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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
*Pittsburgh 28 - RUTGERS 24--Sure, it was only Div. I-AA Youngstown State. But last week's 41-0 home win just what the psychologist ordered for Pittsburgh's flagging confidence. Knights have enough playmakers to keep things tight. But major edge to veteran Panther defense (only 649 total yards and 1 TD in the last 3 games!). Pitt's Palko-to-Lee the most dangerous passing connection on the field. CABLE TV--ESPN
(04-PITT 41-Rutgers 17...P.26-18 P.42/79 R.22/56 R.31/57/4/351 P.27/43/1/318 P.1 R.1)
(04-PITT -5 41-17 03-Pitt -16 42-32 02-PITT -25 23-3...SR: Pittsburgh 19-3)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
IOWA 41 - Illinois 13--Favor Iowa to bounce back strong and take out frustrations of blasting at Ohio State on Illinois team that is having serious defensive lapses. Hawkeye QB Drew Tate was hemmed in by Buckeye LBs, but youthful Illini defense is starting 8 sophs or RS frosh and doesn't have the premium personnel of OSU. Iowa has been one of the best pointspread plays in the nation at home under HC Kirk Ferentz (25-4 last 29!). CABLE TV--ESPN
(04-Iowa 23-ILL. 13...Ia.19-16 Ia.36/76 Il.25/58 Ia.24/34/1/243 Il.22/42/1/210 Ia.0 Il.1)
(04-Iowa -12 23-13 03-IOWA -26' 41-10...SR: Illinois 37-26-2)
WISCONSIN 31 - Indiana 16--Badgers can't help but get caught celebrating thrilling, last-minute upset of Michigan last week. Indiana has had a week off to prepare a gameplan to slow Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun (157 ypg rushing, 9 TDs), and must respect job first-year HC Terry Hoeppner is doing with Indiana QB Blake Powers (11 TDP to 7 different receivers in first 3 games). TV--ESPN2 (02-IND +12 32-29...SR: Wis 31-18-2)
FLORIDA STATE 26 - Syracuse 13--RS frosh QB Weatherford (20 of 38 for 243 with 2 TDP) was able to lead Fla. State to come-from-behind win at rugged BC. And Syracuse soph QB Patterson (17 of 26 for 172 yards with a TDP, no ints. and 2 TD runs last game) starting to pick up nuances of Orange's new West Coast attack. Speedy, gang-tackling defenses likely to dominate, and pointspread decision might boil down to which young QB makes fewer mistakes. REGIONAL TV--ABC
(04-Fla. St. 17-SYR. 13...F.23-14 F.43/258 S.31/58 S.19/28/1/207 F.15/26/1/169 F.2 S.1)
(04-Florida St. -19 17-13...SR: Florida St. 4-1)
MICHIGAN STATE 27 - Michigan 20--Michigan State QB Drew Stanton is playing about as well as anyone in the nation, while Michigan's injury situation has negatively impacted its play. Spartan offense has Stanton & 6-6 sr. WR Trannon, as well as speedy slot man Jerramy Scott, but MSU also has 3 RBs (Teague, Caulcrick & Ringer) who've run for a combined 7.1 ypc and 9 TDs. Compare those with numbers of disappointing Wolverine WR/KR Steve Breaston (0 TDs, 6 catches for 7.2 ypc), injured soph RB Hart (4.0 ypc down from 5.2 LY), and QB Henne (53%), and you can see struggling Michigan will be in very tough unless it gets healthy quickly. REGIONAL TV--ABC
(04-MIC. 45-Msu 37 (OT)...U.27-25 S.57/368 U.44/223 U.24/35/0/273 S.18/26/0/167 U.1 S.0)
(04-MICH. -11 45-37 (OT) 03-Mich. -4 27-20 02-MICH. -15 49-3...SR: Michigan 64-28-5)
Colorado 20 - OKLAHOMA STATE 19--Big experience edge at QB for Colorado (sr. Klatt vs. RS frosh Reid) gives CU greater balance, while PK Crosby (righteous 58-yield FG last week at sea level at Miami) an important weapon in Big XII opener for both teams. But Oklahoma State better rested after week off. And Cowboys' ground game developing rapidly with 220-pound RS frosh Hamilton. REGIONAL TV--ABC
(04-Okla. St. 42-COLO. 14...C.22-15 O.43/236 C.30/127 C.28/46/2/318 O.8/11/1/193 O.0 C.1)
(04-Osu -6 42-14...SR: Colorado 25-17-1)
MARYLAND 21 - Virginia 20--Desperate Maryland breathing a sigh of relief after getting back to .500 with workmanlike win at Wake last week. UVa OL banged up, and Terp "D" has enough speed in front 7 to keep elusive Cav sr. QB Hagans from improvising big plays. Plenty of recent bad blood in this bitter regional rivalry. Home team has won & covered 4 straight in series. UVa only 4-11 vs. spread its last 15 as visitor.
