The Bum's 2017 College Football Picks-Trends-News Etc. !

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No. 25 Tennessee pulls off remarkable 42-41 win over Ga Tech
September 4, 2017

ATLANTA (AP) No. 25 Tennessee rallied from a pair of 14-point deficits in the second half and stopped a 2-point conversion in the second overtime, stunning Georgia Tech 42-41 despite giving up five rushing touchdowns to TaQuon Marshall and getting thoroughly dominated statistically Monday night.

Bolstering the outlook for embattled coach Butch Jones, the Volunteers pulled off a remarkable season-opening victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a game they seemed to have no business winning.

John Kelly scored the tying touchdown in regulation on an 11-yard run with 1:29 remaining, and then added two more TD runs in overtime. Marshall, in a remarkable performance in his first college start, matched Kelly's scores with a pair of his own, finishing the game with 249 yards rushing and a school record for rushing TDs.

After Marshall got to the end zone on a 13-yard run in the second overtime, Georgia Tech decided to go for the win right there rather than a tying PAT and a potential third overtime. But Marshall was stuffed as he tried to cut inside, and a desperation pitch was ruled an incomplete pass, ending the game.

Georgia Tech rushed for 535 yards, finished with 655 yards overall and held the ball for 41 minutes, 27 seconds during regulation. Tennessee was held to 369 yards and ran just 59 plays, compared to 96 by the Yellow Jackets.

But Tennessee came up with two crucial turnovers, most notably J.J. Green's fumble when the Yellow Jackets appeared to be driving for a clinching score. Georgia Tech also missed two field goals.

Green was hit from behind by Rashaan Gaulden at the Tennessee 25, the ball rolled forward and Micah Abernathy fell on it for the Vols at the 7 with 4:50 remaining. Tennessee drove nearly the length of the field for the tying score.

New Vols quarterback Quinten Dormady hooked up with Marquez Callaway on a 40-yard reception and Kelly finished off the drive. The running back finished with 128 yard on the ground.

Callaway, stepping up big when top receiver Jauan Jennings went out with an injury in the first half, also had a pair of touchdown catches and finished with four receptions for 115 yards.

Georgia Tech still had a chance to win in regulation, driving into position for walk-on Shawn Davis' 36-yard field goal attempt on the final play. But the kick was low, Paul Bain got a hand on it and the game went to OT.

Tennessee went ahead for the first time all night on its final touchdown and PAT.

It was all the Volunteers needed.

THE TAKEAWAY

Tennessee: A huge boost for a team that hasn't won a Southeastern Conference title since its national championship season of 1998. On the down side, the Vols clearly have a lot of work to do defensively after allowing Georgia Tech to march up and down the field all night long. But Dormady, taking over at QB for Joshua Dobbs, bounced back from a shaky start to complete 20 of 37 for 221 yards with no major mistakes. Callaway also looks like the type of player who can be a huge help offensively, especially if Jennings is out for an extended period with what appeared to be a hand or wrist injury.

Georgia Tech: It will be interesting to see how the Yellow Jackets bounce back from such a crushing defeat. Marshall proved a worthy successor at quarterback to three-year starter Justin Thomas, not only with his running ability but also showing a good arm (5 of 9 for 120 yards). The defense totally broke down toward the end of the game, giving up a 50-yard touchdown to Callaway on a short pass in the flats and not slowing the Vols at all in overtime. Davis earned the kicking job in preseason camp over freshman signee Brenton King, but his tenure was short-lived. King will get a shot in the next game.

UP NEXT

Tennessee: The Vols host Indiana State in their home opener on Saturday.

Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets also face a six-day turnaround in their return to campus, hosting FCS school Jacksonville State at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

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4th Quarter Covers - Week 1
September 4, 2017

Glancing at the scoreboard won’t tell you the whole story in most games. Here are some of the games that went down to the wire relative to the spread in the fourth quarter last week in the opening college football weekend.

Each week there are several teams that cover despite not necessarily deserving it, as well as other teams that played much better than the final score shows.

Ohio State (-20½) 49, Indiana 21: The Hoosiers looked like an upset threat in this hyped Big Ten opener, as the underdog cover didn’t even seem in question as the Hoosiers led 14-6 well into the second quarter. Ohio State scored to get within one point before the break before a lull in the scoring after halftime. Ohio State would score three touchdowns in the final seven minutes of the third quarter with a pair of big play scores to turn the game around leading 35-21 heading into the final frame when Indiana had led 21-20 with just a few minutes remaining in the third quarter. Taking advantage of a turnover Ohio State slipped past the spread early in the fourth quarter to lead 42-21. Indiana reached midfield on its next possession to threaten the number but an interception ended the threat and Ohio State went 87 yards to burn six minutes of clock, punching in one more touchdown for a 28-point final margin in game that felt much closer than that most of the way.

Arizona State (-26½) 37, New Mexico State 31: A one-point game at halftime, Arizona State scored four straight times to start the second half to lead 37-13 early in the fourth quarter on a spread that dipped as low -22½ before climbing back up right before game time. Those following the line move were burned as New Mexico State played to the end, scoring 18 points in the final nine minutes including a 29-yard touchdown pass as time expired. With a total that fell as low as 69 at closing, the Aggies didn’t bother attempting an extra-point after that score that didn’t impact the outcome but certainly could have impacted total wagers.

Wisconsin (-27) 59, Utah State 10: The Badgers had a slow start, trailing 10-0 for the first 28 minutes of the game before a turnover helped the Badgers to tie the game by halftime. Wisconsin took charge in the second half and slipped past the spread just before the start of the 4th quarter and eventually tacked on three more scores in the final 10 minutes to create a somewhat misleading lopsided final.

Louisville (-25½) 35, Purdue 28 (66): Purdue made it clear early this was going to be a competitive game and that the underdog would be the right side. The total wound up a very close call despite statistics that would indicate a clear ‘over’ game as these teams combined for 52 first downs and 103 pass attempts. The first half featured Louisville fumbling in the red zone on three separate possessions however while Purdue also missed a field goal to leave a 14-10 score at halftime. An interception return touchdown helped the scoring pace in the third quarter and with still nine minutes to go in a very tight game the combined score reached 60 as the ‘over’ pace had caught up. Louisville settled for a short field goal to lead by seven to leave overtime a possibility but a productive Purdue drive into Louisville territory ended with an interception. The Boilermakers got another shot forcing a punt but pinned deep into their own territory they failed on downs and the ‘under’ held on.

Nebraska (-14½) 43, Arkansas State 36: On back-to-back plays there was a punt return and a kickoff return touchdown in this game for a wild first quarter. Nebraska led by just one at halftime but pulled away with a touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter to lead 41-26, just past the number. Arkansas State settled for a field goal and Nebraska later earned a safety for a 14-point edge, just short of the spread for most on the Huskers. Nebraska was unable to put the game away and Arkansas State connected for a touchdown in the final minute to trail by only seven, securing the underdog cover. Arkansas State was actually a serious threat to score again as they recovered an onside kick and had two throws from the Nebraska 11-yard-line in the final seconds.

Mississippi (-21½) 47, South Alabama 27: Ole Miss struggled in the first half of the opener with just a 13-10 edge at the break but Shea Patterson connected on a few big throws in the third quarter while the Rebels also had a kickoff return touchdown to take a 40-13 edge into the final frame. Mississippi scored again in the fourth as the Rebels were well past the favorite spread that dropped from -27 down to -21½ by game time with a 34-point advantage. South Alabama cut the deficit to 27 with a 75-yard touchdown drive but another big kickoff return but the Rebels immediately back in scoring range. With Patterson still in the game the Rebels were stuffed however and wound up missing a 45-yard field goal. That gave the Jaguars a golden opportunity for a backdoor cover and they delivered with another touchdown drive mostly on the ground to make the final score and statistics a bit more respectable.

Notre Dame (-20) 49, Temple 16: The Irish took control of this game quickly and at halftime led 28-10, even with a common spread of -18 before the line took off Saturday afternoon before game time. Notre Dame briefly went up by 25 but Temple answered early in the fourth quarter though with a missed extra-point to push the margin to 19 points. It wound up not mattering as Notre Dame added two more rushing touchdowns in the final six minutes for an even more convincing final number.

Auburn (-34½) 41, Georgia Southern 7: Auburn had three turnovers to struggle to pull away from Georgia Southern with a spread that hovered around the five touchdown mark all week. The Tigers led just 24-7 at halftime and were short of the number with a 34-7 edge heading into the fourth quarter. The Tigers posted a 95-yard touchdown drive in the final frame but it wasn’t quite enough for most with a 34-point final margin. It is hard to find a more lopsided box score with Georgia Southern netting 78 total yards and their only points coming on a fumble return despite the ATS win for the underdog. Auburn reached the 25-yard-line on its final possession but came up empty going for it on 4th down rather than attempting a field goal.

Kentucky (-9½) 24, Southern Miss 17: The Wildcats were past a hefty road favorite price with a 14-3 edge at halftime but Southern Miss connected for a big pass play to get within four early in the third quarter. Kentucky used a short field to extend its lead to seven points with a late third quarter field goal and then got the play of the game a few plays later with a fumble return touchdown. That made it a 14-point game heading into the fourth quarter but Southern Miss responded with an 11 play touchdown drive to climb back to within a one score margin. Southern Miss fumbled on its next possession and then opted to punt on its next drive from the Kentucky 45-yard line with just over five minutes to go. Kentucky managed to get a few first downs and burn some clock, shifting the field position and pinning the Golden Eagles deep in their own territory, where they wound up stranded to end the game. Despite the fourth quarter score for the underdog cover Southern Miss had the edge in the statistics.

Alabama (-7½) 24, Florida State 7: Technically a late third quarter cover but the biggest game of the week certainly had a misleading final score as Florida State was the more productive offensive team most of the way before a disastrous stretch in the third quarter. Both teams had missed opportunities to score more early but Alabama led just 10-7 at the half and still just 13-7 after Florida State held the Tide to a field goal after a blocked punt put Alabama at the six-yard line. Florida State fumbled on the ensuing kickoff to hand Alabama another red zone opportunity and they cashed in this time with a 1st down touchdown to lead 21-7. Florida State was still a touchdown away from covering but back-to-back interceptions followed and Alabama added another field goal in the fourth quarter to seal the win with the three second half scores for Alabama coming on drives of -1, 11, and 16 yards.

Boise State (-11) 24, Troy 13: With the help of a punt return touchdown Boise State led 14-3 against Troy but the Trojans got back into the game with an interception return touchdown. The Broncos led by just seven going into the fourth quarter and Troy trimmed that edge to just four points with a field goal. Up by 4, Boise State went for it on 4th-and-1 from the Troy 20 yard line and fell short but on the very next play Troy gave the ball back with an interception. Boise State used a short field to connect for a touchdown with just over two minutes to go in the game for a 24-13 edge, slipping by the spread for some with a number that opened at -12½ before falling all the way to -10 and climbing to -11 by kickoff.

