Blackbeard's Report

[Blackbeard]

SI.com/Stuart Mandel

Oregon State at No. 4 LSU
Well, you can't accuse the Beavers of ducking a challenge. Who were they originally supposed to play this weekend? Temple. At what point will they regret their decision? Oh, about the time the bus drives by its first LSU tailgaters.
LSU 27, Oregon State 9

Sat., 9 p.m. EST | ESPN2 Toledo at No. 25 Minnesota
The cover of Toledo's 2004 media guide features QB Bruce Gradkowski and four of his offensive teammates standing in front of a fighter plane in flight suits with the slogan "Rockets Take Flight." Unfortunately, their first game is in a dome.
Minnesota 33, Toledo 27

Sat., 8 p.m. EST | FSN Colorado State at Colorado
Nothing like sitting down to watch three hours of talk about boards of regents and grand-jury investigations. Look for the Buffs to take out eight months worth of anger on their rivals, then stink the rest of the season.
Colorado 31, Colorado State 13

Sat., 3:30 p.m. EST | ABC Oklahoma State at UCLA
The last time we saw the Bruins, they were struggling with the concept of completing a forward pass. Karl Dorrell shook up his offensive staff over the offseason, and it should make a difference. Just not against this opponent.
Oklahoma State 17, UCLA 7

Sat., 9:15 p.m. EST | ESPN2 Notre Dame at BYU
Ah, to be Notre Dame. The Irish decided they wanted a game before they faced Michigan, so BYU moved games with USC and Stanford, which moved a game with San Jose State, which canceled a game with San Diego State. Thanks guys.
Notre Dame 26, BYU 17

Sat., 12:30 p.m. EST This week's upset special, Part I:
South Carolina at Vanderbilt
Lou Holtz is famous for fretting over even the most lightly regarded opponents. For once, his concern is merited. The highly experienced Commodores are poised for a breakthrough -- and Lou is poised to tear his hair out.
Vanderbilt 19, South Carolina 16

Sat., 3:30 EST | ABC This week's upset special, Part II:
Michigan State at Rutgers
All aboard the Rutgers bandwagon! The Scarlet Knights are going to a bowl, baby, and they're fortuitously facing a rebuilding Spartans squad whose coach is hoping to decide on a quarterback before kickoff.
Rutgers 24, Michigan State 17

Sun., 5:30 p.m. EST | FSN This week's upset special, Part III:
Fresno State at Washington
Over the past three years, the WAC's Bulldogs have beaten Oregon State (twice), Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech and UCLA. Last season, Washington lost to another WAC team -- Nevada. Which team's the underdog?
Fresno State 21, Washington 16


Last year: 98-48.

[Blackbeard]

Dallas news staff picks

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...3colselect.pdf

You may need to download adobe acrobat for this link, and you may need to register with dallasnews

[Blackbeard]

Foxsports fearless predictions

Oregon State at No. 4 LSU
Saturday at 6 p.m. ET
Line:
LSU -19


The defending national champions (no, not USC you media types) get their turn at bat ready to stake a claim to the number one spot. As good as LSU might be, this won't be a walk in the park against an Oregon State team with (don't laugh SEC fans) the best defense the Tigers might face all year long. LSU isn't getting the universal respect it thinks it deserves coming off a championship season and is looking to make a major statement. Oregon State is looking to play well to bring more respect to the Pac-10 and show that it's going to be a factor.


Fearless Prediction: LSU 31 ... Oregon State 13



TOP 25
Bowling Green at No. 2 Oklahoma
Saturday at Noon ET
Line: OU -32.5

Oklahoma is in yet another hunt for a national title and in the mix for the number one ranking in all of the big polls. After a lackluster performance by USC, the Sooners can make a big statement against one of the MAC's best teams in what should be an entertaining opener. Bowling Green is coming off its best MAC season ever and looking for more national respect, and to put some major fear into other MAC teams, with a great showing against the mighty Sooners.


Prediction: Oklahoma 41 ... Bowling Green 17
COMPLETE PREVIEW

Miami (OH) at No. 8 Michigan
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Mich -14

Michigan has everything in place to make a strong national championship run with a loaded defense, the nation's best receiving corps, and a strong offensive line. It could all come quickly come crashing down against a Miami team ready to prove to the world that it's one of the big boys and that it really is that good. A win by MU would possibly be the biggest moment in MAC history and there's a chance it could happen with experience and NFL caliber talent up and down the roster.


Prediction: Michigan 34 ... Miami 17
COMPLETE PREVIEW


Cincinnati at No. 9 Ohio State
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
OSU -15.5

Two years ago Cincinnati gave the eventual national champion Buckeyes one of their stiffest tests of the year. This season's Bearcats could prove to be just as pesky as Ohio State needs a week or three to get all the parts into place. Nine starters return to the Bearcat offense as new head coach Mark Dantonio takes over a potentially loaded team more than good enough to pull off the upset. If everything isn't clicking right away for the Buckeyes, they could be in for a fight they weren't planning on having.


