlin won two of those three meetings.

MY OH MYLES:

Texas A&M's defense is led by Myles Garrett, a 6-foot-5, 262-pound sophomore, who had 14 tackles for losses last season and broke Jadeveon Clowney's freshman SEC sack record with 11 1/2.

''You won't play any better,'' Graham said. ''He's arguably the best pass rusher in their conference, and would have to be the best in the country that I've seen on film.''

HOME AWAY FROM HOME:

This game will be played at NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans and about a 1 1/2 hour drive from College Station so the crowd is likely to be heavily concentrated with Aggies' faithful. But the Sun Devils could have a good chunk of fans in Houston since Texas is home to the third-most Arizona State alumni with 11,500. It will also be a homecoming for Graham, who was born in Mesquite, Texas, and got his start in coaching as an assistant at Mesquite's Poteet high in 1988. He also coached at Rice before taking the Tulsa job.

[StarDust Bum]

QB Josh Rosen debuts when No. 13 UCLA hosts Virginia

September 4, 2015

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) Welcome to the Rosen Bowl, Virginia.

UCLA freshman quarterback Josh Rosen's debut is the main event Saturday in the season opener for the 13th-ranked Bruins and the Cavaliers.

The 18-year-old prodigy will replace three-year starter Brett Hundley on Pasadena's famous turf against a solid ACC opponent. The Bruins are quietly thrilled by Rosen's maturity and aptitude in practice, but it's finally time to see how quickly it will translate into games.

''This kid is truly special, so it's going to be great to see him grow up,'' UCLA receiver Jordan Payton said.

Opposite Rosen will be a Virginia defense with an accomplished secondary and a burning desire to start off the season with a landmark victory. Rosen's strong arm and uncommon poise easily won him the starting job in fall camp, but he realizes Saturday is a whole different kind of test.

''A lot of times with freshmen, they get on the field and their mind is just wandering,'' UCLA linebacker Deon Hollins said. ''Big lights, big crowd, college football. (Rosen) is just so focused all the time, and that is what separated him from other freshmen. He is tremendously smart and talented.''

While UCLA's first three seasons under coach Jim Mora have been the winningest stretch in school history, Virginia coach Mike London is on an undeniably hot seat after going 23-37 in his first five seasons. With a perilous September schedule that includes home games against Notre Dame and Boise State, the Cavaliers can't afford to start slowly.

Virginia has watched tape of Rosen in high school, but otherwise will rely on its knowledge of UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone's schemes for its preparation.

''We'll get in the game and start playing against him to actually find out what his strengths are, and try to find his deficiencies as well,'' London said.

Other things to watch when the Cavaliers step on the Rose Bowl turf for the first time:

DO IT AGAIN:

The game is a rematch of last season's opener, won 28-20 by UCLA in Charlottesville on the strength of three defensive touchdowns by the Bruins in the second quarter. Ishmael Adams returned an interception for the first score, but the all-conference cornerback is missing the rematch after his arrest on suspicion of felony robbery last weekend.

JOHNS RETURNS:

A silver lining from last season's loss to UCLA was the play of Virginia quarterback Matt Johns, who came on late in the second quarter and eventually passed for 154 yards and two scores, nearly leading a comeback. Johns threw his first career passes against the Bruins, and the junior is back as the Cavaliers' starter this season.

GET HIM:

The logical tool for disrupting a freshman quarterback is aggressive pressure, and Virginia doesn't hide the fact that it will get after Rosen: ''It would be safe to assume that,'' London said dryly. UCLA's veteran-laden offensive line will attempt to keep him safe, and it has experience with Virginia's inventive defensive front. ''They almost always slant,'' center Jake Brendel said. ''They almost always bring one guy, so we're expecting to ... pick up all their different pressures and all the different things they can bring.''

SUPPORT GROUP:

Rosen is new, but he isn't alone. Along with his veteran offensive line, the freshman has the support of the Pac-12's top rusher, Paul Perkins, and a solid group of receivers. Rosen's teammates are confident they can minimize the stress on their new passer with a comprehensive team effort.

LONG TRIP:

Virginia hasn't won a game west of the Mississippi River since Sept. 25, 1999, and is just 4-13 in school history. The Cavaliers are facing a Pac-12 member for the sixth time after going 0-5 previously.

[StarDust Bum]

Old friends Narduzzi, Pelini square off in opener

September 4, 2015

PITTSBURGH (AP) Bo Pelini and Pat Narduzzi have spent the better part of their lives occasionally staring across the football field at one another.

On Saturday they'll do it for the first time as coaching equals.

The kids who played against each other in high school growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, then became two of the nation's top defensive coordinators will meet as head coaches when Pittsburgh hosts Youngstown State on Saturday.

For the 49-year-old Narduzzi, the kickoff will signify his long, slow climb through the ranks, one that ended when the Panthers tabbed him to replace Paul Chryst last December. For Pelini, the Penguins are a chance to come home and revive his career following his only sporadically successful tenure at Nebraska.

Yet both men insist Saturday isn't about them but about the players they're trying to get ready for seasons being met with drastically different expectations.

The Panthers were picked to finish sixth in the ACC's Coastal Division even though they have two of the nation's top skill position players in running back James Conner and wide receiver Tyler Boyd.

The Penguins are ranked 14th in the Football Championship Subdivision, a nod to the immediate impact Pelini's arrival is expected to make and the program's history, which includes a trip to the Division II national title game in 1979 when Bill Narduzzi was Youngstown's coach and son Pat was working as a ball boy during gamedays.

Pat Narduzzi will try to put the history out of his mind, but it won't be easy.

''I could sing the (Youngstown) fight song if you wanted,'' he offered with a laugh.