West Virginia (-5½) 31, West Virginia 24: The renewal of this rivalry lived up to the billing Sunday night with a tight game throughout and neither team ever scoring consecutively. West Virginia trailed 10-7 at the half which would have been enough to cover on a spread that fluctuated from +4 to +5. Virginia Tech took a 24-17 lead into the fourth quarter on a one-play drive following a great kickoff return but West Virginia hit a big play early in the fourth quarter to knot the score at 24-24. After trading punts Josh Jackson delivered an 82-yard drive for the go-ahead touchdown with just over six minutes to go. The Hokies later had a chance to put the game away but a 32-yard field goal was missed and in the final seconds West Virginia quarterback Will Grier had a pair of shots to the end zone but both fell incomplete as the Hokies won and covered despite trailing the Mountaineers in most of the statistics.

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CFB notebook: A&M coach Sumlin draws ire of regent member
September 4, 2017

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin has faced criticism for late-season implosions, but blowing a 34-point lead and losing to UCLA on Sunday might have been the final straw for a school regent.

Houston attorney Tony Buzbee wrote a lengthy Facebook post after the Aggies blew a 34-point lead and lost 45-44 in the Rose Bowl on Sunday night on a fake spike play by Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen.

On Facebook, Buzbee wrote: "I'm sure I may be criticized for this post but I honestly don't care. I've been on the Board of Regents for the A&M System for almost seven years. During that time, I've not once commented on Kevin Sumlin and his performance during his tenure at our school. I never said a word when he and his agent manipulated a much bigger and longer contract. I said nothing about his arrogance and his mishandling of multiple player controversies. I said nothing when we had multiple awesome recruiting classes, only to see key players leave our school or underperform.

"But tonight I am very disappointed and I have to say this. Kevin Sumlin was out-coached tonight, which isn't new. He recruits well, but can't coach the big games, or the close games. Our players were better tonight. Our players were more talented tonight. But our coaches were dominated on national TV, yet again. I'm only one vote on the Board of Regents but when the time comes my vote will be that Kevin Sumlin needs to GO."

--Florida State coach coach Jimbo Fisher confirmed that quarterback Deondre Francois suffered a torn patellar tendon in Saturday night's loss to top-ranked Alabama and announced that freshman James Blackman will take Francois' place.

Fisher said Francois will undergo surgery Tuesday on his left knee to repair the damage.

The redshirt sophomore was tackled from behind in the final minutes of No. 3 Florida State's 24-7 loss to Alabama in Atlanta. Francois was helped off the field and take to the locker room for evaluation, and the news was not good for the Seminoles.

Francois was 19-of-33 passing for 210 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions against Alabama. Fisher estimated a four- to seven-month recovery time with the possibility of Francois "doing drills and such in spring ball, when he wouldn't get hit anyway."

--Oklahoma cornerback Jordan Parker will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, coach Lincoln Riley announced.

Parker was injured on a special teams play when he was blocking during a punt return early in Saturday's 56-7 win over UTEP. He was unable to put any weight on his leg after the punt and was helped off the field by teammates.

The sophomore started eight games for the Sooners last season. In 10 games overall, he totaled 36 tackles and one fumble recovery. He was considered to be a key part of the team's secondary despite losing the preseason competition to Parnell Motley.

Last spring, Parker missed most of Oklahoma's spring practice with a foot injury. The Sooners will travel to play Ohio State on Saturday night.

--Georgia coach Kirby Smart confirmed that quarterback Jacob Eason will miss this Saturday's game against Notre Dame with a sprained knee ligament.

Smart said there is not a set timetable for Eason's return. He also said the sophomore will not require surgery.

"We expect a full recovery this season," Smart told reporters. "Jacob will be week to week from this point forward. We don't know how long it's going to be."

Freshman Jake Fromm will make his first start at Notre Dame. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown in the season opener. Eason was injured on the second play of Georgia's third drive in Saturday's season-opening 31-10 win over Appalachian State. He was injured on a late hit while scrambling out of bounds and finished the game 1 of 3 for 4 yards.

--The season is over after one game for two Alabama outside linebackers.

Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller suffered serious injuries during No. 1 Alabama's opening 24-7 victory over No. 3 Florida State on Saturday night in Atlanta.

Alabama coach Nick Saban confirmed that Lewis, a sophomore, sustained an elbow injury and Miller, a junior, has a torn biceps. Surgery is planned for both players.

Lewis finished with five tackles and Miller finished with three tackles in the season opener. The latest injuries left the Crimson Tide relatively thin at linebacker heading into Saturday's home game against Fresno State. Rashaan Evans (groin) and Anfernee Jennings (sprained ankle) also are slowed by injuries and listed as questionable this week by Saban.

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Public teams help bettors
September 3, 2017

Las Vegas sports books had varied results on the first full weekend of college football, but one thing they were all united with on Saturday night is getting buried by the public with teams like Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma covering the spreads.

"Friday was very solid for us, but Saturday was break even," said Westgate SuperBook VP Jay Kornegay. "We had a big cushion going into the late games and games it all back."

Kornegay sighted Maryland's outright win as a 19-point underdog at Texas as their biggest win of the weekend, but his book couldn't escape the popular public teams covering.

"The two marquee games Saturday both went against us, Michigan and Alabama," he said. "Alabama was our biggest loser since it was the tail end of a lot of parlays."

Over at CG Technology, VP of risk management Jason Simbal didn't have big wins to speak of outside of Purdue covering 25.5 against Louisville.

"It wasn't good at all," he said. "we needed the right underdogs and didn't get any. We we're big losers to Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Penn State."

No. 1 Alabama (-7.5) outclassed No. 3 Florida, 24-7, and No. 11 Michigan (-3.5) easily handled a Florida squad, 33-17, in a game where Michigan's defense dominated. Both of Florida's TD's came early of off interceptions. Despite only one starter returning to Michigan's defense, they've got their act together. Look out Big Ten.

When the popular teams all cover together, it's bad news for the books.

EPIC UNLV LOSS
It's a bit ironic that the biggest college football upset from a point-spread perspective would happen against the local Las Vegas team. UNLV was a 45-point favorite against Howard, a team UNLV paid $600,000 as a travel expense fee for visiting Las Vegas. The idea was that UNLV could jump out to a 1-0 record, then win at Idaho and be 2-0 before traveling to Columbus for a date with the Buckeyes.

What they didn't count on is Cam Newton's younger brother, Caylin Newton, being an unstoppable force at QB. Newton started his assault early in the first quarter with a 52-yard TD run to take a 7-0 lead. He'd also score the final TD on a 4-yard run to make it 43-40. UNLV shot themselves in the foot losing three fumbles, but ultimately it was their defense's inability to stop Newton on the ground. He rushed for 190 yards. It's a crushing blow for second year coach Tony Sanchez. Back to the drawing board.

Despite the record setting spread, I still think the biggest upset with a team that matters -- or did -- was Baylor losing 48-45 as 32-point home favorites against Liberty University which was founded by Jerry Falwell in 1971. As part of the celebration for winning, some of the students from the Christian university drove south from Waco to help with the Texas flood victims.

OBSERVATIONS
I really liked Alabama's and Michigan's defense and I also liked what I saw with Colorado's defense in a poorly reffed game against Colorado State.

California scored over 37 ppg the past two seasons with Jared Goff and Davis Webb taking snaps, but what new QB Ross Bowers did Saturday might be most impressive by scoring 35 points, throwing for 363 yards and four TDs in his first career game, and it came at Chapel Hill 2,800 miles away.

Western Michigan said the heck with getting +28, we want the win at USC and they almost got it, but fell short 49-31 in a game that was much closer than the score indicates.

The Texas Longhorns total rating is going to likely be too low for their next few games under new coach Tom Herman. Also, I can't wait for the tuned up Sooners and Ohio State rematch this weekend.

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Georgia QB Eason out against Notre Dame
September 4, 2017

Georgia coach Kirby Smart confirmed Monday that quarterback Jacob Eason will miss this Saturday's game against Notre Dame with a sprained knee ligament.

Smart said there is not a set timetable for Eason's return. He also said the sophomore will not require surgery.

"We expect a full recovery this season," Smart told reporters. "Jacob will be week to week from this point forward. We don't know how long it's going to be."

Freshman Jake Fromm will make his first start at Notre Dame. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown in the season opener.

Eason was injured on the second play of Georgia's third drive in Saturday's season-opening 31-10 win over Appalachian State. He was injured on a late hit while scrambling out of bounds and finished the game 1 of 3 for 4 yards.

Last season, Eason started all but one game. He finished with 2,430 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and a 55.1 completion percentage.

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Alabama loses 2 key LBs for the season
September 4, 2017

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Alabama's football team had as much to mourn as to celebrate after a huge opening victory.

On the field, linebackers Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller sustained season-ending injuries in the top-ranked Crimson Tide's 24-7 win over No. 3 Florida State . About 24 hours after the game, a son of wide receivers coach Mike Locksley was shot and killed in Maryland.

That left players and coaches with much more on their mind than football on Monday.

''I just feel real bad, just like everyone else,'' said Tide receiver Calvin Ridley, who texted his support to Locksley. ''I just want him to know I love him and I really don't know anything else about it.''

Added coach Nick Saban: ''We'll do everything that we can to support Mike and his family in this time of tragedy.''

Howard County Police said 25-year-old Meiko Locksley was shot in Columbia, Maryland just after 10 p.m. Sunday. Locksley died at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Police didn't release further details.

Locksley is also Alabama's co-offensive coordinator. He spent last season as an offensive analyst and was Maryland's interim head coach for the final six games in 2015. Players were still absorbing the news Monday afternoon.

''I just heard. That's horrible,'' offensive tackle Jonah Williams said. ''I don't have any words. He's in our thoughts and prayers. We're going to do everything we can for him.''

At practice, offensive analyst Chris Weinke worked with the receivers.

On the field, Alabama is already having to do a reboot at linebacker. Miller (biceps) and Lewis (elbow) both play the same outside linebacker spot, and now both need season-ending surgery.

Lewis had five tackles and Miller three against the Seminoles. Both had a tackle for loss.

''But we just rebuild,'' linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton said. ''Next guy's up. All the guys who get recruited here are top guys, so it's time for them to grow up.''

Two other starting linebackers also missed the second half with injuries. Rashaan Evans had a groin injury and Anfernee Jennings sprained an ankle. Saban said their injuries are significant but not long-term issues. He said both are questionable going into Saturday's Fresno State game.

Alabama does have a luxury few other programs share. Three of the reserve linebackers are underclassmen who were former five-star recruits: Mack Wilson, Ben Davis and freshman Dylan Moses. Other candidates for increased playing time could include veterans like Jamey Mosley, brother of Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley, and Keith Holcombe.

Five-star defensive end signee LaBryan Ray was practicing at linebacker on Monday also.

Hamilton, himself coming off a knee injury that ended his junior season, said there are a number of players capable of stepping up. He also had a message for Lewis and Miller, both seemingly poised for bigger roles this season.

''I told them I know how it is when you're down,'' Hamilton said. ''You're going to fall by the wayside. People may forget about you or things like this. But let that fuel you, and you can't waste a day with the rehab process.''