Prediction: Ohio State 23 ... Cincinnati 17
COMPLETE PREVIEW

No. 16 Virginia at Temple
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
UVA -16

Virginia begins what it hopes to be a breakout season with an apparent layup against a Temple team simply looking to survive its final season in the Big East. The Cavaliers need to prove the offense can still function without QB Matt Schaub and could use a game to get everything together on D. Temple has a few exciting players and enough returning experience to make this interesting. Washington will come up with a few fantastic plays that'll rock the Cavalier defense, but it won't be enough.


Prediction: Virginia 34 ... Temple 17
COMPLETE PREVIEW


UCF at No. 21 Wisconsin
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Wisc. -25

The George O'Leary era at UCF begins as he gets back on the sidelines after a tumultuous last few years. Wisconsin has the talent and the team to come up with a big season, but no one is flakier than the Badgers when it comes to playing average teams. Last year Akron pushed Wisconsin to the limit and UNLV went to Camp Randall and won 23-5. Can UCF pull off the same magic?


Prediction: Wisconsin 38 ... UCF 13
COMPLETE PREVIEW

Kent State at No. 19 Iowa
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Iowa -29

If you like blowouts and lots of Hawkeyes jumping around celebrating, this is for you. No one chews up and spits out MAC teams like Iowa, winning its last five home games against the MAC by a combined score of 229 to 50. This is a chance to see the young Iowa offense get on track and see how far along it is. Iowa will score more on special teams and defense than Kent St. will score on offense.


Prediction: Iowa 48 ... Kent State 6
COMPLETE PREVIEW


UL Monroe at No. 17 Auburn
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Aub -39

Oh this won't be pretty. Auburn has the makings of a SEC West champion as long as the defense gets everything together. This is a good game for that to happen and for everyone to get their feet wet as UL Monroe should provide nothing more than target practice for the Tigers. ULM will be better than last year. Later. It's not going to be close as Auburn can call its shot.


Prediction: Auburn 55 ... UL Monroe 6
COMPLETE PREVIEW

Georgia Southern at No. 3 Georgia
Saturday at 3 p.m. ET
Line:
NL

If you want to see what the Georgia offense is like when it's humming on all cylinders, this is the game for you. Georgia Southern isn't all that bad and should provide slightly more than a speed bump for the mighty Bulldogs for a drive or two with a running game that will help the Bulldogs prepare for next week's showdown against the South Carolina ground attack. This will be over after about five plays.


Prediction: Georgia 48 ... Georgia Southern 0
COMPLETE PREVIEW


Wake Forest at No. 15 Clemson
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Clem -12

Florida State - Miami isn't the only ACC matchup of the day as Clemson tries to keep the positive momentum from the end of last year going against the league's somewhat forgotten team, Wake Forest. Wake has been more than respectable under head coach Jim Grobe going 18-18 over the last three seasons and always flirting with a bowl bid. A win by the Demon Deacons might be necessary to have any prayer of finishing in the ACC's top half. The Tigers can't afford to slip at home.


Prediction: Clemson 34 ... Wake Forest 24
COMPLETE PREVIEW

East Carolina at No. 10 West Virginia
Saturday at 6 p.m. ET
Line:
WV -28

Welcome to the first game in what just about everyone seems to think is the West Virginia road to the BCS as the loaded Mountaineers begin their squishy schedule against one of 2003's bottom feeders. Things might change quickly for East Carolina this year, and there will certainly be more excitement in the offense as former Florida QB Noah Brindise has taken over the offensive coordinator reins and bringing the fun 'n' gun to Greenville. The two offenses should make this interesting.


Prediction: West Virginia 44 ... East Carolina 17
COMPLETE PREVIEW


Northern Illinois at No. 22 Maryland
Saturday at 6 p.m. ET
Line:
Mary -14

Maryland wants payback after losing to the Huskies in one of 2003's most stunning and exciting games in a 20-13 overtime thriller. NIU would love nothing more than to prove to the world that last year wasn't a fluke with a win in College Park over a top 25 team, while the Terps just want to get off to a quick start. The Huskies have enough experience and enough explosion to come up with another upset to make this another great game.


Prediction: Maryland 27 ... Northern Illinois 20
COMPLETE PREVIEW

North Texas at No. 7 Texas
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
UT -25.5

This should be as fun and spirited a battle as a Big XII-Sun Belt matchup can be. North Texas gets its shot against the big, bad program from Austin with players that would love nothing more than to show everyone that they could've played for the Longhorns. Texas will get a chance to work all of the kinks out against what could be the best North Texas team ever with a loaded offense and a strong enough defense to keep this interesting for a little while.


Prediction: Texas 45 ... North Texas 17
COMPLETE PREVIEW


Arkansas State at No. 18 Missouri
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
Miss -32.5

Expected by many to win the Big XII North, Missouri has to come out crushing and killing proving that the days of inconsistent play are in the past. Arkansas State has been a decent Sun Belt team over the last few seasons and is simply looking to survive before going off to LSU next week. A great performance would do wonders. Missouri would ideally like to blow up early and get Smith out of there. There's no reason to risk getting the franchise hurt. ASU doesn't have enough on either side of the ball to keep this close if the Tigers aren't giving the ball away.


