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

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF
Dunkel

Week 4

Saturday, September 23


Wake Forest @ Appalachian St

Game 309-310
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wake Forest
94.007
Appalachian St
84.357
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wake Forest
by 9 1/2
39
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wake Forest
by 4
46
Dunkel Pick:
Wake Forest
(-4); Under

Duke @ North Carolina

Game 311-312
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Duke
95.536
North Carolina
96.587
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Carolina
by 1
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Duke
by 2 1/2
64
Dunkel Pick:
North Carolina
(+2 1/2); Under

Michigan @ Purdue

Game 313-314
September 23, 2017 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Michigan
101.112
Purdue
99.285
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan
by 2
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan
by 10
52
Dunkel Pick:
Purdue
(+10); Under

Pittsburgh @ Georgia Tech

Game 315-316
September 23, 2017 @ 12:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
89.477
Georgia Tech
99.379
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Georgia Tech
by 10
68
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Georgia Tech
by 7
59 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Georgia Tech
(-7); Over

Penn State @ Iowa

Game 317-318
September 23, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Penn State
111.609
Iowa
96.374
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Penn State
by 15
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Penn State
by 11
52
Dunkel Pick:
Penn State
(-11); Over

Boston College @ Clemson

Game 319-320
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston College
77.177
Clemson
120.760
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Clemson
by 43 1/2
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Clemson
by 33 1/2
52
Dunkel Pick:
Clemson
(-33 1/2); Over

NC State @ Florida State

Game 321-322
September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC State
88.720
Florida State
109.048
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida State
by 20 1/2
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida State
by 11
52
Dunkel Pick:
Florida State
(-11); Over

Mississippi St @ Georgia

Game 323-324
September 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Mississippi St
110.648
Georgia
100.196
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Mississippi St
by 10 1/2
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Georgia
by 6 1/2
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Mississippi St
(+6 1/2); Under

Louisiana Tech @ South Carolina

Game 325-326
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Louisiana Tech
82.396
South Carolina
86.910
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
South Carolina
by 4 1/2
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
South Carolina
by 11 1/2
59
Dunkel Pick:
Louisiana Tech
(+11 1/2); Under

Massachusetts @ Tennessee

Game 327-328
September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Massachusetts
67.965
Tennessee
98.311
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tennessee
by 30 1/2
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Massachusetts
by 26 1/2
60 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tennessee
(-26 1/2); Under

West Virginia @ Kansas

Game 329-330
September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
West Virginia
93.070
Kansas
68.585
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
West Virginia
by 24 1/2
64
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
West Virginia
by 21
68 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
West Virginia
(-21); Under

Florida @ Kentucky

Game 331-332
September 23, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida
94.700
Kentucky
96.520
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kentucky
by 2
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida
by 3
44
Dunkel Pick:
Kentucky
(+3); Over

Central Florida @ Maryland

Game 333-334
September 23, 2017 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Central Florida
88.580
Maryland
89.128
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Maryland
by 1
71
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Maryland
by 3 1/2
67 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Central Florida
(+3 1/2); Over

Kent State @ Louisville

Game 335-336
September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kent State
62.680
Louisville
98.711
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Louisville
by 36
66
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisville
by 42 1/2
59
Dunkel Pick:
Kent State
(+42 1/2); Over

Ohio @ Eastern Michigan

Game 337-338
September 23, 2017 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ohio
80.904
Eastern Michigan
73.829
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio
by 7
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Eastern Michigan
by 2 1/2
52 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ohio
(+2 1/2); Over

Miami of Ohio @ Central Michigan

Game 339-340
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami of Ohio
71.723
Central Michigan
72480
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Central Michigan
by 1
61
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Central Michigan
by 2 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Miami of Ohio
(+2 1/2); Over

Old Dominion @ Virginia Tech

Game 341-342
September 23, 2017 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Old Dominion
79.264
Virginia Tech
98.790
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Virginia Tech
by 19 1/2
60
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Virginia Tech
by 27
57
Dunkel Pick:
Old Dominion
(+27); Over

Georgia State @ Charlotte

Game 343-344
September 23, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Georgia State
59.140
Charlotte
65.063
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 6
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Georgia State
by 2 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(+2 1/2); Under

Georgia Southern @ Indiana

Game 345-346
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Georgia Southern
71.099
Indiana
87.274
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 16
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 24
53
Dunkel Pick:
Georgia Southern
(+24); Under

Florida Atlantic @ Buffalo

Game 347-348
September 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida Atlantic
72.684
Buffalo
79.021
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 6 1/2
41
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Buffalo
by 2 1/2
59
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
(-2 1/2); Under

Rutgers @ Nebraska

Game 349-350
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Rutgers
72.536
Nebraska
93.135
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nebraska
by 20 1/2
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nebraska
by 13 1/2
51
Dunkel Pick:
Nebraska
(-13 1/2); Under

Toledo @ Miami-FL

Game 351-352
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toledo
86.543
Miami-FL
101.283
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami-FL
by 14 1/2
51
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami-FL
by 12 1/2
57 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami-FL
(-12 1/2); Under

Washington @ Colorado

Game 353-354
September 23, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
111.028
Colorado
97.355
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 13 1/2
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 10
53
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-10); Under

UTEP @ New Mexico St

Game 355-356
September 23, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UTEP
53.941
New Mexico St
74.916
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Mexico St
by 21
68
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Mexico St
by 18
60
Dunkel Pick:
New Mexico St
(-18); Over

Cincinnati @ Navy

Game 357-358
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
75.469
Navy
89.975
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Navy
by 14 1/2
61
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Navy
by 11
49
Dunkel Pick:
Navy
(-11); Over

UNLV @ Ohio State

Game 359-360
September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UNLV
74.289
Ohio State
111.776
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 37 1/2
68
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio State
by 41
63 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
UNLV
(+41); Over

Notre Dame @ Michigan State

Game 361-362
September 23, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Notre Dame
100.705
Michigan State
98.833
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Notre Dame
by 2
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Notre Dame
by 5
54
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan State
(+5); Over

Hawaii @ Wyoming

Game 363-364
September 23, 2017 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hawaii
69.365
Wyoming
79.167
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wyoming
by 10
59
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wyoming
by 7
57 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Wyoming
(-7); Over

New Mexico @ Tulsa

Game 365-366
September 23, 2017 @ 1:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Mexico
74.700
Tulsa
93.454
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tulsa
by 19
92
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tulsa
by 12
68
Dunkel Pick:
Tulsa
(-12); Over

Syracuse @ LSU

Game 367-368
September 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Syracuse
81.474
LSU
101.873
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LSU
by 20 1/2
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LSU
by 24
56
Dunkel Pick:
Syracuse
(+24); Over

Akron @ Troy

Game 369-370
September 23, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Akron
64.878
Troy
77.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Troy
by 13
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Troy
by 15 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Akron
(+15 1/2); Under

Bowling Green @ Middle Tennessee St

Game 371-372
September 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Bowling Green
67.914
Middle Tennessee
76.514
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Middle Tennessee
by 7 1/2
51
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Middle Tennessee
by 10 1/2
55 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Bowling Green
(+10 1/2); Under

Auburn @ Missouri

Game 373-374
September 23, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Auburn
96.453
Missouri
79.967
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Auburn
by 16 1/2
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Auburn
by 19 1/2
55 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Missouri
(+19 1/2); Under

Texas Tech @ Houston

Game 375-376
September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas Tech
95.498
Houston
95.633
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas Tech
Even
75
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 6
71
Dunkel Pick:
Texas Tech
(+6); Over

Arkansas St @ SMU

Game 377-378
September 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arkansas St
80.750
SMU
83.136
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
SMU
by 2 1/2
84
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
SMU
by 5 1/2
73
Dunkel Pick:
Arkansas St
(+5 1/2); Over

Alabama @ Vanderbilt

Game 379-380
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Alabama
113.548
Vanderbilt
98.277
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Alabama
by 15 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Alabama
by 18 1/2
43 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Vanderbilt
(+18 1/2); Over

Army @ Tulane

Game 381-382
September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Army
82.213
Tulane
82.486
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Army
Even
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tulane
by 2
51
Dunkel Pick:
Army
(+2); Over

TCU @ Oklahoma State

Game 383-384
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
TCU
98.732
Oklahoma State
117,548
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma State
by 19
72
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma State
by 11 1/2
68 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma State
(-11 1/2); Over

Ball State @ Western Kentucky

Game 385-386
September 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ball State
72.884
Western Kentucky
86.644
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Western Kentucky
by 14
61
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Western Kentucky
by 9
54
Dunkel Pick:
Western Kentucky
(-9); Over

UAB @ North Texas

Game 387-388
September 23, 2017 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UAB
61.828
North Texas
77.866
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Texas
by 16
64
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Texas
by 10 1/2
56
Dunkel Pick:
North Texas
(-10 1/2); Over