Some things to look for as Pelini and Narduzzi prepare for a warm pregame handshake that will turn decidedly more fiery once the ball is kicked:

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HISTORY LESSON

Narduzzi is tasked with a challenge Chryst could not overcome: beating the Penguins in his first game as a head coach. Youngstown State drummed the Panthers 31-17 in the 2012 opener, a loss that proved symbolic of Chryst's uneven tenure. Rather than ignore history, Narduzzi plans to mention it so his team can avoid repeating it.

''To me, it becomes personal that that happened,'' Narduzzi said. ''I think it's great to play with an attitude and play angry. That's what we'll try to do. We'll put a little anger in a bottle and throw it out there on Saturday.''

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LOFTY GOALS

Pelini was brought in to restore some luster after eight straight seasons in which the Penguins failed to make the FCS playoffs. He won at least nine games in each of his seven years with the Cornhuskers. If he can reach that number with the Penguins, Youngstown should play deep into November if not beyond.

''You don't want to coach in a place where winning doesn't matter,'' Pelini said. ''I think winning matters to people. They expect and demand success.''

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NO BOYD

The Panthers will play without Boyd, who will serve a one-game suspension after getting pulled over in June and charged with DUI. Narduzzi has remained intentionally vague on who will fill in, though redshirt freshman Elijah Zeise impressed during fall camp.

Boyd, who apologized for his mistake, has tried to become a mentor while he waits to make his season debut on Sept. 12 at Akron.

''I'm going to continue to push all these guys and make them believe in themselves and not just look at me or another vet to get the job done,'' Boyd said. ''I'm trying to let all the other guys know that we need everybody. Everybody has a role on this team.''

[StarDust Bum]

Petrino shrugs off past as Louisville faces No. 6 Auburn

September 4, 2015

ATLANTA (AP) When Louisville opens the season against No. 6 Auburn at the Georgia Dome, Bobby Petrino will be reminded of two ugly episodes in his coaching career.

He'd prefer to focus on beating the Tigers, knowing that will require his full attention.

Auburn again has the look of a championship contender, now that Gus Malzahn's dynamic offense is complemented by Will Muschamp running things on the other side of the line.

''We feel good about where we're at as a team,'' said Jeremy Johnson, the Tigers' new starting quarterback.

Petrino has checkered ties to both Auburn and Atlanta.

He served as the school's offensive coordinator in 2002, but is largely remembered on the Plains for secretly meeting a year later with Auburn officials about a head coaching job that wasn't actually available.

Petrino prefers to put a positive spin on his Auburn experience.

''I had red hair. I was a lot younger,'' he said, chuckling. ''Lots of good memories back then.''

Petrino's coaching carousel also took him briefly to Atlanta, where he lasted less than a season with the NFL Falcons in 2007. Star quarterback Michael Vick was busted for running a dogfighting operation and, with the team in the midst of a miserable season, Petrino bailed with three games remaining to take a job at Arkansas.

''You know, that was such a long time ago, I haven't even thought about it,'' Petrino insisted. ''I'm just very happy to be the head coach here at the University of Louisville and excited for what we got going here.''

While Louisville has yet to settle on a starting quarterback, Auburn expects to keep lighting up the scoreboard with Johnson taking over for departed signal caller Nick Marshall.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Johnson will be making only his third career start, but he's already been the subject of considerable preseason hype. The Tigers have no doubts about his passing skills; the intrigue centers around how much he's used as a runner.

''He's tired of everybody talking about him,'' said Malzahn, the Tigers' head coach and offensive mastermind. ''He wants to prove himself.''

Auburn struggled to an 8-5 mark last year after reaching the national championship game the previous season, despite averaging more than 35 points a game. The big problem was the defense, which surrendered more than 30 points in its last seven games against FBS opponents - including 55 in a loss to rival Alabama.

Enter Muschamp, the former head coach at Florida who takes over as Auburn's defensive coordinator.

''He's just really stressing communication in this first game,'' Malzahn said. ''That'll be very important, being able to adjust on defense.''

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Here's some other things to watch for when Auburn takes on Louisville in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game:

WHO'S THE QUARTERBACK?

Petrino will wait until kickoff to reveal his starter and there's a chance he'll use multiple QBs. Reggie Bonnafon is the most mobile of the group, but Will Gardner was 5-2 as a starter in 2014 and Kyle Bolin threw for 681 yards in the final two games.

BEEFING UP THE DEFENSE:

The Tigers are quick up front, and the return of end Carl Lawson from a knee injury that kept him out all of last season gives a huge boost to the pass rush. Also keep an eye on sophomore linebacker Tre' Williams, who is pushing for more playing time even though he's at the deepest position on the defense.

REVAMPED SECONDARY:

Louisville led the nation with 26 interceptions a year ago, but they'll be breaking in four new starters in the secondary. Most notably, Georgia transfer Josh Harvey-Clemons takes over at safety after sitting out a year.

NEXT RUNNER UP:

Auburn had the Southeastern Conference's leading rusher the last two seasons, but may go with more of a backfield-by-committee approach this time around. Roc Thomas showed promise as a freshman, playing behind Cameron Artis-Payne, and will make his first start. There's also Jovon Robinson, the top-rated runner coming out of junior college.

DUKE'S STATUS:

Auburn WR Duke Williams had a team-high 45 catches last season and is set for a more prominent role with Johnson at quarterback and Sammy Coates in the NFL. Malzahn, however, hasn't said how much Williams will play in the opener after he served a six-day suspension early in camp for an unspecified disciplinary issue.

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[StarDust Bum]

Allen's experience key to Arkansas' hopes as season begins

September 4, 2015

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) Brandon Allen and Bret Bielema's careers have been closely linked since the moment Bielema was hired at Arkansas following the 2012 season.