(04-VA. 16-Mary. 0...V.26-7 V.61/295 M.27/51 M.12/23/2/163 V.10/17/1/114 V.1 M.1)
(04-VA. -14 16-0 03-MARY. -6' 27-17 02-VA. +9' 48-13...SR: Maryland 39-28-2)
Clemson 27 - WAKE FOREST 26--Wake has lost its last 8 vs. spread (2-6 SU), as lack of aerial threat allowing defenses to stack "box" against Deacons' bread-and-butter rushing attack. Still, speed-oriented Clemson defense susceptible to power ground tactics. Tired Tigers off back-to-back OT home losses that capped their sapping September slate, and they've failed to cover last 4 meetings with Wake.
(04-CLEM. 37-W. For. 30 (OT)...C.23-20 W.54/254 C.35/83 C.20/41/2/288 W.10/25/0/156 C.1 W.1)
(04-CLEM. -11' 37-30 (OT) 03-WFU -1 45-17 02-CLEM. -8' 31-23...SR: Clemson 54-15-1)
Virginia Tech 20 - WEST VIRGINIA 19--Off disparate efforts last week, will take extra points with revenge-minded W. Virginia. Intense HC Rodriguez will have Mounties ready for top effort after ho-hum home win over E. Carolina. Gang-tackling WV has permitted only 227 YR (on 1.6 ypc) in first 4 games! And maniacal Mountie faithful a significant factor in this intense rivalry (host has covered 7 of last 9 meetings).
CABLE TV--ESPN2
(04-V. TECH 19-W. Va. 13...V.21-10 V.47/192 W.36/134 V.16/34/2/142 W.10/21/1/134 V.0 W.1)
(04-TECH -3 19-13 03-WVU +13 28-7 02-Wvu +8 21-18...SR: West Virginia 28-21-1)
TENNESSEE 35 - Mississippi 10--Although this is shortened week for UT, want no part of troubled Ole Miss, which was "whipped up front , offensively and defensively," laments rookie HC Orgeron, in disappointing 24-14 home loss vs. Wyoming. Vols fast, ferocious "D" (13 ppg) should stifle disconnected Rebel attack hurtin' at QB (Spurlock playing with broken finger). Meanwhile, UT QB Ainge works play-action all day, with physical RB Riggs (4.9 ypc) banging away vs. Ole Miss "D" that might be forced to start a frosh MLB with premier defender Willis injured (missed Wyo; check status).
(04-Tenn. 21-MISS. 17...T.17-16 T.37/118 M.38/89 T.16/33/1/258 M.14/26/2/168 T.1 M.1)
(04-Tennessee -9' 21-17...SR: Tennessee 42-18-1)
 Iowa State 21 - NEBRASKA 13--Iowa State hasn't won in Lincoln in 45 years! But Cyclones have the coaching, defense & balance to finally turn the trick again, even vs. defensively-stout Cornhuskers, whose defense has 4 TDs TY compared with just 3 for the offense! NU QB Zac Taylor (only 207 YP vs. I-A foes) still learning the West Coast offense with a cast of mostly-unestablished receivers. ISU's Meyer a dual threat who has quality receivers, and Cyclone defense tougher TY with return of DE Berryman.
(04-IOWA ST. 34-Neb. 27...I.22-20 N.35/195 I.36/102 I.18/39/1/364 N.19/43/1/249 I.0 N.0)
(04-ISU +4' 34-27 03-NEB. -24 28-0 02-ISU P 36-14...SR: Nebraska 81-16-2)
TEXAS A&M 45 - Baylor 10--Big payback game for A&M, which blew a lead four times LY in Waco before aggressive Bears won on two-point conversion in OT! With Aggies' improved size & depth now a factor under Coach Fran (6-1 vs. spread last 7 at College Station), and elusive QB McNeal sporting 22/5 TD/int. ratio L2Ys, strongly recommend favorite vs. improving Baylor (3-0 for first time in 10 years!). Bears' QB Bell has tossed 2 ints. apiece in road games TY at SMU & Army.
