Texas holds off Iowa State, 'under' hits
September 28, 2017
AMES, Iowa (AP) Iowa State was supposed to be better. Texas was supposed to be vulnerable.
In the end, neither team looked like they were ready to compete for a Big 12 title on Thursday night - but it was the Longhorns who survived the conference opener.
Shane Buechele threw for 171 yards and a score, and Texas beat Iowa State 17-7. Chris Warren III added a rushing TD for the Longhorns (2-2), who improved to 13-2 against the Cyclones (2-2).
Warren had an 11-yard touchdown run and Toneil Carter caught a 22-yard TD pass from Buechele to give Texas a 14-0 halftime lead.
The game - which was about as ugly as one can get four weeks into the season - hinged on a pair of plays in a 21-second span late in the third quarter that went the Longhorns' way.
Texas fumbled away a kickoff deep in its own territory, but the runner was ruled down on replay. Iowa State then took a fumbled backward pass into the end zone to briefly pull within 14-13, but the officials ruled the ball was going forward after a review.
Jacob Park threw for 246 yards and had a career-high three interceptions for Iowa State, which had scored at least 40 points in each of its first three games.
THE TAKEAWAY
Texas: The Longhorns did what they've done so often against Iowa State, pushing the Cyclones around while dictating tempo through the ground game. Texas' rebuilt offensive line had issues with holding calls, and its entire offense looked discombobulated at times. But a win on the road in league play is never something to scoff at - especially when you're just four games into Tom Herman's coaching tenure.
Iowa State: It was as if the Cyclones saw Texas come out in their all-white road uniforms and froze. Almost none of the improvement Iowa State has made under second-year coach Matt Campbell was evident against the Longhorns. The first two touchdowns Texas scored came after penalties the Cyclones could've avoided, and questions about the play-calling - like why did star running back David Montgomery have just six carries in the first half? - lingered all night.
ELEVEN-UP
Buechele certainly spread the ball around, completing passes to 11 different receivers. Lil'Jordan Humphrey led the way with four catches, and six Longhorns caught at least two passes. Buechele made a poor choice that led to an interception, but he was largely accurate, completing 19 of 26 passes against a talented Iowa State secondary.
WHERE'S MONTGOMERY?
Montgomery came into play with 321 yards and four TDs on 5.7 yards per carry. But Iowa State unsuccessfully tried to open things up with its passing game in the first half, which forced them to abandon the running game after it went down by 14 points. Montgomery finished with 34 yards on nine carries, while Park threw the ball 48 times.
KEY NUMBERS
Iowa State linebacker Joel Lanning - who was the quarterback when the Cyclones beat Texas 24-0 in 2015 - had 20 tackles. ... Warren finished with 44 yards rushing and Buechele had 42. ... Iowa State was 3 of 12 on third down and 0 of 2 on fourth. Texas's Malik Jefferson stuffed Park on a fourth-and-4 at the 50 midway through the fourth quarter. ... Factoring in sacks, Iowa State finished with just 10 yards rushing.
WHAT'S NEXT
Texas hosts Kansas State next Saturday.
Iowa State travels to face Oklahoma on Oct. 7.
September 28, 2017
AMES, Iowa (AP) Iowa State was supposed to be better. Texas was supposed to be vulnerable.
In the end, neither team looked like they were ready to compete for a Big 12 title on Thursday night - but it was the Longhorns who survived the conference opener.
Shane Buechele threw for 171 yards and a score, and Texas beat Iowa State 17-7. Chris Warren III added a rushing TD for the Longhorns (2-2), who improved to 13-2 against the Cyclones (2-2).
Warren had an 11-yard touchdown run and Toneil Carter caught a 22-yard TD pass from Buechele to give Texas a 14-0 halftime lead.
The game - which was about as ugly as one can get four weeks into the season - hinged on a pair of plays in a 21-second span late in the third quarter that went the Longhorns' way.
Texas fumbled away a kickoff deep in its own territory, but the runner was ruled down on replay. Iowa State then took a fumbled backward pass into the end zone to briefly pull within 14-13, but the officials ruled the ball was going forward after a review.
Jacob Park threw for 246 yards and had a career-high three interceptions for Iowa State, which had scored at least 40 points in each of its first three games.
THE TAKEAWAY
Texas: The Longhorns did what they've done so often against Iowa State, pushing the Cyclones around while dictating tempo through the ground game. Texas' rebuilt offensive line had issues with holding calls, and its entire offense looked discombobulated at times. But a win on the road in league play is never something to scoff at - especially when you're just four games into Tom Herman's coaching tenure.
Iowa State: It was as if the Cyclones saw Texas come out in their all-white road uniforms and froze. Almost none of the improvement Iowa State has made under second-year coach Matt Campbell was evident against the Longhorns. The first two touchdowns Texas scored came after penalties the Cyclones could've avoided, and questions about the play-calling - like why did star running back David Montgomery have just six carries in the first half? - lingered all night.
ELEVEN-UP
Buechele certainly spread the ball around, completing passes to 11 different receivers. Lil'Jordan Humphrey led the way with four catches, and six Longhorns caught at least two passes. Buechele made a poor choice that led to an interception, but he was largely accurate, completing 19 of 26 passes against a talented Iowa State secondary.
WHERE'S MONTGOMERY?
Montgomery came into play with 321 yards and four TDs on 5.7 yards per carry. But Iowa State unsuccessfully tried to open things up with its passing game in the first half, which forced them to abandon the running game after it went down by 14 points. Montgomery finished with 34 yards on nine carries, while Park threw the ball 48 times.
KEY NUMBERS
Iowa State linebacker Joel Lanning - who was the quarterback when the Cyclones beat Texas 24-0 in 2015 - had 20 tackles. ... Warren finished with 44 yards rushing and Buechele had 42. ... Iowa State was 3 of 12 on third down and 0 of 2 on fourth. Texas's Malik Jefferson stuffed Park on a fourth-and-4 at the 50 midway through the fourth quarter. ... Factoring in sacks, Iowa State finished with just 10 yards rushing.
WHAT'S NEXT
Texas hosts Kansas State next Saturday.
Iowa State travels to face Oklahoma on Oct. 7.
CFB Aug/Sept Best Bets: ( All Best Bets Based On 5 Units Per Play )
BEST BETS & OPINIONS
DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD
09/28/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
09/24/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/23/2017 31-33-1 48.44% -26.50
09/22/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
09/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/16/2017 20-26-3 43.48% -43.00
09/15/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50
09/14/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
09/09/2017 19-21-3 47.50% -20.50
09/08/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
09/07/2017 0-1-0 0.00% -5.50
09/04/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
09/03/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
09/02/2017 11-21-0 34.38% -60.50
09/01/2017 6-3-0 66.67% +13.50
08/31/2017 9-4-0 69.23% +23.00
08/26/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50
Totals:.......121 - 122 - 6.....49.79%....-66.00
Best Bets:*****
Best Bets :........................ATS............TOTALS.... .............O/U................TOTALS
09/28/2017....................0 - 1..............--5.00..................0 - 0 ..............+ 0.00
09/24/2017....................1 - 0..............+ 5.00.................1 - 0...............+ 5.00
09/23/2017....................9 - 16 - 1.......- 35.00.................2 - 7..............- 28.50
09/22/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................2 - 0..............+10.00
09/21/2017....................1 - 0..............+ 5.00..................1 - 0..............+ 5.00
09/16/2017....................7 - 9 - 1.........- 14.50.................3 - 6...............-12.50
09/15/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................1 - 2...............- 6.00
Totals:........................22 -26- 2...........- 25.50...............10 - 15.............- 24.00
BEST BETS & OPINIONS
DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD
09/28/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
09/24/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/23/2017 31-33-1 48.44% -26.50
09/22/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
09/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/16/2017 20-26-3 43.48% -43.00
09/15/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50
09/14/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
09/09/2017 19-21-3 47.50% -20.50
09/08/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
09/07/2017 0-1-0 0.00% -5.50
09/04/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
09/03/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
09/02/2017 11-21-0 34.38% -60.50
09/01/2017 6-3-0 66.67% +13.50
08/31/2017 9-4-0 69.23% +23.00
08/26/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50
Totals:.......121 - 122 - 6.....49.79%....-66.00
Best Bets:*****
Best Bets :........................ATS............TOTALS.... .............O/U................TOTALS
09/28/2017....................0 - 1..............--5.00..................0 - 0 ..............+ 0.00
09/24/2017....................1 - 0..............+ 5.00.................1 - 0...............+ 5.00
09/23/2017....................9 - 16 - 1.......- 35.00.................2 - 7..............- 28.50
09/22/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................2 - 0..............+10.00
09/21/2017....................1 - 0..............+ 5.00..................1 - 0..............+ 5.00
09/16/2017....................7 - 9 - 1.........- 14.50.................3 - 6...............-12.50
09/15/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................1 - 2...............- 6.00
Totals:........................22 -26- 2...........- 25.50...............10 - 15.............- 24.00
Big 12 Report - Week 5
September 27, 2017
2017 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Baylor 0-4 0-1 1-3 2-2
Iowa State 2-1 0-0 3-0 2-1
Kansas 1-3 0-1 1-3 4-0
Kansas State 2-1 0-0 2-1 2-1
Oklahoma 4-0 1-0 3-1 3-1
Oklahoma State 3-1 0-1 3-1 3-1
Texas 1-2 0-0 2-1 1-2
Texas Christian 4-0 1-0 2-2 2-2
Texas Tech 3-0 0-0 3-0 1-2
West Virginia 3-1 1-0 2-2 3-0-1
Texas at Iowa State (Thu. - ESPN, 8:00 p.m. ET)
The Longhorns and Cyclones kick off the fifth weekend of college football in Ames in the standalone FBS game on Thursday night. Texas lost last time out at Southern California back on Sept. 16, but they still have to feel good about themselves after almost winning at the L.A. Coliseum against a Top 5 team. They ended up falling 27-24 in overtime, but it was a confidence builder. Iowa State hasn't been lacking in confidence, especially on offense. They're averageing 41.3 PPG through three games, scoring 42 in their opener with Northern Iowa, 41 in their rivalry game loss to Iowa and 41 in a win against Akron on Sept. 16. The defense has allowed 27.3 PPG, so there is room for improvement there.
The Cyclones have posted a perfect 3-0 ATS mark through three outings, with the 'over' cashing in their first two. The Longhorns have cashed each of their psat two outings with the 'under' hitting in each performance. Texas has been a bit hard to figure, as they were topped 51-41 against Maryland in their opener at home, they blasted San Jose State 56-0 in a game that wasn't much of a test, and then the aforementioned USC game. Which Longhorns team will show up? Iowa State is 7-1 ATS over their past eight home games, while Texas is 4-1 ATS in their past five against winning teams. The home team has cashed in four of the past five in this series.
Baylor at Kansas State (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.)
So close, but no cigar for Baylor last weekend against Oklahoma. The Bears couldn't avoid an 0-4 SU start, but they were able to finally pick up their first cover of the season in a near monumental upset. At the very least, if the Bears were lacking confidence after shocking losses to FCS Liberty and Texas-San Antonio, as well as a not as shocking loss at Duke, they certainly have a little mojo back after taking the Sooners to the brink. K-State is champing at the bit after a 14-7 loss two weeks ago at Vanderbilt, a stunning lack of offense after posting a pair of 55-point performances against FCS Central Arkansas and Charlotte. Of course, those teams do not have a nasty defense like Vandy.
The Bears roll into Manhattan with a 1-7 ATS mark over their past eight games, and they're 3-8 ATS in their past 11 overall. Baylor is also 2-5 ATS in the past seven inside the Big 12. The Wildcats have rattled off covers in four of their past five overall, and they're 6-2 ATS over their past eight after failing to cover in their last outing. They also own an impressive 45-22-1 ATS across their past 68 league games. The underdog has hit in six of the past seven meetings, with the home team 5-1 ATS across the past six in this series. Baylor is 0-4 ATS in their past four tries at K-State, while going 2-6 ATS in the past eight meetings overall.
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech (FOX, 8:00 p.m. ET)
Oklahoma State looked like a potential playoff contender, and they still might be. But that's why rankings are meaningless in September, as they were housed by Texas Christian last week in Stillwater. OK State is looking to bounce back after a 44-31 setback, and it doesn't get easier on the road against a high-octane Texas Tech team. The Red Raiders have passed a couple of tests in a row, pushing aside Arizona State by a 52-45 score, and then they spoiled Houston's long home win streak with a 27-24 win on the road last week. The Red Raiders have opened the season with a 3-0 ATS mark. Oklahoma State is 6-1 ATS over their psat seven road games, 5-2 ATS in their past seven against winning teams and, perhaps more importantly, 4-0 ATS in their past four trips to Lubbock, and 9-3 ATS in the past 12 against TTU. The road team has cashed in four straight in the series, and the 'over' is 5-0 in the past five meetings.
Bye Weeks
Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Christian, West Virginia
September 27, 2017
2017 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Baylor 0-4 0-1 1-3 2-2
Iowa State 2-1 0-0 3-0 2-1
Kansas 1-3 0-1 1-3 4-0
Kansas State 2-1 0-0 2-1 2-1
Oklahoma 4-0 1-0 3-1 3-1
Oklahoma State 3-1 0-1 3-1 3-1
Texas 1-2 0-0 2-1 1-2
Texas Christian 4-0 1-0 2-2 2-2
Texas Tech 3-0 0-0 3-0 1-2
West Virginia 3-1 1-0 2-2 3-0-1
Texas at Iowa State (Thu. - ESPN, 8:00 p.m. ET)
The Longhorns and Cyclones kick off the fifth weekend of college football in Ames in the standalone FBS game on Thursday night. Texas lost last time out at Southern California back on Sept. 16, but they still have to feel good about themselves after almost winning at the L.A. Coliseum against a Top 5 team. They ended up falling 27-24 in overtime, but it was a confidence builder. Iowa State hasn't been lacking in confidence, especially on offense. They're averageing 41.3 PPG through three games, scoring 42 in their opener with Northern Iowa, 41 in their rivalry game loss to Iowa and 41 in a win against Akron on Sept. 16. The defense has allowed 27.3 PPG, so there is room for improvement there.
The Cyclones have posted a perfect 3-0 ATS mark through three outings, with the 'over' cashing in their first two. The Longhorns have cashed each of their psat two outings with the 'under' hitting in each performance. Texas has been a bit hard to figure, as they were topped 51-41 against Maryland in their opener at home, they blasted San Jose State 56-0 in a game that wasn't much of a test, and then the aforementioned USC game. Which Longhorns team will show up? Iowa State is 7-1 ATS over their past eight home games, while Texas is 4-1 ATS in their past five against winning teams. The home team has cashed in four of the past five in this series.
Baylor at Kansas State (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.)
So close, but no cigar for Baylor last weekend against Oklahoma. The Bears couldn't avoid an 0-4 SU start, but they were able to finally pick up their first cover of the season in a near monumental upset. At the very least, if the Bears were lacking confidence after shocking losses to FCS Liberty and Texas-San Antonio, as well as a not as shocking loss at Duke, they certainly have a little mojo back after taking the Sooners to the brink. K-State is champing at the bit after a 14-7 loss two weeks ago at Vanderbilt, a stunning lack of offense after posting a pair of 55-point performances against FCS Central Arkansas and Charlotte. Of course, those teams do not have a nasty defense like Vandy.
The Bears roll into Manhattan with a 1-7 ATS mark over their past eight games, and they're 3-8 ATS in their past 11 overall. Baylor is also 2-5 ATS in the past seven inside the Big 12. The Wildcats have rattled off covers in four of their past five overall, and they're 6-2 ATS over their past eight after failing to cover in their last outing. They also own an impressive 45-22-1 ATS across their past 68 league games. The underdog has hit in six of the past seven meetings, with the home team 5-1 ATS across the past six in this series. Baylor is 0-4 ATS in their past four tries at K-State, while going 2-6 ATS in the past eight meetings overall.
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech (FOX, 8:00 p.m. ET)
Oklahoma State looked like a potential playoff contender, and they still might be. But that's why rankings are meaningless in September, as they were housed by Texas Christian last week in Stillwater. OK State is looking to bounce back after a 44-31 setback, and it doesn't get easier on the road against a high-octane Texas Tech team. The Red Raiders have passed a couple of tests in a row, pushing aside Arizona State by a 52-45 score, and then they spoiled Houston's long home win streak with a 27-24 win on the road last week. The Red Raiders have opened the season with a 3-0 ATS mark. Oklahoma State is 6-1 ATS over their psat seven road games, 5-2 ATS in their past seven against winning teams and, perhaps more importantly, 4-0 ATS in their past four trips to Lubbock, and 9-3 ATS in the past 12 against TTU. The road team has cashed in four straight in the series, and the 'over' is 5-0 in the past five meetings.
Bye Weeks
Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Christian, West Virginia
ACC Report - Week 5
September 28, 2017
2017 ACC STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Boston College 1-3 0-2 1-3 1-3
Clemson 4-0 2-0 3-1 2-2
Duke 4-0 1-0 4-0 2-2
Florida State 0-2 0-1 0-2 0-2
Georgia Tech 2-1 1-0 3-0 1-2
Louisville 3-1 1-1 1-3 2-2
Miami (Fla.) 2-0 0-0 1-1 1-1
North Carolina 1-3 0-2 1-3 3-1
North Carolina State 3-1 1-0 1-3 3-1
Pittsburgh 1-3 0-1 0-3-1 1-3
Syracuse 2-2 0-0 2-2 1-3
Virginia 3-1 0-0 2-2 2-2
Virginia Tech 4-0 0-0 3-1 1-2-1
Wake Forest 4-0 1-0 3-1 2-2
Miami-Florida at Duke (Fri. - ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)
The Hurricanes finally got back onto the field last week against Toledo after a two-week hiatus due, ironically, to a hurricane. They'll travel to meet a red-hot Duke side that has not only opened 4-0 SU, but they're also 4-0 ATS. Miami has covered four in a row inside the conference, and they're an impressive 6-1 ATS over their past seven overall. Duke hasn't been too shabby, either, going 6-0 ATS over the past six at Wallace Wade Stadium in Duke, while posting a 6-2 ATS mark over their past eight against teams with a winning record and 5-2 ATS in their past seven inside the ACC. The Hurricanes have covered five of their past six in this series, including a controversial 30-27 win at Duke in 2015 when Miami pulled off a kickoff return for touchdown featuring several laterals and missed calls by the officiating unit. Duke hasn't started 5-0 since the 1994 season when they won seven in a row to start.