Prediction: Missouri 55 ... Arkansas State 13
COMPLETE PREVIEW

Toledo at No. 25 Minnesota
Saturday at 9 p.m. ET
Line:
Minn. -11

This is a no-win situation for Minnesota. Yeah Toledo is ranked higher than the Gophers by some and yeah the MAC has gotten more respect, but a win over Toledo is still a win over Toledo. Joe Q. Fan isn't going to see this win and start thinking the Gophers are Rose Bowl bound. On the flip side, this is a good enough Rocket team to come up with the win in what should be a fantastic battle. True college football fans know just how good Toledo is and know that this will be a big-time battle from start to finish with the Rockets good enough to come out with a victory.


Prediction: Minnesota 38 ... Toledo 31
COMPLETE PREVIEW


Syracuse at No. 24 Purdue
Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Pur. -12

After a full day of college football on Saturday, Purdue and Syracuse will put on a fun and exciting show with plenty of offensive playmakers. Neither defense is all that great (at least for the opening game of the year) and each will give up several big plays. For Purdue the first half of the schedule is the relatively easy portion needing to beat Syracuse for what should be a strong first month. Syracuse needs a decent road win to take some of the heat off Paul Pasqualoni.


Prediction: Purdue 30 ... Syracuse 20
COMPLETE PREVIEW

UNLV at No. 14 Tennessee
Sunday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
Clem -12

Be very, very careful Tennessee. All hopes for a big season and overall national respect can quickly go bye-bye against a UNLV team that should be extremely dangerous and good enough to come out of Knoxville with the win. The Rebels have defensive playmakers to dream of a repeat of last season's 23-5 shocker at Wisconsin if the Vols aren't playing at midseason form right away. Don't be the slightest bit shocked if this turns into one of the weekend's best games.


Prediction: Tennessee 20 ... UNLV 17
COMPLETE PREVIEW

[Blackbeard]

College football news staff picks

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2...taff_Picks.htm

[Blackbeard]

Mejia Ncaa

By Tony Mejia
SportsLine.com Staff Writer Weekly predictions of the nation's Division I college football action.
Last week: 2-0(SU) | Top 25 record: 1-0 | Season record: 2-0 (100.0 %)


Projected Scores
Week 2
Tennessee 30 UNLV 13
Texas 38 North Texas 6
Arizona State 44 Texas-El Paso 20
Wisconsin 31 Central Florida 13
Texas A&M 23 Utah 21
Louisiana Tech 38 Nevada 34
Stanford 48 San Jose State 10
San Diego State 42 Idaho State 3
Minnesota 31 Toledo 27
La.-Lafayette 27 Northwestern State 17
Texas Tech 54 Southern Methodist 14
Colorado State 27 Colorado 24
Boise State 48 Idaho 7
Kansas State 52 Western Kentucky 13
Ohio 38 VMI 21
Nebraska 45 Western Illinois 0
Missouri 54 Arkansas State 10
Indiana 38 Central Michigan 14
Arkansas 26 New Mexico State 3
Alabama 41 Utah State 13
North Carolina State 35 Richmond 0
Mississippi State 31` Tulane 13
Maryland 20 Northern Illinois 10
LSU 36 Oregon State 7
Illinois 34 Florida A&M 16
Marshall 24 Troy 17
UCLA 23 Oklahoma State 10
Rutgers 24 Michigan State 23
Wyoming 28 Appalachian State 24
Iowa State 37 Northern Iowa 10
North Carolina 40 William & Mary 17
Georgia Tech 38 Samford 9
Georgia 36 Georgia Southern 6
Penn State 37 Akron 10
Ohio State 27 Cincinnati 10
Michigan 26 Miami (OH) 23
Iowa 41 Kent State 7
Connecticut 38 Murray State 13
Hawaii 38 Florida Atlantic 20
Washington State 24 New Mexico 17
Texas Christian 23 Northwestern 13
Western Michigan 42 Tennessee-Martin 17
Boston College 26 Ball State 7
Eastern Michigan 20 Buffalo 16
Florida 52 Middle Tennessee 7
Pittsburgh 24 South Florida 9
Florida State 27 Miami (FL) 20
Fresno State 23 Washington 17
Houston 38 Rice 20
Louisville 27 Kentucky 21
Purdue 31 Syracuse 17
Arizona 36 Northern Arizona 12
Notre Dame 20 Brigham Young 17
Kansas 30 Tulsa 24
Memphis 31 Mississippi 20
Duke 20 Navy 17
Auburn 38 Louisiana-Monroe 0
UAB 16 Baylor 14
Wake Forest 31 Clemson 27
California 27 Air Force 16
West Virginia 27 East Carolina 10
South Carolina 24 Vanderbilt 7
Virginia 38 Temple 6
Oklahoma 41 Bowling Green 17

[Blackbeard]

MSNBC Predicitons 101/ John Tamanaha

Central Florida
at No. 21 Wisc. (Sat.)
The George O’Leary era at Central Florida was supposed to begin in the inhospitable confines of a renovated and expanded Camp Randall Stadium. Unfortunately, O’Leary will miss the game to attend the funeral of his 83-year-old mother, who died Wednesday.
There is plenty to improve upon in Orlando. Last season the Golden Knights scored more than 21 points only four times. Unproven QB Steven Moffet will be surrounded by a deep and talented WR corps and RB Alex Haynes, who has gained 2,502 yards in three seasons.