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Texas QB Buechele has bruised shoulder
September 4, 2017

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Texas starting quarterback Shane Buechele bruised his throwing shoulder in a season-opening loss to Maryland and will be held out of practice part of this week.

Buechele passed for 375 yards and finished the game in the 51-41 loss. Coach Tom Herman says Buechele doesn't know when he got hurt but was very sore after the game.

Herman says freshman Sam Ehlinger will get all the snaps with the first-team offense Tuesday. Emergency quarterback Jerrod Heard, a wide receiver, will also take snaps.

Heard was a starting quarterback for the Longhorns in 2015 when Texas went 5-7. He moved to wide receiver last season.

Herman says Buechele will be evaluated this week to see if he can return for Saturday's game against San Jose State (1-1).

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No. 8 Washington regrouping after another sluggish opener
September 4, 2017

SEATTLE (AP) Perhaps it's just the nature of playing the first game on the road, but those games have not come easily for No. 8 Washington in the four seasons under Chris Petersen.

The latest example was last Friday's 30-14 win at Rutgers to open the 2017 campaign. What was expected to be a romp for the Huskies in their first game since losing to Alabama in the national semifinals was instead far closer than expected for a half before Washington pulled away in the final 30 minutes.

It was the fourth time under Petersen that the road opener has been more of a slog than scintillating. His first game at Washington four seasons ago was a 17-16 win at Hawaii. A year later, the Huskies opened the season at Boise State and lost 16-13 in Petersen's return to where his head coaching career started.

And last year, even after a 3-0 start at home, Washington needed overtime to outlast Arizona 35-28 in the desert.

''I don't know if there is a common thread,'' Petersen said Monday. ''You are away from home, for one. Hawaii is always an awkward place. And then you couple that with it being our first year, that was it as much as anything. And then the next year at Boise, we had a lot of young guys playing in that game against a good team. And then go back to Rutgers, like you said, there was a lot of good football played. There really was. I think the strategy, they did a good job of keeping it close.''

If nothing else, the tighter game against Rutgers provides Petersen plenty to work on, with consecutive home games upcoming that should be more of what's become the expectation for the Pac-12 North favorites. The Huskies host Montana on Saturday and face Fresno State on Sept. 16 before opening Pac-12 play on Sept. 23 at Colorado.

The biggest concern to come out of the win over Rutgers was Washington's struggle to run the ball. The Huskies finished with just 84 yards rushing, partly a result of time of possession. Rutgers held the ball for more than 38 minutes and Washington ran just 54 total plays. Last season Washington ran fewer than 60 plays only twice. It was the fewest offensive plays runs by Washington since getting just 45 offensive snaps in a 31-14 loss at Stanford in 2015.

Petersen attributed both the run game issues and the lack of plays to getting just one first down on its first two possessions and having three three-and-outs in the first half.

''We'll win close, low-scoring games, but from our side of it we've got to be more efficient on offense - start faster,'' Petersen said.

Even though he was limited to just seven carries, running back Myles Gaskin was vital as a receiver. Gaskin had five receptions for 79 yards and an 18-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter that gave Washington a 27-7 lead. Gaskin also had five receptions in the Peach Bowl against Alabama.

''I think Myles is just a playmaker. You can ask him to do a lot of things and he can get it done,'' Petersen said.

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Meyer: Weber, Dobbins will both play against Oklahoma
September 4, 2017

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Ohio State running back Mike Weber will play against Oklahoma, sharing time with dynamic true freshman J.K. Dobbins.

Weber rushed for over 1,000 yards as a redshirt freshman last season but was hampered by a hamstring injury throughout preseason camp. Still not 100 percent last Thursday, he sat out as Dobbins rambled for 181 yards on 29 carries, showing instincts and judgment beyond his years in a 49-21 win over Indiana.

Coach Urban Meyer said Monday that Weber will play, but he hasn't yet decided how the rotation will work in Saturday's game.

''Mike had a good practice,'' Meyer said. ''He went full speed today.''

Now that Weber is healthy, Meyer has a pleasant conundrum on his hands. Weber earned the starting role, but how does Meyer keep Dobbins on the bench at all?

Center Billy Price said the backs bring different styles to the game and using both just makes the Buckeyes' offense more diverse and harder to solve.

''I think those two complement each other very well, having that 1-2 punch,'' Price said. ''It just adds a little more depth to the running-back room and another threat that defenses have to be aware of.''

Price described Dobbins as ''one of those guys who can get into those crevices and be able to flip things and roll. Mike is that bruiser, he's that guy who can really get in there and if he needs a couple extra yards on maybe third-and-2, run it up the middle.''

LOOKING FOR THE DEEP BALL

Much was made in spring practice and during the preseason about a new focus on the deep passing game and quarterback J.T. Barrett's accuracy, with Meyer saying both would have to be better.

Meyer said he was satisfied with the progress of Barrett, who threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 61 yards and another score against Indiana.

But Barrett was 0 for 3 on long passing attempts, with one perfectly placed throw fluttering through the fingers of Parris Campbell in the end zone. The receptions that were big gainers were of the catch-and-run variety. The Buckeyes' passing game didn't get on track until the second half.

Meyer found himself again defending against criticisms of Barrett's accuracy.

''The accuracy of a quarterback has to do with the timing and relationship he has with the receivers,'' Meyer said. ''If he's expecting to come back to me and the receiver goes there, it looks like the quarterback's fault. And that's what happened. We've had some accuracy issues with J.T., but also the receivers. He's much better now.''

NOT A REVENGE GAME?

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley downplayed the revenge factor in Saturday's game.

Ohio State went to Oklahoma last year and beat the Sooners 45-24 in a prime-time nationally televised game. Oklahoma is 11-0 since that loss.

''I don't think we'll talk much about the game last year,'' said Riley, the offensive coordinator last year who was bumped up to head coach when Bob Stoops retired. ''I told somebody this morning that I don't think that has much of an effect on it. I think regardless of how the game turned out last year, regardless of who won or lost, this is one of those games that both teams are going to be excited to play. It's going to be a great college football environment, two good football teams going at it.''

NOTES: Oklahoma sophomore cornerback Jordan Parker is out for the season after suffering a knee injury in Saturday's win over UTEP. Riley said he'll likely have surgery. ... Ohio State receiver Eric Glover-Williams is no longer with the team. Meyer said the departure was due to a ''school conduct issue.'' ... Barrett was chosen by the Big Ten as co-player of the week, and Dobbins the freshman of the week.

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Narduzzi puts Pitt players on mute as Penn State looms
September 4, 2017

PITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh wide receiver/return specialist Quadree Henderson learned a year ago that it's probably wise to turn off your Twitter notifications when the Panthers play Penn State.

''If I mention Penn State, my Twitter blows up for 25 hours and there's only 24 hours in a day,'' Henderson said with a laugh. ''I think I'm going to go off social media this week.''

While Henderson was still posting as Pitt (1-0) prepared for a trip to Happy Valley to take on the No. 6 Nittany Lions (1-0) on Saturday, head coach Pat Narduzzi did take one variable out of the equation when he made players and members of his coaching staff off limits to the media in the run-up to the Panthers' most anticipated game of the season.

''All the talk should be about the game and the match-ups, and I think you guys know what you're going to do there,'' Narduzzi said on Monday. ''But it's a big game, it really is. And I want our guys locked in. It's an in-state rivalry, at least for us, and we're going to prepare for it that way.''

Narduzzi instituted a similar blackout before the series renewed last September after a 15-year hiatus and the Panthers responded with a 42-39 victory . The third-year head coach admitted he's a superstitious type but added the reason for the ban isn't due to concerns his players may say something that would end up on a bulletin board somewhere.

''If there's a guy that I would worry about something they'd say, I wouldn't let you have them anyway, so we could control that and I could just give you all the guys that I wouldn't worry about, but no, it has nothing to do with that, either,'' Narduzzi said.

Narduzzi's preference would be to eliminate as many distractions as possible. He's hardly alone. Washington has prohibited players from being interviewed each of the last two falls during the week leading into its annual Apple Cup showdown against Washington State. The Huskies won easily both times.

Though Narduzzi stressed a year ago that every matchup is equally important, he understands that is no longer the case. There is Pitt and Penn State and there are the other 11 games on the Panthers' schedule. The Nittany Lions bring a level of attention that Youngstown State, who took Pitt to overtime before falling 28-21, simply does not. With a roster littered with underclassmen who will play significantly more important roles than they did a year ago, Narduzzi is being careful to create a protective bubble of sorts.

''I can't go in the dorm rooms at night and see what they're doing,'' Narduzzi said. ''They don't let me stay with them during the year, so you're not around them all day. So we try to ground them as far as go to school and then study when you leave here. That's what our guys do. But hopefully they understand how important it is.''

Inside the team room, there is plenty to talk about. Pitt's defense struggled to keep Youngstown State in check in the second half as the Penguins rallied from a 21-point deficit. The offense kept things decidedly vanilla, though Narduzzi allowed that had little to do with quarterback Max Browne getting sacked three times.

''I think maybe we got full in the first half, full of ourselves, thinking, `hey, we're OK,' and that wasn't the case,'' Narduzzi said, who added complacency won't be an issue this week.

Still, Narduzzi downplayed the idea that there is some level of ''hate'' involved on either side, saying ''all rivalries'' are different. Maybe, but Browne - a graduate transfer who knew nothing about Pitt and Penn State while spending four years at USC - is well aware of how he's supposed to feel.

''I know you're supposed to hate them,'' Browne said with a laugh shortly after Pitt survived Youngstown State. ''And now I guess I do hate them.''

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Riley not worried about Nebraska defense
September 4, 2017

Nebraska would seem to have quite a bit of work to do on defense in its second game.

Coordinator Bob Diaco's decision to play soft coverage against Arkansas State's wide receivers led to a plethora of easy first downs last Saturday. Factor in the lack of a consistent pass rush, and it's easy to see why the Huskers gave up 32 first downs and 497 yards as they eked out a 43-36 victory.

Things don't figure to get easier this week, when Nebraska plays at Oregon, which put up 77 points against Southern Utah last week in coach Willie Taggart's debut last Saturday.

The Nebraska defense did perform better in the second half last week, but the unit still had trouble stopping Arkansas State and it was only saved by a nice last-minute defensive stand resulting from solid backend coverage.

Coach Mike Riley maintained at Monday morning's press conference that the Huskers were not surprised by the Arkansas State offensive installations, and he lauded his defensive unit for not giving up many big plays.

"Defensively, we got the two interceptions that were big. Nice tipped ball in the red zone for an interception," he said.

"We anticipated a lot of what they were going to try to do and they did it well for the yards in the game. And part of the plan actually worked out as you would see it unfold. They only had five explosive plays. Their longest run, I think, was 14 yards; their longest pass was 29 yards and that came as the result, really, of a 7-yard hitch that was a missed tackle."

One of the big storylines this week will be Riley's return to the state of Oregon. He was the head coach at Oregon State for 14 years before leaving for Nebraska after the 2014 season.

