The Bum's College Football Week # 7 Rated Plays, Trends, News Etc. !!

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NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 7

Friday's games

Cincinnati split pair of wild road games, winning 37-33 at Miami, O, but losing 53-46 at unbeaten Memphis; Bearcats upset Miami, FL at home last week- they're 3-2 as road underdogs under Tuberville. BYU is 4-2, despite losing starting QB in opener; three of their last four games stayed under total, three of four Bearcat games went over total. Cougars are 2-6 in last eight games as home fave; they're 3-0 at home, scoring 36.7 ppg with a win over Boise State.

Houston is 5-0, scoring 45 ppg vs I-A teams under new coach Herman; Cougars (-17) got upset 31-24 by Tulane LY, first loss in last 11 games vs Green Wave. Underdogs covered three of last four in series. Tulane is 1-3 vs I-A teams, with only win vs winless UCF; Green Wave already has three losses by 30+ points; they were outgained 345-110 in 49-10 loss at Temple LW. Three of last four Houston games went over total.

Boise State won last three games by total of 152-24; two of those were on road; Broncos won last 12 games with Utah State (10-2 vs spread), winning last five visits here, with last visit here 34-23 (-6) in '13. Aggies ran ball for 499 yards in winning first two MW games 33-18/56-14 after pair of Pac-12 road losses; their last three games went over. Utah State is 3-4 as home underdogs, since 2009. Boise State is 26-13 in last 39 games as road favorite.

Fresno State is 0-5 vs I-A teams, with all five losses by 14+ (over 4-1); Bulldogs are 0-3 as home dogs under DeRuyter (0-2 this year). Over last 10+ years, UNLV is 3-8 as a road favorite; they're 1-3 vs I-A teams, its only win coming at Nevada two weeks ago. Rebels (+9.5) upset Fresno 30-27 at home LY, after losing 38-14 (+25) here in 2013. In last three games, Fresno has been outrushed 797-182- their closest loss was 21-7 at San Diego State.

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Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

8:00 PM EDT

111 CINCINNATI 61 67 / 67.5 / 68 67.5 +165
112 BYU -5.5 -27 -6 -05 / -4.5 / -4 -15 -4 -185

CIU-QB-Gunner Kiel-Probable | BYU-QB-Tanner Mangum-Probable | BYU-RB-Adam Hine-OUT | BYU-QB-Taysom Hill-OUT | BYU-RB-Jamaal Williams-OUT | TV: ESPN, DTV: 206 | MOSTLY FAIR, SOUTH WIND 3-8. GAME TEMP 70, RH 33%

9:00 PM EDT

113 HOUSTON U -16.5 -20.5 / -20.5 -05 / -20.5 -20 -1300
114 TULANE 63.5 58 / 57.5 / 57 58 +800

TUL-QB-Devin Powell-Probable | TUL-QB-Tanner Lee-OUT | TV: ESPNU, DTV: 208 | Dome

9:00 PM EDT

115 BOISE STATE -9.5 -9 -15 / -9.5 -05 / -9 -7.5 -315
116 UTAH STATE 48 51 / 50.5 / 51 50.5 +250

BOI-RB-Jeremy McNichols-? | UST-QB-Chuckie Keeton-OUT | TV: CBSC, DTV: 221 | CLEAR, SOUTH WIND 2-7. GAME TEMP 68, RH 32% HEAT INDEX 70

10:30 PM EDT

117 UNLV -3.5 -5 / -5 -05 / -5 -06 -5.5 -15 -230
118 FRESNO STATE 55 51.5 / 50 / 49.5 49 +190

NLV-QB-Blake Decker-Available | TV: ESPN2, DTV: 209 | PARTLY CLOUDY, NORTHWEST WIND 4-9. GAME TEMP 79, RH 53% HEAT INDEX 81

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NCAAF Consensus Picks

SIDES (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

8:00 PM Cincinnati +4.5 689 47.19% Brigham Young -4.5 771 52.81% View View

10:30 PM UNLV -5 852 54.27% Fresno State +5 718 45.73% View View

9:00 PM Boise State -7.5 1099 62.16% Utah State +7.5 669 37.84% View View

9:00 PM Houston -20.5 1138 69.47% Tulane +20.5 500 30.53% View View


TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

10:30 PM UNLV 49 587 54.10% Fresno State 49 498 45.90% View View

8:00 PM Cincinnati 68 578 55.68% Brigham Young 68 460 44.32% View View

9:00 PM Boise State 51 785 68.02% Utah State 51 369 31.98% View View

9:00 PM Houston 57.5 770 68.14% Tulane 57.5 360 31.86% View View

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Cincinnati - 8:00 PM ET Cincinnati +4.5 500 ( FRIDAY'S UPSET )

Brigham Young - Over 68 500 TRIPLE PLAY


Houston - 9:00 PM ET Houston -20.5 500 BLOW OUT

Tulane - Over 57.5 500 BLOW OUT


Boise State - 9:00 PM ET Utah State +7.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Utah State - Under 51 500 DOUBLE PLAY


UNLV - 10:30 PM ET UNLV -5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Fresno State - Under 49 500 TRIPLE PLAY

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Saturday's Top Action
October 16, 2015


ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (5-1) at TEXAS A&M AGGIES (5-0)
Kyle Field - College Station, TX
Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Alabama -4, Total: 53.5

A huge game that could determine the eventual SEC West champion will take place Saturday in College Station, TX when No. 9 Texas A&M hosts No. 10 Alabama.

The Crimson Tide (2-4 ATS) have bounced back strong since their lone loss of the season on Sept. 19 versus Ole Miss with three straight wins by 13+ points. The Aggies (4-1 ATS) haven't lost all year, and have opened conference play 2-0 with wins over Arkansas and Mississippi State on Oct. 3 before last week's bye.

These teams are meeting for just the fourth time since Texas A&M joined the SEC, and after the first two matchups were won by the road team by seven points or less, Alabama rolled to a 59-0 laugher at home last season. The score in that rout was 45-0 at halftime and the Tide finished with a ridiculous 602 to 172 advantage in total yards over the Aggies.

Most of the betting trends favor Alabama in this contest, including the team's 18-8 ATS road record in the first half of the season under head coach Nick Saban and its 23-5 ATS mark on the road off an SU win/ATS loss combination as a favorite since 1992. Texas A&M benefits from Kevin Sumlin's 13-4 ATS record after committing no turnovers and 16-6 ATS mark at home after 300+ passing yards in three straight contests in his head coaching career. Both schools have only one notable injury each, with Crimson Tide WR Raheem Falkins and Aggies WR Speedy Noil both questionable for Saturday with undisclosed ailments.