North Carolina at Georgia Tech (ESPN2, 12:00 p.m. ET)
The Tar Heels have dropped three of their first four games to start the season, not exactly the start head coach Larry Fedora and the UNC faithful hoped for. They'll travel to Atlanta trying to solve the Yellow Jackets, a team that is favored by 10 points as of early Thursday morning. The Tar Heels have failed to cover their past four league games, although they're an impressive 5-1 ATS in their past six road games and 4-0 ATS in their past four on the road against a team with a winning home mark. The Jackets have covered seven straight dating back to last season, but they're also just 5-11-1 ATS over their past 17 inside the ACC. The Tar Heels are 3-7 ATS in their past 10 trips to Atlanta, while the 'over' has hit in six of the past eight at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Rice at Pittsburgh (ACC Network, 12:00 p.m. ET)
At the beginning of the season this game didn't look terribly exciting, but it especially lacks interest with both teams entering play at 1-3 SU. The Panthers are coming off a 35-17 loss in Atlanta, failing to cover for the third time in four tries (0-3-1 ATS). Pittsburgh has also lost three in a row, dropping each by at least 18 points. Rice kicked off its season in Australia, getting bombed 62-7 by Stanford. They tasted victory at UTEP on Sept. 9, winning 31-14 as 1 1/2-point underdogs, but they were pounded in Houston 38-3, and they dropped a 13-7 decision to a poor Florida International team last weekend. The 'under' has cashed in each of their past three, as they have allowed just 21.7 PPG while scoring 13.7 PPG during the span. Rice is 15-7-2 ATS over their past 24 out of conference.
Syracuse at North Carolina State (ACC Network, 12:20 p.m.)
The Orange roll down to Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh to battle the Wolfpack, a team coming off a huge win at Florida State last weekend. Will there be a letdown? Vegas doesn't seem to think so, as N.C. State is favored by 12 points as of Thursday morning. The Orange are 7-3 ATS in their past 10 road games against a team with a winning home record, while the Wolfpack are 4-1 ATS in their past five ACC games. However, they're 0-4 ATS across their past four at home. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the past six in this series, with the road team cashing in each of the past four. The 'under' is also 4-1 across the past five meetings.
Central Michigan at Boston College (ACC Network, 1:00 p.m.)
Central Michigan will face an ACC foe for the second time in three weeks. They hope it goes much better than their visit to Syracuse on Sept. 16 when they were run out of the Carrier Dome by a 41-17 count as 7 1/2-point underdogs. Ironically, that's the same exact number Boston College is favored by. Boston College has dropped three in a row since a road win at Northern Illinois to start the season. That includes a 34-7 setback last week at Clemson, although the Eagles did cover for the first time in four tries. The 'under' also hit, and is 3-1 for B.C. The Chippewas are 1-4 ATS in their past five non-conference battles, 1-5 ATS in their past six road games and a dismal 1-8 ATS in their past nine against the ACC. While B.C. is just 3-10-2 ATS in their past 15 home games, they're an impressive 7-2-1 ATS in their past 10 against MAC foes.
Florida State at Wake Forest (ABC, 3:30 p.m.)
It isn't often you see an 0-2 team open as a 10-point favorite on the road against a 4-0 team, but that's exactly how this game opened. The line is down to 7 1/2, as the public gobbled up the points, believing in John Wolford and the Demon Deacons while not trusting FSU and true freshman QB James Blackmon. Wake has outscored their four opponents by a 26.3 PPG margin. They lost last season's game in Tallahassee by a 17-6 score, and FSU has won five straight in this series. The Seminoles are 5-2 ATS in their past seven road games, while Wake is an impressive 6-1 ATS in their past seven ACC battles. The Deacs are also 5-1 ATS over their past six at home. The underdog is 9-4 ATS over the past 13 meetings, with the Seminoles just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 trips to Winston-Salem.
Clemson at Virginia Tech (ABC, 8:00 p.m.)
The Tigers and Hokies square off in the marquee game of the weekend in the ACC. Clemson can add another feather to their cap after already having pushed aside Auburn and Louisville. While the Tigers failed to cover last week, they won handily by a 34-7 score and they're 3-1 ATS overall. The Hokies have opened 4-0 SU, including a pair of shutouts against FCS Delaware and Old Dominion, but they'll obviously get their biggest test of the season. They do have a signature win against West Virginia under their belt, but they came way back on Sept. 3.
Clemson has cashed in each of their past four against teams with a winning overall record and they're 5-1 ATS over their past six overall. However, they're 1-4 ATS in their past five inside the ACC. Va. Tech has covered seven of their past eight, while going 5-1 ATS in theri past six at Lane Stadium in Blacksburgh. The 'over' has hit in six in a row on the road for Clemson, while going 4-1 in their past five ACC games and 7-2 in their past nine against winning teams. The under is 3-0-1 in Tech's past four at home, and 4-1 in their past five against teams with a winning overall mark. The under is also 18-8 in their past 26 inside the conference. In this series, the home team is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings, while the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the past six and the under has hit in five of the past seven.
Other Games
Murray State at Louisville (ACC Network. 3:30 p.m.)
Bye Week
Virginia
September 28, 2017
2017 ACC STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Boston College 1-3 0-2 1-3 1-3
Clemson 4-0 2-0 3-1 2-2
Duke 4-0 1-0 4-0 2-2
Florida State 0-2 0-1 0-2 0-2
Georgia Tech 2-1 1-0 3-0 1-2
Louisville 3-1 1-1 1-3 2-2
Miami (Fla.) 2-0 0-0 1-1 1-1
North Carolina 1-3 0-2 1-3 3-1
North Carolina State 3-1 1-0 1-3 3-1
Pittsburgh 1-3 0-1 0-3-1 1-3
Syracuse 2-2 0-0 2-2 1-3
Virginia 3-1 0-0 2-2 2-2
Virginia Tech 4-0 0-0 3-1 1-2-1
Wake Forest 4-0 1-0 3-1 2-2
Miami-Florida at Duke (Fri. - ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)
The Hurricanes finally got back onto the field last week against Toledo after a two-week hiatus due, ironically, to a hurricane. They'll travel to meet a red-hot Duke side that has not only opened 4-0 SU, but they're also 4-0 ATS. Miami has covered four in a row inside the conference, and they're an impressive 6-1 ATS over their past seven overall. Duke hasn't been too shabby, either, going 6-0 ATS over the past six at Wallace Wade Stadium in Duke, while posting a 6-2 ATS mark over their past eight against teams with a winning record and 5-2 ATS in their past seven inside the ACC. The Hurricanes have covered five of their past six in this series, including a controversial 30-27 win at Duke in 2015 when Miami pulled off a kickoff return for touchdown featuring several laterals and missed calls by the officiating unit. Duke hasn't started 5-0 since the 1994 season when they won seven in a row to start.
North Carolina at Georgia Tech (ESPN2, 12:00 p.m. ET)
The Tar Heels have dropped three of their first four games to start the season, not exactly the start head coach Larry Fedora and the UNC faithful hoped for. They'll travel to Atlanta trying to solve the Yellow Jackets, a team that is favored by 10 points as of early Thursday morning. The Tar Heels have failed to cover their past four league games, although they're an impressive 5-1 ATS in their past six road games and 4-0 ATS in their past four on the road against a team with a winning home mark. The Jackets have covered seven straight dating back to last season, but they're also just 5-11-1 ATS over their past 17 inside the ACC. The Tar Heels are 3-7 ATS in their past 10 trips to Atlanta, while the 'over' has hit in six of the past eight at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Rice at Pittsburgh (ACC Network, 12:00 p.m. ET)
At the beginning of the season this game didn't look terribly exciting, but it especially lacks interest with both teams entering play at 1-3 SU. The Panthers are coming off a 35-17 loss in Atlanta, failing to cover for the third time in four tries (0-3-1 ATS). Pittsburgh has also lost three in a row, dropping each by at least 18 points. Rice kicked off its season in Australia, getting bombed 62-7 by Stanford. They tasted victory at UTEP on Sept. 9, winning 31-14 as 1 1/2-point underdogs, but they were pounded in Houston 38-3, and they dropped a 13-7 decision to a poor Florida International team last weekend. The 'under' has cashed in each of their past three, as they have allowed just 21.7 PPG while scoring 13.7 PPG during the span. Rice is 15-7-2 ATS over their past 24 out of conference.
Syracuse at North Carolina State (ACC Network, 12:20 p.m.)
The Orange roll down to Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh to battle the Wolfpack, a team coming off a huge win at Florida State last weekend. Will there be a letdown? Vegas doesn't seem to think so, as N.C. State is favored by 12 points as of Thursday morning. The Orange are 7-3 ATS in their past 10 road games against a team with a winning home record, while the Wolfpack are 4-1 ATS in their past five ACC games. However, they're 0-4 ATS across their past four at home. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the past six in this series, with the road team cashing in each of the past four. The 'under' is also 4-1 across the past five meetings.
Central Michigan at Boston College (ACC Network, 1:00 p.m.)
Central Michigan will face an ACC foe for the second time in three weeks. They hope it goes much better than their visit to Syracuse on Sept. 16 when they were run out of the Carrier Dome by a 41-17 count as 7 1/2-point underdogs. Ironically, that's the same exact number Boston College is favored by. Boston College has dropped three in a row since a road win at Northern Illinois to start the season. That includes a 34-7 setback last week at Clemson, although the Eagles did cover for the first time in four tries. The 'under' also hit, and is 3-1 for B.C. The Chippewas are 1-4 ATS in their past five non-conference battles, 1-5 ATS in their past six road games and a dismal 1-8 ATS in their past nine against the ACC. While B.C. is just 3-10-2 ATS in their past 15 home games, they're an impressive 7-2-1 ATS in their past 10 against MAC foes.
Florida State at Wake Forest (ABC, 3:30 p.m.)
It isn't often you see an 0-2 team open as a 10-point favorite on the road against a 4-0 team, but that's exactly how this game opened. The line is down to 7 1/2, as the public gobbled up the points, believing in John Wolford and the Demon Deacons while not trusting FSU and true freshman QB James Blackmon. Wake has outscored their four opponents by a 26.3 PPG margin. They lost last season's game in Tallahassee by a 17-6 score, and FSU has won five straight in this series. The Seminoles are 5-2 ATS in their past seven road games, while Wake is an impressive 6-1 ATS in their past seven ACC battles. The Deacs are also 5-1 ATS over their past six at home. The underdog is 9-4 ATS over the past 13 meetings, with the Seminoles just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 trips to Winston-Salem.
Clemson at Virginia Tech (ABC, 8:00 p.m.)
The Tigers and Hokies square off in the marquee game of the weekend in the ACC. Clemson can add another feather to their cap after already having pushed aside Auburn and Louisville. While the Tigers failed to cover last week, they won handily by a 34-7 score and they're 3-1 ATS overall. The Hokies have opened 4-0 SU, including a pair of shutouts against FCS Delaware and Old Dominion, but they'll obviously get their biggest test of the season. They do have a signature win against West Virginia under their belt, but they came way back on Sept. 3.
Clemson has cashed in each of their past four against teams with a winning overall record and they're 5-1 ATS over their past six overall. However, they're 1-4 ATS in their past five inside the ACC. Va. Tech has covered seven of their past eight, while going 5-1 ATS in theri past six at Lane Stadium in Blacksburgh. The 'over' has hit in six in a row on the road for Clemson, while going 4-1 in their past five ACC games and 7-2 in their past nine against winning teams. The under is 3-0-1 in Tech's past four at home, and 4-1 in their past five against teams with a winning overall mark. The under is also 18-8 in their past 26 inside the conference. In this series, the home team is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings, while the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the past six and the under has hit in five of the past seven.
Other Games
Murray State at Louisville (ACC Network. 3:30 p.m.)
Bye Week
Virginia
Pac-12 Report - Week 5
September 28, 2017
2017 PAC-12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Arizona 2-2 0-1 2-2 2-2
Arizona State 2-2 1-0 1-3 1-3
California 3-1 0-1 3-1 1-3
Colorado 3-1 0-1 1-3 1-3
Oregon 3-1 0-1 2-2 2-2
Oregon State 1-3 0-1 0-4 4-0
Southern California 4-0 2-0 1-3 2-2
Stanford 2-2 1-1 2-2 3-1
UCLA 2-2 0-1 1-3 4-0
Utah 4-0 1-0 4-0 1-3
Washington 4-0 1-0 2-2 2-2
Washington State 4-0 1-0 2-2 2-2
Southern California at Washington State (Fri. - ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET)
USC survived against Texas a couple of weeks ago, and then the Trojans were successful in their first true road game at California, a place they have had trouble in the past. While USC failed to cover for the second straight week, and third time in the past four outings, they're perfect on the season. Washington State is also unbeaten so far, and they have been tested to a point. They had a dramatic 47-44 triple-overtime comeback win against Boise State back on Sept. 9, and they also posted a 52-23 win against Oregon State in their conference opener. And last week they covered a 28 1/2-point number, stomping a poor Nevada team by a 45-7 count. They haven't seen a test like USC's offense or defense, however. The last time they faced the Trojans it didn't end well, as they fell 44-17 on Nov. 1, 2014 in Pullman. That was a little revenge after the Cougs topped the Trojans in the Coliseum on Sept. 7, 2013. USC is 3-8 ATS over their past 11 road games, but 6-1 ATS in their past seven league games. Washington State is 13-6 ATS across their past 19 conference tilts.
Arizona State at Stanford (Pac-12 Network, 4:00 p.m. ET)
Arizona State heads to Stanford in a key league game. The Sun Devils posted a feel-good win against Oregon last week, 37-35, snapping a two-game losing streak. So far this season AZ State's problems haven't been on offense, as they're averaging 34.8 PPG, but they have struggled on defense. The Sun Devils are yielding 37.0 PPG through four outings, and that's not a good sign heading into a game against the dynamic rushing attack of the Cardinal, led by Bryce Love. He torched UCLA's defense for 263 rushing yards and a TD, while Stanford rolled up 405 net rushing yards and 553 total yards overall. The Sun Devils are 1-6 ATS in their past seven road games, while Stanford is 16-7 ATS in their past 23 conference battles and 6-1 ATS in their past seven home games against AZ State. The home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the past six in this season, with the favorite 5-2-1 ATS in the past eight overall in this series.
Washington at Oregon State (Pac-12 Network, 8:00 p.m. ET)
The Huskies head down to Corvallis to try and keep their playoff hopes on track, while also keeping the Beavers down. Washington has alternated covers in each of their four outings, and their defense is a huge part of their success overall. The Huskies have allowed just 11.8 PPG through four outings. The Beavers have been a consistent play for bettors this season. First, Oregon State is 0-4 ATS and second, the 'over' is a perfect 4-0. Washington is more than a four-touchdown favorite as of Thursday morning, and they're looking to improve on their 14-6 ATS mark in the past 20 against losing teams. The Huskies are 4-1 ATS in their past five meetings with the Beavers, while the over is 6-2 in the past eight battles. The over is also 6-0-1 in the past seven games in Corvallis.
Colorado at UCLA (ESPN2, 10:30 p.m. ET)
The Buffaloes look to get back on track after being routed 37-10 at home against Washington last week. It was Colorado's third consecutive game failing to cover the spread. UCLA was trampled last week at Stanford, giving up 553 total yards, including 405 net rushing yards. The Bruins have allowed 44 or more points in three of their four games, with the 'over' cashing in each game. UCLA is also a dismal 1-3 ATS against the spread, with their only cover a 33-point win against Hawaii. Colorado has covered six of their past seven on the road, and eight of their past 11 inside the conference. UCLA is 1-5 ATS in their past six overall, like Colorado, but also 3-7 ATS in their past 10 at home. The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the past four in this series, with the road team going 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.
California at Oregon (FOX Sports 1, 10:30 p.m. ET)
Cal and Oregon are each looking to rebound after their first loss of the season last week, and someone is going to head out of the stadium on Saturday on a two-game losing streak. The Ducks opened as a 16 1/2-point favorite, but that has been bet down to 13 1/2 as of Thursday morning. The Golden Bears are 5-11 ATS over their past 16 league games while going 1-4 ATS in their past five on the road. They're also a dismal 10-26 ATS in their past 36 after a straight-up loss. Oregon is 2-8 ATS over their past 10 league games, and they're just 4-12-1 ATS across the past 17 dating back to last season. They're also 2-6-1 ATS in their past nine against winning teams. Oregon has owned the series, at least against the number, going 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings, including a perfect 4-0 ATS in their past four at Autzen Stadium. The under is also 8-0 in the past eight meetings in Eugene, and 7-3 in the past 10 meetings overall.
Bye Weeks
Arizona, Utah
September 28, 2017
2017 PAC-12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Arizona 2-2 0-1 2-2 2-2
Arizona State 2-2 1-0 1-3 1-3
California 3-1 0-1 3-1 1-3
Colorado 3-1 0-1 1-3 1-3
Oregon 3-1 0-1 2-2 2-2
Oregon State 1-3 0-1 0-4 4-0
Southern California 4-0 2-0 1-3 2-2
Stanford 2-2 1-1 2-2 3-1
UCLA 2-2 0-1 1-3 4-0
Utah 4-0 1-0 4-0 1-3
Washington 4-0 1-0 2-2 2-2
Washington State 4-0 1-0 2-2 2-2
Southern California at Washington State (Fri. - ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET)
USC survived against Texas a couple of weeks ago, and then the Trojans were successful in their first true road game at California, a place they have had trouble in the past. While USC failed to cover for the second straight week, and third time in the past four outings, they're perfect on the season. Washington State is also unbeaten so far, and they have been tested to a point. They had a dramatic 47-44 triple-overtime comeback win against Boise State back on Sept. 9, and they also posted a 52-23 win against Oregon State in their conference opener. And last week they covered a 28 1/2-point number, stomping a poor Nevada team by a 45-7 count. They haven't seen a test like USC's offense or defense, however. The last time they faced the Trojans it didn't end well, as they fell 44-17 on Nov. 1, 2014 in Pullman. That was a little revenge after the Cougs topped the Trojans in the Coliseum on Sept. 7, 2013. USC is 3-8 ATS over their past 11 road games, but 6-1 ATS in their past seven league games. Washington State is 13-6 ATS across their past 19 conference tilts.
