The Bum's College Football Week # 6 Rated Plays, Trends, News Etc. !!

[StarDust Bum]

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

7:00 PM EDT

307 SOUTHERN MISS 60 56 / 56.5 / 57 56.5 +140
308 MARSHALL -6.5 -11 -3 -15 / -3.5 -05 / -3 -20 -3 -15 -160

MRS-RB-Devon Johnson-Probable | TV: CBSC, DTV: 221 | CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE LIGHT SHOWERS EARLY. WEST WIND 9-14. GAME TEMP 68, RH 75%

8:00 PM EDT

309 NORTH CAROLINA STATE 53 46 / 46.5 / 45.5 44.5 +135
FREE
310 VIRGINIA TECH -3 -3 -19 / -3 -15 / -3 -3 -15 -155

NCS-RB-Shadrach Thornton-OUT | VTU-QB-Michael Brewer-Probable | TV: ESPN, DTV: 206 | CLOUDY, 60% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. WEST WIND 6-11. GAME TEMP 70, RH 75% HEAT INDEX 72

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NCAAF Consensus Picks

SIDES (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

7:00 PM Southern Mississippi +3 725 39.79% Marshall -3 1097 60.21% View View

8:00 PM North Carolina State +3 786 41.94% Virginia Tech -3 1088 58.06% View View


TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

8:00 PM North Carolina State 44.5 538 42.80% Virginia Tech 44.5 719 57.20% View View

7:00 PM Southern Mississippi 56.5 705 57.55% Marshall 56.5 520 42.45% View View

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Southern Mississippi - 7:00 PM ET Southern Mississippi +3 500 *****

Marshall - Over 56.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY


North Carolina State - 8:00 PM ET Virginia Tech -3 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Virginia Tech - Under 44.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

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Florida at Missouri

October 9, 2015


Matchup: Florida (5-0) at Missouri (4-1)
Venue: Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field, Columbia, Missouri
Time/TV: Saturday, October 10, 7:30 PM ET – SEC
Line: Florida -4.5, Over/Under 40
Last Meeting: 2014, Missouri 42 at Florida 13

Florida is 5-0 for the first time since 2009 after destroying Ole Miss 38-10 as a seven-point underdog last Friday at The Swamp in Gainesville. Jim McElwain’s first team has invigorated the fan base thanks to thrilling home wins over Tennessee and previously-unbeaten Rebels in the last two weeks.

First, Will Grier rallied Florida (5-0 straight up, 4-1 against the spread) to a 28-27 win over Tennessee by completing five passes on fourth down, including a 63-yard scoring strike to Antonio Callaway on fourth and 13 with less than two minutes remaining.

UF went into last Saturday’s home game versus Ole Miss as a seven-point underdog. Wearing orange-on-orange uniforms for just the second time since 1989, the Gators raced out to a 25-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 38-10 victory to hook up their money-line backers with a +240 return (risk $100 to win $240).

Will Grier was the catalyst offensively, completing 24-of-29 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. DeMarcus Robinson enjoyed a breakout performance, catching eight balls for 98 yards and one TD. Brandon Powell had just one reception but he turned a short crossing route into a 77-yard TD grab, while Callaway and Jake McGee had nine combined catches and one TD catch apiece.

Kelvin Taylor ran for 83 yards on 27 carries. Vernon Hargreaves III collected his third interception of the season, returning it for 36 yards. The junior cover corner shares the SEC lead in picks with Ole Miss’s Trae Elston and South Carolina’s Skai Moore. UF’s defense forced three fumbles and put a beating on Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly.

Florida has now converted all 10 of its fourth-down plays this year. For the season, Grier is completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 996 yards with a 10/3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The redshirt freshman QB also has two rushing scores.

Robinson has a team-best 28 receptions for 251 yards and two TDs. Kelvin Taylor has rushed for a team-high 339 yards and five TDs. UF senior DT Jonathan Bullard is tied for second in the SEC with his team-high five sacks. Alex McAllister has four sacks.

Missouri (4-1 SU, 1-4 ATS) has won a pair of SEC East titles in three seasons of competing in the league. Gary Pinkel’s team is 1-1 in conference play, bouncing back from a 21-13 loss at Kentucky to beat South Carolina by a 24-10 count as a three-point home favorite last week.

Making his first career start, true freshman QB Drew Lock connected on 21-of-28 passes for 134 yards and two TDs without an interception. Ish Witter ran for 98 yards and one TD on 17 carries, while Nate Brown hauled in six receptions for 33 yards and a pair of TDs.

For the season, Lock has completed 36-of-53 throws (67.9%) for 361 yards with a 3/1 TD-INT ratio. Witter leads the Tigers in rushing with 279 yards and one TD, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.

Witter has taken on an increased load due to an ankle injury to Russell Hansbrough, who rushed for 1,084 yards and 10 TDs in 2014. Hansbrough was injured in the first quarter of the season opener and didn’t dress for a 9-6 home win over UConn. He should be close to 100 percent this week after getting a season-high 11 carries against the Gamecocks.

Missouri LB Kentrell Brothers leads the SEC in tackles with 59. He’s the catalyst for a unit that ranks eighth in the nation in total defense and seventh in scoring, giving up only 12.0 PPG. The Tigers have been miserable offensively, however, scoring at just a 21.4 PPG clip.

As of early Friday morning, most books had Florida installed as a 4.5-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 39.5 points. The Tigers were +175 on the money line (risk $100 to win $175).

Maty Mauk remains on indefinite suspension with junior OT Malik Cuellar. Mauk had been struggling anyway in a season in which Pinkel had hoped he would become more consistent.

As a road favorite since 2007, UF owns a 15-6 spread record in 24 such situations. Missouri has been a home underdog five times since joining the SEC, compiling a 2-3 record both SU and ATS.

The ‘over’ is 3-2 overall for UF, but the ‘under’ was an easy winner in its lone previous road assignment at Kentucky.

The ‘under’ is 5-0 for the Tigers, who have seen their combined scores play to an average of 33.5 points per game.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on The SEC Network.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- Georgia is listed as a three-point favorite for Saturday’s SEC East showdown at Tennessee. The Volunteers are 3-2 ATS in five games as home underdogs during Butch Jones’s tenure.

-- The Alabama-Arkansas line hasn’t moved much this week, bouncing around from 16.5 to 17. The Razorbacks, fresh off a 24-20 win at Tennessee, are getting on an airplane for the third consecutive Friday. Remember, they played Texas A&M in Arlington two weeks ago, losing 28-21 in overtime. RB Alex Collins has run for more than 150 yards in three consecutive games. The Hogs are 4-4 ATS as road underdogs on Bret Bielema’s watch. Meanwhile, Alabama has failed to cover the spread in all three home games this year. The Crimson Tide is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games as a double-digit home ‘chalk’ and, going back even further, it has limped to an 8-13 ATS mark in its last 21 such spots.

-- Count me as one of the many surprised by Florida’s fast start. All the credit is going to McElwain and justifiably so. But I go back to the postgame presser in Tallahassee after UF’s gut-wrenching 24-19 loss at FSU last year. Will Muschamp told the assembled media, “Don’t let the next guy come in here and tell you he doesn’t have any players in that locker room.”