Alabama's offense has been strong this season with 34.7 PPG on 436 total YPG. The ground game hasn't been as potent as usual, but still has a solid 189 YPG on 4.6 YPC. Junior RB Derrick Henry has run for 665 yards on 5.5 YPC with 10 touchdowns in six games, but the massive 6-foot-3, 242-pounder is coming off a season-low 3.5 YPC versus Arkansas. Henry should get plenty of touches against a Texas A&M team that he ran for 70 yards on 10 carries and 1 TD against last season.

Senior QB Jake Coker is in the midst of a strong season with 60% completions for 1,238 yards, 11 TD and 6 INT, and he even got to play versus the Aggies in last year's blowout, completing 5-of-8 throws for 36 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT. Per usual, the Crimson Tide defense has been outstanding in limiting opponents to 15.7 PPG and 265 total YPG. The run-stop unit has been particularly impressive with 77 YPG allowed on 2.6 YPC. But opponents can't overlook the passing defense that has held teams to 187 YPG (5.1 YPA) on 51% completions.

Since surrendering 43 points to Ole Miss on Sept. 19, Alabama's defense has allowed only 8.0 PPG and 204 total YPG on 3.1 yards per play. Forcing seven turnovers during this three-game stretch has also helped, giving the team 12 takeaways this season. But the Aggies are not prone to mistakes, having not turned over the football in either of their SEC games this year.

Texas A&M once again has a powerful offense that is averaging 39.2 PPG on 480 total YPG (6.5 yards per play) this season. But even though 188 YPG (4.7 YPC) have come on the ground, the team has averaged only 130 YPG (4.0 YPC) in two SEC contests. Senior RB Tra Carson bounced back from a poor rushing performance at Arkansas (28 rush yds) with a 110-yard outburst versus Mississippi State last week. The air attack has been outstanding (292 YPG, 8.7 YPA, 63% completions), which includes three straight games of more than 300 passing yards.

Sophomore QB Kyle Allen has tossed at least 2 TD in all five games, totaling 1,274 yards on 64% completions, 13 TD and only 2 INT. His favorite target has been electric junior WR Josh Reynolds who has produced back-to-back, 100-yard receiving games, totaling 247 yards on only 10 catches.

On defense, the Aggies have been decent in limiting opponents to 21.0 PPG on 375 total YPG. The unit has been on the field for an average of 32:01, which has led to 183 rushing YPG allowed on 4.6 YPC, and 192 passing YPG allowed on 6.2 YPA. The Aggies have forced at least one turnover in all five contests, including two takeaways in both SEC contests. Considering Alabama has 12 giveaways in its past five games, turnovers will be a huge story for Saturday.

USC TROJANS (3-2) at NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (5-1)
Notre Dame Stadium - Notre Dame, IN
Kickoff: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Notre Dame -7, Total: 61

USC begins life after Steve Sarkisian when it visits No. 14 Notre Dame on Saturday night.

The Trojans (3-2 SU and ATS) fired their head coach on Monday and named offensive coordinator Clay Helton as the interim head coach. Helton held the same role in the school's Las Vegas Bowl win in 2013. This decision came on the heels of two straight home losses to Stanford (41-31) and Washington (17-12), but they did win big in their only road tilt of the season two games ago, 42-14 at Arizona State. The Fighting Irish improved to 5-1 (SU and ATS) with their fourth straight ATS victory when they took down Navy 41-24 last week.

These schools have always been great rivals with USC holding a commanding 13-6 SU advantage (12-7 ATS) in this series since 1996 including 6-3 SU (5-4 ATS) on the road during this timeframe. Last year's game in Los Angeles was a total blowout with the Trojans prevailing 49-14 with 577 total yards of offense and a 37:39 time of possession.

USC has also been a great bet coming off an SU loss with a 9-0 ATS record since 2013, and also benefits from the fact that road underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points, off an upset loss as a double-digit home favorite, are 48-18 ATS (73%) when playing on a Saturday. But bettors thinking the Irish will exact revenge from last year's lopsided loss can point to the their opponent's 8-27 ATS mark on the road after allowing 7 points or less in the first half of two straight games since 1992, or Brian Kelly's 28-14 ATS record in October games as a college head coach.

USC has plenty of injuries to contend with in C Max Tuerk (knee) being out for the season, DT Claude Pelon (knee) doubtful and three questionable players for Saturday in WRs Steven Mitchell (ankle) and Darreus Rogers (hamstring) and OL Khaliel Rodgers (personal). Notre Dame has suffered plenty of major ailments this year with season-ending injuries to QB Malik Zaire (ankle) and RB Tarean Folston (knee), but there are no recent injuries to contend with.

USC's offense was averaging 46.8 PPG in its first four games before managing only 12 points in last Thursday's loss to Washington. Although the school has an average time of possession of just 25:09, it has still gained 495 total YPG and 7.5 yards per play with 179 YPG on 5.3 YPC coming on the ground and 316 YPG on 9.6 YPA and 70% completions occurring through the air.

Senior QB Cody Kessler threw for at least 3 TD in each of his first four games but struggled mightily versus the Huskies with only 156 passing yards, 0 TD and 2 INT. But Kessler certainly has the ability to bounce back strong on Saturday night, especially considering how he carved up Notre Dame's defense for 372 passing yards (9.3 YPA) and six touchdowns with no interceptions. He will continue to target WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (33 rec, 619 yds, 18.8 avg, 6 TD) most frequently, as the sophomore has at least four catches and 82+ yards in all five games this season.

On the ground, USC has gone with the two-headed attack of RBs Tre Madden (333 rush yds, 6.2 YPC, 4 TD) and Ronald Jones II (307 rush yds, 8.1 YPC, 3 TD). Despite the score last week, both players ran well versus Washington, as the powerful 225-pound senior Madden produced 120 yards on 17 carries (7.1 YPC), while the speedy 185-pound freshman Jones ran for 65 yards on just eight totes (8.1 YPC).

USC's defense has played very well in the past two weeks in holding Arizona State and Washington to 15.5 PPG and 377 total YPG. The defense has been on the field for nearly 35 minutes per game this season, but has still limited opponents to 158 rushing YPG (3.9 YPC) and 230 passing YPG (6.3 YPA). While the unit has been unable to force a turnover in two contests this season, it has also racked up four takeaways in two other games. But the Irish don't give up the ball easily with only four turnovers in four home tilts this season.

Notre Dame's offense has been consistently potent all season with 37.8 PPG and 504 total YPG (7.2 yards per play). These numbers jump to 42.7 PPG and 531 total YPG at home where the school is 4-0 (SU and ATS). The offensive balance has been exceptional as the Irish have rushed for 239 YPG (5.9 YPC) and thrown for 265 YPG (9.0 YPA).

Sophomore QB DeShone Kizer has done a nice job filling in for injured Malik Zaire with 66% completions for 1,143 yards (8.9 YPA), 8 TD and 4 INT this season. Kizer has also run for 111 yards and three touchdowns in the past three games. His on-field maturity has certainly been helped by superstar WR Will Fuller, who has caught 29 passes for 571 yards (19.7 avg) and seven touchdowns. Fuller led Notre Dame with 75 receiving yards at USC last season.