And that just fine with Allen, the fifth-year quarterback who thanks his coach for turning around what was a nightmarish experience in Fayetteville.

Despite the turmoil following the Bobby Petrino scandal and eventual firing, Allen hopes to complete the program's dramatic turnaround in his third year as the starter - beginning when No. 18 Arkansas opens its season against UTEP on Saturday.

Allen has started 24 of 25 games for the Razorbacks since Bielema's hiring, missing one because of injury. During that time, Arkansas has finished at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference West twice - though a strong finish to last season has the Razorbacks believing their fortunes have finally turned.

While Allen is focused on ending his collegiate career in much the same way it started - an 11-2 season in 2011 - he knows Bielema is responsible for the turnaround following a combined seven wins during the 2012-13 seasons. And he's ever thankful for the former Wisconsin coach's arrival.

''I'm glad he's here, I'm glad I've had this time with him,'' Allen said. ''The development that, not only me, but our whole team has undergone with him here is something that I think everyone's thankful for.''

Arkansas finished last season 7-6, with three dominant wins in its last four games - including shutouts of LSU and Mississippi and holding Texas to only 59 yards of total offense in a Texas Bowl win to end the season.

The Razorbacks face 10 teams this season that made bowl games a year ago, including the Conference USA Miners. UTEP finished 7-6 last season, losing to Utah State in the New Mexico Bowl. Coach Sean Kugler is well aware of the challenge of opening on the road against an SEC team with a three-year starter at quarterback.

''If you really look at their body of work over the last four or five games, I don't think there was a hotter team in the country, maybe with the exception of Ohio State,'' Kugler said.

For his part, Bielema has embraced Arkansas' lofty expectations this season of rejoining the SEC's elite. Part of the reason for that is a talented roster restocked with three years of his recruiting classes, while having Allen under center also plays a large role. He threw for 20 touchdowns and five interceptions last season.

''I would say that's why a lot of people feel good about us from the outside world,'' Bielema said. ''I just think anytime you have a fifth-year quarterback that's a multi-year starter, there's a certain comfort level with what he's seen, what's he's done.''

Some things to watch as Arkansas looks to carry over its momentum from last season against UTEP:

BACKFIELD SHUFFLE:

The Razorbacks suffered a setback during the preseason when last season's leading rusher, Jonathan Williams, was lost for the regular season with a left foot injury. Two-time 1,000-yard running back Alex Collins is expected to pick up part of Williams' workload, while freshman Rawleigh Williams and junior Kody Walker are also expected to see action.

LEFTWICH'S START:

After a close competition with Garrett Simpson throughout the spring and preseason, Kugler said this week sophomore QB Mack Leftwich will start against Arkansas. Leftwich started four games as a freshman in 2013 before redshirting last year, and he's 44-of-75 passing (58.7 percent) in his career with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions.

LINEBACKER SHUFFLE:

Arkansas ended last season with the 10th-best defense in the country, allowing 323.4 yards per game. This season, junior Brooks Ellis moves from middle linebacker to the weak side - replacing All-SEC Martrell Spaight's SEC-leading 128 tackles - while junior Josh Williams and sophomore Khalia Hackett are also expected to see extended action at linebacker.

PRODUCTIVE JONES:

Junior running back Aaron Jones has led UTEP in rushing in each of his first two seasons, including 1,321 yards last season. He's rushed for 100 yards or more nine times in his career, but he had 62 yards on 22 carries against Texas A&M in 2103 - the only other time he's faced an SEC opponent.

MISSING PIECE:

Bielema said Arkansas will be without freshman wide receiver Jojo Robinson for the first half because of a suspension. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Robinson redshirted last season, but he has shown the ability to make defenders miss in the open field in scrimmages.

[StarDust Bum]

Cal's Goff looks to show off new freedom at line in opener

September 4, 2015

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) Jared Goff is excited to show off his new-found freedom at the line of scrimmage.

After a prolific first two seasons as California's quarterback, Goff has been given the keys to the offense in his third year with the ability to change plays whenever he sees fits.

Goff will get to show off that new responsibility when the Golden Bears open their season Saturday against Grambling State. Goff said he is quite comfortable with the increased role given to him by offensive coordinator Tony Franklin after doing it all spring and summer and his teammates like what they have seen.

''It definitely shows up when you see us making checks at the line,'' receiver Bryce Treggs said. ''In our early years, Coach Franklin didn't really have the trust and he wasn't comfortable in us checking different routes at the line. Now he's a lot more comfortable with us and gives us a lot more freedom.''

The Bears hope that will lead to even more success and help them get back to a bowl game for the first time since 2011 and into contention in the Pac-12 North.

Goff has put up staggering numbers in two years in the pass-happy system. He has completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 7,481 yards, 53 touchdowns and only 17 interceptions. He ranks in the top 10 in completions, yards and touchdown passes since starting college ball.

But coach Sonny Dykes believes Goff can do even more.

''I think everybody will see an improved Jared Goff and he was a very good player last season,'' Dykes said. ''He just has a better understanding of the offense, a better sense of timing, has a better understanding of situational football and the decisions he needs to make.''

Here are some things to watch when Grambling State visits Cal:

RUN TO DAYLIGHT:

As much publicity as Cal gets for its passing offense, the running game should be potent too this season. Daniel Lasco is back after leading the team with 1,115 yards rushing last season and scoring 14 touchdowns. Vic Enwere and Tre Watson also should get plenty of chances to carry the ball, which should take pressure off Goff.

''We need to be able to run the ball,'' Dykes said. ''For us to make that next step, we have to improve our run game and be more consistent in our run game. We made great strides last year.''