-- West Virginia All-American senior safety Karl Joseph was lost for the season to a non-contact knee injury. Joseph was tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions with five.

-- Auburn WR Duke Williams was dismissed from the program earlier this week. Multiple reports indicate that Williams allegedly punched four different men, including two security guards, when a member of his party was kicked out of a bar for wearing sunglasses, which violated the establishment’s dress code. This is just the last straw for Williams, who had already been suspended twice in his brief Auburn career. The Tigers have an open date this weekend before playing at Kentucky next Thursday.

-- Tennessee booted WR Pig Howard from its program for a violation of school rules on Wednesday. Howard had a team-best 54 receptions for 618 yards and one TD last season. His playing time this year had been limited due to multiple injuries.

-- Current line for Florida St. at Florida: UF -1.5 vs. FSU. The Seminoles were favored by 1.5 before the Gators smashed Ole Miss. UF is now a 5.5-point underdog to Georgia, which was favored by 10 last week.

-- Current Iron Bowl line: Alabama -10.5 at Auburn. The Crimson Tide was a 7.5-point ‘chalk’ before bludgeoning Georgia in Athens last weekend.

-- Wisconsin’s leading WR Alex Erickson was upgraded to ‘probable’ for Saturday’s game at Nebraska after practicing on Thursday. Erickson left last week’s 10-6 loss vs. Iowa early due to a concussion.

-- Since 2008, Northwestern owns a 17-8 spread record in 25 games as a road underdog. The Wildcats, who have seen the ‘under’ cash at a 5-0 clip so far this year, are seven-point underdogs at Michigan.

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ACC Report - Week 6
October 9, 2015


2015 ACC STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under

Boston College 3-2 0-2 2-2-1 1-4

Clemson 4-0 1-0 2-2 1-3

Duke 4-1 2-0 3-2 0-5

Florida State 4-0 2-0 2-2 1-3

Georgia Tech 2-3 0-2 2-3 3-2

Louisville 2-3 1-1 4-1 1-3-1

Miami (Fla.) 3-1 0-0 2-2 2-2

North Carolina 4-1 1-0 3-2 2-3

North Carolina State 4-1 0-1 4-1 2-3

Pittsburgh 3-1 1-0 3-1 2-2

Syracuse 3-1 1-0 3-1 4-0

Virginia 1-3 0-0 1-2-1 3-1

Virginia Tech 2-3 0-1 2-3 4-1

Wake Forest 2-3 0-2 2-3 2-2-1

Duke at Army (CBS Sports Network, 12:00 p.m. ET)

Duke steps back out of conference after a pair of home wins in the ACC. The Blue Devils won a game last weekend without scoring a touchdown, the first time they have done that since 1978. A big reason for their early success this season has been a suffocating defense which ranks fifth in scoring and ninth in total defense. Duke has won 12 of its past 13 against non-conference opponents, with their only loss coming in a 19-10 loss to Northwestern three weeks ago. Army ranks 10th in the FBS with 287.8 rushing yards per game, and the difference whether Duke can cover a near two-touchdown spread will depend on how much success Army's run game can have against Duke's stellar defense, and whether or not Duke's offense can get untracked. Army allows 26.4 points per game, so it's a good chance for the Blue Devils to work out the kinks before getting back into conference play.

Virginia at Pittsburgh (ESPN3, 12:30 p.m. ET)

Virginia hits the road well rested following a bye. The Cavaliers have had two weeks to prepare for this Panthers team, and UVA is 6-2 ATS in their past eight road games against a team with a winning home record. Pittsburgh has managed to cover just once in its past five home games, although they are 12-5-2 ATS in their past 19 against a team with a losing record and 5-2 ATS in their past seven overall. And while these two sides do not have a lengthy history against each other, the favorite is 4-0-1 ATS in the past five meetings and the home team is 3-0-1 ATS in the past four. That bodes well for Pittsburgh, a 10-point favorite, if you believe in trends. But remember, Virginia enters well rested and relatively healthy.

Wake Forest at Boston College (ESPN3, 3:00p.m. ET)

This game opened with Boston College favored by 9 1/2 points, but has dropped two points as of Friday evening. It might be due to a lack of confidence in BC's offense, which has mustered just 24 points over the past three games after posting 100 points in two games against FCS foes to start the season. The Eagles defense has had it on lockdown, though, giving up a total of just 40 points through five outings. The money has been on the Demon Deacons, but that's a risky play considering Wake is 0-5 ATS in its past five road games and 6-17 ATS in the past 23 road games against a team with a winning home record. Of course, BC is 10-24 ATS in the past 34 against teams with a losing road record. The Eagles are an impressive 6-0-1 ATS in the past seven at home against a team with a losing road record, however. The favorite has cashed in six of the past eight in this series with the under going 5-0 in the past five.

Georgia Tech at Clemson (ABC or ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.)

Georgia Tech fired out of the chute in wins against FCS Alcorn State and Tulane, but then had a rude awakening at Notre Dame, a loss at Duke and a setback at home to North Carolina. Suddenly, there are more questions than answers for this Yellow Jackets squad. Now, they head to Death Valley to face a Tigers squad brimming with confidence after hanging on for a win against a Top 10 team from Notre Dame. Will there be a little bit of a letdown for the Tigers this week? That's the only explanation for a line hovering around a touchdown. Clemson is clearly a better team than Georgia Tech right now, and perhaps if the Tigers weren't coming off a big win to face a lesser opponent this week, the line would be in double digits. Georgia has also won six of the past nine meetings, so that likely has a bit to do with it. That includes a sound 28-6 drumming in Atlanta last season for the Ramblin' Wreck. Despite the non-cover last week, Tech is still 5-2 ATS in the past seven conference games, and 9-3 ATS in the past 12 overall. Clemson has covered four of the past five (not last week, though), and they're 0-6 ATS in the past six ACC tilts. While the home team is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings, the road team is a stellar 15-6 ATS in the past 21 battles.

Syracuse at South Florida (CBS Sports Network, 3:30 p.m.)

Syracuse heads south for a non-conference battle with the Bulls. After a week off to regroup following an impressive showing in a 34-24 loss at home to LSU, the Orange got healthy. They were down to their fifth-string quarterback against LSU, but thankfully get the talented Eric Dungey back this weekend. South Florida has dominated past battles, going 6-2 all-time, although 'Cuse hung on for a 37-36 win in the most recent meeting in Tampa Oct. 27, 2012 when the two sides combined for 1,072 total yards. 'Cuse is 11-5 ATS in the past 16 non-conference tilts, but just 2-7 ATS in the past nine on the road against a team with a losing home record. The Bulls are 7-3-1 ATS in the past 11 against a team with a winning record, but a dismal 6-19-2 ATS in the past 27 at home. And while the trends are a bit stale since these teams haven't faced each other in three years, the favorite is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings, with the Orange 2-6 ATS in the past eight and the road team 4-0 ATS in the past four. The over is 4-1-1 in the past six, too. However, the under is 6-for-6 in the past six road tilts for Syracuse, and 23-8-1 in the past 32 for the Bulls, including 5-1 at the Ray Jay.