But the team's most productive player has been senior RB C.J. Prosise who has rumbled for 779 yards on 7.1 YPC and 9 TD. Only once has he failed to reach 98 yards on the ground, which was two weeks ago at Clemson. Prosise has also become a valuable receiver for Kizer with eight catches for 156 yards and 1 TD over the past two games.

Notre Dame's defense has allowed at least 22 points in five straight contests, but has held opponents to a pedestrian 334 total YPG for the season. While the passing defense has been very effective in limiting teams to 156 YPG on 5.8 YPA, the run-stop unit has been subpar in surrendering 178 YPG on 4.7 YPC. The Irish defense was opportunistic last week with three takeaways, but forced only four turnovers in its first five games of the year combined.


PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (5-1) at OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (6-0)
Ohio Stadium - Columbus, OH
Kickoff: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Ohio State -18.5, Total: 4

The No. 1 team in the nation could have another big test on its hands when it hosts 5-1 Penn State on Saturday night.

Since falling in the season opener at Temple, the Nittany Lions (3-3 ATS) have ripped off five straight wins with only one of those occurring by less than 13 points (20-14 win vs. Army on Oct. 3).

Last week they crushed 4-point underdog Indiana by a 29-7 score, which came only one week after the Buckeyes (1-5 ATS) nearly lost to the Hoosiers (34-27). But despite five straight ATS defeats, OSU has had only one other game that has been closer than 18 points (20-13 vs. Northern Illinois), and is coming off a 49-28 thrashing of Maryland last week.

Although Penn State has had little success in Columbus since 1992 (2-9 SU and ATS), the team nearly pulled off the upset last year at home when it fell 31-24 in double overtime to the 14-point favorites. Despite the close score, Ohio State held the ball for 34:24 and enjoyed a significant 219 to 16 rushing advantage. The Nittany Lions have played some low-scoring games this year (5-1 Under), but are 6-0 ATS since 2013 when coming off 2+ straight Under results.

However, the Buckeyes are 57-34 ATS versus good teams (10+ PPG) since 1992, and Urban Meyer is 27-12 ATS when facing top-level teams (75%+ win pct.) in his coaching career.

Penn State has a slew of injuries for Saturday with seven players listed as questionable -- RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), RB Akeel Lynch (knee), TE Adam Breneman (undisclosed), C Angelo Mangiro (leg), DB Marcus Allen (arms), DB Evan Schwan (undisclosed) and K Chris Gulla (undisclosed).

Ohio State has lost three players for the season already this month -- WR Corey Smith (leg), LB Nick Conner (knee) and DB Cam Burrows (foot) -- and has two other players doubtful for Saturday with knee injuries in WR Parris Campbell and S Erick Smith.

Penn State has not possessed an explosive offense this season with a pedestrian 25.2 PPG and 344 total YPG. The ground game has been respectable with 157 YPG on 4.5 YPC, but the air attack has gained only 187 YPG on 6.8 YPA. Senior QB Christian Hackenberg has completed only 53% of his passes this year for 1,086 yards (6.6 YPA), 7 TD and 2 INT.

He was also erratic at home versus Ohio State last season when he completed just 31-of-49 throws for 224 yards (4.6 YPA), 1 TD and 2 INT. He could have to drop back another 40+ times with his top two running backs both questionable with injuries -- freshman RB Saquon Barkley (373 rush yds, 8.9 YPC, 3 TD) and junior RB Akeel Lynch (262 rush yds, 5.3 YPC, 2 TD). Lynch had a dreadful game against the Buckeyes last year with 13 carries for 38 yards (2.9 YPC), but Ohio State's run defense is not as strong as it usually is.

The player who kept the Nittany Lions in that 2014 meeting for all of regulation and two overtimes was WR DaeSean Hamilton who caught 14 passes for 125 yards. Hamilton (207 rec yds, 2 TD) is currently second on Penn State in receiving behind WR Chris Godwin (390 rec yds, 1 TD) who caught only three passes for 16 yards in last year's loss to OSU. The Penn State defense has played excellent football for the majority of the year in limiting opponents to 14.3 PPG on 278 total YPG.

Teams have run for only 119 YPG on 3.1 YPC while opposing quarterbacks have a subpar 159 passing YPG on 5.9 YPA. Penn State has also forced an average of two turnovers per game, including 10 takeaways in the past four games. That could be problematic for a Buckeyes offense with 13 giveaways already this year.

Ohio State continues to roll through opposing defenses with 36.8 PPG and 460 total YPG. This production has been achieved with a perfect balance of 230 rushing YPG (5.8 YPC) and 230 passing YPG (7.9 YPA). Junior QB Cardale Jones (63% completions, 1,158 pass yds, 8.6 YPA, 7 TD, 5 INT) got off to a rough start to the 2015 season with only 334 passing yards, 2 TD and 3 INT in the first three games combined, but he has thrown for at least 245 yards in each of the past three contests with 5 TD and 2 INT. A big reason for his resurgence is junior WR Michael Thomas (399 rec yds, 4 TD) who has 241 receiving yards and 2 TD over the past three games, including 107 yards on seven catches last week.

But the most productive offensive player for Ohio State is star RB Ezekiel Elliott (835 rush yds, 6.9 YPC, 10 TD) who has topped 100 rushing yards in all six games this season. He has completely dominated two Big Ten opponents (Indiana and Maryland) with 380 rushing yards and 5 TD plus eight receptions for 59 yards.

In last year's trip to Happy Valley, Elliott ran for 109 yards on 26 carries (4.2 YPC) and a 10-yard touchdown to open the scoring. The Buckeyes defense has been gashed so far in Big Ten play in surrendering 27.5 PPG and 394 total YPG, which are numbers well above strong season defensive averages of 17.3 PPG and 300 total YPG.

Although OSU is still struggling at times to stop the run (153 YPG on 3.5 YPC), it has been mostly excellent through the air by holding opposing quarterbacks to 147 YPG on a measly 46% completion rate and 5.0 YPA. The Buckeyes defense has been disruptive enough to force 11 turnovers this year, but Penn State has only four giveaways combined over six games.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday's SEC Action
October 16, 2015

The SEC will feature two battles of Top-10 teams in Week 7. Let's start by taking a look at Alabama at Texas A&M.

As of early Friday afternoon, most betting shops had Alabama (5-1 straight up, 2-4 against the spread) installed as a four-point favorite with a total of 53.5. The Aggies were +160 on the money line (risk $100 to win $160).

Since losing a 43-37 decision to Ole Miss at home in Week 3, Nick Saban's team has won three in a row vs. ULM (34-0), at Georgia (38-10) and vs. Arkansas (27-14).

