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*BOSTON COLLEGE 26 - Connecticut 21-UConn needed 16 unanswered 4th-Q points to eke by Duke, 22-20, last week. Huskies will have more vim & vigor for trip to regional rival BC, their first official Big East game. Edge to Eagle defense (only 1 TD in first 2 games). But intrepid UConn (10-2 vs. spread last 12 away) will go down firing behind sr. QB Orlovsky (38 TDP last
1+ seasons).
MICHIGAN 28 - San Diego State 13-Michigan offense isn't exactly a well-oiled machine at this stage, as the Wolverines have gained just 2.4 ypc. Things will get better, but would prefer to take points with SDS squad that hung tough in similar spot at Ohio State LY. Aztec QB Dlugolecki will draw on that experience, while green Michigan QBs learn on the job. CABLE TV-ESPN
ILLINOIS 30 - Western Michigan 24-Illinois dropping in class after running into improved UCLA last week. Both WMU QB Baggett and Illini QB Beutjer (ribs) left their games last week with injuries and didn't return. Broncos 63-0 loss at Virginia Tech a dark sign for WMU. Illini backup QB Bower was 11 of 15 passing for 102 yds. in relief of Beutjer vs. UCLA.
RUTGERS 27 - Kent State 19-Rutgers is 11-1-1 vs. spread its last 13 on board! But Knights' confidence dinged by 35-24 home loss to Div. I-AA New Hampshire. Kent defense (10 starters back; 28 takeaways) has improved. Star QB Cribbs (20 of 29, 2 TDP, 105 YR last week) will keep Flashes inside
number. (DNP...SR: Rutgers 1-0)
PENN STATE 39 - Central Florida 10-Penn State lost element of surprise last week at BC, as Eagles were prepared for new-look Nittany Lions. Trust sr. QB Mills to get Penn State back on track, and Central Florida is off to a very slow start vs. similar opposition (outscored 79-26 vs. Wisconsin & W.
Va). Distractions and ineffective QBing from Moffett (benched last week) & Sumner (9 of 21 passing for 86 yds.) make this trip to "Happy Valley" a potential sad disaster for Golden Knights.
VIRGINIA TECH 43 - Duke 10-Last thing success-starved Duke needed was last week's gut-wrenching 22-20 loss at UConn (Devils allowed 16 unanswered 4th-Q points and missed potential game-winning 36-yd. FG in waning seconds). Pitiless Tech routinely pummels this level foe at Blacksburg. And Hokies (2
defensive TDs last week) geeked for first ACC game. (DNP...SR: Duke 7-4)
WEST VIRGINIA 27 - Maryland 26-Rivalry has been completely one-sided since Maryland HC Friedgen (4-0 SU & vs. spread; won last 3 meetings by 31 ppg!) & WV counterpart Rodriguez took over at their respective alma maters. Major RB ?s for both teams (see Special Ticker). Which QB will make more plays-Mountie vet Marshall (4 TDP last week) or rapidly-maturing Terp soph
Statham (18 of 25 for 268 yards & 2 TDP in win over Temple)? CABLE TV-ESPN2
Indiana 24 - KENTUCKY 23-Unless oddsmakers overadjust for IU's stunning upset at Oregon, prefer vastly-improved Hoosier squad that's flying around on "D" TY (9 takeaways so far; only 17 all of '03). Kentucky HC Brooks still deeply concerned with his rebuilt OL & inconsistency at QB (Boyd only 14 of 34 vs. L'Ville). Doubt he solves problems vs. double-revenged minded, hungry
border rival IU.
MISSISSIPPI 23 - Vanderbilt 19-With week off to regroup following one-sided 31-6 home loss vs. South Carolina, suggest "taking" with veteran Vandy squad that's hung tough in series lately (see Angle). 'Dores smooth sr. QB Cutler (24 of 38 vs. 'Cocks) much more polished than either Ole Miss triggerman Spurlock (benched vs. Bama) or RS frosh Flatt, who've generated a meager 1 TD so far. Rebels 0-2 for 1st time since '87!
(03-Miss. 24-VANDY 21...19-19 V.38/101 M.33/95 V.21/33/1/298 M.22/33/0/275 M.1 V.1) (03-Miss. -13 24-21 02-MISS. -22 45-38 01-MISS. -16 38-27...SR: Mississippi 44-32-2)
GEORGIA 34 - Marshall 22-If Marshall gets off mat following last-second 24-21 loss at Ohio State, doubt UGA runs away from athletic, well-coached Herd, which hasn't dropped 3 straight since joining Div. I-A in '97. Dawgs dynamic QB Greene doesn't greatly outclass Marshall's underrated sr. Hill, who'll move chains again, supported by steady ground attack (150 YR vs. stout
Buckeyes). Dawgs frosh phenom RB Ware hurtin' (see Ticker), and HC Richt's team is semi-distracted crew (LSU up next in 2 weeks). (FIRST MEETING)
MIAMI-FLORIDA 43 - Louisiana Tech 9-Only question here is Miami's intensity post-Florida State. Sure, some letdown likely. But still don't see green Tech QBs balancing attack against hellacious Hurricane defense.