TX-San Antonio @ Texas State

Game 389-390
September 23, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
TX-San Antonio
81.467
Texas State
62.560
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
TX-San Antonio
by 19
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
TX-San Antonio
by 13
45
Dunkel Pick:
TX-San Antonio
(-13); Over

San Diego St @ Air Force

Game 391-392
September 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego St
91.409
Air Force
91.609
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Air Force
Even
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego St
by 3 1/2
47
Dunkel Pick:
Air Force
(+3 1/2); Over

Arkansas @ Texas A&M

Game 393-394
September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arkansas
89.175
Texas A&M
88.378
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arkansas
by 1
61
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas A&M
by 3
55
Dunkel Pick:
Arkansas
(+3); Over

FIU @ Rice

Game 305-396
September 23, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
FIU
63.211
Rice
69.845
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Rice
by 6 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Rice
by 2 1/2
54 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Rice
(-2 1/2); Under

Idaho @ South Alabama

Game 397-398
September 23, 2017 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Idaho
67.239
South Alabama
74.919
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
South Alabama
by 7 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
South Alabama
by 3 1/2
54 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
South Alabama
(-3 1/2); Under

LA-Monroe @ LA-Lafayette

Game 399-400
September 23, 2017 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA-Monroe
68.402
LA-Lafayette
75.825
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA-Lafayette
by 7 1/2
74
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA-Lafayette
by 5
62 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA-Lafayette
(-5); Over

Oklahoma @ Baylor

Game 401-402
September 23, 2017 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma
117.628
Baylor
80.740
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma
by 37
65
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma
by 27 1/2
62 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma
(-27 1/2); Over

USC @ California

Game 403-404
September 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
USC
108.805
California
94.669
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
USC
by 14
59
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
USC
by 17
63 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
California
(+17); Under

Nevada @ Washington St

Game 405-406
September 23, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nevada
71.667
Washington St
93.778
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington St
by 22
65
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington St
by 28
67 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Nevada
(+28); Under

Oregon @ Arizona State

Game 407-408
September 23, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oregon
99.762
Arizona State
82.672
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oregon
by 17
71
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oregon
by 14 1/2
74
Dunkel Pick:
Oregon
(-14 1/2); Under

UCLA @ Stanford

Game 409-410
September 23, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UCLA
89.923
Stanford
100.340
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Stanford
by 10 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Stanford
by 7
63 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Stanford
(-7); Under

Utah State @ San Jose St

Game 411-412
September 23, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah State
71.910
San Jose St
65.775
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah State
by 6
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah State
by 2 1/2
59
Dunkel Pick:
Utah State
(-2 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Scout's Eye, Week 4: CFB handbook for NFL fans
September 21, 2017

Concerned about that 0-2 NFL team? Here is your key to window shopping during some of this week's college football games.

Here are the NFL draft prospects to watch in the biggest games this weekend. This is a weekly feature in Draft Slant, distributed by NFLDraftScout.com.

The games, players to watch:

Mississippi State (3-0) at Georgia (3-0)

Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, (ESPN)

Sanford Stadium (Athens, Ga.)

These SEC programs haven't met since 2011, but the winner of this contest will be deservedly viewed as the No. 2 team in the conference, behind Alabama. Mississippi State is coming off a dominant win over LSU in Starkville, and a road win in Athens will help ignite the hype machine for Nov. 11 when MSU welcomes the Crimson Tide to Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State held LSU's Derrius Guice to 76 yards rushing and the front seven will need another impressive performance to limit Georgia's talented running back duo.

Five draft-eligible prospects to focus on:

--QB Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State, rJR. (6-4, 227, 4.68, #7)

With 12 touchdowns through three games, Fitzgerald, who grew up a Georgia fan, has been impressive through the first quarter of the regular season. His capabilities as a mobile quarterback due to his size/speed combination were expected, but Fitzgerald has steadily progressed as a passer since he became the starter and is currently completing 61.4 percent of his passes (43-for-70). While his ball placement and zip have stood out, Fitzgerald's decision-making and timing have been the difference, working through his progressions and reading the defense to understand where to throw the ball or tuck and run. Georgia ranks 16th in the FBS in total defense, allowing only 266.0 yards to opponents.

--RB Sony Michel, Georgia, SR. (5-11, 212, 4.56, #1)

Senior RB Nick Chubb (5-10, 228, 4.54, #27) is atop Georgia's running back depth chart, currently leading the team in rushing with 290 yards, 6.6 yards per carry average and four touchdowns. But Michel is just as important to the Bulldogs' offense because of the explosive skill-set he offers, challenging the defense in ways that Chubb doesn't. Michel, who is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and 80.0 yards per game, runs with excellent quickness in his cuts, quickly scanning and finishing with deceiving run strength. He doesn't have the build of Chubb, but Michel has been impressive in pass pro, using leverage and courage to take out blitzers. Michel missed last week (ankle), but is expected to play vs. MSU.

--LT Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State, rSR. (6-5, 304, 5.17, #55)

One of the keys to this game will be the battle between Georgia's front seven and the Mississippi State offensive line. UGA has a handful of future pros rushing the passer on every snap, but the Starkville Bulldogs have talent in the trenches, starting with Rankin at left tackle. He delivers pop at the point of attack and uses his strong hands to latch-and-control defenders in the run game. The biggest test will be in pass protection where he shows the necessary balance and alert instincts for the next level, but does he have the lateral range to cut off and mirror Georgia's edge speed? He held up well against LSU's pass rush last week and another strong week will have his draft arrow pointing north.

--DE/OLB Lorenzo Carter, Georgia, SR. (6-5, 242, 4.79, #7)

Similar to Georgia's rush attack on offense, the Bulldogs have a pair of talented rushers on defense with Carter and redshirt senior DE/OLB Davin Bellamy (6-4, 242, 4.79, #17). Two weeks ago, Notre Dame had few answers for Carter, who finished with seven tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles, recovering both. He has the flexible athleticism and edge speed that NFL teams covet in pass rusher prospects, also using his length to maintain leverage and stay free from blockers. Carter lacks ideal functional strength and doesn't get much push when nose-to-nose with blockers, but he shows various jab techniques to get blockers off balance, while also tracking the backfield action to follow the football.

--LB Roquan Smith, Georgia, JR. (6-0, 224, 4.64, #3)

Notre Dame's mobile quarterback Brandon Wimbush is averaging 6.4 yards per carry this season, but managed only 1 yard on 16 carries against Georgia -- and Smith was the main reason. The Bulldogs' leading tackler is a tick undersized, but he has sideline-to-sideline speed and closes in the blink of an eye. Smith is quick to key and diagnose, putting himself in position to attack and breaking down well on the move to wrap and finish in space. Mississippi State uses the run to set up the pass and Smith will be tasked with not only mirroring Fitzgerald, but also limit the big plays by junior RB Aeris Williams (6-0, 215, 4.59, #27), who is averaging 112.0 yards per game and 7.0 yards per rush through three games.

Other Mississippi State prospects to watch: WR Donald Gray, SR. (5-9, 193, 4.58, #6); TE Jordan Thomas, SR. (6-4, 281, 4.88, #83); MLB Dezmond Harris, rSR. (6-3, 239, 4.80, #11); LB Gerri Green, rJR. (6-3, 243, 4.70, #4); CB Tolando Cleveland, rSR. (5-10, 190, 4.56, #7); DS Brandon Bryant, rJR. (5-11, 205, 4.54, #1).

Other Georgia prospects to watch: DE Jonathan Ledbetter, JR. (6-3, 251, 4.76, #13); NT John Atkins, rSR. (6-3, 300, 5.29, #97); DL Trenton Thompson, JR. (6-3, 307, 5.02, #78); TE Jeb Blazevich, SR. (6-5, 248, 4.73, #83); WR Javon Wims, SR. (6-3, 218, 4.59, #6); WR Terry Godwin, JR. (5-11, 175, 4.42, #5)

OTHER KEY MATCHUPS

Virginia (2-1) at Boise State (2-1)

Friday, 8 p.m. ET at Albertsons Stadium (Boise, Idaho), ESPN2

Three draft-eligible prospects to focus on:

--LB Micah Kiser, Virginia, rSR. (6-1, 240, 4.76, #53): The team leader in tackles (36) and sacks (5.0), Kiser is a plus run defender, trusting his backfield vision and playing physical to the hole. He uses quick feet and aggressive hands to work off blocks, which also comes in handy as a blitzer, getting skinny to squeeze through gaps. Kiser is out-matched at times in coverage, but there is a lot for NFL teams to like vs. the run.

--WR Cedrick Wilson, Boise State, SR. (6-2, 183, 4.49, #1): Easily the top NFL prospect on Boise's offense, Wilson is an explosive weapon with the vertical skills to stretch a defense and the foot quickness to break off routes and separate. He isn't physically impressive, with minimal muscle definition and run power, but his tape shows soft hands with steady focus to make tough grabs, quickly becoming a ball-carrier to create.