"It's exciting to do that," he said about going back to the state.

"I'm not all that fired up about the ticket requests I've got coming, but it's all right. It actually is pretty neat. I embrace things like this as pretty unique personal opportunities that are just that, they're personal. This is not about me going back to Oregon. This is about the Nebraska team playing the Ducks, but it is fun for me.

"I've spent a lot of time, and had too many hard times in that stadium, so we're excited to go play and win the game for this 2017 team."

Offensively, quarterback Tanner Lee was fairly sharp last week in his Nebraska debut.

With the exception of the last few drives, when he decided to throw incomplete deep passes that expended little time off the clock, Lee generally made the right decision and showed many of the tangibles that pro scouts were touting during camp. Lee completed 19 of 32 passes for 238 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Mostly, though, the game marked sophomore running back Tre Bryant's explosion onto the Husker scene.

Rushing for 195 yards on 31 carries and two touchdowns, Bryant showed much of the power and one-cut explosion that he demonstrated in practice. And regardless of running back Devine Ozigbo's availability, Bryant figures to the man for the rest of the season.

"Tre looked good, didn't he?" Riley said. "He's quick-footed, he's hard-nosed, he's smart and he's versatile."

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Arizona State looking to clean things up after opening win
September 4, 2017

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Arizona State did what it was supposed in its opener, knocking off a team from a smaller conference at home.

It was far from perfect.

The Sun Devils beat New Mexico State 37-31, but had trouble protecting quarterback Manny Wilkins, showed their lack of defensive depth may be worse than expected and gave up too many big plays late.

Arizona State faces a bigger challenge against San Diego State on Saturday, so there's plenty to work on this week.

''Lots of good things, but lots of things to get better,'' Arizona State coach Todd Graham said Monday at his weekly news conference. ''The key is to be markedly better in week 2.''

The Sun Devils got off to a good start against New Mexico State offensively, went into a second-quarter lull, then overpowered the Aggies in a stellar third quarter to pull away.

Wilkins was sharp after an injury-plagued 2016 season, beating the Aggies with his arm and his legs. He threw for 300 and two touchdowns, and avoided some of the big hits he took last season.

Wilkins also was accurate downfield - something the Sun Devils lacked last season - connecting on TD passes of 60 and 53 yards.

''We need more of that,'' Graham said.

The Sun Devils ran the ball well despite losing Demario Richard in the first half to a right leg injury. Kalen Ballage carried the load with his running mate out, scoring two touchdowns while running for 79 yards.

But Arizona State had trouble protecting Wilkins at times and there were occasions where he held the ball too long.

Arizona State's defense was good early, but a lack of depth led the coaches to play the starters the entire first half and stuck mostly with 11 players until the game was out of reach.

''We're going to rotate and play people, but part of that is we want to have a mindset of how we play as well,'' Graham said. ''It's not that we don't in anybody or anything like that. Coach (defensive coordinator Phil Bennett) wanted to make a statement with his guys and that's what he did. What's impressive is that I didn't see a lot of fatigue.''

When Arizona State did start substituting, New Mexico State took advantage.

The Sun Devils have had trouble giving up big plays the past couple of seasons and the Aggies were able to reel a few off late in the game, scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter. New Mexico State's Jason Huntley had one of those long plays, taking off on a 50-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

''Until you get out there the first time, you don't know how you're going to be,'' Graham said. ''We fit and did some nice things. I thought we dominated the line of scrimmage. We had some mistakes, some mental mistakes and they had that long run late.''

Arizona State's run defense should get a good test this week against San Diego State.

The Aztecs are tailback-driven on offense, led by powerful senior Rashaad Penny. At 5-foot-11, he's a load to bring down and ran for 197 with two touchdowns in a win over UC Davis last week.

San Diego ran for 276 yards as a team and quarterback Christian Chapman threw for 220 yards and a pair of scores in the 38-17 victory.

''They're multiple tight ends, old-school, really,'' Graham said. ''Almost a blend of Stanford and what Boise's done in the past. They're going to ground and pound, play-action pass. Obviously, a big-time challenge for us.''

[StarDust Bum]

Huntley, Utah offense focused on faster start vs BYU
September 4, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) There was a moment of terror for Utah fans Saturday as their worst fears came to life. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Huntley, making his first start, threw an interception to end the first drive of the game on Utah's own 24-yard line.

Huntley's dual-threat ability helped win the job over returning starter and two-time captain Troy Williams, but accuracy and running the offense was an issue in 2016. And there he was with an interception on his third attempt of the game deep in Utah's territory.

The Utes, however, didn't panic because the quarterback didn't. They went onto a 37-16 victory over FCS North Dakota.

''Nothing phases him,'' receiver Darren Carrington said. ''He came right to the sideline and was like, `That play's over with. We're about to go score on the next drive.' It's like it didn't even happen.

''That's definitely what you want in a quarterback.''

Huntley bounced back and showed flashes of why first-year offensive coordinator picked the youngster to lead his fast-paced, pass-first, spread scheme. He threw for 227 yards and a touchdown and ran for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Defenders had to respect the option, which helped Zack Moss get 128 yards rushing and a touchdown. Huntley also connected with Carrington early and often for 10 receptions, 127 yards and a touchdown.

But there were moments where Huntley reverted to bad habits, particularly during that first drive. The first call was a pass, but Huntley bailed early and was brought down for a two-yard loss. Then the interception was thrown into coverage.

''Maybe pressing a little bit early,'' Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. ''But other than that, he settled in and played very well relative to his first start as a (Power 5) quarterback.

''What you saw after those couple series is what he's all about. ... He's going to get better and better as the season wears on as he gets more comfortable and more settled in.''

Starting faster is what Huntley is focused on this week against rival BYU and he believes that's more of a mental thing than physical. He dismissed any notion of nerves being an issue and said it was just a matter of knocking the dust off after not starting a game since high school in 2015.

''We're going to come out fast and execute fast, that's the biggest thing,'' Huntley said. ''It's just a mindset. You can't go out there worried or nothing. You've just got to go out there and perform and execute the plays that are presented to you. That's coming out strong.''

Whittingham noted the team had less live hitting during the preseason than he can ever remember. So there was some early adjustment just getting that feel of all-out football under the lights again.

Huntley finished with a 71.9 completion percentage, but also left some plays on the field. He had Carrington open for a 30-yard touchdown on the second drive of the game, but simply missed.

Those are the early moments Utah wants to capitalize on against BYU.

''We were just anxious to hit somebody out there,'' Carrington said, ''and just to get the speed and the feel of the first game.''

A better start was the talking point on Monday, but there's bound to be some growing pains within a new offense. Utah opened the season with new starters at quarterback, running back, three receiver spots and four of the five positions on the offensive line.

The Utes also kept the calls more basic against a FCS program than what's expected the rest of season.

''I definitely feel like we're growing into it a little bit,'' Carrington said about the offense. ''I feel like we've got it down pat, pretty much. It's such a new offense and there's so much in the offense, you have to grow into it a little bit because none of us had played a game in this offense.''

The Utes will face a bigger test on the road against BYU. The Cougars (1-1) were on the wrong end of a lopsided 27-0 loss to No. 13 LSU, but the defense has been the bright spot. It has allowed an average of 158.5 passing yards in the first two games.

''Our defense is nice because we rely on speed,'' BYU linebacker Matt Hadley said. ''We have gotten as big and strong as we can, but we are also fast.''

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Tar Heels' high-scoring attack facing rare uncertainty at QB
September 4, 2017

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) North Carolina's quarterback uncertainty has extended into the season.

Coach Larry Fedora already knew it would be tough to replace No. 2 overall NFL draft pick Mitch Trubisky at quarterback long before the start of a preseason camp that saw the Tar Heels trying to sort through their options. But things didn't get any clearer in a season-opening loss with LSU graduate transfer Brandon Harris and redshirt freshman Chazz Surratt never able to keep the offense running in its traditional fast-paced hum.

Fedora wouldn't commit Monday to a starter for Saturday's game against No. 16 Louisville and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, either.

''Based on what you saw Saturday, whether or not that was enough to make a change, I don't know yet,'' Fedora said. ''But we'll see how they handle this week in practice.''

Harris started after winning the preseason battle for the job.

''You can't do it all on one game,'' Fedora said. ''You just, you can't. There's too many things, too many variables. But we'll see. We'll continue to battle it out there and we're going to put the guy on the field that we think can help us win the football game.''

Harris had a mistake-filled afternoon in the 35-30 loss to California. He threw two interceptions - a no-no with Fedora's emphasis on ball security - and missed a wide-open receiver in the end zone with an overthrown ball.

He completed just 7 of 16 passes for 60 yards and ultimately ceded the majority of the second-half work to Surratt, a former Associated Press instate prep player of the year.

''I have no idea,'' Harris said Saturday when asked where he thought the QB competition stood. ''That'd probably be a better question for the head coach.''

Surratt completed 18 of 28 passes, though many were safe calls such as short routes or screens. He threw for 161 yards (5.8 yards per attempt) and a TD while also running for a score on the game's final play with the outcome already determined, but avoided any turnovers.

''I learned just be yourself and do what you do every day in practice,'' Surratt said Saturday. ''That is what Coach Fedora preached to me. I just tried to stay within myself and let the game come to me.''

The Tar Heels got 89 plays and tallied 440 yards, but they never looked much like the fast-paced and efficiently running offensive machine that has been the norm through Fedora's first five seasons with Trubisky, Marquise Williams or Bryn Renner at the start of his tenure.

It's been the thing UNC could lean on to cover a history of shaky defensive performances. But as its offense rotates QBs while replacing its top three receivers and top two tailbacks, the defense repeated past mistakes by surrendering two TDs of at least 50 yards to a team picked to finish last in its Pac-12 division.

The pressure will only increase against the Cardinals and Jackson, who accounted for 485 yards of total offense and two scores in the season-opening win against Purdue.

''It is sometimes hard to do that,'' Fedora said of his team finding a rhythm with the QB rotation. ''The way we practice, both those guys are getting the same amount of reps and they're both working with both groups all the time.

''Would you prefer it was one guy all the time with the 1s and nobody got injured so you could have continuity all the time? Yeah, you'd prefer that. But that's just not what we have right now.''

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Oklahoma St.'s improved running game helps balance offense
September 4, 2017

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) The last two seasons, No. 10 Oklahoma State has boasted a powerful offense led by Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Mason Rudolph and preseason All-American receiver James Washington.

Now, if their performance in a Week 1 victory over Tulsa is any indication, the Cowboys' running game looks pretty potent, too.

Rudolph completed 20 of 24 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns and Washington had six receptions for 145 yards and two TDs. Oklahoma State also racked up 332 yards rushing, with four different runners scoring touchdowns, as the Cowboys cruised to a 59-24 triumph on Saturday.

Sophomore running back Justice Hill, who rushed for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns last year to earn Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors, piled up 132 yards and one TD on just 15 carries (an 8.8-yard average).

It was Oklahoma State's depth that really made a difference, though, as freshman backups J.D. King and L.D. Brown each totaled over 90 yards and scored touchdowns.

