FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

*Iowa State 33 - ARMY 10--Somewhat unusual situation for Iowa State as a substantial road favorite, but Army (trailed 30-7 at the H at BC) struggling to find some offense (only 40 for 56 rushing, 5 sacks last week vs. Baylor). And Cyclones, as seen in upset of Iowa, have plenty of speed on defense. ISU well-balanced on offense, especially with JCAA TE Nickel adding another option TY. TV--ESPN2 (DNP...SR: Army 1-0)

*California 47 - NEW MEXICO STATE 13--If Hal Mumme's misfiring NMSU Air Raid were in charge of the Enola Gay, we still might be fighting World War II. And counting on garbage-time TDs not enough reason to back Aggies to stay within earshot of potent Cal bunch that continues to uncover new weapons (backup RB Forsett 187 YR vs. Illinois). NMSU might be considering pilot change (backup QB Vincent more impressive than starter Royal "Air Force" Gill last week). TV--ESPN

(04-CAL. 41-N. Mex. St. 14...C.29-14 C.41/336 N.36/37 C.21/28/0/275 N.14/23/1/175 C.2 N.0)

(04-CALIFORNIA -36 41-14 02-CALIFORNIA -13 34-13...SR: California 2-0)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

OHIO STATE 24 - Iowa 20--Ohio State's offense is still a work in progress, as dual QB attack lacks consistency. Buckeyes ran for just 179 yards last week vs. San Diego State, and Iowa front seven will be a challenge for the Buckeye OL that's lacked the punch a vet unit should have. Mobile Iowa QB Tate (74%; recovered from concussion) can keep the active, aggressive OSU LBs off balance. Hawkeyes eliminated nagging mistakes last week vs. N. Iowa, taking a 38-7 lead into the 4th Q. REG. TV--ABC

(04-IOWA 33-Ohio St. 7...I.24-12 I.37/117 O.29/27 I.26/39/0/331 O.14/26/1/150 I.1 O.2)

(04-IOWA +1 33-7 03-OHIO ST. -3 19-10...SR: Ohio State 42-14-3)

VIRGINIA TECH 21 - Georgia Tech 17--Check status of Ga. Tech QB Ball (see Special Ticker). If he's available, Yellow Jackets have requisite balance to probe Va. Tech "D" that's pitched back-to-back shutouts vs. feckless Duke & Ohio attacks. Healthy sr. RB Daniels has 100+ YR in each of first 3 games. And speedy GT stop unit should keep rapidly-emerging Hokie QB Vick from improvising many big plays. Jackets have covered their last 5 as road dog. REGIONAL TV--ABC

(04-Va.Tech 34-GA.TECH 20...G.19-17 G.40/166 V.33/142 V.18/31/1/304 G.14/29/2/179 V.2 G.2)

(04-Virginia Tech -5 34-20...SR: EVEN 1-1)

Purdue 28 - MINNESOTA 23--Purdue's edges on defense (vet unit returned virtually intact) and increased speed of RB Jerod Void (returned to running track and picked up speed) should be the difference. Boiler QB Kirsch's mobility is also a plus, and Gophers are nursing a few nagging injuries. Minny has been disappointing hosting Big Ten opponents, and Boilermakers are Gopher-killers with 7 straight series wins! CABLE TV--ESPN (02-PURDUE -3' 28-15...SR: Minnesota 30-28-3)

Penn State 28 - NORTHWESTERN 17--There were few questions about Penn State's defense (10 ret. starters; allowed more than 21 pts. only once in last 14 games), so now that QB Michael Robinson (494 YP last 2 games) is gaining rapport with young impact receivers, the Nittany Lions appear to have regained some luster. NU has suffered attrition that the program will have difficulty overcoming. HC Randy Walker's team is down five projected starters from the end of spring thru injury, academics, transfers, etc. CABLE TV--ESPN2

(04-N'western 14-Psu 7...N.22-13 N.44/186 P/30/97 N.15/27/1/205 P.21/35/1/183 N.1 P.0)

(04-Nwu +4' 14-7 03-NWU +5' 27-17 02-PSU -25' 49-0...SR: Penn State 7-3)