--DL Andrew Brown, Virginia, SR. (6-4, 280, 4.93, #9): Lining up mostly as a three-technique over the B-gap, Brown has flashed improvement in key areas from last season, living up to the potential that made him a top recruit. He is a violent player with impressive blend of size, strength and athleticism, although his lack of discipline will get him in trouble -- like last week when he committed a targeting penalty and was ejected.

--Other Virginia prospects to watch: QB Kurt Benkert, rSR. (6-3, 225, 4.92, #6); SS Quin Blanding, SR. (5-11, 215, 4.58, #3); CB Juan Thornhill, JR. (6-0, 195, 4.53, #1); WR Doni Dowling, SR. (6-1, 215, 4.53, #5); LT Jack English, rSR. (6-5, 300, 5.12, #67); SLB Malcolm Cook, rSR. (6-1, 205, 4.64, #17).

Other Boise State prospects to watch: LT Archie Lewis, rSR. (6-3, 300, 5.32, #74); RB Ryan Wolpin, rSR. (5-7, 197, 4.63, #21); TE Jake Roh, rSR. (6-3, 237, 4.77, #88); OC Mason Hampton, rSR. (6-2, 296, 5.43, #59); LB Leighton Vander Esch, rJR. (6-3, 243, 4.80, #38)

UCLA (2-1) at Stanford (1-2)

Saturday, 10 p.m. ET at Stanford Stadium (Stanford, Calif.), ESPN

Three draft-eligible prospects to focus on:

--QB Josh Rosen, UCLA, JR. (6-3, 220, 4.97, #3): Rosen is an intelligent quarterback with immense arm talent and smooth mechanics, but he is also prone to several mistakes throughout the course of four quarters. Against Texas A&M, Rosen got away with some of those mistakes, but not against Memphis, including a costly interception late in the fourth quarter. Sam Darnold carved up Stanford's defense -- can Rosen do the same?

--RB Bryce Love, Stanford, JR. (5-9, 191, 4.43, #20): Stanford has struggled through the air so far in 2017, but there has been nothing wrong with the run game. Love enters the weekend No. 2 in the FBS with 174.7 rushing yards per game, using his foot quickness and elusive traits to create chunk plays (12.2 yards per carry). The UCLA defense ranks 122nd in the FBS defending the run, allowing 275.0 rush yards per game.

--DL Harrison Phillips, Stanford, rJR. (6-4, 290, 4.96, #66): The early departure of Solomon Thomas left a void on the Cardinal defensive line, but the early season productive of Phillips, who leads the team with 27 tackles, has been impressive. Phillips, who is a team captain and high class individual off the field, has a unique blend of power, athleticism and instincts, allowing him to two-gap and play multiple positions.

Other UCLA prospects to watch: TE Caleb Wilson, rSO. (6-4, 241, 4.76, #81); OC Scott Quessenberry, rSR. (6-3, 315, 5.36, #52); MLB Kenny Young, SR. (6-1, 235, 4.78, #42); WR Darren Andrews, rSR. (5-10, 185, 4.49, #7); DL Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, SR. (6-2, 275, 4.88, #91); SS Adarius Pickett, rJR. (5-11, 190, 4.52, #6)

Other Stanford prospects to watch: WR Trenton Irwin, JR. (6-1, 202, 4.47, #2); LT David Bright, rSR. (6-5, 301, 5.23, #64); DE/OLB Peter Kalambayi, rSR. (6-2, 245, 4.78, #34); LB Kevin Palma, rSR. (6-2, 250, 4.89, #44); CB Quenton Meeks, JR. (6-1, 204, 4.64, #24); CB Alijah Holder, rJR. (6-1, 185, 4.56, #13)

N.C. State (2-1) at Florida State (1-0)

Saturday, noon ET at Doak S. Campbell Stadium (Tallahassee, Fla.), ABC

Three draft-eligible prospects to focus on:

--DE Bradley Chubb, N.C. State, SR. (6-2, 250, 4.76, #7): Ranked second in the ACC in tackles for loss (5.5) this season, Chubb has the physical characteristics of a NFL defensive end with long strides to run the arc and the length to attack blockers before they can counter. He comes off the ball high at times and ends up too far upfield, but Chubb, who is a two-year captain, won't give anything less than his full effort.

--FB/TE Jaylen Samuels, N.C. State, SR. (5-11, 223, 4.79, #28): A jack-off-all-trades offensive weapon, Samuels averages 4.8 yards per rush (8/38/3), leads the team in receiving (26/220/2) and does an admirable job as a lead blocker, lining up all over the formation. He offers a unique mix of balance, power and quickness and scouts are excited to see him match up with redshirt sophomore SS Derwin James (6-2, 211, 4.52, #3).

--LB Matthew Thomas, Florida State, rSR. (6-2, 227, 4.67, #6): The Seminoles' leading tackler against Alabama, Thomas is a fierce tackler and arrives with pop, using active hands to stay clean from blocks. Although he shows some stiffness when asked to change directions, Thomas has the straight-line speed to close in pursuit and play both sidelines. He received mostly mid-round grades from scouts over the summer.

Other N.C. State prospects to watch: DT Justin Jones, SR. (6-2, 300, 5.14, #27); DT B.J. Hill, SR. (6-3, 300, 4.94, #98); DL Kentavius Street, SR. (6-2, 290, 4.96, #35); RG Tony Adams, SR. (6-1, 315, 5.32, #50); QB Ryan Finley, rJR. (6-3, 205, 4.80, #15); WR Nyheim Hines, JR. (5-8, 197, 4.50, #7)

Other Florida State prospects to watch: CB Tarvarus McFadden, JR. (6-1, 198, 4.49, #4); WR Auden Tate, JR. (6-4, 228, 4.56, #18); DE/OLB Josh Sweat, JR. (6-4, 250, 4.76, #9); DT Derrick Nnadi, SR. (6-0, 312, 5.17, #91); TE Ryan Izzo, rJR. (6-4, 245, 4.88, #81); DT Demarcus Christmas, rJR. (6-3, 290, 5.08, #90)

Alabama (3-0) at Vanderbilt (3-0)

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET at Vanderbilt Stadium (Nashville, Tenn.), CBS

Three draft-eligible prospects to focus on:

--RB Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt, rSR. (5-9, 202, 4.50, #7): Vandy is off to a 3-0 start despite Webb, the program's all-time leading rusher, struggling in the first three games with only 149 yards on 58 carries (2.6 average). Webb has never been a home run hitter, with only average speed and elusive traits, but he is built low to the ground and is fearless attacking the teeth of a defense -- an important trait vs. an Alabama front seven.

--DE/OLB Charles Wright, Vanderbilt, rJR. (6-2, 241, 4.69, #11): A first-year starter, Wright is the only player from a Power Five conference with at least six sacks on the young season, also leading the SEC with seven tackles for loss. He has recorded a sack in each of the Commodores' first three games but will have a tougher time going against Alabama's offensive line, which has only allowed three sacks in 2017.

--WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama, JR. (6-1, 190, 4.50, #3): With 15 catches for 219 yards and two touchdowns, Ridley is the clear No. 1 weapon for the Tide in the passing game and a quarterback's best friend as he always works to get open and can do damage at every level of the field. He shows loose body control at the catch point and finds his top speed quickly, sustaining that pace to run away from pursuit.

--Other Alabama prospects to watch: CB/FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, JR. (6-0, 201, 4.52, #29); NG Da'Ron Payne, JR. (6-2, 308, 5.38, #94); LB Rashaan Evans, SR. (6-2, 234, 4.73, #32); LB Shaun Dion Hamilton, SR. (6-0, 233, 4.79, #20); CB Anthony Averett, rSR. (6-0, 185, 4.49, #28); RB Damien Harris, JR. (5-10, 216, 4.55, #34).

Other Vanderbilt prospects to watch: QB Kyle Shurmur, JR. (6-3, 223, 4.79, #14); DT Nifae Lealao, SR. (6-5, 317, 5.17, #77); CB Oren Burks, rSR. (6-2, 225, 4.64, #20); CB Tre Herndon, SR. (6-0, 188, 4.49, #31); TE Jared Pinkney, rSO. (6-4, 250, 4.78, #80); WR Trent Sherfield, SR. (6-1, 199, 4.54, #10)

TCU (3-0) at Oklahoma State (3-0)

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET at Boone Pickens Stadium (Stillwater, Okla.), ESPN

Three draft-eligible prospects to focus on:

--QB Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State, SR. (6-4, 230, 4.83, #2): The numbers look silly for Rudolph with 72.3 percent completions (68-for-94) for 1,135 yards, 11 touchdowns and only one interception, but TCU will provide the toughest test he'll face so far in 2017. As a prospect, he has improved in some key areas, but the Cowboys' quarterback-friendly offense helps hide some of his issues, which is why he isn't considered a first-rounder.

