Cnotes 2018 College Football Thru The Bowl Games News- Trends-Stats-Best Bets !

[StarDust Bum]

Games to Watch - Week 6
October 1, 2018
By YouWager.eu

College Football Week 6: Games to Watch

It is becoming clear that it is going to be no easy feat to dislodge the Top 4 in college football, as they are all continuing to find ways to win, even though those victories are not always pretty. Ohio State and Clemson both needed to dig deep in Week 5 to get wins and maintain their top status, although things look to be a little easier for them with this weekend’s schedule.

The bigger games in Week 6 involve ranked teams going head to head in an effort to continue moving up and challenging the Big 4. Let’s take a look at some of the bigger games on the Week 6 college football schedule. As always, all odds, props and futures for each game sponsored by YouWager.eu.

No. 19 Texas Longhorns at No. 7 Oklahoma Sooners

The Red River Rivalry is always one of the games that these two teams circle on the calendar and tis one should be a real treat for the fans, too, as both teams are now ranked in the top 25. Texas have recovered nicely after losing their season opener, while the Oklahoma Sooners are still unbeaten through the first 5 weeks of the season. The line may change a little as the week progresses, but for now, the Sooners are in as a 7-point home favorite. This thing may end up being a little tighter than the line suggests, but either way, I think it will be Oklahoma who come out on top in this one.

No. 5 LSU Tigers at No. 22 Florida Gators

A huge SEC match-up here, especially for Florida who are coming into this game having already dropped a conference game. They are almost certainly out of the running to be in the SEC Championship Game if they lose this one, as it really doesn’t look as though Georgia are going to drop too many games in the East Division. For LSU, it’s all about remaining unbeaten and keeping the pressure on the high-flying Alabama Crimson Tide in the West. The bookies have this as a close one, with the LSU Tigers in as an early 3 ½ point favorite. It’s never easy to get a win on the road against the Gators, but I like LSU to get it.

The Best NCAAF Action is at YouWager.eu, Join Now and get a 100% Bonus up to $1000

Florida State Seminoles at No. 17 Miami Hurricanes

We have yet another big rivalry game on tap this coming Saturday, with the Florida State Seminoles making the short trip to Miami to face the Hurricanes. This is a match-up that the Seminoles dominated for a while, but it is clear that the tide is starting to turn. Florida State are in rebuilding mode at the moment, while the Hurricanes look as though they are going to be a permanent fixture in the top 25 for the foreseeable future. You can see the difference between these two in the early point spread, with the Hurricanes in as a 12 ½ point favorite. This should be a win for the home team.

No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at No. 24 Virginia Tech Hokies

The Fighting Irish are one of a handful of teams who have a legitimate shot at running down the top 4 teams in the nation. They come into this one with a perfect 5-0 record this season, and while they are an early 5 ½ point favorite here, this is going to be a game that is far from easy for them. The Hokies took a tough loss a couple of weeks back against Old Dominion, but they bounced back with a big win in Week 5 over a ranked Duke team. They are going to give the Irish all they can handle this coming Saturday, although I do think the Hokies will come up a little short.

[StarDust Bum]

Early Line Moves - Week 6
October 2, 2018
By BetDSI

College Football Week 6 Opening Line Report

Where has the early money gone in college football for Week 6? Well much of it has gone to the Thursday night game between the Houston Cougars and Tulsa Golden Hurricane. From there, moves have been made on a host of Saturday games but nothing more than a field goal. All in all, the linemakers have mostly set prices that reflect the current public perception of college football.

But there are a few games where sharps pounced based in large part on recent performance. It’s also possible that some of these numbers may revert back later in the week. The game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Wisconsin Badgers fits that potential category.

Odds per BetDSI

Week 6 Early Line Moves

Houston -15.5 to -18 vs. Tulsa
The Golden Hurricane of Tulsa struggles to match the Houston Cougars in the minds of the public. Beyond that the massive difference in offensive abilities can be attributed to this move. Houston has one of the most prolific offenses in the country while Tulsa plods in comparison.

Central Florida -26 to -24 vs. SMU
The SMU Mustangs have captured the attention of some sharps with their improved play. The Ponies have paid in their last two lined games and scored a shocking upset win over Navy two weeks ago. The fact that they went into the Big House and got the money against the Michigan Wolverines inspires confidence that they can pay against top shelf teams.

Illinois -1.5 to -3 vs. Rutgers
This move is all about how horrible the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are. Rutgers is in a total free fall that was exacerbated with a 55-14 loss at the Kansas Jayhawks followed by a 42-13 home loss to the Buffalo Bulls. Head coach Chris Ash is looking to become the latest coach buried in the graveyard of this college football cesspool.

Michigan State -9 to -11.5 vs. Northwestern
The Northwestern Wildcats ran out of gas after taking a 17-0 first half lead over the Michigan Wolverines last Saturday. In fact, they ended up losing the game 20-17 on their home field. Having fully used up all of their abilities in that loss its hard to see the Wildcats having anything left for the Michigan State Spartans. The perception here is that Northwestern will show up with an empty tank.

West Virginia -26.5 to -29.5 vs. Kansas
The Kansas Jayhawks have shown some improvement but are clearly overmatched against the West Virginia Mountaineers, especially on the road on Saturday. After the Mounties win last Saturday at the Texas Tech Red Raiders they are continuing to garner extra attention as a bona fide Big 12 title contender. Add to the fact that West Virginia boasts a bona fide Heisman Trophy candidate in record setting quarterback Will Grier and the line move is quite understandable.