Cincinnati 24 - SYRACUSE 22-Not impressed by Syracuse's win at Buffalo, though Orange defense did regain some dignity after getting undressed in opener at Purdue. Young QBs Patterson & Fields combined for fewer than 100 YP, and Bulls scored both their TDs on fumble returns. Cincy QB Guidugli, a 4-yr. starter, and sr. RB Hall (238 YR & 3 TDs last week!) help Bearcats eke
out win. (DNP...SR: Syracuse 3-1)
NORTHWESTERN 36 - Kansas 30-Kansas gave a good account of itself in first two, but now Jayhawks must venture out on road where they have dropped 4 straight. NU offense is a well-balanced, and should give KU plenty of trouble, especially if RB Herron (possible concussion vs. ASU) is cleared for action. Edge to Wildcat QB Basanez and chemistry-rich Northwestern.
MISSOURI 44 - Ball State 10-Situation favors embarrassed Mizzou, which had 3 TOs in national TV loss at Troy University. However, Ball State possesses neither the offense (just 1 "consolation" TD in 2 games) nor the defense (rebuilding; 59 pts. at Purdue) to cope with angry Tigers (4-0 vs. spread after a SU loss LY). Perhaps hidden benefit at Troy was chance for MU
QB B. Smith (25 of 46, 2 ints.) to get beneficial work on aerial game.
IOWA STATE 21 - Northern Illinois 16-ISU (39 ppg LY vs. Div. I-A) has greatly solidified its defense TY, allowing only 17 pts. in its two games vs. No. Iowa (I-AA) and Iowa. Meanwhile, NIU offense not quite the same TY w/o departed dynamic RB Turner & injured QB Haldi (stress fracture). Huskies had to fend off 2-pointer in closing minutes last week to barely edge So. Ill.
23-22.
MIAMI-OHIO 34 - Ohio 21-QB Hawk well-motivated and has given formerly land-locked Ohio the ability to pass. Hawk transferred to Athens from Miami-O. after playing for RedHawks in '00 & '01. Bobcat "D" had a much better day vs. Pitt (allowed just 2 offensive TDs & 217 yards) than Miami did
vs. Cincy (599 yds., 6 TDs 3 on plays of 42, 69 & 70 yds.).
VIRGINIA 55 - Akron 16-Burgeoning Virginia has scored 100 points and rolled up 1053 yards in its first 2 games! Cavs have several NFL-caliber players on defense; Akron zero. Al Groh now 15-5 vs. spread at home since taking UVa reins.
***NORTH CAROLINA STATE 24 - Ohio State 16-Revenge-minded N.C. State (opened vs. Div. I-AA Richmond before bye week) has been preparing for this game since start of fall camp. Wolfpack defense loaded with speed & athleticism in front 7. OSU soph QB Zwick (4 ints. first 2 games) is still learning, and Buckeye rush attack is still inconsistent. HC Tressel has covered only 1 of his last 9 reg.-season games away from Columbus! NC St. 5-0 as a dog since '02 & HC Amato has been refining gameplan for past 3
weeks. REGIONAL TV-ABC
AUBURN 20 - Lsu 13-Since we're still not sold on LSU QBing, would rather support vengeful, speedy Auburn squad that has stayed pretty basic 1st two weeks. Have more faith in AU vet QB Campbell, who owns the prime-time RBs (both R. Brown & C. Willams exceeded 100 YR vs. MSU) & WRs (8 made catches
vs. Miss. St.!) to stretch LSU defense that struggled vs. pass-oriented Oregon State in opener. Insiders report that AU's clever, 1st-year o.c. Borges has some special misdirection plays in gameplan. Host has covered 4 straight in series.