Michigan State 37 - ILLINOIS 21--Return of RB Teague, coupled with maturation of passing game, leaves MSU a powerful offensive team. QB Drew Stanton (72%) has spread the wealth by connecting with 12 different receivers, 4 of whom have double-digit receptions. Spartans have run for 5.4 ypc in 3-0 start as well. Illinois covering some games, but defense has shown vulnerability vs. both the run and pass, and despite HC Zook's optimism, looks relatively unimproved. CABLE TV--ESPNU

(04-MICH. ST. 38-Ill. 25...M.29-18 M.46/253 I.39/234 M.23/30/0/234 I.15/25/0/144 M.0 I.1)

(04-MSU -7' 38-25 03-Msu -3' 49-14...SR: Michigan St. 22-16-2)

CLEMSON 26 - Boston College 21--More questions than answers heading into this game. Both teams off hard-to-swallow home losses against high-profile foes. Will one (both?) let it linger? Will BC QB Porter (sprained ankle) make the post? Clemson QB Whitehurst enjoying a renaissance in new offense, and Tigers (only 1 giveaway & 11 penalties TY) not hurting themselves. Some edge to mammoth, veteran Eagle OL. BC 6-2 as road dog since 2002, but this is its first trip to "Death Valley" since 1982.

(DNP...SR: Clemson 7-5-2)

*Louisville 45 - SOUTH FLORIDA 20--Blue-chip soph QB Brohm (18 of 22 with 5 TDP last week) settling in at controls of juggernaut L'ville attack and enjoying his new toy, 6-6 RS frosh WR Urrutia, who had 7 catches for 175 yards & 2 TDs in blowout of Oregon State. USF will try to play "keepaway" with premium sr. RB Andre Hall. But quick-striking Cards hung 63 points on Beavs despite being "outpossessed" nearly 2-to-1!

(04-LVL. 41-S. Fla. 9...L.30-13 L.41/172 S.36/136 L.28/39/0/345 S.3/21/2/67 L.1 S.0)

(04-LVL. -29' 41-9 03-USF +2' 31-28 (OT)...SR: EVEN 1-1)

Maryland 27 - WAKE FOREST 23--Last week's home win over E. Carolina lifted Wake's sagging spirits, while Maryland off back-to-back home losses to Clemson & W. Virginia. Terps have won & covered 6 straight in series. Is their defense (301 YR vs. Mounties) still macho enough to contain unbalanced Deacs (407 YR last week)? Big edge to maturing Maryland jr. QB Hollenbach, as Wake has only 6 TDP in last 1+ seasons!

(04-MARY. 13-W. For. 7...M.18-14 W.46/149 M.47/131 M.16/28/0/164 W.10/22/0/123 M.1 W.1)

(04-MARY. -5' 13-7 03-Mary. -8 41-28 02-MARY. -13' 32-14...SR: Maryland 39-13-1)

*Georgia 30 - MISSISSIPPI STATE 10--Since MSU offense still has long way to go (meager 225 yds. & 10 FDs in 21-14 win vs. Tulane), must side with superior UGA squad that owns the more dynamic, deeper attack (RB T. Brown & TE Pope missed last week; expected back here), led by multi-talented sr. QB D.J. Shockley. Believe MSU's primary weapon RB Norwood will be more like "deadwood" vs. Dawgs deep (rotating DEs), stout front 7 (just 7 rush TDs allowed last 1+), putting too much pressure on dinking QB Conner.

(DNP...SR: Georgia 14-5)

Western Michigan 31 - TEMPLE 26--Punch-drunk Temple has been outscored 170-33 in its first 3 games. Owls stepping down in class. But they might still be "looking up" against WMU (last SU road win in Oct. 2003!), which has best player on field in NFL-caliber sr. WR Jennings (33 catches for 337 yards first 3 games). (DNP...SR: W. Michigan 3-0)

Eastern Michigan 37 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN 34--Both of these teams ran into superior Big Ten members last week and were properly spanked. EMU QB Matt Bohnet (70%) will do damage facing young, poor-tackling Central Michigan 2ndary. Eagle WRs Deslauriers & Bennett have combined for 37 catches TY, and Bohnet has run for 5.2 ypc. Chippewa frosh phenom RB Ontario Sneed has turned into a shooting star (14 for 148 YR in opener, then 31 for 117 in last two).