(04-BAY. +25 35-34 (OT) 03-TAM -20 73-10 02-Tam -21 41-0...SR: Tx A&M 62-30-9)
(04-BAY. 35-Tex. A&M 34 (OT)...T.24-17 T.42/170 B.24/77 T.21/32/1/291 B.32/50/0/262 B.1 T.2)
BOSTON COLLEGE 49 - Ball State 10--See little motivation for BC to climb this pointspread mountain. But far-superior Eagles might get there anyway vs. Ball State side that has been outscored 119-3 at Iowa & Auburn (combo 84-0 at H)!
(04-Bos. Col. 19-BALL 11...Bc.18-12 Bc.43/205 Bs.33/64 Bs.19/33/0/147 Bc.12/23/1/135 Bc.1 Bs.0)
(04-Bos. Col. -17' 19-11 03-BOS. COL. -22 53-29...SR: Boston College 2-0)
Navy 31 - DUKE 16--As long as Navy can find its uniforms after 3 weeks off, money-making Mids (18-6-1 vs. spread last 25!) should have little trouble with discombobulated Duke. Devils' defense isn't bad. But their offense is, trying 3 different QBs in first quarter of last week's 38-7 loss at Virginia before settling on true frosh Asack.
(04-NAVY 27-Duke 12...N.23-14 N.57/301 D.39/175 N.8/9/0/129 D.13/22/0/90 N.3 D.0)
(04-NAVY -7' 27-12 02-Duke +2' 43-17...SR: Navy 17-12-5)
EASTERN MICHIGAN 35 - Kent State 23--EMU QB Matt Bohnet (65%) gives Eagles a distinct edge, especially considering Kent QB Michael Machen was injured vs. Ohio U. (after throwing 5 ints.!). Bohnet has hooked up with star WR Deslauriers 28 times already this season after the 6-4 senior made 84 catches LY. Kent 2ndary full of shrimps.
(04-KENT ST. 69-E. Mich. 17...K.35-12 K.41/250 E.29/127 K.29/35/0/325 E.17/34/1/129 K.0 E.1)
(04-KENT ST. -12' 69-17...SR: Kent St. 13-12)
ALABAMA 17 - Florida 16--If oddsmakers overreact to Florida's explosion (in 1st H) vs. banged-up Kentucky defense, take a few points at home with a confident, athletic, balanced Bama squad benefiting from superb leadership from sr. QB Croyle, who owns a plethora of weapons, including blossoming, blazing 6-3 soph WR D.J. Hall (Florida product has 4.4 speed). Don't see Gator triggerman Leak, who is still learning the nuances of Meyer's intricate system, easily finding his groove vs. fast, smothering Bama "D," featuring a tight-covering 2ndary that's yielded just 13 TDP in last 15 games. TV--CBS (DNP...SR: Ala. 19-12)
Lsu 34 - MISSISSIPPI STATE 10--Since LSU's gifted 6-5 soph QB Russell showing greater maturity and discipline, expect superior Tigers to continue their series domination (see Angle) vs. MSU squad that has yet to generate a meaningful TD vs. SEC foes TY. Expect Bulldog QB Conner to be heavily pressured again behind a porous OL (especially at T) unable to adequately protect.
(04-LSU 51-Miss. St. 0...L.31-7 L.58/272 M.22/40 L.18/23/0/327 M.8/26/4/90 L.4 M.1)
(04-LSU -30' 51-0 03-Lsu -13' 41-6 02-LSU -13 31-13...SR: LSU 62-33-3)
WYOMING 38 - Unlv 17--Things deteriorating at UNLV about as quickly as George W. Bush's approval ratings, as Rebs can now add injury concerns at QB (starter Steichen broke non-throwing hand last week) to other shortcomings exposed in recent losses at WAC also-rans Nevada & Utah State. Meanwhile, it's 9 straight covers for Joe Glenn's Wyo bunch that's found a new weapon (RS frosh RB Seldon 118 YR at Ole Miss) and has already dealt with a better spread option (Florida's) than UNLV version.