Alabama trailed 7-3 at halftime of last week's home win over Arkansas, but it scored the first 20 points of the second half. The Crimson Tide's backers were immensely disappointed, however, when the defense allowed Brandon Allen to hit Dominique Reed for a 54-yard scoring strike with 1:37 remaining. The Allen-to-Reed connection allowed the Razorbacks to take the cash as 16-point underdogs.

Alabama didn't take the lead for good until Jake Coker found Calvin Ridley for an 81-yard touchdown pass with 1:39 left in the third quarter. After Arkansas failed to convert a fake punt near midfield, Alabama extended its lead to 17-7 on a three-yard TD pass from Coker to Richard Mullaney.

Coker completed 24-of-33 passes for 262 yards and two TDs, but he was also intercepted twice. Derrick Henry was held to 95 rushing yards despite getting 27 carries. The lack of production out of the ground game had to be disconcerting for Saban, as the Hogs limited the Tide to 134 rushing yards on 46 totes for a mediocre 2.9 yards-per-carry average.

Ridley finished with nine receptions for 140 yards and the aforementioned TD. The defense was stout all night, holding Arkansas to merely 220 yards of total offense.

Alabama is sixth in the nation in total defense, limiting foes to 264.5 yards per game. The Tide is giving up 15.7 points per game.

Coker has completed 59.9 percent of his throws for 1,238 yards with an 11/6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Henry has run for 665 yards and 10 TDs, averaging 5.5 YPC. Ridley has hauled in 31 receptions for 385 yards and three TDs.

Texas A&M (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) has had two weeks to prep for the Crimson Tide. Kevin Sumlin's team is in revenge mode after getting embarrassed by a 59-0 count in Tuscaloosa last season. It was -- by far -- the worst defeat for A&M on Sumlin's watch.

Sumlin's squad has posted wins vs. Arizona State (38-17), vs. Ball State (56-23), vs. Nevada (44-27) vs. Arkansas (28-21 in OT) and vs. Mississippi St. (30-17). Texas A&M covered the number as a 4.5-point home 'chalk' in its last outing against the Bulldogs.

Kyle Allen was the catalyst against MSU, completing 25-of-41 passes for 322 yards and two TDs without an interception. Allen also had 645 rushing yards. Tra Carson rushed 26 times for 110 yards and one TD.

Josh Reynolds had seven catches for 141 yards, while Christian Kirk hauled in eight receptions for 77 yards.

For the season, Allen has connected on 64.0 percent of his passes for 1,274 yards with a 13/2 TD TD-INT ratio. The sophomore signal caller has also rushed for 136 yards and a pair of scores.

Kirk, a true freshman, has been a difference maker since his collegiate debut when he had a pair of explosive TDs against the Sun Devils. Kirk has 32 catches for an SEC-best 519 receiving yards and four TDs. He has produced 958 all-purpose yards and had a 79-yard punt return for a TD against ASU.

Carson has rushed for a team-high 430 yards and four TDs, averaging 4.5 YPC. The senior RB, who is a transfer from Oregon, also has 11 catches for 100 yards and one more TD.

In 2013 and 2014, Texas A&M had horrible defenses that gave up 32.2 and 28.1 PPG, respectively. This year, however, thanks to the addition of new defensive coordinator John Chavis, who was hired away from SEC West rival LSU, the Aggies are giving up only 21.0 PPG.

Sophomore DE Myles Garrett leads the SEC in sacks with eight. He also has a forced fumble to his credit. On the other side, junior DE Daeshon Hall is tied for third in the SEC with five sacks.

Texas A&M has been a home underdog three times during Sumlin's four-year tenure, going winless with a 1-2 spread record. The lone ATS cover came in Alabama's last trip to Kyle Field, where a Johnny Manziel TD pass in the final minute secured a backdoor cover in a 49-42 loss as an 8.5-point underdog.

As a road favorite since Saban took over, Alabama owns an 18-14 spread record.

The 'under' is 3-2 overall for Texas A&M, 2-2 in its home games. The Aggies have seen their games produce an average combined score of 60.2 PPG.

The 'under' is 4-2 overall for Alabama, cashing in three consecutive contests. The 'under' was a winner in its lone previous road assignment at Georgia when the 48 combined points stayed below the 51-point tally.

CBS will have the broadcast from College Station at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

A pair of unbeaten teams will square off Saturday night at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, where LSU (5-0 SU, 2-3 ATS) will take on Florida in a crucial SEC showdown at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

As of Friday afternoon, most betting shops had LSU favored by seven with a total of 46. The Gators were +250 on the money line (risk $100 to win $250). The line went as high as 9.5 on Wednesday before dropping down to the key number of seven late Thursday.

On the Monday of LSU week last season, word trickled out that Florida QB Treon Harris had been suspended indefinitely due to an investigation into a sexual-assault complaint. This was a week after Harris orchestrated a fourth-quarter comeback win at Tennessee in relief of an ineffective Jeff Driskel. Before Will Muschamp could name Harris the new starter, he was suspended.

On the Monday prior to this Saturday's slugfest, another suspension sidelined UF's starting QB. This time around, it was redshirt freshman Will Grier who was handed a 365-day suspension after testing positive for a PED that was in an over-the-counter supplement.

Grier had been showing steady progress in recent week, especially in a 38-10 win vs. Ole Miss two weeks ago. For the season, Grier had completed 65.6 percent of his throws for 1,202 yards with a 10/3 TD-INT ratio. He had also run for 116 yards and a pair of scores.

With Grier out, Harris becomes the starter again. The true sophomore will make his eighth career start in Baton Rouge. Harris has an 11/4 career TD-INT ratio. He has connected on 19-of-27 passes (70.4%) this year for 269 yards and two TDs without an interception. He has rushed for 63 yards on 10 carries.

Florida (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS) has been the country's biggest surprise, going from unranked into the Top 10. The Gators have wins over New Mexico St. (61-13), East Carolina (31-24), Kentucky (14-9), Tennessee (28-27), Ole Miss and Missouri (21-3). They're 2-0 both SU and ATS in a pair of road game at UK and at Missouri.

In last week's win over the Tigers in Columbia, UF played turnover-free football and didn't commit a penalty. Grier threw for 209 yards, while Taylor rushed 28 times for 99 yards and a pair of TDs. Jalen Tabor had a pick-six, his second of the year, in the third quarter. Marcus Maye also had an interception for a defense that stopped Missouri on 13 of 14 third-down plays.

DeMarcus Robinson had six catches for 79 yards. For the season, Robinson has 33 receptions for 328 yards and two TDs, while Brandon Powell has 16 catches for 252 yards and three TDs. Antonio Callaway, a true freshman who had the game-winning TD catch in a comeback win over Tennessee three weeks ago, has 13 receptions for 208 yards and two TDs.

Taylor has rushed for 438 yards and seven TDs while averaging 3.8 YPC. He has 10 catches for 90 yards.