The Badgers have been treading water for the last three seasons and are just 20-19 since winning the 2001 Rose Bowl. But this could be the season that Barry Alvarez gets things rolling again. His entire offensive line is back to open holes for RB Anthony Davis, who is healthy and ready for his senior season. That should make the transition to sophomore QB John Stocco easier in the early going.

Will this be the “UNLV” of 2004 for Alvarez? We don’t think so. The Golden Knights had a habit of getting behind early last season and opponents ran for twice as many yards, which is not a recipe for success in the mayhem of Madison.

Weather updates: Click here
Opening point spread: Wisconsin by 23 1/2
Pick: Wisconsin 35-10

Oklahoma State
at UCLA
As if it weren’t enough to exhaust the eligibility of WR Rashaun Woods and RB Tatum Bell, Oklahoma State also lost its record setting quarterback Josh Fields, who opted to sign a pro baseball contact and play within the Chicago White Sox minor league organization. The offense that powered the Cowboys to nine wins a season ago will have a much different look this year. But the cupboard isn’t bare up front and Les Miles will have another exciting offense, but it might take time to gel.

UCLA’s Karl Dorrell managed just a 6-7 debut in 2003 and had a tough offseason, so the heat is on. It doesn’t help matters that the humongous shadow cast by No. 1 USC easily ****** up the Westwood campus 13 miles down the freeway. However, the Bruins are not without weapons. QB Drew Olson, WR Craig Bragg, TE Marcedes Lewis and RBs Maurice Drew and Manuel White are capable.
Fielding a new defensive line will be a challenge, but UCLA will have some experience to rely on with their back seven.

The Bruins won the last matchup between these two teams two seasons ago in Stillwater, 38-24. It will be much closer this time at the Rose Bowl.

Weather updates: Click here
Opening point spread: Even
Pick: UCLA 28-27



Oregon State
at No. 4 LSU
If Steven Jackson wasn’t a member of the St. Louis Rams, this game would be a marquee matchup. But the All-America running back decided to forgo his senior season, leaving the Beavers with the unenviable task of opening with the defending national champions in Death Valley.
With Jackson gone, the Beaver defense has taken center stage. The unit is a well-kept secret outside the Pac-10 and should stand up to LSU’s firepower rather well. Or at least Mike Riley hopes so.

Tigers RB Justin Vincent will be a supreme test for Oregon State, but LSU’s retooled speedy WR group won’t be running wild versus one of the best defensive backfields in the game. Triggerman Marcus Randall will need some time to get back in the groove (his last starts were in 2002 and he went 2-4).

The Oregon State offense will rely on inconsistent QB Derek Anderson and little else. He is only the second passer in Pac-10 history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season, but he threw as many touchdowns as interceptions last season (24).

This will be a low scoring surprise.

Weather updates: Click here
Opening point spread: LSU by 18 1/2
Pick: LSU 17-10



Tulane
at Mississippi State
The Green Wave was more like a green light last season, allowing opposing offenses to speed through on the way to an average of 35 points per game. The traffic figures to slow down this season as experience and talent trend upward.

After sending three straight quarterbacks to the NFL, Tulane has only one left that has ever thrown a collegiate pass. The fact that the Green Wave will look to depend on its defense to make big plays and play conservatively on offense, while attempting to replace star QB J.P. Losman and RB Mewelde Moore, spells trouble.
New Bulldogs coach Sylvester Croom brings the West Coast offense to Starkville, where patience will be the name of the game. Croom has already used it by implementing the system in small digestible doses. Bulldogs fans will need it to deal with what could be a difficult rebuilding campaign.

QB Omarr Conner played WR last season, but don’t let that fool you. His natural position is as the signal caller. He will make plays and RB Jerious Norwood appears poised for a breakthrough season. The SEC’s least productive team, averaging just 18.8 points and 320.7 yards of total offense a game, will take a step up.

Weather updates: Click here
Opening point spread: Mississippi State by 6 1/2
Pick: Mississippi State 31-14



Colorado State
at Colorado
The Rams will see if they can go on without QB Bradlee Van Pelt, who embodied the CSU program in past seasons so well. Justin Holland probably won’t be as much of a playmaker as Van Pelt, but the rest of the offense around him will be an upgrade over last year’s unit, which failed to get the job done in a handful of tight losses.
Colorado had an offseason that only the Lakers would welcome. QB Joel Klatt is a keeper. Last season, he had the receivers to make big plays, but little time. Flip that around in 2004. Losing Jeremy Bloom to an eligibility ruling hurts an already depleted receiver corps. However, the Buffaloes will be improved along the offensive line, but that’s not saying much after allowing 39 sacks. With an upgrade upfront and Bobby Purify back at tailback, CU should be able to revive its once powerful running game that shockingly ranked 113th in the nation in 2003.

Colorado will prevail due to athletic superiority, but with only three returning starters on defense, this will be a high scoring affair.