OKLAHOMA 45 - Oregon 23-Even the biggest-punching heavyweights like Sonny Liston & George Foreman couldn't knock out all of their foes. In football terms, that would also apply to Oklahoma, which despite its power has had only modest success laying DDs at Norman (10-10 in role since '01). Nick Aliotti's oft-burned Oregon 2ndary will get toasted often by Jason White and his Sooner receivers, but HC Mike Bellotti usually good value as dog
Wisconsin 23 - ARIZONA 17-RB attrition could catch up to Wisconsin on trip to Tucson. Star RB A. Davis (eye) and top backup D. Smith (heart condition) are both sidelined, and soph QB Stocco still has a ways to go before he can carry the primary load. Arizona QB Heavner has taken quickly to o.c. Canales' spread offense, completing 77% of his passes in first two
games! (02-WISCONSIN -5' 31-10...SR: Wisconsin 1-0)
OREGON STATE 28 - New Mexico 11-Some curious psycholgical angles. Will OSU be complacent, or confident, facing a foe it buried 55-14 in LY's Las Vegas Bowl? Will UNM be buoyed, or flat, after emotional "revenge" win vs. nemesis Texas Tech last week? Will Beavers be furious, or shellshocked, after last Friday's Boise nightmare? We do know that OSU is 16-5 as home chalk since '99, and that Lobo soph QB McKamey making first road start. If Beav HC Riley can juice up AWOL infantry a bit, hosts can extend margin.
*Toledo 31 - EASTERN MICHIGAN 23-Toledo's early efforts have done little to indicate Rockets can successfully lay points on the road. EMU outclassed in last week's 49-10 loss at Florida, but expect RB Sherrell to control ball facing Toledo defense that's yielded 63 pts. each of first two games. Young Toledo front 7 will allow EMU to stay in game.
*Georgia Tech 33 - NORTH CAROLINA 19-After allowing 38 ppg & 505 ypg LY, UNC has given up 94 points & 991 yards in its first 2 games TY! (Will Heels get Donald Trump to tell HC Bunting, "You're fired!" ?) Tech soph QB Ball (4 TDP last week) maturing rapidly, and he has an impact new WR in blue-chip
true frosh Calvin Johnson (6-4, 215; 3 TDC) and a top-notch ground threat in sr. RB Daniels. Oh yeah, Jackets also have...a defense!
*FLORIDA STATE 31 - Uab 13-Will FSU be sobbing or seething after finding yet another way to lose to rival Miami? Nothing wrong with swarming Seminole defense. But HC Bowden's patience with QB Rix (10 of 28 for 108 YP with 4 TOs vs. Canes) clearly waning (will raw soph QB Sexton get some snaps?).
Play-making jr. QB Hackney, RB depth, and speedy, veteran efense enough to keep UAB respectable.
*MICHIGAN STATE 19 - Notre Dame 17-After extremely satisfying home win over Michigan, ND might not have same intense effort ready vs. talented MSU. Spartan offense got a boost from bruising, 250-lb. RS frosh RB Caulcrick (15-67 rushing), and QB Stanton made his first appearance last week in his
comeback from knee injury. Irish 1-4 vs. spread last 5 in series. CABLE
*Clemson 31 - TEXAS A&M 27-Psychology very dicey for Clemson. Tigers followed come-from-behind, double-OT win over Wake in opener by gagging away victory over Ga. Tech last week with blown punt snap in final minute. A&M feeling better about itself after shutting out overmatched Wyoming. Dynamic
Clemson attack a much stiffer challenge. CABLE TV-TBS (DNP...SR: Tex. A&M
*TEXAS TECH 45 - Tcu 42-Mike Leach 12-5 vs. the spread in friendly Lubbock. Still, potent Horned Frogs were 5-1 SU on the road LY and have rolled up 637 & 562 yds. of offense first two games. Yes, TT's new QB Sonny Cumbie has passed for 470 & 449, but the points haven't been so frequent (only 27 & 24 in two road games). TCU has def. concerns, but is better balanced, and QB Gunn now 10-0 SU as starter!
*Louisville 41 - TULANE 16-Army was no match for loaded Louisville attack, as Cards rolled to 572 yards & 34 FDs in 52-21 road win last week. Tulane's defense has improved. But so has Louisville's (only 1 meaningful TD in first 2 games). Big edge at QB for cool Card sr. LeFors over gangly Wave soph Ricard.
****SOUTH CAROLINA 31 - South Florida 6-After blowing 16-0 lead vs. highly-ranked Georgia, expect rejuvenated, angry South Carolina to hold and extend lead vs. offensively-shaky USF that managed only 93 YP & 2 TDs vs. outclassed Tenn. Tech in opener. 'Cocks maturing, strong-armed QB Pinkins (24 of 39 so far) & rangy, 6-5 TE Boyd (11 catches) are dangerous combo,
while swarming Carolina "D has yielded just 3 TDs combined vs. Vandy and Georgia. Bulls have dropped last 5 non-conference road games by 14 pts. or more. Lay it. (FIRST MEETING)
*Navy 27 - TULSA 20-Shrewd Navy HC Paul Johnson obviously not asking new QB Polanco to do much thru air (only 15 passes first two weeks), but there's no reason for bruising Middie option to get too fancy vs. soft Tulsa defensive interior that was proven vulnerable again by Ok. State's one-dimensional offense. Oppo nents have gotten wise to HC Kragthorpe's unorthodox play-calling tendencies (QB Kilian's QB draws snuffed out in first
2 Tulsa losses). (FIRST MEETING)
*OKLAHOMA STATE 43 - Smu 6-SMU HC Bennett says 6-3 juco QB Tony Eckert (8 of 15, 2 ints. in 44-0 loss at TCU) will continue to get more playing time as Mustangs search for some offense. Until they find it, best to ride with the Cowboys, who have scored 69 pts. in 2 games with a total of 5 completions! But, with their mashing ground game (702 yds. in 2 games), OSU rarely has to take to the air. SMU last in scoring LY; 6.5 ppg TY!