LSU has wins at Mississippi State (21-19), vs. Auburn (45-21), at Syracuse (34-24), vs. Eastern Michigan (44-22) and vs. South Carolina (45-24).

Leonard Fourette is the front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy after a dynamic start to his sophomore season. Fournette has rushed for 1,022 yards and 12 TDs while averaging an eye-opening 8.6 YPC. The New Orleans product has rushed for at least 158 yards in each game and has three games with 228 yards or more.

Fournette was held to his season-low in last week's 45-24 win over South Carolina as a 20.5-point home favorite. QB Brandon Harris had his best performance of the year against the Gamecocks, completing 18-of-28 passes for 228 yards and two TDs without an interception.

Travin Dural had four receptions for 109 yards, including a 62-yard TD grab. Malachi Dupre had six catches for 74 yards and one TD. True freshman RB Derrius Guice rushed for a career-high 161 yards and one TD on 16 totes.

Harris hasn't been asked to do much this season and, like I said all summer, Les Miles has proven he can win big with an average QB. Hell, he went 13-0 (before the rematch with Alabama in the BCS Championship Game) in 2011 with Jordan Jefferson at the wheel.

What Harris has done effectively is his most important task -- taking care of the football. The true sophomore has thrown four TD passes compared to zero interceptions. Harris has thrown for 80 yards or fewer in three games and last week's 228-yard effort was his season high by more than 70 yards.

When Harris does throw, he has a pair of talented WRs in Dural and Dupre, who had yards-per-catch averages of 20.5 and 22.7, respectively, when they combined for 12 TD receptions last season.

LSU senior safety Jalen Mills will make his season debut vs. Florida. The preseason All-SEC pick went down with an injury in August, but has been upgraded to 'probable' this week. Mills had 62 tackles and one interception in 2014.

LSU ranks 14th in the nation in total defense and sixth against the run. The Tigers are giving up 22.0 PPG.

UF has posted a 6-2 spread record in its last eight games as a road underdog. Meanwhile, LSU is also 6-2 ATS in its last eight as a home 'chalk.'

The 'over' is 4-1 overall for LSU, 3-0 in its home games. The Tigers have watched the 'over' hit in each of their last four games. Their games have averaged a combined score of 59.8 PPG.

Totals have been an overall wash for UF (3-3), but the 'under' has cashed in both of its road assignments.

LSU has beaten Florida in four of the last five head-to-head meetings, including last year's 30-27 win in Gainesville in a pick 'em affair. UF hasn't won at Tiger Stadium since capturing a 13-3 triumph in Tim Tebow's senior season (2009).

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

[StarDust Bum]

Amid distractions, Florida visits LSU
October 16, 2015

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) If the resurgent Florida Gators leave LSU's Death Valley with their first loss this season, they'll have to wonder, what if?

The matchup of No. 8 Florida (6-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) and sixth-ranked LSU (5-0, 3-0) on Saturday night is certain to be one of the most anticipated college football contests in the nation this week.

Yet the competitive balance seems to have tipped in LSU's favor because of Florida's recent off-the-field issues. Gators starting quarterback Will Grier was suspended one year on Monday for violating the NCAA's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Then Florida freshman defensive back Deiondre Porter, one of the club's top special teams players, hadn't been arrested this week for allegedly firing a gun in the direction of his pregnant girlfriend.

As if trying slow down star LSU running back Leonard Fournette wasn't enough. Now the Gators' ability to compartmentalize will be seriously tested.

First-year Florida coach Jim McElwain said playing major college football is always going to challenge players' ability to focus, even without suspensions or arrests.

''Let's talk about chaos and distractions. Playing in Tiger Stadium, in a night game, there's a lot of it going on,'' McElwain said. ''This team, they're about each other and they care, obviously. But at the same time, you've got to move on and those are the lessons we learn in life. Sometimes, things happen. So are you going to sit there and hang your head?''

Treon Harris will be Florida's quarterback going forward, and McElwain seems to believe Harris is ready.

''He did a really good job of, when he was in that (backup) role, of preparing like a starter,'' McElwain said. ''I wish every guy on our team did that because you just never know. You're one play away.''

LSU coach Les Miles has seen firsthand how well a talented team can overcome distractions. His own team dealt with them in 2011, when then-starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson was suspended in connection with a bar fight. The Tigers didn't lose until their rematch with Alabama in the national title game. So Miles is forecasting an epic showdown with the Gators, distractions and all.

''This is a top-10 matchup. This is Tiger Stadium at its best,'' Miles said. ''This should be a great game, a very competitive game, and certainly two very capable football teams.''

---

Some story lines surrounding the Florida-LSU matchup:

FORMIDABLE FOURNETTE:

LSU's best hope for a Heisman Trophy winner since Billy Cannon in 1959 has averaged 204.5 yards through five games this season and has scored 12 touchdowns. Florida's top priority will be to stop him. So far, the Gators have yielded 99.2 yards rushing per game, second best in the SEC.

HARRIS VS. HARRIS:

Florida sophomore Treon Harris has started seven previous games in his career, including the 2015 season opener. He's 5-2 and passed for 215 yards and two TD's in his lone start this year vs. New Mexico State. LSU sophomore Brandon Harris has six career starts, five this season. He hasn't been relied upon much, but passed for a career-high 228 yards last week against South Carolina.

COACHING SUCCESS:

McElwain, who came to Florida from Colorado State, has won 15 of his last 16 games as a head coach and is the first Florida coach since Galen Hall in 1984 to start 6-0 in his first season. Miles, now in his 11th season with LSU, has 108 victories with the Tigers, second most in school history.

PASSING CHALLENGE:

If LSU is forced to pass, pressure mounts on Brandon Harris and his top two targets, Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. They'll have to beat Florida's talented defensive backs, headlined by Jalen Tabor, who has two interceptions for TDs and Vernon Hargreaves III, who has three picks. ''Hargreaves is a very smart player,'' Dural said. ''You can tell he studies a lot of film. He knows what you are going to do.''