Weather updates: Click here
Opening point spread: Colorado by 6
Pick: Colorado 38-31



Notre Dame
at BYU
Things are sour in South Bend. Will the third time be the lucky charm for Tyrone Willingham? He started to turn things around, winning three consecutive games last November, including a 33-14 decision over this year’s opening opponent, but an ugly loss to Syracuse dropped the Irish below .500 for the second time in the past three years.
Irish QB Brady Quinn is still a question mark, as is the running game, but the offensive line looks to be solid, so anything is possible. On the defensive side, end Justin Tuck is somebody that needs to be accounted for on every play, after finishing with 13.5 sacks last season.

Provo seems upside down these days. The once freewheeling Cougars averaged only 16.2 points per game last season and things aren’t necessarily about to get better with only 10 starters back. Coach Gary Crowton is situated in a hot seat right next to Willingham.

If the Irish aren’t looking ahead to Michigan (and we can’t figure out how they could be), they should be OK.

Weather updates: Click here
Opening point spread: Notre Dame by 3 1/2
Pick: Notre Dame 17-7



Syracuse
at No. 24 Purdue (Sun.)
Orange coach Paul Pasqualoni needs a big season in the shrunken Big East. Last year, it was a season-ending pasting of Notre Dame that kept him at the helm. This season, it might be senior RB Walter Reyes providing the job security. A dark horse Heisman candidate, Reyes rushed for 1,347 yards and 20 touchdowns last season for 6-6 Syracuse. Fueled by a solid offensive line the Orange running game will carry the load as there is absolutely no experience to speak of at QB.
On the other sideline, Purdue QB Kyle Orton is set to air it out to veteran Taylor Stubblefield, who will likely become the Big Ten’s all-time leading receiver before October rolls around, and 6-foot-9 WR Kyle Ingraham. Boilermakers coach Joe Tiller will be firing away with a fastbreak offense to offset a defense that’s missing eight starters from last season. The entire stable of running backs also return, allowing Purdue to retake its claim to having the best offense in the Big Ten.

The Boilermakers have only one senior on defense and won’t stop many this season, but the high-powered offense takes the pressure off. In any case, Syracuse won’t be able to take advantage of that, especially in the opener.

Weather updates: Click here
Opening point spread: Purdue by 12
Pick: Purdue 41-13

[Blackbeard]

Miami herald/Jeff Shain

Jeff Shain's college football picks


• LSU 30, OREGON STATE 10: How much luster did Hurricane Frances take off this weekend's lineup? This is probably the top matchup left on the slate. Beavers lost a chunk of production when TB Stephen Jackson (1,545 yards) left for the NFL, so will lean heavily on QB Derek Anderson. However, the strength of LSU's defense lies with CBs Corey Webster and Travis Daniels and speed rusher Marcus Spears. Another factor: Temps will be hovering near 90 at kickoff; Beavers are used to 70s and dry air. (Favorite: LSU by 18 ½. TV: 6 p.m., ESPN.)

• MICHIGAN 28, MIAMI (OHIO) 17: Who has the longest active winning streak? It's the ''other'' Miami, which ran its string to 14 by beating Indiana State 49-0 last week. That won't continue vs. the Wolverines, but the benefit of having played a game should keep things closer than expected. (Favorite: Michigan by 13. TV: noon, Ch. 10.)

• CALIFORNIA 31, AIR FORCE 13: Shaun Carney makes Air Force history as first freshman QB to start opener. That bodes well long-term for the Falcons, but he's going to have some early bumps. Cal's passing game is loaded with QB Aaron Rodgers and a deep WR stable led by Geoff McArthur. (Favorite: Cal by 13 ½.)

• OHIO STATE 24, CINCINNATI 16: Two years ago, only a pair of drops in the end zone in final minute kept Cincy from upending Buckeyes' march to the national title. Bearcats' offense returns almost intact from 2003 and could make things interesting again while OSU's new faces work the kinks out. (Favorite: Ohio State by 15.)

• MEMPHIS 20, MISSISSIPPI 10: Eli Manning couldn't beat Memphis last year; why should Michael Spurlock (eight passes in 2003) be counted on for more? Tigers are a not-so-dark horse in Conference USA, with every starter back from a wide-open offense that averaged 445 yards per game a year ago. (Favorite: Mississippi by 3 ½.)

• HAWAII 35, FAU 20: Tough assignment for any team playing at Hawaii -- cross an ocean, then conquer both jet lag and Warriors' track-meet passing game. It's a big step up for Owls, but there's rare comfort in having two experienced units starting their fourth year together. (Favorite: Hawaii by 20 ½.)

• TENNESSEE 33, UNLV 17 (Sunday): Whether the QB is Brent Schaeffer or Erik Ainge, Vols might have preferred an easier breaking-in foe than UNLV's blitz schemes. Look for UT to pull things out in the end by grinding away with RBs Cedric Houston and Gerald Riggs Jr. (Favorite: Tennessee by 20. TV: 8 p.m., ESPN2.)

• SOUTH FLORIDA 17, PITTSBURGH 13 (Monday): Game figures to be a defensive struggle, with both offenses breaking in new faces in key jobs. Pitt returns but one starter at the skill positions, and just three overall. USF RB Andre Hall (juco transfer) should make quicker impact behind intact Bulls O-line. (Favorite: USF by 1.)