Miami-Florida at Florida State (ABC - 8:00 p.m.)

This highly-anticipated rivalry lost a little luster when Miami fell for the first time at Cincinnati last week, and Florida State star Dalvin Cook pulled up lame with a hamstring injury in last week's win at Wake Forest. Those are just two of the storylines, as head coach Al Golden looks for a signature win to get the home folks off his back following another disappointing loss for the impatient fanbase. Miami still leads the conference with a plus-9 turnover margin, and they're second in the nation in the category. That will be key if they want to pull the road upset as more than a touchdown underdog. FSU won in Miami last season, 30-26, and they have taken eight of the past 10 straight up. The Hurricanes are 3-8 ATS in the past 11 against a team with a winning record, and 2-7 ATS in their past nine on the road. The Seminoles aren't much better, going 2-6 ATS in the past eight overall, 1-5 ATS in the past six at home and 2-6 in the past eight at home against the 'Canes. The road team has covered seven of the past nine, and the underdog is an impressive 13-3 ATS in the past 16 battles.

ACC teams on bye
Louisville, North Carolina

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Pac-12 Report - Week 6
October 9, 2015

2015 PAC-12 STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under

Arizona 3-2 0-2 2-2 5-0

Arizona State 3-2 1-1 1-4 0-5

California 5-0 2-0 3-2 2-3

Colorado 3-2 0-1 1-3-1 1-4

Oregon 3-2 1-1 2-3 3-2

Oregon State 2-2 0-1 1-3 2-2

Southern California 3-2 1-2 3-2 2-3

Stanford 4-1 3-0 4-1 3-2

UCLA 4-1 1-1 2-2-1 1-4

Utah 4-0 1-0 3-1 2-2

Washington 3-2 1-1 4-1 1-4

Washington State 2-2 0-1 2-2 1-3



Oregon State at Arizona (FOX Sports 1, 4:00 p.m. ET)

Arizona is back home against an Oregon State scoring offense which ranks dead-last in the Pac-12. The Wildcats have problems of their own on offense, though, as QB Anu Solomon (concussion) is a question mark for this game due to a concussion. If he is sidelined it would be QB Jerrard Russell taking the reins of the offense. He finished up with 245 yards of total offense in a lopsided loss at Stanford a week ago. The Wildcats might have to lean upon RB Nick Wilson even more than usual, as he leads the conference with 123.2 yards per outing. Oregon State won 38-35 in the last meeting Sept. 29, 2012, but that was a different Beavers team with QB Sean Mannion, WR Brandin Cooks and company. Oregon State lost its first road game at Michigan this season by a 35-7 count, while Arizona is averaging 49.7 PPG in three home dates so far.

Washington State at Oregon (Pac-12 Network, 6:00 p.m. ET)

Oregon got it together last week in a tough road game at Colorado, successfully rebounding after an undressing last time out in Autzen at the hands of Utah. The Ducks are back in front of the home faithful Saturday, and they're favored by 17 against the Cougs. Washington State QB Luke Falk is fourth in the country with a 72.6 competion percentage, and he is second in completions. However, WaZu's defense is atrocious allowing 393.5 yards per game while yielding 34.0 PPG in two road dates. Last season Washington State went toe-to-toe with Heisman winner Marcus Mariota and the Ducks, falling 38-31. The Cougs have covered five straight in the series while the over is 9-3 in the past 12, including 4-1 in the past five in Eugene.

Colorado at Arizona State (Pac-12 Network, 10:00 p.m. ET)

Colorado hung with Oregon last week in a great atmosphere in Boulder before falling by the wayside. They look for a more complete game in Tempe this weekend. Speaking of complete games, Arizona State finally had their first in five tries with an upset road triumph at UCLA, a stunner to say the least. The Buffaloes are just 16-36-1 ATS in their past 53 road games, and 1-3-1 ATS in their past five overall. The Sun Devils haven't been much better, going 3-7 ATS in their past 10 at home and 1-6 ATS in their past seven overall, covering last week. The favorite has covered five of the past six meetings, with the home team going 4-1 ATS in the past five. The Buffs are 1-5 ATS in their past six trips to Tempe.

California at Utah (ESPN, 10:00 p.m.)

The game of the week in the Pac-12 might be in Salt Lake City, as two teams enter unbeaten, but someone will suffer their first loss of the season. The Golden Bears are 6-1 ATS in their past seven road games, but only 8-17 ATS in the past 25 conference tilts. The Utes have been on point lately, going 4-1 ATS in their past five games overall, and 10-3 ATS in their past 13 against a team with a winning overall record. They're also 4-1 ATS in their past five coming off a bye. The under has been the dominant trend for both sides lately, going 4-0 in the past four Pac-12 games for Cal, while the under is 5-1 in the past six at Rice-Eccles for Utah. The under is 10-4-1 in their past 15 games overall, and 12-5-1 ATS in the past 18 conference battles.

Pac-12 teams on a bye
Stanford, UCLA

Already played
Washington 17, Southern California 12 (THU)

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Florida tries to keep unbeaten year
October 9, 2015

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) No. 11 Florida has chance to go to 6-0. Missouri has a chance to edge back into the national picture.

Gators coach Jim McElwain said his players showed him a sense of urgency this week as they prepared for a trip to the two-time defending SEC East champion.

''I think there's one thing that really shows is just getting out of the locker room and getting to meetings,'' McElwain said. ''What it tells me is they're looking forward to the opportunity.''

Then again, he'll find out for sure on Saturday.

''That's what's fun about every opportunity, because you really don't know,'' McElwain said. ''But I do know this: When there's a sense of urgency and a sense of focus from the meeting room to the practice field, at least you know comfortably that your guys are going to go compete.''

Florida (5-0, 3-0 SEC) is coming off a 38-3 rout of previously third-ranked Ole Miss at home. Quarterback Will Grier completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns, all in the first half.

In victories against Tennessee and Ole Miss, Grier became the first Florida quarterback to pass for 250 yards in consecutive games since Tim Tebow in 2007.

''He makes good decisions, and he takes care of the ball,'' Missouri linebacker Michael Scherer said. ''It's going to be important to get pressure on him, and make sure he's not comfortable.''

Florida will bring plenty of pressure, too, as the Gators try to go 4-0 in SEC play for the first time since 2012.

The Gators lead the SEC with 18 sacks, tied for fourth-best in the nation. Defensive end Alex McCalister has four sacks and four quarterback hurries, and attributes his success to the game planning of first-year defensive coordinator Geoff Collins.

''The scheme is a big help in getting to the quarterback,'' McCalister said. ''Comparing last year to this year, it is a little more freeing. That sets up a lot of my moves.''

Missouri (4-1, 1-1) needs to make up ground for a loss at Kentucky in the conference opener.

Freshman quarterback Drew Lock makes his second straight start in place of Maty Mauk, indefinitely suspended for violating team rules. Lock was 21 for 28 for 136 yards and two touchdowns last week in a 24-10 victory over South Carolina.