STEPPING UP:

Playing a Pac-12 team is a big step up in competition for FCS Grambling State. The Tigers have lost all 13 games they have played against FBS teams since 1996, getting outscored by more than 34 points per game. Grambling's last game against a power conference team came in 2012, a 56-0 loss to TCU.

CENTER OF ATTENTION:

With projected starting center Matt Cochran dismissed from the program after spring ball, the Bears were on a search for a replacement all summer. Dominic Granado ended up winning the job after sitting out last year as a junior college transfer. Granado spent last year working as a tackle but did well back at center for the shotgun-heavy offense.

''We had very few bad snaps at all fall camp,'' Dykes said. ''Probably as few as I've been around.''

BAND ON THE FIELD:

One of the highlights of the game figures to be the halftime performance of the Grambling marching band. The group has performed at the Super Bowl, presidential inaugurations and Rose Bowl parades and is widely considered one of the best in the nation with its high-stepping energy.

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Bowling Green's fast-paced offense to test No. 25 Tennessee

September 4, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Now that Tennessee finally has ended a string of four straight losing seasons, the next challenge is for the Volunteers is to build on their momentum.

The 25th-ranked Vols get a chance to take that step Saturday when they open their season by facing Bowling Green at Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans. Tennessee is in the Top 25 for the first time since September 2012 and is seeking its first win as a ranked team since 2007.

''We're not building a team,'' Tennessee coach Butch Jones said. ''We're building a program. And those are two totally different things.''

The Vols' toughest chore will be keeping up with the fast pace of Bowling Green's offensive scheme, while Bowling Green must worry about the speed of Tennessee's players.

''We're playing the best football team we've played since I've been here,'' said second-year Bowling Green coach Dino Babers, whose team lost 68-17 last season to a Wisconsin team that ended up ranked 13th. ''It's going to be a very challenging task, but we're looking forward to it.''

Bowling Green returns the nucleus of an offense that averaged 18.6 seconds per play. Baylor and Arizona were the only Football Bowl Subdivision programs with faster-paced offenses last season.

Tennessee's defense has tackled fast-paced attacks in the Southeastern Conference and when it practices against its own offense, but cornerback Emmanuel Moseley acknowledges the Vols didn't face a team last year that picked up the tempo quite this much.

''Their pace is way faster,'' Moseley said. ''Way faster.''

Bowling Green quarterback Matt Johnson will be playing his first game since injuring his hip in last year's season opener. Johnson led Bowling Green to a 2013 MAC title.

While Bowling Green's quarterback is healthy again, Tennessee's secondary is dealing with injury issues.

Rashaan Gaulden, the projected starting nickel back, broke his foot in training camp and will miss the entire season. Safety LaDarrell McNeil, who has 31 career starts, has a neck issue that likely will cause him to miss the whole season.

Their injuries have led to depth issues that could prove problematic against such a fast-paced offense. but Bowling Green will have its own issues keeping up with Tennessee. Babers said the speed of Tennessee's defensive linemen offers the most cause for concern.

''They're just so athletic, so huge,'' Babers said. ''Our tackles, our guards, we haven't seen anything like this. This is new territory for all those young men.''

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Some things to watch when Tennessee faces Bowling Green.

STRENGTH vs. STRENGTH:

The matchup between Bowling Green's offensive line and Tennessee's defensive front is worth watching. Bowling Green `s offensive linemen have combined for 125 career starts. Only UCLA's offensive linemen have more combined starts. Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett make Tennessee the only FBS team to return two players who recorded at least 10 sacks last season.

TENNESSEE'S BIG RECEIVERS:

Tennessee has four receivers who are 6-foot-3 or taller in Marquez North, Jauan Jennings, Josh Malone and Preston Williams. That could cause trouble for a Bowling Green secondary that lists 5-9 Darrell Hunter and 5-10 Clint Stephens as its starting cornerbacks. Tennessee's receiving corps will be hurt by a one-game suspension to Alton ''Pig'' Howard and injuries to Jason Croom and Vincent Perry.

FAMILIAR FOES:

Bowling Green receiver Ronnie Moore verbally committed to play for Jones at Cincinnati. After Tennessee hired Jones away from Cincinnati, Moore ended up at Bowling Green. Bowling Green reserve defensive lineman Malik Brown redshirted at Tennessee in 2013 before transferring.

COMING HOME:

Tennessee's trip to Nashville represents a homecoming for running back Jalen Hurd, offensive guard Jashon Robertson and Barnett among others. Reserve defensive end Kyle Phillips is the son of Tennessee State athletic director Teresa Phillips, whose school uses Nissan Stadium as its home field. Jennings comes from nearby Murfreesboro.

NEW COORDINATORS:

Tennessee has a new offensive coordinator who will be matchup with Bowling Green's new defensive coordinator. Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike DeBord formerly held the same position at Michigan, but he hadn't coached in the college ranks since 2007 and hadn't coached at all since 2012. Bowling Green defensive coordinator Brian Ward was Western Illinois' defensive coordinator the last three years. Bowling Green returns only three starters from a defense that allowed 33.5 points per game to rank 108th nationally last season.

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Notre Dame's Zaire seeks to stay calm in start against Texas

September 4, 2015

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is concerned about quarterback Malik Zaire being overwhelmed in big moments as the 11th-ranked Fighting Irish open the season against Texas.

''He can be emotional at times. We have to transfer that into just being enthusiastic,'' Kelly said. ''I told him, `You don't have to be the reason that we won. You just can't be the reason why we lost.'''

The 6-foot, 220-pound lefthander got the start for the Music City Bowl against LSU last year because Everett Golson kept making turnovers that contributed to Notre Dame stumbling to an 8-5 record after a 6-0 start. Zaire will see his first significant playing time at home Saturday night, but dismissed talk about feeling like a rookie.