LAST SEASON: 66-32 (43-53-1 vs. spread).

[Blackbeard]

Guys, feel free to post any non service plays you come across in this thread

[Blackbeard]

Espn Corso/Herbstreit

Not sure if these are ats or su:

clemson
missouri
maryland
notre dame
auburn
lsu
kansas st
minnesota
georgia
texas
west virginia

[maxwell]

Blackbeard (question)

si.com/stuart mandel...I assume that his 98-48 record is not against the points, do you happen to know? thanks

[Blackbeard]

Probably SU

[Blackbeard]

[Blackbeard]

The Sports Network

Sunday, September 5th, 1:30 p.m. (et).
The Sports Network

By Ralph Lauro, College Football Staff Writer

GAME NOTES: The Big East meets the Big Ten this Sunday, as the Syracuse Orangemen take on the 24th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers from Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana in the season opener for both teams. In his 13 years as head coach at Syracuse, Paul Pasqualoni has posted nearly twice as many wins (135) as losses (70). Many seasons have been memorable, but 2003 is one of the lone exceptions. The Orangemen went an even 6-6 overall, but posted just two wins against five losses in league play. With the disappointing finish, SU was left out of the bowl picture for the second straight year. The all-time winningest coach in Big East history, Pasqualoni will welcome back 25 letterwinners, including 11 starters to help the Orange contend for the conference title this year. As for Purdue, it is coming off a strong '03 campaign in which it went 9-4 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten. It was a another successful season for head coach Joe Tiller, who has racked up a 55-32 record at Purdue. Tiller has also guided the Boilermakers to seven straight bowl games, including a 1997 Alamo Bowl appearances, the school's first in 14 years. This game marks the first-ever meeting between Syracuse and Purdue on the gridiron.

It's no secret that the Syracuse offense revolves around tailback Walter Reyes, who has a chance to become the school's all-time leading rusher with a monster season. Reyes, a legitimate Heisman candidate, ran for 1,347 yards last year in addition to catching 38 balls for 375 yards. He also set SU single-season records for rushing touchdowns (20), total touchdowns (21) and points (128). Handing the ball off to Reyes will be Perry Patterson, a strong- armed sophomore who has had a pair of surgeries. Patterson has little experience and will be pushed hard by super freshman Joe Fields. As for the receiving corps, it was hit hard with the departure of 2003 leading wideout Johnnie Morant. Trying to fill his shoes will be Andre Fontenette and Jared Jones. Fontenette grabbed 11 passes for 68 yards last year, while Jones has posted 59 receptions and two touchdowns in his career. With regard to the offensive line, three starters return, giving the Orange perhaps the top line in the Big East.

There are only five starters back on the defensive side of the ball for Syracuse, but still the unit is expected to be solid. Defensive end James Wyche is the top player up front with 77 career tackles and 8.5 TFLs to his credit. However, Wyche has only 3.5 career sacks and will need to improve greatly in that area if the 'Cuse is to succeed. Kelvin Smith and Kellen Pruitt, a sophomore and junior, respectively, are back as starting outside linebackers. The two combined for 164 tackles last season and will be joined by sophomore Jerry Mackey in the middle. As for the secondary, Diamond Ferri and Anthony Smith are both back at the safety positions. They will be counted on to give assistance to Marcus "Gator" Clayton, a receiver-turned-cornerback who figures to go through some growing pains as he gets adjusted to his new digs. Last year, Ferri (120) and Smith (106) both posted over 100 tackles in addition to combining for seven interceptions.

The Boilermaker offense in 2004 will ride on the strong arm of senior Kyle Orton. The talented play caller should be able to build upon the 2,885 yards and 15 TDs he threw for last season. Orton hit the mark on better than 60 percent of his passes and will have the benefit of one of the top receivers in the Big Ten at his disposal in the form of senior Taylor Stubblefield, who grabbed 86 balls for 835 yards and three scores a year ago. Another guy worth noting is sophomore Kyle Ingraham who stands a whopping 6-9 and has excellent speed. The running game features the return of two highly skilled players in junior Jerod Void and sophomore Jerome Brooks. Void rushed for 952 yards and 13 scores in '03, while Brooks went for 349 yards and two touchdowns. With three starters returning on the offensive line, both Void and Brooks should be able to build on those figures.

Unlike in years past, it was the Purdue defense that carried the team to a winning record in 2003 as the unit ranked 10th in the nation against the run (96.9 ypg) and 39th against the pass (205.6 ypg). However, this year may be a different story with only three starters returning to the fold. The secondary is the only area featuring a pair of returning starters in CB Antwaun Rogers and SS Bernard Pollard. Pollard finished fifth on the team in tackles last year with 66, while Rogers tallied 61 stops and deflected eight passes. The defensive line is a bit thin, particularly in the middle, but the hope is guys like Brent Grover and Brandon Villareal will be able to hold down the fort. Linebacker is another questionable area as three new full-time starters will line up for Tiller's squad. Senior Jon Goldsberry, who has also seen time at FB in the past, is the most experienced linebacker this season.

