Announcement

**Spark** · 09-21-2004, 02:06 PM

TENNESSEE by 18 over Jacksonville
GREEN BAY by 4 over Indianapolis
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OVER 45 total points in the Denver-San Diego game
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
MIAMI 17 - Pittsburgh 13?Dolphins working in 6 new off. starters, but the
end result should eventually be an improved passing game over LY. Marty
Booker providing a threat opposite WR Chris Chambers, and TE McMichael
(14 recs. so far) more active now that he knows he won?t have to be a run
blocker for 90% of the plays. Steelers love to pound the ball, but defense still
vulnerable to the pass (Oak. 297 YP in opener). Will rookie QB Roethlisberger
get his first start due to Tommy Maddox? elbow? Dolphin defense has only
given up 26 pts. TY. Miami ?under? 35-18 last 53 at home.
(98-MIAMI -2' 21-0...SR: Miami 11-8)
HHH TENNESSEE 24 - Jacksonville 6?Tennessee facing much less of a
challenge this week in second-year Jacksonville QB Leftwich and young Jags (only
two TDs in two games), so defenses could very well dominate. Jack. coach Del Rio
loves his big DTs Stroud & Henderson, who will be counted upon to minimize the
damage done by exciting Titan RB Chris Brown (100, 152 YR first two games).
However, Jags offense light years behind that run by co-MVP Steve McNair, whose
mobility and conversions in the clutch should eventually add up to ?cover.?
(03-Tenn. 30-JACK. 17...T.23-15 T.38/133 J.11/54 J.24/40/3/243 T.21/27/1/187 T.0 J.0)
(03-TENN. 10-Jack. 3...J.16-13 J.30/126 T.32/96 T.13/26/1/150 J.15/31/2/145 T.2 J.0)
(03-Tennessee -4' 30-17, TENNESSEE -9' 10-3...SR: Tennessee 12-7)
NY GIANTS 22 - Cleveland 14?Must believe that last week?s 7-takeaway,
20-14 win over Washington will do lots of good for Giant team that had last 7
straight home games (and had failed to win or cover its last 9 overall). And Kurt
Warner got back in the ?win? column in a 22 of 33, no-TO performance. TE
Jeremy Shockey again a threat, and speed WR Tim Carter finally healthy. Such
is not the case for Cleveland?s Kellen Winslow II, DE Courtney Brown (foot) &
DT Gerard Warren (pectoral muscle), all hurt in Dallas game.
(00-NY Giants -10 24-3...SR: Cleveland 26-19-2)
Baltimore 20 - CINCINNATI 13?Ray Lewis & veteran Baltimore defense (33
pts. in 2 games) figures to be too much of a challenge for pocket-passing
Carson Palmer, even if Deion (strained hamstring last Sunday) on the shelf.
Quick Chester Taylor (7 for 76 rushing last week) providing a nice change of
pace from the bigger Jamal Lewis, especially with mammoth LT Ogden back in
action. Bengal defense could not handle Curtis Martin (196 YR) in opener ago
before facing Ricky-less Miami last week.
(03-CINCY 34-Balt. 26...B.21-17 B.29/110 C.28/59 B.15/27/1/281 C.16/27/0/244 C.0 B.2)
(03-BALT. 31-Cincy 13...B.21-15 B.45/223 C.21/100 C.23/31/2/168 B.8/19/2/130 B.1 C.3)
(03-CINCINNATI +2 34-26, BALTIMORE -4 31-13...SR: Baltimore 11-5)
KANSAS CITY 31 - Houston 20?It?s hard to trust Houston defense (26 ppg
on road LY), especially against sophisticated, balanced K.C. offense,
especially with its very efficient OL. Youthful S.D. offense converted 9 of 15 on
third down vs. Texans in opener, with Charger TE Gates (8 for 123) running wild.
And Detroit had TD drives of 61, 79 & 80 yards. However, since Texan offense
maturing, and Chiefs still learning methods of def. coord. Cunningham, will note
K.C. ?over? 23 of last 35.
(03-K. City 42-HOU. 14...K.27-20 K.34/168 H.26/107 K.16/28/2/258 H.24/38/2/209 K.0 H.2)
(03-Kansas City -7' 42-14...SR: Kansas City 1-0)
ST. LOUIS 28 - New Orleans 26? Deuce McAllister questionable (ankle
injury) at our deadline. However, still hesitate to lay substantial points vs. Aaron
Brooks and explosive N.O. aerial game (WRs Stallworth & Horn already have
12 & 14 recs., respectively), especially with Marc Bulger suffering some
growing pains (5 sacks, 2 ints., 1 fumble for a TD) first two games. Might also
consider ?over? the total, as pass defenses of each leave lots to be desired