''You can only really feel like a rookie, in my opinion, if you aren't prepared, you aren't confident in what you're doing,'' Zaire said. ''That's kind of in my mind a rookie mentality where you're unsure of yourself. I've been able to be decisive in practice.''

While Zaire knows the job is his alone, Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes doesn't have that security.

Swoopes, who started 12 games last season and struggled mightily, knows he will be sharing time with redshirt freshman Jerrod Heard as he works to try to keep the job. Second-year Texas coach Charlie Strong isn't saying how the time will be divided. Swoopes said he and the rest of the Longhorns know they have to prove themselves.

''I think everybody kind of has a chip on their shoulder and is just kind of ready to go out there and show people what we've got,'' he said.

The two programs are playing each other for the first time since 1996. Expectations are high for the Irish with 15 returning starters. The Longhorns are coming off a 6-7 finish, including big losses in the final two games against TCU and Arkansas, and are depending on freshmen at key positions.

Other things to know about the Texas-Notre Dame game:

VETERANS VS. INEXPERIENCE:

Texas will start six freshmen, including two offensive linemen, and 24 figure in their two- and-three-deep lineup, with many listed as the top backups at key positions. The Irish have no freshmen starters and only two sophomore starters, although some freshmen are expected to contribute, most notably defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, tight end Alize Jones and place-kicker Justin Yoon.

TEXAS COULDN'T HOLD 'EM:

The Irish have a handful of players from Texas who could have an impact against the Longhorns, including wide receivers Corey Robinson of San Antonio and Torii Hunter Jr. of Prosper - the sons of former San Antonio Spurs great David Robinson and Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter. Robinson was second on the team in receiving last season with 40 catches while Irish coaches have been raving about Hunter, who was slowed by injuries his first two seasons.

KICKING CONTEST:

Texas senior kicker Nick Rose posted a video of himself this summer kicking a 70-yard field goal. His career long is 51. Yoon has been drawing praise from Kelly, who says the freshman has been making nearly 80 percent of his attempts from 40 to 49 yards.

NO WALKTHROUGH:

Texas coach Charlie Strong, an assistant at Notre Dame 1995-98, isn't bringing the Longhorns for the traditional walkthrough at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday because he knows how crowded campus gets. ''I don't want our guys chattering with their fans and hearing all that,'' he said.

COTTON BOWL MEMORIES:

Notre Dame played Texas three times in the 1970s with national championships at stake. The Longhorns won the 1970 game to claim the 1969 national title, were upset by the Irish the next season and Notre Dame upset the Longhorns again to win the 1977 national title.

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NC State aims to build on 5-win turnaround, opens with Troy

September 4, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The next step for North Carolina State is finally here.

The Wolfpack had a five-win turnaround to reach eight victories in Dave Doeren's second season, ending with a bowl win that pumped plenty of optimism into the program. Saturday's opener against Troy marks the debut of a team that talks confidently about following that up by contending in a tough Atlantic Coast Conference division behind star quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

''It's not really to help people see what we can do,'' running back Matt Dayes said of the opener. ''It's just basically for ourselves to get the confidence early on and just keep building from that.''

N.C. State entered last season with fragile confidence after a three-win season in Doeren's first year that included the program's first winless ACC record in a half-century. But a strong finish provided a jolt of confidence, including a road rout of rival North Carolina.

''At this point ... you're around 43 to 44 practices (since spring) without a game,'' Doeren said. ''The guys are ready to get on the field and the coaches are ready to see them play.''

It also marks the first game for Troy coach Neal Brown. The 35-year-old coach is second youngest coach in the Bowl Subdivision and has returned to the program where he served as an offensive coordinator before stints at Kentucky and Texas Tech.

''It will be a different experience,'' Brown said. ''It's obviously the first time I'm going to run out there as a head coach, there will be some things that I will have to get used to, but I'm looking forward to it.''

Here are some things to know about Saturday's Troy-N.C. State game:

FAMILIAR FACE:

Troy's defensive coordinator should be very familiar with N.C. State. Vic Koenning spent the past three seasons running UNC's defense. ''We expect to see some of the same and some different from him,'' Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said, ''and that's kind of what you get in every opening game.''

NO THORNTON:

The Wolfpack won't have top rusher Shadrach Thornton due to a two-game suspension. His absence means a start and bigger role in a strong running offense for Dayes, a junior who had a big performance in a game when Thornton was suspended once before in 2013. ''It's a great opportunity,'' he said, ''and I've just got to take full advantage of it.''

TOP RECEIVER:

N.C. State will have to find a go-to receiver. Juniors Jumichael Ramos, Johnathan Alston and Bra'Lon Cherry figure to earn key roles, but it's the arrival of freshman converted running back Nyheim Hines that has created the most buzz. ''Whoever has the hot hand will play,'' Hines said. ''I believe each game there may be a different go-to guy until somebody separates themselves.''

EXPERIENCED SECONDARY:

N.C. State has plenty of experience back with all five starters returning to the secondary in a 4-2-5 scheme. ''We have a lot of guys that have been in the system for quite a long time,'' cornerback Jack Tocho said. ''There's no worry about miscommunication.''

TROY'S CHANGES:

Coach Neal Brown inherits a team that needs a boost on both sides of the ball. The offense averaged about 22 points last year, but returns quarterback Brandon Silvers and the team's top two rushers in Brandon Burks and Jordan Chunn. The defense allowed an average of 36.2 points in a three-win season. ''I think it is hard to speak on confidence until you've played,'' Brown said. ''If you want to talk about trust, I trust them.''

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No. 12 Clemson faces defensive questions against Wofford

September 4, 2015

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables did not need a refresher on Wofford's option offense to get worried for Saturday's opener.

All the holes on the 12th-ranked Tigers' defense took care of that long ago.