Iowa -3 to -6 vs. Minnesota
The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming off a bye week that followed a tough 28-17 home loss to the Wisconsin Badgers that they actually should have won. The Minnesota Golden Gophers have lost a considerable amount of luster after getting clobbered in their last game at the Maryland Terrapins 42-13. Minnesota coach PJ Fleck may soon be “rowing the boat” in a flood of losses, at least in the eyes of gamblers. Iowa has one of the top defenses in the country which gamblers see as a huge advantage against the plodding Minnesota offense that ranks 111th in the nation.

Wisconsin -23 to -21 vs. Nebraska
This one is quite interesting. The line has moved to the horrible Nebraska Cornhuskers against a homestanding Wisconsin Badgers team that seems to have themselves back on track after their big comeback win at the Iowa Hawkeyes. Additionally, Wisconsin will be well rested and coming off a bye week while Nebraska has literally crashed and burned as a program with four losses in four games and no covers. Sure, Wisconsin has been an overlay at home that has not covered in three tries. And their last home game was an upset loss to BYU. It stands to figure they Badgers should come out with smoke to atone for their home fans. This one may move back later in the week.

[StarDust Bum]

Auburn at Mississippi State
October 2, 2018
By BetDSI

By Tom Wilkinson

College Football Betting Preview – Auburn at Mississippi State

Among the things that are most amazing, ironic, and frustrating about the Auburn Tigers is the fact that their head coach Gus Malzahn was once celebrated as an offensive genius. In fact, just four years ago Malzahn was labeled as the man that was going to reinvent football with his zone read offense. Which is why the current plodding Auburn offense has fans so angry with Malzahn.

Meanwhile, first year Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Joe Moorhead has lost much off the goodwill that he built up after a 3-0 start in nonconference play. Not only have the Bulldogs lost two in a row against Southeastern Conference teams but they also failed last week in a game their fans wanted badly.

Date and Time: Saturday, October 6, 2018, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi
College Football Odds at BetDSI: Auburn -3, Mississippi State +3
Auburn vs. Mississippi State TV Coverage: ESPN2

Mississippi State is 3-2 both straight up and against the spread with just one of their games going over the total. Last week the Bulldogs hosted the Florida Gators and their former coach Dan Mullen. Mullen departed for the greener pastures of Florida last December despite the fact that he had what was perceived to be a fully loaded Bulldog team that he was leaving behind. Later Mullen’s wife made some comments about how nice it was to find a Target store in Gainesville, Florida. All of this was like throwing raw steak to starving howling wolves.

Mississippi State fans were out for blood last Saturday night and wanted Mullen’s head on a platter. Instead they got a 13-6 defeat at the hands of Mullen. Bulldogs coach Joe Moorhead has now gotten his full “welcome to the SEC” baptism.

While Hail State was going down to defeat Auburn plodded to a 24-13 home win over Southern Miss that was delayed several hours due to lightning. The Tigers proved to be massive overlays as 27-point chalks. All in all, it was a miserable day for all despite the win. The frustration with Auburn’s offense continues to grow while preventing their ability to get the cash. Auburn is 4-1 straight up and 2-3 against the spread with four of their games going under the total.

Keep in mind Malzahn was as good as fired last year before his Auburn team upset Alabama in the Iron Bowl. That win earned Malzahn a huge payday as he got a contract extension. But losses in the SEC championship game and the bowl game that followed immediately blew up the goodwill Malzahn won for the Bama win. Malzahn has never matched the performance of his 2013 team that steamrolled opponents offensively. He is now derided instead of exalted.

Matchup to Watch

Where Auburn could encounter a challenge is with their pedestrian 96th in the nation ranked offense going up against the good Mississippi State defense that ranks eighth for points allowed. However, counter to that is a Mississippi State offense that is ranked 55th in the country for scoring matched up against the strong and talented Auburn defense ranked third in the country for fewest points allowed.

Key Stats

Auburn has been a reliable road chalk with just two losses against the spread in their last eight in that role. The Tigers have gone over the total in five of their last six when laying points on the road. Balanced against that is Mississippi State’s good value as a home dog. The Bulldogs have paid in seven in their last ten when getting points at home. Eight of Hail State’s last ten games as a home dog went under the total. Auburn has won and covered their last two games against Mississippi State. The Tigers and Bulldogs have gone under the total in five of their last six meetings.

Auburn vs. Mississippi State Picks

Despite Auburn’s woes its likely that Mississippi State will show up flat for this one. The loss to Florida in a game that was circled on everyone’s calendars will go down as a major disappointment. Beyond that its hard to see how the Bulldogs will score on the superior Auburn defense.

Auburn vs. Mississippi State Pick: Bet Auburn at BetDSI
Auburn vs. Mississippi State Score Prediction: Auburn 27, Mississippi State 10

[StarDust Bum]

Oklahoma vs. Texas
October 2, 2018
By Bookmaker

by Kyle Markus

NCAA Football Game Preview - Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns

The Oklahoma Sooners have put up video game numbers on offense this season behind the stellar play of quarterback Kyler Murray. The Sooners lost Baker Mayfield to the NFL as he was the No. 1 overall pick of the draft but the team has not missed a beat behind Murray. Oklahoma will look to keep rolling in this week’s rivalry game against the Texas Longhorns.

Texas is off to an encouraging start as it aims to return to a perennial national title contender level after several years of struggles. The Longhorns have a strong defense and hope to do a good job of keeping Oklahoma in check.