**Spark** · 09-21-2004, 02:08 PM

MINNESOTA 27 - Chicago 10?After facing McNabb, Westbrook & Owens
in Andy Reid?s veteran, versatile offense, Viking defenders should enjoy taking
their shots at rebuilding Chicago offense and still-developing QB Rex
Grossman, who had his best performance with last week?s win in G.B. But he?s
also been told by off. coord. Terry Shea not to become discouraged by the
many 3-and-outs he?s likely to face TY, and he?s never taken a snap in the noisy
HHH Metrodome. Former Chicago star WR Marcus Robinson gets a shot at
his old team. Big test for Lovie Smith?s quicker, smaller defense vs. big Minny
OL. Bears 5-11 last 16 as road dog (1-0 under Lovie).
(03-MINN. 24-Chi. 13...M.25-10 M.39/202 C.17/80 M.20/26/0/198 C.14/23/1/128 M.1 C.0)
(03-CHI. 13-Minn. 10...M.22-15 M.38/178 C.23/87 M.24/34/1/215 C.13/30/0/145 C.0 M.0)
(03-MINNESOTA -9 24-13, CHICAGO +3 13-10...SR: Minnesota 46-38-2)
Philadelphia 22 - DETROIT 20?Not sure yet about the Detroit defense, but
young offense beginning to flower (Harrington 3 TDP last week), as rookie RB
Kevin Jones keeping defenses honest, and rookie WR Roy Williams (2 TDC
last week) appearing to be all that was expected. Thus, OLmen blocking a bit
harder and defense fighting a little harder. Even with Donovan McNabb &
Terrell Owens representing such a major challenge, young Lions?now with
sharper claws?go down roaring. (98-PHILADELPHIA +4 10-9...SR: EVEN 12-12-2)
ATLANTA 31 - Arizona 17?Rather than counting on young Falcons to
cover a substantial number or on the visiting Cardinals to get their second
straight cover on the road in a dome, might consider a look at the ?over.?
Arizona rush unlikely to bother Mike Vick, who was free-wheeling it (14 of 19,
109 YR) last week vs. St. Louis. Meanwhile, Cardinal offense happy to face
rebuilding Falcon pass defense after viewing the disguise & confusion supplied
by N.E. last week. Largely because of its own weak defense, Arizona ?over? 12
of last 18 on the road. (01-Atlanta -3' 34-14...SR: Arizona 13-8)
HHH OVER THE TOTAL DENVER 34 - San Diego 21?Denver?s new
defense (15.5 ppg) working out fine so far, as CB Champ Bailey has been even
better than hoped. And expect quick RB Griffin to correct his fumble problems
of last week. Meanwhile, new Charger 3-4 defense allowing 76% completions.
And Shanahan?s offensive designs ripped S.D. by combo 74-21 count LY, holding
LaDainian Tomlinson to 29 YR at Mile High. San Diego ?over? both games TY.
(03-Denver 37-S. DIEGO 13...D.24-19 D.33/197 S.18/121 D.16/29/0/185 S.20/41/1/182 D.0 S.0)
(03-DENVER 37-S. Diego 8...D.26-5 D.49/201 S.13/40 D.23/35/2/247 S.9/25/1/56 D.1 S.3)
(03-Denver -3 37-13, DENVER -8 37-8...SR: Denver 49-38-1)
HHH Green Bay 27 - INDIANAPOLIS 23?Much the same as LY, Mike
Sherman?s G.B. team can?t seem to stand prosperity, losing home opener to
Bears after significant win at Carolina. So, even with Edgerrin James back in
top form (266 YR) and Packer NT G. Jackson out, will count on Brett Favre (2
ints.) & A. Green (fumble near Chicago goal for Bears 95-yd. return TD) to put
up fight to the finish. Return of recalcitrant holdout Mike McKenzie gives Pack
good depth in secondary vs. Peyton & slew of receivers.
(00-GREEN BAY +4' 26-24...SR: Green Bay 20-19-1)
SEATTLE 27 - San Francisco 13?Big number. And S.F. (2-0 vs. spread)
has been surprisingly competitive. Still, Seattle now 8-1-1 last 10 overall vs.
spread, and defense (who knew?) has been much better than expected (13
total points in 2 games, both on road!). Back home, Holmgren & crew appear
to have too many weapons for 49er team whose list of wounded (QB Rattay, C
Newberry, DE A. Carter, CB Rumph; check status of all) might be too much to
overcome vs. well-balanced foe making few mistakes.
(03-SEA. 20-S. Fran. 19...Se.21-19 Se.34/147 Sf.29/111 Se.17/27/1/186 Sf.16/27/0/150 Se.0 Sf.1)
(03-Sea. 24-S. FRAN. 17...Se.25-14 Se.32/89 Sf.22/59 Se.24/37/2/305 Sf.22/38/1/231 Se.1 Sf.0)
(03-SEATTLE -3' 20-19, Seattle +1' 24-17...SR: San Francisco 6-4)
*OAKLAND 20 - Tampa Bay 10?Raiders eager for this Super Bowl XXXVII
rematch vs. Jon Gruden, who was gracious afterword, but was obviously loving
beating his old team while miked on the sidelines in film that was shown a
several days later. Gruden has brought in old Raiders Charlie Garner & Tim
Brown in attempt to enliven his 2004 offense, while Oakland signed trashtalking
Warren Sapp to give more muscle to its defense. Will Gruden turn to
Chris Simms at QB this week? Bottom line?Bucs OL has disappointed, and
Gruden misses key WRs McCardell (holdout) & Jurevicius (knee); QB B.
Johnson rarely stretches defenses. CABLE TV?ESPN
(02-Tampa Bay +4 48-21 (Super Bowl XXXVII at San Diego)...SR: Oakland 4-2)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
*WASHINGTON 19 - Dallas 13?Opposing coaches own a combined five
Super Bowl rings. And both trying to get the job done with veteran, retread QBs
and mistake-free, ball-control offenses. Joe Gibbs? mistake-free concept
failed last week ( 7 turnovers!). Don?t expect a repeat performance. Key edges
in this rivalry might turn out to Clinton Portis? ability to provide a rush offense,
and the rabid FedEx Field fans. [Check Mark Brunell?s strained hamstring.]
Dallas 11-1 SU & vs. spread last in series. But there?s a new sheriff in town in
D.C., and Cowboys 0-5 last 5 as dog! TV?ABC (See bottom page 5 for more.)
(03-DAL. 21-Wash. 14...D.24-13 D.40/208 W.16/89 D.17/33/2/192 W.18/33/0/124 D.2 W.0)
(03-Dal. 27-WASH. 0...D.16-8 D.45/222 W.26/106 D.10/24/0/104 W.7/27/4/55 D.1 W.2)
(03-DALLAS -5 21-14, Dallas -2 27-0...SR: Dallas 52-34-2)
(pg. 1, col. 1) ?sensitive? NCAA were moved neither by Williams? plight, nor his
sincerity. A few weeks ago, Williams was ruled ineligible for the entire season.
But it?s the NCAA?s ruling on Bloom that especially grates. Bloom, if you
recall, was the Colorado wide receiver who also is one of the world?s best freestyle
skiers. Indeed, Bloom was so good at free-style skiing that he did the
USA proud by representing it in the sport at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter
Olympics. Subsequently, he won the World Cup overall title, but the NCAA
thought the endorsement money he received to help fund his ski training and
pay for, among other things, his trainer, nutritionist, and physical therapist,
would endanger the ?core principle of amateurism as a college football player.?
Never mind that, for years, the NCAA has allowed players to turn pro in other
sports (such as football plaueys in minor league baseball) and continue to
compete as an ?amateur? in another NCAA-sanctioned athletic endeavor.
Apparently, Bloom?s ski-related endorsements were a different matter, and a
greater threat to the ?purity? of college football than, say, lengthy arrest records
for high-profile recruits at top-tier programs. Brand and the other glorified
bureaucrats at the NCAA never gave Bloom much of an explanation for
denying further football eligibility other than a straight ?no? answer, either.
Again, we ask, whose interests were served by denying Williams & Bloom
their eligibility? The athletes? Their teams? Their schools? College football fans
across the country who would have enjoyed seeing their talents on display?
Sadly, Myles Brand?s ?new? NCAA looks just as hypocritical as the
?old? NCAA. It?s the same NCAA that negotiates a billion-dollar TV package
for its annual basketball tournament, and makes a mint licensing merchandise
for the event, but won?t authorize as much as a dime to the ?student-athletes?
who perform each March. It?s the same NCAA that okays the University of
Colorado to sell football jerseys with Bloom?s name on the back, but won?t allow
the same Bloom to play football for the Buffs because he gets compensated by
endorsements for representing the USA in a Winter Olympics sport. It?s the
same NCAA that allows its member schools to play in endorsement-filled
stadiums and arenas, and permits its coaches to sign lucrative ?side? deals
with apparel and shoe companies, but denies eligibility to the likes of Bloom,
Williams, and a fellow named Aaron Adair, a brave University of Oklahoma
baseball player who battled brain cancer, beat it, and wrote an uplifting book
about it, but was told he couldn?t play anymore for the Sooners because his
name was attached to a ?corporate? product. Indeed, hypocrisy is apparently
alive and well, as always, in the halls of NCAA headquarters.
And with a sanctimonious, publicity-seeking type like Myles Brand at the
controls, not much figures to change for the better at the NCAA. As, we?re
reasonably sure, Bob Knight would gladly remind us.
THE GOLD SHEET PAGE 3
THE GOLD SHEET, Stardust, BoDog and Bet365 Lines
Below are the early/opening lines provided by three major sportsbooks.
HOME TEAM in CAPS. Totals in brackets ( ). NL-No Line.
BoDog 1-866-950-8800 bet365 1-866-823-8365 Canbet 1-877-706-5879
NFL LINES
KENT ST.-Akron K.3½ K.6½ K.7 K.6½
Mia.-Fla.-HOU. M.28 M.27 M.26 M.27
B. Green-N. ILL. B.1 N.1 NL N.1
BOISE ST.-Byu Bs.23 Bs.21 Bs.18½ Bs.21
MICH.-Iowa M.14½ M.13½ M.12½ M.13½
Bc-W. FOREST B.1 W.1½ W.1 W.1½
Purdue-ILL. P.20 P.20 P.20 P.20
CONN.-Army C.20 C.21½ C.23 C.21½
Mich. St.-IND. M.4 M.3 M.2½ M.3
VA. TECH-Ncs V.8 V.7½ V.7 V.7½
FLORIDA-Ky. F.19 F.19 F.20½ F.19
NAVY-Vandy N.7½ N.7½ N.6½ N.7½
Lvl.-N. CAR. L.9 L.7½ L.7 L.7½
Tex. Tech-KAN. T.5 T.5½ T.6 T.5½
Miss.-WYOMING M.6 M.4 M.4½ M.4
UTAH-Air Force U.21 U.20½ U.20 U.20½
N. DAME-Wash. N.11 N.11 N.11 N.11
VA.-Syracuse V.23 V.23½ V.22 V.23½
FLA. ST.-Clem. F.20 F.18½ F.17 F.18½
Wash. St.-ARIZ. W.7 NL NL NL
WIS.-Penn St. W.1 W.3½ W.3 W.3½
Mary.-DUKE M.17 NL NL NL
TOLEDO-Tem. To.10 To.8 To.8 To.8
Cincy-E. CAR. C.12 C.12 C.13½ C.12
Memphis-UAB M.2 M.2 M.3 M.2
S. Cal-STAN. Sc.22 Sc.21½ Sc.24 Sc.21½
ARK.-Alabama Ar.6 Ar.5½ Ar.6 Ar.5½
OHIO-Buffalo O.11 O.13 O.13 O.13
S. Miss-TULANE S.15 S.13 S.13 S.13
TCU-S. Florida T.9 T.9 T.10 T.9
TEXAS-Rice T.28 T.31 T.31 T.31
TENN.-La. Tech T.23 T.24 T.24½ T.24
S. Jose St.-SMU SJ.1 SM.2 SM.2½ SM.2
W. Mich.-BALL ST. W.3 W.3 W.4½ W.3
LSU-Miss. St. L.32 L.29 L.28 L.29
SDSU-Nevada S.9 S.14½ S.14½ S.14½
MINN.-N?western M.17 M.14½ M.16½ M.14½
ARZ. ST.-Ore. St. A.6 A.7 A.5½ A.7
N. Texas-BAY. N.4 N.3 N.4½ N.3
OREGON-Idaho O.31 O.34 O.35 O.34
LA.-MON.-Ark. St. L.1 L.6 L.5½ L.6
Mtsu-LA.-LAF. M.3 M.2½ M.1½ M.2½
S. CAR.-Troy St. S.14 S.14 S.13½ S.14
N. Mex.-NMSU U.6 U.7 U.9 U.7
UNLV-Utah St. LV.10½ LV.13½ LV.12½ LV.13½
TGS Stardust BoDog Bet365
Pitt-MIAMI Pick NL NL NL
TENN.-Jack. T.5 T.6 T.6 T.6(36)
NY GIA.-Cleve. N.1 N.2 N.2½ N.2½(39)
Balt.-CINCY B.2½ NL NL NL
K. CITY-Hou. K.8 K.9½ K.9½ K.9(48½)
ST. LOU.-N. Orl. S.5½ NL NL NL
MINN.-Chicago M.10½ NL NL NL
Phil.-DETROIT P.3 NL NL NL
ATL.-Arizona At.11 At.9½ At.10 At.9½(42½)
DEN.-S. Diego D.10 D.10½ D.10 D.10(46)
INDY-G. Bay I.3½ I.6½ I.6 I.6½(48½)
SEA.-S. Fran. Se.9 Se.10½ Se.11 Se.10(42)
OAKLAND-T. Bay O.4½ O.3 O.4 O.3(34½)
WASH.-Dallas W.2½ NL NL NL
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COLLEGE ANALYSIS
TGS Stardust BoDog Bet365
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
*KENT STATE 34 - Akron 30?Anticipated duel between Kent QB Cribbs &
Akron triggerman Frye will be a doozy. Kent defense was a bit more reliable in
pre-conference action, and Flash WR Dowery had 15 recs. in near-upset at
Rutgers. Cribbs can make plays with his feet as well as arm. But Kent defense
nearly as shaky as that of Zips.
(03-Kent St. 41-AKRON 38...K.28-25 K.44/181 A.30/40 A.36/47/0/407 K.25/44/1/340 K.0 A.0)
(03-Ksu +12 41-38 02-Akron -7' 48-10 01-AKRON -17 14-10...SR: Akron 25-19-2)
*Miami-Florida 40 - HOUSTON 10?Brock Berlin & Miami offense still
looking for consistent rhythm. But defense & special teams have scored 42 TDs
in last 4+ seasons! Houston RB Evans had 282 YR in win over Army last week.
Hellacious Hurricane stop unit (no TDs, only 348 total yards in first 2 games!)
will take that as a challenge. And UM looking to impress blue-chip Texas
recruits. (at Reliant Stadium) CABLE TV?ESPN (DNP...SR: Miami-Florida 9-7)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
*Bowling Green 24 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS 20?BG QB Jacobs has been
more productive and less mistake-prone than NIU counterpart Horvath (4 ints.
at Iowa St.). Until starting Huskie QB Haldi (stress fracture) is ready to go,
Jacobs gives Falcons an edge. NIU RB Harris (109 ypg rushing) isn?t 100%
(dislocated shoulder at ISU), and Huskie defensive front seven isn?t making
enough plays. CABLE TV?ESPN2
(03-B. GREEN 34-N. Ill. 18...B.30-13 B.50/196 N.27/62 B.27/43/2/438 N.14/30/3/165 B.0 N.0)
(03-BGU -3' 34-18 02-NIU +3' 26-17...SR: Bowling Green 10-4)
*BOISE STATE 48 - Byu 19? We never envisioned making George Chuvalolike
punching bag comparisons to BYU football, but troubled Cougs have indeed
absorbed numerous heavy beatings the past 2 years (7 losses by 3 TDs or more
last 22). And high-octane Boise (55 ppg!) more than able to throw some Joe
Frazier-like leather these days. No way BYU can hope to trade points vs.
Broncs with ground game that?s still under 100 yards total... for the season!
CABLE TV?ESPN
(03-Boise St. 50-BYU 12...By.22-19 Bs.45/134 By.35/122 Bs.12/24/1/247 By.21/59/4/207 Bs.0 By.0)
(03-Boise State -7 50-12...SR: Boise State 1-0)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
MICHIGAN 30 - Iowa 10?Michigan HC Carr has valid concerns about the
Wolverine offense, but Iowa HC Ferentz has more serious issues. RB & OL
injuries have hobbled Hawkeye attack (100 yds. total offense at Ariz. St. last
week), and Iowa ?D? allowed 428 YP & 5 TD passes in 44-7 debacle. Michigan
offense figures to pick up if QB Gutierrez healthy.
(03-IOWA 30-Mich. 27...M.18-14 I.37/100 M.33/74 M.26/49/1/389 I.17/34/1/195 I.0 M.0)
(03-IOWA +3' 30-27 02-Iowa +3' 34-9 01-Mich. -6 32-26...SR: Michigan 37-10-4)
HHH Boston College 30 - WAKE FOREST 19?Wake well rested after
home tune-up vs. No. Carolina A&T. And disciplined Deacons have been good
dog under Jim Grobe. Still, game-altering jr. DE Kiwanuka makes everybody on
BC defense (only 2 TDs in first 3 games) better. And Eagle QB Peterson (6-0
SU as starter; 15 TDP in last 7 games) just makes plays. Wake only 6-6 SU last
12 at home vs. Div. I-A foes. Revenge works for road-tested BC that?s 9-1 SU
last 10 away from Chestnut Hill.
(03-W. For. 32-BOS. COL. 28...B.28-16 W.40/160 B.46/155 B.26/44/0/288 W.13/23/2/149 W.1 B.3)
(03-Wake Forest +11 32-28...SR: Boston College 5-4-2)
Purdue 44 - ILLINOIS 16?Purdue QB Orton figures to roll up some huge
numbers facing inexperienced Illini 2ndary that?s allowed 67% completions in
first 3 games and is relying on converted offensive players at 2 positions. Orton
has completed 70% with 9 TDs and 0 ints. in the Boilers? first two games. Illini
QB Beutjer missed W. Mich. game with a bruised sternum, but his rapid return
to health won?t help the defense. CABLE TV?ESPN
(03-PURDUE 43-Ill. 10...P.28-11 P.67/324 I.17/38 P.13/20/0/209 I.17/28/1/153 P.1 I.1)
(03-PURDUE -14 43-10 02-ILL. +3' 38-31 (OT) 01-Ill. +2 38-13...SR: Illinois 44-34-4)
CONNECTICUT 38 - Army 20?After disappointing nationally-televised loss
at BC, UConn sr. QB Orlovsky (33 TDP LY, 0 in last 2 games) can?t wait to get
at small, slow Army defense. But Black Knights (44 giveaways LY; only 2 TY)
not as self-destructive under Bobby Ross, who loves his new weapon, 5-11, 220
soph RB Tielor Robinson (10 carries for 148 YR last week at Houston).
(03-Conn. 48-ARMY 21...C.24-20 C.31/164 A.37/44 C.26/36/2/317 A.26/51/1/200 C.0 A.0)
(03-Connecticut -16 48-21...SR: EVEN 1-1)
Michigan State 31 - INDIANA 23?Indiana?s 2-1 SU start tells one story, but
the fact Hoosiers have been outgained in every game (1438-919 total) is a truer
indication of HC DiNardo?s team?s progress. MSU boasts more, and better,
athletes, a superior coach in John L. Smith, and has No. 1 QB Stanton back in
action (9 of 14 for 122 YP & 8 carries for 49 yds & a rush TD vs. ND).
BOSTON COLLEGE by 11 over Wake Forest
NOTRE DAME by 22 over Washington
VIRGINIA by 33 over Syracuse
PAGE 4 THE GOLD SHEET
(03-MICH. ST. 31-Ind. 3...M.30-19 I.45/117 M.27/104 M.33/41/0/382 I.14/31/0/168 M.0 I.1)
(03-MSU -16 31-3 02-Msu +1' 56-21 01-Ind. +7 37-28...SR: Michigan State 37-13-2)
VIRGINIA TECH 19 - North Carolina State 16?Swarming N.C. State stop
unit held Ohio State to only 137 yards last week. But Wolfpack couldn?t
overcome its 5 giveaways and 121 yards in penalties in 22-14 home loss.
Similar sloppiness will get State blown out of Blacksburg, one of nation?s most
intimidating venues. But if new QB Jay Davis can show a little more poise,
defense & special teams (nation-leading 31 blocks since 2000!) should keep
Pack (11-3 as dog under Chuck Amato) inside number.
(DNP...SR: Virginia Tech 23-17-4)
FLORIDA 34 - Kentucky 19?Since youthful UF may have some trouble
rebounding from devastating last-second 30-28 loss at Tennessee, lean to
developing UK squad that made big strides offensively, even if it was only vs.
Indiana. Wildcats athletic, versatile 6-2 sr. QB Boyd (accounted for 335 yds. vs
Hoosiers, 205 YP) can puncture a rebuilding Gator 2ndary, while speedy true
frosh RB Dixon (105 YR) sparked ground game. Heck, UF?s 3rd-year HC Zook
has yet to beat any SEC foe by more than 21 pts.!
(03-Fla. 24-KY. 21...K.18-16 K.44/175 F.29/93 F.20/35/2/268 K.18/29/2/179 F.1 K.0)
(03-Fla. -10 24-21 02-FLA. -19 41-34 01-Fla. -31' 44-10...SR: Florida 37-17)
NAVY 31 - Vanderbilt 27?We?re no longer getting much of that preseason
?bowl talk? we heard from Vandy after disheartening 0-2 break from gate. But
SEC ?Dores are an upgrade over Navy?s first 3 victims (winless Duke & Tulsa
and I-AA Northeastern). And though Middie option can damage soft Dore
defensive middle as it did in ?03, scouts say new Navy QB Polanco not yet as
dynamic as predecessor Candeto. Capable QB Cutler and his weapons keep
Vandy within earshot.
(03-Navy 37-VANDY 27...N.29-22 N.65/342 V.31/146 V.18/30/0/227 N.9/17/0/160 N.0 V.1)
(03-Navy +5 37-27...SR: EVEN 2-2-2)
Louisville 40 - NORTH CAROLINA 24?Much-maligned UNC defense
finally showed a little moxie in win over Ga. Tech. However, need more
evidence that beleaguered HC Bunting?s stop unit (30 or more points in 13 of
last 15!) is ready to slow the likes of well-coordinated, loaded Louisville attack.
(DNP...SR: North Carolina 2-1)
Texas Tech 35 - KANSAS 28?TT offensive machine has already wracked
up 533, 495 & 586 yds. in 3 games with Sonny Cumbie (10 TDs, 4 ints.) at the
controls. Still, Red Raiders have totaled only 51 pts. in two road games, while
Mark Mangino?s juco influx has helped KU defense limit foes to 141, 298, and