Clemson was the country's No. 1 defense last year, allowing 260 yards a game to finish 10-3. But eight starters off that group are gone, including NFL first-round selections in defensive end Vic Beasley and linebacker Stephone Anthony - and Venables is waiting to see if his new starters can keep things going Clemson's way.

Wofford could make that difficult.

The Terriers of the Football Championship Subdivision have been among that division's best running teams for nearly two decades (they're ranked among country's top seven rushing teams each of past 17 years). The last time Wofford came to Death Valley in 2011, it led 24-21 in the third quarter before Clemson rallied to win 35-27.

Venables didn't need to go back that far, simply watching Wofford give Georgia Tech fits last season. The Terriers were down just 24-19 in the final quarter of Georgia Tech's 38-19 win.

''And was the same Georgia Tech team that kicked our butt,'' Venables said of Clemson's 28-6 loss to the Yellow Jackets two months later. ''That's what I saw.''

Clemson defense continued to take hits during fall football camp. Korrin Wiggins, one of three returning starters at nickel back, was lost for the year with a torn ACL. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader, an expected starter on the front four, stepped away from the team last month to handle what Clemson coach Dabo Swinney called ''personal issues'' with no timetable for a return.

Travis Blanks, returning from knee injuries the past two seasons, will take Wiggins' spot at linebacker while sophomore Scott Pagano or freshman Christian Wilkins are in line to fill Reader's role.

''It's exciting for the challenge,'' Venables said. ''And we will have to play really well to give ourselves a chance to win.''

---

Some things to watch when No. 12 Clemson plays Wofford:

CLEMSON'S FCS SUCCESS:

The Tigers are 29-0 all-time against teams from the Football Championship Subdivision since 1982. The only team to finish within single-digits of Clemson in that stretch? Wofford in 2011 when it fell at Death Valley 35-27. The Terriers 27 points are the most ever put up by an FCS school against Clemson.

WOFFORD LOOKING TO REBOUND:

Wofford missed the FCS playoffs for the second straight season last fall, something that had not happened since the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The Terriers have won three Southern Conference titles and gone to the national playoffs five times in the past eight seasons and are anxious for a return to the top. ''When you feel the pulse of this team, I think the kids are excited about the season,'' said Mike Ayers, who's starts his 28th season with the Terriers. ''They're a close-knit group.''

CLEMSON KICKER:

The Tigers enter the season without last year's place kicker Ammon Lakip, suspended for the first three games because of a drug arrest last June. Lakip was 21 of 28 on field goals last fall, improving his accuracy as the season went on. Walk-on Greg Huegel won the job in fall camp, out-performing scholarship kicker Alex Spence. Huegel won't truly be tested until the third game when Clemson starts Atlantic Coast Conference play at Louisville.

CROWDED BACKFIELD:

Clemson either has a lot of depth at running back or is still searching for a featured runner. Wayne Gallman, last year's leading rusher with 769 yards, is listed as the starter. Behind him, the Tigers depth chart lists four more runners expected to see playing time in C.J. Davidson, Tyshon Dye, C.J. Fuller and Zac Brooks.

NEW FACES:

The Clemson offensive three-deep lineup includes 13 freshman, including offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt who will make his first college start Saturday against Wofford. Other freshmen who'll play are receivers Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud and Trevion Thompson, tight end Garrett Williams and offensive linemen Justin Falcinelli and Jake Fruhmorgen.

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WVU focused on Georgia Southern's triple-option run game

September 4, 2015

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) Weeks of film study and practice may not have been enough to get West Virginia ready for how it will go after Georgia Southern's triple-option run game.

Getting defenders spaced out properly on Saturday night could be the difference between West Virginia stifling an overmatched opponent or becoming the latest major-conference victim of the underdog Eagles.

''You have to attack the dive. You have to attack the quarterback, and you have to attack the pitch man,'' said West Virginia linebacker Jared Barber. ''Everybody has to do their job every play or they'll get out on us.''

In its inaugural season in the Bowl Subdivision, Georgia Southern's 4,573 rushing yards in 2014 were second nationally to Georgia Tech. The Eagles ran the ball 80 percent of the time, and the game plan may not be much different against the Mountaineers in Morgantown.

For West Virginia, there's little comfort in the fact that Georgia Southern quarterback Kevin Ellison, a 1,000-yard rusher, will sit out the game.

''This one will definitely test our mental focus, especially in the secondary with them running the ball so much,'' said West Virginia cornerback Terrell Chestnut.

Georgia Southern lost by a combined five points at North Carolina State and Georgia Tech last year. In 2013, the Eagles stunned Florida on its home field.

''They're not going to come in here intimidated,'' said West Virginia defensive coordinator Tony Gibson.

---

Here are some things to watch out for when the Mountaineers and Georgia Southern meet for the first time:

NEW QB:

Georgia Southern junior Favian Upshaw will get his first career start because Ellison is academically ineligible for the first two games. Upshaw played in 11 games as a backup a year ago, rushing for 385 yards and throwing for 285 more. ''He can do anything,'' said Georgia Southern coach Willie Fritz. ''We have a lot of confidence in him. He's got great composure and is very competitive.''

BORN TO RUN:

The game features running backs with solid credentials from both teams. Georgia Southern's Matt Breida compiled 1,485 rushing yards as a sophomore last season, including a pair of 200-yard games. He scored 18 touchdowns and averaged a whopping 8.7 yards per carry. The West Virginia tandem of Rushel Shell (788) and Wendell Smallwood (722) combined for 1,510 yards and nine touchdowns.