This is one of the biggest games of the week and therefore there will be some live betting available. There will be the standard wagers but go deeper as the game moves along. If trends emerge, take advantage of them by betting on what happens on certain drives.

Each football game takes on a distinctive look and figuring out what is going to happen in this Week 6 matchup between Oklahoma and Texas can pay off handsomely in NCAA football live wagering.

This NCAA football game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns will be held at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas at 12 p.m ET on Saturday, October 6th, 2018. The game will be nationally televised on FOX.

We'll have NCAA football odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2018 NCAA season.

Odds Analysis

Oklahoma has been the better team in 2018 and is right in the mix for the College Football Playoff. It can ill afford a slip up right now and the Sooners are 7.5-favorites at the neutral site affair. The scoring total is listed at 59.5 points as it will be interesting to see if Oklahoma can turn this into a shootout or if the Texas defense can hold up.

There will also be live betting options so there will be plenty of different wagers to choose from in NCAA football gambling.

Last Time Out

Oklahoma benched Murray for a series for a violation of team rules but he returned quickly and didn’t miss a beat. The Sooners’ offense was in hyperdrive in an easy 66-33 victory over the Baylor Bears. Murray was unbelievable, completing 17-of-21 passes for 432 yards and six touchdowns. He also added 10 carries for 45 yards and a score and is making his case to be on the short list for the Heisman Trophy. Marquise Brown was one or two receivers with more than 100 yards. He hauled in five passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

Texas knocked off Kansas State in a game with decidedly less scoring. The Longhorns jumped out to a 19-0 lead at the half and held on for a 19-14 victory after the Wildcats made a late run. Charles Omenihu helped lead the charge on defense with a pair of sacks. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger went 29-of-36 for 207 yards and a touchdown.

Key Stat

65. That’s the total number of points the Longhorns have allowed this season. Texas beat Tulsa 28-21 in the season opener, allowed only a pair of touchdowns in a 37-14 win over USC, held TCU in check in a 31-16 victory before giving up 14 again last time out.

The college football world is full of high-powered offenses and shootouts, so the Longhorns’ display on the defensive side of the ball has been impressive. This will be the toughest test to date with Murray’s brilliance staring down Texas.

Free NCAA Football ATS Picks

The Longhorns have played well this season but this spread is too low. Murray will be the best player on the field and Texas will not be able to keep him in check. If this game goes according to plan, Oklahoma should cover.

Bettors should roll with the Sooners and check in for live betting to pad the bankroll even more in NCAA football gambling.

NCAA Football Pick: Oklahoma Sooners 37, Texas Longhorns 26

[StarDust Bum]

Power 5 Top Wagers - Week 6
October 2, 2018
By Bookmaker

by Kyle Markus

NCAA Football Odds - Week 6 Power 5 Best Bets

As the college football season heads into a full tilt, the best teams in the country are starting to separate themselves. Even so, all of the conference races are young and an upset or two can really change the landscape. There is a full slate of games in Week 6, with a lot of heavyweight matchups as well as others that are expected to be lopsided. Even in the games where there are heavy favorites, the spread makes it so there is intrigue for all the contests.

Here is a look at some of the best wagers among the Power 5 games in Week 6 of the college football slate.

Odds Analysis

The Clemson Tigers survived a scare last time out against the Syracuse Orange. Clemson lost starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence due to a neck injury in the Syracuse game, which is a reason why the Tigers almost lost, but he could be back for this one. Lawrence’s presence is huge. If he plays, Clemson should bounce back in style and cover a 17-point spread against Wake Forest this week.

The LSU Tigers have been one of the most pleasant surprises in the country on the year, as they have jumped into the top-5 nationally with some impressive wins early over Miami and Auburn. The oddsmakers aren’t completely sold as LSU will be a 2.5-point favorite on the road against Florida next time out. The Gators are just too inconsistent. Take the Tigers to eke out the cover by winning this game by a field goal to set up a titanic matchup against Georgia next week.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish is looking like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender now that quarterback Ian Book has taken over and is playing extremely well. Notre Dame must go on the road this week to face off against a Virginia Tech team that came away with a nice win over Duke last time out. Notre Dame is the choice to win this game but the spread is 5.5 points and that is too high. The Hokies are the pick to cover in this game.

The Arizona State Sun Devils are 3-2 on the season and have done a nice job against the spread. New coach Herm Edwards has the team playing well but a road matchup against Colorado isn’t easy. The Buffaloes are the 2.5-point home favorites but Arizona State is the choice to cover. The Sun Devils are also a nice choice on the moneyline.

The Kentucky Wildcats have been one of the most pleasant surprises on the season, as they are up to No. 13 in the national rankings because of an undefeated start. They have a tough one next time out as Kentucky hits the road to face the Texas A&M Aggies. The bubble is going to burst in this one as Kentucky is not going to keep it close. Take Texas A&M to cover the 5-points spread quite easily.


Free NCAA Football ATS Picks

While there are plenty of intriguing options among the Week 6 slate of games, the best one is the neutral site matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns. The spread for this game is Oklahoma by 7.5 points, which naturally could compel bettors to take Texas since it could lose by a touchdown and still cover.

Don’t take the bait on that one. Oklahoma is the superior team and superstar quarterback Kyler Murray should have a big-time showing. The Texas defense is strong and some may go with the Longhorns to cover, but the Sooners are going to be the superior team.

Oklahoma is the choice to win this game by double digits. Roll with the Sooners against the spread as the best bet of Week 6 in college football wagering.