337 yds. of offense, all way under LY?s allowance of 427 ypg. Jayhawks don?t
have the mashing ground game to possess the ball, but they do have their own
budding QB star in soph Barmann (7 TDP, 2 ints. TY).
(01-Kansas +13' 34-31 (OT)...SR: Texas Tech 7-1)
Mississippi 27 - WYOMING 16?Since Ole Miss? remarkably poised 6-6
soph QB Flatt (21 of 32 of 187 yds. vs. Vandy) has developed nice rapport with
quality WRs Flowers & Hill (16 combined catches vs. Vandy), recommend
superior Rebel squad well-focused for strange road game with only Ark. State
up next. Wyoming still lacks credible run attack (-3 YR vs. Tex. A&M), and
unproven Cowboy QBs unable to crack Ole Miss? unorthodox 3-3-5 alignment.
(FIRST MEETING)
UTAH 44 - Air Force 19? Underestimate that ?ol rascal Fisher DeBerry at
your own risk, as he?s apparently found another QB (true frosh Carney 12 of 14
passing in last week?s win at UNLV!) to run the patented AFA option at full
throttle. But still not convinced that DeBerry?s rebuilt ?D? (shelled in opener vs.
potent Cal and then very permissive vs. I-AA Eastern Wash.) can contain
flawless Utah attack and mistake-free QB Alex Smith (20 TDP, only 3 picks
since LY!). Respect Utes? 13-2 spread mark under Urban Meyer.
(03-Utah 45-A. FORCE 43 (OT)...A.26-23 A.70/288 U.40/162 U.22/32/1/297 A.6/15/0/74 U.1 A.1)
(03-Utah +3' 45-43 (OT) 02-Afa +8' 30-26 01-AFA +16' 38-37...SR: Air Force 13-7)
HHH NOTRE DAME 31 - Washington 9? We?re not about to confuse U-Dub
HC Keith Gilbertson with Thomas Edison or Alexander Graham Bell, but his
Huskies have displayed an amazing knack for inventing new and different ways
to lose in their first two outings. Meanwhile, Ty Willingham?s ND finding ways
to win thanks to opportunistic ?D? that made game-altering plays past two
weeks. Frosh RB Walker (213 YR last two) and now-healthy sr. Grant providing
needed balance for rapidly-learning soph QB Quinn and Irish version of West
Coast. And speedy WR Shelton (40 yds. per reception!) is deep threat that?s
been missing from arsenal recently. TV?NBC (DNP...SR: Notre Dame 4-0)
HHH VIRGINIA 46 - Syracuse 13?Sure, Syracuse defense (only 1 TD, 9
takeaways last 2 games) was able to shut down Buffalo & Cincy. Good luck
getting stops vs. juggernaut Virginia (151 points, 1575 yards first 3 games!). Al
Groh now 16-5 vs. spread at Charlottesville, while Orange only 6-17 as road
dog since ?94. Syracuse QBs (only 1 TDP TY) too green. Pasqualoni?s ?hot
seat? warms up after this anticipated blowout vs. ever-improving host.
(DNP...SR: Syracuse 2-0)
FLORIDA STATE 37 - Clemson 10?Sr. QB Whitehurst (only 50%, 7 ints.
first 3 games) getting little time to throw behind shaky Clemson OL. That?s bad
news vs. ferocious Fla. State front 7 (8 sacks last week!). Father Bowden?s
more-balanced Seminoles eager to avenge rare ACC loss. No respite for
Tommy?s over-scheduled Tigers, who lacked energy in last week?s 27-6 loss at
A&M after splitting pair of hard-fought conf. games at home to open season.
(03-CLEM. 26-Fla. St. 10...C.25-18 C.50/152 F.17/11 F.27/52/2/358 C.17/27/1/272 C.0 F.1)
(03-CLEMSON +17 26-10 02-FSU -14' 48-31 01-Fsu -8 41-27...SR: Florida State 14-3)
Washington State 15 - ARIZONA 13?Don?t read too much into WSU?s romp
past outmanned Idaho. Pac-10 sources still not convinced Cougs have a
credible ground threat, and still-learning RS soph QB Swogger (only slightly
more-nimble than Frankenstein on his best days) might be less mobile than
usual after absorbing a knock to his knee vs. Vandals. Mike Stoops? new
spread looks at UA still bogging down too much in red zone, but his Oklahomaimported
?D? bringing lots of heat (allowing only 12 ppg). TV?ABC
(03-WASH. ST. 30-Ariz. 7...W.24-9 W.42/161 A.21/65 W.22/37/1/352 A.19/36/1/133 W.2 A.1)
(03-WSU -29 30-7 02-Wsu -12 21-13 01-Wsu -2 48-21...SR: Arizona 20-12)
*Penn State 21 - WISCONSIN 16?Wisconsin relied on backup RB Stanley
(135 YR) and an active front seven to salvage SU win at Arizona, but HC Alvarez
can?t be happy with his offense. Soph QB Stocco isn?t connecting with his WRs
enough, and the ?dinks? aren?t stretching defenses. Badgers made more errors
in kicking game as well. Penn State offense looked snappy again vs. C. Fla.,
as RBs Hunt & Scott (combined 172 YR), QB Mills (229 YP, 39 yds. receiving)
& slash M. Robinson produced. TV?ESPN2
(03-Wis. 30-PENN ST. 23...W.22-21 W.51/234 P.28/45 P.22/44/0/379 W.9/26/0/140 W.1 P.3)
(03-Wis. -1 30-23 02-Psu +2 34-31 01-Wis. +2 18-6...SR: Wisconsin 6-3)
*Maryland 34 - DUKE 10?Depleted Duke scored on a 35-yard TDP as
time expired to sneak in ?back door? at Va. Tech last week. No such luck vs.
bigger, deeper, motivated Maryland squad looking to vent some frustration
after OT loss at rival W. Virginia.
(03-MARY. 33-Duke20 ...D25-19 D.45/143M.31/131 D.20/47/1/270 M.18/32/1/238 M.1 D.1)
(03-MARY. -27' 33-20 02-Mary. -13' 45-12 01-MARY. -25' 59-17...SR: Maryland 29-18)
*TOLEDO 45 - Temple 34?Finally, home opener for Toledo, which has
covered 7 straight at Glass Bowl. Slick Rocket QB Gradkowski will shred
Temple 2ndary. Can all-fall-down UT defense (53 ppg first 3!) prevent doeverything
Owl QB Washington from trading for full 60 minutes?
(01-Toledo -7' 33-7...SR: Toledo 4-2)
*Cincinnati 32 - EAST CAROLINA 24?Talented soph QB Pinkney (4 TDP
TY) emerging as a play-maker in ECU?s version of Steve Spurrier?s ?Fun ?N
Gun? (new Pirate o.c. Brindise is a former Florida QB). ECU defense (602 ypg
first 2!) lagging behind. But wouldn?t count on inconsistent Cincy attack to
continually extend margin on road.
(03-CINCY 40-E. Car. 3...C.24-8 C.56/361 E.32/57 E.16/26/1/146 C.14/27/0/128 C.2 E.0)
(03-CINCY -8 40-3 02-Cincy -8 42-26 01-Ecu -7' 28-26...SR: East Carolina 12-4)
*UAB 23 - Memphis 21?Give edge to Memphis weaponry, led by star RB
DeAngelo Williams (100+ YR in each of first 3 games). But Watson Brown has
been able to push right buttons against potent Tigers, holding them to only 10 ppg
while winning & covering last 4 in series. If QB Hackney (8 sacks last week at Fla.
State!) gets a little protection, Blazers make it 5 straight.
(03-Uab 24-MEMPHIS 10...M.20-16 U.41/95 M.28/89 M.32/42/0/257 U.14/28/0/231 U.0 M.2)
(03-Uab +9' 24-10 02-UAB +8' 31-17 01-Uab -1 17-14...SR: UAB 4-2)
Southern Cal 48 - STANFORD 17?Props to Buddy Teevens for getting
some of the impatient Stanford boosters off his back with nice 2-0 start. But
trading points with omnipotent SC remains another matter. That?s because it?s
apparent that Pete Carroll?s voracious defense is going to devour any attack
with a hint of imbalance (which would apply to the Tree). And Norm Chow?s
offense back in ?03-like form (46 ppg last 2) after shaky opener vs. Virginia Tech.
Note that Troy now +57 TOs (!) since Carroll arrived in ?01! TV?TBS
(03-S. CAL 44-Stan. 21...Sc.22-18 Sc.41/220 St.31/86 Sc.19/31/0/273 St.19/40/2/156 Sc.1 St.2)
(03-USC -21 44-21 02-Usc -17' 49-17 01-Stan. +2 21-16...SR: Southern Cal 55-24-3)
*ARKANSAS 26 - Alabama 14?SEC scouts tell us Bama?s 6-4 soph QB
Guillon (Miami-Florida transfer) has lots of upside potential as he steps in for
Brody Croyle. But it won?t be reached this soon vs. a young but fast Arkansas
?D? that limited dangerous Texas attack to just 6 pts. over final 3 Qs two weeks
ago. Razorbacks smooth 6-6 sr. QB M. Jones (521 YP last 2 games; 60%) &
underrated corps of WRs give still-? Tide 2ndary its first true test of season. Don?t
expect passing grade vs. the pass.
03-Ark. 34-ALA. 31 (OT)...Ar.28-17 Ar.61/289 Al.31/158 Al.15/32/1/226 Ar.16/27/3/202 Al.1 Ar.1)
(03-Ark. -1' 34-31 (OT) 02-Ala. +6' 30-12 01-ALA. -10 31-10...SR: Alabama 20-13)
*OHIO 27 - Buffalo 19?Buffalo has given Ohio U. a tough time, as feisty
Bulls have covered last 4 in series. Buffalo Soph RB McDuffie gained 122 yds.
at Nevada, and the defense should give a better account of itself dropping back
in class after facing radical Wolf Pack attack.
(03-BUFFALO 26-Ohio 17...B.15-14 B.62/188 O.44/118 O.11/30/1/141 B.4/18/1/83 B.0 O.3)
(03-BUFFALO +13' 26-17 02-OHIO -8' 34-32 01-BUFFALO +17 44-0...SR: Ohio 6-4)
*Southern Miss 28 - TULANE 10?Both teams off unscheduled byes last
week due to Hurricane Ivan. Not surprised if improved Tulane defense able to
hold its own against containable USM attack. But still-learning Wave soph QB
Ricard figures to be frequently flummoxed by Eagles? creative package of blitzes.
(03-S. MISS 28-Tulane 14...T.21-20 S.50/166 T.35/104 T.21/36/0/244 S.11/17/1/231 S.0 T.1)
(03-USM -17' 28-14 02-TULANE +6' 31-10 01-USM -18 59-6...SR: Southern Miss 18-7)
*TCU 30 - South Florida 16?Despite opening at home against Div. I-AA
Tenn. Tech, feckless USF attack has produced only 2 TDs & 471 total yards in
PAGE 5 THE GOLD SHEET
first 2 games. Collapsible TCU allowed 56 unanswered points in about 1½ Qs
at Texas Tech last week. Will Frog defense, which pitched shutout vs. SMU
after getting overrun by N?western in opener, be able to bounce back again?
(03-Tcu 13-S. FLA. 10...T.13-12 T.45/100 S.35/22 T.10/19/0/133 S.15/26/0/104 T.0 S.1)
(03-Tcu +1' 13-10...SR: TCU 1-0)
*TEXAS 48 - Rice 10? Kudos to Rice, which had 405 YR vs. Hawaii (5-9 sr.
FB Bailey 234!), with 5-10 QB Henderson 3 TDR & 2 TDP in 41-29 victory vs.
Warriors. Owls now 7-0-1 vs. spread last 8 games! However, most Texas
players become well familiar with the option in high school, so don?t expect dive
back Bailey to run wild this week. Longhorns led 41-0 at the H in LY?s meeting,
were off last week (more practice for OU clash), and have only Baylor next week.
Shade class difference over hot spread team.
(03-Texas 48-RICE 7...T.25-11 T.53/322 R.44/165 T.11/13/0/193 R.2/8/1/27 T.0 R.2)
(03-Texas -31 48-7...SR: Texas 64-21-1)
*TENNESSEE 41 - Louisiana Tech 13?Though UT in a ?sandwich? spot,
still believe Vols ?feast? on wound-licking La. Tech squad (following 48-0
shellacking at Miami) that lacks the polished triggerman to hang tough in noisy
Knoxville. UT?s gifted, complementary frosh QBs Ainge (16 of 24 for 192 yds.,
3 TDP vs. Florida) & Schaeffer (3 of 4; 38 YR) now exploiting powerful arsenal,
while Bulldogs main weapon RB Moats will feel like he?s drowning in one vs.
UT?s swarming front 7.
(DNP...SR: Tennessee 1-0)
*San Jose State 27 - SMU 23?SMU dropping waaayyy down in class after
facing bowl-level opposition, but Phil Bennett is winless in two tries vs. Fitz
Hill?s SJSU. And Spartans might have uncovered a legit weapon in juco RB T.
Thompson (158 YR vs. Morgan State; orig. signed w/TCU). Any truth to the rumor
that Oprah is buying a car for those eager enough to watch this one in person?
(03-SAN JOSE ST. 31-Smu 14...Sj.22-11 Sj.39/154 Sm.30/69 Sj.23/41/1/294 Sm.11/20/
2/198 Sj.0 Sm.0)
(03-SJSU -7' 31-14 02-Sjsu -6' 34-23 01-Smu +7 24-17...SR: San Jose State 3-1)
*Western Michigan 26 - BALL STATE 19?Which has team no TDs in its
first 3 games TY? If you said David Letterman?s Ball State Cardinals, you are
correct, sir! So, will side with more offensively advanced WMU, which came
within a minute of an upset at Illinois, with backup QB Cubit (former starter at
Rutgers) passing for 273 yds. BSU stepping down in class after visits to
Purdue & Mizzou, but top RB Bostic (knee) through for the year.
(03-W. MICH. 28-Ball St. 20...B.23-20 W.35/167 B.34/111 B.27/44/0/326 W.20/23/0/250 W.0 B.1)
(03-WMU -2' 28-20 02-BSU +6 17-7 01-Bsu +10 35-31...SR: Western Michigan 18-12)
*LSU 37 - Mississippi State 0?If MSU could only muster 1 TD in shocking
9-7 home loss to Div.I-AA Maine, will lay a price languishing Bulldog West
Coast won?t reach paydirt vs. stifling LSU ?D? that held Auburn in check for 58
minutes (AU scored its only TD with 1:14 to play). Tigers young, prized WRs
developing rapidly, so lay lumber with angry host that?s 6-1 as DD chalk since ?02.
(03-Lsu 41-MISS. ST. 6...M.18-17 L.35/163 M.30/31 M.21/39/2/208 L.14/25/1/191 L.1 M.2)
(03-Lsu -13' 41-6 02-LSU -13 31-13 01-Lsu -3 42-0...SR: LSU 61-33-3)
*SAN DIEGO STATE 26 - Nevada 20?SDSU bandwagon filling after
Michigan effort. But before jumping onboard, remember that QB Dlugolecki still
not comfy throwing more than 10 yards downfield, star RB Hamilton (ankle)
remains ?, and Aztecs are 8-16 vs. line last 24 at Qualcomm. Meanwhile,
slamming RB Kretschmer off back-to-back 100-yard games for Nevada, and
Chris Ault?s ?Air Wolf? starting to howl with QB Rowe consistently locating 6-3
WR target Flowers (24 catches!). (DNP...SR: Nevada 2-1)
*MINNESOTA 45 - Northwestern 24?Both of these teams have plenty of
offensive weapons, but Minny has more athletes and speed on defense, and
Gophers have a vastly superior kicking game. Minny RB tandem of Barber
(428 YR, 6.8 ypc) & Maroney (381, 7.8) has been dominating first 3 games. QB
Cupito (expected to be fine after concussion vs. Colo. St.) will do his share of
damage facing shaky Wildcat 2ndary. TV?ESPN2
(03-Minn. 42-N?WSTRN 17...M.20-15 M.44/241 N.35/76 M.12/17/0/331 N.21/34/2/208 M.0 N.0)
(03-Minn. -11 42-17 02-MINN. -16' 45-42 01-NWU -12' 23-17...SR: Minn. 48-28-5)
*ARIZONA STATE 36 - Oregon State 24?Don?t use LY?s 45-17 OSU romp
at Corvallis as a reference for this one? unless, that is, it?s to justify the same
revenge motive for ASU that worked pretty well for Sun Devils in last week?s
demolition of Iowa. Beaver ?O? (only 89 ypg rushing) not nearly as balanced
as ?03 with RB Steven Jackson now in the NFL. Meanwhile, ASU QB Walter
(11 TDP) positively humming with enhanced targets like WR Hagan (6
straight 100-yard games) and all-world frosh TE, Zach ?The Truth? Miller (10
catches vs. Hawkeyes!).
(03-ORE. ST. 45-Ariz. St. 17...A.21-20 O.44/151 A.33/97 A.20/50/4/284 O.15/29/3/246 O.0 A.2)
(03-OSU -6 45-17 02-ASU +3 13-9 01-ASU -3' 41-24...SR: Arizona State 20-8-1)
ADDED GAMES
North Texas 27 - BAYLOR 26?With Patrick Cobbs injured, North Texas
unleashed 5-10, 195 true frosh Jamario Thomas (247 YR!) at Colorado...and
still lost 52-21. It appears Mean Green miss departed star NT Kennedy & their
3 sr. all-Sun Belt LBs more than expected in yielding 137 pts. first 3 games.
Baylor had last week off and is eager ro redeem LY?s 52-14 humiliation at
Denton. Is juco QB King (3 TDs, 5 ints.) advanced enough for BU to get the job
done in Waco?
(03-NO. TEXAS -14' 52-14...SR: Baylor 11-1)
(03-N. TEX. 52-Bay. 14...N.21-15 N.47/327 B.33/85 B.19/29/3/183 N.9/15/1/124 N.1 B.3)
OREGON 47 - Idaho 7? After facing Oklahoma, Oregon might feel as if it
awakened on a beach next to Pamela Anderson as it hosts a helpless Idaho
bunch that makes the Arizona Diamondbacks look downright potent by
comparison (Vandals are pair of last-second TDs away from being blanked in 2
of its first 3). Ducks take out frustrations after 0-2 start. FB Rosario (3 TDC) a
unique weapon.
(02-OREGON -32 58-21...SR: Ore. 51-3-4)
*Arkansas State 30 - LA.-MONROE 28?Both happy to be ?fighting someone
their own size? after rigorous opening weeks. In its last 17 games, Monroe?s only
wins have been two upsets of La.-Lafayette! ASU, with strong-armed jr. QB
Noce (418 YP, but 3 ints. vs. Memphis) and deep group of RBs & WRs, appears
to have better supporting cast than Indians? respected 6-1 jr. QB Jyles.
(03-ARK. ST. 44-La.-Mon. 41...L.28-16 A.37/227 L.42/208 L.24/41/2/330 A.12/22/0/138 A.0 L.2)
(03-ASU -7' 44-41 at LR 02-Asu +3 33-21 01-Ulm +5' 16-7...SR: Arkansas St. 14-11)
*Middle Tennessee St. 40 - LA.-LAFAYETTE 34?In Sun Belt matchup of
two yielding defenses, shade revenge-minded MTS squad (lost in OT as 2 TD
chalk in LY?s game) that owns the more prolific pass-catch combo with QB
Marks & all-star WR Wright, who?ve connected 18 times so for 240 yds. so far.
(03-La.-Laf. 57-MTS 51 (OT)...L.33-22 L.43/139 M.41/121 L.37/56/1/435 M.23/40/1/284 L.1 M.1)
(03-Ull +14 57-51 (OT) 02-MTSU -10 48-35 01-Mtsu -17 26-9...SR: MTSU 3-2)
*SOUTH CAROLINA 31 - Troy State 10?With road-weary Troy (3rd road
game in Sept.) crashing back to earth in last-minute loss at New Mexico St.,
doubt Trojans rise up vs. rejuvenated South Carolina (3-0 vs. pts.!) that now
owns 2 QBs (backup Newton threw for 324 yds. vs. So. Florida) who are more
skillful than Troy?s limited sr. QB A. Leak. Restructured ?Cock ?D? has yielded
only 29 pts. so far, while USC?s swift 6-2, jr. WR T. Willamson (school-record
210 yds. receiving vs. Bulls) has elevated his game a bunch. Lay it.
(FIRST MEETING)
*New Mexico 19 - NEW MEXICO STATE 18? Even at full strength, we
wouldn?t mistake the New Mexico offense for the Kansas City Chiefs, and
Lobos further challenged if backup QB Ena (only 3 of 18 last week at Oregon
State) again forced into action if still-green starter McKamey (concussion vs.
Beavers) can?t make post. NMSU showed it still has a pulse with comeback win
vs. gnarly Troy, and note dog prowess (5-1 last 6) in this heated series.
(03-N. MEX. 24-Nms 17...S.19-13 U.49/145 S.38/106 S.15/32/2/258 U.10/18/2/83 U.1 S.3)
(03-UNM -10' 24-17 02-NMS +7 24-13 01-UNM -10' 53-0...SR: New Mexico 61-28-5)
*UNLV 27 - Utah State 17?UNLV dropping in class after rugged early slate.
But scant evidence to suggest that Rebs can extend margin vs. anybody as
long as QB production remains subpar (soph Steichen again ineffective in relief
of hurtin? starter Nantkes vs. Falcs). QB Cox still capable of generating enough
offense for Utah State to stay within earshot. (DNP...SR: Utah State 10-5)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
*MARSHALL 31 - Miami-Ohio 20?Marshall had held the upper hand in this
upper-echelon MAC series, winning and covering 5 straight until Ben
Roethlisberger?s super 2003 season. And, in that 45-6 loss at Miami LY,
Thundering Herd big guns QB Hill (DNP) & WR Watts (1 rec.) were both injured.
Now, Hill is back, Roethlisberger is a Steeler, RedHawks fighting turnover
problems (14 in 4 games), Marshall defense improved, and HC Pruett eager to end
the first 0-3 start of his career. CABLE TV-ESPN2
(03-MIAMI 45-Mar. 6...Mi. 21-11 MI.44/212 Ma.28/126 Mi.18/30/0/282 Ma.14/25/2/113 Mi.0 Ma.3)
(03-MIAMI -13 45-6 02-MAR. +1 36-34 01 Mar. -3 27-21...SR: Miami-Ohio 30-9-1)
For Final 2003 Logs,
current 2004 NFL & College Logs
and more handicapping insights,
visit our website at
http://www.goldsheet.com
HEAD-TO-HEAD MEETINGS SINCE 2004 (not necessarily Mon. night)
2004 Reg. Seas.: Dallas -2 beat Washington 27-0 at Washington
2004 Reg. Seas.: Dallas -5 beat Washington 21-14 at Dallas
MONDAY NIGHT HISTORY
Dallas and Washington on Monday Night
Dallas is 18-16 straight-up and 16-17-1 vs. the pointspread on the road on
Monday Night Football; 14-9 straight-up and 9-14 vs. the pointspread at
home on Monday Night Football. Washington is 16-9 straight-up and 15-
9-1 vs. the pointspread at home on Monday Night Football; 7-18 straightup
and 7-18 vs. the pointspread on the road on Monday Night Football.