Arizona State at Stanford (Pac-12 Network, 4:00 p.m. ET)
Arizona State heads to Stanford in a key league game. The Sun Devils posted a feel-good win against Oregon last week, 37-35, snapping a two-game losing streak. So far this season AZ State's problems haven't been on offense, as they're averaging 34.8 PPG, but they have struggled on defense. The Sun Devils are yielding 37.0 PPG through four outings, and that's not a good sign heading into a game against the dynamic rushing attack of the Cardinal, led by Bryce Love. He torched UCLA's defense for 263 rushing yards and a TD, while Stanford rolled up 405 net rushing yards and 553 total yards overall. The Sun Devils are 1-6 ATS in their past seven road games, while Stanford is 16-7 ATS in their past 23 conference battles and 6-1 ATS in their past seven home games against AZ State. The home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the past six in this season, with the favorite 5-2-1 ATS in the past eight overall in this series.
Washington at Oregon State (Pac-12 Network, 8:00 p.m. ET)
The Huskies head down to Corvallis to try and keep their playoff hopes on track, while also keeping the Beavers down. Washington has alternated covers in each of their four outings, and their defense is a huge part of their success overall. The Huskies have allowed just 11.8 PPG through four outings. The Beavers have been a consistent play for bettors this season. First, Oregon State is 0-4 ATS and second, the 'over' is a perfect 4-0. Washington is more than a four-touchdown favorite as of Thursday morning, and they're looking to improve on their 14-6 ATS mark in the past 20 against losing teams. The Huskies are 4-1 ATS in their past five meetings with the Beavers, while the over is 6-2 in the past eight battles. The over is also 6-0-1 in the past seven games in Corvallis.
Colorado at UCLA (ESPN2, 10:30 p.m. ET)
The Buffaloes look to get back on track after being routed 37-10 at home against Washington last week. It was Colorado's third consecutive game failing to cover the spread. UCLA was trampled last week at Stanford, giving up 553 total yards, including 405 net rushing yards. The Bruins have allowed 44 or more points in three of their four games, with the 'over' cashing in each game. UCLA is also a dismal 1-3 ATS against the spread, with their only cover a 33-point win against Hawaii. Colorado has covered six of their past seven on the road, and eight of their past 11 inside the conference. UCLA is 1-5 ATS in their past six overall, like Colorado, but also 3-7 ATS in their past 10 at home. The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the past four in this series, with the road team going 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.
California at Oregon (FOX Sports 1, 10:30 p.m. ET)
Cal and Oregon are each looking to rebound after their first loss of the season last week, and someone is going to head out of the stadium on Saturday on a two-game losing streak. The Ducks opened as a 16 1/2-point favorite, but that has been bet down to 13 1/2 as of Thursday morning. The Golden Bears are 5-11 ATS over their past 16 league games while going 1-4 ATS in their past five on the road. They're also a dismal 10-26 ATS in their past 36 after a straight-up loss. Oregon is 2-8 ATS over their past 10 league games, and they're just 4-12-1 ATS across the past 17 dating back to last season. They're also 2-6-1 ATS in their past nine against winning teams. Oregon has owned the series, at least against the number, going 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings, including a perfect 4-0 ATS in their past four at Autzen Stadium. The under is also 8-0 in the past eight meetings in Eugene, and 7-3 in the past 10 meetings overall.
Bye Weeks
Arizona, Utah
Friday's Tip Sheet
September 28, 2017
**Miami at Duke**
-- As of Thursday, most betting shops had Miami (2-0 straight up, 1-1 against the spread) listed as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 56. The Blue Devils were +210 on the money line (risk $100 to win $210).
-- Mark Richt’s team had 21 days off between its season-opening 41-3 win over Bethune-Cookman and last week’s date with Toledo in South Florida. UM’s rust was clearly evident when it was trailing 16-10 more than midway through the third quarter. At that time, bettors on the Rockets +13.5 and ‘under’ 60 combined points were loving life. That changed, however, when Miami RB Travis Homer dashed into the end zone on a 12-yard scamper to give the Hurricanes the lead for keeps with 5:36 left in the third quarter. Then with 20 ticks remaining in the third, quarterback Malik Rosier found Dayall Harris for a 10-yard scoring strike and a 24-16 advantage. After forcing a turnover, Braxton Berrios scored on a 19-yard TD run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Then when Rosier hit Christopher Herndon for a two-yard TD pass with 11:23 left, the ‘Canes took a 38-16 lead. Toledo answered with a six-yard TD pass from Logan Woodside to Diontae Johnson, but the two-point conversion failed. Next, the Rockets surged back ahead of the number when Wooside hit Johnson again for an eight-yard scoring strike. Woodside found Johnson yet again on a pass for the two-point conversion to trim the deficit to 38-30 with 7:37 remaining. But UM would get a Rosier 23-yard TD run and a 15-yard TD dash from Homer to pull away and win by a 52-30 count.
-- Mark Walton stole the show for UM against Toledo, rushing for 204 yards and one TD on merely 11 carries. Rosier completed 27-of-36 passes for 333 yards and three TDs compared to just one interception. Berrios had five receptions for 105 yards and one TD, while Herndon finished with eight catches for 65 yards and one TD.
-- Duke (4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS) has been a serious money maker in wins vs. NC Central (60-7), vs. Northwestern (41-17), vs. Baylor (34-20) and at North Carolina (27-17). The Blue Devils rallied from a 17-13 fourth-quarter deficit at UNC last week to win as 1.5-point road underdogs. Shaun Wilson’s one-yard TD run with 6:09 left put Duke ahead 20-17, and Byron Fields scored on a 61-yard pick-six with 4:01 remaining to put the game on ice. Sophomore QB Daniel Jones threw for 202 yards and one TD without being picked off. Brittain Brown, a redshirt freshman RB, rushed 10 times for 90 yards. T.J. Rahming had six receptions for 73 yards.
-- For the season, Jones has completed 61.9 percent of his passes for 904 yards with a 5/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He has also rushed for 141 yards and three TDs. Wilson has run for a team-high 349 yards and five TDs while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Brown has produced 325 rushing yards and two TDs with a 6.3 YPC average. Rahming is Jones’s favorite target, bringing down 24 receptions for 248 yards.
-- Duke owns a 15-11 spread record in 26 games as a home underdog during David Cutcliffe’s 10-year tenure.
-- Miami has won 12 of 14 head-to-head meetings in this rivalry and is 5-1 ATS in the last six encounters. The ‘Canes won a 40-21 decision as 16-point home favorites last year. Walton ran for a team-best 60 yards on 13 attempts, in addition to making four catches for 46 yards and one TD. Jones threw for 316 yards and three TDs without an interception. The last time these schools met at Wallace Wade Stadium two years ago, Miami won 30-27 in controversial fashion. Duke took a 27-24 lead with six seconds left but on the ensuing kickoff, UM scored after making eight laterals in one of the wildest finishes in college football history. However, replays showed that before one of UM’s players got rid of the ball on a lateral, his knee was clearly down. Nevertheless, the replay booth didn’t act and Miami left town in victorious fashion.
-- Who was equally as pissed off as Cutcliffe and Duke fans about that controversial result in 2015? Gamblers who were on ‘under’ 51.5 points! With the score at 27-24, which should’ve been the final, bets on the ‘under’ could’ve/should’ve/would’ve been a winner.
-- The ‘over’ is 2-1 in Duke’s home games this year, 2-2 overall. Totals have been a wash for the ‘Canes (1-1), who are hitting the road for the first time in 2017.
-- ESPN will provide television coverage from Durham at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
**Southern California at Washington State**
-- Most books had Southern Cal (4-0 SU, 1-3 ATS) installed as a 10-point favorite for this matchup in the Games of the Year during the summer. As of Thursday afternoon, however, most spots had USC listed as a 3.5-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 65. The Cougars were available on the money line for a +155 return.
-- When looking at this game from a situational standpoint, there are a lot of factors favoring Mike Leach’s club. First of all, Washington State (4-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) hasn’t had to travel yet this year, playing its fifth consecutive home game here. Secondly, it’s at home on a short week of preparation. This is always advantageous to the home team in that at least it doesn’t have to travel. Finally, Southern Cal is playing a second straight contest on the road.
-- Washington State has collected wins over Montana State (31-0), Boise State (47-44 in triple overtime), Oregon State (52-23) and Nevada (45-7). Leach’s squad scored the first 45 points against the Wolf Pack last week, blanking the team from Reno until it scored a garbage touchdown with only 1:56 remaining. Luke Falk was nothing short of sensational, completing 36-of-47 passes for 478 yards and five TDs without an interception. Jamal Morrow rushed for a team-best 73 yards on 11 carries, in addition to catching four balls for 40 receiving yards and one TD. Junior WR Taveres Martin had four receptions for 114 yards and two TDs, while Renard Bell hauled in four catches for 113 yards. The Cougars’ defense limited Nevada to merely 151 yards of total offense and a 1.9 yards-per-carry average on 24 rushing attempts. Sophomore safety Jalen Thompson snagged a pair of interceptions.
-- Falk has completed 76.9 percent of his passes for 1,378 yards with a 14/1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. For his career, Falk has an amazing 103/27 TD-INT ratio. Martin has 26 receptions for a team-high 390 receiving yards and six TDs, while James Williams has 37 catches for 266 yards and three TDs. Seven Wazzu players have 12 catches or more through four games.
-- Morrow has rushed for a team-best 193 yards and one TD, averaging 6.9 YPC. He also has 13 receptions for 86 yards and three TDs. Williams has run for 148 yards and one TD, averaging 4.0 YPC.
-- Washington State lost last year’s leading tackler and defensive leader Peyton Pelluer to a season-ending foot injury two weeks ago. The senior LB recorded 93 tackles, one sack, 6.5 tackles for loss, two passes broken up and one QB hurry in 2016. Before going down in Week 3, Pelluer had produced 21 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s, one PBU, one QB hurry and an interception he returned 36 yards for a TD. The only other player listed as injured for WSU is OG Robert Valencia, who is ‘questionable’ with an undisclosed injury.
-- Washington State has gone 5-7 ATS in 12 games as a home underdog since Leach took over in 2012.
-- USC has posted wins vs. Western Michigan (49-31), vs. Stanford (42-24), vs. Texas (27-24 in double OT) and at California (30-20). The Trojans’ only spread cover came against the Cardinal as 4.5-point home favorites. The win over Western Michigan was an extremely misleading score, as the game was knotted at 31-31 midway through the fourth quarter.
-- Clay Helton’s team failed to cover the number in Berkeley last week as a 16.5-point road ‘chalk.’ The game was tied going into the fourth quarter before USC ripped off 17 consecutive points in a stretch of three minutes and nine seconds. With the Trojans slightly ahead of the number (if you took them at 16.5; the line was 17 most of the week), Cal’s Jordan Veasy caught an eight-yard TD pass from QB Ross Bowers with 1:53 remaining to give the Golden Bears the spread cover. QB Sam Darnold connected on 26-of-38 throws for 223 yards and two TDs compared to one interception. With star RB Ronald Jones sidelined with a thigh injury, true freshman and five-star recruit Stephen Carr rushed for 82 yards and one TD on 20 carries. Deontay Burnett had seven receptions for 76 yards and one TD. Sophomore CB Jack Jones had two of four interceptions for the Trojans on Bowers.
-- The final score is all that matters as it pertains to last week’s trip to Berkeley, but we’d be remiss to not mention Cal’s 416-356 advantage in total offense. The Golden Bears committed six turnovers compared to two for USC to give the Trojans a +4 advantage in the turnover department.
-- After sitting out last week at Cal, junior RB Ronald Jones has been upgraded to ‘probable’ this week. Jones, who rushed for 1,082 yards and 12 TDs with a 6.1 YPC average last year, rushed for 322 yards and five TDs in USC’s first three games. He had a 159-yard rushing effort in the opener vs. Western Michigan, including a 37-yard TD scamper with 6:57 remaining to put his team in front for good. Carr has run for 298 yards and three TDs with a 6.3 YPC average. Jones is averaging 5.5 YPC.
-- Darnold has completed 67.1 percent of his throws for 1,225 yards, but he’s been intercepted seven times compared to nine TD passes. Burnett has a team-high 33 receptions for 462 yards and five TDs. Burnett is dealing with a shoulder injury, but he’s listed as ‘probable.’ Senior WR Steven Mitchell missed the win at Cal due to a groin injury and is ‘out’ again at WSU. Mitchell had 14 catches for 223 yards and two TDs in the first two games. Carr has 13 catches for 130 yards, while Jones has three receptions for 85 yards and one TD.
-- In addition to Mitchell, five other USC players are out with injuries. The most important absence is that of junior DE Porter Gustin, who will miss an indefinite period of time due to a biceps injury. Gustin had 68 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 7.5 TFL’s, four PBU and one QB hurry last year. Six other USC players are listed as ‘questionable,’ but all of them are reserves.
-- Both teams have seen its totals go 2-2 overall for a wash. The ‘under’ has cashed in back-to-back outings for the Trojans, including their only prior road assignment at Cal.
-- These schools haven’t met since 2014 when USC captured a 44-17 victory as a 7.5-point road favorite. Falk, a true freshman at the time, completed 38-of-57 passes for 346 yards and two TDs with one interception. Morrow had six catches for 26 yards in the losing effort. The Trojans have won nine of the last 10 head-to-head meetings dating back to 2003.
-- Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
-- Friday’s slate includes four total games. One of the others is Nebraska at Illinois on Fox Sports 1 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. As of late Thursday afternoon, most spots had the Cornhuskers favored by six points with a total of 46.5. The Illini were +195 to win outright (risk $100 to win $195).
-- Nebraska sophomore RB Tre Bryant will miss his second straight game with a knee injury. Brown rushed for 299 yards and two TDs on 51 carries in the team’s first three outings. Starting senior LB Marcus Newby is also out with a hamstring issue, as is starting senior safety Joshua Kalu.
-- Illinois is 2-4 ATS in six games as a home underdog during Lovie Smith’s two-year tenure. One of those covers came in a Week 2 win over Western Ky. by a 20-7 score as a 6.5-point home ‘dog. Meanwhile, Nebraska is 3-2 ATS in five games as a road favorite under Mike Riley.
-- Illinois has had two weeks to prepare for Nebraska after losing 47-23 at USF two Fridays ago. On the flip side, the Cornhuskers are playing their fifth game in five weeks and are on the road on a short week.
-- BYU and Utah State will collide Friday in Logan at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on the CBS Sports Network. As of Thursday, most books had the Cougars favored by 1.5 with a total of 48.5 points. BYU is probably the nation’s biggest disappointment to date, going 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS. Kalani Sitake’s team picked up its lone win at home vs. Portland State, 20-6. The Cougars were routed at home by Wisconsin and against LSU in New Orleans. They have had two weeks to prepare for the Aggies, who won 61-10 at San Jose State last week. BYU starting QB Tanner Mangum remains out indefinitely with an ankle injury.
-- Stanford QB Keller Chryst was ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s home game vs. Arizona State as of Thursday. Chryst, who has four TD passes without an interception this year, was in concussion protocol.
-- As of Thursday, there was a growing sentiment in Athens that QB Jacob Eason could be ready to play Saturday at Tennessee. Eason sprained his knee in the first quarter of the season-opening 31-10 win over Appalachian State To be clear, Jake Fromm will start and will almost certainly remain the starter until he falters. But there seems to be a good chance that Eason will be available for back-up duty in Knoxville.
-- Miami (OH) junior LB Junior McMullen is ‘questionable’ at Notre Dame after missing last week’s 31-14 win at Central Michigan with an undisclosed injury. He was the RedHawks’ second-leading tackler last season behind only senior safety Tony Reid, who is suspended for the first half in South Bend for a targeting penalty at CMU. A third Miami (OH) defensive starter is listed as ‘questionable’ in junior DE Dean Lemon. The RedHawks are 13-5 ATS in 18 games as road underdogs during Chuck Martin’s four-year tenure. They are 21-point road underdogs against the Fighting Irish.
-- Middle Tennessee star QB Brent Stockstill has been ruled out at FAU and will miss a third straight game due to a shoulder injury. WR Richie James remains ‘questionable’ with an ankle injury. Stockstill had a 31/7 TD-INT ratio in 10 games last season, while James had 105 receptions for 1,625 yards and 12 TDs. In the Blue Raiders’ first three games, James had 18 catches for 208 yards and two TDs. FAU is a three-point home favorite.
-- Ball State owns a 7-0 spread record as a road underdog on Mike Neu’s watch, but starting QB Riley Neal has been ruled ‘out’ at Western Michigan with a leg injury. Junior RB James Gilbert, a first-team All-MAC selection last year when he rushed for 1,332 yards and 12 TDs, is ‘doubtful’ with a hand injury. Neal has completed 44-of-68 passes for 421 yards and three TDs compared to one interception. The Cardinals are 14.5-point ‘dogs against the Broncos.
September 28, 2017
**Miami at Duke**
-- As of Thursday, most betting shops had Miami (2-0 straight up, 1-1 against the spread) listed as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 56. The Blue Devils were +210 on the money line (risk $100 to win $210).
-- Mark Richt’s team had 21 days off between its season-opening 41-3 win over Bethune-Cookman and last week’s date with Toledo in South Florida. UM’s rust was clearly evident when it was trailing 16-10 more than midway through the third quarter. At that time, bettors on the Rockets +13.5 and ‘under’ 60 combined points were loving life. That changed, however, when Miami RB Travis Homer dashed into the end zone on a 12-yard scamper to give the Hurricanes the lead for keeps with 5:36 left in the third quarter. Then with 20 ticks remaining in the third, quarterback Malik Rosier found Dayall Harris for a 10-yard scoring strike and a 24-16 advantage. After forcing a turnover, Braxton Berrios scored on a 19-yard TD run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Then when Rosier hit Christopher Herndon for a two-yard TD pass with 11:23 left, the ‘Canes took a 38-16 lead. Toledo answered with a six-yard TD pass from Logan Woodside to Diontae Johnson, but the two-point conversion failed. Next, the Rockets surged back ahead of the number when Wooside hit Johnson again for an eight-yard scoring strike. Woodside found Johnson yet again on a pass for the two-point conversion to trim the deficit to 38-30 with 7:37 remaining. But UM would get a Rosier 23-yard TD run and a 15-yard TD dash from Homer to pull away and win by a 52-30 count.