NCAA Football Pick: Oklahoma Sooners to cover the spread against the Texas Longhorns

[StarDust Bum]

Virginia Tech looking for redemption against No. 6 Irish
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

One week after an inexplicable loss, No. 24 Virginia Tech is back in the AP Top 25, coming off a road win against a ranked opponent and looking ahead to its toughest test to date: a prime-time home game against No. 6 Notre Dame.

The Hokies (3-1) knocked then-No. 22 Duke out of the rankings with a 31-14 victory last weekend. The win came one week after a celebrated return to Virginia's talent-rich Tidewater region ended in a 49-35 loss to Old Dominion.

But one victory does not a season make, coach Justin Fuente said.

''Just because we won the game doesn't mean we don't have plenty of work to do to bring these guys along,'' the third-year coach said. ''We made numerous mistakes, but fortunately, we made enough plays to find a way to win the game. The teaching is continuing from all of our coaches as we try to bring these young guys through.''

The Hokies won behind backup quarterback Ryan Willis, who stepped in at ODU when starter Josh Jackson was sidelined with an injury. Willis, a transfer from Kansas, threw for a career-best three touchdowns against the Blue Devils.

And he's thrilled by what awaits: a Saturday night showdown with No. 6 Notre Dame at Lane Stadium.

''I'm excited. That's all I can say,'' he said Tuesday. ''I'm excited to see the atmosphere. It's going to be electric. Hokie Nation's going to come out loud. I feel like everyone across the nation kind of follows Notre Dame. I grew up in the Catholic school system. I went to Catholic high school. So just that alone, you kind of hear about Notre Dame here and there. I'm excited. They're a good team. They're rolling in here to our home stadium and we're going to be ready to go.''

Virginia Tech is looking to win consecutive games against Top 25 teams for the first time since 2009, when it beat No. 19 Nebraska 16-15 after dispatching No. 9 Miami, a longtime Big East and ACC rival, 31-7.

Willis seems to embrace the opportunity to extend that history.

''I don't think I could start my first one in Lane in a bigger game,'' he said. ''You know, I'm excited. I don't really know what to expect coming out of the tunnel. I did come out of the tunnel for William & Mary, but that was a day game, not a prime-time ... start against the No. 6 team in the country.''

[StarDust Bum]

No. 20 Michigan State again looks strong against the run
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) One thing Mark Dantonio can often count on is that Michigan State will be able to stop the run.

It's been an uneven start to the season for the 20th-ranked Spartans, but their defensive front has made its presence felt. Michigan State ranks No. 1 in the country in run defense, and it's not particularly close. The Spartans' ability to limit teams on the ground has been one of the biggest factors in their success over the past several years, and this season appears to be no different.

''We're building a wall, we're not getting knocked off the ball, we're tackling well,'' said Dantonio, Michigan State's coach. ''We're leveraging the ball well, those type of things. We're making it difficult.''

The Spartans have allowed 40 yards rushing per game. They've been so good against the run that they'd lead the nation in that category even if their 12 sacks (for 70 yards) were removed from the calculation.

This is no fluke. Last season was the fourth time in six years that Michigan State held opponents to an average of under 100 yards a game on the ground. Last weekend's win over Central Michigan was the seventh game in a row the Spartans kept a team under 100, a streak that dates to last season.

''We've got some big D-tackles at the first line of defense,'' said Raequan Williams, who is one of those defensive tackles. ''The coaches emphasize what they know we can do best is destroy plays. That's something that we put a lot into. ... You see a lot of bull rushes by us - bulling the guy straight back.''

Michigan State faces Northwestern this coming weekend. The Wildcats are last in the Big Ten in rushing, and they lost running back Jeremy Larkin last week when a medical condition involving his neck and upper back forced him to retire from football .

Even without Larkin, Northwestern nearly upset Michigan last weekend, but the Wildcats lost 20-17 after jumping out to a 17-0 lead. John Moten led Northwestern with 13 carries for only 36 yards, but the Wildcats can be effective offensively even without a productive running game. Clayton Thorson threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns last year when Northwestern beat Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime.

The previous season's matchup was even more of a shootout, with Thorson and the Wildcats prevailing 54-40 in East Lansing.

In the past, Michigan State has been able to complement its tough run defense with a secondary that can limit deep passes. It's not yet clear if this year's team will be able to do that - the Spartans are near the bottom of the Big Ten in pass defense.

''I think the run defense is a collective effort, as well as the pass defense. We look at it all as a collective effort,'' safety Khari Willis said. ''We know that our pass defense could be better, and it's continually getting better.''

Willis and the secondary should be tested this weekend, but later in October, the Spartans face Penn State and Michigan.

Those games - and Michigan State's chances of contending for the Big Ten title - may depend on whether the Spartans can keep stopping the run.

''We're going into the heart of our season,'' Dantonio said. ''So a lot of who we are and relative to run defense will be defined I think over these next four, five weeks.''

NOTES: Dantonio said injured cornerback Josiah Scott, who has been out all season, is not practicing yet but is ''very close.''

[StarDust Bum]

Florida enjoying defensive turnaround
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) CeCe Jefferson's eyes filled with tears as he tried to explain what it felt like to watch Kentucky beat Florida for the first time in more than three decades last month.

The Gators defensive end who grew up about an hour's drive north of Gainesville was suspended the first two games of the season for academic reasons, helpless to stop the Wildcats from running for 303 yards in a 27-16 victory in the Swamp.