''It'll definitely be a test this week,'' Lock said. ''I'm definitely excited. Competition brings out the best in anybody. Hopefully it brings out the best in me.''

McElwain said he won't underestimate the freshman.

''You see the confidence that they have in him,'' McElwain said. ''They're doing the things that he's successful at. Offensively, they get the ball out quick. They don't allow a bunch of sacks because of how they get it out and how they play quickly.''

Here are some things to watch Saturday:

SWARMING SECONDARIES:

Missouri is allowing 154.2 passing yards per game, best in the SEC. The Tigers also lead the conference with seven interceptions and have allowed five touchdown passes. Florida has allowed only six touchdown passes, and is tied for third in the conference with five interceptions. Vernon Hargreaves III has three interceptions and 13 pass break-ups, both tied for best in the conference.

IN GOOD COMPANY:

McElwain is the fourth Florida coach to start 5-0, joining Charles Bachman, Galen Hall and Steve Spurrier.

BEHIND THE LINE:

Missouri ranks second in the nation with 48 tackles for loss and Florida has 46, tied for third with Penn State. Florida's Jonathan Bullard and Missouri's Charles Harris are tied for most tackles for loss in the SEC with 9 1/2 apiece. Florida's McCalister, Jarrad Davis and Antonio Morrison each have 6 1/2 tackles for loss. Scherer has five tackles for loss and Brothers has 4 1/2 for Missouri.

WATCH FOR WALTER:

Freshman defensive end Walter Brady has emerged as one of Missouri's best pass rushers with a team-best five sacks coming in the last three games. He had two third-down sacks and his first career interception against South Carolina.

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K-State hopes to give Snyder upset
October 9, 2015

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) Kansas State coach Bill Snyder spent his 76th birthday doing what he has for most of the past three decades: Trying to figure out how to slow down an opponent.

This year happened to be No. 2 TCU, a tougher one than most.

''If you fall behind with a team like that, it is pretty difficult to get back on the table,'' Snyder said grimly this week, ''and that is what happens to a lot of teams.''

It is certainly what happened to Texas, which was routed 50-7 by the Horned Frogs (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) last weekend. The Longhorns trailed 30-0 by the second quarter and they didn't get on the scoreboard until a throw-away touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Along the way, Heisman Trophy candidate Trevone Boykin threw for 322 yards and five TDs without an interception. KaVontae Turpin caught four touchdown passes and Josh Doctson caught two, one from running back Shaun Nixon. And lest anyone think the Horned Frogs were one-dimensional, they also piled up 228 yards rushing.

''They're a team that can go fast, and if you are not paying attention, they will go deep on you no matter what the time is,'' Kansas State linebacker Elijah Lee said.

The Wildcats (3-1, 0-1) could be in trouble if the game becomes a shootout.

Joe Hubener is expected to be back under center on Saturday after briefly getting knocked out of last week's loss at Oklahoma State. The injury, combined with other injuries to the position, forced Kansas State to use wide receiver Kody Cook as the emergency quarterback.

Cook played well before getting hurt, too. Hubener wound up finishing the game.

''They're a lot like what we used to be like. They run the option, they read it, they run the power. They try to get you on islands, whether it's in the pass or in the run,'' TCU coach Gary Patterson said. ''They're going to make you beat them. You've got to get ready to go.''

Snyder has been working all week to make sure his guys are ready to go.

What else would he be doing on his birthday?

''Like every Wednesday for the past 26 years,'' he said. ''I will not do anything, and I never really have except when I was a little toot. My mother made me blow out the candles on the cake.''

TACKLING PROBLEMS:

Not everything is rosy at TCU, where Patterson spent the week bemoaning his team's tackling. ''I don't think we've ever had 22 missed tackles in a ballgame in my lifetime here,'' he said. ''There's a standard of what we play like.''

MORE ON INJURIES:

The Wildcats are already without quarterback Jesse Ertz and top cornerback Dante Barnett. Third-string quarterback Alex Delton is also hurt, while Cook may not play because of the injury he sustained against the Cowboys.

PROVE IT:

Just a few seconds and a long field goal kept Kansas State from making this a game between the unbeaten. But that doesn't mean the Wildcats don't view TCU as an opportunity to make a statement. ''You can't prove yourself playing against the 122nd-ranked team,'' Hubener said. ''You need these games against quality programs where you can come out and shock the world.''

STREAKING FROGS:

TCU is riding a 13-game winning streak, second only to Ohio State (18). The Horned Frogs have also won 21 of their last 27 conference road games. But Patterson is just 1-2 against his alma mater since taking over in Fort Worth.

CROWD CONTROL:

At a time when attendance is dipping across college football, this will be the 23rd consecutive sellout at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. ''Everyone heard about the loss we took, so we have that weighing on our shoulders,'' Wildcats offensive lineman Terrale Johnson said. ''But we have this great opportunity in front of us ... to make our fans happy.''

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Baylor QB finally gets to play at Kansas
October 9, 2015

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) Rather than playing for one of the best teams in major college football, quarterback Seth Russell was oh-so-close to playing for what is arguably the worst.

The talented junior from the Dallas area was recruited by Kansas coach Turner Gill, and for a while had committed there. But when Gill was fired after the 2011 season, Russell backed out of his pledge and chose to play closer to home, signing instead with Art Briles at Baylor.

On Saturday, Russell will lead the Bears into Memorial Stadium against the Jayhawks.

''Coach Gill was a phenomenal guy. I had high respect for him,'' Russell said. ''I went up there when Coach Gill got released and Coach (Charlie) Weis came in. It just didn't have the same feel.''

Rather than a family, Kansas suddenly felt like a business.

''But when I came to visit Baylor it was just like Kansas all over again, before Coach Weis,'' Russell explained. ''I felt like it was a good fit for myself, and it was.''

Russell has the third-ranked Bears (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) in prime position for the College Football Playoff heading into Saturday's game at Kansas, directing an offense that is putting up the kind of numbers that you only see in video games.

Like 63.8 points per game, and an average of 745 yards of offense.

''I think if Turner stayed the coach up there, we wouldn't have Seth,'' Briles said. ''Seth was certainly a guy we always wanted and felt he would fit our system.''

The Jayhawks (0-4, 0-1) sure could use him these days.

After losing Michael Cummings to a knee injury in the spring game, Montell Cozart to a shoulder sprain and third-stringer Deondre Ford to torn tendons in a finger, coach David Beaty is down to freshman Ryan Willis making his first career start against the Bears. Willis has only played a couple dozen snaps this season, briefly in the opener against South Dakota State and then last week at Iowa State, when Cozart went down with his injury.

No pressure, kid.

''Man, he's excited. I think that's the thing that I'm most encouraged about with him,'' Beaty said. ''He is really excited about this opportunity. He has no shortage of confidence. Man, that's something that you can't give them. They either have it or they don't.''

Here are some things to watch for as the Bears visit the Jayhawks on Saturday.

LONG ODDS:

Depending on the odds-maker, Baylor is favored by about 45 points on Saturday. Not that Briles seems to care. ''If we can get out of there 7-6, I'll get on the plane as happy as I can be,'' he said. ''This is set up now like it's a playoff situation. You win and advance, win and advance. You don't win and you're fighting an uphill battle.''