**Spark** · 09-21-2004, 02:09 PM

Washington State at ARIZONA...U of A just 7-17 as home dog over last
decade (1-1 TY under new HC M. Stoops).
Oregon State at ARIZONA STATE...Host has covered 4 straight. And note
OSU was forced to play 3 straight in Tempe before finally getting home game for
LY?s 45-17 pummeling. Sun Devils committed season-high 6 TOs in defeat.
ASU QB Walter eager for redemption after completing just 17 for 42 with 3 ints.
Alabama at ARKANSAS...Bama still recalls blowing 31-17 4th-period lead in
34-31 OT loss vs. Arkansas LY. Tide defense thrilled that Hog RB Cobbs has
moved on to NFL after he motored for 198 yards in 36 carries LY.
Army at CONNECTICUT...UConn showed some kindness in LY?s 48-21 win
at West Point with Husky HC Edsall inserting many reserves after mounting 34-
0 lead at H. Husky QB Orlovsky, however, played all the way, tossing
career-high 5 TDP.
Maryland at DUKE...Maryland players claimed they were ? unfocused? vs.
perennial ACC doormat Duke LY with contest ?sandwiched? between Clemson
& Georgia Tech. Blue Devils outgained Terps 413-369 & controlled ball 36-24
minutes in spread-covering 33-20 loss.
Cincinnati at EAST CAROLINA...Cincy has held upper hand in series,
covering 6 of past 8 meetings, including 40-3 blowout LY?s opener, when
Bearcats rushed for season-high 361 yds.
Kentucky at FLORIDA...Though Florida hasn?t lost in series since ?86, don?t
expect Gators will take UK for granted after come-from-behind 24-21 win in
Lexington LY. Florida needed to score 21 straight pts. in 4th-Q to regain lead, and
Gators were relieved when Wildcats missed tying 49-yd FG attempt with :44 left.
Clemson at FLORIDA STATE...FSU HC Bobby Bowden had been all
business vs. son Tommy, winning & covering previous 3 clashes prior to LY?s
stunning 26-10 upset at ?Death Valley???Noles 1st series loss since ?89! Tiger
?D? limited FSU RBs to season-low 11 YR.
Purdue at ILLINOIS...Purdue is profitable 16-4 vs. spread last 20 on board,
while sliding Illinois just 1-12 vs. spread last 13. Following LY?s 42-10 bashing
vs. Boilermakers, Illinois HC Turner lamented, ? We were physically dominated
early and never really had a chance to get in the game.? He?s right! Purdue led
20-0 after 1st Q. Normally pass-happy HC Tiller fooled Illini by staying primarily
on ground, rushing 67 times for season-high 324 yds. (only 20 pass attempts!)
to only 38 YR for Illinois.
Mississippi State at LSU...New era under MSU rookie HC Croom. But
Bulldogs have dropped 7 straight spread decisions vs. LSU, generating only 19
pts. combined in past 3 one-sided losses.
Iowa at MICHIGAN...Double-revenged-minded UM has circled this date after
blowing 20-10 lead late in 2nd Q of 30-27 setback at Iowa LY. Hawkeyes have
now covered 6 straight in series (DNP in ?95, ?96, ?99 & ?00), including shocking
34-9 upset at Ann Arbor in ?02.
Northwestern at MINNESOTA...Visitor has covered 5 straight in series, and
NW is a solid 8-4-1 vs. spread as visitor past 2+ Ys. Minnesota trailed 14-0 early
LY, but momentum-shifting 96-yd. TD in 2nd Q helped propel Gophers to
dominating 42-17 thumping vs. Wildcats at Evanston.
New Mexico at NEW MEXICO STATE...NMS has covered 4 of last 5 as an
underdog vs. heated rival NM, including 24-17 loss in Albuquerque LY. In front
of largest crowd to ever watch a game in state of New Mexico, Aggies outgained
Lobos 364-228, but 5 costly TOs led to their demise.
Louisville at NORTH CAROLINA...Playing in front of diminishing crowds at
Kenan Stadium (5,000 season ticket holders didn?t renew in ?4!) has been
distinct disadvantage for UNC, which is a miserable 3-10 vs. spread (2-11 SU!)
there last 2+ seasons.
Buffalo at OHIO...UB has been a thorn in side of Ohio lately, as Bulls have
covered 4 straight, including 2 huge upsets in ?01 & ?03 (former by 44-0 count!).
San Jose State at SMU...SMU is 6-17 vs. spread last 23 on board, including
non-competitive 31-14 loss at SJS LY. Spartans led 24-0 at H, out-rushing
Mustangs by 200 yds.
Southern Cal at STANFORD...Stanford?which recruits heavily from So. Cal
area?had sprung 3 straight upsets until getting its comeuppance in last 2
lopsided losses vs. USC. LY, Trojans had 413 yds. to 97 in 1st H, bolting to 27-
0 2nd Q lead. Cardinal scored ?garbage? TD with just 17 secs. in 44-21 crushing.
Louisiana Tech at TENNESSEE...Classic ?sandwich? spot for UT, which is
recouping from Florida battle, with Auburn showdown on deck. Vols just 6-8 as
DD home chalk since ?01.
Rice at TEXAS...UT toyed with former SWC foe Rice in 48-7 rout LY. Horns led
41-0 at halftime, and Owls scored their only TD vs. UT reserves with 5:18 to play.
South Florida at TCU...South Florida looking for some payback after TCU
ended USF?s 21-game home win streak (2nd longest in nation at the time) with
13-10 win LY.
LOOKING FOR AN ANGLE
By Gary Olshan, Chief Analyst
PAGE 7 THE GOLD SHEET
AIR FORCE...Sr. wingback Anthony Butler (ankle) sat out last week?s 27-10
win at UNLV. Starting jr. RG Curtis Grantham (leg) also DNP and is out
indefinitely. ALABAMA...Starting jr. QB Brodie Croyle tore his ACL on Tide?s
first 2nd-half possession during last week?s 52-0 home win over W. Carolina
and will miss rest of season. Soph Marc Guillon (6-4, 215), a Miami transfer
who has dazzled scouts with his play during practice, was 5 of 7 for 71 yards
with a TDP in relief of Croyle and is expected to start this week at Arkansas.
Starting sr. RB Ray Hudson (295 YR on 8 ypc TY) left in 2nd Q after taking a
hard hit and did not return. Blue-chip true frosh RB Aaron Johns had 86 YR vs.
Catamounts. ARIZONA...Starting sr. OT Brandon Phillips is expected back
this week after serving a 3-game suspension. ARMY...Top WR sr. Aaron
Alexander (64 catches LY) & emerging jr. WR Bruce Brown (60-yard TDC in
opener) are both ? for this week?s game at UConn due to undisclosed injuries.
Starting sr. MLB Matt Maimone (arm) DNP last week at Houston and will
probably miss a couple more weeks. BALL STATE...Starting jr. TB Larry
Bostic will miss rest of season after hurting his knee at Purdue. Highlyregarded
true frosh RB Adell Givens, who was recruited by Big Ten & Big East
schools, had 92 YR in 48-0 loss at Missouri last week. Sputtering Cardinal
attack has scored only 1 TD (down 59-0 in 4th Q at Purdue) in first 3 games.
BUFFALO...Starting soph RT Tim Schmidt (knee) will miss rest of season.
CLEMSON...Top RB jr. Duane Coleman had 3 carries in 27-6 loss at Texas
A&M last week, but he?s still far less than 100% due to foot fracture that caused
him to sit out Tigers? first 2 games. Sr. RB Yusef Kelly served a 1-game
suspension vs. Aggies. Starting sr. DE Vontrell Jamison (arm) is thru for
season. CONNECTICUT...Top WR sr. Keron Henry, stalwart sr. LT Ryan Krug
(ankle), and starting soph CB Ernest Cole (ankle) all left with injuries during 27-
7 loss at BC. DUKE...Jr. RB Cedric Dargan (calf) has missed almost all of last
2 games after running for 114 yards in opener at Temple. Devils? top 2 WRs,
soph Deonto McCormick (leg) & sr. Senterrio Landrum (undisclosed), DNP last
week at Virginia Tech. Starting soph QB Mike Schneider left with a concussion,
but soph Curt Dukes, a Nebraska transfer, threw a 35-yard TDP as time expired
to give Duke a ?back door? cover in 41-17 loss to Hokies. Devil defense also
trying to cope with attrition, as starting sr. DE Micah Harris was killed in a
summer car crash, starting sr. DE Phillip Alexander broke his leg vs. UConn,
and starting sr. CB Kenneth Stanford, team?s top cover guy, has been out with
a shoulder injury.
FLORIDA STATE...Starting jr. G Matt Meinrod will miss rest of season after
tearing knee ligament in opener at Miami. But starting sr. G Bobby Meeks &
starting jr. C David Castillo returned to action in last week?s 34-7 home win over
UAB after sitting out 16-10 OT loss to Hurricanes. ILLINOIS...Starting sr. QB
Jon Beutjer (bruised sternum) DNP last week vs. W. Michigan. More-mobile S
frosh Brad Bower (6-2, 210) was 10 of 19 for 177 yards with a TDP, but he also
threw 2 ints. in 30-27 home win over Broncos. IOWA...Hawkeye offense (0
points & only 100 total yards last week!) is struggling with injuries. Starting jr.
G David Walker returned to action at Arizona State after sitting out first 2 games
while recovering from off-season surgery. But Walker is now out indefinitely
after hurting his arm in 44-7 loss to Sun Devils. Starting RS frosh G Todd
Plagman (ankle) DNP and is expected to miss a couple more weeks. Jr. Brian
Ferentz, HC Kirk?s son and the returning starter at C, probably won?t be
available this season due to a staph infection he developed after off-season
surgery. No. 2 RB RS frosh Albert Young & No. 3 RB jr. Marcus Schnoor both
suffered season-ending knee injuries in last 2 weeks. Iowa has allowed 8
sacks and has only 141 YR on less than 2 ypc in last 2 games. Jr. WR Matt
Melloy (knee) also DNP at Tempe. MICHIGAN...Starting sr. TB David
Underwood (concussion) sat out last week vs. San Diego State. True frosh
Michael Hart (5-9, 185) had 121 YR in 24-21 home win over Aztecs. True frosh
QB Chad Henne has started first 3 games in place of top QB jr. Matt Gutierrez,
who?s bothered by a sore arm. Henne threw 3 ints. but also had 2 TDP vs. SDS.
Starting sr. ILB Scott McClintock (leg) was on crutches following the game.
MICHIGAN STATE...Top QB soph Drew Stanton might finally be ready to
return to full-time, as he relieved struggling RS frosh Stephen Reaves (7 of 20
for only 66 yards with 3 ints.) vs. Notre Dame. Stanton was 8 of 12 for 110 yards
& ran for 49 yards & a TD in 31-24 home loss to Irish. Starting jr. WR Aaron
Alexander (foot; 44 catches) hasn?t had a reception in last 2 games. Starting
jr. OLB Seth Mitchell hasn?t played TY and might not return due to chronic knee
problems. MINNESOTA...Starting soph QB Bryan Cupito (concussion) left
late in 3rd Q at Colo. State and did not return. Juco QB Adam Ernst did not
attempt a pass in relief of Cupito during 34-16 win over Rams.
MISSISSIPPI...Starting sr. DT Daniel Booth played only a few snaps vs. Vandy
before re-aggravating a leg injury that caused him to miss first 2 games.
Reserves jr. Michael Bozeman (concussion) & true frosh Chris Herring (calf)
sat out, leaving Rebs with only 3 healthy DTs in come-from-behind 26-23 OT
home win over Commodores. NEW MEXICO...Starting soph QB Kole
McKamey (concussion) DNP in 2nd half at Ore. State. Sr. QB Tali Ena, a
strong-armed Wash. State transfer, was just 4 of 18 for only 29 yards with an
int. in 17-7 loss to Beavers. NORTH CAROLINA...Soph RB Ronnie McGill,
who had 190 YR & 3 TDs on 6 ypc in first 2 games, left with an ankle injury after
running for 38 yards & a TD last week vs. Ga. Tech. Sr. RB Jacque Lewis had
161 YR & 2 TDs in 34-13 home win over Jackets. Starting sr. G Skip Seagraves
(ankle) DNP and will miss rest of season. NORTH TEXAS...Sr. RB Patrick
Cobbs, who led the nation in rushing LY, DNP at Colorado and is out
indefinitely, possibly for season, after hurting his knee in home loss to Fla.
Atlantic. True frosh Jamario Thomas, one of the most highly-regarded recruits
in history of Mean Green program, had 247 YR (including TD runs of 57 & 25
yards) in 52-21 loss to Buffs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS...Huskies hope to have
starting sr. QB Josh Haldi, who?s missed almost all of first 3 games with a foot
fracture, back in lineup available this week for MAC opener vs. Bowling Green.
Soph Phil Horvath threw 4 TDP last week at Iowa State, but he also threw 4
ints., 2 that were returned for TDs, in 48-41 loss to Cyclones.
NORTHWESTERN...Wildcats were without 3 of their top 4 DEs against
Kansas last week. Jr. David Thompson (hamstring) & RS frosh David Ngene
(knee) DNP in 20-17 home win over Jayhawks. Thompson had been starting
in place of jr. DE Loren Howard (8 sacks LY), who was lost to season-ending
ankle injury prior to start of campaign. Coaches used more of a 3-4 alignment,
instead of their preferred 4-3, to compensate. Starting MLB Adam Kadela left
in 3rd Q vs. KU after hurting his knee. OHIO...Sr. RB Justin Roush (knee), who
had 130 YR in opening win over VMI, has sat out last 2 games. SAN DIEGO
STATE...Star soph RB Lynell Hamilton (1087 YR on 4.6 ypc LY) hasn?t been
able to play in first 2 games after spraining his ankle in preseason. Jr. Michael
Franklin had a 67-yard TD run on first play from scrimmage in opening win over
Div. I-AA Idaho State, but he had only 39 YR in last week?s close loss at
Michigan. SMU...Starting sr. MLB D.D. Lee (elbow) DNP at Okla. State and is
expected to miss rest of season. Starting FS Alvin Nnabuife, sr. FS/LB Rico
Harris (hamstrings) & soph LT Darrin Johnson (ankle) DNP in 59-7 loss at
Stillwater. SOUTH CAROLINA...Starting sr. QB Dondrial Pinkins (shoulder) &
starting soph RB Demetris Summers (ankle) both sat out last week vs. So.
Florida. Soph QB Syvelle Newton was 13 of 23 for 324 yards, including TD
passes of 56, 55, and 73 yards to jr. WR Troy Williamson, in 34-3 home win
over Bulls. TEMPLE...Starting jr. RB Tim Brown (heel) sat out vs. Florida A&M,
but jr. Umar Ferguson had 118 YR & 2 TDs in 38-7 home win over Div. I-AA