''I wanted to sneak and put my uniform on, get back out there that night,'' Jefferson said. ''It definitely hurt me knowing that I could've went out there and made a difference. Not saying I would've. ... It's just knowing I could've made a difference in that game, just my presence. Not being out there really killed me, and I let my teammates down. That's what hurt me the most.''

Jefferson is trying to make amends.

The senior returned the following week and has been part of a defensive turnaround for No. 22 Florida (4-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference), which hosts fifth-ranked LSU (5-0, 2-0) on Saturday. The Gators have played considerably better the last three games, looking much more like the kind of defense that defined the program in recent years than the one that stumbled down the stretch in 2017 and flopped against the Wildcats in its SEC opener.

Florida credits having Jefferson and linebacker David Reese (ankle) on the field, more physical practices and increased confidence in coordinator Todd Grantham's system as the main reasons for the improvement.

''Anytime you get that familiarity with it and you have a comfort level, it allows you to play fast,'' Grantham said. ''It's honestly a cumulative effect of all of that that's allowed us to play'' better.

After consecutive road wins against Tennessee and Mississippi State, the Gators return home for arguably their toughest test of the season. The Tigers have won six of the last eight in the series, including the last two in Gainesville.

''It could be a statement game for us,'' Florida safety Brad Stewart said. ''Really we just want to come out and show that we can be one of the top programs and we are one of the top programs still. We want to show everybody, all the doubters, we hear all the words, all the talk and we want to show everybody that we for real.''

The defense has made strides since losing to Kentucky, forcing two key turnovers early against the Volunteers and allowing just 202 yards against the Bulldogs. Throw in Colorado State, and the Gators have given up 2.59 yards a carry during their three-game winning streak.

And they have 12 sacks over the same span.

''We just have to get to the quarterback,'' defensive tackle T.J. Slaton said. ''You have to make him a true quarterback. You can't let him run. We have to make him throw bad balls. We have to keep pressure on him. We have to get hits, not illegal hits, but we have to get hits on the quarterback and we have to get sacks.''

Kentucky handled Florida on both lines of scrimmage, and no one was more surprised than the Gators' defenders.

Grantham and coach Dan Mullen responded with more intense practice designed to make Florida tougher in the trenches. Jefferson and Reese, who have played a combined 65 games at Florida, returned. They solidified holes and made Florida deep enough to rotate as many as 22 guys on defense. That depth hand more experience in Grantham's 3-4 scheme also helped.

''All we need is seven points,'' Stewart said. ''The defense is going to come out and do our thing. We're going to come out and we're going to ball. We're going to play hard, run to the ball and be physical. All we need is seven points and our offense to manage the game and get good field position. The defense, we should do the rest.''

No one would be more pleased with that than Jefferson, especially after being unable to play early.

''You've got to be accountable in every situation,'' Jefferson said. ''That's just a part of being a man, and that's what this game teaches you. You got to be accountable. You got to take care of your business. You got to be where you're supposed to be at. And if you don't, the results I got are some of the things that can happen to you.

''I definitely think the guys, especially the younger guys and some of the older guys, will learn from my mistakes.''

[StarDust Bum]

Syracuse no longer a laughingstock
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

Nearing the halfway mark of his third season at Syracuse, coach Dino Babers has finally made the Orange relevant again.

Relegated to a national laughingstock a decade ago during the four-year tenure of Greg Robinson , Syracuse is receiving votes again in the AP Top 25, a measure of respect long overdue for a program with a rich history. The 74 points Syracuse received this week after a 4-point loss at then-No. 3 Clemson placed the Orange (4-1, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) on the cusp of being ranked as they begin to prepare for Saturday's game at Pittsburgh (2-3, 1-1).

''I'm really proud of them,'' Babers said. ''We work hard on our culture. I really want to be consistent with these young men. That consistency is what's got to transfer over to the football field. I believe this team has it. We have to prove it, and this is an opportunity right now to prove it.

''We've had a setback, our first one of the year. What are we going to do now?''

The Orange, who haven't been ranked since defensive standout Dwight Freeney led them to a 10-3 record in 2001 under Paul Pasqualoni, won their first four games before the loss in imposing Death Valley before more than 80,000 fans. And the unbeaten Tigers (5-0, 2-0), again in the hunt for a berth in the College Football Playoff, had to rally late in the fourth quarter for a 27-23 victory, the decisive points coming on Travis Etienne's 2-yard touchdown run in the final minute.

''It was really, really a big feat,'' Babers said Monday. ''That team is really good. I can't even remember the final score I'm so numb.''

Despite its perfect record before Saturday, Syracuse had defeated four teams that have a combined record of 7-12. That made it difficult to gauge how far the Orange had progressed after three straight 4-8 seasons.

Syracuse proved its mettle against the Tigers , whom they upset 27-24 a year ago in the Carrier Dome. The Orange knocked freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of his first career start in the second quarter and built a 23-13 lead on Eric Dungey's 1-yard touchdown run, his second of the game, with under 13 minutes remaining.

Clemson responded with a pair of touchdown drives engineered by seldom-used redshirt freshman quarterback Chase Brice and its imposing defense stuffed the Orange offense, allowing just three first downs in the second half.

''It was just missed tackles,'' Babers said. ''It wasn't like they were scheming us. It happened continuously. That's the part that kind of bugs (me). We need one more play - one more play on offense, one more play on defense.''

Despite its struggles in the second half, the Syracuse offense nearly put the game out of reach with that elusive one play.