--WR James Washington, Oklahoma State, SR. (6-0, 205, 4.50, #28): Rudolph has several weapons at his disposal (four OSU receivers had 100-plus yards receiving last week at Pitt), but Washington is clearly the lead singer in the band. He has only average size, but is one of the best finishers at the catch point in any level of football. Washington also flashes his physicality after the catch, using body strength to run through tackles.

--LT Joseph Notebloom, TCU, rSR. (6-5, 318, 4.98, #68): For several scouts, Noteboom was the highest-rated senior prospect for the Horned Frogs over the summer and that has held true through three games. He stays wide in his stance to keep rushers in front of him, using his strong, persistent upper body to control defenders. While he should stay at tackle in the NFL, some think he is better suited inside at guard.

Penn State (3-0) at Iowa (3-0)

Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET at Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City, Iowa), ABC

Three draft-eligible prospects to focus on:

--RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State, JR. (5-11, 223, 4.49, #26): The top back for the 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley is also making a strong run at the Heisman Trophy with his early season play, averaging 8.1 yards per carry. Barkley has also been a playmaker as a receiver, leading the Nittany Lions with 241 receiving yards and 21.9 yards per reception. Iowa redshirt senior MLB Josey Jewell (6-1, 236, 4.78, #43) will have his hands full.

--CB Joshua Jackson, Iowa, rJR. (6-0, 193, 4.48, #15): Despite being a first-year starter, Jackson quickly introduced himself to NFL scouts with impressive play over the first three games, ranking No. 1 in FBS with eight passes defended. He does a great job staying in phase with receivers and shows the coverage awareness to find the football and put himself in position to make a play at the catch point.

--WR/TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State, SR. (6-5, 252, 4.85, #88): Although he lacks a prototypical build for the position with lean limbs, Gesicki is a new breed tight end, creating mismatches with his height/length, athleticism and ball skills. With his large catch radius, it is near impossible to truly cover him. OC Joe Moorehead relies on various run-pass option plays with Barkley and Gesicki -- the two foundations of the offense.

Other Penn State prospects to watch: QB Trace McSorley, rJR. (6-0, 201, 4.64, #9); WR DaeSean Hamilton, rSR. (6-1, 211, 4.58, #5); MLB Jason Cabinda, SR. (6-1, 232, 4.87, #40); FS Marcus Allen, SR. (6-1, 202, 4.55, #2); CB Grant Haley, SR. (5-9, 185, 4.50, #15); WR Saeed Blacknall, SR. (6-2, 212, 4.62, #5)

Other Iowa prospects to watch: RB Akrum Wadley, rSR. (5-10, 191, 4.54, #25); RT/RG Sean Welsh, rSR. (6-3, 290, 5.10, #79); OC James Daniels, JR. (6-4, 295, 5.24, #78); LB Ben Niemann, SR. (6-2, 230, 4.74, #44); DS Miles Taylor, SR. (6-0, 205, 4.59, #19); DT Nathan Bazata, rSR. (6-2, 285, 4.93, #99)

[StarDust Bum]

Pac-12 Report - Week 4
September 20, 2017

2017 PAC-12 STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under

Arizona 2-1 0-0 2-1 2-1

Arizona State 1-2 0-0 0-3 1-2

California 3-0 0-0 2-1 1-2

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

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

Oregon State 1-3 0-1 0-4 4-0

Southern California 3-0 1-0 1-2 2-1

Stanford 1-2 0-1 1-2 2-1

UCLA 2-1 0-0 1-2 3-0

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

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

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


Utah at Arizona (Fri. - FOX Sports 1, 10:30 p.m. ET)
The Utes and Wildcats do battle in their conference opener on Friday in Tucson, and Utah is looking to stay unbeaten. They held off BYU in the Holy War on Sept. 9, and rolled San Jose State last weekend. The Utes are also 3-0 ATS, while Arizona bounced back and hammered on UTEP last week after a narrow three-point loss to Houston back on Sept. 9. In their two wins the Wildcats are averaging 62.5 PPG. Utah us a 3 1/2-point favorite as of early Thursday morning, and it might be because they're 14-3 ATS over their past 17 road games against a team with a winning home record and 4-0 ATS in their past four road games overall. Arizona is 17-35 ATS over their past 52 against a team with a winning record, 4-13 ATS in their past 17 overall and 1-7 ATS across their past eight league games.

Southern California at California (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET)
USC heads to Berkeley looking to keep their national championship aspirations alive. Cal is looking for a signature win and to vault into the national picture with a win. Cal has passed all tests so far, winning on the road at North Carolina and at home against Ole Miss, while also pushing aside FCS Weber State. USC has covered just three of their past 10 on the road, and they're 7-15 ATS over their past 22 road games agaisnt a team with a winning home record. Cal isn't much better, going 1-4 ATS in their past five league games and 1-5 ATS in their past six against winning teams. That pales in comparison to their failures against the number vs. USC, though. Cal is 0-6 ATS in their past six home games against the Trojans, and 1-7 ATS in the past eight meetings overall. The road team has cashed in 15 of the past 21 in this series, too, while the 'under' is 11-2 over the past 13.

Nevada at Washington State (Pac-12 Network, 6:00 p.m. ET)
Nevada entered the season with some raised expectations, jockeying with UNLV, Fresno State and San Jose State for the middle of the Western Division in the MWC. After an 0-3 SU/1-2 ATS start, they'll be lucky to stay out of the basement. The Wolf Pack are coming off a 30-28 disappointment against FCS Idaho State, losing as 32 1/2-point favorites. The one thing that has been consistent is the 'under', hitting in each of their three outings. The under is a rarity for Washington State, as the 'over' has hit in each of their past two. They have scored 99 points during the two-game span while yielding 67.

Washington at Colorado (FOX Sports 1, 10:00 p.m. ET)
The Huskies and Buffaloes will tangle in Boulder in a key early-season matchup between two 3-0 teams. Washington has dominated this series against the number, going 7-0 ATS in the past seven meetings with the favorite 5-0 ATS in the past five. The 'under' has been the rule for both teams lately, going 3-0-1 in Washington's past four conference games and 5-2-1 in their past eight overall. The under is 5-1 in Colorado's past six against a team with a winning record while going 4-1 in their past five at home and 11-3 in their past 14 league games.

Oregon at Arizona State (Pac-12 Network, 10:00 p.m. ET)
Are the Ducks back? Well, the offense is certainly back. They have posted 42 or more points in each of their three games, including 45.5 PPG in two games against FBS opponents. Arizona State won its opener 37-31 against New Mexico State, but they lost to San Diego State at home and on the road against Texas Tech, slipping to 1-2 SU/0-3 ATS in three outings. The Ducks are 2-8 ATS over their past 10 conference games, 4-12-1 ATS in their past 17 overall and 0-4 ATS in their past four road outings. However, they're also 24-9-1 ATS across their past 34 on the road. AZ State is 8-3 ATS in their past 11 at home, but 0-4 ATS in their past four and 1-6 ATS in their past seven at home against teams with a winning road mark. Oregon is also 3-0-1 ATS in the past four meetings with Arizona, and 5-1 ATS in their past six visits to Tempe. The over has cashed in six of the past seven battles in this series.

UCLA at Stanford (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET)
Two teams coming off stinging losses will hook up on 'The Farm' in Palo Alto. UCLA was outscored in Memphis last week, as the Bruins couldn't get it done against an upstart Memphis squad. Stanford lost at San Diego State, dropping their second consecutive outing on the road after a setback against USC the week before. Stanford opened as a 10-point favorite, but that was quickly bet down to around seven or 7 1/2. The Bruins are just 2-7 ATS in their past nine road games, while the Cardinal are 0-4 ATS in their past four at home. So something's gotta give. The Cardinal are also 0-5 ATS in their past five against teams with a winning overall record. The favorite has hit in seven of the past nine meetings, while UCLA is 2-8 ATS in their past 10 trips to Palo Alto and 0-4 ATS in the past four meetings overall. The under has hit in 11 of the past 16 in this series.

Bye Week
Oregon State

[StarDust Bum]

Penn St. steps up in competition vs. Iowa
September 21, 2017

Some things to watch in the Big Ten this week:

GAME OF THE WEEK

Penn State at Iowa. We'll start finding out just how good the fourth-ranked Nittany Lions are as they begin their Big Ten title defense Saturday. So far they've beaten up on teams with a combined 2-6 record and put up impressive numbers in the process. Heisman Trophy contender Saquon Barkley is one of two players in the nation averaging more than 200 all-purpose yards per game, and the Lions' defense has posted two shutouts and has allowed a total of 14 points. Unbeaten Iowa's Nate Stanley has thrown for 10 touchdowns, the most by a Hawkeyes QB over a three-game stretch in 30 years, and 1,000-yard rusher Akrum Wadley will play after hurting an ankle last week. The Hawkeyes have trailed in each game while starting 3-0. Last season, Penn State amassed 599 total yards and limited the Hawkeyes to 30 yards rushing in a 41-14 win.