-- Mark Walton stole the show for UM against Toledo, rushing for 204 yards and one TD on merely 11 carries. Rosier completed 27-of-36 passes for 333 yards and three TDs compared to just one interception. Berrios had five receptions for 105 yards and one TD, while Herndon finished with eight catches for 65 yards and one TD.
-- Duke (4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS) has been a serious money maker in wins vs. NC Central (60-7), vs. Northwestern (41-17), vs. Baylor (34-20) and at North Carolina (27-17). The Blue Devils rallied from a 17-13 fourth-quarter deficit at UNC last week to win as 1.5-point road underdogs. Shaun Wilson’s one-yard TD run with 6:09 left put Duke ahead 20-17, and Byron Fields scored on a 61-yard pick-six with 4:01 remaining to put the game on ice. Sophomore QB Daniel Jones threw for 202 yards and one TD without being picked off. Brittain Brown, a redshirt freshman RB, rushed 10 times for 90 yards. T.J. Rahming had six receptions for 73 yards.
-- For the season, Jones has completed 61.9 percent of his passes for 904 yards with a 5/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He has also rushed for 141 yards and three TDs. Wilson has run for a team-high 349 yards and five TDs while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Brown has produced 325 rushing yards and two TDs with a 6.3 YPC average. Rahming is Jones’s favorite target, bringing down 24 receptions for 248 yards.
-- Duke owns a 15-11 spread record in 26 games as a home underdog during David Cutcliffe’s 10-year tenure.
-- Miami has won 12 of 14 head-to-head meetings in this rivalry and is 5-1 ATS in the last six encounters. The ‘Canes won a 40-21 decision as 16-point home favorites last year. Walton ran for a team-best 60 yards on 13 attempts, in addition to making four catches for 46 yards and one TD. Jones threw for 316 yards and three TDs without an interception. The last time these schools met at Wallace Wade Stadium two years ago, Miami won 30-27 in controversial fashion. Duke took a 27-24 lead with six seconds left but on the ensuing kickoff, UM scored after making eight laterals in one of the wildest finishes in college football history. However, replays showed that before one of UM’s players got rid of the ball on a lateral, his knee was clearly down. Nevertheless, the replay booth didn’t act and Miami left town in victorious fashion.
-- Who was equally as pissed off as Cutcliffe and Duke fans about that controversial result in 2015? Gamblers who were on ‘under’ 51.5 points! With the score at 27-24, which should’ve been the final, bets on the ‘under’ could’ve/should’ve/would’ve been a winner.
-- The ‘over’ is 2-1 in Duke’s home games this year, 2-2 overall. Totals have been a wash for the ‘Canes (1-1), who are hitting the road for the first time in 2017.
-- ESPN will provide television coverage from Durham at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
**Southern California at Washington State**
-- Most books had Southern Cal (4-0 SU, 1-3 ATS) installed as a 10-point favorite for this matchup in the Games of the Year during the summer. As of Thursday afternoon, however, most spots had USC listed as a 3.5-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 65. The Cougars were available on the money line for a +155 return.
-- When looking at this game from a situational standpoint, there are a lot of factors favoring Mike Leach’s club. First of all, Washington State (4-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) hasn’t had to travel yet this year, playing its fifth consecutive home game here. Secondly, it’s at home on a short week of preparation. This is always advantageous to the home team in that at least it doesn’t have to travel. Finally, Southern Cal is playing a second straight contest on the road.
-- Washington State has collected wins over Montana State (31-0), Boise State (47-44 in triple overtime), Oregon State (52-23) and Nevada (45-7). Leach’s squad scored the first 45 points against the Wolf Pack last week, blanking the team from Reno until it scored a garbage touchdown with only 1:56 remaining. Luke Falk was nothing short of sensational, completing 36-of-47 passes for 478 yards and five TDs without an interception. Jamal Morrow rushed for a team-best 73 yards on 11 carries, in addition to catching four balls for 40 receiving yards and one TD. Junior WR Taveres Martin had four receptions for 114 yards and two TDs, while Renard Bell hauled in four catches for 113 yards. The Cougars’ defense limited Nevada to merely 151 yards of total offense and a 1.9 yards-per-carry average on 24 rushing attempts. Sophomore safety Jalen Thompson snagged a pair of interceptions.
-- Falk has completed 76.9 percent of his passes for 1,378 yards with a 14/1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. For his career, Falk has an amazing 103/27 TD-INT ratio. Martin has 26 receptions for a team-high 390 receiving yards and six TDs, while James Williams has 37 catches for 266 yards and three TDs. Seven Wazzu players have 12 catches or more through four games.
-- Morrow has rushed for a team-best 193 yards and one TD, averaging 6.9 YPC. He also has 13 receptions for 86 yards and three TDs. Williams has run for 148 yards and one TD, averaging 4.0 YPC.
-- Washington State lost last year’s leading tackler and defensive leader Peyton Pelluer to a season-ending foot injury two weeks ago. The senior LB recorded 93 tackles, one sack, 6.5 tackles for loss, two passes broken up and one QB hurry in 2016. Before going down in Week 3, Pelluer had produced 21 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s, one PBU, one QB hurry and an interception he returned 36 yards for a TD. The only other player listed as injured for WSU is OG Robert Valencia, who is ‘questionable’ with an undisclosed injury.
-- Washington State has gone 5-7 ATS in 12 games as a home underdog since Leach took over in 2012.
-- USC has posted wins vs. Western Michigan (49-31), vs. Stanford (42-24), vs. Texas (27-24 in double OT) and at California (30-20). The Trojans’ only spread cover came against the Cardinal as 4.5-point home favorites. The win over Western Michigan was an extremely misleading score, as the game was knotted at 31-31 midway through the fourth quarter.
-- Clay Helton’s team failed to cover the number in Berkeley last week as a 16.5-point road ‘chalk.’ The game was tied going into the fourth quarter before USC ripped off 17 consecutive points in a stretch of three minutes and nine seconds. With the Trojans slightly ahead of the number (if you took them at 16.5; the line was 17 most of the week), Cal’s Jordan Veasy caught an eight-yard TD pass from QB Ross Bowers with 1:53 remaining to give the Golden Bears the spread cover. QB Sam Darnold connected on 26-of-38 throws for 223 yards and two TDs compared to one interception. With star RB Ronald Jones sidelined with a thigh injury, true freshman and five-star recruit Stephen Carr rushed for 82 yards and one TD on 20 carries. Deontay Burnett had seven receptions for 76 yards and one TD. Sophomore CB Jack Jones had two of four interceptions for the Trojans on Bowers.
-- The final score is all that matters as it pertains to last week’s trip to Berkeley, but we’d be remiss to not mention Cal’s 416-356 advantage in total offense. The Golden Bears committed six turnovers compared to two for USC to give the Trojans a +4 advantage in the turnover department.
-- After sitting out last week at Cal, junior RB Ronald Jones has been upgraded to ‘probable’ this week. Jones, who rushed for 1,082 yards and 12 TDs with a 6.1 YPC average last year, rushed for 322 yards and five TDs in USC’s first three games. He had a 159-yard rushing effort in the opener vs. Western Michigan, including a 37-yard TD scamper with 6:57 remaining to put his team in front for good. Carr has run for 298 yards and three TDs with a 6.3 YPC average. Jones is averaging 5.5 YPC.
-- Darnold has completed 67.1 percent of his throws for 1,225 yards, but he’s been intercepted seven times compared to nine TD passes. Burnett has a team-high 33 receptions for 462 yards and five TDs. Burnett is dealing with a shoulder injury, but he’s listed as ‘probable.’ Senior WR Steven Mitchell missed the win at Cal due to a groin injury and is ‘out’ again at WSU. Mitchell had 14 catches for 223 yards and two TDs in the first two games. Carr has 13 catches for 130 yards, while Jones has three receptions for 85 yards and one TD.
-- In addition to Mitchell, five other USC players are out with injuries. The most important absence is that of junior DE Porter Gustin, who will miss an indefinite period of time due to a biceps injury. Gustin had 68 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 7.5 TFL’s, four PBU and one QB hurry last year. Six other USC players are listed as ‘questionable,’ but all of them are reserves.
-- Both teams have seen its totals go 2-2 overall for a wash. The ‘under’ has cashed in back-to-back outings for the Trojans, including their only prior road assignment at Cal.
-- These schools haven’t met since 2014 when USC captured a 44-17 victory as a 7.5-point road favorite. Falk, a true freshman at the time, completed 38-of-57 passes for 346 yards and two TDs with one interception. Morrow had six catches for 26 yards in the losing effort. The Trojans have won nine of the last 10 head-to-head meetings dating back to 2003.
-- Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
-- Friday’s slate includes four total games. One of the others is Nebraska at Illinois on Fox Sports 1 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. As of late Thursday afternoon, most spots had the Cornhuskers favored by six points with a total of 46.5. The Illini were +195 to win outright (risk $100 to win $195).
-- Nebraska sophomore RB Tre Bryant will miss his second straight game with a knee injury. Brown rushed for 299 yards and two TDs on 51 carries in the team’s first three outings. Starting senior LB Marcus Newby is also out with a hamstring issue, as is starting senior safety Joshua Kalu.
-- Illinois is 2-4 ATS in six games as a home underdog during Lovie Smith’s two-year tenure. One of those covers came in a Week 2 win over Western Ky. by a 20-7 score as a 6.5-point home ‘dog. Meanwhile, Nebraska is 3-2 ATS in five games as a road favorite under Mike Riley.
-- Illinois has had two weeks to prepare for Nebraska after losing 47-23 at USF two Fridays ago. On the flip side, the Cornhuskers are playing their fifth game in five weeks and are on the road on a short week.
-- BYU and Utah State will collide Friday in Logan at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on the CBS Sports Network. As of Thursday, most books had the Cougars favored by 1.5 with a total of 48.5 points. BYU is probably the nation’s biggest disappointment to date, going 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS. Kalani Sitake’s team picked up its lone win at home vs. Portland State, 20-6. The Cougars were routed at home by Wisconsin and against LSU in New Orleans. They have had two weeks to prepare for the Aggies, who won 61-10 at San Jose State last week. BYU starting QB Tanner Mangum remains out indefinitely with an ankle injury.
-- Stanford QB Keller Chryst was ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s home game vs. Arizona State as of Thursday. Chryst, who has four TD passes without an interception this year, was in concussion protocol.
-- As of Thursday, there was a growing sentiment in Athens that QB Jacob Eason could be ready to play Saturday at Tennessee. Eason sprained his knee in the first quarter of the season-opening 31-10 win over Appalachian State To be clear, Jake Fromm will start and will almost certainly remain the starter until he falters. But there seems to be a good chance that Eason will be available for back-up duty in Knoxville.
-- Miami (OH) junior LB Junior McMullen is ‘questionable’ at Notre Dame after missing last week’s 31-14 win at Central Michigan with an undisclosed injury. He was the RedHawks’ second-leading tackler last season behind only senior safety Tony Reid, who is suspended for the first half in South Bend for a targeting penalty at CMU. A third Miami (OH) defensive starter is listed as ‘questionable’ in junior DE Dean Lemon. The RedHawks are 13-5 ATS in 18 games as road underdogs during Chuck Martin’s four-year tenure. They are 21-point road underdogs against the Fighting Irish.
-- Middle Tennessee star QB Brent Stockstill has been ruled out at FAU and will miss a third straight game due to a shoulder injury. WR Richie James remains ‘questionable’ with an ankle injury. Stockstill had a 31/7 TD-INT ratio in 10 games last season, while James had 105 receptions for 1,625 yards and 12 TDs. In the Blue Raiders’ first three games, James had 18 catches for 208 yards and two TDs. FAU is a three-point home favorite.
-- Ball State owns a 7-0 spread record as a road underdog on Mike Neu’s watch, but starting QB Riley Neal has been ruled ‘out’ at Western Michigan with a leg injury. Junior RB James Gilbert, a first-team All-MAC selection last year when he rushed for 1,332 yards and 12 TDs, is ‘doubtful’ with a hand injury. Neal has completed 44-of-68 passes for 421 yards and three TDs compared to one interception. The Cardinals are 14.5-point ‘dogs against the Broncos.
Friday's Best Bet
September 28, 2017
Friday NCAAF Best Bet
#5 USC Trojans vs #16 Washington State Cougars
While there are a few big games across the CFB landscape this Saturday, it's not hard to argue that the game with the most National Championship implications takes place on Friday evening in the Pac-12.
The undefeated (1-3 ATS) USC Trojans head north to Washington to take on an undefeated (2-2 ATS Washington State program. Both schools enter the week ranked in the Top 25, and the winner will be on the inside track to an appearance in the Pac-12 Championship game.
Sportsbetting.ag Odds: USC (-3.5); Total set at 64
Despite the 4-0 SU record, the USC Trojans have been a great team to bet against on the spread, and many are already touting this game as a potential “trap” game for USC. In fact, if you've watched any USC game the past few weeks, you'll know that the announcers for that game always made it a point to go through the Trojans upcoming schedule and never hesitated to state that this weekday game at Washington State was going to be a scary test for USC.
Whether that's stating the obvious or not, a road game against any team ranked in the Top 25 was always going to be tough, but I wouldn't necessarily say that this is a “trap” game for USC. If anything, last week's game @ California, prior to this week's game and after the thrilling OT win vs Texas was exponentially more of a trap game for USC and they nearly got hooked.
While there are many out there suggesting that Washington State will win SU and ATS here, you can't count me in that group. Everyone points to the scheduling spot, the fact that USC is banged up, their struggles ATS so far, and the fact that Washington State can score with the best of them as reasons to back the home dog in this spot.
Those are somewhat compelling arguments taken at face value, and a banged up USC team is a bit concerning, but that's the only reasoning that gives me pause. The Trojans will get RB Ronald Jones back this week, and contrary to all the QB Sam Darnold talk about the Heisman and such, USC is a running team that uses their ground attack to open things up through the air.
Jones' absence was a big reason behind USC's early struggles against California last week, and his ineffectiveness against the very talented run-stopping front Texas has was why that game was closer then it needed to be. Even with Jones at 80-90%, he and the rest of USC's offense will have plenty of success against this Washington State defense.
Regarding those other reasons behind many touting Washington State here, the line of thought behind there ability to score with the best is true when you are just looking at the numbers they've put up in 2017, but who have they really played? The Cougars have scored 40+ in three straight games entering this contest, but beating up on bad teams like Nevada and Oregon State aren't exactly newsworthy, and they needed those 40+ points to beat a Boise State team in OT.
Boise State isn't near the program it was just a few years ago, and Washington's struggles that week speak to a prevailing knock on Mike Leach coached teams throughout his career. Leach is an offensive genius, but his schemes (and teams) never seem to produce in the biggest games against quality foes. To end last year they scored just 17 points against Washington in that historic rivalry, and followed that up with just 12 points against Minnesota in the Bowl game.
For whatever reason, Leach-led teams can put up gaudy numbers against the cupcakes of the college football world but when quality teams step up to the stage, Leach's teams shrivel up like a raisin. USC is no cupcake and could very well expose this Leach criticism once again.
Finally, a 1-3 ATS mark for USC has people looking to fade them, but the Trojans have also been victimized by their own hype at times. All three of those ATS losses came as favorites of 15 points or more, and the lone win came when they were laying 3.5 points against Stanford when everyone was touting Stanford and pushing that line down from it's opening number of -6. Doesn't this week's game against Washington State sound eerily similar to that?
Sure, it's a little different with USC being on the road this time around, but playing their first road game of the year @ Cal last week and getting a scare was likely a good thing for the Trojans. There is no way they come into this contest anything but 100% focused on the task at hand, and they do have a 4-1 ATS run going in their last five trips here as a program. It's rather easy to argue that USC was actually looking 'past' California and ahead to this week's game, and when that look ahead game finally arrives for teams that nearly got caught, they are not ones you want to bet against.
The Cougars are 0-5 ATS in their last five games against a winning opponent, and the rankings don't mean as much this early in the year as many would like to believe. I don't believe Washington State would be ranked this high (or even undefeated) had they played even a slightly tougher schedule so far, and even without it they almost were knocked off by Boise State remember. This is a huge step up in talent level for Washington State here, and the lower this line goes by kickoff, the bigger my bet on the Trojans will be.
Odds per - Sportsbetting.ag
Best Bet: USC -3.5
September 28, 2017
Friday NCAAF Best Bet
#5 USC Trojans vs #16 Washington State Cougars
While there are a few big games across the CFB landscape this Saturday, it's not hard to argue that the game with the most National Championship implications takes place on Friday evening in the Pac-12.
The undefeated (1-3 ATS) USC Trojans head north to Washington to take on an undefeated (2-2 ATS Washington State program. Both schools enter the week ranked in the Top 25, and the winner will be on the inside track to an appearance in the Pac-12 Championship game.
Sportsbetting.ag Odds: USC (-3.5); Total set at 64
Despite the 4-0 SU record, the USC Trojans have been a great team to bet against on the spread, and many are already touting this game as a potential “trap” game for USC. In fact, if you've watched any USC game the past few weeks, you'll know that the announcers for that game always made it a point to go through the Trojans upcoming schedule and never hesitated to state that this weekday game at Washington State was going to be a scary test for USC.
Whether that's stating the obvious or not, a road game against any team ranked in the Top 25 was always going to be tough, but I wouldn't necessarily say that this is a “trap” game for USC. If anything, last week's game @ California, prior to this week's game and after the thrilling OT win vs Texas was exponentially more of a trap game for USC and they nearly got hooked.