Ucla 31 - WASHINGTON 23-Whereas it appears to be night-and-day difference from '03 for UCLA attack under new o.c. Cable, we halfway expected to hear Rod Serling's voice narrate the Twilight Zone-like lowlights U-Dub QBs in opening-game humiliation vs. Fresno. Until Huskies get something resembling consistency from either QB (jr. Paus or soph Stanback), prefer
more-refined Bruins, who have held upper hand vs. better UW teams than this
*Florida 24 - TENNESSEE 23-In critical, high-pressure SEC East showdown believe UF's battle-tested, mobile, soph QB Leak more likely to move sticks and make fewer mistakes than UT's talented, true frosh QBs Ainge & Schaeffer who've yet to face this much speed & athleticism on defense. Look for Gator WRs Small, Caldwell & Baker to separate from young, rebuilt Vol 2ndary.
And Zook's squad undaunted in noisy Knoxville, buoyed by road upsets LY at
Arkansas & LSU (and at this site in '02)! TV-CBS
*RICE 26 - Hawaii 24-Kenny Hatfield's clever Rice option has proven a very awkward matchup for better Hawaii teams than this the past few years, as Owls have covered last 5 in series. And June Jones' Red Gun not likely to overwhelm improved Rice "D" that put clamps on similar Houston spread looks
in opener (Owls recorded 9 sacks and had shutout until final 9 seconds). Rice 6-0-1 vs. line last 7 on board; Warriors on 5-15 downturn vs. number.
*HOUSTON 39 - Army 28-Slow, small Army defense (52 points & 572 yds. last week!) just what the doctor ordered for sputtering Houston attack (35 ppg LY; only 3 TDs in first 2 games TY). But Coug stop unit has plenty of holes. Black Knights (only 1 TO in opener; 44 LY) not as self-destructive under Bobby Ross.
*PITTSBURGH 16 - Nebraska 15-Well, Nebraska's new West Coast offense sure isn't dull! Huskers have racked up 1057 yards, but also 11 giveaways, in first 2 games. Soph QB Dailey has thrown 6 TDP & 7 interceptions. Pittsburgh offense (only 49 YP against Ohio last week!) also in transition sans Rutherford & Fitzgerald. So. Miss took full advantage of Nebraska's miscues in upset win at Lincoln. Can Panthers do same? (DNP...SR:
*COLORADO STATE 31 - Minnesota 30-Minnesota HC Mason was very disappointed in his team's effort against Illinois St. last week, as he say Gophers were outplayed in a 37-21 victory. QB Cupito (10 of 22 passing) wasn't nearly as sharp as he was vs. Toledo, and the defense yielded 372 YP Look for CSU QB Holland (636 YP 1st 2) to move chains against Minny in Rams home opener. TV-ESPN2 (FIRST MEETING)
*Southern Cal 34 - BYU 15-Understandable if number inflates after disparate performances last week. But BYU not likely down to its 3rd QB (juco Jason Beck) as it was at Stanford. And if there's one coach who has a clue regarding SC o.c. Norm Chow's "scheming" tendencies, it's Coug HC Crowton, another LaVell Edwards protege who helped d.c. Mendenhall guess
correctly enough to make national champs sweat a bit LY at Coliseum. Backdoor open if either of top two BYU QBs (John Beck & Berry) available.
*UNLV 21 - Air Force 20-UNLV stepping down a bit after brutal Tennessee & Wisconsin trips. But can Rebels feel confident facing an AFA bunch that's out-executed them badly L2Ys (pair of 17-point wins), especially since little-used soph QB Steichen might get call if vet starter Nantkes' lingering groin injury keeps him ut? Jr. QB Fitch (back from Achilles) now ready in bullpen for Fisher DeBerry if tr. frosh Carney needs relief.
****ARIZONA STATE 33 - Iowa 20-ASU QB Walter has been sharp, with 6 TDs & 0 ints. in Sun Devils 2-0 start. His experience edge over Iowa counterpart Drew Tate will be a significant advantage in Tate's first road start. Revenge-minded ASU could regain services of C Hodgdon, a boost facing aggressive Iowa front seven. And insiders report Sun Devils much more aggressive defensively in '04, greatly due to fiery, vocal 6-1, 240 juco LB
1+ seasons).