BEST MATCHUP

Notre Dame running game vs. Michigan State defense. QB Brandon Wimbush and RB Josh Adams each ran for 200 yards and the Irish totaled 515 on the ground against Boston College last week, their most since 1969. That performance came a week after Georgia held them to 55 yards rushing. Michigan State, which starts only one senior in its front seven, hasn't allowed an offensive touchdown through two games and is giving up 91.5 yards a game on the ground.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Indiana has won nine of its last 10 nonconference games heading into its meeting with Georgia Southern. ... Maryland is averaging 57 points after opening the season with consecutive 50-point games for the first time. The Terrapins' opponent, UCF, scored 61 points in its only game of the season. ... Ohio State, which hosts UNLV, has allowed two rushing touchdowns through 12 quarters. ... Nebraska is 1-2 for the second time in three years but only the third time since 1960. The Huskers haven't opened 1-3 since 1957. ... Iowa will be trying for its 400th win at home since the program started in 1889.

LONG SHOT

Purdue is a 10-point underdog at home against No. 8 Michigan. New coach Jeff Brohm took over a beaten-down Boilermakers program and has it believing it can play with anybody, setting the stage for one of the biggest home games in years at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Boilermakers are going for their first win over a top-10 team since 2009. David Blough is completing 76 percent of his passes, and the Boilers defense is much improved. Michigan is young on offense and still trying to find its way. The Wolverines have scored just one touchdown on 10 trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line, tied for second-to-last nationally, and Wilton Speight is completing fewer than 55 percent of his passes.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Rutgers QB Johnathan Lewis is still the backup to Kyle Bolin, but he'll surely get some playing time against Nebraska after accounting for five touchdowns against FCS Morgan State last week. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound true freshman still has to prove himself as a passer. He can, however, cause problems as a physical runner. Last week Lewis entered on several possessions Bolin started when the Scarlet Knights neared the goal line. He could be used the same way against the Huskers.

[StarDust Bum]

Stock Report: Scouts excited over progress of Mississippi State QB Fitzgerald
September 21, 2017

A look at NFL prospects who helped and may have hurt themselves this past weekend:

Who helped themselves?

Nick Fitzgerald, QB, Mississippi State, rJR. (6-4, 227, 4.68, #7)

Replacing arguably the best player in program history is an unenviable task, but Fitzgerald has embraced that challenge. Last season as a redshirt sophomore, he did an admirable job as a first-year starter in the SEC, posting 37 total touchdowns (21 passing, 16 rushing). Known as a better runner than passer, Fitzgerald's best plays were generated with his legs, which was reflected in the stat sheet with only 54.3-percent completions. However, he showed steady improvement through the air over the second half of last season and that positive progression has carried over to this season. Against LSU on Saturday night, Fitzgerald completed 65.2 percent of his throws and scored four touchdowns, two on the ground and two through the air as the Bulldogs dominated the Tigers, 37-7. His inconsistent mechanics will alter his accuracy, but he makes whole-field reads and delivers with placement. Although he is still far from a finish product, Fitzgerald's decision-making and awareness have improved by leaps and bounds -- and that development along with his physical traits are why NFL scouts are excited about his trajectory.

Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis, rSR. (5-11, 190, 4.53, #3)

Isaac Bruce was the only receiver in Memphis history to post a 1,000-plus receiving yard season -- until Miller set the school single-season records for receptions (95), receiving yards (1,434) and touchdown catches (14) last year. He was at his best on Saturday, helping Memphis upset UCLA with nine catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns. Lining up in the slot and outside, Miller has galloping play speed and uses his initial quickness and route acceleration to separate from defenders. A former walk-on, he has only average size/strength, but he does a great job leveraging his body at the catch point and the ball sticks his hands at contact. Factor in that his coaches rave about his work ethic and drive, and it's even easier to see why Miller is one of the top senior wide receiver prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Poona Ford, DT, Texas, SR. (5-11, 303, 5.09, #95)

A substantial reason why Texas almost pulled the upset over USC on Saturday night was the play of the defense, specifically Ford up front. The senior captain nose guard consistently created issues at the line of scrimmage due to his initial quickness, motor and finishing skills. Ford might need his tip-toes to reach 6-foot, but he does a great job using his natural leverage to get underneath blocks and attack gaps with balance, burst and unrelenting effort. His instincts also frequently show up, recognizing the play call and putting himself in position to make plays or unselfishly allowing his teammates to get there. There aren't many effective NFL players 300-plus pounds and sub-6-foot, but there is a place at the next level for a player with Ford's skill-set.

Kurt Benkert, QB, Virginia, rSR. (6-3, 225, 4.92, #6)

Although he hasn't been fully tested on the young season, Benkert is a quarterback prospect who has everything clicking right now. Against Connecticut on Saturday, the senior completed 75 percent of his passes (30-for-40) for 455 yards and three touchdowns as he looked in rhythm for all four quarters. He spread the wealth with spot-on placement, velocity and timing, carrying himself with obvious confidence. He can be a stubborn passer at times, staring down his initial read, but his athleticism also allows him to get second chances, avoiding the pressure. Benkert and Virginia travel to Boise this Friday for a battle on the blue turf that will gives scouts a better look at Benkert and his next-level potential.

Who hurt themselves?

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming, rJR. (6-4, 233, 4.76, #17)

Allen entered this season with immense hype as a potential top-10 NFL Draft pick and with Iowa and Oregon on the schedule in the first three weeks, NFL scouts were eager to see his development. After a poor performance in Iowa City in the opener, Allen had a chance at redemption against the Ducks on Saturday, but it was another disappointing outing as he managed only 37.5 percent completions (9-for-24), for 64 yards, one rushing touchdown and one interception. From a physical standpoint, Allen is elite with the size, arm strength and athleticism that belongs in the NFL. However, he has shown little development with several critical factors of the position, including poise, touch and overall mental awareness. Allen did lose several key weapons from last season, including Tanner Gentry, Jake Maulhardt and Jacob Hollister, who accounted for 70 percent of his completions last year. Turnover happens in college football and ideally scouts want to see a quarterback adapt, but for a player like Allen, who is so young in quarterback years, it could also possibly stunt his development. The toughest question for NFL scouts moving forward will be to assess the draft value of a player with Allen's immense potential but also lack of development.

Other notes:

--Aside from the loss, Texas suffered another tough blow with the injury to junior left tackle Connor Williams (6-5, 320, 5.31, #55). He suffered a sprained MCL and PCL in his left knee and also a meniscus tear that requires arthroscopic surgery this week, putting Williams on the shelf for the foreseeable future. An All-American last season, he entered the year as a possible first-round pick, but Williams struggled against Maryland in the opener and now this injury clouds his immediate football future.

--One of the best playmakers in the SEC, South Carolina redshirt junior WR Deebo Samuel (5-11, 208, 4.50, #1) was off to a great start to the season with six total touchdowns -- three receiving, two returns and one rushing. Unfortunately, his 2017 season is apparently over after breaking his left leg in the third quarter Saturday night against Kentucky.

--In Week 2, Washington senior WR Dante Pettis (6-0, 192, 4.49, #8) broke DeSean Jackson's Pac-12 record with his seventh career punt return for a touchdown. This past Saturday against Fresno State, he returned a punt 77 yards for a score -- his eighth career punt return touchdown, which ties the NCAA record. Why do teams continue to punt to him?

--Dane Brugler is a Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, a collaboration between The Sports Xchange and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Big 12 games that count, with top defense TCU at Oklahoma St
September 21, 2017

Some things to watch during Week 4 in the Big 12 Conference in Week 4, when for the first time this season there are three games that will count in the league standings.

GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 16 TCU (3-0) at No. 6 Oklahoma State (3-0). Quarterback Mason Rudolph (11 TD passes, one interception) and Oklahoma State have piled up 607 total yards per game and outscored its opponents 59-0 in the first quarter. The Horned Frogs have the Big 12's top defense, allowing 265 yards a game. A week after holding SMU standout WR Courtland Sutton to one catch for no gain, the Horned Frogs face an Oklahoma State team that last week had four 100-yard receivers - a first in school history, and the first for an FBS team since Texas Tech's four against Kansas State in 2005. The Cowboys went from a 10-6 halftime lead to a 31-6 win last year in Fort Worth. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are the only Big 12 teams that the Frogs haven't beaten on the road since joining the league in 2012.

BEST MATCHUP

Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury vs. Houston. A matchup of former Big 12 quarterbacks in their first head-coaching jobs. While Kingsbury is in his fifth season at alma mater Texas Tech (2-0), former Texas quarterback Major Applewhite is in his first season as head coach of the Cougars (2-0). For Kingsbury, this is also a game against the school that gave him his first coaching job - he was a Cougars assistant from 2008-11 under Kevin Sumlin, then spent a season at Texas A&M before getting hired by the Red Raiders.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Junior QB Peyton Bender has played only three games for Kansas and already has 1,030 yards passing, the fastest in the Jayhawks' 127-year history for a player to pass for 1,000 yards. ... Nic Shimonek, Texas Tech's 23-year-old senior quarterback, has thrown for 927 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception in his first two career starts. ... Three Big 12 teams (Texas, Iowa State and Kansas State) have the weekend off.