Rattlers. TENNESSEE...Star jr. MLB Kevin Simon (115 tackles, 4½ sacks, 1
int. LY) hurt his knee in 1st Q vs. Florida and is probably thru for season.
Starting jr. OT Albert Toeaina (knee) has sat out first 2 games.
TULANE...Coaches are hoping star sr. WR Roydell Williams (knee; 66 catches
for 1006 yards & 9 TDs LY) will be close to 100% vs. Southern Miss after last
week?s unexpected bye. Williams sat out win over Florida A&M after not having
a catch in opening loss at Miss. State. VANDERBILT...Starting jr. WR Erik
Davis (foot), who had a TDC earlier in game, and sr. LT Justin Geisinger (leg),
Vandy?s best OLman, were injured on back-to-back plays in 3rd Q of 26-23 OT
loss at Ole Miss. WAKE FOREST...Star sr. WR Jason Anderson (19+ ypc in
his career; 7 receptions for 139 yards in opener at Clemson) was held out vs.
No. Carolina A&T last week after spraining his ankle early in win at E. Carolina.
WASHINGTON STATE...Starting soph QB Josh Swogger hurt his knee 49-8
romp over Idaho and is ? for this week?s Pac-10 opener at Arizona. If Swogger
can?t go at Tucson, more-mobile but raw RS frosh Alex Brink will likely get the
start. Brink attempted only 2 passes in mop-up duty vs. Vandals, but he was
12 of 23 for 251 yards with a 60-yard TDP in previous week?s 20-12 home loss
to Colorado when he relieved the struggling Swogger.
SPECIAL TICKER
by Bill Blackburn, Associate Editor
Memphis at UAB...UAB has won & covered 4 straight in series behind a
Blazer defense that has limited Memphis attack to just 12 ppg during that span.
Air Force at UTAH...Utah continues on hot roll, going 13-2 vs. spread under
HC Urban Meyer, including thrilling 45-43 OT win at Air Force LY. Ute QB Alex
Smith, who hails from sunny California, performed terrifically in sub-freezing,
snowy conditions, completing 22 of 32 for 297 yds. & rushing for game-high 89
vs. Falcons.
Syracuse at VIRGINIA...?Cuse has been road dog without much bite lately,
going 6-17 in role since ?94 (0-1 TY). UVA is 7-2 as home chalk last 2+
seasons.
North Carolina State at VIRGINIA TECH...NCS has been terrific road dog
lately, going a perfect 6-0 in role since ?01.
Penn State at WISCONSIN...Penn State psyched-up for rematch after
playing LY?s game without starting QB Mills (out with injury). Backup M.
Robinson completed 22 of 43 for 379 yds. & 2 TDs. Nittany Lions allowed backbreaking
65-yd. punt return TD, which gave Badgers 24-9 3rd-Q lead enroute
to 30-23 win.

**Spark** · 09-21-2004, 02:11 PM

I DID THE BEST I COULD CUTTING AND PASTING THAT...

**bookie blaster** · 09-21-2004, 02:20 PM

thanks spark i appreciate the info

**drugstuntman** · 09-21-2004, 02:44 PM

much appreciated

**phantom** · 09-21-2004, 03:03 PM

AWESOME!

WoW! bro, that was awesome!!

Thanks !

**Spark** · 09-21-2004, 04:02 PM

Your welcome guys..I hope you can read it ok... This may help... I should have post it like this the first time but it is too large....

**Spark** · 09-21-2004, 04:06 PM

This is exactly as it is posted... I can not post all at once because it is too large.... Good Luck Guys...

NO. 4 VOLUME 48 SEPTEMBER 23 - 27, 2004
FORECASTING FOOTBALL SINCE 1957 !!
KEY TO FOOTBALL ANALYSES
Home team in CAPS. *?indicates night game. Statistics after game writeups are
listed in the following order: Score of game, first downs, rushing attempts/rushing yards,
passes completed/passes attempted/passes intercepted/passing yards, and fumbles
lost. In each statistical category the leader is listed first. Scores and pointspreads (in
parentheses) are results of most recent meetings in series. P?Pick Game. SR?Series
Record (official league games only), with team leading in series, number of games won,
lost and tied. NL?No Line. OPR?Average Opponents? Power Rating (at the time they met)
of all TGS-rated teams played. TGS Key Releases are underlined and denoted with a star (H).
Some frequently-appearing abbreviations. HC?Head Coach (also, college Homecoming
Game, when listed in score line). ?O??Offense. ?D??Defense. DDs?Double
Digits. OL?Offensive Line or Lineman. DL?Defensive Line or Lineman. KR-Kick
Returner. o.c.?Offensive Coordinator. d.c.?Defensive Coordinator. YR?Yards Rushing.
YP?Yards Passing. recs.?Receptions. ints.?Interceptions. STs?Special Teams.
ypg?Yards per Game. ppg?Points per Game. ypc?Yards per Carry (or Catch, for
receivers). LY?Last Year. TY?This Year. Y?Year or Years. TDP?Touchdown
Passes. FA?Free Agent. SU?Straight Up. Games are listed in the Don Best rotation
used in the majority of Las Vegas sportsbooks.
All score predictions are made with Las Vegas pointspreads and over-under lines in
mind. Please note: All selections indicating a preference for the underdog do not
necessarily forecast the underdog as the straight-up winner of the game. A predicted
victory by the favorite of less than the pointspread on the game indicates the underdog is
the preferred side in the game.
NFL ANALYSIS BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THE NCAA
by Bruce Marshall, TGS EXTRA!!! Editor
Longtime TGS readers might be amused by the fact that we?ve finally found
some common ground with none other than one of our favorite editorial
targets... Bob Knight!
THE GOLD SHEET siding with Bob Knight, you say? Isn?t that the sporting
equivalent of the Swift Boat Veterans switching their presidential allegiance to
John Kerry?
Well, not quite. But on one subject, at least, TGS and Knight are on the
same page, as neither of us figures to be joining any Myles Brand Fan Clubs
anytime soon.
Perhaps we should digress for a moment. Myles Brand was the president at
Indiana University who decided to fire Knight as its basketball coach in
September of 2000. (Care to guess what ?The General? might think about Mr.
Brand?). That just happens to be the same Myles Brand who subsequently
moved up the road to Indianapolis to become president of the NCAA on January
1 of last year. Not that Brand?s move came as any surprise to Knight, who
predicted as much, sort of, in his book, Knight, written with Bob Hammel a few
years ago (?...Brand...using Indiana and eventually me as a stepping stone
to...what? The Ivy League??). And any of those who harbored misguided
hopes that Brand might finally bring some reform, reason, and sensibility to the
sanctimonious organization that oversees major college sports must be sadly
disappointed today.
After all, one of the first points Brand made after taking over the reins of the
NCAA was to emphasize that ?...in the end, it is all about the student-athlete.?
We wonder, then, how Brand is justifying that statement with the recent
ineligibility rulings of Southern Cal?s Mike Williams and Colorado?s
Jeremy Bloom, and whose interests were served by those actions? It
certainly wasn?t the athletes in question.
Williams? dilemma received a lot of national attention. Following the lead of
Ohio State?s Maurice Clarett, Williams, a cinch high first-round selection and
buoyed by a Clarett-inspired legal victory last winter, entered his name into last
April?s NFL Draft after his sophomore season with the Trojans. On the eve of
the draft, however, Clarett?s legal victory was overturned by a higher court that
sided with the NFL?s long-standing policy of barring the entry of players who
weren?t three years out of high school. After failed attempts to get that ruling
overturned, ineligibility for the draft, and subsequent failure to be included in the
NFL?s supplemental draft, Williams did everything he could to get reinstated at
SC, including enrolling in summer school and paying back all monies received
from his agent (originally paid to him, it must be said, when he was legally
eligible for the NFL Draft). But Brand and his new, more (continued on page 2)
HHHHHH KEY RELEASESHHHHHH
TENNESSEE by 18 over Jacksonville
GREEN BAY by 4 over Indianapolis
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OVER 45 total points in the Denver-San Diego game
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
MIAMI 17 - Pittsburgh 13?Dolphins working in 6 new off. starters, but the
end result should eventually be an improved passing game over LY. Marty
Booker providing a threat opposite WR Chris Chambers, and TE McMichael
(14 recs. so far) more active now that he knows he won?t have to be a run
blocker for 90% of the plays. Steelers love to pound the ball, but defense still
vulnerable to the pass (Oak. 297 YP in opener). Will rookie QB Roethlisberger
get his first start due to Tommy Maddox? elbow? Dolphin defense has only
given up 26 pts. TY. Miami ?under? 35-18 last 53 at home.
(98-MIAMI -2' 21-0...SR: Miami 11-8)
HHH TENNESSEE 24 - Jacksonville 6?Tennessee facing much less of a
challenge this week in second-year Jacksonville QB Leftwich and young Jags (only
two TDs in two games), so defenses could very well dominate. Jack. coach Del Rio
loves his big DTs Stroud & Henderson, who will be counted upon to minimize the
damage done by exciting Titan RB Chris Brown (100, 152 YR first two games).
However, Jags offense light years behind that run by co-MVP Steve McNair, whose
mobility and conversions in the clutch should eventually add up to ?cover.?
(03-Tenn. 30-JACK. 17...T.23-15 T.38/133 J.11/54 J.24/40/3/243 T.21/27/1/187 T.0 J.0)
(03-TENN. 10-Jack. 3...J.16-13 J.30/126 T.32/96 T.13/26/1/150 J.15/31/2/145 T.2 J.0)
(03-Tennessee -4' 30-17, TENNESSEE -9' 10-3...SR: Tennessee 12-7)
NY GIANTS 22 - Cleveland 14?Must believe that last week?s 7-takeaway,
20-14 win over Washington will do lots of good for Giant team that had last 7
straight home games (and had failed to win or cover its last 9 overall). And Kurt
Warner got back in the ?win? column in a 22 of 33, no-TO performance. TE
Jeremy Shockey again a threat, and speed WR Tim Carter finally healthy. Such
is not the case for Cleveland?s Kellen Winslow II, DE Courtney Brown (foot) &
DT Gerard Warren (pectoral muscle), all hurt in Dallas game.
(00-NY Giants -10 24-3...SR: Cleveland 26-19-2)
Baltimore 20 - CINCINNATI 13?Ray Lewis & veteran Baltimore defense (33
pts. in 2 games) figures to be too much of a challenge for pocket-passing
Carson Palmer, even if Deion (strained hamstring last Sunday) on the shelf.
Quick Chester Taylor (7 for 76 rushing last week) providing a nice change of
pace from the bigger Jamal Lewis, especially with mammoth LT Ogden back in
action. Bengal defense could not handle Curtis Martin (196 YR) in opener ago
before facing Ricky-less Miami last week.
(03-CINCY 34-Balt. 26...B.21-17 B.29/110 C.28/59 B.15/27/1/281 C.16/27/0/244 C.0 B.2)
(03-BALT. 31-Cincy 13...B.21-15 B.45/223 C.21/100 C.23/31/2/168 B.8/19/2/130 B.1 C.3)
(03-CINCINNATI +2 34-26, BALTIMORE -4 31-13...SR: Baltimore 11-5)
KANSAS CITY 31 - Houston 20?It?s hard to trust Houston defense (26 ppg
on road LY), especially against sophisticated, balanced K.C. offense,
especially with its very efficient OL. Youthful S.D. offense converted 9 of 15 on
third down vs. Texans in opener, with Charger TE Gates (8 for 123) running wild.
And Detroit had TD drives of 61, 79 & 80 yards. However, since Texan offense
maturing, and Chiefs still learning methods of def. coord. Cunningham, will note
K.C. ?over? 23 of last 35.
(03-K. City 42-HOU. 14...K.27-20 K.34/168 H.26/107 K.16/28/2/258 H.24/38/2/209 K.0 H.2)
(03-Kansas City -7' 42-14...SR: Kansas City 1-0)
ST. LOUIS 28 - New Orleans 26? Deuce McAllister questionable (ankle
injury) at our deadline. However, still hesitate to lay substantial points vs. Aaron
Brooks and explosive N.O. aerial game (WRs Stallworth & Horn already have
12 & 14 recs., respectively), especially with Marc Bulger suffering some
growing pains (5 sacks, 2 ints., 1 fumble for a TD) first two games. Might also
consider ?over? the total, as pass defenses of each leave lots to be desired, and
THE GOLD SHEET PAGE 2
Arizona 0-2 1-1 11-20 0-1 12-23 1-0 10-17
Atlanta 2-0 1-1 28-18 1-0 34-17 0-1 21-19
Baltimore 1-1 1-1 17-17 1-0 30-13 0-1 3-20
Buffalo 0-2 1-1 10-13 0-1 10-13 1-0 10-13
Carolina 1-1 1-1 21-21 0-1 14-24 1-0 28-17
Chicago 1-1 1-1 19-15 0-1 16-20 1-0 21-10
Cincinnati 1-1 0-2 20-22 0-1 16-13 0-1 24-31
Cleveland 1-1 1-1 16-11 1-0 20-3 0-1 12-19
Dallas 1-1 1-1 18-24 1-0 19-12 0-1 17-35
Denver 1-1 1-1 20-16 1-0 34-24 0-1 6-7
Detroit 2-0 2-0 24-16 1-0 28-16 1-0 20-16
Green Bay 1-1 1-1 17-18 0-1 10-21 1-0 24-14
Houston 0-2 0-2 18-28 0-1 20-27 0-1 16-28
Indianapolis 1-1 1-0-1 28-22 - - 1-0 28-22
Jacksonville 2-0 2-0 10-8 1-0 7-6 1-0 13-10
Kansas City 0-2 0-2 21-31 0-1 17-28 0-1 24-34
Miami 0-2 1-1 10-17 0-1 7-17 1-0 13-16
Minnesota 1-0 1-0 35-17 1-0 35-17 - -
New England 2-0 1-0-1 25-18 0-0 27-24 1-0 23-12
New Orleans 1-1 0-2 19-24 0-2 19-24 - -
NY Giants 1-1 1-1 19-23 1-0 20-14 0-1 17-31
NY Jets 2-0 2-0 33-26 1-0 31-24 1-0 34-28
Oakland 1-1 1-1 17-17 0-1 13-10 1-0 21-24
Philadelphia 1-0 1-0 31-17 1-0 31-17 - -
Pittsburgh 1-1 0-2 19-26 0-1 24-21 0-1 13-30
St. Louis 1-1 0-2 17-22 0-1 17-10 0-1 17-34
San Diego 1-1 1-1 28-27 0-1 28-34 1-0 27-20
San Francisco 0-2 2-0 23-26 1-0 19-21 1-0 27-30
Seattle 2-0 2-0 16-7 - - 2-0 16-7
Tampa Bay 0-2 0-2 8-13 0-1 6-10 0-1 10-16
Tennessee 1-1 1-1 17-19 0-1 17-31 1-0 17-7
Washington 1-1 1-1 15-15 1-0 16-10 0-1 14-20