(04-Wyo. 53-UNLV 45 (OT)...U.25-23 U.50/210 W.42/83 W.23/37/1/240 U.20/34/2/223 W.0 U.0)
(04-Wyo. +3' 53-45 (OT) 03-Unlv +1 35-24 02-UNLV -8 49-48 (OT)...SR: UNLV 8-5)
Connecticut 35 - ARMY 17--Sure, UConn has a hard time stepping up in class. But Huskies usually sink their teeth into lesser foes. Army might have shot its limited ordnance in last week's emotional come-from-ahead loss to Iowa State. Black Knights' RB C. Jones won't be able to keep pace with premium UConn RBs Caulley & Brockington.
(04-CONN. 40-Army 3...C.30-17 C.39/199 A.36/136 C.27/37/1/304 A.11/27/1/114 C.0 A.1)
(04-CONN. -22' 40-3 03-Conn. -16 48-21...SR: Connecticut 2-1)
Minnesota 21 - PENN STATE 20--Beating nemesis Purdue in OT last week should prove a major psychological boost for Minnesota. Boiler d.c. Spack said Minny runs the ball better than any team he's seen in a long time. But experienced Penn State defense is tough and jr. LB Posluszny (22 tackles vs. NW) will be a busy fellow. Yes, Nittany Lion QB M. Robinson erratic. But he can run and is now finding young WRs for scores (9 TDP last 3 games). REGIONAL TV--ABC (04-MINN. -15 16-7 03-Minn. -2 20-14...SR: EVEN 4-4)
(04-MINN. 16-Penn St. 7...M.18-16 M.56/288 P.22/21 P.24/48/1/250 M.8/18/1/113 M.0 P.1)
Texas 35 - MISSOURI 23--Mizzou played Texas tough LY in Austin, and Tiger offense improved TY. Not so sure about their defense (28 ppg) against Longhorn team on 10-game winning streak (7-3 vs. spread). However, MU sr. QB B. Smith (4 TDR, 6 TDP TY) more comfortable in Tigers' new spread offense, and 6-5 top target WR Coffey expected back after shoulder separation a month ago. Mizzou HC Pinkel, under fire, 6-1 last 7 as dog. REG. TV-ABC
(04-TEXAS 28-Mizzou 20...M.18-15 T.39/193 M.47/173 M.20/34/2/185 T.8/20/2/106 T.1 M.0)
(04-TEXAS -13' 28-20...SR: Texas 14-5)
NORTH CAROLINA 27 - Utah 13--With UNC's confidence level rising following consecutive wins over arch-rival NCS, will support revenge-minded Tar Heels, who haven't forgotten 30-point pasting at Utah LY. Look for UNC's quick-emerging soph RB B. Edwards (129 YR, 1 TD vs. stingy Wolfpack) to continue to shine vs. rebuilding Ute defense yielding 4.5 ypc. And believe Tar Heels tough-minded sr. QB Baker less likely to make key miscue than Utah's 18-year-old soph counterpart B. Johnson. Utes 0-4 vs. number. Payback works.
(04-UTAH 46-N. Car. 16...U.35-14 U.46/288 N.27/48 U.31/40/1/381 N.16/34/1/173 U.1 N.1)
(04-UTAH -21 46-16...SR: Utah 1-0)
Southern Cal 48 - ARIZONA STATE 24--Maybe Dirk Koetter's well-coordinated ASU aerial show will provide more than the 30 minutes of resistance Oregon offered vs. SC last week. But taking up residence on the Gulf Coast these days might be safer than picking a spot to go against these rampaging Trojans. Sun Devils simply lack sufficient defensive playmakers to impede Reggie Bush and other weapons in SC arsenal, and Troy's deep talent base making it easier than expected for Pete Carroll to plug any holes in SC defensive dike. REGIONAL TV--ABC
(04-S. CAL 45-Ariz. St. 7...S.23-13 S.38/145 A.30/24 S.17/28/0/301 A.23/39/2/219 S.1 A.0)
(04-USC -10' 45-7 03-Usc -11' 37-17 02-USC -15 34-13...SR: Southern Cal 12-9)
*UCLA 45 - Washington 17--Maybe Ty Willingham should give FEMA a call to help with relief efforts at U-Dub after Huskies reverted to old self-destruct ways vs. Notre Dame. UCLA certainly not shooting itself in the foot lately (0 giveaways first 3!) en route to scoring 49 ppg. Homerun threat Maurice Drew (5 TDs vs. UW LY) & hot QB Drew Olson (6 TDP/0 ints.) give trustworthy Bruins (11-2-1 vs. line last 14 in reg. seas.) a chance to extend margin.