YOUNG PASS CATCHERS:

The Mountaineers will need plenty of help at wide receiver to make up for the graduations of second-team All-American Kevin White and Mario Alford, who combined for nearly 2,400 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in 2014. Getting the call as a starter is freshman Jovon Durante, who had only 11 catches as a high school senior in Miami. Coach Dana Holgorsen has talked about the speedy Durante's potential but said ''until it happens in a game, I am going to reserve the right to sit here and brag about him.'' Another new starter is sophomore Shelton Gibson, who caught four passes last season and emerged as a kickoff returner at midseason.

SPECIAL TEAMS ON WATCH:

West Virginia was terrible returning punt and kickoffs last season, and the watch is on for any improvement. K.J. Dillon is expected to handle both duties for the Mountaineers, who averaged a measly 3 yards per punt return a year ago.

QB'S HOME DEBUT:

West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard will make his first start at Mountaineer Field after subbing for the injured Clint Trickett in two games at the end of last season - a win at Iowa State and a Liberty Bowl loss to Texas A&M. ''He knows how to execute this offense,'' said West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen. ''He has a chip on his shoulder, and he is ready to play.''

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Gators hope to improve under McElwain

September 4, 2015

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) Florida's passing game was difficult, maybe even impossible, to watch the last five years.

Deep balls were mostly non-existent. Tight ends were an afterthought. Creativity was conjecture. Productivity was three touchdowns.

Forget the Fun `n' Gun. With all the jokes surrounding the Gators' paltry passing game, the offense should have been dubbed the Run `n' Pun.

New coach Jim McElwain plans to return Florida to passing prominence, or at the very least, respectability. His first chance comes Saturday night against New Mexico State, a seemingly overmatched opponent that managed just five victories in the last three years.

McElwain has a strong vision for rebuilding the Gators. It includes better facilities, a few extra bodies working behind the scenes and bolstering recruiting efforts, and - maybe most importantly - better offensive efficiency.

''As hungry as (fans) are, I guarantee you that I'm twice as hungry to see and get after it,'' McElwain said. ''Yet, we still have to find out what they're capable of. For us, we want to discover some explosive playmakers and really stretch the field. One of the things we've stressed is trying to put the ball down the field vertically and not worry as much horizontally.''

Florida ranked 114th, 107th and 104th in passing yards the last three years, way down from the Tim Tebow era and significantly below when Steve Spurrier's ''Fun `n' Gun'' started revolutionizing the Southeastern Conference 25 years ago.

Florida hired McElwain to turn things around. He has directed several high-powered offenses, including recent stops at Fresno State, Alabama and Colorado State.

Getting it done at Florida won't be an overnight fix. After all, he hasn't even settled on a starting quarterback.

McElwain picked sophomore Treon Harris to start over redshirt freshman Will Grier in the opener. Harris is expected to play three or four series before turning things over to Grier. McElwain believes competing under the lights and in front of nearly 90,000 fans will help decide the outcome of the competition.

Florida has other concerns, too. Although tight end Jake McGee, running back Kelvin Taylor and receivers Demarcus Robinson and Brandon Powell are considered the team's top playmakers, the offensive line is a seemingly shaky unit with little experience and even less depth.

''I'm excited,'' guard Trip Thurman said. ''We've never really had an offensive coordinator that stayed here. With McElwain being an offensive guy, I think that's really the key to getting Florida's offense back on track the way they've been in the past.''

Florida's defense should be stout as usual.

Former coach Will Muschamp left behind a deep and talented unit, and new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins made few changes. The Gators will blitz more, which should create more turnovers and put the revamped offense in better spots.

''Kind of looking forward to seeing what our identity is going to be,'' McElwain said. ''This will be the first chance to give us a chance out there and see what we are, what we're all about. ... I know what we want it to be. There are certain things that we want our guys to be able to do and show.''

Offensive prowess tops the list.

Here are some other things to know about Florida and New Mexico State heading into the opener:

FLORIDA DEBUTS:

Don't read too much into McElwain's first game. Former Florida coaches Ron Zook and Muschamp enjoyed dominating debuts, with the Gators pounding Alabama-Birmingham 51-3 under Zook in 2002 and thumping Florida Atlantic 41-3 under Muschamp in 2011. Florida edged Wyoming 32-14 in Urban Meyer's opener, and Meyer went on to lead the Gators to two national titles in three years.

ABOUT THE AGGIES:

New Mexico State ranked last (128th) in rushing defense in the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2014 and 116th in total defense. The Aggies also have lost 10 in a row.

INJURIES:

Florida likely will be without two projected starters. Safety Keanu Neal and left tackle Martez Ivey are considered doubtful.

SUSPENSIONS:

The Gators will be without safety Marcus Maye, defensive end Alex McCalister and receiver Latroy Pittman because of an undisclosed violation of program policy.

MORRISON RETURNS:

Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison is expected to start and play, eight months after reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

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No. 21 Stanford, Northwestern look to show old winning form

September 4, 2015

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) Along with their sterling academic reputations, No. 21 Stanford and Northwestern share at least one more thing in common: Both want to show they can play winning football again.

That starts Saturday when they meet in a season opener.

''It's the opportunity of a lifetime,'' Northwestern safety Traveon Henry said. ''Some say this is a bowl game for us. Some say it's the academic bowl. There's a lot built into it. We respect those guys a whole lot. They have a great model and we've seen them have success.''

Stanford is trying to show that a strong finish last year was not just a late-season tease. The Cardinal closed with a three-game winning streak to finish 8-5 after playing in BCS bowls the previous four seasons.

Northwestern is trying to improve on back-to-back 5-7 seasons after making bowls the previous five years and going 10-3 in 2012. It's been a difficult stretch for a team that looked as if it was ready to challenge the Big Ten powers, with the losses mounting and the unionization issue hovering above the program.

The school recently won an appeal with the National Labor Relations Board, settling that issue at least for now. A victory Saturday would go a long way toward showing coach Pat Fitzgerald's team is returning to form.