While there are many out there suggesting that Washington State will win SU and ATS here, you can't count me in that group. Everyone points to the scheduling spot, the fact that USC is banged up, their struggles ATS so far, and the fact that Washington State can score with the best of them as reasons to back the home dog in this spot.
Those are somewhat compelling arguments taken at face value, and a banged up USC team is a bit concerning, but that's the only reasoning that gives me pause. The Trojans will get RB Ronald Jones back this week, and contrary to all the QB Sam Darnold talk about the Heisman and such, USC is a running team that uses their ground attack to open things up through the air.
Jones' absence was a big reason behind USC's early struggles against California last week, and his ineffectiveness against the very talented run-stopping front Texas has was why that game was closer then it needed to be. Even with Jones at 80-90%, he and the rest of USC's offense will have plenty of success against this Washington State defense.
Regarding those other reasons behind many touting Washington State here, the line of thought behind there ability to score with the best is true when you are just looking at the numbers they've put up in 2017, but who have they really played? The Cougars have scored 40+ in three straight games entering this contest, but beating up on bad teams like Nevada and Oregon State aren't exactly newsworthy, and they needed those 40+ points to beat a Boise State team in OT.
Boise State isn't near the program it was just a few years ago, and Washington's struggles that week speak to a prevailing knock on Mike Leach coached teams throughout his career. Leach is an offensive genius, but his schemes (and teams) never seem to produce in the biggest games against quality foes. To end last year they scored just 17 points against Washington in that historic rivalry, and followed that up with just 12 points against Minnesota in the Bowl game.
For whatever reason, Leach-led teams can put up gaudy numbers against the cupcakes of the college football world but when quality teams step up to the stage, Leach's teams shrivel up like a raisin. USC is no cupcake and could very well expose this Leach criticism once again.
Finally, a 1-3 ATS mark for USC has people looking to fade them, but the Trojans have also been victimized by their own hype at times. All three of those ATS losses came as favorites of 15 points or more, and the lone win came when they were laying 3.5 points against Stanford when everyone was touting Stanford and pushing that line down from it's opening number of -6. Doesn't this week's game against Washington State sound eerily similar to that?
Sure, it's a little different with USC being on the road this time around, but playing their first road game of the year @ Cal last week and getting a scare was likely a good thing for the Trojans. There is no way they come into this contest anything but 100% focused on the task at hand, and they do have a 4-1 ATS run going in their last five trips here as a program. It's rather easy to argue that USC was actually looking 'past' California and ahead to this week's game, and when that look ahead game finally arrives for teams that nearly got caught, they are not ones you want to bet against.
The Cougars are 0-5 ATS in their last five games against a winning opponent, and the rankings don't mean as much this early in the year as many would like to believe. I don't believe Washington State would be ranked this high (or even undefeated) had they played even a slightly tougher schedule so far, and even without it they almost were knocked off by Boise State remember. This is a huge step up in talent level for Washington State here, and the lower this line goes by kickoff, the bigger my bet on the Trojans will be.
Odds per - Sportsbetting.ag
Best Bet: USC -3.5
QB injuries leave Big Ten teams in flux
September 28, 2017
Timely bye weeks could help No. 8 Michigan and Purdue get back to full strength. Both of their starting quarterbacks could be ready to play next week.
Maryland, on the other hand, faces another week of breaking in a new starter.
On a rugged weekend when four Big Ten quarterbacks left games with injuries, the Terrapins suffered the toughest blow of all, losing Kasim Hill for the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. It's the same injury that knocked out Week 1 starter Tyrrell Pigrome at Texas.
''It just, it happened, it's the hand we've been dealt,'' Durkin said. ''With Max (Bortenschlager) at quarterback, there were some subtle differences with our offense (last Saturday), so we'll continue to tailor things to the guys on the field. That's one of the things you have to do as a coach is figure out who you have out there, what their strengths are and play to those.''
Durkin, in his second season, has been through it before. Maryland has, too. This is the third consecutive season in which it has used at least three starters.
The timing couldn't be worse, though.
Maryland (2-1), coming off a 38-10 loss to Central Florida, visits surprising Minnesota (3-0) in its conference opener on Saturday.
The prognosis around the rest of the league is better.
Michigan lost Wilton Speight in the first quarter of a victory at Purdue after being awkwardly on a sack and hit by a second Purdue player in the head or neck.
He left the stadium for x-rays and Harbaugh later referred to it as a ''soft tissue'' injury. Speight did not return to the game and Harbaugh said he wouldn't play this week if the Wolverines (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) had a game.
But Speight's injury led to two midweek debates: One about locker room conditions around the conference, the other about a hit Harbaugh described as ''egregious.''
''If I had a stronger word to use, I would use it,'' he said. ''With all the emphasis on protecting defenseless players, it appeared that the player knew what he was doing. He targeted the head. (Speight) was on the ground, and he accelerated.''
No penalty was called, though two Purdue players were ejected for targeting in the second half.
Without Speight, the Wolverines rallied behind former Houston quarterback John O'Korn who could start against Michigan State on Oct. 7.
Not surprisingly, Boilermakers coach Jeff Brohm took exception to both complaints.
''I didn't see anything egregious about it,'' he said. ''I thought he made the tackle. I don't think there was a flag on it was there? From my standpoint, I thought it was a clean hit.''
He also didn't appreciate Harbaugh's contention that Purdue's locker room was unsanitary or the exam tables looked like something out of the 1920s.
Purdue (2-2, 0-1) even issued a statement, noting it informs teams about the lack of air conditioning at Ross-Ade Stadium.
''I know a lot of the visiting locker rooms across the country are not like going to the Marriot hotel, they don't have a lot of frills,'' Brohm said. ''I haven't been in a lot of locker rooms that have been extremely nice and comfortable for the visiting team.''
Brohm was more concerned with his own quarterback's health. David Blough sprained his throwing shoulder in the second half last weekend, aggravating an injury he first sustained in August. He also did not return, and Brohm declined to say whether he expected Blough to play against the Golden Gophers next week.
''He will be limited this week,'' Brohm said. ''We're hopeful he can practice next week with us.''
Indiana quarterback Richard Lagow's lower leg injury looks like the least serious of the four injuries.
He was hurt taking a big hit on his only touchdown pass of the game.
Coach Tom Allen said he could have returned - if the Hoosiers (2-1, 0-1) hadn't built such a large lead over Georgia Southern. So they held him out, hoping Lagow will be healthy enough to start at No. 4 Penn State (4-0, 1-0) this weekend.
While each of the four teams is adapting, all four know there's only one way to move forward.
''These are all guys who have been practicing and preparing, you can go through the process of the game plan and what you're calling, what they're comfortable with, what they're not,'' Durkin said. ''I think a week is plenty of time to get that done.''
September 28, 2017
Timely bye weeks could help No. 8 Michigan and Purdue get back to full strength. Both of their starting quarterbacks could be ready to play next week.
Maryland, on the other hand, faces another week of breaking in a new starter.
On a rugged weekend when four Big Ten quarterbacks left games with injuries, the Terrapins suffered the toughest blow of all, losing Kasim Hill for the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. It's the same injury that knocked out Week 1 starter Tyrrell Pigrome at Texas.
''It just, it happened, it's the hand we've been dealt,'' Durkin said. ''With Max (Bortenschlager) at quarterback, there were some subtle differences with our offense (last Saturday), so we'll continue to tailor things to the guys on the field. That's one of the things you have to do as a coach is figure out who you have out there, what their strengths are and play to those.''
Durkin, in his second season, has been through it before. Maryland has, too. This is the third consecutive season in which it has used at least three starters.
The timing couldn't be worse, though.
Maryland (2-1), coming off a 38-10 loss to Central Florida, visits surprising Minnesota (3-0) in its conference opener on Saturday.
The prognosis around the rest of the league is better.
Michigan lost Wilton Speight in the first quarter of a victory at Purdue after being awkwardly on a sack and hit by a second Purdue player in the head or neck.
He left the stadium for x-rays and Harbaugh later referred to it as a ''soft tissue'' injury. Speight did not return to the game and Harbaugh said he wouldn't play this week if the Wolverines (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) had a game.
But Speight's injury led to two midweek debates: One about locker room conditions around the conference, the other about a hit Harbaugh described as ''egregious.''
''If I had a stronger word to use, I would use it,'' he said. ''With all the emphasis on protecting defenseless players, it appeared that the player knew what he was doing. He targeted the head. (Speight) was on the ground, and he accelerated.''
No penalty was called, though two Purdue players were ejected for targeting in the second half.
Without Speight, the Wolverines rallied behind former Houston quarterback John O'Korn who could start against Michigan State on Oct. 7.
Not surprisingly, Boilermakers coach Jeff Brohm took exception to both complaints.
''I didn't see anything egregious about it,'' he said. ''I thought he made the tackle. I don't think there was a flag on it was there? From my standpoint, I thought it was a clean hit.''
He also didn't appreciate Harbaugh's contention that Purdue's locker room was unsanitary or the exam tables looked like something out of the 1920s.
Purdue (2-2, 0-1) even issued a statement, noting it informs teams about the lack of air conditioning at Ross-Ade Stadium.
''I know a lot of the visiting locker rooms across the country are not like going to the Marriot hotel, they don't have a lot of frills,'' Brohm said. ''I haven't been in a lot of locker rooms that have been extremely nice and comfortable for the visiting team.''
Brohm was more concerned with his own quarterback's health. David Blough sprained his throwing shoulder in the second half last weekend, aggravating an injury he first sustained in August. He also did not return, and Brohm declined to say whether he expected Blough to play against the Golden Gophers next week.
''He will be limited this week,'' Brohm said. ''We're hopeful he can practice next week with us.''
Indiana quarterback Richard Lagow's lower leg injury looks like the least serious of the four injuries.
He was hurt taking a big hit on his only touchdown pass of the game.
Coach Tom Allen said he could have returned - if the Hoosiers (2-1, 0-1) hadn't built such a large lead over Georgia Southern. So they held him out, hoping Lagow will be healthy enough to start at No. 4 Penn State (4-0, 1-0) this weekend.
While each of the four teams is adapting, all four know there's only one way to move forward.
''These are all guys who have been practicing and preparing, you can go through the process of the game plan and what you're calling, what they're comfortable with, what they're not,'' Durkin said. ''I think a week is plenty of time to get that done.''
Duke looks for 5-0 start vs. No. 14 Miami
September 28, 2017
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Duke is flirting with its best start in more than a decade after three straight wins against power-conference opponents. Things get tougher with a Friday night visit from No. 14 Miami.
The Blue Devils (4-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) have won their first four games for only the sixth time since 1960. A win against the preseason Coastal Division favorite Hurricanes (2-0, 0-0) will give them their first 5-0 start since 1994 - and maybe help Duke leap into the AP Top 25 from its position just outside the poll.
''You want to prove that this is a different Duke team, that this Duke team can handle big challenges, that it can overcome adversity when things don't come our way,'' center Austin Davis said. ''Last year didn't go our way. So this year we're proving to people that we're a different team.''
Duke has already matched its win total for last season's stumble. The Blue Devils beat a Big Ten opponent (Northwestern ) in Week 2 and a Big 12 opponent (Baylor ) in Week 3 before last week's win at rival North Carolina .
Now comes a short week with the Friday home game against Miami.
''I think our mind's in the right place,'' Duke coach David Cutcliffe said. ''We've got to make sure our bodies are.''
The Hurricanes are making their first visit to Durham since a wild finish two years ago. Miami won that game on a final-play, eight-lateral kickoff return for a touchdown - a play the league later said shouldn't have counted and led to the suspension of game officials.
''I think it will be an even better atmosphere,'' Miami junior center Tyler Gauthier said. ''They are undefeated, we are undefeated, and this is our first Coastal game, this is the one that means a lot. The coaches are preaching that throughout the entire practice: `This is the game that is very important to us.'''
---
Here are things to know about Friday's Miami-Duke game:
FLORIDA'S BEST: Here's good news for Miami - this week is only the fourth time since 2005 that the Hurricanes were the highest-ranked team from Florida in the AP Top 25. Here's good news for Duke - each of Miami's last three stints in that spot were very short-lived. Miami lost the same week it became the state's top-ranked team after the polls of Oct. 3, 2010, Nov. 14, 2010 and Oct. 2, 2016.
ROSIER'S MATURATION: Malik Rosier is in his first year as Miami's full-time starting quarterback, but the redshirt junior made his first career start in the Hurricanes' wild walk-off win in 2015 with starter Brad Kaaya sidelined by a concussion. Rozier threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns. ''It's a different circumstance, as far as him being `The Guy' now rather than, `Hey this game you got to jump in there and do well,''' Hurricanes coach Mark Richt said. ''But I think playing there before can't hurt.''
WALTON'S YEAR: Miami RB Mark Walton, whose knee was infamously down on that wild return that capped the Hurricanes' 2015 win, is averaging 176 rushing yards per game. That's third-best among all Bowl Subdivision players so far this season. He's 81 yards from becoming Miami's 11th 2,000-yard career rusher.
MIAMI'S SCHEDULE: The Hurricanes are playing just their third game after Hurricane Irma altered the team's schedule. The team canceled its Sept. 9 game at Arkansas State and postponed a game against Florida State until Oct. 7.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Don't consider Duke coach David Cutcliffe or Miami coach Mark Richt fans of a Friday night kickoff. Cutcliffe said he's ''a firm believer that Friday nights belong to high school football,'' to which Richt responded: ''I'm with him.'' But even as Cutcliffe said it made him want to apologize to area high school players and coaches, he also said: ''I can't live in la-la land. We all know that programming and television is going to ask for more and more nontraditional playing nights.''
September 28, 2017
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Duke is flirting with its best start in more than a decade after three straight wins against power-conference opponents. Things get tougher with a Friday night visit from No. 14 Miami.
The Blue Devils (4-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) have won their first four games for only the sixth time since 1960. A win against the preseason Coastal Division favorite Hurricanes (2-0, 0-0) will give them their first 5-0 start since 1994 - and maybe help Duke leap into the AP Top 25 from its position just outside the poll.
''You want to prove that this is a different Duke team, that this Duke team can handle big challenges, that it can overcome adversity when things don't come our way,'' center Austin Davis said. ''Last year didn't go our way. So this year we're proving to people that we're a different team.''
Duke has already matched its win total for last season's stumble. The Blue Devils beat a Big Ten opponent (Northwestern ) in Week 2 and a Big 12 opponent (Baylor ) in Week 3 before last week's win at rival North Carolina .
Now comes a short week with the Friday home game against Miami.
''I think our mind's in the right place,'' Duke coach David Cutcliffe said. ''We've got to make sure our bodies are.''
The Hurricanes are making their first visit to Durham since a wild finish two years ago. Miami won that game on a final-play, eight-lateral kickoff return for a touchdown - a play the league later said shouldn't have counted and led to the suspension of game officials.
''I think it will be an even better atmosphere,'' Miami junior center Tyler Gauthier said. ''They are undefeated, we are undefeated, and this is our first Coastal game, this is the one that means a lot. The coaches are preaching that throughout the entire practice: `This is the game that is very important to us.'''
---
Here are things to know about Friday's Miami-Duke game:
FLORIDA'S BEST: Here's good news for Miami - this week is only the fourth time since 2005 that the Hurricanes were the highest-ranked team from Florida in the AP Top 25. Here's good news for Duke - each of Miami's last three stints in that spot were very short-lived. Miami lost the same week it became the state's top-ranked team after the polls of Oct. 3, 2010, Nov. 14, 2010 and Oct. 2, 2016.
ROSIER'S MATURATION: Malik Rosier is in his first year as Miami's full-time starting quarterback, but the redshirt junior made his first career start in the Hurricanes' wild walk-off win in 2015 with starter Brad Kaaya sidelined by a concussion. Rozier threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns. ''It's a different circumstance, as far as him being `The Guy' now rather than, `Hey this game you got to jump in there and do well,''' Hurricanes coach Mark Richt said. ''But I think playing there before can't hurt.''
WALTON'S YEAR: Miami RB Mark Walton, whose knee was infamously down on that wild return that capped the Hurricanes' 2015 win, is averaging 176 rushing yards per game. That's third-best among all Bowl Subdivision players so far this season. He's 81 yards from becoming Miami's 11th 2,000-yard career rusher.
MIAMI'S SCHEDULE: The Hurricanes are playing just their third game after Hurricane Irma altered the team's schedule. The team canceled its Sept. 9 game at Arkansas State and postponed a game against Florida State until Oct. 7.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Don't consider Duke coach David Cutcliffe or Miami coach Mark Richt fans of a Friday night kickoff. Cutcliffe said he's ''a firm believer that Friday nights belong to high school football,'' to which Richt responded: ''I'm with him.'' But even as Cutcliffe said it made him want to apologize to area high school players and coaches, he also said: ''I can't live in la-la land. We all know that programming and television is going to ask for more and more nontraditional playing nights.''
Washington State looks for big victory
September 28, 2017
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) Shortly after the sun disappears behind the rolling hills of the Palouse on Friday night, Washington State will get the rare opportunity to prove its validity on a national stage.
The opponent is No. 5 Southern California in an early Pac-12 showdown. But for the 16th-ranked Cougars (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) it's also history. It's been 25 years since Washington State beat a top-five team in the regular season, not since a snowy November day in 1992 when Drew Bledsoe led the Cougars past rival Washington.
In between, there's been the high of two Rose Bowl berths for the Cougars and plenty of lows. Perhaps none more embarrassing than a 69-0 loss to USC at home nine years ago, a margin that could have been much worse.
So yes, this is a big game for Washington State, no matter how much coach Mike Leach tries to downplay it. Aside from Apple Cup's against Washington, it's likely the biggest home game for the Cougars since late in the 2002 season - their last season that finished in the Rose Bowl.
''When you grow up, you live to play in games like this,'' Washington State running back Jamal Morrow said.
If ever there was a time the Trojans (4-0, 2-0) appear vulnerable, this would seem to be it. They are battered with key injuries and uncertainty about the status of star running back Ronald Jones II, wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr and linebacker Porter Gustin. Fellow wide receiver Deontay Burton has a chance to play.
USC is traveling out of California for the first time this season and on a short week after playing at California last Saturday. Outside of a 21-3 scoring run midway through their 42-24 win over Stanford, the Trojans have looked less than dominant.