(04-Ucla 37-WASH. 31...U.24-21 U.54/424 W.45/219 W.13/29/0/200 U.12/17/1/122 U.2 W.0)
(04-Ucla P 37-31 03-UCLA +1' 46-16 02-Ucla +1' 34-24...SR: UCLA 34-28-2)
CALIFORNIA 31 - Arizona 20--Though Jeff Tedford's "reloading" project at Cal on schedule, not sure we trust work-in-progress Bears to extend margins vs. capable foes. Of which improved UA would appear to qualify, especially since soph QB Kovalcheck giving Cats their first consistent aerial threat in years. Note that Mike Stoops' bunch has competed on near-even terms with bowl-caliber opposition since late LY (covered last 3 on board).
(04-Cal. 38-ARIZ. 0...C.27-12 C.41/192 A.29/86 C.22/30/2/267 A.13/32/1/159 C.0 A.1)
(04-Cal. -22' 38-0 03-CAL. -17' 42-14 02-Ariz. +17 52-41...SR: EVEN 11-11-2)
BOWLING GREEN 51 - Temple 13--Prefer to lay big number with Bowling Green and QB Omar Jacobs, who figures to bounce back strong from what he called his worst game ever in defeat at Boise. Temple QB Mike McGann has completed just 26 of his last 72 attempts, and Owl defense has allowed 5.3 ypc, 64% completions & 15 TD passes in losing first 4.
(04-B. Green 70-TEMPLE 16...B.22-14 B.45/272 T.35/97 B.21/26/1/367 T.13/24/0/197 B.0 T.1)
(04-Bowling Green -7 70-16...SR: Bowling Green 5-2)
Washington State 31 - OREGON STATE 27--Still a bit reluctant to jump on Wazzu bandwagon after soft non-league slate straight from the "Bill Snyder" school of scheduling. But Pac-10 insiders insist Cougs have fewer red flags to worry about than OSU, which can apparently add implosive tendencies (6 giveaways vs. ASU) to concerns about inconsistent infantry and gaping holes on stop unit. Established WSU playmakers RB J. Harrison & WR Hill more likely to score winning points.
(04-ORE. ST. 38-Was. St. 19...O.23-19 O.50/171 W.31/119 O.18/40/1/270 W.15/41/2/201 O.0 W.1)
(04-OSU -8 38-19 03-WSU -7' 36-30...SR: Washington St. 46-40-3)
MARSHALL 31 - Smu 17--Difficult to recommend either of these struggling sides. Marshall fresh off a loss at C. Florida, the Knights' first win in 17 games. SMU is 2-11 vs. spread last 13 on road, losing last 8 of those by an average 49-10. (FIRST MEETING)
IDAHO 21 - Utah State 20 --If oddsmakers overadjust after last week's disparate results, won't lay any points with Utah State squad that's 2-19 SU away since 2002. Idaho's capable QB Wichman (51 of 81 in 1st 3) should bounce back with more formful performance here, especially if OL healthier (down serveral starters vs. Hawaii).
(04-UTAH ST. 14-Idaho 7...I.16-12 I.46/134 U.25/58 U.20/31/2/214 I.17/23/1/101 U.0 I.0)
(04-USU -11' 14-7 03-IDAHO +1 20-13...SR: Utah State 15-14-2)
STANFORD 31 - Oregon 29--Not sure even Dr. Phil would bother analyzing matchup between these psyche-bruised Pac-10 teams. But as long as QB Edwards (expected back from finger injury) makes post, expect a kamikaze effort from Stanford bunch that's had two weeks to stew after humiliating loss to UC Davis. Oregon's spread-option still lacks infantry diversion, and leaky Duck "D" allowing nearly 500 ypg.