(04-E. Mich. 61-C. MICH. 58 (OT)...27-27 E.46/184 C.47/138 E.31/54/1/367 C.24/35/2/319 E.0 C.2)

(04-Emu +1' 61-58 (OT) 03-CMU -7' 38-10 02-Cmu -10 47-21...SR: C. Michigan 52-24-6)

VIRGINIA 44 - Duke 13--Sure, downtrodden Duke feeling better about itself after comfy home win over Div. I-AA VMI. (Well, maybe not that much better--Keydets were 0-11 LY.) Al Groh a 70% spread play at Charlottesville since 2002. Cavs have a lot more play-makers on offense than punchless Devils (only 15 ppg last 12 vs. Div. I-A foes).

(04-Va. 37-DUKE 16...V.29-21 V.61/348 D.34/95 D.20/32/1/242 V.11/20/0/163 V.1 D.0)

(04-Va. -25 37-16 03-VA. -14' 27-0 02-Va. -11 27-22...SR: Virginia 29-27)

Kent State 23 - OHIO 21--There's a significant QB edge for Kent State in this game, as Ohio U.'s jr. Austin Everson has struggled gaining command of the offense and rapport with receivers, completing just 48% with no TDs and 3 ints. TY. Meanwhile, 6-6 Kent QB Michael Machen threw for 293 yds. at Michigan State and 338 last week against the senior-laden Miami-O. defense.

(04-KENT ST. 42-Ohio 16...K.21-17 K.43/278 O.39/129 O.15/28/3/218 K.18/26/0/150 K.0 O.0)

(04-KSU -2 42-16 03-Ksu +3 37-33 02-Ohio +11' 50-0...SR: Ohio 35-20-2)

BYU 25 - Tcu 19--Jury (and we don't mean Robert Blake's) is still out on BYU's new "Texas Tech" style spread attack that o.c. Anae has imported from Lubbock. But Mountain West scouts insist that QB Beck and his Cougar weapons likely to get comfy with playbook sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, it's asking a lot of Gary Patterson's improved TCU "D" to keep compensating for Frog QB Gunn's (only 49%) puzzling inconsistency. (DNP...SR: BYU 3-1)

WEST VIRGINIA 37 - East Carolina 20--Small, depth-shy ECU defense permitted 407 YR at Wake last week; 478 & 361 in last 2 meetings against W. Virginia! But vet QB J. Pinkney (527 YP, 4 TDP, no ints. in first 2 games TY) & impact juco WR Allison (18 for 321 & 3 TDs) might keep Pirates within range of distracted Mounties, who are "sandwiched" between rivals Maryland & Va. Tech.

(04-W. VA. 56-E. Car. 23...W.20-19 W.56/478 E.28/59 E.26/51/2/322 W.6/15/2/143 W.0 E.1)

(04-WVU -28' 56-23 03-Wvu -9' 48-7 02-WVU -7 37-17...SR: West Virginia 14-2)

ALABAMA 38 - Arkansas 10--Since Bama's highly-productive sr. QB Croyle (he missed LY's game) is now supported by his most dangerous supporting cast, Tide should roll vs. a hurtin' Arkansas defense that lacks girth up front and coverage skills in 2ndary. No such concerns for fast, sure-tackling Bama (just 16 ppg last 1+Ys), which will consistently harrass Hogs immature, soph QB R. Johnson, who was pulled last week vs. Southern Cal. Shula's upbeat squad easily avenged LY's loss vs. South Carolina, so expect payback-minded Tide to convincingly snap first-ever 2-game series losing skein vs. this self-doubting Ark squad. REGIONAL TV--CBS

(04-ARK. 27-Ala. 10...Ar.17-14 Al.46/271 Ar.49/211 Ar.7/12/1/122 Al.6/18/1/57 Ar.0 Al.1)

(04-ARK. -5 27-10 03-Ark. -1' 34-31 (OT) 02-Ala. +6' 30-12...SR: Alabama 20-14)