COX RETURNS:

Kansas will get running back Taylor Cox back on Saturday. He's had injuries derail each of the last two seasons. While his impact on the game in yards and points may prove to be minimal, Beaty said this week that his leadership is invaluable.

SHOCK AND AWE:

Baylor running back Shock Linwood is averaging 146 yards rushing per game, fifth-best nationally and tops in the Big 12. ''It says a lot about our offense running the ball,'' he said. ''It shows that our offense has another way besides the passing game.''

CLOSE CALL:

There are still a few Baylor players around who were part of the 2011 team, led by Robert Griffin III, that needed overtime to beat Kansas on the road. ''They usually have that one game a year where they beat somebody or it's close,'' Bears offensive lineman Spencer Drango said. ''We don't want that to be us.''

OLD PALS:

Briles and Beaty have known each other for years, back when they were both high school coaches in Texas. They even won state titles right after each other in 1999, when Briles coached Stephenville and Beaty was leading Garland. ''I've had to match up with him a lot, every place I've been,'' Beaty said. ''Good coach.''

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Oklahoma State looks to remain unbeaten
October 9, 2015

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) After No. 10 Oklahoma got finished knocking around quarterback Skyler Howard and his running backs, West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen wanted to improve his team's pass protection and run blocking.

Then he found out what No. 21 Oklahoma State has been doing to opposing offenses.

The Cowboys head to West Virginia on Saturday night leading the nation in total sacks (22) and tackles for loss (51).

''I don't know how I feel about that as a coach,'' Holgorsen said. ''I prefer a little bit more time to defend against that.''

After he's done fine-tuning for Oklahoma State (5-0, 2-0 Big 12), it only gets tougher. The Mountaineers (3-1, 0-1) will play at No. 3 Baylor and No. 2 TCU later this month.

''With some of these offenses coming up, Oklahoma State being one of them, you have to focus on getting some stops,'' Holgorsen said. ''Obviously, on the other side, you have to score what you have to score in order to win. Some of them, it looks like it has to be 70 points.''

Cowboys coach Mike Gundy might settle for a sliver of that total if it means keeping an unbeaten season going. He's still looking for a comfortable league win after needing last-minute field goals by Ben Grogan to beat Texas and Kansas State.

Like Holgorsen, who was his offensive coordinator in 2010, Gundy is trying to tweak his running game. Chris Carson and backup Rennie Childs sat out last week against K-State and the Cowboys were limited to 49 yards on the ground. Gundy expects the pair back on the field Saturday.

''Offensively, we've still got to find a way to run the football and be a more balanced team,'' Gundy said.

Gundy likes what he sees from his defense, which is allowing the fewest yards in the Big 12 at 310 per game. But the Cowboys still have yet to play the league's five top scoring teams.

''We'll see where we're at, but I'm fairly confident that our defense is better than what it has been,'' he said.

Here are some things to know about Oklahoma State and West Virginia in their seventh meeting all-time:

LONG PASSES:

West Virginia gave up 10 pass plays of 15 yards or more last week against Oklahoma. ''Everyone wants to blame the defensive backs, but it's either a lack of pass rush or the linebackers doing their job,'' said West Virginia defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. ''It's not always the defensive backs.'' Things aren't expected to slow down against Oklahoma State's Mason Rudolph, who threw 55 times, had 437 yards and three TDs against Kansas State.

SACK ATTACK:

Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah leads the Big 12 with 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. Five other Cowboys have at least two sacks.

PUNT RETURN FOLLIES:

Oklahoma State has the Big 12's worst average on punt returns at 2.7 yards per try. West Virginia fielded two punts inside its 10-yard line against Oklahoma instead of letting the ball roll into the end zone. K.J. Dillon lost a yard after catching a punt at the 7. Freshman Gary Jennings caught one at the 4 and returned it 6 yards.

HOLGORSEN RECRUIT:

Holgorsen can only blame himself if Oklahoma State wide receiver David Glidden has a good day against the Mountaineers. In his only season in Stillwater, Holgorsen recruited Glidden in 2010 out of Mustang, Oklahoma. Now a senior, Glidden leads the Cowboys with 23 catches for 407 yards and three scores.

IN JOSEPH'S PLACE:

Either Jarrod Harper or Jeremy Tyler will start at safety in place of West Virginia senior Karl Joseph, whose career is done after a knee injury in practice Tuesday. Harper would be making his first start, Tyler his second. Joseph was tied for the national lead with five interceptions.

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Improved Navy defense seeks to slow No. 15 Notre Dame
October 9, 2015

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Navy hopes it finally has a defense that can slow 15th-ranked Notre Dame.

''We're playing as good as we've played on defense in a long time right now,'' Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. ''But we also know we're going to play a team quite frankly that we've had a hard time making them punt the last couple of years.''

The Midshipmen (4-0) forced the Fighting Irish (4-1) to punt just once last season and Notre Dame hasn't punted at all in five of the last 10 games. The Irish have averaged 48 points a game the past four seasons.

The Nave defense is playing better this season, giving up 333 yards and 15 points a game. That's 71 yards and 12 points fewer per game than last year. The defense also has allowed only one rushing touchdown.

Kelly said the defense reminds him of the 2010 squad, when the Mids beat the Irish 35-17, Navy's last victory in the series. That the fewest points Notre Dame has scored in the series since a 14-0 victory in 1979.

''It's just a veteran defense. They play smart. They know what their strengths are. They know what their weaknesses are,'' Kelly said.

Niumatalolo said the challenge for Navy has been dealing with Notre Dame's size.

''They mash us with the football so you've got to get your safeties involved. Then they throw it over our heads. So it's a tough combination for us,'' he said. ''If we don't get people involved they just run it down our throats, and when we do get our guys involved, they throw it over our heads. So it's kind of pick your poison.''

Things to watch for when Navy plays at Notre Dame:

TRIPLE OPTION AGAIN:

Kelly said there are advantages and disadvantages to the Irish defense already having success against the triple option vs. Georgia Tech three weeks ago.

''They're going to look at the plan we had and dissect that and look at things they can do to attack it,'' Kelly said.

Niumatalolo agreed.

''It helps them because their kids will be familiar with it. Sometimes we play people and it might be the only option team you see. So you're going against conventional people for 11 weeks and then you play us,'' he said. ''But it also helps us too because we kind of see some of their thoughts and some of the things they tried to do against Georgia Tech.''

RECORD PURSUIT:

Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds has 73 career rushing touchdowns, four shy of the NCAA record. Kelly wants to make sure he doesn't set the record Saturday.

''We can't afford for him to do that,'' Kelly said. Reynolds ran for three touchdowns against the Irish in 2013.

LETDOWN CONCERNS:

Coming off a tough loss at Clemson and with a game looming next week against rival USC, Kelly said Notre Dame can't afford a letdown against the Midshipmen. ''Navy presents a very difficult challenge. We cannot let Clemson beat us twice,'' he said.

TURNOVERS:

Navy has only one turnover in four games. Notre Dame has seven through five games.