(04-Ore. 16-STANFORD 13...S.20-18 O.39/149 S.29/M8 O.22/33/1/275 S.23/39/0/269 O.1 S.0)
(04-Ore. +3' 16-13 03-ORE. -10 35-0 02-ORE. -14 41-14...SR: Stanford 44-23-1)
*Southern Miss 27 - EAST CAROLINA 24--Well-coached USM a solid pointspread performer lately, covering 14 of its last 20 on board. Still, ECU QB Pinkney & springy juco WR Allison (28 catches for 454 yards & 4 TDs in first 3 games!) a dynamic duo. Pirates (3-0 vs. spread TY) have covered their last 5 as dog at Dowdy-Ficklen, and ECU "D" stiffened vs. run at. WV (just 2.9 ypc).
(04-S. MISS 51-E. Car. 10...S.23-14 S.60/264 E.27/M3 E.18/33/0/181 S.8/12/0/119 S.0 E.1)
(04-USM -18' 51-10 03-Usm -14' 38-21 02-USM -9' 24-7...SR: Southern Miss 23-7)
*AKRON 35 - Central Michigan 28--Respect job Akron QB Luke Getsy has done, but CMU has weapons to trade with Zips. Chippewa QB Kent Smith (224 ypg passing, 61%) and true frosh Ontario Sneed (5.2 ypc) should be able to cash in offensive opportunities facing Akron defense yielding 66% completions & 303 ypg passing. (03-Akr -7' 40-28 02-Cmu -1 24-17...SR: Even 9-9-1)
SAN JOSE STATE 35 - Nevada 33--If handicapping this like a baseball game, we might shade Nevada and its better "pitcher" (Wolf Pack QB Rowe rates edge over struggling Tafralis-Bozzo combo at SJSU). But the Expos still had another year to go in Montreal the last time Nevada won or covered away from Reno (9 straight Ls!). REG. TV--ABC
(04-NEV. 42-S. Jose St. 24...N.27-14 N.42/202 S.28/32 S.16/27/0/273 N.25/35/0/252 N.1 S.2)
(04-NEV. -14 42-24 03-Nev. -1' 42-30 02-NEV. -6 52-24...SR: Nevada 10-7-2)
*MIAMI-FLORIDA 27 - South Florida 10--Though USF celebrating its shocking 45-14 home win over highly-ranked Louisville, expect emotional effort vs. "The U," with its more highly-regarded players, many of whom the Bulls faced in high school. Doubt USF offense has another secret weapon to unveil (6-5 true frosh WR Amarri Jackson 2 TDC, 1 TDP last week). But 'Cane attack inconsistant due to youth. CABLE TV--ESPNU (FIRST MEETING)
*Notre Dame 27 - PURDUE 24--Purdue's defense was disappointing against Minnesota. Boilers are allowing 305 ypg passing and couldn't control the Gopher running game last week. Purdue QB Brandon Kirsch has completed just 52%, while ND QB Brady Quinn (295 ypg passing, 62% & 10 scores) led the Irish to a bounceback win at Washington last week. Sr-laden Irish "o" will remember 2004's frustrating home loss vs. the Boilermakers, as Quinn threw for 432 yards, but ND couldn't contain Boiler QB Kyle Orton (NFL TY). TV--ESPN
(04-Purd. 41-N. DAME 16...N.28-22 P.28/99 N.36/76 N.29/49/0/460 P.22/32/0/413 P.0 N.1)
(04-Purd. -2' 41-16 03-PURD. -10' 23-10 02-UND -6 24-17...SR: Notre Dame 49-25-2)
*UAB 41 - Rice 14--Role of big favorite not the most comfortable for scrappy UAB (only 2-5 last 7 laying DDs). But unwilling to back Rice, which lacks Div. I-A size & speed. Owls allowed 91 first-half points in first 2 games. Chance for slimmed-down Blazer sr. QB Hackney to impress NFL scouts. (FIRST MEETING)
*WESTERN MICHIGAN 27 - Buffalo 10--Buffalo is averaging 1 ppg! Even Western Michigan's defense stands a chance to stop the Bulls. Realize Bronco QB Cubit was injured last week, but backup Robbie Haas has completed 65% and thrown for 307 yds. in relief this season. (02-Western Michigan -11 31-17...SR: Western Michigan 2-0)