Facing a fourth-and-1 from the Clemson 43 early in the fourth quarter and with the Orange leading by 3, Babers elected to go for the first down. Dungey hit wide-open tight end Aaron Hackett with a play-action jump pass for a 19-yard gain, but it was negated by a penalty for an ineligible player downfield and Syracuse had to punt.

After the teams exchanged punts, Clemson drove 94 yards in 13 plays to win it.

The riveting performance earned the Orange a big cheer from some Clemson fans afterward, a scene that a decade ago would have been unimaginable. Robinson was 10-37 in his four years (2005-08) and has the dubious distinction of being in charge during the only two 10-loss seasons in school history.

''What did we get out of this game besides a loss?'' Babers asked. ''I hope the community, I hope the university saw a team that they can get behind. I hope they can see the vision that I was talking about and support this football team.

''I hope that we are doing our part of putting something on the football field that they can be proud of, something that they come and watch and cheer for.''

[StarDust Bum]

QB Ehlinger leading Texas offense
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) To see the progress by No.19 Texas, look no further than quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

The Longhorns (4-1, 2-0) finally look like a Big 12 contender again and the sophomore quarterback is quietly putting together the kind of season that can earn a place in the school record book. He wins games, too.

While No. 7 Oklahoma's Kyler Murray is putting the sizzle into a re-energized Sooners-Longhorns rivalry, it's been Ehlinger's steady, mistake-free play that has Texas off to its best start in years.

''He's more confident in himself and more confident that other people have confidence in him,'' senior defensive end Charles Omenihu said. ''I think that was a big thing for him, just understanding everybody is behind him and we believe he can lead this team.''

Ehlinger spent his freshman season on the run behind an offensive line that couldn't protect him; he had a tendency to tuck the ball and take off at the first sing of pressure. He was the Longhorns' leading rusher last season with 381 yards. Thick and muscular at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Ehlinger's bullish running style led to some head-rattling collisions, both for defenders and himself. He had to sit out a game last season because of a concussion.

It's his growth as a passer than has helped the Longhorns take a big leap forward.

Ehlinger has thrown for at least 200 yards and a touchdown in the first five games, becoming just the fourth Texas quarterback to do that and the first in a decade. His decision-making his become sharper as he checks down through his reads to find outlet receivers who pick up key first downs.

He's also cleaned up mistakes that cost Texas dearly last season. After four turnovers in the first two games - including two in the fourth quarter of a season-opening loss at Maryland - he has none over the last three. His current streak of 128 pass attempts without an interception is third-best in school history.

''He's real good in the pocket. He's really the passion of their time right now ... the heartbeat of their offense,'' Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray said. ''I like what I see from him on tape.''

Ehlinger is still running. It's just that Texas is more selective in calling his number. Ehlinger averages 2.8 yards but has produced big first downs when the Longhorns needed them.

Two came late in the final drive to kill the game in last week's 19-14 win at Kansas State , the Longhorns' first win in Manhattan, Kansas, since 2002 and the kind of game Texas likely would have given away in recent years. With all momentum behind Kansas State in the fourth quarter, Texas got the ball with 6:20 to play. Ehlinger threw for a first down, ran for two more and Texas chewed the clock until time ran out.

''I think in gotta-have-it run situations, I think that's where he shows up probably the most right now,'' coach Tom Herman said. ''Third-and-short, goal line, trying to end the game, run the clock out, when everybody in the stadium pretty much knows you're going to run the football.''

Next up is the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game on Saturday, a 3+-hour pressure cooker that can rattle the savviest of players. Played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas amid the Texas State Fair, the game takes on a carnival atmosphere with fans evenly split down the middle of the 92,000-seat stadium.

Ehlinger was just the third true freshman Texas quarterback to start against the Sooners last year. He passed for 278 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score against the Sooners. He also got shaken up on a hard hit in the fourth quarter and threw the ball away with a game-killing mistake when it appeared he didn't realize it was fourth down on Texas' final drive.

''I'm a completely different player from last year,'' Ehlinger said. ''I think a year ago I thought I understood and thought I was well prepared ... but the year of experience and (knowing) what to expect, has made all the difference.''

[StarDust Bum]

Iowa's defense on a roll; Gophers next
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) Perhaps the biggest question about Iowa's defense heading into October was the way it has used sophomore pass-rushing star A.J. Epenesa.

The Hawkeyes, at least for now, have enough talent to be able to keep Epenesa on the bench until they need him.

Iowa (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) enters Saturday's road game against Minnesota (3-1, 0-1) after a bye week ranked fifth in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 13 points per game. Iowa is third nationally in yards allowed with 260.5 per game.

With numbers like that, the Hawkeyes don't have to mess with the success they've had using Epenesa (four sacks, two forced fumbles).

''That's one area where I think that we're probably a little deeper, maybe, than we thought,'' Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. ''A.J. is a guy who is talented. I think he's starting to find a little bit of a groove in the pass rush sense, and that's a good thing for us ... that's a position where we feel like we have pretty good depth right now.''

Iowa's success has started up front, its depth bolstered by its health.

While the 6-foot-5, 277-pound Epenesa is likely the most physically gifted lineman on the roster, the Hawkeyes currently have more experienced options for their starting spots.

Seniors Parker Hesse and tackle Matt Nelson, who have 62 career starts between them, have been the catalysts for a unit that has continually forced opponents into difficult situations by stuffing the run. Add junior end Anthony Nelson, a preseason second-team All-Big Ten pick, a breakout season by senior Sam Brincks and strong play from Chauncey Golston, and Iowa can often unleash Epenesa and others on the quarterback after forcing obvious passing downs.