LONG SHOT

Baylor (0-3) plays its first conference game for coach Matt Rhule with the Bears a four-touchdown underdog at home against third-ranked Oklahoma (3-0), which has won a nation's best 13 games in a row. Baylor has lost its last nine regular-season games, including losses already this season to two teams who had never before beaten a Power Five opponent.

PLAYER TO WATCH

West Virginia senior RB Justin Crawford is the Big 12 leader with 109 yards rushing per game and five rushing TDs. He has run for more than 100 yards in all three games this season, and in eight of his 16 games with the Mountaineers.

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No. 22 San Diego State opens Mountain West play at Air Force
September 21, 2017

No. 22 San Diego State (3-0) at Air Force (1-1), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network).

Line: San Diego State by 3 +.

Series record: Air Force leads 19-15.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

The Aztecs kick off their quest for a third straight Mountain West title against an Air Force team they've beaten six straight times. San Diego State is flying high after successive wins over Pac-12 teams, including Stanford last weekend. That could come in handy because senior RB/KR Rashaad Penny said of Air Force's run-oriented offense: ''They play just like Stanford.''

KEY MATCHUP

Aztecs QB Christian Chapman has 26 career TDs and eight interceptions. Even more, he's 16-3 as a starter. Chapman faces an Air Force defense that went nine straight quarters dating to last season without allowing an offensive TD before the Wolverines found the end zone late in the fourth quarter.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Diego State: DB Kameron Kelly picked up the conference's defensive player of the week honors after recording two sacks, forcing a fumble and picking of a pass against Stanford. He also had five solo tackles.

Air Force: RB Tim McVey has 27 TDS in 29 career games. His career rushing average of 8.3 yards is the best mark in Air Force history.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Aztecs beat the Falcons 27-24 when they met in the 2015 MW title game. ... San Diego State is 10-2 in road games since Oct. 10, 2015. ... Penny leads the nation in yards rushing (588), all-purpose yards (774) and is tied for second in TDs (six). ... The Aztecs have won 21 in a row when leading in time of possession. ... San Diego State has forced 70 turnovers and turned it over just 29 times since 2015. ... SDSU quarterbacks coach Blane Morgan graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1999. He was an assistant for the Falcons for a dozen seasons under Fisher DeBerry and Troy Calhoun. ... The Falcons are 19-76-3 all-time against ranked teams. They're 5-15 under Calhoun. ... Air Force boasts a 48-15 mark at Falcon Stadium under Calhoun. ... Senior LB Grant Ross is the only returning starter on defense from a season ago. He's fourth on the team in tackles with eight.

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No. 6 Oklahoma St. meets No. 16 TCU in early Big 12 showdown
September 21, 2017

No. 16 TCU (3-0, 0-0 Big 12) at No. 6 Oklahoma State (3-0, 0-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Line: Oklahoma State by 13.

Series record: Oklahoma State leads 15-10-2.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Oklahoma State has national championship and College Football Playoff aspirations. Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph has a chance to make a major impression in the Heisman race. TCU can establish itself as a challenger in the conference and bring some pride back to Texas football.

KEY MATCHUP

Oklahoma State protection vs. TCU pass rush. Rudolph has had plenty of time to sit back and find his talented collection of receivers. He has been sacked just three times this season. He will face a TCU defense that has eight sacks in three games. DE Ben Banogu and S Ridwan Issahaku both have two sacks this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

TCU: QB Kenny Hill. He ranks 15th nationally in passing efficiency and averages 261 yards of total offense per game. He is a threat with his arm and his legs.

Oklahoma State: WR James Washington. The senior speedster has 13 catches for 367 yards and three touchdowns this season and averages 28.2 yards per reception.

FACTS & FIGURES

TCU leads the nation in third-down conversion percentage at nearly 66 percent. ... Rudolph passed for 423 yards in the first half of a 59-21 win at Pittsburgh last week, a school record for most yards passing in a half. ... Oklahoma State had four receivers gain at least 100 yards last week. No FBS team had as many reach the feat in a game since 2005. ... Oklahoma State won last year's game 31-6. ... TCU WR/KR KaVontae Turpin needs 68 yards to reach 3,000 all-purpose yards in his career.

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Simms gives WVU special teams fix entering Big 12 play
September 21, 2017

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) Just in time for the start of the Big 12 season, Marcus Simms has helped fix West Virginia's production problems on special teams while providing needed speed as a pass catcher.

Simms has given the Mountaineers a reliable kick and punt returner after being suspended for the season opener. He'll be on display again Saturday when West Virginia (2-1) plays at Kansas (1-2).

''It's nice to have him back,'' said West Virginia quarterback Will Grier. ''He'll continue to make plays. As the season goes on you'll see him doing more and more.''

Last week Simms returned the opening kickoff 80 yards to set up a touchdown last week in a 59-16 win over FCS Delaware State. A week earlier against East Carolina he had a 23-yard punt return and averaged 30 yards on two kickoff returns in the 56-20 victory .

Three of Simms' five pass receptions have gone for touchdowns, including grabs of 52 and 62 yards, and he's averaging 28.6 yards per catch.

''He keeps getting better. He's doing some good things on special teams, too,'' said West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen. ''I was happy to see what we did on kickoff return, which has been a hot topic of discussion here. I thought Marcus played fast.''

West Virginia had been lethargic on punt returns since joining the Big 12 in 2012. The Mountaineers were ninth in the 10-team league last season with an average of 1.9 yards per return. West Virginia led the league in kickoff return average in 2014 and 2015, slipped to fifth last year and leads the league this season with a 31.4-yard average.

Kansas coach David Beaty is wary of Simms, noting that he ''can absolutely fly.''

Simms saw limited action as a freshman last season and was counted on to contribute this year to a unit that lost three of its top four receivers. But he sat out the 2017 opener against Virginia Tech following his arrest in August on suspicion of drunken driving.

West Virginia will need his production in Big 12 play to try to hold off a jinx in odd-numbered years, when it plays five league road games compared to four in even-numbered years.

The Mountaineers went a combined 2-8 on the road in 2013 and 2015. One of those included a 2013 loss at Kansas when the Jayhawks broke a 27-game conference losing streak. The rotation of odd-year road opponents also includes No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 16 TCU, Baylor and Kansas State.

After facing Kansas, West Virginia has a week off before playing at TCU. The Mountaineers will have gone a month between home games when it meets Texas Tech on Oct. 14.

''We know we have nine opponents ahead of us, so it doesn't matter at what point you play who. It doesn't really matter,'' Holgorsen said. ''We need to play our best.''

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LSU's Orgeron: RB Guice will not play vs. Syracuse
September 21, 2017

LSU running back Derrius Guice has been ruled out of Saturday's game against Syracuse, coach Ed Orgeron said on his radio show.

Per The Advocate of Baton Rouge, Orgeron said on his radio show that Guice "will not play this week, but he is getting better."

Guice exited Saturday's 37-7 loss to Mississippi State with what Oregeron told reporters earlier in the week was a "minor injury." Oregeron did not disclose the nature of the injury, however.

The SEC's leading rusher last season, Guice has rushed for 300 yards on 57 carries (5.3-yard average) with four touchdowns. He has yet to break off the long rushes that were his signature last season, however.

Darrel Williams is likely to start Saturday's game for 25th-ranked LSU (2-1). He has 28 rushes for 159 yards and four touchdowns this season.

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Vols' defense again hit with injuries, yielding big plays
September 21, 2017

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) This pattern is growing all too familiar for Tennessee's defense.

One year after injuries and big plays made it tough for Tennessee to stop anyone late in the season , the Volunteers find themselves again dealing with those same issues.

Tennessee lost its Southeastern Conference opener 26-20 to No. 20 Florida by allowing a tiebreaking 63-yard touchdown pass as time expired. That stunning finish wounded the pride of a defense that already had taken plenty of lumps this season.

''That's been our Achilles heel for the year-and-a-half that we've been here,'' said defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, who joined Butch Jones' Tennessee staff last season. ''We don't just give up big plays. We give up catastrophic-type plays.''

That defense gets a chance to bounce back and regain some confidence Saturday when the Vols (2-1) host Massachusetts (0-4) before resuming conference play.

''We very well understand this is probably the best defense we'll play all year - talented at every position and also very deep,'' UMass quarterback Andrew Ford said.

That depth has taken plenty of hits already.

Tennessee lost its top returning linebacker when Darrin Kirkland Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury last month. Todd Kelly Jr., the Vols' top tackler last season, hurt his knee as well and is out indefinitely. Injuries also have sidelined linebackers Austin Smith and Cortez McDowell plus safety Evan Berry.

The same situation befell Tennessee last year, when injuries decimated the defensive line and caused cornerback Cam Sutton to play just seven games and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Sutton was drafted in the third round and Reeves-Maybin was taken in the fourth round.