**Spark** · 09-21-2004, 04:07 PM

NFL RATINGS & POINTSPREAD RECORDS
Arizona- 14 2
5 2
6 4
8 2
3 2
10 2
9 2
10 3
7 3
5 4
10 4
3 3
11 3
2 2
8 3
6 4
12 2
4 4
1 4
10 2
12 3
NY Jets+ 5 3
8 3
3 2
9 3
7 3
11 1
Francisco11 3
5 4
9 2
4 2
8 3
TOTAL HOME AWAY
TEAM CR HFV SUR PSR O/U PF-PA PSR PF-PA PSR PF-PA
0-2
1-1
1-1
0-2
0-2
0-2
1-1
0-2
1-1
1-1
1-1
0-2
2-0
2-0
0-2
1-1
0-2
1-0
1-1
1-1
1-1
2-0
1-1
1-0
2-0
1-1
2-0
1-1
0-2
0-2
1-1
0-2
(See Page 6 for HOW TO USE THE RATINGS) ? CR=Current 2004 Power Rating
(NFL cont'd) Ram WRs Holt & Bruce also off to fast starts (combo 33 recs.).
(01-New Orleans +12 34-31, St. Louis -6 34-21...SR: St. Louis 36-29)
MINNESOTA 27 - Chicago 10?After facing McNabb, Westbrook & Owens
in Andy Reid?s veteran, versatile offense, Viking defenders should enjoy taking
their shots at rebuilding Chicago offense and still-developing QB Rex
Grossman, who had his best performance with last week?s win in G.B. But he?s
also been told by off. coord. Terry Shea not to become discouraged by the
many 3-and-outs he?s likely to face TY, and he?s never taken a snap in the noisy
HHH Metrodome. Former Chicago star WR Marcus Robinson gets a shot at
his old team. Big test for Lovie Smith?s quicker, smaller defense vs. big Minny
OL. Bears 5-11 last 16 as road dog (1-0 under Lovie).
(03-MINN. 24-Chi. 13...M.25-10 M.39/202 C.17/80 M.20/26/0/198 C.14/23/1/128 M.1 C.0)
(03-CHI. 13-Minn. 10...M.22-15 M.38/178 C.23/87 M.24/34/1/215 C.13/30/0/145 C.0 M.0)
(03-MINNESOTA -9 24-13, CHICAGO +3 13-10...SR: Minnesota 46-38-2)
Philadelphia 22 - DETROIT 20?Not sure yet about the Detroit defense, but
young offense beginning to flower (Harrington 3 TDP last week), as rookie RB
Kevin Jones keeping defenses honest, and rookie WR Roy Williams (2 TDC
last week) appearing to be all that was expected. Thus, OLmen blocking a bit
harder and defense fighting a little harder. Even with Donovan McNabb &
Terrell Owens representing such a major challenge, young Lions?now with
sharper claws?go down roaring. (98-PHILADELPHIA +4 10-9...SR: EVEN 12-12-2)
ATLANTA 31 - Arizona 17?Rather than counting on young Falcons to
cover a substantial number or on the visiting Cardinals to get their second
straight cover on the road in a dome, might consider a look at the ?over.?
Arizona rush unlikely to bother Mike Vick, who was free-wheeling it (14 of 19,
109 YR) last week vs. St. Louis. Meanwhile, Cardinal offense happy to face
rebuilding Falcon pass defense after viewing the disguise & confusion supplied
by N.E. last week. Largely because of its own weak defense, Arizona ?over? 12
of last 18 on the road. (01-Atlanta -3' 34-14...SR: Arizona 13-8)
HHH OVER THE TOTAL DENVER 34 - San Diego 21?Denver?s new
defense (15.5 ppg) working out fine so far, as CB Champ Bailey has been even
better than hoped. And expect quick RB Griffin to correct his fumble problems
of last week. Meanwhile, new Charger 3-4 defense allowing 76% completions.
And Shanahan?s offensive designs ripped S.D. by combo 74-21 count LY, holding
LaDainian Tomlinson to 29 YR at Mile High. San Diego ?over? both games TY.
(03-Denver 37-S. DIEGO 13...D.24-19 D.33/197 S.18/121 D.16/29/0/185 S.20/41/1/182 D.0 S.0)
(03-DENVER 37-S. Diego 8...D.26-5 D.49/201 S.13/40 D.23/35/2/247 S.9/25/1/56 D.1 S.3)
(03-Denver -3 37-13, DENVER -8 37-8...SR: Denver 49-38-1)
HHH Green Bay 27 - INDIANAPOLIS 23?Much the same as LY, Mike
Sherman?s G.B. team can?t seem to stand prosperity, losing home opener to
Bears after significant win at Carolina. So, even with Edgerrin James back in
top form (266 YR) and Packer NT G. Jackson out, will count on Brett Favre (2
ints.) & A. Green (fumble near Chicago goal for Bears 95-yd. return TD) to put
up fight to the finish. Return of recalcitrant holdout Mike McKenzie gives Pack
good depth in secondary vs. Peyton & slew of receivers.
(00-GREEN BAY +4' 26-24...SR: Green Bay 20-19-1)
SEATTLE 27 - San Francisco 13?Big number. And S.F. (2-0 vs. spread)
has been surprisingly competitive. Still, Seattle now 8-1-1 last 10 overall vs.
spread, and defense (who knew?) has been much better than expected (13
total points in 2 games, both on road!). Back home, Holmgren & crew appear
to have too many weapons for 49er team whose list of wounded (QB Rattay, C
Newberry, DE A. Carter, CB Rumph; check status of all) might be too much to
overcome vs. well-balanced foe making few mistakes.
(03-SEA. 20-S. Fran. 19...Se.21-19 Se.34/147 Sf.29/111 Se.17/27/1/186 Sf.16/27/0/150 Se.0 Sf.1)
(03-Sea. 24-S. FRAN. 17...Se.25-14 Se.32/89 Sf.22/59 Se.24/37/2/305 Sf.22/38/1/231 Se.1 Sf.0)
(03-SEATTLE -3' 20-19, Seattle +1' 24-17...SR: San Francisco 6-4)
*OAKLAND 20 - Tampa Bay 10?Raiders eager for this Super Bowl XXXVII
rematch vs. Jon Gruden, who was gracious afterword, but was obviously loving
beating his old team while miked on the sidelines in film that was shown a
several days later. Gruden has brought in old Raiders Charlie Garner & Tim
Brown in attempt to enliven his 2004 offense, while Oakland signed trashtalking
Warren Sapp to give more muscle to its defense. Will Gruden turn to
Chris Simms at QB this week? Bottom line?Bucs OL has disappointed, and
Gruden misses key WRs McCardell (holdout) & Jurevicius (knee); QB B.
Johnson rarely stretches defenses. CABLE TV?ESPN
(02-Tampa Bay +4 48-21 (Super Bowl XXXVII at San Diego)...SR: Oakland 4-2)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
*WASHINGTON 19 - Dallas 13?Opposing coaches own a combined five
Super Bowl rings. And both trying to get the job done with veteran, retread QBs
and mistake-free, ball-control offenses. Joe Gibbs? mistake-free concept
failed last week ( 7 turnovers!). Don?t expect a repeat performance. Key edges
in this rivalry might turn out to Clinton Portis? ability to provide a rush offense,
and the rabid FedEx Field fans. [Check Mark Brunell?s strained hamstring.]
Dallas 11-1 SU & vs. spread last in series. But there?s a new sheriff in town in
D.C., and Cowboys 0-5 last 5 as dog! TV?ABC (See bottom page 5 for more.)
(03-DAL. 21-Wash. 14...D.24-13 D.40/208 W.16/89 D.17/33/2/192 W.18/33/0/124 D.2 W.0)
(03-Dal. 27-WASH. 0...D.16-8 D.45/222 W.26/106 D.10/24/0/104 W.7/27/4/55 D.1 W.2)
(03-DALLAS -5 21-14, Dallas -2 27-0...SR: Dallas 52-34-2)
(pg. 1, col. 1) ?sensitive? NCAA were moved neither by Williams? plight, nor his
sincerity. A few weeks ago, Williams was ruled ineligible for the entire season.
But it?s the NCAA?s ruling on Bloom that especially grates. Bloom, if you
recall, was the Colorado wide receiver who also is one of the world?s best freestyle
skiers. Indeed, Bloom was so good at free-style skiing that he did the
USA proud by representing it in the sport at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter
Olympics. Subsequently, he won the World Cup overall title, but the NCAA
thought the endorsement money he received to help fund his ski training and
pay for, among other things, his trainer, nutritionist, and physical therapist,
would endanger the ?core principle of amateurism as a college football player.?
Never mind that, for years, the NCAA has allowed players to turn pro in other
sports (such as football plaueys in minor league baseball) and continue to
compete as an ?amateur? in another NCAA-sanctioned athletic endeavor.
Apparently, Bloom?s ski-related endorsements were a different matter, and a
greater threat to the ?purity? of college football than, say, lengthy arrest records
for high-profile recruits at top-tier programs. Brand and the other glorified
bureaucrats at the NCAA never gave Bloom much of an explanation for
denying further football eligibility other than a straight ?no? answer, either.
Again, we ask, whose interests were served by denying Williams & Bloom
their eligibility? The athletes? Their teams? Their schools? College football fans
across the country who would have enjoyed seeing their talents on display?
Sadly, Myles Brand?s ?new? NCAA looks just as hypocritical as the
?old? NCAA. It?s the same NCAA that negotiates a billion-dollar TV package
for its annual basketball tournament, and makes a mint licensing merchandise
for the event, but won?t authorize as much as a dime to the ?student-athletes?
who perform each March. It?s the same NCAA that okays the University of
Colorado to sell football jerseys with Bloom?s name on the back, but won?t allow
the same Bloom to play football for the Buffs because he gets compensated by
endorsements for representing the USA in a Winter Olympics sport. It?s the
same NCAA that allows its member schools to play in endorsement-filled
stadiums and arenas, and permits its coaches to sign lucrative ?side? deals
with apparel and shoe companies, but denies eligibility to the likes of Bloom,
Williams, and a fellow named Aaron Adair, a brave University of Oklahoma
baseball player who battled brain cancer, beat it, and wrote an uplifting book
about it, but was told he couldn?t play anymore for the Sooners because his
name was attached to a ?corporate? product. Indeed, hypocrisy is apparently
alive and well, as always, in the halls of NCAA headquarters.
And with a sanctimonious, publicity-seeking type like Myles Brand at the
controls, not much figures to change for the better at the NCAA. As, we?re
reasonably sure, Bob Knight would gladly remind us.
THE GOLD SHEET PAGE 3
THE GOLD SHEET, Stardust, BoDog and Bet365 Lines
Below are the early/opening lines provided by three major sportsbooks.
HOME TEAM in CAPS. Totals in brackets ( ). NL-No Line.
BoDog 1-866-950-8800 bet365 1-866-823-8365 Canbet 1-877-706-5879
NFL LINES
KENT ST.-Akron K.3½ K.6½ K.7 K.6½
Mia.-Fla.-HOU. M.28 M.27 M.26 M.27
B. Green-N. ILL. B.1 N.1 NL N.1
BOISE ST.-Byu Bs.23 Bs.21 Bs.18½ Bs.21
MICH.-Iowa M.14½ M.13½ M.12½ M.13½
Bc-W. FOREST B.1 W.1½ W.1 W.1½
Purdue-ILL. P.20 P.20 P.20 P.20
CONN.-Army C.20 C.21½ C.23 C.21½
Mich. St.-IND. M.4 M.3 M.2½ M.3
VA. TECH-Ncs V.8 V.7½ V.7 V.7½
FLORIDA-Ky. F.19 F.19 F.20½ F.19
NAVY-Vandy N.7½ N.7½ N.6½ N.7½
Lvl.-N. CAR. L.9 L.7½ L.7 L.7½
Tex. Tech-KAN. T.5 T.5½ T.6 T.5½
Miss.-WYOMING M.6 M.4 M.4½ M.4
UTAH-Air Force U.21 U.20½ U.20 U.20½
N. DAME-Wash. N.11 N.11 N.11 N.11
VA.-Syracuse V.23 V.23½ V.22 V.23½
FLA. ST.-Clem. F.20 F.18½ F.17 F.18½
Wash. St.-ARIZ. W.7 NL NL NL
WIS.-Penn St. W.1 W.3½ W.3 W.3½
Mary.-DUKE M.17 NL NL NL
TOLEDO-Tem. To.10 To.8 To.8 To.8
Cincy-E. CAR. C.12 C.12 C.13½ C.12
Memphis-UAB M.2 M.2 M.3 M.2
S. Cal-STAN. Sc.22 Sc.21½ Sc.24 Sc.21½
ARK.-Alabama Ar.6 Ar.5½ Ar.6 Ar.5½
OHIO-Buffalo O.11 O.13 O.13 O.13
S. Miss-TULANE S.15 S.13 S.13 S.13
TCU-S. Florida T.9 T.9 T.10 T.9
TEXAS-Rice T.28 T.31 T.31 T.31
TENN.-La. Tech T.23 T.24 T.24½ T.24
S. Jose St.-SMU SJ.1 SM.2 SM.2½ SM.2
W. Mich.-BALL ST. W.3 W.3 W.4½ W.3
LSU-Miss. St. L.32 L.29 L.28 L.29
SDSU-Nevada S.9 S.14½ S.14½ S.14½
MINN.-N?western M.17 M.14½ M.16½ M.14½
ARZ. ST.-Ore. St. A.6 A.7 A.5½ A.7
N. Texas-BAY. N.4 N.3 N.4½ N.3
OREGON-Idaho O.31 O.34 O.35 O.34
LA.-MON.-Ark. St. L.1 L.6 L.5½ L.6
Mtsu-LA.-LAF. M.3 M.2½ M.1½ M.2½
S. CAR.-Troy St. S.14 S.14 S.13½ S.14
N. Mex.-NMSU U.6 U.7 U.9 U.7
UNLV-Utah St. LV.10½ LV.13½ LV.12½ LV.13½
TGS Stardust BoDog Bet365
Pitt-MIAMI Pick NL NL NL
TENN.-Jack. T.5 T.6 T.6 T.6(36)
NY GIA.-Cleve. N.1 N.2 N.2½ N.2½(39)
Balt.-CINCY B.2½ NL NL NL
K. CITY-Hou. K.8 K.9½ K.9½ K.9(48½)
ST. LOU.-N. Orl. S.5½ NL NL NL
MINN.-Chicago M.10½ NL NL NL
Phil.-DETROIT P.3 NL NL NL
ATL.-Arizona At.11 At.9½ At.10 At.9½(42½)
DEN.-S. Diego D.10 D.10½ D.10 D.10(46)
INDY-G. Bay I.3½ I.6½ I.6 I.6½(48½)
SEA.-S. Fran. Se.9 Se.10½ Se.11 Se.10(42)
OAKLAND-T. Bay O.4½ O.3 O.4 O.3(34½)
WASH.-Dallas W.2½ NL NL NL
uuuuuKEY RELEASESuuuuu
uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
COLLEGE ANALYSIS
TGS Stardust BoDog Bet365
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
*KENT STATE 34 - Akron 30?Anticipated duel between Kent QB Cribbs &
Akron triggerman Frye will be a doozy. Kent defense was a bit more reliable in
pre-conference action, and Flash WR Dowery had 15 recs. in near-upset at
Rutgers. Cribbs can make plays with his feet as well as arm. But Kent defense
nearly as shaky as that of Zips.
(03-Kent St. 41-AKRON 38...K.28-25 K.44/181 A.30/40 A.36/47/0/407 K.25/44/1/340 K.0 A.0)
(03-Ksu +12 41-38 02-Akron -7' 48-10 01-AKRON -17 14-10...SR: Akron 25-19-2)
*Miami-Florida 40 - HOUSTON 10?Brock Berlin & Miami offense still
looking for consistent rhythm. But defense & special teams have scored 42 TDs
in last 4+ seasons! Houston RB Evans had 282 YR in win over Army last week.
Hellacious Hurricane stop unit (no TDs, only 348 total yards in first 2 games!)
will take that as a challenge. And UM looking to impress blue-chip Texas
recruits. (at Reliant Stadium) CABLE TV?ESPN (DNP...SR: Miami-Florida 9-7)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
*Bowling Green 24 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS 20?BG QB Jacobs has been
more productive and less mistake-prone than NIU counterpart Horvath (4 ints.
at Iowa St.). Until starting Huskie QB Haldi (stress fracture) is ready to go,
Jacobs gives Falcons an edge. NIU RB Harris (109 ypg rushing) isn?t 100%
(dislocated shoulder at ISU), and Huskie defensive front seven isn?t making
enough plays. CABLE TV?ESPN2
(03-B. GREEN 34-N. Ill. 18...B.30-13 B.50/196 N.27/62 B.27/43/2/438 N.14/30/3/165 B.0 N.0)
(03-BGU -3' 34-18 02-NIU +3' 26-17...SR: Bowling Green 10-4)
*BOISE STATE 48 - Byu 19? We never envisioned making George Chuvalolike
punching bag comparisons to BYU football, but troubled Cougs have indeed
absorbed numerous heavy beatings the past 2 years (7 losses by 3 TDs or more
last 22). And high-octane Boise (55 ppg!) more than able to throw some Joe
Frazier-like leather these days. No way BYU can hope to trade points vs.
Broncs with ground game that?s still under 100 yards total... for the season!
CABLE TV?ESPN
(03-Boise St. 50-BYU 12...By.22-19 Bs.45/134 By.35/122 Bs.12/24/1/247 By.21/59/4/207 Bs.0 By.0)
(03-Boise State -7 50-12...SR: Boise State 1-0)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
MICHIGAN 30 - Iowa 10?Michigan HC Carr has valid concerns about the
Wolverine offense, but Iowa HC Ferentz has more serious issues. RB & OL
injuries have hobbled Hawkeye attack (100 yds. total offense at Ariz. St. last
week), and Iowa ?D? allowed 428 YP & 5 TD passes in 44-7 debacle. Michigan
offense figures to pick up if QB Gutierrez healthy.
(03-IOWA 30-Mich. 27...M.18-14 I.37/100 M.33/74 M.26/49/1/389 I.17/34/1/195 I.0 M.0)
(03-IOWA +3' 30-27 02-Iowa +3' 34-9 01-Mich. -6 32-26...SR: Michigan 37-10-4)
HHH Boston College 30 - WAKE FOREST 19?Wake well rested after
home tune-up vs. No. Carolina A&T. And disciplined Deacons have been good
dog under Jim Grobe. Still, game-altering jr. DE Kiwanuka makes everybody on
BC defense (only 2 TDs in first 3 games) better. And Eagle QB Peterson (6-0
SU as starter; 15 TDP in last 7 games) just makes plays. Wake only 6-6 SU last
12 at home vs. Div. I-A foes. Revenge works for road-tested BC that?s 9-1 SU
last 10 away from Chestnut Hill.
(03-W. For. 32-BOS. COL. 28...B.28-16 W.40/160 B.46/155 B.26/44/0/288 W.13/23/2/149 W.1 B.3)
(03-Wake Forest +11 32-28...SR: Boston College 5-4-2)
Purdue 44 - ILLINOIS 16?Purdue QB Orton figures to roll up some huge
numbers facing inexperienced Illini 2ndary that?s allowed 67% completions in
first 3 games and is relying on converted offensive players at 2 positions. Orton
has completed 70% with 9 TDs and 0 ints. in the Boilers? first two games. Illini
QB Beutjer missed W. Mich. game with a bruised sternum, but his rapid return
to health won?t help the defense. CABLE TV?ESPN
(03-PURDUE 43-Ill. 10...P.28-11 P.67/324 I.17/38 P.13/20/0/209 I.17/28/1/153 P.1 I.1)
(03-PURDUE -14 43-10 02-ILL. +3' 38-31 (OT) 01-Ill. +2 38-13...SR: Illinois 44-34-4)
CONNECTICUT 38 - Army 20?After disappointing nationally-televised loss
at BC, UConn sr. QB Orlovsky (33 TDP LY, 0 in last 2 games) can?t wait to get
at small, slow Army defense. But Black Knights (44 giveaways LY; only 2 TY)
not as self-destructive under Bobby Ross, who loves his new weapon, 5-11, 220
soph RB Tielor Robinson (10 carries for 148 YR last week at Houston).
(03-Conn. 48-ARMY 21...C.24-20 C.31/164 A.37/44 C.26/36/2/317 A.26/51/1/200 C.0 A.0)
(03-Connecticut -16 48-21...SR: EVEN 1-1)
Michigan State 31 - INDIANA 23?Indiana?s 2-1 SU start tells one story, but
the fact Hoosiers have been outgained in every game (1438-919 total) is a truer
indication of HC DiNardo?s team?s progress. MSU boasts more, and better,
athletes, a superior coach in John L. Smith, and has No. 1 QB Stanton back in
action (9 of 14 for 122 YP & 8 carries for 49 yds & a rush TD vs. ND).
BOSTON COLLEGE by 11 over Wake Forest
NOTRE DAME by 22 over Washington
VIRGINIA by 33 over Syracuse
PAGE 4 THE GOLD SHEET
(03-MICH. ST. 31-Ind. 3...M.30-19 I.45/117 M.27/104 M.33/41/0/382 I.14/31/0/168 M.0 I.1)
(03-MSU -16 31-3 02-Msu +1' 56-21 01-Ind. +7 37-28...SR: Michigan State 37-13-2)
VIRGINIA TECH 19 - North Carolina State 16?Swarming N.C. State stop
unit held Ohio State to only 137 yards last week. But Wolfpack couldn?t
overcome its 5 giveaways and 121 yards in penalties in 22-14 home loss.
Similar sloppiness will get State blown out of Blacksburg, one of nation?s most
intimidating venues. But if new QB Jay Davis can show a little more poise,
defense & special teams (nation-leading 31 blocks since 2000!) should keep
Pack (11-3 as dog under Chuck Amato) inside number.
(DNP...SR: Virginia Tech 23-17-4)
FLORIDA 34 - Kentucky 19?Since youthful UF may have some trouble
rebounding from devastating last-second 30-28 loss at Tennessee, lean to
developing UK squad that made big strides offensively, even if it was only vs.
Indiana. Wildcats athletic, versatile 6-2 sr. QB Boyd (accounted for 335 yds. vs
Hoosiers, 205 YP) can puncture a rebuilding Gator 2ndary, while speedy true
frosh RB Dixon (105 YR) sparked ground game. Heck, UF?s 3rd-year HC Zook
has yet to beat any SEC foe by more than 21 pts.!
(03-Fla. 24-KY. 21...K.18-16 K.44/175 F.29/93 F.20/35/2/268 K.18/29/2/179 F.1 K.0)
(03-Fla. -10 24-21 02-FLA. -19 41-34 01-Fla. -31' 44-10...SR: Florida 37-17)
NAVY 31 - Vanderbilt 27?We?re no longer getting much of that preseason
?bowl talk? we heard from Vandy after disheartening 0-2 break from gate. But
SEC ?Dores are an upgrade over Navy?s first 3 victims (winless Duke & Tulsa
and I-AA Northeastern). And though Middie option can damage soft Dore
defensive middle as it did in ?03, scouts say new Navy QB Polanco not yet as
dynamic as predecessor Candeto. Capable QB Cutler and his weapons keep
Vandy within earshot.
(03-Navy 37-VANDY 27...N.29-22 N.65/342 V.31/146 V.18/30/0/227 N.9/17/0/160 N.0 V.1)