FAST STARTS:

Notre Dame has scored on their first two possessions against Navy in every game since 2011, including touchdowns on their first four chances last season. The Irish were stopped on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line on their opening possession in 2010 and then scored on their next two possessions.

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Quarterbacks Goff, Wilson duel in Pac-12 showdown
October 9, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Jared Goff may be the top quarterback in college football and a candidate for the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, but it's the less-heralded Travis Wilson who's leading the No. 5 team in the country.

The two will face off Saturday as Utah hosts No. 23 California.

The Utes (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) and Golden Bears (5-0, 2-0) ask extremely different things of their quarterbacks, but their importance is no different. Utah was ranked No. 17 before Wilson had the best game of his career during a 62-20 rout of Oregon two weeks ago.

There were no questions about the Utah run game and defense entering the season, but the quarterback position kept the Utes from being considered a Pac-12 contender. They are if Wilson can consistently play at that level. He's thrown for 513 yards, four touchdowns and completed 68 percent of his passes with one interception in three games.

''Travis Wilson is much improved,'' Cal coach Sonny Dykes said. ''He was a good quarterback last year and he's playing even better now.''

On the other sideline, the Cal offense goes as Goff goes. The Golden Bears want to run the ball better, but Goff is elite. He ranks in the top 10 nationally in completion percentage, passing efficiency, passing touchdowns and passing yards.

Utah defensive coordinator John Pease said Goff reminds him of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton when he was at SMU. He's got a live arm and reads coverages well.

Pease was asked what comes to mind when he sees Goff make a laser throw from the hash mark to the far sideline. ''I think about retiring,'' Pease said.

Both teams have the heart of their Pac-12 schedules remaining, but Saturday could be a turning point for both.

Utah is the highest-ranked team Cal has faced and Goff must avoid, arguably, the best front-seven in the conference.

The Utes are not only trying to win the conference, but stay in contention for the College Football Playoff. Consistency has been Wilson's Achilles' heel and the senior will be tested by a Cal defense that leads the nation with 18 turnovers.

Things to watch when Utah hosts California:

HOPEFULLY HEALTHY:

Cal running back Daniel Lasco returned last week from a hip injury but didn't look like a preseason Doak Walker award candidate. He rushed 10 times for 22 yards in his first game back after missing the previous two. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound senior ran for 1,115 yards as a junior. The Golden Bears would like to get the run game going as they expect the Utah safeties to play deep.

BUCKING THE TREND:

Cal has an opportunity to take a step that it hasn't taken in more than a decade. The Golden Bears haven't defeated a team ranked in the Top 10 since beating No. 3 USC 34-31 in triple overtime in 2003. They also haven't started a season 6-0 since 1950. Cal started 4-1 last year before dropping six of seven. ''We started getting complacent a little bit and we lost that hunger ... this year we have to keep our head down and keep grinding,'' receiver Bryce Treggs said.

BACK IN THE TRENCHES:

Utah defensive end Hunter Dimick is expected to be back on the field after missing the last two games while injured. The junior posted 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2014. Coach Kyle Whittingham hopes Dimick is at or near 100 percent healthy. ''He brings a toughness and a physicality to the defense ... he's exceptional in that regard,'' Whittingham said.

QUIETLY EFFECTIVE:

Wilson has been in the spotlight since lighting up Oregon two weeks ago, but Devontae Booker continues to be the rock of the offense. He ranks No. 4 in the Pac-12 in all-purpose yards per game (148.0) and No. 5 in rushing yards per game (110.8). Cal gave up 286 rushing yards to Texas, but just 121 combined the last two games. ''There's a chip on our shoulder every week to rise to the challenge and try to make more plays than we did the week before,'' Cal safety Stefan McClure said.

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No. 12 Florida State looks to continue dominance over Miami
October 9, 2015

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) If anyone knows how much a win in the Miami-Florida State rivalry can revive a program, it is Jimbo Fisher.

In Fisher's first year as head coach in 2010, the Seminoles went to Miami as a rebuilding program and had lost eight of 11 to the Hurricanes. Behind a ground game that got 298 yards, Florida State built a three-touchdown lead en route to a 45-17 victory.

The fortunes of both programs have gone in different directions since that game. Florida State is 54-10 and won a national title in 2013 while Miami (3-1) is 35-28. The 12th-ranked Seminoles (4-0, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) go for their sixth straight win in the series Saturday night when they host the 3-1 Hurricanes.

''I think it was huge because of the past that Florida State had so many tough games in Miami. It woke people up to say, hey, Florida State does have a chance to be that program again,'' Fisher said about the 2010 game. ''We had struggled so much as a university in the past, and to be able to get down and do that, give people hope for the future. Once you get hope, anything can happen.''

That game also sealed the fate for Randy Shannon as Miami's coach as he was fired at the end of that season. His successor, Al Golden, has also struggled. In his fourth season, Golden's teams are 4-7 against Top 25 teams, 11-18 against FBS winning programs and 10-15 in road games.

During his tenure Miami teams have gotten off to quick starts. They are 15-5 in August/September games but when the calendar reaches Oct. 1, they are 16-18 the rest of the season.

Miami thought they had Florida State's number last year, getting out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. But the Seminoles rallied for a 30-26 victory.

Golden didn't deny that a win over Florida State would be huge for the program.

''I thought we played with a lot confidence last year. We didn't finish,'' Golden said. ''We have to learn a lot from what we did well and what we didn't do well.''

For both quarterbacks, a win would go a long way toward satisfying their fan base. Florida State's Everett Golson and Miami's Brad Kaaya have mostly been solid but not spectacular.

Golson has completed 64.2 percent of his passes and has seven touchdowns but the biggest improvement he has made is not turning the ball over. At Notre Dame last season Golson threw 14 interceptions and lost eight fumbles.

The biggest problem for Golson this season has been slow starts. All but one of his touchdown passes has come in the second half and his 176.81 passer rating after halftime is 13th nationally.

Kaaya leads the ACC in passing yards per game (273.5) and has thrown only four interceptions in his last 342 attempts. But Miami's biggest problem on offense has been third down. The Hurricanes have converted only 13 of their 53 opportunities and Golden has a lot of time since their last game - a 34-23 loss at Cincinnati on Oct. 1 - trying to find ways to rectify that.

---

Here are some other things to watch when Miami faces Florida State:

COOK'S HEALTH:

Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, who scored the go-ahead touchdown in last year's game, is probable after straining his left hamstring in last week's 24-16 win at Wake Forest. Cook leads the ACC in rushing with 570 yards and ran for 266 yards in Florida State's last home game, which was Sept. 12 against South Florida.

YEARBY IN SPOTLIGHT:

Miami's Joe Yearby, who went to high school with Cook at Miami Central, is averaging 7.31 yards per carry, which is ninth in FBS. The sophomore has rushed for over 100 yards in the Hurricanes' last three games.

IN THE TRENCHES:

After getting only 17 sacks last season, Florida State has eight a third of the way into the year. Defensive end DeMarcus Walker had 1 1/2 sacks against Wake. Miami has allowed just four sacks, which is tied for first in the ACC.