Syracuse has a strong running game, but lacks talent in several other key areas, including quarterback. Purdue, on the other hand, has a strong quarterback which will help guide what should be a big time offense. The Boilermakers should have little trouble handling a Syracuse team that is still rebuilding.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Purdue 31, Syracuse 17

[Blackbeard]

The Sports Network

DATE & TIME: Sunday, September 5th, 5:00 p.m. (et).

FACTS & STATS: Site: Reliant Stadium (70,000) -- Houston, Texas. Television: None. Home Record: Houston 0-0, Rice 0-0. Away Record: Houston 0-0, Rice 0-0. Neutral Record: Houston 0-0, Rice 0-0. Conference Record: Houston 0-0, Rice 0-0. Series Record: Houston leads, 22-8.

GAME NOTES: The battle for the Administaff Bayou Bucket heads to Reliant Stadium this Sunday when the Rice Owls take on the Houston Cougars in non- conference action. Rice is coming off a 5-7 season, but that includes a three- game winning streak to end the year. The team also finished a respectable 5-3 in Western Athletic Conference action which was good for a fourth-place tie. With a good deal of success at the end of last season, and a healthy core of returning players, the Owls should be primed for a winning season in 2004. As for Houston, the '03 slate was outstanding (by its standards), as the team finished 7-6 overall and an even 4-4 in Conference-USA. UH has come a long way from the '01 season when it failed to win a single game. The Cougars even made their first bowl appearance in seven years last season. Although they dropped a 54-48 decision in three overtimes to Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl, they certainly had a successful campaign. Houston will now try to accomplish something it hasn't done in 15 years, post back-to-back winning seasons. The Cougars leads the all-time series with Rice, 22-8, including a 48-14 victory at Robertson Stadium last year.

The Cougars were simply electric on offense last season and this year could be more of the same. Houston ranked 12th in the nation in total offense (458.3 ypg) and rushing offense (215.5 ypg). The squad also boasted the 16th-best scoring offense (34.5 ppg), which produced seven games of 40+ points. The Cougars were one of only six teams last year to have a 1,000-yard rusher (Anthony Evans), 1,000-yard receiver (Brandon Middleton) and 3,000-yard passer (Kevin Kolb), and two of the three will return in 2004. Kolb, the reigning C- USA Freshman of the Year, was simply amazing in his first season of collegiate football. He broke every UH freshman passing mark en route to being the top- rated rookie quarterback in the nation. He threw 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions, while rushing for seven scores. One of Kolb's favorite receivers will also be returning this season in Vincent Marshall. He led the team with 60 receptions for 812 yards and seven touchdowns. Chad McCullar, who grabbed 35 balls for 403 yards last season, will line up opposite Marshall. As for the tailback spot, the Cougars are loaded this season. Evans returns as the starter after leading the team with 1,149 yards and nine touchdowns last year. Jackie Battle, a 250-pound bruising back with speed, will also get some carries after finishing with 560 yards and a team-best 5.5 ypc average. The biggest question mark for the Cougars on this side of the ball is the offensive line. Only two starters return from a year ago which may cause a problem in the team's complicated system.

Defensively, Houston was dismal last season which is why the offense needed to be more successful. The Cougars ranked 101st in total defense (440.4 ypg) and 103rd in rushing defense (208.7 ypg). Houston also permitted 36.0 ppg, including more than 50 points in a game four times. This year's defense features the return of six starters and several other players with experience. Up front, end Joe Clay and tackle Kade Lane are the only two returning starters and will need to step up their play considerably. Clay led the Cougars in sacks last season with seven, while Lane has made 25 straight starts. Heading the linebackers is Lance Everson, who is one of the top defenders in C-USA. Everson racked up a team-best 126 tackles (18 TFLs) in '03 and is expected to be even better this season. Opposite Everson is the speedy Bryant Brown, who posted 88 tackles and three sacks a year ago. As for the secondary, it is led by free safety Will Gulley, who finished second on the team in tackles (104) and also wound up with four interceptions. He is joined by returning starting corners Stanford Routt and Will Gaston. Routt is not only one of the fastest players in C-USA, but in the nation as well. He is an All-American sprinter for the UH track team who has good cover skills.

After experimenting with some different passing formations, including use of the shotgun, Rice went back to the old triple option as the full-time offense halfway through the season and everything started to click. Another reason why the offense started to click was the play of quarterback Greg Henderson, who started five games in place of the injured Kyle Herm. Henderson, an effective option runner, finished third on the team with 615 rushing yards and six scores. If he can be a bit more accurate passing the ball there is no telling how good the Rice offense can be. The Owls had the second-best rushing attack in the nation last season (316.7 ypg) and with the return of tailbacks Thomas Lott and Joe Moore and four starters on the offensive line, more of the same is expected this year. Lott led the Owls with 714 rushing yards and three scores, while Moore posted an impressive 6.1 ypc average. As for the receivers, Marcus Battle highlights a thin group that are known more for their blocking than passing catching skills. Battle, who has big-play potential, has made 45 career catches for 763 yards and three scores.