''We've found ways to be really good when it counts,'' USC coach Clay Helton said. ''I think about our fourth-quarter performances over the first four games and just how we've finished. They've always been a group of kids that when their back is up against the wall they perform, and we've been in some tight games over the first four games. Hopefully, that helps to our advantage as we get even further into Pac-12 play.''
Of course, the Trojans do have quarterback Sam Darnold that can help counter some of the potential absences on USC's offense. Even Darnold hasn't been his best yet this season, throwing seven interceptions in four games. He threw nine in the entire 2016 season.
Here's what else to watch in Friday's showdown:
FALK FLASHBACK: Washington State QB Luke Falk made his debut when the teams faced in 2014 in Pullman. Stepping in after starter Connor Halliday was injured in the first quarter, Falk threw for 346 yards and the first two of his now 103 career touchdown passes.
After being briefly benched and injured against Boise State, Falk has been effective in the last two games. Against Oregon State and Nevada, Falk is 73 of 96 (76 percent) for 874 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.
''He's pretty accurate. I mean, he puts the ball where it needs to be and he throws the receivers open. His deep ball is tremendous, actually,'' USC safety Chris Hawkins said.
USC'S STABLE: Jones is the Trojans' top running back and proved so by rushing for 159 yards and 116 yards and five total touchdowns in the first two games. Jones missed last week with a thigh contusion, but said he hopes to play.
Even if Jones can't go, the Trojans have depth in the backfield. Stephen Carr had 119 yards rushing in the win over Stanford and added 82 yards and a touchdown last week against California as the primary ball carrier. And there is always Darnold's ability to use his legs lurking.
HERCULES, HERCULES: The most important player on the field for Washington State doesn't play on offense. How well defensive lineman Hercules Mata'afa and his teammates can disrupt USC's offense may be the biggest key to a Washington State victory. Mata'afa has eight tackles for loss and 4 + sacks in four games, both tops in the Pac-12. USC has allowed just seven sacks.
PALOUSE POSSE: It hasn't come against the best competition, but the Cougars are the top defense in the Pac-12 thus far, allowing 262.2 yards per game. They're also the top pass defense allowing 142.2 yards per game through the air. But the offenses they've faced are nothing like USC. Oregon State's offense ranks 98th in the country; Boise State 99th and Nevada 111th.
September 28, 2017
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) Shortly after the sun disappears behind the rolling hills of the Palouse on Friday night, Washington State will get the rare opportunity to prove its validity on a national stage.
The opponent is No. 5 Southern California in an early Pac-12 showdown. But for the 16th-ranked Cougars (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) it's also history. It's been 25 years since Washington State beat a top-five team in the regular season, not since a snowy November day in 1992 when Drew Bledsoe led the Cougars past rival Washington.
In between, there's been the high of two Rose Bowl berths for the Cougars and plenty of lows. Perhaps none more embarrassing than a 69-0 loss to USC at home nine years ago, a margin that could have been much worse.
So yes, this is a big game for Washington State, no matter how much coach Mike Leach tries to downplay it. Aside from Apple Cup's against Washington, it's likely the biggest home game for the Cougars since late in the 2002 season - their last season that finished in the Rose Bowl.
''When you grow up, you live to play in games like this,'' Washington State running back Jamal Morrow said.
If ever there was a time the Trojans (4-0, 2-0) appear vulnerable, this would seem to be it. They are battered with key injuries and uncertainty about the status of star running back Ronald Jones II, wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr and linebacker Porter Gustin. Fellow wide receiver Deontay Burton has a chance to play.
USC is traveling out of California for the first time this season and on a short week after playing at California last Saturday. Outside of a 21-3 scoring run midway through their 42-24 win over Stanford, the Trojans have looked less than dominant.
''We've found ways to be really good when it counts,'' USC coach Clay Helton said. ''I think about our fourth-quarter performances over the first four games and just how we've finished. They've always been a group of kids that when their back is up against the wall they perform, and we've been in some tight games over the first four games. Hopefully, that helps to our advantage as we get even further into Pac-12 play.''
Of course, the Trojans do have quarterback Sam Darnold that can help counter some of the potential absences on USC's offense. Even Darnold hasn't been his best yet this season, throwing seven interceptions in four games. He threw nine in the entire 2016 season.
Here's what else to watch in Friday's showdown:
FALK FLASHBACK: Washington State QB Luke Falk made his debut when the teams faced in 2014 in Pullman. Stepping in after starter Connor Halliday was injured in the first quarter, Falk threw for 346 yards and the first two of his now 103 career touchdown passes.
After being briefly benched and injured against Boise State, Falk has been effective in the last two games. Against Oregon State and Nevada, Falk is 73 of 96 (76 percent) for 874 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.
''He's pretty accurate. I mean, he puts the ball where it needs to be and he throws the receivers open. His deep ball is tremendous, actually,'' USC safety Chris Hawkins said.
USC'S STABLE: Jones is the Trojans' top running back and proved so by rushing for 159 yards and 116 yards and five total touchdowns in the first two games. Jones missed last week with a thigh contusion, but said he hopes to play.
Even if Jones can't go, the Trojans have depth in the backfield. Stephen Carr had 119 yards rushing in the win over Stanford and added 82 yards and a touchdown last week against California as the primary ball carrier. And there is always Darnold's ability to use his legs lurking.
HERCULES, HERCULES: The most important player on the field for Washington State doesn't play on offense. How well defensive lineman Hercules Mata'afa and his teammates can disrupt USC's offense may be the biggest key to a Washington State victory. Mata'afa has eight tackles for loss and 4 + sacks in four games, both tops in the Pac-12. USC has allowed just seven sacks.
PALOUSE POSSE: It hasn't come against the best competition, but the Cougars are the top defense in the Pac-12 thus far, allowing 262.2 yards per game. They're also the top pass defense allowing 142.2 yards per game through the air. But the offenses they've faced are nothing like USC. Oregon State's offense ranks 98th in the country; Boise State 99th and Nevada 111th.
No. 5 Southern California Trojans at No. 18 Washington State Cougars (+6)
Two unbeatens in the Pac-12 kick off the weekend a day early, with a 10:30 p.m. ET Friday night clash. Southern Cal is 4-0 SU, but hasn’t been particularly impressive in getting there, save for its solid win over Stanford in Week 2. In Week 4, the Trojans (1-3 ATS) traveled to California, where they trailed early and were still tied at 13 in the fourth quarter before pulling away for a 30-20 victory as a 16.5-point favorite.
Washington State (4-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) has put up 45 points or more in three of four games. The Cougars rumbled over Nevada 45-7 as a hefty 28.5-point chalk this past Saturday.
“With a 1-3 record against the spread, the public seems to be fading USC,” Mason said. “Not only did the house need the Trojans against Cal this past Saturday, but 69 percent of the early bettors are on Washington State this week, quickly moving the Cougars from +6 to +4.5. Within the first few hours after the openers hit the board, there were more bets on Washington State than any other team.”
************************
Miami Hurricanes at Duke Blue Devils (+5.5, 57)
Miami 3rd-down rate vs. Duke's 3rd-down defense
The Hurricanes have done plenty well on offense through their first two games, but would love to improve on a so-so showing on third downs - and that quest will be a challenging one this weekend, with the Blue Devils limiting drive extensions better than any team in Division I.
As great as things went in last week's 52-30 romp over Toledo, they could have gone even better had Miami not settled for a 3-for-9 performance on 3rd downs. It was a significant step down from the 4-of-8 showing the Hurricanes posted in their season-opening win over Bethune-Cookman.
That said, the four teams that have faced the Blue Devils this season will tell you just how tough it has been to make headway on third down.
Duke has allowed teams to avoid fourth down just seven times in 50 third-down attempts - a 14-percent success rate that ranks No. 1 in the nation. The Blue Devils were at their stingy best in their conference opener last week, holding North Carolina to a 3-for-16 success rate on third down in a 27-17 win over the Tar Heels.
Suffice to say that Miami has its work cut out for it.
NCAA football bettors looking at these teams very differently in Week 5: Live From Las Vegas
After some upset results in Week 4, college football bettors aren't so sure about these power programs and Las Vegas books are taking that shift into account when posting the NCAA football odds. We look at the biggest and best bets on the board with Jeff Stoneback, director of trading for MGM Resorts.
****************************
Friday, September 29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI (2 - 0) at DUKE (4 - 0) - 9/29/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where the total is between 49.5 and 56 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-0 against the spread versus DUKE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 2-0 straight up against DUKE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEBRASKA (2 - 2) at ILLINOIS (2 - 1) - 9/29/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 123-161 ATS (-54.1 Units) in all games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 123-161 ATS (-54.1 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 61-89 ATS (-36.9 Units) in home games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 61-89 ATS (-36.9 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 81-123 ATS (-54.3 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) in home games in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS is 2-0 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS is 1-1 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BYU (1 - 3) at UTAH ST (2 - 2) - 9/29/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BYU is 2-0 against the spread versus UTAH ST over the last 3 seasons
BYU is 2-0 straight up against UTAH ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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USC (4 - 0) at WASHINGTON ST (4 - 0) - 9/29/2017, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
----------------------------------
Friday, September 29
7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. DUKE
Miami is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Duke
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Duke
Duke is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Duke is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
8:00 PM
BYU vs. UTAH STATE
BYU is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
BYU is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Utah State
Utah State is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games when playing BYU
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah State's last 10 games when playing BYU
8:00 PM
NEBRASKA vs. ILLINOIS
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Nebraska's last 15 games
Nebraska is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Illinois's last 19 games at home
Illinois is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home
10:30 PM
SOUTHERN CAL vs. WASHINGTON STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Southern Cal's last 5 games on the road
Southern Cal is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington State's last 6 games when playing Southern Cal
Washington State is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Southern Cal
---------------------------------
Friday’s games
Duke is 4-0 with wins over Northwestern/UNC; Blue Devils are allowing 65.7 rushing yards/game; last 4+ years, they’re 5-1 as a home underdog. First road game for Miami team that had two weeks off (hurricane) before whacking Toledo 52-30 LW; Rockets threw for 344 yards against the ‘canes, Miami is 10-3 in last 13 games as a road favorite, 4-1 under coach Richt. Duke is 1-11 in its last 12 games with Miami, losing last three by 12-3-19 points. Underdogs are 6-5 vs spread in last 11 series games, 3-3 in games played here.
Natives are restless in Lincoln after Nebraska’s 2-2 start, which includes home loss to Northern Illinois. Cornhuskers lost only road game 42-35 at Oregon (trailed 42-14 at half); they’re 5-7 in last 12 games as a road favorite, 2-3 under Riley. Nebraska is 3-1 vs Illinois in Big 14 play; home side won all four games, covered three of them. Illini are 2-6 in last eight games as a home underdog, 1-4 under Smith; they’re 2-1 this season, winning couple of home games before getting drilled 47-23 at USF last week. Illinois is 3-8 in last 11 games as single digit dog.
BYU lost its last three games by combined score of 86-19; now they step down in class to take on Utah State club they’ve beaten 13 of last 15 meetings, covering three of last four- they’re 1-3 vs spread in last four series games as a single digit favorite. Cougars won 51-28/31-14 in last two visits to Logan. Utah State split its first four games, three of which were on road; they allowed 234-291 rushing yards in its losses, at Wisconsin/Wake Forest. Aggies are 1-4 as a home underdog under Wells. Mountain West non-conference underdogs are 13-10 vs spread, 2-2 at home.
Washington State doesn’t get on national TV a lot; this is a big deal for them, just another day on the beach for USC, which scored 37 pts/game in its 4-0 start, winning first road game 30-20 at Cal LW. Teams didn’t play last two years; Trojans won last five visits to Pullman (4-1 vs spread) but did lost at home to Wazzu in 2013. Coogs are 4-0 this year but have’t been on road yet; they were down 31-10 with 9:00 to play vs Boise State, somehow won that game. Wazzu is 5-7 as a home underdog under Leach. USC is 4-2 in last six games as a road favorite.
-----------------------------------------
Friday, September 29
Miami-FL @ Duke
Game 105-106
September 29, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Miami-FL
104.327
Duke
95.146
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami-FL
by 9
62
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami-FL
by 6
55 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami-FL
(-6); Over
Nebraska @ Illinois
Game 107-108
September 29, 2017 @ 8:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Nebraska
90.535
Illinois
77.464
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nebraska
by 13
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nebraska
by 6
46
Dunkel Pick:
Nebraska
(-6); Under
Brigham Young @ Utah State
Game 109-110
September 29, 2017 @ 8:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Brigham Young
86.223
Utah State
81.683
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brigham Young
by 4 1/2
38
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brigham Young
by 1 1/2
46
Dunkel Pick:
Brigham Young
(-1 1/2); Under
USC @ Washington St
Game 111-112
September 29, 2017 @ 10:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
USC
108.283
Washington St
100.226
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
USC
by 8
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
USC
by 3 1/2
65 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
USC
(-3 1/2); Under
Dartmouth @ Penn
Game 303-304
September 29, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Dartmouth
56.129
Penn
67.135
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Penn
by 11
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Penn
by 7
51
Dunkel Pick:
Penn
(-7); Under
Alcorn State @ Texas Southern
Game 305-306
September 29, 2017 @ 9:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Alcorn State
55.412
Texas Southern
33.717
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Alcorn State
by 21 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Alcorn State
by 19 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Alcorn State
(-19 1/2); Under
Two unbeatens in the Pac-12 kick off the weekend a day early, with a 10:30 p.m. ET Friday night clash. Southern Cal is 4-0 SU, but hasn’t been particularly impressive in getting there, save for its solid win over Stanford in Week 2. In Week 4, the Trojans (1-3 ATS) traveled to California, where they trailed early and were still tied at 13 in the fourth quarter before pulling away for a 30-20 victory as a 16.5-point favorite.
Washington State (4-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) has put up 45 points or more in three of four games. The Cougars rumbled over Nevada 45-7 as a hefty 28.5-point chalk this past Saturday.
“With a 1-3 record against the spread, the public seems to be fading USC,” Mason said. “Not only did the house need the Trojans against Cal this past Saturday, but 69 percent of the early bettors are on Washington State this week, quickly moving the Cougars from +6 to +4.5. Within the first few hours after the openers hit the board, there were more bets on Washington State than any other team.”
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Miami Hurricanes at Duke Blue Devils (+5.5, 57)
Miami 3rd-down rate vs. Duke's 3rd-down defense
The Hurricanes have done plenty well on offense through their first two games, but would love to improve on a so-so showing on third downs - and that quest will be a challenging one this weekend, with the Blue Devils limiting drive extensions better than any team in Division I.
As great as things went in last week's 52-30 romp over Toledo, they could have gone even better had Miami not settled for a 3-for-9 performance on 3rd downs. It was a significant step down from the 4-of-8 showing the Hurricanes posted in their season-opening win over Bethune-Cookman.
That said, the four teams that have faced the Blue Devils this season will tell you just how tough it has been to make headway on third down.
Duke has allowed teams to avoid fourth down just seven times in 50 third-down attempts - a 14-percent success rate that ranks No. 1 in the nation. The Blue Devils were at their stingy best in their conference opener last week, holding North Carolina to a 3-for-16 success rate on third down in a 27-17 win over the Tar Heels.
Suffice to say that Miami has its work cut out for it.
NCAA football bettors looking at these teams very differently in Week 5: Live From Las Vegas
After some upset results in Week 4, college football bettors aren't so sure about these power programs and Las Vegas books are taking that shift into account when posting the NCAA football odds. We look at the biggest and best bets on the board with Jeff Stoneback, director of trading for MGM Resorts.
****************************
Friday, September 29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI (2 - 0) at DUKE (4 - 0) - 9/29/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where the total is between 49.5 and 56 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-0 against the spread versus DUKE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 2-0 straight up against DUKE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEBRASKA (2 - 2) at ILLINOIS (2 - 1) - 9/29/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 123-161 ATS (-54.1 Units) in all games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 123-161 ATS (-54.1 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 61-89 ATS (-36.9 Units) in home games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 61-89 ATS (-36.9 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 81-123 ATS (-54.3 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) in home games in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS is 2-0 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS is 1-1 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BYU (1 - 3) at UTAH ST (2 - 2) - 9/29/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BYU is 2-0 against the spread versus UTAH ST over the last 3 seasons
BYU is 2-0 straight up against UTAH ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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USC (4 - 0) at WASHINGTON ST (4 - 0) - 9/29/2017, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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Friday, September 29
7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. DUKE
Miami is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Duke
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Duke
Duke is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Duke is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
8:00 PM
BYU vs. UTAH STATE
BYU is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
BYU is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Utah State
Utah State is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games when playing BYU
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah State's last 10 games when playing BYU
8:00 PM
NEBRASKA vs. ILLINOIS
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Nebraska's last 15 games
Nebraska is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Illinois's last 19 games at home
Illinois is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home
10:30 PM
SOUTHERN CAL vs. WASHINGTON STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Southern Cal's last 5 games on the road
Southern Cal is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington State's last 6 games when playing Southern Cal
Washington State is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Southern Cal
---------------------------------
Friday’s games
Duke is 4-0 with wins over Northwestern/UNC; Blue Devils are allowing 65.7 rushing yards/game; last 4+ years, they’re 5-1 as a home underdog. First road game for Miami team that had two weeks off (hurricane) before whacking Toledo 52-30 LW; Rockets threw for 344 yards against the ‘canes, Miami is 10-3 in last 13 games as a road favorite, 4-1 under coach Richt. Duke is 1-11 in its last 12 games with Miami, losing last three by 12-3-19 points. Underdogs are 6-5 vs spread in last 11 series games, 3-3 in games played here.
Natives are restless in Lincoln after Nebraska’s 2-2 start, which includes home loss to Northern Illinois. Cornhuskers lost only road game 42-35 at Oregon (trailed 42-14 at half); they’re 5-7 in last 12 games as a road favorite, 2-3 under Riley. Nebraska is 3-1 vs Illinois in Big 14 play; home side won all four games, covered three of them. Illini are 2-6 in last eight games as a home underdog, 1-4 under Smith; they’re 2-1 this season, winning couple of home games before getting drilled 47-23 at USF last week. Illinois is 3-8 in last 11 games as single digit dog.