(03-Navy +5 37-27...SR: EVEN 2-2-2)
Louisville 40 - NORTH CAROLINA 24?Much-maligned UNC defense
finally showed a little moxie in win over Ga. Tech. However, need more
evidence that beleaguered HC Bunting?s stop unit (30 or more points in 13 of
last 15!) is ready to slow the likes of well-coordinated, loaded Louisville attack.
(DNP...SR: North Carolina 2-1)
Texas Tech 35 - KANSAS 28?TT offensive machine has already wracked
up 533, 495 & 586 yds. in 3 games with Sonny Cumbie (10 TDs, 4 ints.) at the
controls. Still, Red Raiders have totaled only 51 pts. in two road games, while
Mark Mangino?s juco influx has helped KU defense limit foes to 141, 298, and
337 yds. of offense, all way under LY?s allowance of 427 ypg. Jayhawks don?t
have the mashing ground game to possess the ball, but they do have their own
budding QB star in soph Barmann (7 TDP, 2 ints. TY).
(01-Kansas +13' 34-31 (OT)...SR: Texas Tech 7-1)
Mississippi 27 - WYOMING 16?Since Ole Miss? remarkably poised 6-6
soph QB Flatt (21 of 32 of 187 yds. vs. Vandy) has developed nice rapport with
quality WRs Flowers & Hill (16 combined catches vs. Vandy), recommend
superior Rebel squad well-focused for strange road game with only Ark. State
up next. Wyoming still lacks credible run attack (-3 YR vs. Tex. A&M), and
unproven Cowboy QBs unable to crack Ole Miss? unorthodox 3-3-5 alignment.
(FIRST MEETING)
UTAH 44 - Air Force 19? Underestimate that ?ol rascal Fisher DeBerry at
your own risk, as he?s apparently found another QB (true frosh Carney 12 of 14
passing in last week?s win at UNLV!) to run the patented AFA option at full
throttle. But still not convinced that DeBerry?s rebuilt ?D? (shelled in opener vs.
potent Cal and then very permissive vs. I-AA Eastern Wash.) can contain
flawless Utah attack and mistake-free QB Alex Smith (20 TDP, only 3 picks
since LY!). Respect Utes? 13-2 spread mark under Urban Meyer.
(03-Utah 45-A. FORCE 43 (OT)...A.26-23 A.70/288 U.40/162 U.22/32/1/297 A.6/15/0/74 U.1 A.1)
(03-Utah +3' 45-43 (OT) 02-Afa +8' 30-26 01-AFA +16' 38-37...SR: Air Force 13-7)
HHH NOTRE DAME 31 - Washington 9? We?re not about to confuse U-Dub
HC Keith Gilbertson with Thomas Edison or Alexander Graham Bell, but his
Huskies have displayed an amazing knack for inventing new and different ways
to lose in their first two outings. Meanwhile, Ty Willingham?s ND finding ways
to win thanks to opportunistic ?D? that made game-altering plays past two
weeks. Frosh RB Walker (213 YR last two) and now-healthy sr. Grant providing
needed balance for rapidly-learning soph QB Quinn and Irish version of West
Coast. And speedy WR Shelton (40 yds. per reception!) is deep threat that?s
been missing from arsenal recently. TV?NBC (DNP...SR: Notre Dame 4-0)
HHH VIRGINIA 46 - Syracuse 13?Sure, Syracuse defense (only 1 TD, 9
takeaways last 2 games) was able to shut down Buffalo & Cincy. Good luck
getting stops vs. juggernaut Virginia (151 points, 1575 yards first 3 games!). Al
Groh now 16-5 vs. spread at Charlottesville, while Orange only 6-17 as road
dog since ?94. Syracuse QBs (only 1 TDP TY) too green. Pasqualoni?s ?hot
seat? warms up after this anticipated blowout vs. ever-improving host.
(DNP...SR: Syracuse 2-0)
FLORIDA STATE 37 - Clemson 10?Sr. QB Whitehurst (only 50%, 7 ints.
first 3 games) getting little time to throw behind shaky Clemson OL. That?s bad
news vs. ferocious Fla. State front 7 (8 sacks last week!). Father Bowden?s
more-balanced Seminoles eager to avenge rare ACC loss. No respite for
Tommy?s over-scheduled Tigers, who lacked energy in last week?s 27-6 loss at
A&M after splitting pair of hard-fought conf. games at home to open season.
(03-CLEM. 26-Fla. St. 10...C.25-18 C.50/152 F.17/11 F.27/52/2/358 C.17/27/1/272 C.0 F.1)
(03-CLEMSON +17 26-10 02-FSU -14' 48-31 01-Fsu -8 41-27...SR: Florida State 14-3)
Washington State 15 - ARIZONA 13?Don?t read too much into WSU?s romp
past outmanned Idaho. Pac-10 sources still not convinced Cougs have a
credible ground threat, and still-learning RS soph QB Swogger (only slightly
more-nimble than Frankenstein on his best days) might be less mobile than
usual after absorbing a knock to his knee vs. Vandals. Mike Stoops? new
spread looks at UA still bogging down too much in red zone, but his Oklahomaimported
?D? bringing lots of heat (allowing only 12 ppg). TV?ABC
(03-WASH. ST. 30-Ariz. 7...W.24-9 W.42/161 A.21/65 W.22/37/1/352 A.19/36/1/133 W.2 A.1)
(03-WSU -29 30-7 02-Wsu -12 21-13 01-Wsu -2 48-21...SR: Arizona 20-12)
*Penn State 21 - WISCONSIN 16?Wisconsin relied on backup RB Stanley
(135 YR) and an active front seven to salvage SU win at Arizona, but HC Alvarez
can?t be happy with his offense. Soph QB Stocco isn?t connecting with his WRs
enough, and the ?dinks? aren?t stretching defenses. Badgers made more errors
in kicking game as well. Penn State offense looked snappy again vs. C. Fla.,
as RBs Hunt & Scott (combined 172 YR), QB Mills (229 YP, 39 yds. receiving)
& slash M. Robinson produced. TV?ESPN2
(03-Wis. 30-PENN ST. 23...W.22-21 W.51/234 P.28/45 P.22/44/0/379 W.9/26/0/140 W.1 P.3)
(03-Wis. -1 30-23 02-Psu +2 34-31 01-Wis. +2 18-6...SR: Wisconsin 6-3)
*Maryland 34 - DUKE 10?Depleted Duke scored on a 35-yard TDP as
time expired to sneak in ?back door? at Va. Tech last week. No such luck vs.
bigger, deeper, motivated Maryland squad looking to vent some frustration
after OT loss at rival W. Virginia.
(03-MARY. 33-Duke20 ...D25-19 D.45/143M.31/131 D.20/47/1/270 M.18/32/1/238 M.1 D.1)
(03-MARY. -27' 33-20 02-Mary. -13' 45-12 01-MARY. -25' 59-17...SR: Maryland 29-18)
*TOLEDO 45 - Temple 34?Finally, home opener for Toledo, which has
covered 7 straight at Glass Bowl. Slick Rocket QB Gradkowski will shred
Temple 2ndary. Can all-fall-down UT defense (53 ppg first 3!) prevent doeverything
Owl QB Washington from trading for full 60 minutes?
(01-Toledo -7' 33-7...SR: Toledo 4-2)
*Cincinnati 32 - EAST CAROLINA 24?Talented soph QB Pinkney (4 TDP
TY) emerging as a play-maker in ECU?s version of Steve Spurrier?s ?Fun ?N
Gun? (new Pirate o.c. Brindise is a former Florida QB). ECU defense (602 ypg
first 2!) lagging behind. But wouldn?t count on inconsistent Cincy attack to
continually extend margin on road.
(03-CINCY 40-E. Car. 3...C.24-8 C.56/361 E.32/57 E.16/26/1/146 C.14/27/0/128 C.2 E.0)
(03-CINCY -8 40-3 02-Cincy -8 42-26 01-Ecu -7' 28-26...SR: East Carolina 12-4)
*UAB 23 - Memphis 21?Give edge to Memphis weaponry, led by star RB
DeAngelo Williams (100+ YR in each of first 3 games). But Watson Brown has
been able to push right buttons against potent Tigers, holding them to only 10 ppg
while winning & covering last 4 in series. If QB Hackney (8 sacks last week at Fla.
State!) gets a little protection, Blazers make it 5 straight.
(03-Uab 24-MEMPHIS 10...M.20-16 U.41/95 M.28/89 M.32/42/0/257 U.14/28/0/231 U.0 M.2)
(03-Uab +9' 24-10 02-UAB +8' 31-17 01-Uab -1 17-14...SR: UAB 4-2)
Southern Cal 48 - STANFORD 17?Props to Buddy Teevens for getting
some of the impatient Stanford boosters off his back with nice 2-0 start. But
trading points with omnipotent SC remains another matter. That?s because it?s
apparent that Pete Carroll?s voracious defense is going to devour any attack
with a hint of imbalance (which would apply to the Tree). And Norm Chow?s
offense back in ?03-like form (46 ppg last 2) after shaky opener vs. Virginia Tech.
Note that Troy now +57 TOs (!) since Carroll arrived in ?01! TV?TBS
(03-S. CAL 44-Stan. 21...Sc.22-18 Sc.41/220 St.31/86 Sc.19/31/0/273 St.19/40/2/156 Sc.1 St.2)
(03-USC -21 44-21 02-Usc -17' 49-17 01-Stan. +2 21-16...SR: Southern Cal 55-24-3)
*ARKANSAS 26 - Alabama 14?SEC scouts tell us Bama?s 6-4 soph QB
Guillon (Miami-Florida transfer) has lots of upside potential as he steps in for
Brody Croyle. But it won?t be reached this soon vs. a young but fast Arkansas
?D? that limited dangerous Texas attack to just 6 pts. over final 3 Qs two weeks
ago. Razorbacks smooth 6-6 sr. QB M. Jones (521 YP last 2 games; 60%) &
underrated corps of WRs give still-? Tide 2ndary its first true test of season. Don?t
expect passing grade vs. the pass.
03-Ark. 34-ALA. 31 (OT)...Ar.28-17 Ar.61/289 Al.31/158 Al.15/32/1/226 Ar.16/27/3/202 Al.1 Ar.1)
(03-Ark. -1' 34-31 (OT) 02-Ala. +6' 30-12 01-ALA. -10 31-10...SR: Alabama 20-13)
*OHIO 27 - Buffalo 19?Buffalo has given Ohio U. a tough time, as feisty
Bulls have covered last 4 in series. Buffalo Soph RB McDuffie gained 122 yds.
at Nevada, and the defense should give a better account of itself dropping back
in class after facing radical Wolf Pack attack.
(03-BUFFALO 26-Ohio 17...B.15-14 B.62/188 O.44/118 O.11/30/1/141 B.4/18/1/83 B.0 O.3)
(03-BUFFALO +13' 26-17 02-OHIO -8' 34-32 01-BUFFALO +17 44-0...SR: Ohio 6-4)
*Southern Miss 28 - TULANE 10?Both teams off unscheduled byes last
week due to Hurricane Ivan. Not surprised if improved Tulane defense able to
hold its own against containable USM attack. But still-learning Wave soph QB
Ricard figures to be frequently flummoxed by Eagles? creative package of blitzes.
(03-S. MISS 28-Tulane 14...T.21-20 S.50/166 T.35/104 T.21/36/0/244 S.11/17/1/231 S.0 T.1)
(03-USM -17' 28-14 02-TULANE +6' 31-10 01-USM -18 59-6...SR: Southern Miss 18-7)
*TCU 30 - South Florida 16?Despite opening at home against Div. I-AA
Tenn. Tech, feckless USF attack has produced only 2 TDs & 471 total yards in
PAGE 5 THE GOLD SHEET
first 2 games. Collapsible TCU allowed 56 unanswered points in about 1½ Qs
at Texas Tech last week. Will Frog defense, which pitched shutout vs. SMU
after getting overrun by N?western in opener, be able to bounce back again?
(03-Tcu 13-S. FLA. 10...T.13-12 T.45/100 S.35/22 T.10/19/0/133 S.15/26/0/104 T.0 S.1)
(03-Tcu +1' 13-10...SR: TCU 1-0)
*TEXAS 48 - Rice 10? Kudos to Rice, which had 405 YR vs. Hawaii (5-9 sr.
FB Bailey 234!), with 5-10 QB Henderson 3 TDR & 2 TDP in 41-29 victory vs.
Warriors. Owls now 7-0-1 vs. spread last 8 games! However, most Texas
players become well familiar with the option in high school, so don?t expect dive
back Bailey to run wild this week. Longhorns led 41-0 at the H in LY?s meeting,
were off last week (more practice for OU clash), and have only Baylor next week.
Shade class difference over hot spread team.
(03-Texas 48-RICE 7...T.25-11 T.53/322 R.44/165 T.11/13/0/193 R.2/8/1/27 T.0 R.2)
(03-Texas -31 48-7...SR: Texas 64-21-1)
*TENNESSEE 41 - Louisiana Tech 13?Though UT in a ?sandwich? spot,
still believe Vols ?feast? on wound-licking La. Tech squad (following 48-0
shellacking at Miami) that lacks the polished triggerman to hang tough in noisy
Knoxville. UT?s gifted, complementary frosh QBs Ainge (16 of 24 for 192 yds.,
3 TDP vs. Florida) & Schaeffer (3 of 4; 38 YR) now exploiting powerful arsenal,
while Bulldogs main weapon RB Moats will feel like he?s drowning in one vs.
UT?s swarming front 7.
(DNP...SR: Tennessee 1-0)
*San Jose State 27 - SMU 23?SMU dropping waaayyy down in class after
facing bowl-level opposition, but Phil Bennett is winless in two tries vs. Fitz
Hill?s SJSU. And Spartans might have uncovered a legit weapon in juco RB T.
Thompson (158 YR vs. Morgan State; orig. signed w/TCU). Any truth to the rumor
that Oprah is buying a car for those eager enough to watch this one in person?
(03-SAN JOSE ST. 31-Smu 14...Sj.22-11 Sj.39/154 Sm.30/69 Sj.23/41/1/294 Sm.11/20/
2/198 Sj.0 Sm.0)
(03-SJSU -7' 31-14 02-Sjsu -6' 34-23 01-Smu +7 24-17...SR: San Jose State 3-1)
*Western Michigan 26 - BALL STATE 19?Which has team no TDs in its
first 3 games TY? If you said David Letterman?s Ball State Cardinals, you are
correct, sir! So, will side with more offensively advanced WMU, which came
within a minute of an upset at Illinois, with backup QB Cubit (former starter at
Rutgers) passing for 273 yds. BSU stepping down in class after visits to
Purdue & Mizzou, but top RB Bostic (knee) through for the year.
(03-W. MICH. 28-Ball St. 20...B.23-20 W.35/167 B.34/111 B.27/44/0/326 W.20/23/0/250 W.0 B.1)
(03-WMU -2' 28-20 02-BSU +6 17-7 01-Bsu +10 35-31...SR: Western Michigan 18-12)
*LSU 37 - Mississippi State 0?If MSU could only muster 1 TD in shocking
9-7 home loss to Div.I-AA Maine, will lay a price languishing Bulldog West
Coast won?t reach paydirt vs. stifling LSU ?D? that held Auburn in check for 58
minutes (AU scored its only TD with 1:14 to play). Tigers young, prized WRs
developing rapidly, so lay lumber with angry host that?s 6-1 as DD chalk since ?02.
(03-Lsu 41-MISS. ST. 6...M.18-17 L.35/163 M.30/31 M.21/39/2/208 L.14/25/1/191 L.1 M.2)
(03-Lsu -13' 41-6 02-LSU -13 31-13 01-Lsu -3 42-0...SR: LSU 61-33-3)
*SAN DIEGO STATE 26 - Nevada 20?SDSU bandwagon filling after
Michigan effort. But before jumping onboard, remember that QB Dlugolecki still
not comfy throwing more than 10 yards downfield, star RB Hamilton (ankle)
remains ?, and Aztecs are 8-16 vs. line last 24 at Qualcomm. Meanwhile,
slamming RB Kretschmer off back-to-back 100-yard games for Nevada, and
Chris Ault?s ?Air Wolf? starting to howl with QB Rowe consistently locating 6-3
WR target Flowers (24 catches!). (DNP...SR: Nevada 2-1)
*MINNESOTA 45 - Northwestern 24?Both of these teams have plenty of
offensive weapons, but Minny has more athletes and speed on defense, and
Gophers have a vastly superior kicking game. Minny RB tandem of Barber
(428 YR, 6.8 ypc) & Maroney (381, 7.8) has been dominating first 3 games. QB
Cupito (expected to be fine after concussion vs. Colo. St.) will do his share of
damage facing shaky Wildcat 2ndary. TV?ESPN2
(03-Minn. 42-N?WSTRN 17...M.20-15 M.44/241 N.35/76 M.12/17/0/331 N.21/34/2/208 M.0 N.0)
(03-Minn. -11 42-17 02-MINN. -16' 45-42 01-NWU -12' 23-17...SR: Minn. 48-28-5)
*ARIZONA STATE 36 - Oregon State 24?Don?t use LY?s 45-17 OSU romp
at Corvallis as a reference for this one? unless, that is, it?s to justify the same
revenge motive for ASU that worked pretty well for Sun Devils in last week?s
demolition of Iowa. Beaver ?O? (only 89 ypg rushing) not nearly as balanced
as ?03 with RB Steven Jackson now in the NFL. Meanwhile, ASU QB Walter
(11 TDP) positively humming with enhanced targets like WR Hagan (6
straight 100-yard games) and all-world frosh TE, Zach ?The Truth? Miller (10
catches vs. Hawkeyes!).
(03-ORE. ST. 45-Ariz. St. 17...A.21-20 O.44/151 A.33/97 A.20/50/4/284 O.15/29/3/246 O.0 A.2)
(03-OSU -6 45-17 02-ASU +3 13-9 01-ASU -3' 41-24...SR: Arizona State 20-8-1)
ADDED GAMES
North Texas 27 - BAYLOR 26?With Patrick Cobbs injured, North Texas
unleashed 5-10, 195 true frosh Jamario Thomas (247 YR!) at Colorado...and
still lost 52-21. It appears Mean Green miss departed star NT Kennedy & their
3 sr. all-Sun Belt LBs more than expected in yielding 137 pts. first 3 games.
Baylor had last week off and is eager ro redeem LY?s 52-14 humiliation at
Denton. Is juco QB King (3 TDs, 5 ints.) advanced enough for BU to get the job
done in Waco?
(03-NO. TEXAS -14' 52-14...SR: Baylor 11-1)
(03-N. TEX. 52-Bay. 14...N.21-15 N.47/327 B.33/85 B.19/29/3/183 N.9/15/1/124 N.1 B.3)
OREGON 47 - Idaho 7? After facing Oklahoma, Oregon might feel as if it
awakened on a beach next to Pamela Anderson as it hosts a helpless Idaho
bunch that makes the Arizona Diamondbacks look downright potent by
comparison (Vandals are pair of last-second TDs away from being blanked in 2
of its first 3). Ducks take out frustrations after 0-2 start. FB Rosario (3 TDC) a
unique weapon.
(02-OREGON -32 58-21...SR: Ore. 51-3-4)
*Arkansas State 30 - LA.-MONROE 28?Both happy to be ?fighting someone
their own size? after rigorous opening weeks. In its last 17 games, Monroe?s only
wins have been two upsets of La.-Lafayette! ASU, with strong-armed jr. QB
Noce (418 YP, but 3 ints. vs. Memphis) and deep group of RBs & WRs, appears
to have better supporting cast than Indians? respected 6-1 jr. QB Jyles.
(03-ARK. ST. 44-La.-Mon. 41...L.28-16 A.37/227 L.42/208 L.24/41/2/330 A.12/22/0/138 A.0 L.2)
(03-ASU -7' 44-41 at LR 02-Asu +3 33-21 01-Ulm +5' 16-7...SR: Arkansas St. 14-11)
*Middle Tennessee St. 40 - LA.-LAFAYETTE 34?In Sun Belt matchup of
two yielding defenses, shade revenge-minded MTS squad (lost in OT as 2 TD
chalk in LY?s game) that owns the more prolific pass-catch combo with QB
Marks & all-star WR Wright, who?ve connected 18 times so for 240 yds. so far.
(03-La.-Laf. 57-MTS 51 (OT)...L.33-22 L.43/139 M.41/121 L.37/56/1/435 M.23/40/1/284 L.1 M.1)
(03-Ull +14 57-51 (OT) 02-MTSU -10 48-35 01-Mtsu -17 26-9...SR: MTSU 3-2)
*SOUTH CAROLINA 31 - Troy State 10?With road-weary Troy (3rd road
game in Sept.) crashing back to earth in last-minute loss at New Mexico St.,
doubt Trojans rise up vs. rejuvenated South Carolina (3-0 vs. pts.!) that now
owns 2 QBs (backup Newton threw for 324 yds. vs. So. Florida) who are more
skillful than Troy?s limited sr. QB A. Leak. Restructured ?Cock ?D? has yielded
only 29 pts. so far, while USC?s swift 6-2, jr. WR T. Willamson (school-record
210 yds. receiving vs. Bulls) has elevated his game a bunch. Lay it.
(FIRST MEETING)
*New Mexico 19 - NEW MEXICO STATE 18? Even at full strength, we
wouldn?t mistake the New Mexico offense for the Kansas City Chiefs, and
Lobos further challenged if backup QB Ena (only 3 of 18 last week at Oregon
State) again forced into action if still-green starter McKamey (concussion vs.
Beavers) can?t make post. NMSU showed it still has a pulse with comeback win
vs. gnarly Troy, and note dog prowess (5-1 last 6) in this heated series.
(03-N. MEX. 24-Nms 17...S.19-13 U.49/145 S.38/106 S.15/32/2/258 U.10/18/2/83 U.1 S.3)
(03-UNM -10' 24-17 02-NMS +7 24-13 01-UNM -10' 53-0...SR: New Mexico 61-28-5)
*UNLV 27 - Utah State 17?UNLV dropping in class after rugged early slate.
But scant evidence to suggest that Rebs can extend margin vs. anybody as
long as QB production remains subpar (soph Steichen again ineffective in relief
of hurtin? starter Nantkes vs. Falcs). QB Cox still capable of generating enough
offense for Utah State to stay within earshot. (DNP...SR: Utah State 10-5)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
*MARSHALL 31 - Miami-Ohio 20?Marshall had held the upper hand in this
upper-echelon MAC series, winning and covering 5 straight until Ben
Roethlisberger?s super 2003 season. And, in that 45-6 loss at Miami LY,
Thundering Herd big guns QB Hill (DNP) & WR Watts (1 rec.) were both injured.
Now, Hill is back, Roethlisberger is a Steeler, RedHawks fighting turnover
problems (14 in 4 games), Marshall defense improved, and HC Pruett eager to end
the first 0-3 start of his career. CABLE TV-ESPN2
(03-MIAMI 45-Mar. 6...Mi. 21-11 MI.44/212 Ma.28/126 Mi.18/30/0/282 Ma.14/25/2/113 Mi.0 Ma.3)
(03-MIAMI -13 45-6 02-MAR. +1 36-34 01 Mar. -3 27-21...SR: Miami-Ohio 30-9-1)