STINGY WITH TURNOVERS:

The teams have combined for a plus-14 turnover margin. Miami is second in the nation with a plus-nine margin while Florida State is the only team to not have an offensive turnover.

SOUTH FLORIDA BRAGGING RIGHTS:

There are 53 players on both rosters who went to high school in either Broward or Dade counties. In a lot of cases former teammates have become rivals.

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No. 7 LSU aims to be hospitable to S. Carolina - to a point
October 9, 2015

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) By now, LSU coach Les Miles knows as well as anyone that football isn't entirely weather proof, even if it can be played in rain or snow.

The mid-week relocation of No. 7 LSU's scheduled road game Saturday from South Carolina to Tiger Stadium is only the latest of a handful of weather-affected LSU games since Miles became the Tigers' coach in 2005.

''We certainly understand the whims of weather,'' Miles said this week as he offered words of encouragement to those dealing with flooding in and around Columbia, South Carolina.

Miles' first three games with at LSU were affected by weather.

The 2005 season opener, against North Texas, was postponed to a common open date later in the season because of Hurricane Katrina. The next game, which was the first one played that season, was moved from Tiger Stadium to Arizona State because Baton Rouge was overwhelmed by storm evacuees from the New Orleans area and the campus was helping with relief efforts.

Miles' next game was delayed two days and played on a Monday night in Death Valley because Hurricane Rita.

In 2008, the approach of Hurricane Gustav caused kickoff against Appalachian State to be moved from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Gustav then ripped through Baton Rouge, damaging Tiger Stadium and postponing the following game against Troy until later that season.

This season, the home opener against McNeese State was called off just minutes after it began because of persistent lightning.

Now LSU is getting a home game back, in a sense.

Technically, the Gamecocks will be the home team in Death Valley - a bit of irony for a team whose chief in-state rival, Clemson, plays in a stadium with the same nickname.

Efforts are being made at LSU to show solidarity with, and support for, recovering South Carolina. Just don't expect LSU's charity to extend to the playing field; the Tigers (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) want to remain atop the SEC's Western Division.

It's hardly ideal for the struggling Gamecocks (2-3, 0-3) to have a home game against the already favored Tigers moved to LSU. But coach Steve Spurrier emphasized that the competitive concerns of his program were ''on the back burner of what's best for our community.''

''What's best for the victims of the flood is something we all have to take into very serious consideration,'' Spurrier said.

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Here are some things to know about South Carolina's home-away-from-home game at LSU:

TOUGH MATCHUP:

South Carolina is giving up 170 yards per game on the ground, which ranks ninth in the SEC. Now they have to contend with LSU Heisman Trophy candidate Leonard Fournette, who is averaging 216 yards to lead a Tigers ground game averaging an SEC-best 336 yards. ''We'll do about what every team tries to do when they play LSU,'' Spurrier said. ''We've got to get everyone up there, try and knock down the blockers, and try and get a hold of (Fournette) before he gets into the secondary.''

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY:

Short of painting the end zones red, efforts were being made to make South Carolina feel more welcome than the typical SEC visitor. The LSU band was learning to play South Carolina's alma mater and digital billboards around town were programmed to read, ''Geaux Gamecocks! Make yourself at home'' (In Louisiana, the word ''Go,'' is sometimes spelled ''Geaux,'' in a nod to the state's Cajun French heritage). Collection sites for donations were expected to be set up near the game and LSU planned to donate all game revenue beyond the expense of hosting the contest to South Carolina as well.

RUNNING WILDS:

Fifth-year senior Brandon Wilds has returned to practice this week and is likely to start at tailback. ''Hopefully, he will play a whole lot,'' Spurrier said. ''We need him out there.'' Wilds bruised some ribs three games ago at Georgia and missed the past two games.

DUBIOUS HISTORY?:

Steve Spurrier is on the verge of his first 0-4 start in the Southeastern Conference in his career and closer to his first SEC losing campaign in 23 seasons at Florida and South Carolina. Spurrier opened 0-3 in SEC play in his South Carolina debut season of 2005, yet rallied the Gamecocks to five straight league victories.

DEAF VALLEY?:

Tiger Stadium might not be as loud as usual. LSU planned to keep some sections closed unless demand for tickets placed on sale just days before kickoff was high enough to fill the 102,000-seat stadium.

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Rypien, No. 25 Boise State face Colorado State in road test
October 9, 2015

Brett Rypien's poise in the pocket is something to talk about.

Only, he can't. Not right now anyway.

The Boise State freshman quarterback is being well protected by his coach. Since he's not really permitted to talk to the media at the moment, Rypien's doing all his talking with his right arm.

That's speaking quite loudly. He's gone 51 of 69 for 718 yards and six TDs in 2 1/2 games since Ryan Finley was hurt. What's more, Rypien's QB efficiency rating is 190.02, which would put him up there with Baylor's Seth Russell if he had enough stats to qualify.

Rypien's play has No. 25 Boise State (4-1, 1-0 Mountain West) back in the rankings heading into a game at Colorado State (2-3, 0-1) on Saturday.

As for why he's muzzled with the media, well, Broncos coach Bryan Harsin said he's trying to take some responsibilities off his young player's schedule.

''Brett will be available after the spring game in 2016,'' Harsin said during his weekly news conference.

Ha, ha. Kidding, right?

''No,'' Harsin reiterated. ''It won't be any later (when he will talk), might be earlier.''

Colorado State coach Mike Bobo certainly had plenty to say about Rypien, who's yet to throw an interception and is the nephew of Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien.

''(Brett Rypien) is very efficient and they know what they are doing. They are sound,'' Bobo said. ''They are an excellent football team.''

On top of that, a gauge for every team in the conference. The Broncos are a nation-best 107-10 in league games since 2000.

''They have high visibility. They play on TV every night and guys see that. People see that,'' Bobo said. ''They have won their conference. They've played in the big bowls. They have upset the Oklahomas, the Georgias. There is constant visibility.

''That's what we are trying to do here.''

Here are some notes and things to know as the Rams look for their first-ever win over the Broncos in their fifth attempt:

DISSED HIGH FIVE:

After making a field goal against Hawaii last weekend, Tyler Rausa extended his hand for some high fives. His teammates walked right by him. So, he began high-fiving himself, which was caught by cameras. ''We showed that on the screen here at a team meeting. We said that kickers are people, too,'' Harsin said. ''Let's give him a little bit of love. They got a kick out of that - pun intended.''

IDEAS EXCHANGE:

Bobo and Harsin have gotten together in the past to chat about Xs and Os. Bobo once visited with Harsin when Harsin was the co-offensive coordinator at Texas. ''I really respect what he does,'' Harsin said. ''Coach (Jim) McElwain established a toughness. Coach Bobo understands that, and carries that mentality from Georgia there. The way they play, they're still a tough, physical football team.'' The admiration is mutual. ''If you come out with any kind of fear or hesitation, they sense it and they will crush it,'' Bobo said.

TURN OF EVENTS:

The Broncos are plus-8 in turnover margin this season, which is one of the top marks in the country. ''That's the stat that matters most,'' Harsin said. ''Being top 10 in the country, we're proud of that. We need that to continue.''