Florida 42 - KENTUCKY 7--Since "letdown" is not in Urban Meyer's vocabulary (he's now 22-5 vs. spread last 2+Ys), won't hesitate to lay the lumber vs. a banged-up UK squad that allowed Indiana to rush for a whopping 305 yds. Yes, 305. Gators explosive QB Leak will get plenty of scoring chances after super-fast UF defense (only 2 meaningful TDs in 3 games) forces repeated 3-and-outs vs. containable Wildcat attack that mustered only 217 yds. vs. Hoosiers (79 of it on 1 TD pass!). With Meyer showing creativity even on his special teams, this one decided early. REGIONAL TV--CBS

(04-FLA. 20-Ky. 3...F.26-10 F.40/262 K.27/73 F.25/43/3/261 K.17/35/1/134 F.0 K.1)

(04-FLA. -18' 20-3 03-Fla. -10 24-21 02-FLA. -19 41-34...SR: Florida 38-17)

North Carolina 21 - NORTH CAROLINA STATE 20--True, Carolina's offense not the same without departed longtime triggerman Durant. But Tar Heel defense much stronger TY, holding physical ground attacks of Ga. Tech & Wisconsin to just 3.4 ypc. Revenge-minded rival N.C. State can't seem to avoid self-destructive TOs & penalties. Fast and tall UNC WRs able to hurt unseasoned NCS 2ndary. And undisciplined Wolfpack has lost 7 straight vs. spread at Raleigh & dropped 7 of past 9 in series! CABLE TV--ESPN

(04-N. CAR. 30-N. Car. St. 24...S.30-14 S.50/304 U.30/164 S.22/28/1/273 U.15/23/0/192 U.0 S.2)

(04-UNC +10' 30-24 03-NCS -17 47-34 02-Ncs -6' 34-17...SR: N. Carolina 61-27-6)

Notre Dame 33 - WASHINGTON 23--Don't want to get too carried away by Charlie Weis' "Ty Bowl" labeling, or U-Dub awakening from lengthy slumber vs. travel-weary Idaho last week. It's no coincidence that Brady Quinn (487 YP vs. MSU!) is responding to Weis' Pats'-style offense better than he did in Ty Willingham's West Coast LY, and banged-up Husky 2ndary will provide another enticing target. But Irish "D" sprang some leaks vs. Spartans, and Ty has mostly-eradicated QB Stanback's killer mistakes that destroyed UW in '04 TV--ABC

(04-N. DAME 38-Wash. 3...N.22-20 N.46/146 W.34/112 N.17/32/1/266 W.17/44/1/223 N.0 W.4)

(04-NOTRE DAME -11 38-3...SR: Notre Dame 5-0)

MIAMI-FLORIDA 27 - Colorado 16--Finally, the home debut for Miami, which produced only three TDs in its laborious split of two road games (loss at Florida State & 3OT win at Clemson). Things should go better for soph QB Kyle Wright (2 TDs, 2 ints. so far). But Hurricanes only 4-11 as a DD home favorite L3Ys, and their 2005 team still bothered by drops and some problems in kicking game. Colorado rested, has sr. QB Klatt & solid receiving cast, and one of the best kickers in the country in Mason Crosby (who might lose a little of his impressive range at sea level). REG. TV--ABC (DNP...SR: Colorado 5-2)

*Marshall 24 - CENTRAL FLORIDA 23--Nation's longest losing streak now stands at 17, as UCF defense was steamrolled by South Florida's ground forces last week. Rested Marshall might be able to do same with talented soph RB Bradshaw (originally signed w/Virginia). But Knight QB Moffett likely to make more plays than less-experienced Herd counterparts hitting the road for first time TY.

(04-MAR. 20-C. Fla. 3...M.21-9 M.42/173 C.35/49 M.19/35/1/155 C.7/14/1/55 M.0 C.1)

(04-MAR. -26 20-3 03-Mar. -11' 21-7 02-MAR. -10 26-21...SR: Marshall 3-0)

Southern Cal 45 - OREGON 30--Recommending against point-per-54 seconds USC about as risky as disagreeing with Karl Rove at a White House cabinet meeting. But Trojans hurting a bit on on "D" (3 first-stringers likely out) and have never faced the Utah-like spread-option looks now employed by Oregon. Ducks might take a cue from Jeff Tedford's Cal playbook and try a little ball control with capable QB Clemons, attempting to keep Matt Leinart & Co. off field. USC only 1-3 vs. number on Pac-10 road LY, and Mike Bellotti 16-6 as dog since 2000. TV--ABC (02-Southern Cal -1 44-33...SR: Southern Cal 34-15-2)