**Spark** · 09-21-2004, 04:08 PM

HEAD-TO-HEAD MEETINGS SINCE 2004 (not necessarily Mon. night)
2004 Reg. Seas.: Dallas -2 beat Washington 27-0 at Washington
2004 Reg. Seas.: Dallas -5 beat Washington 21-14 at Dallas
MONDAY NIGHT HISTORY
Dallas and Washington on Monday Night
Dallas is 18-16 straight-up and 16-17-1 vs. the pointspread on the road on
Monday Night Football; 14-9 straight-up and 9-14 vs. the pointspread at
home on Monday Night Football. Washington is 16-9 straight-up and 15-
9-1 vs. the pointspread at home on Monday Night Football; 7-18 straightup
and 7-18 vs. the pointspread on the road on Monday Night Football.
PAGE 6 THE GOLD SHEET
HFV TEAM SUR PSR R
3 Air Force+ 2-1 1-1 20
3 Akron 0-3 0-3 28
4 Alabama- 3-0 2-0 11
3 Arizona 1-2 1-1 22
5 Arizona St.+ 3-0 3-0 10
4 Arkansas 2-1 2-1 10
5 Ark. St. 0-3 2-1 35
1 Army 0-2 1-1 35
4 Auburn 3-0 1-2 4
3 Ball State 0-3 1-2 33
3 Baylor 1-1 0-1 32
6 Boise St. 3-0 2-1 4
5 Boston Col. 3-0 2-1 10
4 Bowl. Green 1-1 1-0 17
2 Buffalo 0-3 1-2 37
3 BYU 1-2 1-2 21
3 California 2-0 1-1 4
3 C. Florida 0-3 0-3 29
3 C. Michigan 1-2 1-1 36
3 Cincinnati 1-2 1-2 17
3 Clemson 1-2 0-3 12
4 Colorado 3-0 2-1 8
3 Colo. St.- 0-3 1-2 17
3 Connecticut 2-1 0-2 17
2 Duke 0-3 2-1 26
3 E. Carolina 0-2 1-1 32
2 E. Michigan 1-2 0-3 36
4 Florida 1-1 2-0 4
3 Florida Atl. 3-0 3-0 19
2 Florida Intl. 1-0 0-0 34
5 Florida St. 1-1 1-1 -2
5 Fresno St. 3-0 2-0 9
4 Georgia 3-0 0-2 1
4 Ga. Tech 2-1 1-1 13
4 Hawaii 0-2 0-2 17
2 Houston 1-2 0-3 24
2 Idaho 0-3 1-2 38
1 Illinois 2-1 0-2 24
2 Indiana 2-1 2-1 22
6 Iowa 2-1 1-2 13
4 Iowa State+ 2-1 2-0 19
4 Kansas 2-1 2-1 17
4 Kansas St. 2-1 0-2 10
3 Kent St. 1-2 1-1 27
2 Kentucky 1-1 1-1 20
3 La.-Lafay. 1-2 2-0 29
3 La.-Monroe 0-2 2-0 37
3 La. Tech 2-1 1-2 24
3 Louisville 2-0 2-0 9
4 LSU 2-1 2-1 0
4 Marshall 0-3 2-1 13
4 Maryland 2-1 1-2 8
4 Memphis 3-0 1-1 12
4 Miami-Fla. 2-0 2-0 -3
4 Miami-Ohio 2-2 1-2 15
4 Michigan 2-1 1-2 2
2 Michigan St. 1-2 0-3 16
3 M. Tenn. St. 1-1 1-1 23
6 Minnesota 3-0 2-0 6
COLLEGE RATINGS AND POINTSPREAD RECORDS
Ratings by Gary Olshan, Chief Analyst, Records by Tad Ludes,Chief Statistician
HOW TO USE THE RATINGS: All teams measured from the TOP RATING of zero. HFV
- Home Field Value. A team with a rating of 3 would be a 6-point favorite on a neutral field over
a team rated 9. Deduct allotted points for HFV from rating of Home Team. SUR - 2002 Straightup
Won-Loss Record vs. all Opponents. PSR - 2003 Won-Loss Record vs. Ptspread.
FR-Final 2003 Power Rating. OR -Opening 2004 Power Rating. The consensus line is used
to compute won-lost ptspread records. Teams with bold + or - have had their ratings moved
more than 2 pts. for the better (+) or worse (-) since last week.
The consensus Las Vegas line is used to compute won-lost spread records.
HFV TEAM SUR PSR R
2 Mississippi 1-2 0-3 18
2 Miss. St.- 1-2 1-1 28
5 Missouri 2-1 1-2 9
3 Navy 3-0 2-0 16
5 Nebraska 2-1 1-1 10
3 Nevada 2-1 1-1 21
4 New Mexico 1-2 2-1 17
5 N. Mex. St. 1-2 2-1 28
2 N. Carolina 2-1 1-1 20
2 N. Car. St. 1-1 0-1 10
4 No. Texas 0-3 0-3 24
3 Northern Ill. 1-2 1-1 20
3 N?western 1-2 2-1 17
3 Notre Dame 2-1 2-1 12
2 Ohio 1-2 0-2 28
4 Ohio State 3-0 2-1 4
8 Oklahoma 3-0 1-2 -6
5 Okla. St. 3-0 2-1 8
3 Oregon 0-2 1-1 11
6 Oregon St. 1-2 1-2 10
4 Penn State 2-1 2-1 10
3 Pittsburgh 1-1 1-1 15
6 Purdue 2-0 2-0 4
4 Rice 2-0 2-0 19
3 Rutgers 2-1 1-1 19
3 S. Diego St. 1-1 1-0 15
2 S. Jose St. 1-1 0-1 35
3 SMU- 0-3 1-2 40
6 So. Carolina 2-1 3-0 9
3 So. Florida 1-1 0-1 19
6 So. Cal 3-0 2-1 -7
5 So. Miss 1-0 1-0 12
2 Stanford 2-0 2-0 17
4 Syracuse 2-1 2-1 18
2 TCU 2-1 1-2 12
1 Temple 1-2 1-1 27
4 Tennessee 2-0 1-1 5
5 Texas 2-0 1-1 0
5 Texas A&M 2-1 2-1 14
5 Texas Tech 2-1 1-2 9
4 Toledo 1-2 1-2 21
4 Troy St. 2-1 2-1 16
2 Tulane 1-1 0-1 29
3 Tulsa 0-3 1-2 24
2 UAB 1-1 1-1 17
2 UCLA 2-1 2-1 12
2 UNLV 0-3 1-2 22
4 Utah 3-0 3-0 5
4 Utah St. 1-2 0-3 31
3 UTEP 1-2 1-1 37
4 Vanderbilt 0-2 1-1 23
6 Virginia+ 3-0 3-0 1
5 Va. Tech 2-1 2-1 6
3 Wake For. 2-1 1-1 15
2 Washington 0-2 0-2 19
4 Wash. St. 2-1 2-1 11
4 W. Virginia 3-0 2-1 8
2 W. Michigan 1-2 1-1 27
2 Wisconsin 3-0 1-2 11
2 Wyoming 1-1 0-1 25
"REQUOTABLE"
?Do not mistake bribe-taking for corruption.?
?ex-Russian interior minister Vladimir Rushaylo
Washington State at ARIZONA...U of A just 7-17 as home dog over last
decade (1-1 TY under new HC M. Stoops).
Oregon State at ARIZONA STATE...Host has covered 4 straight. And note
OSU was forced to play 3 straight in Tempe before finally getting home game for
LY?s 45-17 pummeling. Sun Devils committed season-high 6 TOs in defeat.
ASU QB Walter eager for redemption after completing just 17 for 42 with 3 ints.
Alabama at ARKANSAS...Bama still recalls blowing 31-17 4th-period lead in
34-31 OT loss vs. Arkansas LY. Tide defense thrilled that Hog RB Cobbs has
moved on to NFL after he motored for 198 yards in 36 carries LY.
Army at CONNECTICUT...UConn showed some kindness in LY?s 48-21 win
at West Point with Husky HC Edsall inserting many reserves after mounting 34-
0 lead at H. Husky QB Orlovsky, however, played all the way, tossing
career-high 5 TDP.
Maryland at DUKE...Maryland players claimed they were ? unfocused? vs.
perennial ACC doormat Duke LY with contest ?sandwiched? between Clemson
& Georgia Tech. Blue Devils outgained Terps 413-369 & controlled ball 36-24
minutes in spread-covering 33-20 loss.
Cincinnati at EAST CAROLINA...Cincy has held upper hand in series,
covering 6 of past 8 meetings, including 40-3 blowout LY?s opener, when
Bearcats rushed for season-high 361 yds.
Kentucky at FLORIDA...Though Florida hasn?t lost in series since ?86, don?t
expect Gators will take UK for granted after come-from-behind 24-21 win in
Lexington LY. Florida needed to score 21 straight pts. in 4th-Q to regain lead, and
Gators were relieved when Wildcats missed tying 49-yd FG attempt with :44 left.
Clemson at FLORIDA STATE...FSU HC Bobby Bowden had been all
business vs. son Tommy, winning & covering previous 3 clashes prior to LY?s
stunning 26-10 upset at ?Death Valley???Noles 1st series loss since ?89! Tiger
?D? limited FSU RBs to season-low 11 YR.
Purdue at ILLINOIS...Purdue is profitable 16-4 vs. spread last 20 on board,
while sliding Illinois just 1-12 vs. spread last 13. Following LY?s 42-10 bashing
vs. Boilermakers, Illinois HC Turner lamented, ? We were physically dominated
early and never really had a chance to get in the game.? He?s right! Purdue led
20-0 after 1st Q. Normally pass-happy HC Tiller fooled Illini by staying primarily
on ground, rushing 67 times for season-high 324 yds. (only 20 pass attempts!)
to only 38 YR for Illinois.
Mississippi State at LSU...New era under MSU rookie HC Croom. But
Bulldogs have dropped 7 straight spread decisions vs. LSU, generating only 19
pts. combined in past 3 one-sided losses.
Iowa at MICHIGAN...Double-revenged-minded UM has circled this date after
blowing 20-10 lead late in 2nd Q of 30-27 setback at Iowa LY. Hawkeyes have
now covered 6 straight in series (DNP in ?95, ?96, ?99 & ?00), including shocking
34-9 upset at Ann Arbor in ?02.
Northwestern at MINNESOTA...Visitor has covered 5 straight in series, and
NW is a solid 8-4-1 vs. spread as visitor past 2+ Ys. Minnesota trailed 14-0 early
LY, but momentum-shifting 96-yd. TD in 2nd Q helped propel Gophers to
dominating 42-17 thumping vs. Wildcats at Evanston.
New Mexico at NEW MEXICO STATE...NMS has covered 4 of last 5 as an
underdog vs. heated rival NM, including 24-17 loss in Albuquerque LY. In front
of largest crowd to ever watch a game in state of New Mexico, Aggies outgained
Lobos 364-228, but 5 costly TOs led to their demise.
Louisville at NORTH CAROLINA...Playing in front of diminishing crowds at
Kenan Stadium (5,000 season ticket holders didn?t renew in ?4!) has been
distinct disadvantage for UNC, which is a miserable 3-10 vs. spread (2-11 SU!)
there last 2+ seasons.
Buffalo at OHIO...UB has been a thorn in side of Ohio lately, as Bulls have
covered 4 straight, including 2 huge upsets in ?01 & ?03 (former by 44-0 count!).
San Jose State at SMU...SMU is 6-17 vs. spread last 23 on board, including
non-competitive 31-14 loss at SJS LY. Spartans led 24-0 at H, out-rushing
Mustangs by 200 yds.
Southern Cal at STANFORD...Stanford?which recruits heavily from So. Cal
area?had sprung 3 straight upsets until getting its comeuppance in last 2
lopsided losses vs. USC. LY, Trojans had 413 yds. to 97 in 1st H, bolting to 27-
0 2nd Q lead. Cardinal scored ?garbage? TD with just 17 secs. in 44-21 crushing.
Louisiana Tech at TENNESSEE...Classic ?sandwich? spot for UT, which is
recouping from Florida battle, with Auburn showdown on deck. Vols just 6-8 as
DD home chalk since ?01.
Rice at TEXAS...UT toyed with former SWC foe Rice in 48-7 rout LY. Horns led
41-0 at halftime, and Owls scored their only TD vs. UT reserves with 5:18 to play.
South Florida at TCU...South Florida looking for some payback after TCU
ended USF?s 21-game home win streak (2nd longest in nation at the time) with
13-10 win LY.
LOOKING FOR AN ANGLE
By Gary Olshan, Chief Analyst
PAGE 7 THE GOLD SHEET
AIR FORCE...Sr. wingback Anthony Butler (ankle) sat out last week?s 27-10
win at UNLV. Starting jr. RG Curtis Grantham (leg) also DNP and is out
indefinitely. ALABAMA...Starting jr. QB Brodie Croyle tore his ACL on Tide?s
first 2nd-half possession during last week?s 52-0 home win over W. Carolina
and will miss rest of season. Soph Marc Guillon (6-4, 215), a Miami transfer
who has dazzled scouts with his play during practice, was 5 of 7 for 71 yards
with a TDP in relief of Croyle and is expected to start this week at Arkansas.
Starting sr. RB Ray Hudson (295 YR on 8 ypc TY) left in 2nd Q after taking a
hard hit and did not return. Blue-chip true frosh RB Aaron Johns had 86 YR vs.
Catamounts. ARIZONA...Starting sr. OT Brandon Phillips is expected back
this week after serving a 3-game suspension. ARMY...Top WR sr. Aaron
Alexander (64 catches LY) & emerging jr. WR Bruce Brown (60-yard TDC in
opener) are both ? for this week?s game at UConn due to undisclosed injuries.
Starting sr. MLB Matt Maimone (arm) DNP last week at Houston and will
probably miss a couple more weeks. BALL STATE...Starting jr. TB Larry
Bostic will miss rest of season after hurting his knee at Purdue. Highlyregarded
true frosh RB Adell Givens, who was recruited by Big Ten & Big East
schools, had 92 YR in 48-0 loss at Missouri last week. Sputtering Cardinal
attack has scored only 1 TD (down 59-0 in 4th Q at Purdue) in first 3 games.
BUFFALO...Starting soph RT Tim Schmidt (knee) will miss rest of season.
CLEMSON...Top RB jr. Duane Coleman had 3 carries in 27-6 loss at Texas
A&M last week, but he?s still far less than 100% due to foot fracture that caused
him to sit out Tigers? first 2 games. Sr. RB Yusef Kelly served a 1-game
suspension vs. Aggies. Starting sr. DE Vontrell Jamison (arm) is thru for
season. CONNECTICUT...Top WR sr. Keron Henry, stalwart sr. LT Ryan Krug
(ankle), and starting soph CB Ernest Cole (ankle) all left with injuries during 27-
7 loss at BC. DUKE...Jr. RB Cedric Dargan (calf) has missed almost all of last
2 games after running for 114 yards in opener at Temple. Devils? top 2 WRs,
soph Deonto McCormick (leg) & sr. Senterrio Landrum (undisclosed), DNP last
week at Virginia Tech. Starting soph QB Mike Schneider left with a concussion,
but soph Curt Dukes, a Nebraska transfer, threw a 35-yard TDP as time expired
to give Duke a ?back door? cover in 41-17 loss to Hokies. Devil defense also
trying to cope with attrition, as starting sr. DE Micah Harris was killed in a
summer car crash, starting sr. DE Phillip Alexander broke his leg vs. UConn,
and starting sr. CB Kenneth Stanford, team?s top cover guy, has been out with
a shoulder injury.
FLORIDA STATE...Starting jr. G Matt Meinrod will miss rest of season after
tearing knee ligament in opener at Miami. But starting sr. G Bobby Meeks &
starting jr. C David Castillo returned to action in last week?s 34-7 home win over
UAB after sitting out 16-10 OT loss to Hurricanes. ILLINOIS...Starting sr. QB
Jon Beutjer (bruised sternum) DNP last week vs. W. Michigan. More-mobile S
frosh Brad Bower (6-2, 210) was 10 of 19 for 177 yards with a TDP, but he also
threw 2 ints. in 30-27 home win over Broncos. IOWA...Hawkeye offense (0
points & only 100 total yards last week!) is struggling with injuries. Starting jr.
G David Walker returned to action at Arizona State after sitting out first 2 games
while recovering from off-season surgery. But Walker is now out indefinitely
after hurting his arm in 44-7 loss to Sun Devils. Starting RS frosh G Todd
Plagman (ankle) DNP and is expected to miss a couple more weeks. Jr. Brian
Ferentz, HC Kirk?s son and the returning starter at C, probably won?t be
available this season due to a staph infection he developed after off-season
surgery. No. 2 RB RS frosh Albert Young & No. 3 RB jr. Marcus Schnoor both
suffered season-ending knee injuries in last 2 weeks. Iowa has allowed 8
sacks and has only 141 YR on less than 2 ypc in last 2 games. Jr. WR Matt
Melloy (knee) also DNP at Tempe. MICHIGAN...Starting sr. TB David
Underwood (concussion) sat out last week vs. San Diego State. True frosh
Michael Hart (5-9, 185) had 121 YR in 24-21 home win over Aztecs. True frosh
QB Chad Henne has started first 3 games in place of top QB jr. Matt Gutierrez,
who?s bothered by a sore arm. Henne threw 3 ints. but also had 2 TDP vs. SDS.
Starting sr. ILB Scott McClintock (leg) was on crutches following the game.
MICHIGAN STATE...Top QB soph Drew Stanton might finally be ready to
return to full-time, as he relieved struggling RS frosh Stephen Reaves (7 of 20
for only 66 yards with 3 ints.) vs. Notre Dame. Stanton was 8 of 12 for 110 yards
& ran for 49 yards & a TD in 31-24 home loss to Irish. Starting jr. WR Aaron
Alexander (foot; 44 catches) hasn?t had a reception in last 2 games. Starting
jr. OLB Seth Mitchell hasn?t played TY and might not return due to chronic knee
problems. MINNESOTA...Starting soph QB Bryan Cupito (concussion) left
late in 3rd Q at Colo. State and did not return. Juco QB Adam Ernst did not
attempt a pass in relief of Cupito during 34-16 win over Rams.
MISSISSIPPI...Starting sr. DT Daniel Booth played only a few snaps vs. Vandy
before re-aggravating a leg injury that caused him to miss first 2 games.
Reserves jr. Michael Bozeman (concussion) & true frosh Chris Herring (calf)
sat out, leaving Rebs with only 3 healthy DTs in come-from-behind 26-23 OT
home win over Commodores. NEW MEXICO...Starting soph QB Kole
McKamey (concussion) DNP in 2nd half at Ore. State. Sr. QB Tali Ena, a
strong-armed Wash. State transfer, was just 4 of 18 for only 29 yards with an
int. in 17-7 loss to Beavers. NORTH CAROLINA...Soph RB Ronnie McGill,
who had 190 YR & 3 TDs on 6 ypc in first 2 games, left with an ankle injury after
running for 38 yards & a TD last week vs. Ga. Tech. Sr. RB Jacque Lewis had
161 YR & 2 TDs in 34-13 home win over Jackets. Starting sr. G Skip Seagraves
(ankle) DNP and will miss rest of season. NORTH TEXAS...Sr. RB Patrick
Cobbs, who led the nation in rushing LY, DNP at Colorado and is out
indefinitely, possibly for season, after hurting his knee in home loss to Fla.
Atlantic. True frosh Jamario Thomas, one of the most highly-regarded recruits
in history of Mean Green program, had 247 YR (including TD runs of 57 & 25
yards) in 52-21 loss to Buffs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS...Huskies hope to have
starting sr. QB Josh Haldi, who?s missed almost all of first 3 games with a foot
fracture, back in lineup available this week for MAC opener vs. Bowling Green.
Soph Phil Horvath threw 4 TDP last week at Iowa State, but he also threw 4
ints., 2 that were returned for TDs, in 48-41 loss to Cyclones.
NORTHWESTERN...Wildcats were without 3 of their top 4 DEs against
Kansas last week. Jr. David Thompson (hamstring) & RS frosh David Ngene
(knee) DNP in 20-17 home win over Jayhawks. Thompson had been starting
in place of jr. DE Loren Howard (8 sacks LY), who was lost to season-ending
ankle injury prior to start of campaign. Coaches used more of a 3-4 alignment,
instead of their preferred 4-3, to compensate. Starting MLB Adam Kadela left
in 3rd Q vs. KU after hurting his knee. OHIO...Sr. RB Justin Roush (knee), who
had 130 YR in opening win over VMI, has sat out last 2 games. SAN DIEGO
STATE...Star soph RB Lynell Hamilton (1087 YR on 4.6 ypc LY) hasn?t been
able to play in first 2 games after spraining his ankle in preseason. Jr. Michael
Franklin had a 67-yard TD run on first play from scrimmage in opening win over
Div. I-AA Idaho State, but he had only 39 YR in last week?s close loss at
Michigan. SMU...Starting sr. MLB D.D. Lee (elbow) DNP at Okla. State and is
expected to miss rest of season. Starting FS Alvin Nnabuife, sr. FS/LB Rico
Harris (hamstrings) & soph LT Darrin Johnson (ankle) DNP in 59-7 loss at
Stillwater. SOUTH CAROLINA...Starting sr. QB Dondrial Pinkins (shoulder) &
starting soph RB Demetris Summers (ankle) both sat out last week vs. So.
Florida. Soph QB Syvelle Newton was 13 of 23 for 324 yards, including TD
passes of 56, 55, and 73 yards to jr. WR Troy Williamson, in 34-3 home win
over Bulls. TEMPLE...Starting jr. RB Tim Brown (heel) sat out vs. Florida A&M,
but jr. Umar Ferguson had 118 YR & 2 TDs in 38-7 home win over Div. I-AA
Rattlers. TENNESSEE...Star jr. MLB Kevin Simon (115 tackles, 4½ sacks, 1
int. LY) hurt his knee in 1st Q vs. Florida and is probably thru for season.
Starting jr. OT Albert Toeaina (knee) has sat out first 2 games.
TULANE...Coaches are hoping star sr. WR Roydell Williams (knee; 66 catches
for 1006 yards & 9 TDs LY) will be close to 100% vs. Southern Miss after last
week?s unexpected bye. Williams sat out win over Florida A&M after not having
a catch in opening loss at Miss. State. VANDERBILT...Starting jr. WR Erik
Davis (foot), who had a TDC earlier in game, and sr. LT Justin Geisinger (leg),
Vandy?s best OLman, were injured on back-to-back plays in 3rd Q of 26-23 OT
loss at Ole Miss. WAKE FOREST...Star sr. WR Jason Anderson (19+ ypc in
his career; 7 receptions for 139 yards in opener at Clemson) was held out vs.
No. Carolina A&T last week after spraining his ankle early in win at E. Carolina.
WASHINGTON STATE...Starting soph QB Josh Swogger hurt his knee 49-8
romp over Idaho and is ? for this week?s Pac-10 opener at Arizona. If Swogger
can?t go at Tucson, more-mobile but raw RS frosh Alex Brink will likely get the
start. Brink attempted only 2 passes in mop-up duty vs. Vandals, but he was
12 of 23 for 251 yards with a 60-yard TDP in previous week?s 20-12 home loss
to Colorado when he relieved the struggling Swogger.
SPECIAL TICKER
by Bill Blackburn, Associate Editor
Memphis at UAB...UAB has won & covered 4 straight in series behind a
Blazer defense that has limited Memphis attack to just 12 ppg during that span.
Air Force at UTAH...Utah continues on hot roll, going 13-2 vs. spread under
HC Urban Meyer, including thrilling 45-43 OT win at Air Force LY. Ute QB Alex
Smith, who hails from sunny California, performed terrifically in sub-freezing,
snowy conditions, completing 22 of 32 for 297 yds. & rushing for game-high 89
vs. Falcons.
Syracuse at VIRGINIA...?Cuse has been road dog without much bite lately,
going 6-17 in role since ?94 (0-1 TY). UVA is 7-2 as home chalk last 2+
seasons.
North Carolina State at VIRGINIA TECH...NCS has been terrific road dog
lately, going a perfect 6-0 in role since ?01.
Penn State at WISCONSIN...Penn State psyched-up for rematch after
playing LY?s game without starting QB Mills (out with injury). Backup M.
Robinson completed 22 of 43 for 379 yds. & 2 TDs. Nittany Lions allowed backbreaking
65-yd. punt return TD, which gave Badgers 24-9 3rd-Q lead enroute
to 30-23 win.

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Gold Sheet For Sept 23-27

Gold Sheet For Sept 23-27

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