MICHIGAN 28 - San Diego State 13-Michigan offense isn't exactly a well-oiled machine at this stage, as the Wolverines have gained just 2.4 ypc. Things will get better, but would prefer to take points with SDS squad that hung tough in similar spot at Ohio State LY. Aztec QB Dlugolecki will draw on that experience, while green Michigan QBs learn on the job. CABLE TV-ESPN
ILLINOIS 30 - Western Michigan 24-Illinois dropping in class after running into improved UCLA last week. Both WMU QB Baggett and Illini QB Beutjer (ribs) left their games last week with injuries and didn't return. Broncos 63-0 loss at Virginia Tech a dark sign for WMU. Illini backup QB Bower was 11 of 15 passing for 102 yds. in relief of Beutjer vs. UCLA.
RUTGERS 27 - Kent State 19-Rutgers is 11-1-1 vs. spread its last 13 on board! But Knights' confidence dinged by 35-24 home loss to Div. I-AA New Hampshire. Kent defense (10 starters back; 28 takeaways) has improved. Star QB Cribbs (20 of 29, 2 TDP, 105 YR last week) will keep Flashes inside
number. (DNP...SR: Rutgers 1-0)
PENN STATE 39 - Central Florida 10-Penn State lost element of surprise last week at BC, as Eagles were prepared for new-look Nittany Lions. Trust sr. QB Mills to get Penn State back on track, and Central Florida is off to a very slow start vs. similar opposition (outscored 79-26 vs. Wisconsin & W.
Va). Distractions and ineffective QBing from Moffett (benched last week) & Sumner (9 of 21 passing for 86 yds.) make this trip to "Happy Valley" a potential sad disaster for Golden Knights.
VIRGINIA TECH 43 - Duke 10-Last thing success-starved Duke needed was last week's gut-wrenching 22-20 loss at UConn (Devils allowed 16 unanswered 4th-Q points and missed potential game-winning 36-yd. FG in waning seconds). Pitiless Tech routinely pummels this level foe at Blacksburg. And Hokies (2
defensive TDs last week) geeked for first ACC game. (DNP...SR: Duke 7-4)
WEST VIRGINIA 27 - Maryland 26-Rivalry has been completely one-sided since Maryland HC Friedgen (4-0 SU & vs. spread; won last 3 meetings by 31 ppg!) & WV counterpart Rodriguez took over at their respective alma maters. Major RB ?s for both teams (see Special Ticker). Which QB will make more plays-Mountie vet Marshall (4 TDP last week) or rapidly-maturing Terp soph
Statham (18 of 25 for 268 yards & 2 TDP in win over Temple)? CABLE TV-ESPN2
Indiana 24 - KENTUCKY 23-Unless oddsmakers overadjust for IU's stunning upset at Oregon, prefer vastly-improved Hoosier squad that's flying around on "D" TY (9 takeaways so far; only 17 all of '03). Kentucky HC Brooks still deeply concerned with his rebuilt OL & inconsistency at QB (Boyd only 14 of 34 vs. L'Ville). Doubt he solves problems vs. double-revenged minded, hungry
border rival IU.
MISSISSIPPI 23 - Vanderbilt 19-With week off to regroup following one-sided 31-6 home loss vs. South Carolina, suggest "taking" with veteran Vandy squad that's hung tough in series lately (see Angle). 'Dores smooth sr. QB Cutler (24 of 38 vs. 'Cocks) much more polished than either Ole Miss triggerman Spurlock (benched vs. Bama) or RS frosh Flatt, who've generated a meager 1 TD so far. Rebels 0-2 for 1st time since '87!
(03-Miss. 24-VANDY 21...19-19 V.38/101 M.33/95 V.21/33/1/298 M.22/33/0/275 M.1 V.1) (03-Miss. -13 24-21 02-MISS. -22 45-38 01-MISS. -16 38-27...SR: Mississippi 44-32-2)
GEORGIA 34 - Marshall 22-If Marshall gets off mat following last-second 24-21 loss at Ohio State, doubt UGA runs away from athletic, well-coached Herd, which hasn't dropped 3 straight since joining Div. I-A in '97. Dawgs dynamic QB Greene doesn't greatly outclass Marshall's underrated sr. Hill, who'll move chains again, supported by steady ground attack (150 YR vs. stout
Buckeyes). Dawgs frosh phenom RB Ware hurtin' (see Ticker), and HC Richt's team is semi-distracted crew (LSU up next in 2 weeks). (FIRST MEETING)
MIAMI-FLORIDA 43 - Louisiana Tech 9-Only question here is Miami's intensity post-Florida State. Sure, some letdown likely. But still don't see green Tech QBs balancing attack against hellacious Hurricane defense.