*TULSA 42 - Houston 35--Hard to hold down resilient QB Kolb & creative Houston attack for full 60 minutes. And smallish Tulsa defense probably won't. But Cougs unlikely to get many stops vs. burgeoning Hurricane offense led by play-making soph QB Paul Smith & tough-to-cover sr. TE/WR Mills (28 catches for 401 yards last 3 games!). UH, one of nation's most penalized teams, more likely to make key mistakes. (DNP...SR: Even 15-15)
*TEXAS TECH 45 - Kansas 23--Both have faced easy schedules first three games TY (TT's two I-AA opponents should be particularly embarrassing for Red Raiders). So we really don't yet know if 5th-year sr. QB Hodges of Tech is the reincarnation of Kingsbury, Symons, Cumbie. But KU appears to lack the requisite OL & ball control to eat the clock vs. Raiders (TT is 12-4 last 16 as home favorite). (04-Texas Tech -5' 31-30...SR: Texas Tech 8-1)
(04-Tex. Tech 31-KAN. 30...22-22 T.22/182 K.35/86 T.28/52/4/356 K.23/47/3/250 T.1 K.0)
*OKLAHOMA 23 - Kansas State 20--These two no longer the powers they used to be. Sooner RS frosh QB Bomar showing improvement (20 of 29 at UCLA). Still, K-State jr. QB Webb (6 TDs, 3 ints. TY) a dual threat, and HC Snyder says his defense is faster & more aggressive TY, if not more seasoned. Can super-soph OU star RB A. Peterson carry the day vs. emerging Wildcat RB duo of RS frosh Fisher & Florida State transfer Clayton (check status)? (04-Okla. -19' 31-21 03-Ksu +14 35-7 (at Kansas City)...SR: Oklahoma 66-17-4)
(04-Okla. 31-KAN. ST. 21...O.23-17 O.44/149 K.25/1 O.20/31/1/256 K.21/41/0/246 O.0 K.3)
*LOUISIANA TECH 27 - New Mexico State 24--Covering only 11 of last 35 on board, compensating for killer-mistake tendencies (-6 TOs already!), and switching QBs again (sr. Kubik gets starting call) hardly presents compelling case to lay points with subpar La. Tech. NMSU at least covering a few numbers lately, and Hal Mumme's Air Raid (piloted by new QB Vincent) might start to fly vs. lesser WAC defenses. (DNP...SR: N. Mex. St 3-1)
*New Mexico 23 - TCU 20--Early results confirm opinion of scouts that very little separates MWC contenders TY (dogs 5-1 in first 6 loop tilts). No reason trend shouldn't continue, at least as long as usually-righteous road warrior UNM (10-3 vs. line away since '03) doesn't replicate uncharacteristic mistakes from last week at UTEP. TCU QB Gunn (check status) was pulled for jr. Ballard at BYU, and RB D. Moore (161 YR vs. Miners) back to pre-injury form for Lobos. (DNP...SR: EVEN 3-3)
*AUBURN 20 - South Carolina 13--Even with AU's starting QB Cox expected to return (see Ticker), uncomfortable laying DDs vs. young, developing USC squad that hung tough at powerful UGA. Look for an aroused defensive effort vs. Tigers main RB Irons, who abruptly transferred from Carolina couple years ago. 'Cock's accurate soph QB B. Mitchell (65%) developing solid rapport with rangy 6-4 RS frosh WR Rice (10 catches last 2 games). TV--ESPN (DNP...SR: Auburn 4-1-1)
*Utep 28 - MEMPHIS 21--Though UTEP defense is tougher than most people think, Memphis star RB DeAngelo Williams (223 YR & 3 TDs last week) will probably get his. He usually does. But ball-hawking UTEP (27 ints. last 1+ seasons!) ready to pounce on any errant throws by true frosh Tiger QB Barefield, forced into starting role after UM's top 2 QBs were lost to broken legs in first 3 games. (FIRST MEETING)
*SAN DIEGO STATE 31 - Byu 30--Though BYU's new "Texas Tech"-style offense showing a few Red Raider-like signs (QB John Beck 517 YP last week), Cougar defense played more like Louisiana Tech's in come-from-ahead OT loss vs. Frogs. Anticipate Aztec playmakers RB Hamilton & WR Webb making more impact plays vs. MWC defenses than they could vs. UCLA & Ohio State's athletes in non-conference work.