*MISSISSIPPI 31 - Wyoming 21--Following draining 29-28 victory at AF, depth-shy Wyo will have trouble sustaining that intensity at revenge-minded Ole Miss, which got hurt by some Cowboy trickery in 37-32 upset at Laramie LY. Not this time. Rebels improving, versatile QB Spurlock (check status of finger; 257 YP vs. Vandy) and speedy, underrated WRs Biddle & Hill will hurt slower Wyo 2ndary, while the Rebel "D" fired-up to atone for lackluster effort at Vandy for new, fiery HC Orgeron in his highly-anticipated home debut.

(04-WYO. 37-Miss. 32...M.35-24 M.44/221 W.38/158 M.26/56/4/346 W.16/32/1/239 W.1 M.1)

(04-WYOMING +3' 37-32...SR: Wyoming 1-0)

*Northern Illinois 30 - AKRON 28--The Rubber Bowl will be rockin' for this rare shot to perform in front of a TV audience. Akron QB Luke Getsy making progress, throwing for 319 yds. in engineering upset at Middle Tennessee last week. Zips' WR Jason Montgomery caught 3 scores at Purdue, and vet Hixon had 169 rec. yds. last week at MTSU, so Akron capable of trading with NIU RB Wolfe & QB Horvath. CABLE TV--ESPNU

(04-N. ILL. 49-Akron 19...N.22-15 N.38/260 A.34/65 N.17/28/1/225 A.17/26/0/192 N.0 A.1)

(04-NORTHERN ILLINOIS -17' 49-19...SR: Northern Illinois 5-3)

*HOUSTON 34 - Southern Miss 33--Big defensive edge to USM, which has covered 5 straight as road chalk for well-organized HC Bower. Banged-up Cougars have relinquished 82 points & 1107 yards vs. their first two Div. I-A foes TY. Still, side with irrepressible Houston jr. QB Kolb, who threw 5 ints. but also 5 TDP in last week's OT loss at UTEP.

(04-S. MISS 35-Hou. 29 (OT)...H.25-22 H.47/173 S.38/165 H.19/36/0/345 S.17/29/1/173 S.1 H.0)

(04-USM -17 35-29 (OT) 03-Usm -6' 31-10...SR: Southern Miss 6-2)

*TULSA 30 - Memphis 24--Improving Tulsa followed highly-competitive loss at Oklahoma by handing Sun Belt king North Texas its worst-ever home defeat, 54-2. Unless green Memphis RS frosh QB Hudgens able to provide some aerial spark, star Tiger TB D. Williams unlikely to run wild on stiffening Hurricane stoppers. Prefer Tulsa run-pass soph QB Paul Smith & his unique sr. hybrid TE/WR Mills (21 catches for 295 yards last 2 games!). (DNP...SR: Memphis 14-6)

*LSU 17 - Tennessee 16--Sure, we expect a supremely-emotional effort from LSU, finally playing in jam-packed Baton Rouge (due to Hurricane Katrina). Refuse, however, to lay more than a FG to a loaded and desperate UT squad that hasn't dropped 2 straight on road since 2000! After struggling vs. Florida's seasoned, super-fast 2ndary, envision Vol QBs Ainge and/or Clausen bouncing back vs. new Tiger CBs (old ones in NFL) , who permitted Arizona State's Keller to throw for 461 yds. And while LSU's 6-5 soph triggerman Russell showing growth, he'll have trouble finding groove vs. star-studded, hard-charging UT defense that limited Gators wide-open spread to just 1 TD and 3 FGs in "The Swamp." CABLE TV--ESPN2 (DNP...SR: Tennessee 19-5-3)

*Michigan 26 - WISCONSIN 20--Absence of super-soph RB Hart didn't faze Michigan last week, as fellow soph Max Martin made the most of his chance, running 26 times for 117 yds. & 2 scores. Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun (5.1 ypc, 8 TDs) is a force to be reckoned with, but vet Wolverine defensive front has completely shut down the run in last two games (1.8 ypc) after allowing Northern Illinois' Wolfe 148 YR in opener. TV--ESPN