Cincinnati 24 - SYRACUSE 22-Not impressed by Syracuse's win at Buffalo, though Orange defense did regain some dignity after getting undressed in opener at Purdue. Young QBs Patterson & Fields combined for fewer than 100 YP, and Bulls scored both their TDs on fumble returns. Cincy QB Guidugli, a 4-yr. starter, and sr. RB Hall (238 YR & 3 TDs last week!) help Bearcats eke
out win. (DNP...SR: Syracuse 3-1)
NORTHWESTERN 36 - Kansas 30-Kansas gave a good account of itself in first two, but now Jayhawks must venture out on road where they have dropped 4 straight. NU offense is a well-balanced, and should give KU plenty of trouble, especially if RB Herron (possible concussion vs. ASU) is cleared for action. Edge to Wildcat QB Basanez and chemistry-rich Northwestern.
MISSOURI 44 - Ball State 10-Situation favors embarrassed Mizzou, which had 3 TOs in national TV loss at Troy University. However, Ball State possesses neither the offense (just 1 "consolation" TD in 2 games) nor the defense (rebuilding; 59 pts. at Purdue) to cope with angry Tigers (4-0 vs. spread after a SU loss LY). Perhaps hidden benefit at Troy was chance for MU
QB B. Smith (25 of 46, 2 ints.) to get beneficial work on aerial game.
IOWA STATE 21 - Northern Illinois 16-ISU (39 ppg LY vs. Div. I-A) has greatly solidified its defense TY, allowing only 17 pts. in its two games vs. No. Iowa (I-AA) and Iowa. Meanwhile, NIU offense not quite the same TY w/o departed dynamic RB Turner & injured QB Haldi (stress fracture). Huskies had to fend off 2-pointer in closing minutes last week to barely edge So. Ill.
23-22.
MIAMI-OHIO 34 - Ohio 21-QB Hawk well-motivated and has given formerly land-locked Ohio the ability to pass. Hawk transferred to Athens from Miami-O. after playing for RedHawks in '00 & '01. Bobcat "D" had a much better day vs. Pitt (allowed just 2 offensive TDs & 217 yards) than Miami did
vs. Cincy (599 yds., 6 TDs 3 on plays of 42, 69 & 70 yds.).
VIRGINIA 55 - Akron 16-Burgeoning Virginia has scored 100 points and rolled up 1053 yards in its first 2 games! Cavs have several NFL-caliber players on defense; Akron zero. Al Groh now 15-5 vs. spread at home since taking UVa reins.
***NORTH CAROLINA STATE 24 - Ohio State 16-Revenge-minded N.C. State (opened vs. Div. I-AA Richmond before bye week) has been preparing for this game since start of fall camp. Wolfpack defense loaded with speed & athleticism in front 7. OSU soph QB Zwick (4 ints. first 2 games) is still learning, and Buckeye rush attack is still inconsistent. HC Tressel has covered only 1 of his last 9 reg.-season games away from Columbus! NC St. 5-0 as a dog since '02 & HC Amato has been refining gameplan for past 3
weeks. REGIONAL TV-ABC
AUBURN 20 - Lsu 13-Since we're still not sold on LSU QBing, would rather support vengeful, speedy Auburn squad that has stayed pretty basic 1st two weeks. Have more faith in AU vet QB Campbell, who owns the prime-time RBs (both R. Brown & C. Willams exceeded 100 YR vs. MSU) & WRs (8 made catches
vs. Miss. St.!) to stretch LSU defense that struggled vs. pass-oriented Oregon State in opener. Insiders report that AU's clever, 1st-year o.c. Borges has some special misdirection plays in gameplan. Host has covered 4 straight in series.
OKLAHOMA 45 - Oregon 23-Even the biggest-punching heavyweights like Sonny Liston & George Foreman couldn't knock out all of their foes. In football terms, that would also apply to Oklahoma, which despite its power has had only modest success laying DDs at Norman (10-10 in role since '01). Nick Aliotti's oft-burned Oregon 2ndary will get toasted often by Jason White and his Sooner receivers, but HC Mike Bellotti usually good value as dog
Wisconsin 23 - ARIZONA 17-RB attrition could catch up to Wisconsin on trip to Tucson. Star RB A. Davis (eye) and top backup D. Smith (heart condition) are both sidelined, and soph QB Stocco still has a ways to go before he can carry the primary load. Arizona QB Heavner has taken quickly to o.c. Canales' spread offense, completing 77% of his passes in first two
games! (02-WISCONSIN -5' 31-10...SR: Wisconsin 1-0)
OREGON STATE 28 - New Mexico 11-Some curious psycholgical angles. Will OSU be complacent, or confident, facing a foe it buried 55-14 in LY's Las Vegas Bowl? Will UNM be buoyed, or flat, after emotional "revenge" win vs. nemesis Texas Tech last week? Will Beavers be furious, or shellshocked, after last Friday's Boise nightmare? We do know that OSU is 16-5 as home chalk since '99, and that Lobo soph QB McKamey making first road start. If Beav HC Riley can juice up AWOL infantry a bit, hosts can extend margin.