That, in turn, has allowed the linebackers and defensive backs to play loose and free.

Jack Hockaday and Kristian Welch, both first year starters at linebacker, are 1-2 in tackles on a team that has allowed just one run longer than 20 yards in 126 tries.

The Hawkeyes and Auburn are also the only teams with just one rushing touchdown allowed, though Iowa will be without talented linebacker Nick Niemann for ''a few weeks'' according to Ferentz after hurting his leg in a 28-17 loss to Wisconsin on Sept. 22.

''You can see it,'' safety Amani Hooker said. ''They always get to the quarterback and make him make quick decisions, especially in the run game too. They help out a lot too, getting off blocks. They're doing a great job.''

Typically when Iowa has its defense clicking like it has through four games, Ferentz can be content to control the tempo by running the ball while waiting for the opposing defense to leave itself exposed to the pass.

The bye week should have helped the Hawkeyes on that front.

Starting running back Ivory Kelly-Martin, who missed two games with an ankle injury, returned to rush for 72 yards on 14 carries in a 28-17 loss to Wisconsin on Sept. 22. Still, the extra time off should be beneficial as Kelly-Martin prepares to play eight consecutive Big Ten games in his first season of full-time duty.

''The biggest thing is just doing anything you can to recover,'' Kelly-Martin said. ''When you're on the field, you know you're going to try to play lights out every single play....after the game is over and everything, you want to get your rest.''

[StarDust Bum]

Miami looks to stop drought against FSU
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) The last time Miami won a home game against Florida State, the Hurricanes wound up celebrating on the turf of the fabled Orange Bowl.

That stadium was bulldozed a decade ago.

The Hurricanes haven't won at home over their biggest rival since 2004, a streak that No. 17 Miami (4-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) will once again try to snap when they play host to the Seminoles (3-2, 1-2) on Saturday.

''The last two times at home, we've had them. We more than had them,'' Miami defensive end Joe Jackson said. ''But you've got to be able to finish. And that's what's different about our team now - we've been able to finish and close games over these last two years.''

Jackson has been to the last two FSU at Miami games - 2014 as a recruit, 2016 as a freshman. He basically saw the same game twice; Miami ran out to quick double-digit early leads in each matchup, only to let them slip away and lose at the end. Jackson is a junior, so even if he returns in 2019 for his final season he won't have another chance to play Florida State on his home field.

That means if the home drought against FSU is going to end on his watch, it's now or never.

''It's very important,'' Jackson said.

That's the sentiment that about 100 other Hurricanes are sharing this week. Miami snapped a seven-game overall losing streak against Florida State by winning in Tallahassee last season, and now the Hurricanes hope it's time to end the home drought as well.

''There's nothing I'd rather have than us to win at home,'' Miami offensive lineman Tyler Gauthier said. ''I mean, it's my senior year. You've got to beat Florida State your senior year. That's just the way it is - and doing it at home is going to be awesome.''

It won't be easy, because it never is. The oddsmakers list Miami as nearly a two-touchdown favorite but 14 of the last 17 games in the series have been decided by eight points or less, and each of the last four games have not seen either side win by more than five points.

Florida State has actually won each of its last eight appearances in Miami - 6-0 against the Hurricanes, 2-0 in the Orange Bowls that followed the 2012 and 2016 seasons. The Seminoles are unranked, probably out of the ACC race and already twice-beaten this season, but are clearly not hurting for confidence as they prepare for this one.

''Big game. Big rivalry,'' Florida State running back Cam Akers said. ''Two instate teams. Two of the most prestigious games in college football. This game is always one for the books. A history game. A game you can make a name for yourself in.''

There is an oddity about this series: Florida State has a winning record at Miami, and Miami has a winning record at Florida State. The Seminoles once had an eight-game road winning streak over Miami, the Hurricanes once had a five-game road winning streak over Florida State. And somehow, neither program has managed to ever win more than five in a row on its own field.

''It has been since 2004 that Miami has won at home in this series,'' Hurricanes coach Mark Richt said. ''That's not very good. It's about bad as the seven losses in a row that we were dealing with going into last year's game. So that's a meaningful bit of history that we need to kind of change the course of.''

[StarDust Bum]

Clemson QB Lawrence expected to play
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says injured quarterback Trevor Lawrence will play against Wake Forest.

Lawrence missed the second half of fourth-ranked Clemson's 27-23 win over Syracuse last week after taking a hard hit right before halftime.

At first Swinney said Lawrence had concussion-like symptoms. On Monday, coaches said Lawrence's injury was more of a neck strain.

Lawrence took part in all of Clemson's practice Monday. Swinney says the 6-foot-6 freshman looks and feels great and that is a ''big blessing'' for the Tigers (5-0, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference).

Swinney also said Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow is splitting time at quarterback and could come in third if something happens to Lawrence and backup Chase Brice.

[StarDust Bum]

Alabama's Tagovailoa living up to hype after title game
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Two days after No. 1 Alabama's season opener, Tua Tagovailoa was behind Jalen Hurts in the stretching line before practice as always. Hurts decided it was time turn over the team to Tagovailoa, not only as its starting quarterback but as the Crimson Tide's leader.

''Jalen told me to go in front of him because now I'm the starting quarterback and I'm going to be the leader and what-not,'' Tagovailoa said Tuesday. ''I told him no. I told him that he still belongs in that role just because of everything that he's done.''

It's clearly Tagovailoa's offense now, though Hurts maintains a big role on and off the field.