All those injuries may be having an impact late in games. Tennessee has allowed just 20 first-half points but has given up 54 points after halftime, including two overtime touchdowns in a season-opening victory over Georgia Tech .

''I don't think it's a fatigue thing,'' defensive end Darrell Taylor said. ''I think it's just a matter that we've got to focus the whole game, make sure we sustain that focus throughout the game.''

Shoop said, ''I don't want to make any excuses'' when he's asked about the injuries, but he acknowledges that this run of misfortune has caught him by surprise.

''I've never experienced anything like this,'' he added. ''And I don't think there's anything I can pinpoint it in, or I'd suggest something to Coach. It's not strength training. It's not nutrition. We're doing the right things. Everything's been kind of a fluky thing.''

The big plays Tennessee has allowed can't be considered fluky. They're happening far too often.

Tennessee's 2016 defense gave up 19 plays from scrimmage of 40-plus yards, according to cfbstats.com . Arkansas was the only SEC team to allow more gains of at least 40 yards.

In the fourth quarter of the Florida game, Tennessee gave up a 72-yard run along with the game-winning 63-yard touchdown.

''Offensively, you can play 55 bad snaps and three good snaps and score 21 points,'' Shoop said. ''Defensively you can play 55 great snaps and three bad snaps, and you stink.''

Tennessee did make a remarkable recovery at the end of the 72-yard run, as cornerback Justin Martin chased down Malik Davis and forced a fumble that resulted in a touchback. Tennessee's had plenty of other remarkable individual performances from defensive players thus far.

Linebacker Daniel Bituli has an SEC-leading 33 tackles , including 23 against Georgia Tech. Rashaan Gaulden has shown this defense can create big plays rather than allowing them, as he forced a fumble to spark the comeback against Georgia Tech and had an interception that led to a game-tying field goal against Florida.

Now they need more guys to step up.

''I think we'll be able to handle it,'' Taylor said. ''We know what we need to do.''

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Clemson junior QB Kelly Bryant blazing own path with Tigers
September 21, 2017

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Kelly Bryant just smiled and shook his head every time - and there were plenty of them - someone wondered how national champion Clemson would get along without two-time Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson.

Not too bad, not too bad at all.

Through three games, Bryant has quickly eased concerns and appears on the same path Watson traveled the past two years - being a part of the Heisman conversation and making Clemson a College Football Playoff contender.

''Let them sleep on me,'' Bryant said. ''I've always been doubted my whole career so let them keep doubting.''

The doubters are dwindling the more Bryant plays . He and the second-ranked Tigers (3-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) next take on Boston College (1-2, 0-1), which is a five-touchdown underdog this week.

Bryant was a highly skilled quarterback out of Calhoun Falls, about an hour drive south of Clemson, who also had offers from Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia Tech among others. Bryant knew Clemson's immediate future at quarterback was Watson, yet still decided on the Tigers as his college choice.

Bryant acknowledged sitting behind Watson was the not the easiest time of his career.

''Definitely, it was hard,'' he said. ''All my life, I was so used to being the guy running out there with the first team so now I had to take a step back.

''But I also feel it was a step forward,'' Bryant continued, ''because I had to learn to be patient and be ready.''

One of Bryant's best teachers in that regard was his predecessor. Watson, 28-2 as a starter his final two seasons, would counsel the young quarterback on keeping calm and not wanting to rush the moment. Once Bryant accepted his role with the Tigers, he went about doing all he could to leave little doubt about who Clemson's next QB1 should be.

Not that Bryant - who had just 18 throws his first two seasons on the bench - had convinced outsiders about his ability. While coach Dabo Swinney said Bryant would start the spring as No. 1, he left the door open for strong-armed redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper and five-star true freshman Hunter Johnson, who had enrolled shortly after Clemson's national title victory.

Bryant's patience paid off, quarterback coach Brandon Streeter said, as the junior did all the right things to earn the job outright.

In the past two games, Bryant's elevated himself into the Heisman conversation.

Against Auburn, Bryant was briefly knocked out of the game when he lost his wind during a hard hit and Clemson trailing 6-0. Bryant rallied the Tigers to two long touchdown drives, both ended on Bryant TD runs, for a 14-6 victory.

Bryant left little doubt about the better quarterback in the much-hyped showdown with Louisville's Heisman winner Lamar Jackson . Bryant threw for a career-best 316 yards that included a 79-yard TD pass to Ray-Ray McCloud.

McCloud was never concerned about Bryant's ability, confident that the Tigers would have a smooth transition after Watson gave up his final college season and was taken No. 12 overall by the Houston Texans.

''What he's shown is stuff we've been seeing since he got here,'' McCloud said. ''Kelly just waited his time, has kept his faith and now it's coming to light. What he's been doing in the dark is what the nation is finally seeing.''

Bryant has kept his fun-loving attitude through the start of this season. The other day before taking questions, Bryant whispered ''mic check'' into each of the assembled microphones and tape recorders. When asked if he was having fun, Bryant smiled, ''Every day.''

Bryant may have gotten the biggest vote of support after the Louisville from Watson (the two keep in touch each week) who Tweeted, ''He will be better than me.''

Bryant's flattered. There's time for Heisman talk and accolades later on. Right now, he's got a mission to accomplish in winning another ACC title and reach the playoffs again.

''It's good and all,'' he said. ''I'm just going to focus on the team and all, getting better.''

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BIG 12 SPOTLIGHT: Top QBs guiding teams to top of league
September 21, 2017

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) Baker Mayfield was relaxing in his hotel room in Norman last week, waiting for the bus to head to the stadium for Oklahoma's game against Tulane, when he flipped on the television.

Naturally, he wanted to see how Big 12 rival Oklahoma State was faring.

Turns out pretty well.

The Sooners' star quarterback watched enthralled as his Cowboys counterpart, Mason Rudolph, torched Pittsburgh for 497 yards and five touchdowns through the air in a 59-21 rout. It was a third straight impressive performance for Rudolph, who has quickly climbed among the leaders in just about every passing category nationwide: yards passing, touchdown passes, quarterback efficiency.

''Their offense is very talented and guys are making competitive catches for him,'' Mayfield said. ''He's doing a great job of getting the ball in their hands.''

Later that day, Mayfield threw for a mere 331 yards and four TDs in a 56-14 rout of Tulane.

The performances by the two gunslingers were perhaps the best example yet of just how strong the Big 12 is when it comes to quarterbacks. Throw in Nic Shimonek at pass-happy Texas Tech, Will Grier at equally explosive West Virginia and Peyton Bender at Kansas, and you have five of the nation's top 11 players in yards passing per game.

Now, the Big 12 has been known as an air-it-out league for years. Texas Tech began slinging it all over the schoolyard under Mike Leach and never stopped, while Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and others have installed their own version of the spread offense.

But there seemed to be a trend last year in the other direction. The league boasted some of the nations' top running backs, such as the Sooners' Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine, and a relatively simple question was floated: Have defenses finally figured out the spread?

The answer to that, at least so far this season, is an unequivocal ''No.''

The Red Raiders once again lead the nation in total offense, thanks mostly to the 496 yards per game they average through the air. Oklahoma State is third and Oklahoma is fourth, and both sit squarely alongside West Virginia among the nation's top 10 passing attacks.

''That's the Big 12,'' said TCU coach Gary Patterson, whose No. 16 Horned Frogs face Rudolph and sixth-ranked Oklahoma State in the league's marquee game this weekend.

''We've got to prepare on all levels,'' Patterson said. ''They're a very good offense right now. We've got several coming down the pipe. They're the first.''

Yep, the Mountaineers are next. Oklahoma and Texas Tech come back-to-back for the Horned Frogs later in the season. And that's one more reason for Big 12 coaches to have heartburn: The league's round-robin schedule means that everybody faces everyone else at least once.

There's no lucking out and missing Rudolph. Or Mayfield. Or anybody else.

There are other quarterbacks tearing things up, too. The Horned Frogs' Kenny Hill ranks among the nation's top 15 in passing efficiency, while Iowa State's Jacob Park averages 311.7 yards through the air per game, putting him among six Big 12 players in the top 20 nationally.

Shimonek leads the way at 463.5 yards per game.

''Yeah, things have gone smooth so far,'' the Texas Tech quarterback said, ''but I also understand that at some point there's going to be a few hiccups, a few bumps in the road. It's not going to be like this for 12 straight games. I mean, I hope it is, but I don't think it will be.''

Indeed, some of those numbers are inflated thanks to weak out-of-conference competition. The Cowboys have faced Tulsa, South Alabama and Pitt, Texas Tech blew out lower-level Eastern Washington, and while the Sooners won a big-time showdown with Ohio State, they also beat up on UTEP and the Green Wave before heading into the conference schedule.

Things are bound to get tougher for the Big 12's best quarterbacks.

Then again, they're about to make life a whole lot tougher on the Big 12's best defenses, too.