*Toledo 31 - EASTERN MICHIGAN 23-Toledo's early efforts have done little to indicate Rockets can successfully lay points on the road. EMU outclassed in last week's 49-10 loss at Florida, but expect RB Sherrell to control ball facing Toledo defense that's yielded 63 pts. each of first two games. Young Toledo front 7 will allow EMU to stay in game.
*Georgia Tech 33 - NORTH CAROLINA 19-After allowing 38 ppg & 505 ypg LY, UNC has given up 94 points & 991 yards in its first 2 games TY! (Will Heels get Donald Trump to tell HC Bunting, "You're fired!" ?) Tech soph QB Ball (4 TDP last week) maturing rapidly, and he has an impact new WR in blue-chip
true frosh Calvin Johnson (6-4, 215; 3 TDC) and a top-notch ground threat in sr. RB Daniels. Oh yeah, Jackets also have...a defense!
*FLORIDA STATE 31 - Uab 13-Will FSU be sobbing or seething after finding yet another way to lose to rival Miami? Nothing wrong with swarming Seminole defense. But HC Bowden's patience with QB Rix (10 of 28 for 108 YP with 4 TOs vs. Canes) clearly waning (will raw soph QB Sexton get some snaps?).
Play-making jr. QB Hackney, RB depth, and speedy, veteran efense enough to keep UAB respectable.
*MICHIGAN STATE 19 - Notre Dame 17-After extremely satisfying home win over Michigan, ND might not have same intense effort ready vs. talented MSU. Spartan offense got a boost from bruising, 250-lb. RS frosh RB Caulcrick (15-67 rushing), and QB Stanton made his first appearance last week in his
comeback from knee injury. Irish 1-4 vs. spread last 5 in series. CABLE
*Clemson 31 - TEXAS A&M 27-Psychology very dicey for Clemson. Tigers followed come-from-behind, double-OT win over Wake in opener by gagging away victory over Ga. Tech last week with blown punt snap in final minute. A&M feeling better about itself after shutting out overmatched Wyoming. Dynamic
Clemson attack a much stiffer challenge. CABLE TV-TBS (DNP...SR: Tex. A&M
*TEXAS TECH 45 - Tcu 42-Mike Leach 12-5 vs. the spread in friendly Lubbock. Still, potent Horned Frogs were 5-1 SU on the road LY and have rolled up 637 & 562 yds. of offense first two games. Yes, TT's new QB Sonny Cumbie has passed for 470 & 449, but the points haven't been so frequent (only 27 & 24 in two road games). TCU has def. concerns, but is better balanced, and QB Gunn now 10-0 SU as starter!
*Louisville 41 - TULANE 16-Army was no match for loaded Louisville attack, as Cards rolled to 572 yards & 34 FDs in 52-21 road win last week. Tulane's defense has improved. But so has Louisville's (only 1 meaningful TD in first 2 games). Big edge at QB for cool Card sr. LeFors over gangly Wave soph Ricard.
****SOUTH CAROLINA 31 - South Florida 6-After blowing 16-0 lead vs. highly-ranked Georgia, expect rejuvenated, angry South Carolina to hold and extend lead vs. offensively-shaky USF that managed only 93 YP & 2 TDs vs. outclassed Tenn. Tech in opener. 'Cocks maturing, strong-armed QB Pinkins (24 of 39 so far) & rangy, 6-5 TE Boyd (11 catches) are dangerous combo,
while swarming Carolina "D has yielded just 3 TDs combined vs. Vandy and Georgia. Bulls have dropped last 5 non-conference road games by 14 pts. or more. Lay it. (FIRST MEETING)
*Navy 27 - TULSA 20-Shrewd Navy HC Paul Johnson obviously not asking new QB Polanco to do much thru air (only 15 passes first two weeks), but there's no reason for bruising Middie option to get too fancy vs. soft Tulsa defensive interior that was proven vulnerable again by Ok. State's one-dimensional offense. Oppo nents have gotten wise to HC Kragthorpe's unorthodox play-calling tendencies (QB Kilian's QB draws snuffed out in first
2 Tulsa losses). (FIRST MEETING)
*OKLAHOMA STATE 43 - Smu 6-SMU HC Bennett says 6-3 juco QB Tony Eckert (8 of 15, 2 ints. in 44-0 loss at TCU) will continue to get more playing time as Mustangs search for some offense. Until they find it, best to ride with the Cowboys, who have scored 69 pts. in 2 games with a total of 5 completions! But, with their mashing ground game (702 yds. in 2 games), OSU rarely has to take to the air. SMU last in scoring LY; 6.5 ppg TY!