BACK IN MOTION:

Colorado State plans to keep a close watch on Boise State tailback Jeremy McNichols. He had 108 yards and two scores in a 55-0 win over Hawaii last weekend. ''What impresses me is his ability to run through the tackles,'' Bobo said. ''When they keep pounding on you and you relax or get tired of the pounding, then he can turn an average play into a big play. He is an all-around back.''

MOBILITY:

QB Nick Stevens has been just nimble enough to avoid trouble in the pocket. Bobo appreciates that. ''I learned you don't have to run a 4.4 or run like Michael Vick or Cam Newton to be efficient and move in the pocket,'' Bobo said. ''Drew Brees has been doing that his whole career. Finding windows. Nick is getting better at that.''

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UConn, UCF look to get back on track in AAC matchup
October 9, 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) UCF and UConn expected to be in much different places heading into Saturday's American Athletic Conference matchup.

Following back-to-back victories to open their season, UConn (2-3, 0-1 American) looked ready to flip past a 2014 campaign that yielded just two wins. But after three consecutive losses, many of the same questions again dog the Huskies.

UCF (0-5, 0-1) began the season at least looking like a contender in the East Division, but are struggling on both sides of the ball while tying to deal with a myriad of injuries that no one saw coming.

Turnovers have been a big impediment for the Knights, who have been outscored 138-81 this season.

But more than anything just staying healthy has become a week-to-week challenge.

UCF leads the country with 29 combined games missed on offense due to injuries to starters or projected starters. It also leads the FBS with 28 first-time starters.

''We're just running down to putting in people that you would have liked to have sat this year, but just the nature of the game is I need you now,'' Knights coach George O'Leary said.

The Huskies' struggles have included averaging just 15.8 points per game so far in 2015. But coach Bob Diaco said he thinks his team is ''doing a better job protecting the football and playing smarter.''

He said the opening five games have been a learning experience for his team.

''We're a developing team, but we're gonna take it as kind of just what the doctor ordered,'' Diaco said.

There was a little bit of good news on the injury front for the Knights. Starting quarterback Justin Holman was released by the doctors last week after breaking a finger on his throwing hand at Stanford on Sept. 12.

O'Leary said all three quarterbacks took snaps this week and a decision will be made on Holman's status once coaches get a clearer picture if he is throwing with the velocity and accuracy he wants.

If Holman can't go there will have to be a decision made of whether start freshman Bo Schneider for the fourth straight game, or to go with redshirt freshman Tyler Harris.

---

Here are some things to watch for in Saturday's game:

TROPHY GAME:

There will be something more than AAC division position on the line Saturday. Despite experiencing some Internet backlash earlier this year for creating a ''rivalry'' trophy that UCF had no part of, Diaco is bringing his ''ConFLiCT'' trophy to Orlando. Diaco defended it this week saying it was simply ''something to energize the players and staffs on both sides.so that we can have a great energetic game that is classy and high character, that's clean and with fairness. That's the idea.''

OFFENSIVE WOES:

Injuries have clearly taken a toll on UCF's offensive production so far this season. The Knights currently rank last in the FBS in total offense, averaging just 266.4 yards per game. Their scoring average of 16.2 points per game isn't much better, ranking 124th out of 127 teams.

ALL ABOUT SACKS:

The Huskies have combined for seven sacks this season, but their offense has given up 16. UConn sophomore quarterback Bryant Shirreffs has had some success this season, completing more than 60 percent of his passes to go along with five touchdowns and just three interceptions. But his offensive line will need to protect him.

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Struggling Rutgers hosts No. 4 Michigan St, Carroo returns
October 9, 2015

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) The Rutgers football team has had a rough season so far.

Six players were dismissed before the season opener after being arrested. Star receiver Leonte Carroo has been suspended twice for off-the-field problems. Coach Kyle Flood is serving a three-game suspension for trying to influence a professor about a player's grade.

While the 2-2 record is OK, it could have been better. The Scarlet Knights blew a late lead at home against Washington State in the second game of the season and played poorly in a loss to Penn State in their Big Ten opener.

It's not good, but things could look up Saturday night if Rutgers finds a way to knock off No. 4 Michigan State (5-0, 1-0) and pull off its third upset of a Top 10 team.

''It would mean a lot,'' Rutgers guard Dorian Miller said. ''It's obviously a big game. Black out. The crowd's going to be packed, so it would mean a lot.''

With the game being played in prime time, Rutgers is asking its fans to wear black.

''You just get juiced up as a player,'' quarterback Chris Laviano said. ''It's a black out under the lights, what better atmosphere.''

Beating the Spartans won't be easy. Michigan State crushed Rutgers last season, building a 35-0 lead en route to a 45-3 victory. The Spartans are riding a nine-game winning streak, which is the second longest under coach Mark Dantonio.

The game will be Spartans' first outside of Michigan this season.

''Well, I think we're 17-3 right now since 2010 on the road. But who is counting,'' Dantonio said. ''I just think we try and change things up. We try and stay fresh and we try to go together. It's not easy going on the road. There's no question about that. We've had tough games, very difficult games. But our senior class has always led. And we bring our emotion with us, and we have to feed ourselves.''

Five things to watch in this Big Ten Conference game:

CARROO's BACK:

Rutgers reinstated Carroo on Wednesday after simple assault charges against him were dropped. He was accused of attacking a woman he used to date outside Rutgers Stadium after a game on Sept. 12. The senior has missed 10 of 16 quarters this season. In the six that he has played, he has caught three touchdown passes, which ties for the team lead.

HOMECOMING:

Fifth-year defensive end Shilique Calhoun is returning to his home state. The Middletown resident leads the Spartans with 4 1-2 sacks and is No. 1 among defensive linemen with 20 tackles. Calhoun ranks among the university's all-time leaders in tackles for loss yardage (third with 221), sack yardage (fourth with 171), sacks (sixth with 21), tackles for loss (ninth with 34.5), and fumble recoveries (tied for 10th with five). The Spartans have recorded 18 sacks this season.

KYLE'S TIME SERVED:

This will be the third and final game of Flood's suspension. He has been allowed to work with the team in practice but he can't coach on game days. Running backs coach Norries Wilson has run the team the past two weeks, losing at Penn State and beating Kansas. The Scarlet Knights had a bye last week.

COOKIN':

Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is not posting big numbers, except in the win column. The fifth-year senior is 28-3 record as the starter, including a 17-1 mark against Big Ten opponents. The 28 wins are tied for the most of any active starting quarterback in the NCAA FBS, along with Stanford's Kevin Hogan. Cook leads the Big Ten in passing efficiency with a 150.9 rating and he is second with 10 touchdown passes.

STATE LINE:

Injuries have forced Michigan State to use three starting lineups in five games. Starting left tackle Jack Conlin sat out last week's win over Purdue. Starting right tackle Kodi Kieler has been missing since injuring his knee against Oregon in the second game. Conklin's replacement Dennis Finley broke his leg last week, forcing center Jack Allen to move to left tackle. Despite all the changes, the Spartans have allowed three sacks, tied for fewest in the Big Ten. Last season, the offensive line allowed 11 sacks, the least the conference.