(04-BYU 49-S.D. St. 16...S.21-18 B.43/187 S.35/163 B.16/27/0/339 S.21/47/2/229 B.1 S.1)
(04-BYU -10' 49-16 03-Byu +2' 44-36 02-BYU -2 34-10...SR: BYU 22-6-1)
*Boise State 37 - HAWAII 31--Now that Boise has moved back down a "weight class" or two, Broncos might resume recent domination of WAC. But it hasn't taken June Jones long to discover a new pilot for his UH Red Gun (juco QB Brennan 76% last two), and scouts report Jerry Glanville's aggressive defense paying dividends (shutout at Idaho was UH's first since '99). Islanders itching to atone for LY's 69-3 humiliation on blue carpet.
(04-BOISE ST. 69-Hi. 3...B.25-16 B.50/425 H.21/73 H.26/55/5/227 B.11/19/0/164 B.0 H.1)
(04-BSU -22' 69-3 03-Bsu -10' 45-28 02-BSU -4' 58-31...SR: Boise St. 4-2)
ADDED GAMES
LOUISVILLE 55 - Florida Atlantic 7--Will Louisville show a bit of compassion to the opposing coach (FAU's Howard Scnellenberger) who once upon a time resurrected UL program? Wouldn't count on it after Cards' embarrassing effort at South Florida last week. Besides, UL usually pulls no punches at Papa John's (won and covered last 7 as host, all as DD chalk). TV--ESPNC (FIRST MEETING)
*LA.-MONROE 31 - Arkansas State 28--We'll take the Indians. (We know, they're both the Indians. Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention). Comeback win at FAU confirms reports from scouts that QB Jyles & Monroe attack can do some business vs. Sun Belt stop units. And ASU might be minus key RB Warren (ankle vs. FIU).
(04-Asu 28-LA.-MON. 21...L.23-18 L.55/260 A.37/213 L.11/23/1/174 A.11/23/1/128 A.1 L.3)
(04-Asu +6 28-21 03-ASU -7' 44-41 at LR 02-Asu +3 33-21...SR: Arkansas St. 15-11)
*VANDERBILT 27 - Middle Tennessee St. 7 --With rapidly-ascending, hungry Vandy just 2 games away from bowl eligibility (no bowl since '82), ready to lay unusual lumber with 'Dore squad eager to avenge a pair of recent upset losses to neighboring MTS. Versatile, hot sr. QB Cutler now hooking up with new target, true frosh WR Bennett (11 catches vs. Richmond), so Vandy has many more ways to score than offensively-challenged Blue Raiders (just 7 pts. each game so far).
(02-Middle Tenn. St. +6' 21-20...SR: Vanderbilt 12-2)
*Central Florida 23 - LA.-LAFAYETTE 21--Now that Central Florida is brimming with confidence (OK, maybe that's an overstatement) by ending its 18-gm. losing streak, not surprised to see Golden Knights make it 2 straight vs. beatable ULL squad allowing 6.3 ypc. But is UCF good enough to lay points on the road? (DNP...SR: C. Fla 2-0)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4
*NORTH TEXAS 38 - Troy 10--After getting clobbered in last two non-conference games, look for perennial Sun Belt champ NT (26 straight conf. wins) to vent pent-up anger in Sun Belt home opener vs. rebuilding Troy. Mean Green's record-breaking RB duo of J. Thomas & Cobbs will get untracked in a major way vs. vulnerable Trojan front 7 (5.3 ypc allowed vs. quality run attacks so far). And Troy, which is on road for 3rd straight time, already has -10 TO margin. TV--ESPN2
(03-NO. TEXAS -11 21-0...SR: EVEN 1-1)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5
*NORTHERN ILLINOIS 42 - Miami-Ohio 30--Expect Northern Illinois star RB Garrett Wolfe & QB Phil Horvath to do plenty of business in front of fired-up partisan crowd in rare national TV appearance. Miami-O. defense allows 4.5 ypc & 64% completions. Horvath had a breakout game last week at Akron, throwing for 486 yds. & 6 scores, rallying the Huskies from 21 down in the 4th Q before loss in OT. CABLE TV--ESPN2 (02-Northern Illinois +8' 48-41...SR: Miami-Ohio 7-3)
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