KICKING MATTERS:

Florida place kicker Austin Hardin is sidelined with a leg injury, so the Gators go with Jorge Powell, who has only two career attempts, but made both. LSU's Trent Domingue has hit all seven of his attempts this season.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAFB ATS

CFB > (187) CHARLOTTE@ (188) OLD DOMINION | 2015-10-17 15:30:00 - 2015-10-17 15:30:00
Play AGAINST OLD DOMINION against the spread in games played on turf
The record is 2 Wins and 13 Losses for the last two seasons (-12.3 units)

CFB > (175) W VIRGINIA@ (176) BAYLOR | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play ON BAYLOR against the spread in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 70
The record is 12 Wins and 1 Losses for the since 1992 (+10.9 units)

CFB > (153) W MICHIGAN@ (154) OHIO U | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play ON W MICHIGAN against the spread when playing with 6 or less days rest
The record is 10 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+8.9 units)

CFB > (167) OKLAHOMA@ (168) KANSAS ST | 2015-10-17 15:30:00 - 2015-10-17 15:30:00
Play ON KANSAS ST against the spread in October games
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the last three seasons (+8 units)

CFB > (201) LOUISVILLE@ (202) FLORIDA ST | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play ON LOUISVILLE against the spread in a road game where the total is between 42.5 and 49
The record is 20 Wins and 5 Losses for the since 1992 (+14.5 units)

CFB > (115) BOISE ST@ (116) UTAH ST | 2015-10-16 21:00:00 - 2015-10-16 21:00:00
Play ON BOISE ST against the spread in a road game where the total is between 49.5 and 52
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the since 1992 (+8 units)

CFB > (213) OREGON@ (214) WASHINGTON | 2015-10-17 22:30:00 - 2015-10-17 22:30:00
Play ON OREGON against the spread after playing a conference game
The record is 7 Wins and 0 Losses for the last two seasons (+7 units)

CFB > (205) OLE MISS@ (206) MEMPHIS | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play AGAINST MEMPHIS against the spread off a win against a conference rival
The record is 5 Wins and 19 Losses for the since 1992 (-15.9 units)

CFB > (195) ARIZONA@ (196) COLORADO | 2015-10-17 21:00:00 - 2015-10-17 21:00:00
Play AGAINST COLORADO against the spread in October games
The record is 30 Wins and 64 Losses for the since 1992 (-40.4 units)

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAFB MONEYLINE

CFB > (121) UCF@ (122) TEMPLE | 2015-10-17 19:30:00 - 2015-10-17 19:30:00
Play AGAINST UCF using money line in a road game where the total is between 42.5 and 45
The record is 2 Wins and 6 Losses for the since 1992 (-16.65 units)

CFB > (149) LOUISIANA TECH@ (150) MISSISSIPPI ST | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play ON LOUISIANA TECH using money line when playing with 6 or less days rest
The record is 10 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+12.95 units)

CFB > (127) S FLORIDA@ (128) CONNECTICUT | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play AGAINST CONNECTICUT using money line as a favorite vs. the money line
The record is 3 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (-20.35 units)

CFB > (209) HAWAII@ (210) NEW MEXICO | 2015-10-17 19:00:00 - 2015-10-17 19:00:00
Play AGAINST HAWAII using money line off a loss against a conference rival
The record is 5 Wins and 13 Losses for the since 1992 (-20.95 units)

CFB > (207) PENN ST@ (208) OHIO ST | 2015-10-17 20:00:00 - 2015-10-17 20:00:00
Play ON OHIO ST using money line in games played on turf
The record is 52 Wins and 12 Losses for the since 1992 (+37.75 units)

CFB > (117) UNLV@ (118) FRESNO ST | 2015-10-16 22:30:00 - 2015-10-16 22:30:00
Play AGAINST FRESNO ST using money line off a loss against a conference rival
The record is 1 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (-13.1 units)

CFB > (193) ARIZONA ST@ (194) UTAH | 2015-10-17 22:00:00 - 2015-10-17 22:00:00
Play ON ARIZONA ST using money line after playing a conference game
The record is 9 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+12.7 units)

CFB > (123) BUFFALO@ (124) C MICHIGAN | 2015-10-17 13:00:00 - 2015-10-17 13:00:00
Play ON C MICHIGAN using money line against conference opponents
The record is 12 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+17.85 units)

CFB > (189) VANDERBILT@ (190) S CAROLINA | 2015-10-17 16:00:00 - 2015-10-17 16:00:00
Play AGAINST S CAROLINA using money line against conference opponents
The record is 2 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (-13.7 units)

CFB > (203) USC@ (204) NOTRE DAME | 2015-10-17 19:30:00 - 2015-10-17 19:30:00
Play AGAINST USC using money line after playing a conference game
The record is 6 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (-28.75 units)

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAFB FIRST HALF

CFB > (189) VANDERBILT@ (190) S CAROLINA | 2015-10-17 16:00:00 - 2015-10-17 16:00:00
Play AGAINST S CAROLINA ?>in the first half as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 0 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (-11 units)

CFB > (115) BOISE ST@ (116) UTAH ST | 2015-10-16 21:00:00 - 2015-10-16 21:00:00
Play ON BOISE ST ?>in the first half versus the first half line in all games
The record is 16 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+12.7 units)

CFB > (201) LOUISVILLE@ (202) FLORIDA ST | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play ON LOUISVILLE ?>in the first half after playing a conference game
The record is 9 Wins and 0 Losses for the last three seasons (+9 units)

CFB > (117) UNLV@ (118) FRESNO ST | 2015-10-16 22:30:00 - 2015-10-16 22:30:00
Play AGAINST UNLV ?>in the first half as a road favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 2 Wins and 15 Losses for the since 1992 (-14.5 units)

CFB > (145) TEXAS TECH@ (146) KANSAS | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play AGAINST KANSAS ?>in the first half as an underdog vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 2 Wins and 13 Losses for the last two seasons (-12.3 units)

CFB > (131) FLA INTERNATIONAL@ (132) MIDDLE TENN ST | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play ON MIDDLE TENN ST ?>in the first half when playing on a Saturday
The record is 11 Wins and 1 Losses for the last three seasons (+9.9 units)

CFB > (153) W MICHIGAN@ (154) OHIO U | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play ON W MICHIGAN ?>in the first half when playing with 6 or less days rest
The record is 10 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+8.9 units)

CFB > (191) OREGON ST@ (192) WASHINGTON ST | 2015-10-17 16:00:00 - 2015-10-17 16:00:00
Play AGAINST OREGON ST ?>in the first half when playing on a Saturday
The record is 2 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.2 units)

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAFB TOTALS

CFB > (165) MISSOURI@ (166) GEORGIA | 2015-10-17 19:30:00 - 2015-10-17 19:30:00
Play UNDER MISSOURI on the total when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 0 Overs and 10 Unders for the last two seasons (+10 units)

CFB > (175) W VIRGINIA@ (176) BAYLOR | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play OVER BAYLOR on the total versus the first half line in all games
The record is 14 Overs and 2 Unders for the last two seasons (+11.8 units)

CFB > (211) SAN DIEGO ST@ (212) SAN JOSE ST | 2015-10-17 22:30:00 - 2015-10-17 22:30:00
Play UNDER SAN DIEGO ST on the total in all lined games
The record is 3 Overs and 16 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.7 units)

CFB > (207) PENN ST@ (208) OHIO ST | 2015-10-17 20:00:00 - 2015-10-17 20:00:00
Play UNDER PENN ST on the total versus the first half line in all games
The record is 3 Overs and 16 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.7 units)

CFB > (193) ARIZONA ST@ (194) UTAH | 2015-10-17 22:00:00 - 2015-10-17 22:00:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the total in weeks 5 through 9
The record is 0 Overs and 9 Unders for the last three seasons (+9 units)