(02-MICHIGAN -11 21-14...SR: Michigan 47-10-1)

*SAN DIEGO STATE 37 - San Jose State 16--After enduring brutal three-week stretch to open campaign, a match vs. lowly San Jose will be equivalent of a date with Jessica Simpson for win-hungry SDSU. So expect Aztec weapons RB Hamilton & QB O'Connell to finally find a little rhythm vs. pliable Spartan stop unit. Meanwhile, Dick Tomey threatening wholesale lineup changes at SJSU after non-competitive effort at Illinois. (DNP...SR: San Jose St. 16-14-2)

*Navy 27 - RICE 16--Maybe things will start working for Rice now that "major-league" portion of slate (UCLA & Texas) behind it. But need more convincing before getting sold on Rice's new shotgun additions to playbook that look misplaced with Ken Hatfield's option. Trust more-reliable Navy version of option and Mids' pointspread pedigree under shrewd HC Paul Johnson (18-6-1 last 25 on board).

(04-NAVY 14-Rice 13...N.19-15 N.52/263 R.53/223 N.4/15/0/79 R.5/5/0/35 N.0 R.0)

(04-NAVY -9' 14-13 03-Navy -3' 38-6 02-Rice -7 17-10...SR: Rice 6-4)

*SMU 23 - Tulane 21--Psychology very dicey. Displaced Tulane's inspired effort in opener vs. Miss. State ended in a 21-14 loss. Following its home upset of TCU, its biggest win since the '80s, SMU was emasculated at A&M. QB edge to rocket-armed Green Wave Ricard. But slightly favor veteran Mustangs (most returning starters of any Div. I-A team) over nomadic visitor. (DNP...SR: Tulane 9-4)

*Unlv 24 - UTAH STATE 16--Not overly eager to lay points on road with Mike Sanford's still-evolving shotgun-spread at UNLV. But regional scouts convinced revenge-minded Rebs the lesser of two evils, at least until USU's scatter-armed soph QB Leon Jackson gets better throwing ball (Ags' 95 YP in Utah opener was lowest in-game passing output in 11 years!).

(04-Usu 31-UNLV 21...U.24-14 U.45/267 S.33/114 U.20/35/4/283 S.12/26/0/177 S.0 U.0)

(04-Utah State +13 31-21...SR: Utah State 11-5)

*New Mexico 31 - UTEP 30--Reflecting the personality of HC Rocky Long, New Mexico has become one of the more righteous underdogs in the land (10-4 last 14 as road dog), with QB Kole McKamey (7 TDP TY; a 71-yd. TD run last week) turning out to be much more of a threat than expected. And RB DonTrell Moore (120 YR last week) getting stronger each week on his repaired knee. 6-4, 220 WR Baskett should have some fun with UTEP's struggling CBs. Miner offense scary, but RB Ebell prone to fumbles, and slowish QB Palmer prone to some interceptions. (DNP...SR: New Mexico 41-28-3)

*COLORADO STATE 42 - Nevada 20--Not convinced that last week's emotional, albeit sloppy, win over UNLV should trigger any "buy" signal on Nevada. After all, poor-travelin' Wolf Pack has really struggled away from Reno lately (and how--no covers last 8 away), so need more evidence that Chris Ault's new "Pistol" holds live ammunition. Chance for rested QB Holland & CSU "O" to gain some confidence after rugged tests vs. bowl-caliber Colorado & Minnesota on road. (02-Colo. St. -12 32-28...SR: Colorado St. 7-0)

*OREGON STATE 31 - Arizona State 30--If wagering public overreacts to disparate efforts last week, will gladly take price inflation with still-capable OSU. Sure, Beavs' 2ndary exposed at Louisville, but not sure ASU (3-8 SU as visitor since '03) and QB Keller (first Pac-10 road start) capable of transferring their Tempe fireworks to conference trail. Beavers always a tough "out" in Corvallis (32-6 SU last 38 at home!), and depleted Sun Devil 2ndary will be tested by strong-armed OSU QB Moore (63%) & WR Hass (165 ypg). CABLE TV--WTBS