Cowboys coach Mike Gundy liked the offensive balance and hopes it can continue.

''We're getting back on track for balance and, for me, balance is very important,'' said Gundy, whose team was eighth in the nation in passing offense last year but just 66th in rushing. ''We got good running back play. Obviously, Hill was able to make guys miss in space, which is important. Some young guys that were getting a few reps, I like where they're at, at this time. The balance is going to be important. We're not going to be able to just come out and throw for 500 yards and rush for 75 yards and win games. We're going to have to have balance, for a variety of reasons. I thought, for the first game, our running game worked out pretty well.''

While Hill's performance wasn't much of a surprise considering what he accomplished last season, it was evident that his offseason work in the weight room, which added about 15 pounds to his 5-foot-10 frame, made an impact. He seemed a little more of a physical runner and he made several impressive jukes to make defenders miss tackles.

''I think any time a running back can put on good weight, and it's muscle mass, and it makes him stronger and faster, it's going to be a good thing,'' said OSU offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich of Hill. ''He's done a great job, he loves to compete, he's a tremendous talent. He's just a huge weapon for us offensively and we've got to keep going to him. And he's going to continue to grow (as a player). A very talented young man, he's squared away. He does everything off the field exactly right, and he's just a very mature guy that you love to have on your ballclub.''

Rudolph also appreciated having a strong running game that can help take up some attention from opposing defenses.

''It's been great,'' Rudolph said. ''I kind of wanted to see the freshman guys come out and play, and J.D. answered the bell, as well as L.D. getting the first few snaps of his career. And then Justice, I think you saw it with his added size and weight and make-you-miss capability, he had a great game. All three of those guys. When you can rush for 300 and throw for the same, it's fun and it keeps the defense off-guard.''

Coming into the season, the backup spots behind Hill were a question mark, especially after junior Jeff Carr transferred to Texas A&M-Kingsville, but the freshman duo of King (95 yards on six carries) and Brown (five rushes for 92 yards), certainly raised some eyebrows. Another freshman, Ja'Ron Wilson, carried the ball five times in the fourth quarter, gaining eight yards.

''I liked what I saw from J.D., from a standpoint of thinking he ran physically and protected the ball really well,'' Gundy said. ''Early in your career, those things are really important to prove that you're physical enough to compete at this level and take care of the ball. I thought he did a good job of that. He showed a little bit more burst in the open field than I thought he had.

''L.D. made a couple of plays and showed that he has the chance to run the ball a little bit. I thought we got some good play from those guys.''

[StarDust Bum]

Michigan's Harbaugh sticking with Speight
September 4, 2017

Wilton Speight knows the leash is looming, but at least the Michigan junior quarterback didn't lose his starting gig.

Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh is sticking with Speight as the starting signal caller against Cincinnati (1-0) on Saturday despite an inauspicious opening performance against Florida in which he got pulled for three possessions in the second quarter.

Speight was just 11 of 25 passing with two interceptions. He also threw one touchdown pass while finishing with 181 yards.

Helping Speight keep the job was the fact that senior John O'Korn guided the club to only three points in his three possessions. Also, Speight played better after he returned from his benching.

Harbaugh, a former quarterback, paid close attention to how Speight responded to the benching. He liked what he saw.

"If you can't handle that type of situation when something goes bad, it's the wrong position to be playing," Harbaugh said at his Monday press conference.

"I thought he did very well. Sometimes that breaks a guy. Sometimes they can bounce back from it the next game. Sometimes they can bounce back from it in the same game. And sometimes they can't."

Speight passed for 2,538 yards, with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions, last season. But he was pushed in fall camp by O'Korn and it only became clear he was retaining the job during the week of the season opener.

In fact, it was a defense loaded with new starters and contributors that fueled Michigan's 33-17 victory over the Gators.

The Wolverines limited Florida to 192 yards and nine first downs while forcing three turnovers and racking up 11 tackles for losses, including six sacks.

Sophomore middle linebacker Devin Bush had two sacks in his first career start. He said the constant chatter about all the standout departures helped fuel the defense.

"I knew there was a lot of talk about how we lost a bunch of guys to the (NFL) and lost a star player (in Jabrill Peppers), so we came out with a chip on our shoulder," Bush said.

Now the Wolverines look to continue to silence such talk when they face the Bearcats.

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Freshman RB Dobbins impresses in Buckeyes' debut
September 4, 2017

The buzz after Ohio State's 49-21 victory over Indiana in last week's season opener was the emergence of freshman running back J.K. Dobbins.

The true freshman from Texas started against the Hoosiers when the coaches decided before the game to sit returning starter Mike Weber because of a lingering hamstring issue unless he was absolutely needed in the game.

They didn't regret the decision to use Dobbins. The powerfully built back carved up the Indiana defense for 181 yards on 29 carries. He didn't get into the end zone, but his long runs set up several scores.

"I wasn't necessarily surprised," Ohio State center Billy Price said. "As a player and a guy who's been blocking for him for a couple weeks now, I know what he can do. We always say give him a little crevice and the kid scoots through and breaks tackles. I'm just very, very happy he's on our side of the ball."

This week, with Weber expected back for the big matchup with No. 7 Oklahoma in Ohio Stadium (8 p.m. ET on ABC), the Buckeyes are excited about the possibility of having not one but two elite runners available. Coach Urban Meyer is, for sure, pondering how to utilize the two.

"I haven't figured that out yet," he said. "They will both play. We haven't figured the exact rotation."

Weber, a 1,000-yard rusher as a redshirt freshman last year, practiced Monday at full speed.

"It gives us a lot of options," quarterback J.T. Barrett said. "They both have the ability to catch the ball. It opens a lot of things up for us. Having those guys rotate and remain explosive."

Dobbins wasn't surprised by his performance in his first college game.

"I felt like I was going to do the things I did," he said. "I practice against the best defense in college football every day."

Barrett also gives Ohio State another running threat in the backfield. He rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in the opener. Antonio Williams added 44 yards on seven carries.

Barrett and the Ohio State offense warmed up after a slow start at Indiana. After the Buckeyes trailed at halftime, they outscored the Hoosiers 36-7, using a run-pass combo in the second half to win going away.

Whether Ohio State can run the ball against Oklahoma like it did against Indiana will be something to watch in the big nonconference matchup between the storied programs.

A year ago in Ohio State's 45-24 blowout win at Oklahoma, Weber accounted for 123 of Ohio State's 291 yards on the ground. The Buckeyes rang up 443 total yards against the Sooners.

Oklahoma hasn't lost since the game against Ohio State last September.

The Sooners weren't tested in their opener last Saturday against Texas-El Paso, rolling to a 56-7 win at home. The defense gave up only 73 yards rushing and 167 total yards against the Miners.

"They're big, very athletic and they're talented up front," Price said. "I think with those guys you have to give them a lot of respect. They're big dudes. Looking forward to a great matchup with them."

[StarDust Bum]

Notes from this week’s college football, outside top 13 games.

13) Central Michigan needed OT to beat I-AA Rhode Island last week, after CMU blew a 13-0 halftime lead. Since 2014, Chippewas are 7-2 as a road underdog.

12) Western Michigan is 13-3 in last 16 games as a road underdog; they were tied in 4th quarter last week at USC, before losing 49-31. Michigan State is 4-8 in last 12 games as a home favorite.

11) Rutgers is 7-10 vs spread in last 17 games as a home favorite. Eastern Michigan is 7-4 in last 11 games as a road underdog.

10) Old Dominion (-8) beat UMass 36-16 at home LY, outgunning Minutemen 522-406, running ball for 274 yards. UMass is 4-7 in last 11 games as a home underdog.

9) Northwestern is 8-1 in its last nine games with Duke, winning last three by 4-9-11 points. Underdogs covered five of last six series games. Wildcats won their last five visits to Duke.

8) Underdogs covered seven of last eight South Florida-UConn games; USF won 28-20/13-10 in last two visits to the Nutmeg State. Huskies are 5-15 vs spread in last 20 home games.

7) Short week for West Virginia, which lost 31-24 to Va Tech Sunday night. WVU is 11-19 as a home favorite under Holgersen. East Carolina lost to a I-AA team last week and they weren’t even favored at home against them. ECU is 11-19-1 in last 31 games as a road underdog.

6) Boston College is 7-3 in last ten games with Wake Forest; underdogs won last three SU. Average total in last four series games, 27.0. Deacons won two of last three visits to Boston.

5) Underdogs are 6-1-1 vs spread in last eight New Mexico State-New Mexico games; Aggies pulled a 32-31 upset (+12.5) over New Mexico LY, their first win in last five series games. Lobos are 4-7 in last 11 games as a home favorite.

4) Rice won nine of last 11 games with UTEP; favorites covered four of last six series games. Owls are 3-2 in last five visits to El Paso; they were in Australia two weeks ago, losing 62-7 to Stanford. Rice is located in Houston; their routines have obviously been disrupted by Hurricane Harvey.

3) Indiana led Ohio State in 3rd quarter last week but faded late; they’re 6-4 vs spread in last ten road games. Virginia covered nine of its last 12 non-conference games.

2) Since 2013, Navy is 12-7 vs spread as a home favorite; they won last two games with Tulane, 21-14 (-6), 31-14 (-23). Green Wave is 7-9 vs spread in last 16 games as a road underdog.

1) Western Kentucky is 10-14-1 vs spread in last 25 road games, 3-6-1 in last nine non-league games. Illinois snuck by Ball State LW 24-21; Illini is 8-13 vs spread in last 21 home games.

[StarDust Bum]

Opening Line Report - Week 2
September 5, 2017

Ohio State was a 2-point favorite when the Buckeyes went into Oklahoma early last season and manhandled the Sooners, 45-21. Since many college football observers believe Urban Meyer’s squad is better this year than it was last year, the number on this year’s game (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC) may seem light. Sure enough, bettors immediately laid the points, pushing the spread from OSU -7 to -7.5 on Sunday at the Wynn, and to as high as -8 at other betting locales Tuesday.

“I personally made this game 8.5,” said Jason Simbal, vice president of risk at CG Technology, whose shop opened 7.5 and stayed put through the first two days of wagering. “I would only bet one thing on this game. I would only bet the favorite on this one at the number it’s at now.”

But Ed Salmons, oddsmaker at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, isn’t so sure. He cautions bettors not to discount the revenge factor and also to consider Ohio State’s season-opening game at Indiana. “They were life-and-death to win that game through three quarters,” Salmons said of Ohio State’s 49-21 victory over the Hoosiers. “The final score was very misleading. Indiana was moving the ball up and down the field.

I’m not exactly sure what happened to them, they just started making silly turnovers.

“But if Indiana can move the ball like that, you’d think Oklahoma can, too. I can see Oklahoma making this a game. I wouldn’t be surprised if they kept this game close or even won this game.”

Salmons added, “All the motivation is toward Oklahoma because they’re the ones that got crushed (last year) and they have something to prove.”

All that said, Salmons added, “I think the line is about where it should be. I think it’s just a notch above a touchdown.”