Ucla 31 - WASHINGTON 23-Whereas it appears to be night-and-day difference from '03 for UCLA attack under new o.c. Cable, we halfway expected to hear Rod Serling's voice narrate the Twilight Zone-like lowlights U-Dub QBs in opening-game humiliation vs. Fresno. Until Huskies get something resembling consistency from either QB (jr. Paus or soph Stanback), prefer
more-refined Bruins, who have held upper hand vs. better UW teams than this
*Florida 24 - TENNESSEE 23-In critical, high-pressure SEC East showdown believe UF's battle-tested, mobile, soph QB Leak more likely to move sticks and make fewer mistakes than UT's talented, true frosh QBs Ainge & Schaeffer who've yet to face this much speed & athleticism on defense. Look for Gator WRs Small, Caldwell & Baker to separate from young, rebuilt Vol 2ndary.
And Zook's squad undaunted in noisy Knoxville, buoyed by road upsets LY at
Arkansas & LSU (and at this site in '02)! TV-CBS
*RICE 26 - Hawaii 24-Kenny Hatfield's clever Rice option has proven a very awkward matchup for better Hawaii teams than this the past few years, as Owls have covered last 5 in series. And June Jones' Red Gun not likely to overwhelm improved Rice "D" that put clamps on similar Houston spread looks
in opener (Owls recorded 9 sacks and had shutout until final 9 seconds). Rice 6-0-1 vs. line last 7 on board; Warriors on 5-15 downturn vs. number.
*HOUSTON 39 - Army 28-Slow, small Army defense (52 points & 572 yds. last week!) just what the doctor ordered for sputtering Houston attack (35 ppg LY; only 3 TDs in first 2 games TY). But Coug stop unit has plenty of holes. Black Knights (only 1 TO in opener; 44 LY) not as self-destructive under Bobby Ross.
*PITTSBURGH 16 - Nebraska 15-Well, Nebraska's new West Coast offense sure isn't dull! Huskers have racked up 1057 yards, but also 11 giveaways, in first 2 games. Soph QB Dailey has thrown 6 TDP & 7 interceptions. Pittsburgh offense (only 49 YP against Ohio last week!) also in transition sans Rutherford & Fitzgerald. So. Miss took full advantage of Nebraska's miscues in upset win at Lincoln. Can Panthers do same? (DNP...SR:
*COLORADO STATE 31 - Minnesota 30-Minnesota HC Mason was very disappointed in his team's effort against Illinois St. last week, as he say Gophers were outplayed in a 37-21 victory. QB Cupito (10 of 22 passing) wasn't nearly as sharp as he was vs. Toledo, and the defense yielded 372 YP Look for CSU QB Holland (636 YP 1st 2) to move chains against Minny in Rams home opener. TV-ESPN2 (FIRST MEETING)
*Southern Cal 34 - BYU 15-Understandable if number inflates after disparate performances last week. But BYU not likely down to its 3rd QB (juco Jason Beck) as it was at Stanford. And if there's one coach who has a clue regarding SC o.c. Norm Chow's "scheming" tendencies, it's Coug HC Crowton, another LaVell Edwards protege who helped d.c. Mendenhall guess
correctly enough to make national champs sweat a bit LY at Coliseum. Backdoor open if either of top two BYU QBs (John Beck & Berry) available.
*UNLV 21 - Air Force 20-UNLV stepping down a bit after brutal Tennessee & Wisconsin trips. But can Rebels feel confident facing an AFA bunch that's out-executed them badly L2Ys (pair of 17-point wins), especially since little-used soph QB Steichen might get call if vet starter Nantkes' lingering groin injury keeps him ut? Jr. QB Fitch (back from Achilles) now ready in bullpen for Fisher DeBerry if tr. frosh Carney needs relief.
****ARIZONA STATE 33 - Iowa 20-ASU QB Walter has been sharp, with 6 TDs & 0 ints. in Sun Devils 2-0 start. His experience edge over Iowa counterpart Drew Tate will be a significant advantage in Tate's first road start. Revenge-minded ASU could regain services of C Hodgdon, a boost facing aggressive Iowa front seven. And insiders report Sun Devils much more aggressive defensively in '04, greatly due to fiery, vocal 6-1, 240 juco LB
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