---

Some things to watch when Stanford visits Northwestern:

NEW FACES:

Only one team in the nation gave up fewer points per game last season than Stanford (16.4) and that was Ole Miss (16.0). The Cardinal also led the Pac-12 in rushing and passing defense while holding opponents to league-low 282.4 yards overall. But they come into this season with some big holes on the line and in the secondary. The secondary took several hits with safety Jordan Richards graduating, cornerback Alex Carter jumping to the NFL after three seasons, cornerback Wayne Lyons transferring to Michigan and safety Zach Hoffpauir getting taken by Arizona in major league baseball's draft and signing with the Diamondbacks. The Cardinal are also inexperienced on the defensive line with Henry Anderson in the NFL.

''There was a little bit of a concern at the beginning of the camp, but now I am confident,'' coach David Shaw said. ''We have the talent to do it.''

EXPERIENCE BEHIND CENTER:

Last year was not an easy one for Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan. After leading Stanford to two Rose Bowls, he had to deal with the death of his father during his junior season. He still threw for 2,792 yards and 19 touchdowns on the year and was particularly good down the stretch, completing 76.3 percent of his passes over the final three games. With 24 wins as a starting quarterback, Hogan trails only Ohio State's Braxton Miller (26) among active FBS players.

INEXPERIENCE BEHIND CENTER:

While Stanford comes in with an experienced quarterback, Northwestern will be starting a freshman in Clayton Thorson. A dual threat who starred at suburban Wheaton North High School, about 40 miles from Ryan Field, he beat out senior Matt Oliver and sophomore Matt Alviti to replace Trevor Siemian.

GOOD START:

Northwestern's Justin Jackson made quite an impression when he ran for 1,187 yards last season and joined Tyrell Sutton (1,474 in 2005) as the only Wildcats freshmen to run for 1,000. He figures to be tested right from the start even if Stanford has some new faces on defense.

CARDINAL RUN:

Six straight seasons with at least a 1,000-yard rusher and years of overpowering opponents with the run game came screeching to a halt in 2014. Remound Wright led the team with 601 yards, but Stanford is counting on big gains on the ground again. One reason for that is Christian McCaffrey, who ran for 300 yards and averaged 7.1 per carry as a freshman. He added a few pounds in hopes of becoming stronger without sacrificing the speed that made him a threat in the passing game.

[StarDust Bum]

Falk in charge as Wazoo opens season

September 4, 2015

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) The quarterback gets much of the attention in Mike Leach's Air Raid offense. But the receivers are just as important, and Washington State will use an array of them in the season opener against Portland State on Saturday.

''We'll play eight of them,'' Leach said this week.

That's in addition to throwing often to running backs Jamal Morrow, Gerard Wicks and Keith Harrington.

Last season, the Cougars threw for a school-record 5,732 yards. Not one of those yards came from Gabe Marks, who red-shirted. But Marks figures to be one of the top passing targets this season, along with River Cracraft, Dom Williams, Robert Lewis and Tyler Baker.

Leach had declined during fall camp to say whether Luke Falk would be his starting quarterback, insisting the veteran was in a battle with Peyton Bender. This week, Leach announced that Falk would start against the Vikings. Falk filled in ably last season when starter Connor Halliday broke his leg in the ninth game of the season.

Leach declined to predict how many games he thought the Cougars would win this season, after going just 3-9 last year. But he did allow that this might be the most talented team in his four seasons in Pullman.

''Definitely in the offensive line and defensive line for sure,'' Leach said.

Portland State also finished 3-9, but they are an FCS team that plays in the Big Sky Conference. They figure to be overmatched in Martin Stadium, where they lost 59-21 last season. Portland State will pick up a $525,000 check for its efforts.

The Vikings are led by first-year coach Bruce Barnum, who is working on a one-year contract.

''It forces you to be mistake-free and play fundamental football,'' Barnum said of opening against Washington State. ''That's a challenge for us.''

Washington State has never lost to an FCS team, and the Cougars are looking for a much better start than last season, when they opened with upset losses to Rutgers and Nevada.

Portland State's quarterback will be junior college transfer Alex Kuresa, who threw for 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns last season at Snow College. He also rushed for 592 yards and eight touchdowns. Kuresa beat out senior Kieran McDonagh, who has started 29 games for the Vikings.

Portland State rushed for 2,500 yards last season, and Steven Long (605 yards) is back.

Things to watch in Saturday's game:

RETURN WOES:

Washington State hasn't returned a kickoff for a touchdown since 2003, or a punt for a touchdown since 2005. That may change this season behind explosive kick returner Tavares Martin and punt returner Kyrin Priester. They will be aided by blockers who will likely be bigger and faster than Portland State's tacklers.

LUKE WARM:

WSU led the nation in passing offense last season at 477.7 yards per game, and doesn't seem likely to step back from that behind Falk, who threw for 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns in relief of Halliday last season.

NEW DEFENSE:

Washington State gave up 38.6 points per game last season, so Leach fired defensive coordinator Mike Breske and replaced him with Alex Grinch from Missouri. Grinch must improve a defense that ranked No. 97 nationally in total yards allowed and was largely blamed for the Cougars' poor record. Outside linebackers coach Roy Manning and receivers coach Graham Harrell are also new.

WARM SEAT:

Leach has sparked plenty of interest in WSU football, helping push attendance to more than 30,000 per game. But he also makes more than $2.7 million per year, the best paid employee in the state, and has an overall record of 12-25 at WSU.

WILDFIRE:

Washington State is offering free game tickets to people affected by the massive wildfires in the state this summer. The school is also offering one end zone ticket to Saturday's game to anyone who donates three food items or a case of bottled water, which will go to food banks in towns impacted by the fires.