Early two-way action at CG on this primetime tilt supports that notion.

Here are Simbal’s and Salmons’ thoughts on some other key games on Saturday’s college football card.

Auburn at Clemson (-5.5), 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

Clemson opened -7 at the Wynn on Sunday, but underdog money influenced the line down to 5.5, where it sits at most Las Vegas sports books as of this Tuesday writing.

Both bookmakers we spoke to this week understand why the number moved in Auburn’s direction. Salmons said Clemson was given too much respect by being installed as the touchdown favorite.

“I had this game 4.5 (based on his personal ratings) and was scratching my head saying, ‘What am I missing here’ (about the opening number)?,” Salmons said. “Clemson beat up on Kent State (56-3), who threw a grand total of five passes the whole game; they were just playing to get out of town.

“Auburn is supposed to be dramatically improved on the offensive side of the ball, so this will be their real chance here,” he added.

Said Simbal, “The opening line indicates Clemson is a field goal better than Auburn (on neutral site), which I’m not sure I agree with. So seeing the number move from 6.5 to 5.5 isn’t surprising, and I wouldn’t be shocked if it went down a little bit more.”

Clemson, as a 7.5-point road favorite, won last year’s meeting with Auburn, 19-13, outgaining the Tigers 399 yards to 262. But Auburn had the ball with a chance to take the lead on the game’s last drive.

Of course, there are also numerous key pieces missing from that Clemson team, which went on to win the national championship, including first-round NFL draft picks Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams.

“That Clemson team was better than this one, considering how many people they lost, and this Auburn team is better than that one,” Simbal said.

“If Auburn had any offense in that game last year, they would have won,” Salmons added. “Their offense was so anemic last year, but their defense has been top notch. If Clemson wins, I think it will be by a field goal, but I kind of think Auburn’s going to win the game.”

Georgia at Notre Dame (-5), 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC

There seems to be a disagreement among the betting market about the drop in value for Georgia between quarterback Jacob Eason, who is out with a sprained ligament in his left knee, and freshman Jake Fromm, who’ll be starting for the Bulldogs on Saturday. On Tuesday, the spread of UGA’s game at South Bend ranged from Notre Dame -4.5 to -6.5.

CG opened ND -6.5, but brought the line down to -5 in one flash Tuesday, and Simbal acknowledged his shop made an initial over-adjustment to the Georgia quarterback switch.

Salmons is bullish on both clubs this season, but doesn’t know what to expect from the freshman.

“It’s a game I’m interested in watching but have zero interest in wagering on because Georgia’s got a new quarterback and I could make a case for each team,” Salmons said. “I can’t even attempt to handicap this game.”

Stanford at USC (-6.5), 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox

While the line on this marquee Pac-12 showdown bounced between USC -7.5 and -6 through the first two days of wagering, even the high end of that range is too short, Salmons believes.

Stanford has owned USC in recent seasons, winning three meetings in a row and seven of the last nine. Still, according to Salmons, Stanford is being overrated in this spot. Had this been the first game of the season for both teams, the Trojans would be at least 10-point favorites, he said.

“(The line has been) dropped 3.5 points because USC played an atrocious game last week a 49-31 win vs Western Michigan). I mean, they were awful on both sides of the ball. They were just terrible last week, and Stanford beat Rice (62-7 two weeks ago), which is one of the worst 10 teams in the country.

“I think anything less than 7 is a good bet on USC,” Salmons proclaimed.

Simbal, meanwhile, is wary of USC.

“USC did struggle last week,” he said. “It was 35-31 with (3:49) left and then USC busted a (52-yard) touchdown run and a pick-6 to make it seem like they won a lot easier and more comfortably than they did, and Stanford looked really good in their opener.”

Stanford also has the aforementioned history on its side.

“USC always has aspirations of really great things, and they tend to lose to Stanford even in years when you think Stanford is down,” Simbal said.

Florida Atlantic at Wisconsin, 12 p.m. ET, BTN

Florida Atlantic is a hard group to figure. Yes, the Lane Kiffin era got off to a rough start with a 42-19 loss to Navy, but the Midshipmen’s unique offense isn’t necessarily an accurate measuring stick for a defense.

“You can practice forever against (the wishbone), but until you see it, it’s just so different, and teams that run it so well like Navy are really difficult to play with,” Salmons said.

So what are bookmakers to do with FAU?

“We’re kind of shrugging our shoulders. It’s a confusing one,” said Simbal.

Simbal said the line on the Owls’ game at Wisconsin from CG’s team of oddsmakers ranged from 26.5 to 37, so the shop landed near the middle when it hung its opening number of 31. Wisconsin -31 drew a limit-bet ($2,000 this early in the week) from a respected bettor, prompting an adjustment to -32.

Simbal, though, sees a quality in Kiffin that would make him hesitant to lay a big number against FAU.

“He’s not going to mail it in at all,” Simbal said. “It’s hard to lay this big a number. You saw it in the first game (vs. Navy) when he refused to give up the game during the rain delay even though they had no chance. That leads me as a bettor to think if Wisconsin is winning 42-0, Florida Atlantic is still going to be playing their A guys trying to score. They’re not going to give up.”

Fresno State at Alabama (-43), 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

You’ve heard this hear before and you’ll probably hear it again: Bookmakers have a hard time hanging a spread big enough on Alabama. This week, for instance, even wiseguys are laying the wood.

CG took sharp bets on Alabama -43 and Alabama -44, putting the book in a unenviable spot

“It’s never fun when the sharps bet Alabama, because that means we’re going against every customer,” Simbal said.

To be clear, laying this many points – even with Alabama – is not a typical wiseguy bet.

“They usually don’t bet (lines that) are that big, so it’s probably just bad opener,” Simbal said. “Maybe the number should have been higher.”

Early line moves

Here are Week 2 lines that saw at least a 2-point swing in the favorite’s direction in the first 48 hours of wagering at the Wynn.

Oklahoma State at South Alabama
Opening line: Ok State -25
Tuesday line: Ok State -28

Central Michigan at Kansas
Opening line: Kansas -2.5
Tuesday line: Kansas -5

Nebraska at Oregon
Opening line: Oregon -6.5
Tuesday line: Oregon -13.5

Eastern Michigan at Rutgers
Opening line: Rutgers -2
Tuesday line: Rutgers -4.5

Western Michigan at Michigan State
Opening line: Michigan State -5.5
Tuesday line: Michigan State -7.5

Cincinnati at Michigan
Opening line: Michigan -32
Tuesday line: Michigan -35

Louisville at North Carolina
Opening line: Louisville -5
Tuesday line: Louisville -10

UAB at Ball State
Opening line: Ball State -10.5
Tuesday line: Ball State -14

Pitt at Penn State
Opening line: Penn State -17.5
Tuesday line: Penn State -20.5

Mississippi State at Louisiana Tech
Opening line: Miss State -4
Tuesday line: Miss State -7.5

San Diego State at Arizona State
Opening line: Arizona State -1
Tuesday line: Arizona State -4.5

Boise State at Washington State
Opening line: Wash State -7.5
Tuesday line: Wash State -10

Here are Week 2 lines that saw at least a 2-point swing in the underdog’s direction in the first 48 hours of wagering at the Wynn.

New Mexico State vs. New Mexico
Opening line: New Mexico State +11.5
Tuesday line: New Mexico State +7.5

Miami (Fla.) at Arkansas State
Opening line: Arkansas State +16
Tuesday line: Arkansas State +14

TCU at Arkansas
Opening line: TCU +1
Tuesday line: TCU -3

Toledo vs. Nevada
Opening line: Nevada +11.5
Tuesday line: Nevada +9.5

Louisiana-Monroe at Florida State
Opening line: UL-Monroe +35
Tuesday line: UL-Monroe +32.5

UNLV vs. Idaho
Opening line: UNLV +9.5
Tuesday line: UNLV +6.5

Minnesota vs. Oregon State
Opening line: Oregon State +2.5
Tuesday line: Oregon State -2

Odds Subject to Change

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CFB notebook: Texas A&M's Sumlin responds to criticism
September 5, 2017

Embattled Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin sidestepped criticism by a board of regents member and said he doesn't pay attention to outside analysis.

Sumlin's Aggies blew a 34-point lead during Sunday's 45-44 loss to UCLA and that prompted regent Tony Buzbee to deliver harsh criticism that included calling for Sumlin to be fired.

Sumlin took the high road Tuesday when he met with the media while allowing that the loss was highly disappointing.

"People are frustrated. I'm frustrated about a lot of things," Sumlin said. "I'm not real happy. I'm sure there are a lot of things being said about this program.

"Our focus is on us. That never changes. I'm not in the business of really paying attention to anything outside this program, or comments good or bad. My focus is on what we can do to be better. I don't really have time to get involved in things that are said about the program or about me."

--Tennessee wide receiver Jauan Jennings is expected to be sidelined as many as 12 weeks with a dislocated wrist, VolQuest.com reported.

Jennings is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday, one day after he was injured in the first half of a 42-41 double-overtime victory over Georgia Tech.

The junior had three catches for 17 yards before sustaining the injury. Jennings led the Volunteers with 580 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last season.

--Maryland's biggest victory in several seasons came with a high cost.

Terrapins coach D.J. Durkin announced at his Tuesday press conference that starting quarterback Tyrell Pigrome will miss the rest of the season because of a torn ACL.

Pigrome sustained the injury at the end of the third quarter in Maryland's wild 51-41 victory at then-No. 23 Texas on Saturday. The Terrapins had lost 17 consecutive games to ranked teams.

--Texas A&M quarterback Nick Starkel and senior free safety Donovan Wilson each underwent surgery and are expected to be sidelined for an extended period of time, coach Kevin Sumlin announced on his weekly radio show.

Starkel underwent surgery on a fractured ankle Monday morning and Wilson had a screw inserted into his injured left foot, Sumlin said.

"I don't know if those guys will be back or not (by the end of the season)," Sumlin said. "Those two guys are out for a long time. We'll see where they are at the end of the year."

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The Dozen: Sooners seek upset
September 6, 2017

College football started serving up gourmet matchups immediately and apparently has no chill since it's coming right back with seconds to snack on. Here are the top six candidates for next week's top game, looking to follow in the footsteps of UCLA's epic comeback win over Texas A&M and Alabama's impressive first showing in a 24-7 vanquishing of Florida State.

1. Oklahoma at Ohio State: The Lincoln Riley era in Norman debuted as most expected it would. Even though he admitted it took him a while to realize that he had to handle some of the small in-game details like accepting a penalty, the Sooners looked like they did under Bob Stoops, overwhelming overmatched UTEP 56-7. Mark Andrews looks like the real deal at receiver and Baker Mayfield dominated as expected, but he'll quickly find out that what he saw defensively from the Miners isn't in the same universe as what Ohio State will throw at him. The Buckeyes are loaded on both sides of the ball and will be the top opponent the Sooners will see this season since no one in their conference is as sound on the defensive end or is blessed with quality depth. The nation's longest winning streak (11) will be on the line in Columbus, where the Buckeyes also have something to prove given how overwhelmed they were by Clemson in last season's national semifinal. Win or lose, this will be a measuring stick of J.T. Barrett's ability to lead Ohio State against elite competition. Is he a game manager or more? The Buckeyes won by 21 in Norman last season as a one-point road favorite and will be looking for their 38th win in a home opener in 39 tries.