(04-ASU 27-Ore. St. 14...A.21-19 A.35/125 O.22/M19 O.29/53/2/384 A.16/40/0/124 A.0 O.3)

(04-ASU -7' 27-14 03-OSU -6 45-17 02-ASU +3 13-9...SR: Arizona State 21-8-1)

IDAHO 34 - Hawaii 27--WAC scouts say that improved Idaho probably deserves a mulligan for last week's loss at Washington at end of rugged 3-game road trip. Although new QB Brennan looks like capable heir to Timmy Chang at helm of June Jones' UH Red Gun, remember that Warriors haven't been within single digits vs. any foe on mainland since '03. Northwest scouts impressed with Vandal jucos QB Wichman & WR D. Smith. CABLE TV--ESPNU

(04-HAWAII 52-Idaho 21...H.27-20 I.36/92 H.25/87 H.27/38/3/413 I.19/29/0/242 H.0 I.2)

(04-HAWAII -21 52-21...SR: Hawaii 4-1)

ADDED GAMES

*SOUTH CAROLINA 35 - Troy 10--Following Spurrier's worst home loss ever, look for USC to vent anger vs. rebuilding Troy, licking its wounds from 52-21 thumping at Missouri. Embarrassed 'Cock defense able to do more blitzing this week vs. Trojan attack lacking proven RB (only 102 YR last 2 weeks) & QB mobility. And after facing Bama's highly-ranked defense, Carolina's capable QB B. Mitchell finds many more passing lanes vs. reeling Troy defense that's already allowed more pts. vs. major foes TY than it did in last 6 reg. season games of '04.

(04-S. CAR. 17-Troy 7...S.18-9 S.47/132 T.28/99 S.16/24/2/199 T.9/23/2/108 S.1 T.0)

(04-SOUTH CAROLINA -14' 17-7...SR: South Carolina 1-0)

KANSAS STATE 44 - North Texas 10--North Texas off its worst home loss in history (54-2 vs. Tulsa). But can't count on any inspirational effort from Mean Green with the appropriately named RS frosh QB Meager (total of 185 YP in two games) still learning the ropes. K-State no longer a "bully" (extremely lucky to win two weeks ago at Marshall), but Wildcats improving, with mobile QB Webb having 4 TDP in first two games, and RB Clayton (transfer from Fla. State) gaining 329 YR.

(DNP...SR: Kansas St. 2-1)

*ARKANSAS STATE 27 - Florida International 22--ASU laying hefty points is about as rare as Dick Cheney visiting a D.C. tattoo parlor. So even though Indian RB Warren & QB Noce are decent weapons, not convinced hosts can extend margin vs. FIU squad that won't be intimidated after visiting Big XII Kansas State & Texas Tech and owns capable QB in 3rd-year starter Padrick. (FIRST MEETING)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

*FRESNO STATE 38 - Toledo 35--It's hard to get a true line on potent Toledo team that has outscored lowly W. Illinois, W. Mich. & Temple in first three games 104-13 in first H. This a much tougher assignment vs. Fresno, which gained 530 yds. in 37-34 loss Sept. 17 at Oregon. Still, Bulldog defense blew 17-0 lead in that game, and top pass rusher McIntyre (check status) bothered by sprained ankle. CABLE TV--ESPN2 (FIRST MEETING)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

*MIAMI-OHIO 31 - Cincinnati 26--Cincy obviously got caught looking ahead to this rivalry game in Sept. 17 narrow escape at home against Western Carolina. Although RS frosh QB Dustin Grutza was disappointing against the Catamounts (10 of 24 for 88 yards), he was under a great deal of pressure and had been much more relaxed in the first two games. Respect Miami-O. QB Josh Betts and talented soph RB Brandon Murphy, but prefer to take points in this bitter rivalry. TV--ESPN2

(04-CINCY 45-Miami 26...M.23-19 C.43/341 M.24/37 M.26/43/0/416 C.12/23/1/258 C.1 M.1)

(04-CINCY +3' 45-26 03-MIAMI -7 42-37 02-Miami +5 31-26...SR: Miami-Ohio 58-44-7)