CFB > (119) E MICHIGAN@ (120) TOLEDO | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Play OVER E MICHIGAN on the total after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses
The record is 14 Overs and 2 Unders for the last three seasons (+11.8 units)

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAFB TOP POWERLINES

CFB > (125) MARSHALL @ (126) FLA ATLANTIC | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Line: MARSHALL BTB PowerLine: MARSHALL17
Edge On: MARSHALL (13.5)

CFB > (145) TEXAS TECH @ (146) KANSAS | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Line: KANSAS32.5 BTB PowerLine: KANSAS22
Edge On: KANSAS (10.5)

CFB > (139) PURDUE @ (140) WISCONSIN | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Line: WISCONSIN-20 BTB PowerLine: WISCONSIN-27
Edge On: WISCONSIN (7)

CFB > (205) OLE MISS @ (206) MEMPHIS | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Line: MEMPHIS10.5 BTB PowerLine: MEMPHIS2
Edge On: MEMPHIS (8.5)

CFB > (119) E MICHIGAN @ (120) TOLEDO | 2015-10-17 12:00:00 - 2015-10-17 12:00:00
Line: TOLEDO-28 BTB PowerLine: TOLEDO-36
Edge On: TOLEDO (8)

CFB > (169) PITTSBURGH @ (170) GEORGIA TECH | 2015-10-17 12:30:00 - 2015-10-17 12:30:00
Line: GEORGIA TECH-3.5 BTB PowerLine: GEORGIA TECH-15
Edge On: GEORGIA TECH (11.5)

CFB > (133) GEORGIA ST @ (134) BALL ST | 2015-10-17 15:00:00 - 2015-10-17 15:00:00
Line: BALL ST-13 BTB PowerLine: BALL ST-26
Edge On: BALL ST (13)

CFB > (167) OKLAHOMA @ (168) KANSAS ST | 2015-10-17 15:30:00 - 2015-10-17 15:30:00
Line: KANSAS ST4.5 BTB PowerLine: KANSAS ST-7
Edge On: KANSAS ST (11.5)

CFB > (187) CHARLOTTE @ (188) OLD DOMINION | 2015-10-17 15:30:00 - 2015-10-17 15:30:00
Line: OLD DOMINION-4.5 BTB PowerLine: OLD DOMINION-17
Edge On: OLD DOMINION (12.5)

CFB > (151) KENT ST @ (152) MASSACHUSETTS | 2015-10-17 15:30:00 - 2015-10-17 15:30:00
Line: KENT ST BTB PowerLine: KENT ST0
Edge On: KENT ST (7)

CFB > (189) VANDERBILT @ (190) S CAROLINA | 2015-10-17 16:00:00 - 2015-10-17 16:00:00
Line: S CAROLINA-2.5 BTB PowerLine: S CAROLINA-10
Edge On: S CAROLINA (7.5)

CFB > (199) TCU @ (200) IOWA ST | 2015-10-17 19:00:00 - 2015-10-17 19:00:00
Line: TCU BTB PowerLine: TCU31
Edge On: TCU (10.5)

CFB > (161) FLORIDA @ (162) LSU | 2015-10-17 19:00:00 - 2015-10-17 19:00:00
Line: FLORIDA BTB PowerLine: FLORIDA-2
Edge On: FLORIDA (7.5)

[StarDust Bum]

Colorado tries to slow down Arizona
October 16, 2015

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) So fed up, the Colorado Buffaloes called a team meeting soon after dropping their 13th straight conference game last weekend.

Players only. Before dinner. Don't be late.

Led by tailback Phillip Lindsay, who called for the gathering on the plane ride home from Arizona State, the squad voiced their concerns.

It was therapeutic and a good sign for Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre, whose team hosts Arizona (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) and its spread offense on Saturday. A coaching friend even called to tell MacIntyre so.

''He said, `When your leaders get really angry and ticked off, it's a good thing because they now know that they have to go execute and do it,''' MacIntyre said. ''Until it really hurts them bad - really bad - then they kind of just take it.

''I'd rather see them angry than not feeling anything about it at all.''

Colorado (3-3, 0-2) hasn't knocked off a conference foe since beating Cal on Nov. 16, 2013, in MacIntyre's first season. Their current streak of 13 straight league losses is one shy of matching the school record, which was set over the 2012-13 seasons.

The tone of the team meeting was more constructive than finger pointing. Basically, the leaders vowed to take more responsibility after a 48-23 loss at Arizona State.

Like quarterback Sefo Liufau, who's thrown no interceptions in Colorado's wins and three in its losses.

''A lot of good things were said,'' said Liufau, who's on the 12-member leadership council the Buffs have organized this season. ''Ultimately, we came out with a better feeling and better understanding of what needs to be done.''

In this game, what needs to be done is simple - contain Anu Solomon. The sophomore QB returned last weekend from a concussion and led the Wildcats to a 44-7 win over Oregon State as the offense amassed 644 total yards.

''When you watch Anu play, it's kind of uncanny some of the things he can do,'' MacIntyre said. ''He adds another dimension.''

That's with Solomon saying he felt ''a little rusty,'' too. The presence of Solomon brings a settling influence to the huddle.

''On and off the field, Anu is just a very chill person. He has the right personality,'' junior receiver Samajie Grant said. ''Even in bad situations, we never panic with Anu at quarterback because he is always so calm.''

Things to know as Colorado tries to snap a three-game slide against Arizona:

CONTAINING THE CATS:

Arizona ranks seventh in the nation in scoring (42.3) and rushing (298.5). The team also is ninth in total offense (530.2). ''We've been moving the ball, but we also had some self-inflicted errors that we need to fix,'' Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez said.

NO SCOOBY:

Linebacker Scooby Wright is ''progressing well,'' but won't play this weekend. Derrick Turituri is banged up, too. ''He and Scooby are our two most productive linebackers and defensive ends. If we can get those two back, we can do much more with our defense,'' Rodriguez said.

LINEBACKER ISSUE:

MacIntyre is running out of healthy linebackers. Addison Gillam (knee) and Kenneth Olugbode (leg surgery) were already sidelined and backup Ryan Severson was hurt last week. Colorado will rely on redshirt freshman Rick Gamboa to help patrol the middle of the field. ''They'll get out there and do what they can do,'' MacIntyre said.

HARD HITS:

Liufau was sacked eight times in a loss at Arizona State, but kept bouncing back up. ''I even went up to him and said, `Sefo, can you keep doing this?''' MacIntyre said. ''He said, `I can keep doing this.' ... I've never been around a quarterback that is as tough as he is.''

HOMECOMING WOES:

Although the Buffaloes are 61-34-5 in homecoming games, they've dropped seven straight, including a double-overtime loss to UCLA a year ago. ''A win is kind of the only thing that will satisfy us right now,'' Liufau said. ''We don't care about coming close, overtime loss, or anything like that. We just want to win. That's our main goal.''