2. Auburn at Clemson: This battle of Tigers might go a long way in determining who ends up in the college football playoff, but it could also mean absolutely nothing. The winner of this game still has to get through conference play against some of the best teams in the country, not to mention a championship game. Emerging victorious does indeed put them in a great position given how both of these teams are currently perceived, especially after winning their openers by a combined score of 97-10. Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham looked rusty in his debut, so expecting him to rally his troops on the road in Death Valley will be a major challenge. Desean Watson's replacement, Kelly Bryant, will have to prove he can beat a physical, fast defense after compiling a school-record 313 all-purpose yards against Kent State. Last year's meeting, a 19-13 Clemson win on the plains, was scoreless into the second quarter. Auburn has dropped three straight in this series.

3. Stanford at USC: One of two conference games on this list, this showdown is going to tell us a lot about the Trojans, who found themselves involved in a tight game against a Western Michigan squad that lost its head coach to a larger program and many of last year's leaders to graduation. A late pick-six made the final score appear more lopsided than the game actually was, but anyone who watched USC struggle has to be left wondering whether the hype over Sam Darnold and his star-studded supporting cast will ultimately lack substance. The Cardinal destroyed Rice and unveiled a downfield passing attack behind fifth-year senior Kellen Chryst and a Bryce Love-led rushing offense that isn't going to miss first-round pick Christian McCaffrey the way most thought they would. Although the Trojans are favored at home, they have dropped three straight games against Stanford, including the 2015 Pac-12 championship game. USC has won 10 consecutive contests and will be looking for its first win over the Cardinal in the Coliseum since late 2013. Stanford ran for over 300 yards in last season's 27-10 win.

4. Georgia at Notre Dame: Brandon Wimbush had a fantastic debut as the Irish's starting quarterback, running for over 100 yards and displaying speed and elusiveness that should serve him well against a Dawgs defense that looks like the strength of the team with so many returning starters back under the tutelage of Kirby Smart. Georgia will test Notre Dame in a way that undermanned Temple couldn't, which should set this up to be a low-scoring affair where both teams play it close to the vest, waiting out the other's first mistake. UGA starting QB Jacob Eason injured his knee against Appalachian State, so true freshman Jake Fromm, one of the country's most heralded recruits, will make his first start in South Bend. After going 2-3 against ACC competition and 0-4 against other power-five schools last season, this is a statement game for Brian Kelly, who last beat an SEC foe in the 2014 Music City Bowl. These schools have only met once, back in the 1981 Sugar Bowl.

5. TCU at Arkansas: These former Southwestern Conference rivals renewed acquaintances for the first time since 1991 last season in a fantastic double-OT game that the Razorbacks won in Fort Worth, improving to 31-3 over the last 34 meetings. The Horned Frogs are no longer the pushover they used to be and dominated Jackson State 63-0 last week as Kenny "Trill" Hill looks to finish his college career on a high note. While former Hogs star Brandon Allen failed to stick on the Jaguars' 53-man roster, younger brother Austin looks for a better fate in his senior season and has last season's success against TCU to build on since he led the game-winning comeback. With six of last year's top seven receiving leaders gone from the program, the Hogs are going to need new weapons to step up and can identify some here prior to SEC play.

6. Louisville at North Carolina: The Tar Heels stumbled at home against Cal, unable to get stops when they needed to and failing to adequately replace top draft pick Mitch Trubisky under center. Although LSU transfer Brandon Harris and redshirt freshman Chazz Surratt showed promise and each have great wheels, they're going to be hard-pressed to match the production of reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, whose exploits against Purdue prevented an upset in a game that could've gone either way. These teams haven't seen each other since '11, so UNC will be getting its first look at Jackson in what becomes the first ACC meeting between the schools. With Clemson coming to town next week, the Cards have to improve on last week's showing in Indianapolis that saw them down at the break as they narrowly held on despite being a 25-point favorite.

7. Nebraska at Oregon: It didn't take long for new Huskers defensive coordinator Bob Diaco to endear himself to Huskers fans who watched in horror as Arkansas State racked up 289 first-half yards and 26 points in Lincoln on Saturday night. Nebraska survived 43-36 and Diaco caught grief for not speaking to the media, which he's since chalked up to a miscommunication. His defense must now go on the road to face a Ducks attack that scored 77 points against Southern Utah, finding the end zone three times in each of the first three quarters. Oregon ran back the opening kickoff and finished with the highest single-game output of anyone so far. The RedWolves racked up nearly 5.6 yards per play against Nebraska, so there's reason for concern that the visitors will be unable to shore up its defense given the added variables that come with a road environment . The Huskers won last year's meeting 35-32 at home, marking only the fifth time in 15 tries that head coach Mike Riley has gotten better of the Ducks. This will be the first big test for new Oregon boss Willie Taggart, who looks like he has a gem in sophomore QB Justin Herbert. We'll see how the Ducks fare here, but after last season's collapse, the swagger appears to be back.

8. Pittsburgh at Penn State: The Nittany Lions took a few drives to get going against Akron but looked unstoppable once they got revved up, showing off on both sides of the ball. They'll now look to avoid a repeat of last year against Pittsburgh, which tripped them up 42-39 in the second game of the season. At that point, James Franklin's Penn State tenure looked like a failure since the team had barely hovered over .500 since his arrival, but they've won 11 of 13 games since and look like a national title contender. The Panthers won't have Nathan Peterman to rely upon, but have a talented quarterback in USC transfer Max Browne. He didn't look sharp in a disappointing opener that saw Pitt blow a second-half lead to Youngstown State before surviving in overtime. The Panthers haven't played in Happy Valley since 1999 and face Oklahoma State next week, so they'll have to dramatically improve on Saturday's effort to avoid disappointment.

9. Utah at BYU: Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham has won the last six Holy Wars and is 16-0 in non-conference play over the past four seasons, so it's no surprise to see the visitors favored slightly here. BYU hasn't looked formidable in barely beating Portland State and being dominated on both sides of the ball in a shutout loss against LSU. Cougs head coach Kalani Sitake served as a defensive assistant under Whittingham from '05-'14, so it was no surprise to see that last year's first meeting as rival head coaches produced a 20-19 defensive battle featuring nine turnovers and a failed two-point conversion at game's end as Sitake went for the win in Salt Lake City. The Utes are facing some inner turmoil since sophomore Tyler Huntley has replaced senior team captain Troy Williams as the starting quarterback. Huntley will get to prove he deserves the gig in a tough road environment after a nice first effort in his first college start in a 37-16 win over North Dakota.

10. South Carolina at Missouri: Despite an impressive win in Charlotte over N.C. State, the Gamecocks find themselves in an underdog role as they take the field for their SEC opener on the road in the other Columbia. Mizzou was carved up by Missouri State to the tune of 35 first-half points before pulling away to win 72-43, displaying an alarming ineptitude against the only FCS opponent on their schedule. Given that second-year head coach Barry Odom's background is in defense, the panic button has already been pressed since the Gamecocks won't be as forgiving as the Bears were, allowing Mizzou to showcase its offensive weapons and eventually being lapped in a track meet. Will Muschamp won the first meeting against Odom's Tigers last season 31-21, but won only one of five road games. South Carolina is just 2-10 in it's last 12 conference road games, last winning at Missouri in 2013. Last year's win produced the most points (52) of any game in the series since the Tigers joined the conference.

11. Boise State at Washington State: Both of these schools enter the season with their offensive arsenal getting the most hype thanks to the return of quarterbacks Luke Falk and Brett Rypien, but it was their defenses that did the heavy lifting in their respective openers. The Broncos survived Troy by coming up with big stops and limiting the visitors to just three second-half points, while the Cougs shut out Montana State in dominant fashion. Falk completed his first 20 passes, but he'll face a much stiffer challenge here. Even though Boise State lost six of its top seven tacklers, its defense looked tremendous against a Trojans offense that returned several key pieces and helped make up for a rough outing from its offense. Boise won last year's game by just three points despite being a double-digit favorite and has won four straight against Pac-12 opponents, a perfect run under head coach Bryan Harsin. Mike Leach comes off his first win in a season opener at Washington State after losing his first five. He's got a group talented enough to notch double-digit wins for the first time since 2003 but probably needs this one to make it happen given their grueling schedule.

12. Northwestern at Duke: Blue Devils head coach David Cutcliffe sees this as the best Wildcats team he's come across, and this will be the third straight season he's got them on the schedule. Duke saw a streak of four consecutive bowl appearances end last season, so this will be a great test to see where they really stand after they hung 60 points on overmatched NC Central. Northwestern struggled against Nevada before taking control and will be relying on Clayton Thorson to lead the way on the road. The third-year starter is 6-3 in true road games and returns to the site of his first college road win, having beaten Duke in Durham 19-10 in 2015. He'll lean on senior RB Justin Jackson, who picked up 109 yards on 30 carries and figures to be the focal point. The Wildcats are 17-4 when he cracks the century mark as he chases his fourth straight 1,000-yard season.

Others: Iowa at Iowa State, Indiana at Virginia, Houston at Arizona, Cincinnati at Michigan, Western Michigan at Michigan State, Memphis at UCF, Minnesota at Oregon State, Florida Atlantic at Wisconsin, San Diego State at Arizona State, Toledo at Nevada.

[StarDust Bum]

College football picks: Big games on campus highlight week 2
September 6, 2017

The college football season opened with marquee matchups in NFL stadiums, giving a bowl-game feel to regular-season games.

In week two, it's back to campus, where traditional venues make the games feel even bigger and crowds are anything but neutral.

Four games involving eight ranked teams, with each Power Five conference and Notre Dame represented, have the potential to set an early season course for the College Football Playoff race.

Oklahoma and Ohio State will play for the fourth time, and the first at the Horseshoe since the Sooners' only visit in 1977. That game, like this one between the second-ranked Buckeyes and fifth-ranked Sooners, was a top-five matchup. Barry Switzer's Sooners beat Woody Hayes' Buckeyes on a last-second field goal by Uwe von Schamann, remembered simply as ''The Kick.'' The two storied programs are 1-2 in the AP's Top 100 .

For No. 15 Georgia and No. 24 Notre Dame meet in South Bend for the first time in the regular season. The only other time the Fighting Irish and Bulldogs played goes down as the greatest game in Georgia football history: Herschel Walker and the `Dawgs beat the Irish in the Sugar Bowl to win the 1980 national championship.

No. 13 Auburn and No. 3 Clemson are longtime nonconference rivals in the South. The two have played 50 times, dating back 1899. Clemson has won the last three, including last season on The Plains of Auburn. The defending national champions will try to make it four straight against Southeastern Conference Tigers in the ACC's Death Valley.