BYU lost its last three games by combined score of 86-19; now they step down in class to take on Utah State club they’ve beaten 13 of last 15 meetings, covering three of last four- they’re 1-3 vs spread in last four series games as a single digit favorite. Cougars won 51-28/31-14 in last two visits to Logan. Utah State split its first four games, three of which were on road; they allowed 234-291 rushing yards in its losses, at Wisconsin/Wake Forest. Aggies are 1-4 as a home underdog under Wells. Mountain West non-conference underdogs are 13-10 vs spread, 2-2 at home.
Washington State doesn’t get on national TV a lot; this is a big deal for them, just another day on the beach for USC, which scored 37 pts/game in its 4-0 start, winning first road game 30-20 at Cal LW. Teams didn’t play last two years; Trojans won last five visits to Pullman (4-1 vs spread) but did lost at home to Wazzu in 2013. Coogs are 4-0 this year but have’t been on road yet; they were down 31-10 with 9:00 to play vs Boise State, somehow won that game. Wazzu is 5-7 as a home underdog under Leach. USC is 4-2 in last six games as a road favorite.
-----------------------------------------
Friday, September 29
Miami-FL @ Duke
Game 105-106
September 29, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Miami-FL
104.327
Duke
95.146
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami-FL
by 9
62
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami-FL
by 6
55 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami-FL
(-6); Over
Nebraska @ Illinois
Game 107-108
September 29, 2017 @ 8:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Nebraska
90.535
Illinois
77.464
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nebraska
by 13
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nebraska
by 6
46
Dunkel Pick:
Nebraska
(-6); Under
Brigham Young @ Utah State
Game 109-110
September 29, 2017 @ 8:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Brigham Young
86.223
Utah State
81.683
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brigham Young
by 4 1/2
38
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brigham Young
by 1 1/2
46
Dunkel Pick:
Brigham Young
(-1 1/2); Under
USC @ Washington St
Game 111-112
September 29, 2017 @ 10:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
USC
108.283
Washington St
100.226
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
USC
by 8
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
USC
by 3 1/2
65 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
USC
(-3 1/2); Under
Dartmouth @ Penn
Game 303-304
September 29, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Dartmouth
56.129
Penn
67.135
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Penn
by 11
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Penn
by 7
51
Dunkel Pick:
Penn
(-7); Under
Alcorn State @ Texas Southern
Game 305-306
September 29, 2017 @ 9:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Alcorn State
55.412
Texas Southern
33.717
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Alcorn State
by 21 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Alcorn State
by 19 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Alcorn State
(-19 1/2); Under
Huskers, Illini looking for sharper QB play when they meet
September 28, 2017
All eyes will be on the quarterbacks when Nebraska and Illinois meet on Friday night in Champaign, Illinois. It might not be pretty.
The Cornhuskers (2-2, 1-0 Big Ten) and Illini (2-1, 0-0) have been hamstrung by shoddy quarterback play so far. Nebraska coach Mike Riley continues to voice strong support for Tanner Lee as his starter. Illinois coach Lovie Smith said he's sticking with Chayce Crouch, though Jeff George Jr. did play all but one series of the second half in the Illini's last game.
Lee's 52.1-percent completion rate ranks 12th in the Big Ten, and his nine interceptions are most in the nation. Three of his five interceptions in the last two games were returned for touchdowns.
There's plenty of blame to spread around. He's been under pressure, having taken six sacks and getting hurried 14 times. He's had bad luck on at least two of the picks, with one glancing off the receiver's helmet and into the defender's hands and another one coming when a cornerback jumped the route on a screen. He's made bad decisions.
''Don't make a bad play worse,'' Riley said. ''I think that when a guy wants to make a play, and frankly when we are not doing as well as we want to, then you tend to force things. A quarterback has to understand that someone is going to get beat sometimes in pass protection, sometimes the receiver is going to get covered and it's not there, and now all of the sudden something is coming and things are starting to break down. It's not going to be a great play, don't make it worse.''
Crouch is the lowest-rated passer in the Big Ten, and his 51.6-percent completion is 13th. George entered the Sept. 15 loss at South Florida on the second series of the third quarter and completed 12 of 22 passes for 211 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Smith said George would continue to be the Illini's ''relief hitter.''
''It was a tough situation, he came in and took the snaps and threw some balls and had a little bit of success while he was out there,'' Smith said. ''So that's where he is. You bring a relief hitter in there when you need something a little bit different than what you've been getting.''
Things to know as Nebraska returns to Champaign for the first time since blowing a 13-0 lead late in the third quarter and losing 14-13 in 2015:
---
LONG BREAK, SHORT TURNAROUND
Smith said he was glad to have an open date last week so his team could get healthy and do a self-evaluation. The Illini have lost 14 of their last 16 following an open week. Since 1985, they are 13-25 after a bye.
Nebraska had a short turnaround after its 27-17 win over Rutgers last Saturday. The Huskers have won five of eight games played on six days' rest.
WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT
Nebraska RB Tre Bryant (knee), S Josh Kalu (hamstring) and LB Marcus Newby (hamstring) are out. OL David Knevel (ankle) and WR Bryant Reimers (hamstring) are questionable. OL Matt Farniok has a padded club over the cast on his broken wrist and should be able to play.
For the Illini, RB Reggie Corbin (shoulder) will make his season debut. So will DE James Crawford, who was suspended the first three games. C Doug Kramer (knee) is back after missing the last two games. DL Tito Odenigbo, a key backup, has been suspended indefinitely.
YOUTH IS SERVING
Illinois has started 10 true freshmen, most in the nation. The most to start prior to this season were nine in 1980. A total of 18 true freshmen have played for Illinois, tied for second most behind LSU's 20. Nebraska has played four true freshmen, with offensive tackle Brenden Jaimes the only one to have started.
SHUTDOWN DEFENSE
Nebraska allowed 194 yards of total offense against Rutgers last week, the fewest by an opponent in 47 games. Illinois' offense ranks last in the Big Ten with 290 yards and 22.3 points per game.
HANGING ON TO THE BALL
Nebraska and Illinois have had problems with interceptions, but they are among 16 teams in the nation and three in the Big Ten that have not lost a fumble. The Huskers and Illini each have put the ball on the ground five times.
September 28, 2017
All eyes will be on the quarterbacks when Nebraska and Illinois meet on Friday night in Champaign, Illinois. It might not be pretty.
The Cornhuskers (2-2, 1-0 Big Ten) and Illini (2-1, 0-0) have been hamstrung by shoddy quarterback play so far. Nebraska coach Mike Riley continues to voice strong support for Tanner Lee as his starter. Illinois coach Lovie Smith said he's sticking with Chayce Crouch, though Jeff George Jr. did play all but one series of the second half in the Illini's last game.
Lee's 52.1-percent completion rate ranks 12th in the Big Ten, and his nine interceptions are most in the nation. Three of his five interceptions in the last two games were returned for touchdowns.
There's plenty of blame to spread around. He's been under pressure, having taken six sacks and getting hurried 14 times. He's had bad luck on at least two of the picks, with one glancing off the receiver's helmet and into the defender's hands and another one coming when a cornerback jumped the route on a screen. He's made bad decisions.
''Don't make a bad play worse,'' Riley said. ''I think that when a guy wants to make a play, and frankly when we are not doing as well as we want to, then you tend to force things. A quarterback has to understand that someone is going to get beat sometimes in pass protection, sometimes the receiver is going to get covered and it's not there, and now all of the sudden something is coming and things are starting to break down. It's not going to be a great play, don't make it worse.''
Crouch is the lowest-rated passer in the Big Ten, and his 51.6-percent completion is 13th. George entered the Sept. 15 loss at South Florida on the second series of the third quarter and completed 12 of 22 passes for 211 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Smith said George would continue to be the Illini's ''relief hitter.''
''It was a tough situation, he came in and took the snaps and threw some balls and had a little bit of success while he was out there,'' Smith said. ''So that's where he is. You bring a relief hitter in there when you need something a little bit different than what you've been getting.''
Things to know as Nebraska returns to Champaign for the first time since blowing a 13-0 lead late in the third quarter and losing 14-13 in 2015:
---
LONG BREAK, SHORT TURNAROUND
Smith said he was glad to have an open date last week so his team could get healthy and do a self-evaluation. The Illini have lost 14 of their last 16 following an open week. Since 1985, they are 13-25 after a bye.
Nebraska had a short turnaround after its 27-17 win over Rutgers last Saturday. The Huskers have won five of eight games played on six days' rest.
WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT
Nebraska RB Tre Bryant (knee), S Josh Kalu (hamstring) and LB Marcus Newby (hamstring) are out. OL David Knevel (ankle) and WR Bryant Reimers (hamstring) are questionable. OL Matt Farniok has a padded club over the cast on his broken wrist and should be able to play.
For the Illini, RB Reggie Corbin (shoulder) will make his season debut. So will DE James Crawford, who was suspended the first three games. C Doug Kramer (knee) is back after missing the last two games. DL Tito Odenigbo, a key backup, has been suspended indefinitely.
YOUTH IS SERVING
Illinois has started 10 true freshmen, most in the nation. The most to start prior to this season were nine in 1980. A total of 18 true freshmen have played for Illinois, tied for second most behind LSU's 20. Nebraska has played four true freshmen, with offensive tackle Brenden Jaimes the only one to have started.
SHUTDOWN DEFENSE
Nebraska allowed 194 yards of total offense against Rutgers last week, the fewest by an opponent in 47 games. Illinois' offense ranks last in the Big Ten with 290 yards and 22.3 points per game.
HANGING ON TO THE BALL
Nebraska and Illinois have had problems with interceptions, but they are among 16 teams in the nation and three in the Big Ten that have not lost a fumble. The Huskers and Illini each have put the ball on the ground five times.
Smith relying on youth to turn around Illinois
September 27, 2017
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) When Lovie Smith became the head coach at Illinois, it was clear that he was taking over a struggling program.
In his first year of his rebuilding project, the Illini went 3-9 and won only two games in the Big Ten. Throughout the season, Smith relied heavily on upperclassmen, but this time around he's placed a lot of responsibility on his younger players.
Illinois has 101 players on its roster and more than half are underclassmen, including 54 freshmen. Many of those freshmen played in the season-opening victory over Ball State and since then the number has only increased.
Against Western Kentucky, Smith set a school record by starting seven true freshmen. The following week, he started 10 against No. 18 South Florida.
To Smith, any focus on a freshman starter should be put on the preparation.
''First off, we had to go through a pregame routine with them and what we do on game days,'' Smith said. ''We had to teach them how you come out from halftime and how you respond when you are in a situation to make plays.''
Starting that many freshmen this early in the season is often a risk, but despite Smith's gamble the team is off to a respectable 2-1 start with its Big Ten opener coming up Friday night at home against Nebraska (2-2, 1-0 Big Ten).
The youngsters have played well so far.
Freshman defensive end Bobby Roundtree has a team-high 3.0 sacks so far this season and also leads the nation in sacks made by a true freshman. Defensive end Isaiah Gay has a sack this season and is the third-youngest player to start in the FBS this year. He competed in all three games as a 17-year-old before turning 18 last week.
Wide receiver Ricky Smalling missed part of training camp for undisclosed reasons and got off a slow start. In the loss to South Florida, he caught three passes for 99 yards, including a 76-yard reception that is the longest in school history by a true freshman.
''(I've) been dreaming about this,'' Smalling said. ''It's finally coming here. Now, it's just time to do what I've been doing my whole life - come out and play football.''
Freshman running back Mike Epstein has totaled 221 rushing yards and three touchdowns along with 59 receiving yards and another TD. He's been a bright spot for an offense ranked last in the Big Ten.
''I think when you get on the field, you just have to give it your all,'' Epstein said. ''Everything else will take care of itself.''
Epstein said his coach has stayed focused on each game and hasn't talked much about what this year's young team will look like in the future.
For Smith, the narrative of his team's youth movement has been overplayed.
''We are not talking about freshmen guys anymore,'' Smith said. ''These are young guys on our team that get better and better with each rep they get.''
September 27, 2017
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) When Lovie Smith became the head coach at Illinois, it was clear that he was taking over a struggling program.
In his first year of his rebuilding project, the Illini went 3-9 and won only two games in the Big Ten. Throughout the season, Smith relied heavily on upperclassmen, but this time around he's placed a lot of responsibility on his younger players.
Illinois has 101 players on its roster and more than half are underclassmen, including 54 freshmen. Many of those freshmen played in the season-opening victory over Ball State and since then the number has only increased.
Against Western Kentucky, Smith set a school record by starting seven true freshmen. The following week, he started 10 against No. 18 South Florida.
To Smith, any focus on a freshman starter should be put on the preparation.
''First off, we had to go through a pregame routine with them and what we do on game days,'' Smith said. ''We had to teach them how you come out from halftime and how you respond when you are in a situation to make plays.''
Starting that many freshmen this early in the season is often a risk, but despite Smith's gamble the team is off to a respectable 2-1 start with its Big Ten opener coming up Friday night at home against Nebraska (2-2, 1-0 Big Ten).
The youngsters have played well so far.
Freshman defensive end Bobby Roundtree has a team-high 3.0 sacks so far this season and also leads the nation in sacks made by a true freshman. Defensive end Isaiah Gay has a sack this season and is the third-youngest player to start in the FBS this year. He competed in all three games as a 17-year-old before turning 18 last week.
Wide receiver Ricky Smalling missed part of training camp for undisclosed reasons and got off a slow start. In the loss to South Florida, he caught three passes for 99 yards, including a 76-yard reception that is the longest in school history by a true freshman.
''(I've) been dreaming about this,'' Smalling said. ''It's finally coming here. Now, it's just time to do what I've been doing my whole life - come out and play football.''
Freshman running back Mike Epstein has totaled 221 rushing yards and three touchdowns along with 59 receiving yards and another TD. He's been a bright spot for an offense ranked last in the Big Ten.
''I think when you get on the field, you just have to give it your all,'' Epstein said. ''Everything else will take care of itself.''
Epstein said his coach has stayed focused on each game and hasn't talked much about what this year's young team will look like in the future.
For Smith, the narrative of his team's youth movement has been overplayed.
''We are not talking about freshmen guys anymore,'' Smith said. ''These are young guys on our team that get better and better with each rep they get.''
USC planning for more balanced Wazoo
September 27, 2017
LOS ANGELES (AP) When Southern California last faced Washington State in 2014, safety Chris Hawkins remembers preparing for an offense ready, willing and able to throw the ball on nearly every play.
The No. 16 Cougars are still capable of airing it out, but the fifth-ranked Trojans expect to face a slightly more balanced version of the Air Raid approach on Friday night.
''The last time we went up there we were getting ready to have 80 snaps of passing,'' Hawkins said. ''Now it's more of get their backs the ball, whether it be handing it off or throwing it to them out of the backfield. They really like to get their running backs involved.''
James Williams leads the team with 37 catches, and Williams and Jamal Morrow each have three touchdown receptions out of the backfield. Williams, Morrow and Gerard Wicks have combined to average 19 carries per game, usually when quarterback Luke Falk recognizes there are not enough defenders around the line of scrimmage and changes the play to a run.
Nearly everything coach Mike Leach does is about forcing the opposing defense to tackle in open space, and Hawkins believes the USC secondary is ready for the challenge.
''We've been better at tackling throughout the year,'' Hawkins said. ''We started off pretty iffy tackling, but now we're toward the fifth game and we're tackling pretty well as a whole defense. Tackling is the key this week.''
USC also can help itself by continuing its roll when it comes to turnovers. The Trojans had 10 takeaways in its previous two games. Sophomore cornerback Jack Jones has three interceptions, including two in last weekend's 30-20 victory at California. Hawkins and Ykili Ross each had one interception as the Golden Bears turned it over six times.
Hawkins got his fourth career interception in the fourth quarter after the coaching staff wanted him to call it a day. Instead, Hawkins told cornerback Iman Marshall to stay in the game because their chance to get an interception was coming. Sure enough, Hawkins came away with the fourth and final pick off Ross Bowers two possessions later.
''As soon as I caught it, I went straight out of bounds,'' Hawkins said with a smile. ''I wasn't trying to sugarcoat anything. I was running straight to the sideline. We got out of there with the W. I got what I wanted out of that drive, and we're all good.''
For Jones, his recent knack for making plays is a reflection of adjusting to life as a starter.
''The first couple games I had to get the speed of it, and now I feel like each week I get better and better,'' Jones said.
USC also is growing more comfortable with a variety of different personnel packages for its secondary, employing a big dime for the first time this season against Cal. There were four safeties among the six defensive backs on the field, with Matt Lopes joining Ross, Hawkins and Marvell Tell in a formation that could come in handy against Washington State.
''Marvell was able to go down there and play linebacker. He was able to really get in the box, make some tackles for us, but it also put speed on the field,'' Hawkins said. ''With 10 personnel, which is four receivers, we're at a disadvantage if you put a linebacker out there versus a quick, fast guy. It worked out for us.''
Washington State has added wrinkles USC didn't see in their previous meeting, and vice versa, but Hawkins believes the game will come down to the Trojans' secondary against the Cougars' prolific passing offense.
''It's a big 7-on-7 game,'' Hawkins said.
September 27, 2017
LOS ANGELES (AP) When Southern California last faced Washington State in 2014, safety Chris Hawkins remembers preparing for an offense ready, willing and able to throw the ball on nearly every play.
The No. 16 Cougars are still capable of airing it out, but the fifth-ranked Trojans expect to face a slightly more balanced version of the Air Raid approach on Friday night.
''The last time we went up there we were getting ready to have 80 snaps of passing,'' Hawkins said. ''Now it's more of get their backs the ball, whether it be handing it off or throwing it to them out of the backfield. They really like to get their running backs involved.''
James Williams leads the team with 37 catches, and Williams and Jamal Morrow each have three touchdown receptions out of the backfield. Williams, Morrow and Gerard Wicks have combined to average 19 carries per game, usually when quarterback Luke Falk recognizes there are not enough defenders around the line of scrimmage and changes the play to a run.
Nearly everything coach Mike Leach does is about forcing the opposing defense to tackle in open space, and Hawkins believes the USC secondary is ready for the challenge.