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Boise State trying to find consistency hosting Virginia
September 21, 2017

If not for an uncharacteristic fourth-quarter collapse in the second game, Boise State would be undefeated, likely ranked and in the early conversation about teams that could be in line for a Group of Five bid to one of the big-money bowl games.

Instead, there are more complaints than praise about how the Broncos have looked in getting to 2-1 headed into Friday's home game against Virginia.

It's the first time in the regular season that a team from the ACC has ventured West to face the Broncos. Boston College played Boise State in 2005 in the MPC Computers Bowl. But it's not an unfamiliar trip for Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall, who went to Boise a number of times when he was the head coach at BYU.

''They prefer to get out in front in kind of shock and awe and gadget or trick or momentum or tempo or something unique and different,'' Mendenhall said. ''They really play hard and play fast at the beginning of the games there. Doesn't mean they don't finish well, but the game plan, and they settle into more normal football as the game goes.''

But that high-powered, shock and awe that Mendenhall referenced has been missing so far as Boise State's offense has mostly slogged through the first three weeks. The Broncos scored 24 points in wins over Troy and New Mexico and let a 31-10 lead slip away in the fourth quarter of their triple-overtime loss to Washington State.

The Broncos will likely use two quarterbacks against Virginia. Brett Rypien is expected to return after missing last week's game with an injury, but he might not even be the starter. The Broncos started Montell Cozart last week and he saw extensive time the week before against Washington State.

Virginia (2-1) will be on the road for the first time in 2017 after opening the season with wins over William & Mary and UConn, sandwiched around a loss to Indiana. It's the second straight year the Cavaliers have ventured West. They lost at Oregon last season.

Here are other things to watch when Boise State hosts Virginia:

MOA CONSTRICTOR: Boise State may be without standout defensive tackle David Moa against the Cavaliers. Moa was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace last Saturday. Authorities say Moa was involved in a disturbance outside a night club. Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said any punishment would remain internal.

''Obviously disappointed. . We'll handle it internally and make sure that we learn from it and grow,'' Harsin said.

TAKEAWAYS: Virginia has a 4-1 advantage in takeaways through three games, but the number is somewhat misleading. The Cavaliers have fumbled seven times, and recovered all seven.

RUN FOR SOMETHING: Boise State has not done well in replacing do-everything running back Jeremy McNichols.

Through three games, the Broncos are averaging only 146 yards rushing and 3.7 yards per carry. It doesn't help that Cozart is the Broncos' leading rusher with 179 yards. Alexander Mattison is the top running back with 155 yards in three games but he had just 10 yards on six carries against New Mexico.

''We did not run the ball real well. We had our opportunities and we need to be more physical,'' Harsin said. ''Every single guy, all 11 guys, quarterbacks are included on this ... we need to do a much better job. We've said that. We've said that for three games and it needs to be fixed.''

GIVING O THE BALL: After carrying the ball just three times last season and not at all in the first two games, the Cavaliers gave Olamide Zaccheaus four carries last week and he gained 47 yards, including a 27-yard run.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: The Friday game concludes a wonky first month for the Broncos. After opening with a Saturday home day game - a rarity - Boise State played at Washington State late on a Saturday night in a game that went to triple overtime, had a quick turnaround for the Thursday game against New Mexico and now hosts Virginia on a Friday.

The Broncos don't mind not playing on Saturday. They have won 13 of the past 18 non-Saturday games since the start of the 2014 season and are 8-1 at home in those games.

''You go out to Boise State, there's blue turf, they have really nice uniforms, they have good tradition out there,'' Virginia wide receiver Andre Levrone said. ''It's a football town in Boise, Idaho, but at the end of the day, it's a football game.''

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BIG TEN SPOTLIGHT: First-year coaches create positive vibes
September 21, 2017

Purdue football is showing new signs of life on the field and on the airwaves, too.

Jake Query, who co-hosts an afternoon radio show on Fox Sports 975 in Indianapolis, said the Boilermakers didn't stimulate much, if any, audience participation the last couple years. Now six or eight listeners a day call in to talk Purdue.

That's progress, considering the fan base had been beaten down by having no more than three wins in a season since 2012.

Since Jeff Brohm has come along and led the Boilermakers to a 2-1 start, back-to-back wins for the first time in five years and the biggest margin of victory in a road game since 1999, fans are guardedly optimistic he might be the guy to revive the school's football tradition.

''The reaction is that it looks like he's already turned them around and it looks like there's a heartbeat here,'' said Query, adding there also is buzz over whether Purdue can make a bowl game.

But, Query said, Purdue fans are always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

''How long are they going to keep Brohm? What big program is going to come and sweep him away?'' Query said.

Minnesota and Indiana also are off to good starts under their first-year coaches. P.J. Fleck has the Gophers 3-0, and the Hoosiers are 1-1 under Tom Allen.

The measuring-stick games are coming, starting Saturday for Purdue when No. 8 Michigan (3-0) visits. Athletic department spokesman Matt Rector said season-ticket sales are up 20 percent and more than 6,000 tickets have been sold for the Michigan game since the 35-3 win at Missouri last week. Rector said the game was nearing a sellout, which hasn't happened at Purdue since 2008.

Brohm seems to have instilled a belief in his players that they can compete with anybody. That was apparent in the opener when the Boilermakers, 26-point underdogs, led then-No. 16 Louisville in the fourth quarter before losing 35-28.

''Everyone knows there's a long season ahead,'' Brohm said. ''Our schedule gets extremely difficult with the Big Ten Conference, especially opening up with Michigan. We'll see where we stand. We have a long ways to go, and we're going to get hit in the mouth a few times. We understand that. Our guys are gaining confidence that if we do those smalls things and we're in it in the second half, anything can happen.''

Minnesota is off until its Big Ten opener at home against Maryland next week. The Gophers also were unbeaten through three games last season, but this year's accomplishment seems greater. The Gophers' starting quarterback, Conor Rhoda, is a fifth-year senior walk-on who was going to quit football and get a job before Fleck asked him to return. Five players were dismissed last winter following a sexual assault investigation. Nearly two dozen players had offseason surgeries. Running backs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks have been banged up early in the season.

With Fleck in charge, positivity abounds. Everyone around the programs appears to have bought in to the ''Row the Boat'' mantra he brought with him from Western Michigan. Season-ticket and merchandise sales are up and the team's all-gold uniforms and Goldy Gopher helmet were showcased on ESPN's ''Sports Center'' last week. Fleck's news conference after a 48-14 win at Oregon State drew 52,000 views on the school's athletic website, ''and it was 1:30 a.m. in Minnesota when that was happening,'' spokesman Paul Rovnak said.

Indiana plays its last nonconference game at home Saturday against Georgia Southern and opens Big Ten play next week at No. 4 Penn State. The Hoosiers gave Ohio State a tussle into the third quarter of a 49-21 loss in their opener, and they've built some momentum with a 34-17 win at Virginia. Hurricane problems forced cancellation of a home game against Florida International on Sept. 9.

Allen is a Hoosier through and through. He was born in New Castle, Indiana, and coached high school and small-college football in the state.

''Indiana is kind of a provincial area,'' Query said. ''People like their own. We don't dislike people from outside Indiana, but we feel a close affinity to people who have a root in Indiana. They have a coach who has that now. He coached at an Indianapolis high school and has a connection to high school coaches around the state. So people feel comfortable with that and feel encouraged by that.''

The Hoosiers' 2007 Insight Bowl team is holding its reunion in Bloomington this weekend. Allen holds up that squad as an example of cohesiveness for his players. The '07 team lost head coach Terry Hoeppner to brain cancer before the season, clinched a bowl berth under Bill Lynch with a dramatic win over rival Purdue and lost to Oklahoma State in the bowl to finish 7-6.

''Just understanding the history of that and what they accomplished, and really what they did in memory of Coach Hoeppner,'' Allen said. ''His goal was to get them to that bowl game, and to be able to do that with Coach Lynch and their staff was really special and a big part of what we are trying to re-create.''

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CFB Aug/Sept Best Bets: ( All Best Bets Based On 5 Units Per Play )
BEST BETS & OPINIONS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/16/2017 20-26-3 43.48% -43.00

09/15/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50

09/14/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

09/09/2017 19-21-3 47.50% -20.50

09/08/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00

09/07/2017 0-1-0 0.00% -5.50

09/04/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

09/03/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50

09/02/2017 11-21-0 34.38% -60.50

09/01/2017 6-3-0 66.67% +13.50

08/31/2017 9-4-0 69.23% +23.00

08/26/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50

Totals:..........82 - 87 - 6......48.52%....-68.50


Best Bets:*****
Best Bets :........................ATS............TOTALS.... .............O/U................TOTALS

09/16/2017....................7 - 9 - 1.........- 14.50.................3 - 6...............-12.50
09/15/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................1 - 2...............- 6.00

Totals:...........................9 - 9 - 1..........- 4.50...................4 - 8.............- 18.50



THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

TEM at USF 07:30 PM

USF -17.5

U 62.5