The first pivotal Pac-12 game is a rivalry that has been dominated lately by the longtime underdog. No. 14 Stanford plays No. 6 Southern California at the Los Angeles Coliseum, looking to extend a three-game winning streak against the Trojans. The Cardinal have won seven of nine against USC, which owns a 61-32-3 lead in the series.

The picks:

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

No. 11 Oklahoma State (minus 28) at South Alabama

As long as the Cowboys don't get caught wondering, ''Why are we stuck inside of Mobile on a Friday night?'' they should be fine ... OKLAHOMA STATE 42-20.

MAIN EVENTS

No. 5 Oklahoma (plus 7+) at No. 2 Ohio State

Since losing in Norman to the Buckeyes last season, the Sooners have won 11 straight, the nation's current longest streak ... OHIO STATE 35-24.

No. 13 Auburn (plus 4+) at No. 3 Clemson

Clemson won a tight defensive game last season. Expect a repeat ... CLEMSON 20-16.

No. 14 Stanford (plus 6+) at No. 6 Southern California

Cardinal have been able to overpower the Trojans while turning around this rivalry. Time for USC push back ... USC 31-27.

No. 15 Georgia (plus 4) at No. 24 Notre Dame

The Bulldogs' defensive front against the Irish offensive line is the sexy matchup. But units that struggled last year - Georgia's o-line and Notre Dame's defensive front - will determine the winner ... GEORGIA 28-24, UPSET SPECIAL.

GRUDGE MATCHES

Pittsburgh (plus 20+) at No. 4 Penn State

Losing to the Panthers probably kept the Nittany Lions out of the College Football Playoff last year ... PENN STATE 45-21.

No. 23 TCU (minus 3) at Arkansas

Razorbacks won in overtime last season ... TCU 31-30, OT

UPSET ALERTS

Boise State (plus 10+) at No. 20 Washington State

Cougars have not started a season 2-0 since 2010 ... WASHINGTON STATE 33-27.

No. 17 Louisville (minus 9+) at North Carolina

Tar Heels are still trying to figure out who is playing quarterback, but this feels like a tricky trip for the Cardinals ... LOUISVILLE 31-27.

No. 21 South Florida (minus 17+) at UConn

Last week, USF struggled against Stony Brook; the Huskies rallied to beat Holy Cross ... USF 45-17, BEST BET.

MISMATCHES

Fresno State (plus 44) at No. 1 Alabama ... ALABAMA 56-10.

Cincinnati (plus 34) at No. 8 Michigan ... MICHIGAN 48-9.

FAU (plus 31+) at No. 9 Wisconsin ... WISCONSIN 48-13.

Louisiana-Monroe (plus 32+) at No. 10 Florida State ... FLORIDA STATE 48-3.

Charlotte (plus 36) at No. 19 Kansas State ... KANSAS STATE 47-10.

TWITTER REQUESTS

Houston (minus 1) at Arizona - (at)jefe172

Stat from Michael Lev of the Arizona Daily star: Cougars All-America DT Ed Oliver had more tackles for loss (22) and passes broken up (nine) last season than all Wildcats defensive linemen combined (21.5 and seven) ... HOUSTON 35-33.

Nebraska (plus 14) at Oregon - (at)bkbeban

The Huskers' new 3-4 defense allowed 22 plays of at least 10 yards to Arkansas State last week ... OREGON 38-28.

Iowa (minus 3) at Iowa State - (at)DanaBecker

Cy-Hawk Trophy game is 3-3 in last six ... IOWA STATE 23-20.

Utah (minus 1+) at BYU - (at)paulcherrington

Cougars enter Holy War having lost six straight meetings and with an offense ranked 99th in the country in yards per play (4.62). Maybe BYU is just due? ... BYU 20-17.

South Carolina (plus 2+) at Missouri - (at)BZSEC

Gamecocks can start the (hash)Deebo4Heisman after star receiver Deebo Samuel gets a crack at the porous Mizzou defense ... SOUTH CAROLINA 38-31.

---

Record last week: 19-5 straight up; 9-13-1 against the spread.

Upset special 0-1.

Best bet 0-1.

[StarDust Bum]

ACC Report - Week 2
September 6, 2017

2017 ACC STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under

Boston College 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1

Clemson 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0

Duke 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0

Florida State 0-1 0-0 0-1 0-1

Georgia Tech 0-1 0-0 1-0 1-0

Louisville 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1

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

North Carolina 0-1 0-0 0-1 1-0

North Carolina State 0-1 0-0 0-1 1-0

Pittsburgh 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1

Syracuse 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1

Virginia 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1

Virginia Tech 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0-1

Wake Forest 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0

Louisiana-Monroe at Florida State (ACC Network, 12:00 p.m. ET)

The Warhawks of ULM saunter into Tallahassee as decisive underdogs after dropping a 37-29 decision in Memphis last weekend. They'll meet an angry Florida State side which had its tail kicked by Alabama in the opener by a 24-7 count, and they lost starting QB Deondre Francois to a season-ending knee injury. Even with FSU down their top signall caller, Vegas has the 'Noles installed as a 33 1/2-point favorite as of Wednesday afternoon. While the Warhawks are 6-2-1 ATS over their past nine games against non-conference foes, they are a dismal 1-5 ATS following a straight-up loss. The Seminoles tend to be much better, going 4-1 ATS over their past five following an L in the previous week, while posting a 4-1 ATS mark over their past five non-conference tilts.

Louisville at North Carolina (ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET)

Louisville and defending Heisman Trophy winner QB Lamar Jackson received all they could handle from Purdue in Indianapolis last weekend, sneaking away with a 35-28 victory. Meanwhile, North Carolina was tripped up in its opener against California, and they'll try to avoid an 0-2 start at Kenan. These teams haven't met since Sept. 15, 2012, hooking up this week for the first time as ACC foes. Louisville won the most recent meeting 39-34 in Kentucky, but that can mostly be discounted considering none of the players on the field Saturday were actually on the field in the most recent meeting. The line opened at six, quickly getting bet up into double digits. That's interesting considering the Cardinals are 0-5 ATS over their past five, and 1-4-1 ATS in their past six trips away from home. Meanwhile, UNC is 4-0 ATS in their past four following a straight-up loss and 5-0 ATS in their past five following a non-cover.

Northwestern at Duke (ESPNU, 12:00 p.m. ET)

In a 'Brain Bowl', the Wildcats and Blue Devils do battle trying to each get to 2-0 on the season. The Wildcats topped Nevada 31-20 last week, failing to cover a 24-point number, while Duke smashed fellow Durham resident and FCS opponent North Carolina Central by a 60-7 count. The Wildcats came away with a 24-13 win last season in Evanston, and they won 19-10 in their last trip to Wallace Wade on a steamy day in 2015. Northwestern has covered the previous two meetings, too, and they're a perfect 6-0 ATS in their past six against ACC opponents. However, Duke is an impressive 20-6-1 ATS in their past 27 outside of the conference.

Wake Forest at Boston College (ACC Network, 1:00 p.m.)

Both the Deacons and Eagles have a chance to get out to a hot start, not only moving to 2-0 overall, but 1-0 in the conference. Wake Forest is 6-1 ATS over their past seven road outings and 5-1 ATS in their past six against ACC foes. It's the complete opposite for BC, who failed to cover last week in a win over Northern Illinois. The Eagles are 2-8-1 ATS in their past 11 inside the conference, 1-4-2 ATS in their past seven in September and 3-8-2 ATS in their past 13 played in Chestnut Hill. Total bettors will be interested to know the 'under' has connected in seven straight meetings in this series.

Pittsburgh at Penn State (ABC, 3:30 p.m.)

Pitt eased past FCS opponent Youngstown State last week by a 28-21 score, needing overtime to survive. Meanwhile, Penn State mauled visiting Akron by a 52-0 count, proving their Top 5 ranking is certainly no fluke. These clubs met last Sept. 10 in an entertaining 42-39 track meet in the Steel City, and the Panthers piled up 341 rushing yards. On the other side, Heisman hopeful Saquon Barkley found the end zone four times in the victory. The line opened at 18 1/2 and is quickly up to the three-touchdown neighborhood. That's likely because the Panthers are 3-13 ATS in their past 16 non-conference tilts and 1-5 ATS across the past six vs. Big Ten foes. Penn State is an impressive 8-0 ATS following a cover, 6-0-1 ATS in their past seven against winning teams and 6-0-1 ATS over the past seven in Happy Valley. Keep in mind that the underdog is a perfect 5-0 ATS across the past five in this series.

Indiana at Virginia (ESPNU, 3:30 p.m.)

The Hoosiers of IU might not have topped Ohio State last Thursday, but they received plenty of good words following their tough showing for the first three quarters. Indiana moved the ball well through the air and actually held a 14-13 lead midway through the third before talent took over. Meanwhile, UVA churned out a 28-10 win over FCS William & Mary, a solid mid-level opponent. The Hoosiers missed the cover last week with a late second half run by Ohio State. They're 2-6 ATS in their past eight against the ACC, and 3-9 ATS in their past 12 on grass. Something's got to give, as the Hoos are 0-5 ATS in their past five and 1-4 ATS in their past five in Charlottesville.

Marshall at North Carolina State (ACC Network, 6:00 p.m.)

Marshall found themselves as rare home underdogs against Miami (Ohio) last week, but they opened the game with a 99-yard kickoff return for touchdown and finished with a 31-26 victory. One thing to note, however, is that despite scoring 31 points, the Herd had two long kickoff returns for score and one pick-six. The offense was actually outgained 429-267 in total yardage and Marshall accounted for just 15 first downs. N.C. State is going to be an ornery bunch after falling short against South Carolina in Charlotte in an entertaining affair. The Wolfpack is an impressive 11-3 ATS in their past 14 non-conference battles, 9-2 ATS across the past 11 in September and 7-3 ATS in their past 10 on a grass surface. The Herd has covered just twice over their past seven road trips while going 0-7 ATS in their past seven following a cover in the previous outing.

Auburn at Clemson (ESPN, 7:00 p.m.)

It's a battle of Tigers in the upstate, as Auburn invades Clemson looking to hand the defending champs their first L since the 2016 National Championship game. Clemson is installed as a five-point favorite as of Wednesday afternoon, so Vegas expects a tight affair similar to their previous meeting. Clemson won a hard-fought 19-13 battle on the Plains last season, outperforming Auburn 399-262 in total yardage. Auburn is 10-4-1 ATS in their past 15 games overall, and 5-1-1 ATS in the past seven outside of the conference, while going 6-2-1 ATS in their past nine on a grass surface. Meanwhile, Clemson is 4-1 ATS in their past five at Death Valley, while going 11-5 ATS in their past 16 following a straight-up victory. They're also 5-0 ATS in their past five outside of the conference, including two playoff games last season and a decisive 56-3 victory over Kent State in the opener last Saturday in front of the home faithful.

Other Games

Jacksonville State at Georgia Tech (ACC Network, 12:30 p.m.)

Delaware at Virginia Tech (ACC Network, 3:30 p.m.)

Middle Tennessee at Syracuse (ACC Network, 3:30 p.m.)

Miami, Florida at Arkansas State (CANCELED)