The sophomore left-hander from Hawaii has done the seemingly impossible, living up to the substantial hype from his star-making national championship game performance.

Tagovailoa spoke to reporters Tuesday for the first time since early August.

He has swiftly emerged as one of the nation's top passers , leading in efficiency rating (238.32) and ranking second with a 75-percent completion rate. He's also averaging 17.59 yards per completion and 13.19 yards for each attempt, both second in the FBS.

Tagovailoa burst onto the national radar when the former five-star recruit led Alabama to a comeback win over Georgia in the College Football Playoff title game . His 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith on second-and-26 has generated T-shirts, and Alabama's marching band even formed that down and distance in its opening game halftime show.

Tagovailoa won a position battle with the two-year starter Hurts and entered the season as the betting favorite for the Heisman Trophy.

Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills says through all the attention, Tagovailoa ''hasn't changed at all'' and handles it well.

''Everybody wants to take a picture, and he'll go and say `What's up?''' Wills said. ''It's just `hi, how are you doing' and keep it moving.''

If the attention hasn't changed him, Tagovailoa doesn't hesitate to say why. It's his religious faith, something he's probably more comfortable talking about than his own play.

''Most definitely not going overboard with things, staying levelheaded, knowing who I am,'' he said. ''I'd say most definitely with my faith, there's no room for me with it.

''It's always about other people. It's always about loving on other people and giving praise where praise is due.''

Tagovailoa received praise aplenty on the field, leading Alabama to such big leads that he has only attempted 19 second-half passes. He's watched every fourth quarter from the sideline.

Tagovailoa has thrown for eight touchdown passes in the first quarter alone and is directing the nation's top scoring offense. He also had the program's fifth-best passing total with 387 yards against Texas A&M , the Tide's closest thing to a competitive game so far.

''He has played extremely well in every game,'' Alabama coach Nick Saban said. ''He's right on target most of the time, not only in where he delivers the ball but who he delivers it to and why he should do it that way.''

Saban said Tagovailoa has probably exceeded his expectations ''to some degree, in terms of his consistency.'' The quarterback himself would need to hear that comment for himself.

''He has to be joking with you guys because that's definitely not what coach Saban would tell us,'' Tagovailoa said. ''There's always room for improvement.''

Tagovailoa displayed his ability to escape from defenders on Alabama's opening drive of the season against Louisville, spinning away from a defender and hitting Jerry Jeudy for a touchdown.

How does Tagovailoa refine moves like that?

''Sometimes I drop back, and sometimes I just practice back-flipping and throwing,'' Tagovailoa said, smiling.

He's much more forthcoming in praising his receivers, running backs and offensive line. And especially Hurts, who stuck around after losing the starting job and has played in every game.

Tagovailoa pointed to Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence getting hurt in the first game after supplanted starter Kelly Bryant announced plans to transfer.

''It's a testament to his (Hurts') character,'' Tagovailoa said. ''It's a testament to his morals, how he was raised within his family. And just him being here with our team, everybody respects him so much. He's a leader.''

[StarDust Bum]

Maryland's biggest challenge on deck
October 2, 2018
By The Associated Press

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) Following a victory over Minnesota and a refreshing week off, Maryland is poised to take its initial plunge into the Big Ten East.

The Terrapins (3-1, 1-0) are on the road Saturday against No. 15 Michigan, one of four teams in the East Division ranked in the Top 25.

''Jump in the deep water with the big sharks, right?'' interim coach Matt Canada said Tuesday. ''That's what you want to do. You want to play the best and you want to be around the best.''

It's been difficult to get a read on the Terrapins, who for the most part have been surprisingly good while operating under difficult circumstances. The team has dedicated the season to offensive lineman Jordan McNair, who collapsed on the field in May and died of heatstroke two weeks later. In the wake of his death, coach DJ Durkin was placed on administrative leave while an independent investigation of the culture of the program is being conducted.

Canada, the team's offensive coordinator, took over despite never serving as a head coach. In his debut, Maryland pulled off an upset of then-No. 23 Texas. After rolling past Bowling Green, the Terrapins inexplicably were manhandled by Temple at home before bouncing back to crush Minnesota 42-13.

So, perhaps Maryland's performance against Michigan (4-1, 2-0) will reveal where the Terps stand among the traditional powers in the Big Ten East.

''They are really, really talented and they're very, very well coached,'' Canada said of the Wolverines. ''We're excited to put in the plays and see what happens. We're excited to go play a great football team in a great atmosphere.''

The Big House, the nickname given to Michigan's 91-year-old, 107,601-seat home stadium, has not been kind to Maryland. The Terrapins are 1-4 there, including a 59-3 bashing in 2016.

Someone asked Canada about his feelings on being a head coach and matching wits with Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh.

''I'm going as the offensive coordinator, not the head coach,'' Canada insisted. ''Coach Harbaugh, (his reputation) speaks for itself, all the places he's been, the great player he was. What they do on defense is as good as any team in the country.''

With Maryland off last week, Canada received some extra time to devise a plan against a team that leads the nation in total defense and ranks fourth in pass defense and fifth in tackles.

Not to be outdone, the Michigan offense has reached 45 points in three of five games.

Maryland will be without two injured running backs. Jake Funk remains sidelined with a fractured hand, and Lorenzo Harrison - who was averaging 8.4 yards per carry - is lost for the season after injuring his knee during a bye-week practice.

Fortunately, the Terps are deep at the position. Ty Johnson, Anthony McFarland and Tayon Fleet-Davis have accounted for 739 of Maryland's 1,034 yards rushing.