Rice allowed a whopping 432 yards per game in total offense last season, but with seven starters back the unit should be much improved. Included in the returning starters is the team's top three tacklers from 2003 in Terry Holley, Chad Price and John Syptak. Holley, listed at the Rover position, placed first on the list with 89 stops, while fellow linebacker Price finished second with 82. As for defensive end Syptak, he came up with 81 tackles last season, in addition to leading the club with 12 TFLs and four sacks. Sophomore Andray Downs (free safety) and junior Dustin Haynes (cornerback) will again try to clean up any mistakes made by fellow defenders playing in front of them. The two combined for 84 tackles and seven PBUs in '03.

It should be a great game between two rivals with strong offenses. However, Houston has the more balanced attack and that should give it the edge it needs to post a solid win on Sunday.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Houston 38, Rice 24

[Blackbeard]

The Sports Network

By Pat Taggart, College Football Staff Writer

GAME NOTES: The UNLV Rebels have the unenviable task of taking on the 14th- ranked Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in the season opener for both squads. It was only a couple of years ago that the Rebels were being touted as the up-and-coming team in the Mountain West Conference. Unfortunately, the road to league supremacy has been a rough one. Overall the team finished a respectable 6-6 in 2003, but only two of those triumphs came against conference opponents. There is some experience back in the fold for coach John Robinson's crew, but the team is understandably a huge underdog in this season opener. Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer is one of the most underrated football coaches in the nation, as he has racked up a 113-28 record in 12 seasons as leader of the Volunteers. In 2003, the squad began its push for a national title with four consecutive wins to open the season, but a second- half slide that included a 27-14 loss to Clemson in the Peach Bowl led to disappointment. Clearly, expectations are high once again considering the high preseason ranking, but the SEC is arguably the toughest league in the land. Tennessee opened the 1996 season against UNLV and rolled to a 62-3 victory in the only previous meeting between these two teams.

Kurt Nantkes took the bulk of the snaps for UNLV in 2003, completing 51.7 percent of his pass attempts for 1,883 yards and 12 touchdowns, but he was also picked off 10 times. What should help Nantkes more than anything is the addition of offensive coordinator Bruce Snyder, as the former head coach at both California and Arizona State has vowed to open up the offense and stretch the field beginning with Saturday's game. Nantkes narrowly won the starting nod over sophomore Shane Steichen, who will also see time in every game according to the coaches. Dominique Dorsey is a stealthy speed back who can also be seen on kick and punt returns, and he posted 626 rushing yards on 158 carries. He figures to lead the backfield in touches, although several backs figure to get a look throughout the course of the season. As a second-team All-MWC choice, wide receiver Earvin Johnson returns for his senior season and is in striking distance of becoming the school's all-time leading receiver.

There are reasons to be both concerned and excited about the UNLV defense entering this opener. On the positive side, the linebacker and defensive back positions are full of talented (and experienced) players. Many believe that the strength of the Rebel defense is at the linebacker position, which is anchored by two-time All-MWC selection Adam Seward, already the school's all- time tackles leader with 312 stops. Joining Seward is Ryan Claridge, the record holder for forced fumbles at UNLV with nine already. The star of the defense. Overall, the unit's best player is actually a defensive back, safety Jamaal Brimmer. As one of the top defenders in not just the MWC but the nation (he was named First Team All-American in 2003), Brimmer was also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award a year ago. The two-time MWC Defensive Player of the Year, Brimmer led the league with six interceptions and ranked sixth nationally with 186 yards in returns. Over the last two seasons Brimmer has three picks returned for touchdowns and a total of 27 tackles for loss. The biggest concern for the defense is the line, as not a single starter is back in the mix.

For the first time in SEC history, a true freshman quarterback directly out of high school will start his first career game in the opener. Tennessee will hand the reins of the offense over to either Brent Schaeffer or Erik Ainge on Sunday, but the decision between the two has not been made public. Whichever rookie lines up under center, he will not have the luxury of throwing to James Banks. The veteran wide receiver has been suspended for three games due to a suspension for underage drinking. Therefore, expect tailback Cedric Houston to get plenty of work. The talented senior racked up 766 yards on only 149 carries in 2003 and is closing in on 2,000 yards for his career. When the team gets near the goal line, expect Jabari Davis to get the ball. Davis is a powerful 230-pounder who had eight rushing touchdowns a year ago. As for the line, Michael Munoz, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, is the best of the bunch.

A strength of the Tennessee defensive unit will clearly be the line, as there is plenty of depth at both end and tackle. The best of the bunch is Parys Haralson, a junior who registered 4.5 sacks a year ago. Jesse Mahelona is a 300-pounder who will be counted on to stuff the run both in this opener and all season long. Kevin Simon is the best of the linebackers, and he finished last season with 115 tackles, including 4.5 sacks. Expect him to be one of the premier linebackers in the SEC and possibly lead the entire league in stops. Kevin Burnett is a sensational athlete, as he is a 235-pound linebacker with close to 4.4 speed. The two Kevins form one of the top linebacking duos in the SEC for sure. As for the defensive backfield, junior corner Jason Allen is the only returning starter. At 6-2, Allen has the size to take on even the biggest receivers.

Tennessee is clearly the pick in this game despite the fact that a freshman will start at quarterback. Don't expect the Rebels to put up many points against what should be a strong Vols' defense and a deafening Knoxville crowd.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Tennessee 24, UNLV 6