[StarDust Bum]

Jayhawks defense gets another test
October 16, 2015

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) Kansas allowed seven touchdowns and a field goal by halftime last week against Baylor.

The Jayhawks aren't getting much of a reprieve.

Texas Tech and its similarly potent offense rolls into town on Saturday, intending to become the latest team to run roughshod over the Jayhawks. The Red Raiders have scored at least 35 points in every game this season, and have twice topped 60 - including last week against Iowa State.

Then again, maybe the Jayhawks learned something from their licking.

''They're very different in terms of how they attack people,'' said Kansas coach David Beaty, who's in his first season trying to resurrect the downtrodden program.

''Don't be fooled by those formations. Those plays are very, very different,'' he said of the comparison between Baylor and Texas Tech. ''In terms of the spacing and understanding disguises and things like that, I think it will be - just watching practice or walk-through, I could already see a lot more retention that will be helpful this week, I think, as we move forward.''

The Jayhawks (0-5, 0-2 Big 12) are grasping for whatever positives they can this season.

Beaty inherited a depleted roster, fan apathy and little else when he took over for the fired Charlie Weis. He's been forced to play a slew of freshmen and the results have been predictable: a whole lot of lumps against just about everybody.

Baylor has been the worst yet, a 66-7 thumping in which the starters sat the second half.

But Red Raiders coach Kliff Kingsbury has known Beaty for years, partly because their careers keep intersecting. And he knows better than to overlook his buddy, even if Kansas is struggling.

''I think he's a tremendous football coach,'' Kingsbury said. ''I know he's trying to build something special out there. ... They had a tough run, but they're getting better.''

The Red Raiders (4-2, 1-2) seem to be getting better, too.

After their heartbreaking loss to TCU to open conference play, they were slapped around by Baylor, 63-35 in defeat. But they handled the Cyclones easily a week ago, their defense playing much better and their offense just as good in a 66-31 victory.

Texas Tech had a school-record 776 yards of total offense in the game.

''They're playing with confidence and playing faster,'' Red Raiders offensive coordinator Eric Morris said. ''I thought that was the biggest thing is we got some of the young kids that are playing with a lot of confidence.''

As they prepare to visit Kansas, here are a few things to remember:

LOPSIDED SERIES:

Texas Tech is 15-1 against the Jayhawks, and has won eight straight in the series. The average margin of victory during that streak is more than 18 points.

DON'T BLINK:

Of the Red Raiders' 44 scoring drives this year, 19 have taken less than 2 minutes. Ten of them were under a minute. As a result, they ranked 121st out of 127 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision in time of possession, but No. 2 in scoring.

MAHOMES THE MAN:

Patrick Mahomes II has thrown for 3,692 yards and 33 TDs in his first 10 starts, putting the sophomore on pace to finish ahead of Kingsbury, his coach, and Graham Harrell - the top two passers in school history. ''He's pretty special,'' Morris said.

SPEAKING OF QBS:

Ryan Willis will get his second start for Kansas on Saturday. Willis had some positive moments against Baylor, including a nice TD toss to fellow freshman Steven Sims Jr., but also made some noteworthy mistakes. ''I like his demeanor. I like how he handled the moment. I like how he made a mistake, and he didn't let it rattle him,'' Beaty said. ''He came right back and was able to continue to look forward and didn't let one bad play turn into two or three.''

HURTING JAYHAWKS:

Wide receiver Bobby Hartzog and defensive lineman Damani Mosby are expected to be out again with injuries, but Beaty is hopeful wide receiver Tre' Parmelee, running back Ke'aun Kinner and cornerback Brandon Stewart are available. ''We'll have to see how the week progresses,'' he said, ''because it's not a slam dunk for those guys.''

[StarDust Bum]

Pitt, GTech headed in opposite directions
October 16, 2015

ATLANTA (AP) The Pittsburgh Panthers are looking rejuvenated under first-year coach Pat Narduzzi with a chance to stay unbeaten in the ACC.

Georgia Tech's season is headed in the opposite direction. Considered the early favorite to win the league's Coastal Division, the Yellow Jackets are riding a four-game losing streak, their worst in eight seasons under coach Paul Johnson.

Getting quarterback Justin Thomas back in a groove is critical for Georgia Tech (2-4, 0-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). Injuries at several positions and a lack of experience at other positions have hurt his timing.

After last week's blowout loss Clemson, the Jackets' spread option offense faces another tough test against Pitt (4-1, 2-0 ACC). The Panthers' defense, led by linebacker Matt Galambos, ranks seventh nationally in fewest yards allowed.

Johnson praised Thomas' work ethic in practice this week, calling it his best of the season. Thomas hopes it translates over into Saturday's game.

''We haven't been playing with enough confidence, me included,'' Thomas said. ''Right now we need to focus on what we've always done in this offense. I need to play fast, take what the defense gives me, but I can only do my job. I can't try to do too much.''

Though Thomas' run production is less than half his average last season, Narduzzi is concerned he still has plenty of potential to hurt Pitt.

''He does a great job with pitching the ball and not throwing it behind people,'' Narduzzi said. ''He's got to get (teammates) in the right check and look to the sideline and be in the no-huddle or the spread option. He's the key to the offense.''

---

Some things to watch when Pittsburgh visits Georgia Tech:

TOP TIER TALENT:

Pitt receiver Tyler Boyd, one of the ACC's top offensive players, leads the league in catches per game and ranks second in average yards receiving. The junior needs seven catches to become the school's career leader with 203.

BIG-PLAY GAFFES:

Johnson called out himself and his assistants for poor coaching on both sides of the line. The Jackets' defense has struggled with fundamentals like recognizing formations and overplaying keys. ''On the very first long run (at Clemson), we're slanting inside and we've got a guy unblocked that (doesn't) step out there,'' Johnson said. ''Elementary, day-one football. Two guys go in, you come out. Except for us, it ain't that elementary sometimes. Two guys go in, he goes in. 74 yards later, oh, my bad. We've got to coach it better.''

NOT THIS TIME:

When Georgia Tech visited Pittsburgh last year, the Panthers trailed 28-0 in the first quarter after losing five fumbles. Though Narduzzi worked last season as defensive coordinator at Michigan State, he has revisited the topic several times this week. Pitt spent extra time in practice focused on ball security. ''We're just making the turnover drills we've been doing a little more realistic,'' Narduzzi said. ''You've got to secure the football, and after last year and the nightmare we had there, it can't happen.''

HOUNDING THE QB:

Pitt leads the nation in sacks with 21. That's two more than it had in 13 games last year. Galambos and senior end Ejuan Price have combined for 7.5.

STILL SIDELINED:

Georgia Tech running back Broderick Snoddy, who had career highs in rushing yards and touchdowns in last year's win at Pitt, is still nursing a hand injury and will not play.