''We've been better at tackling throughout the year,'' Hawkins said. ''We started off pretty iffy tackling, but now we're toward the fifth game and we're tackling pretty well as a whole defense. Tackling is the key this week.''
USC also can help itself by continuing its roll when it comes to turnovers. The Trojans had 10 takeaways in its previous two games. Sophomore cornerback Jack Jones has three interceptions, including two in last weekend's 30-20 victory at California. Hawkins and Ykili Ross each had one interception as the Golden Bears turned it over six times.
Hawkins got his fourth career interception in the fourth quarter after the coaching staff wanted him to call it a day. Instead, Hawkins told cornerback Iman Marshall to stay in the game because their chance to get an interception was coming. Sure enough, Hawkins came away with the fourth and final pick off Ross Bowers two possessions later.
''As soon as I caught it, I went straight out of bounds,'' Hawkins said with a smile. ''I wasn't trying to sugarcoat anything. I was running straight to the sideline. We got out of there with the W. I got what I wanted out of that drive, and we're all good.''
For Jones, his recent knack for making plays is a reflection of adjusting to life as a starter.
''The first couple games I had to get the speed of it, and now I feel like each week I get better and better,'' Jones said.
USC also is growing more comfortable with a variety of different personnel packages for its secondary, employing a big dime for the first time this season against Cal. There were four safeties among the six defensive backs on the field, with Matt Lopes joining Ross, Hawkins and Marvell Tell in a formation that could come in handy against Washington State.
''Marvell was able to go down there and play linebacker. He was able to really get in the box, make some tackles for us, but it also put speed on the field,'' Hawkins said. ''With 10 personnel, which is four receivers, we're at a disadvantage if you put a linebacker out there versus a quick, fast guy. It worked out for us.''
Washington State has added wrinkles USC didn't see in their previous meeting, and vice versa, but Hawkins believes the game will come down to the Trojans' secondary against the Cougars' prolific passing offense.
''It's a big 7-on-7 game,'' Hawkins said.
Washington State's defense prepares
September 26, 2017
The Air Raid offense gets most of the attention at No. 16 Washington State but the Cougars' defense is also pretty good.
They'll find out how good when Sam Darnold and No. 5 Southern California come to Pullman on Friday night.
Darnold is easily the best quarterback the Cougars (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) have faced this year. The Heisman Trophy candidate is averaging 306 passing yards per game and has led the Trojans to 13 consecutive victories.
Yet Washington State linebacker Isaac Dotson said the Cougars will do nothing special to prepare for him.
''Nothing changes for us,'' Dotson said. ''We just play our defense. He's a solid quarterback. A good player. He's our next opponent. He's one guy on that team. We are not preparing for one guy.''
The Trojans (4-0, 2-0) are playing Washington State for the first time since 2014, when they beat the Cougars 44-17 in Pullman. The game is sold out and excitement is high in the Palouse.
''It's an exciting chance for us,'' Dotson said.
Despite the recent loss of star linebacker Peyton Pelluer to a broken foot, Washington State ranks first in the Pac-12 in pass defense, allowing 142 yards per game. They also have 15 sacks on the year. Defensive lineman Hercules Mata'afa had 2 + sacks within the first six plays in last Saturday's crushing of Nevada. He has 18 quarterback pressures so far this year.
''Offensive linemen can't really block his movement,'' Dotson said.
He pointed to the team's speed off the ball for much of the pass rush success.
But Southern California brings a much bigger offensive line than the Cougars have faced in beating the likes of Montana State and Nevada. The Trojans linemen average 301 pounds while Washington State's defensive linemen average 264 pounds.
The Cougars have been tough on opposing quarterbacks. They knocked Oregon State's Jake Luton out of the game with an injury, and prompted Boise State and Nevada to change quarterbacks during those games. They are allowing only 18.5 points per game.
The Cougars are also meeting their goal of generating better than two turnovers per game.
''Each snap for us is an opportunity to get the ball out,'' Dotson said. ''Takeaways equal victories.''
Count Washington State coach Mike Leach as an admirer of Darnold, a 20-year-old sophomore who is projected as a high NFL draft pick.
''I think he's mature, really just kind of mentally together for a guy that's his age,'' Leach said. ''He's big and the ball comes off his hand good.''
But asked if Darnold was ready to play in the NFL now, Leach went into a lengthy statement about how college players shouldn't leave school early for the pros because hardly any are ready for the transition, including Darnold.
''I get a kick out of everybody thinks one 18-year-old after the next is ready to go to the NFL,'' Leach said. ''I think that's laughable.''
''And I mean it would be terribly brutal. It would literally destroy some lives, too,'' Leach said.
LOOKING BACK: Southern California's 2014 win in Pullman was also the first meaningful playing time for Washington State quarterback Luke Falk, who came in after Connor Halliday broke his leg. Falk completed 38 of 57 passes for 346 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. ''That was his starting point really,'' Leach said.
September 26, 2017
The Air Raid offense gets most of the attention at No. 16 Washington State but the Cougars' defense is also pretty good.
They'll find out how good when Sam Darnold and No. 5 Southern California come to Pullman on Friday night.
Darnold is easily the best quarterback the Cougars (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) have faced this year. The Heisman Trophy candidate is averaging 306 passing yards per game and has led the Trojans to 13 consecutive victories.
Yet Washington State linebacker Isaac Dotson said the Cougars will do nothing special to prepare for him.
''Nothing changes for us,'' Dotson said. ''We just play our defense. He's a solid quarterback. A good player. He's our next opponent. He's one guy on that team. We are not preparing for one guy.''
The Trojans (4-0, 2-0) are playing Washington State for the first time since 2014, when they beat the Cougars 44-17 in Pullman. The game is sold out and excitement is high in the Palouse.
''It's an exciting chance for us,'' Dotson said.
Despite the recent loss of star linebacker Peyton Pelluer to a broken foot, Washington State ranks first in the Pac-12 in pass defense, allowing 142 yards per game. They also have 15 sacks on the year. Defensive lineman Hercules Mata'afa had 2 + sacks within the first six plays in last Saturday's crushing of Nevada. He has 18 quarterback pressures so far this year.
''Offensive linemen can't really block his movement,'' Dotson said.
He pointed to the team's speed off the ball for much of the pass rush success.
But Southern California brings a much bigger offensive line than the Cougars have faced in beating the likes of Montana State and Nevada. The Trojans linemen average 301 pounds while Washington State's defensive linemen average 264 pounds.
The Cougars have been tough on opposing quarterbacks. They knocked Oregon State's Jake Luton out of the game with an injury, and prompted Boise State and Nevada to change quarterbacks during those games. They are allowing only 18.5 points per game.
The Cougars are also meeting their goal of generating better than two turnovers per game.
''Each snap for us is an opportunity to get the ball out,'' Dotson said. ''Takeaways equal victories.''
Count Washington State coach Mike Leach as an admirer of Darnold, a 20-year-old sophomore who is projected as a high NFL draft pick.
''I think he's mature, really just kind of mentally together for a guy that's his age,'' Leach said. ''He's big and the ball comes off his hand good.''
But asked if Darnold was ready to play in the NFL now, Leach went into a lengthy statement about how college players shouldn't leave school early for the pros because hardly any are ready for the transition, including Darnold.
''I get a kick out of everybody thinks one 18-year-old after the next is ready to go to the NFL,'' Leach said. ''I think that's laughable.''
''And I mean it would be terribly brutal. It would literally destroy some lives, too,'' Leach said.
LOOKING BACK: Southern California's 2014 win in Pullman was also the first meaningful playing time for Washington State quarterback Luke Falk, who came in after Connor Halliday broke his leg. Falk completed 38 of 57 passes for 346 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. ''That was his starting point really,'' Leach said.
Week 5 Preview: ACC championship rematch, AAC showdown
September 29, 2017
This week's college football action features defending national champion Clemson continuing its demanding early-season schedule by facing another ranked team on the road.
Outside the Power Five, a game pushed back a month due to Hurricane Irma features two unbeaten teams that already own victories over major-conference programs this season.
Here are five things to know about Week 5:
BEST GAME
No. 2 Clemson at No. 12 Virginia Tech
This rematch of last year's Atlantic Coast Conference championship game features two unbeaten teams that could meet for the league title again in December.
Clemson won that ACC championship game 42-35 and went on to capture the national title, but statistics suggest there won't be nearly as much scoring this time. Clemson ranks third nationally in total defense and scoring defense , while Virginia Tech is sixth in scoring defense.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has won all four of his previous meetings with Virginia Tech.
HEISMAN WATCH
Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
Stanford's sluggish start to the season shouldn't overshadow Love's spectacular individual results.
Love rushed for 263 yards last week in a 58-34 victory over UCLA and actually would have gone over the 300-yard mark if a holding penalty hadn't nullified a 48-yard touchdown run. He has rushed for 787 yards and has averaged 196.8 yards rushing per game to lead all Football Bowl Subdivision players in both categories.
He's averaging an astounding 10.8 yards per carry heading into Saturday's game with Arizona State.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
253.3: The average number of all-purpose yards that Penn State's Saquon Barkley gains per game. That's 23.3 yards per game more than any other FBS player and 55.3 yards per game more than anyone else in the Power Five.
1-2: Alabama's record against Mississippi since the start of the 2014 season, including a 48-43 victory last year . Alabama has gone 43-2 against everyone else during that stretch.
212: The total number of points scored in the last two Oklahoma State-Texas Tech matchups. Oklahoma State won 70-53 in 2015 and 45-44 last season .
17-4: Florida coach Jim McElwain's career record in one-possession games, following the Gators' 28-27 victory at Kentucky last week. Florida is 9-1 in one-possession games during McElwain's tenure.
0-2: That's the won-loss record of Florida State, which opened the season ranked third. The last time Florida State opened a season 0-2 was in 1989. The Seminoles ended that year ranked third with a 10-2 record.
UNDER THE RADAR
Memphis at Central Florida
This game was originally scheduled to take place Sept. 9 but got pushed back due to Hurricane Irma.
Since then, each of these unbeaten American Athletic Conference teams has knocked off a Power Five program to lend this matchup more intriguing.
Memphis garnered some national acclaim Sept. 16 with a 48-45 home victory over UCLA , which was ranked 25th at the time. UCF went on the road last week and rolled to a 38-10 triumph over previously unbeaten Maryland.
The two opposing coaches - Memphis' Mike Norvell and UCF's Scott Frost - soon could be hearing their names associated with Power Five vacancies.
HOT SEAT WATCH
It's been a tough September for Tennessee's Butch Jones.
In its last two games, Tennessee has lost 26-20 to Florida on a tiebreaking 63-yard touchdown pass as time expired and struggled to a 17-13 victory over winless 27 +-point underdog Massachusetts . Jones closed his Monday press conference by criticizing media coverage of his program and saying that ''sometimes the negativity is overwhelming.''
Jones can help his cause quite a bit by upsetting No. 7 Georgia on Saturday, but a loss would make the Volunteers 0-2 in Southeastern Conference competition.
September 29, 2017
This week's college football action features defending national champion Clemson continuing its demanding early-season schedule by facing another ranked team on the road.
Outside the Power Five, a game pushed back a month due to Hurricane Irma features two unbeaten teams that already own victories over major-conference programs this season.
Here are five things to know about Week 5:
BEST GAME
No. 2 Clemson at No. 12 Virginia Tech
This rematch of last year's Atlantic Coast Conference championship game features two unbeaten teams that could meet for the league title again in December.
Clemson won that ACC championship game 42-35 and went on to capture the national title, but statistics suggest there won't be nearly as much scoring this time. Clemson ranks third nationally in total defense and scoring defense , while Virginia Tech is sixth in scoring defense.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has won all four of his previous meetings with Virginia Tech.
HEISMAN WATCH
Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
Stanford's sluggish start to the season shouldn't overshadow Love's spectacular individual results.
Love rushed for 263 yards last week in a 58-34 victory over UCLA and actually would have gone over the 300-yard mark if a holding penalty hadn't nullified a 48-yard touchdown run. He has rushed for 787 yards and has averaged 196.8 yards rushing per game to lead all Football Bowl Subdivision players in both categories.
He's averaging an astounding 10.8 yards per carry heading into Saturday's game with Arizona State.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
253.3: The average number of all-purpose yards that Penn State's Saquon Barkley gains per game. That's 23.3 yards per game more than any other FBS player and 55.3 yards per game more than anyone else in the Power Five.
1-2: Alabama's record against Mississippi since the start of the 2014 season, including a 48-43 victory last year . Alabama has gone 43-2 against everyone else during that stretch.
212: The total number of points scored in the last two Oklahoma State-Texas Tech matchups. Oklahoma State won 70-53 in 2015 and 45-44 last season .
17-4: Florida coach Jim McElwain's career record in one-possession games, following the Gators' 28-27 victory at Kentucky last week. Florida is 9-1 in one-possession games during McElwain's tenure.
0-2: That's the won-loss record of Florida State, which opened the season ranked third. The last time Florida State opened a season 0-2 was in 1989. The Seminoles ended that year ranked third with a 10-2 record.
UNDER THE RADAR
Memphis at Central Florida
This game was originally scheduled to take place Sept. 9 but got pushed back due to Hurricane Irma.
Since then, each of these unbeaten American Athletic Conference teams has knocked off a Power Five program to lend this matchup more intriguing.
Memphis garnered some national acclaim Sept. 16 with a 48-45 home victory over UCLA , which was ranked 25th at the time. UCF went on the road last week and rolled to a 38-10 triumph over previously unbeaten Maryland.
The two opposing coaches - Memphis' Mike Norvell and UCF's Scott Frost - soon could be hearing their names associated with Power Five vacancies.
HOT SEAT WATCH
It's been a tough September for Tennessee's Butch Jones.
In its last two games, Tennessee has lost 26-20 to Florida on a tiebreaking 63-yard touchdown pass as time expired and struggled to a 17-13 victory over winless 27 +-point underdog Massachusetts . Jones closed his Monday press conference by criticizing media coverage of his program and saying that ''sometimes the negativity is overwhelming.''
Jones can help his cause quite a bit by upsetting No. 7 Georgia on Saturday, but a loss would make the Volunteers 0-2 in Southeastern Conference competition.
A&M's Mond looks to take step forward against Gamecocks
September 29, 2017
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) Kellen Mond has made plenty of progress since he made his debut midway through Texas A&M's season opener.
The true freshman quarterback will need to continue his rapid development if he and the Aggies (3-1, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) hope to beat South Carolina (3-1, 1-1) on Saturday before hosting top-ranked Alabama on Oct. 7.
''He's got a lot of talent,'' coach Kevin Sumlin said. ''I think it's a combination of a couple of things. He's getting more comfortable and we're getting more comfortable with him and knowing what he can do.''
Mond couldn't help the Aggies to the win after taking over when Nick Starkel was injured in their opener against UCLA as Texas A&M squandered a 34-point third quarter lead in the 45-44 loss. But he's gotten better each week as the Aggies have won three in a row heading into Saturday's game.
He threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 109 yards in Texas A&M's 50-43 overtime win against Arkansas on Saturday.
''He was tossed into the fire,'' running back Trayveon Williams said. ''As a true freshman he was just pushed into the game and had to go in there in a big-time moment. But now he has a different look in his eyes. He looks at the game from a whole different aspect. He's becoming way more vocal. He's just becoming the leader he was born to be.''
While Sumlin was complimentary of Mond, he was quick to point out that there are many factors that have led to his improvement in the last few weeks.
''We've got guys making plays for him, too that maybe that didn't happen early in the year on the perimeter,'' he said. ''We made some competitive catches. We didn't make those plays at UCLA.''
South Carolina coach Will Muschamp knows that dealing with a dual-threat quarterback like Mond will be a challenge as his team tries to get its first win in the series after dropping the first three meetings. But he's more concerned about his defense limiting running backs Williams and Keith Ford. The pair has combined for 560 yards rushing with nine touchdowns.
''The two backs they've got are big-time runners, guys that are going to create space,'' Muschamp said. ''They'll get in one-on-one matchups, and you don't want to have to tackle in space and get both of these guys on the ground. They can take the ball anywhere.''
Some things to know about the South Carolina-Texas A&M game.
KIRK DOES IT ALL
Texas A&M receiver and returner Christian Kirk had one of the best games of his three-year career last week. After being held in check for the first three games, he returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown and finished with 110 yards receiving and two touchdowns against Arkansas.
''Christian Kirk is as good of a player as there is in college football as far as a returner and receiver,'' Muschamp said.
CLOSE CALL
The Gamecocks were held scoreless for three quarters last week before scoring 17 points in the fourth to get a 17-16 win over Louisiana Tech. South Carolina didn't lead until the final five minutes, but Louisiana Tech went back on top with a field goal with less than a minute to go. South Carolina eked out the win when Parker White made a 31-yard field goal with just four seconds remaining.
RED ZONE WOES
The Gamecocks have struggled in the red zone this season, often settling for field goals instead of touchdowns. When asked about the problem, Muschamp recounted all of the mistakes they've made in the area to illustrate that there isn't just one reason why they haven't been better.
''It's multiple things,'' he said. ''It's not one thing you're putting your finger on. Obviously, we need to coach better in those situations, because if our players aren't executing, that's a coaching issue in my opinion. So, we've got to do a better job of putting our guys in spots to be successful.''
WATT(S) A PLAYER
Texas A&M defensive back Armani Watts is the only player in the Football Bowl Subdivision with at least five tackles for losses, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this season. He secured A&M's win against Arkansas last week when he grabbed an interception in the end zone. The senior has 260 tackles, has broken up 16 passes and has six interceptions in his career.
September 29, 2017
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) Kellen Mond has made plenty of progress since he made his debut midway through Texas A&M's season opener.
The true freshman quarterback will need to continue his rapid development if he and the Aggies (3-1, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) hope to beat South Carolina (3-1, 1-1) on Saturday before hosting top-ranked Alabama on Oct. 7.
''He's got a lot of talent,'' coach Kevin Sumlin said. ''I think it's a combination of a couple of things. He's getting more comfortable and we're getting more comfortable with him and knowing what he can do.''
Mond couldn't help the Aggies to the win after taking over when Nick Starkel was injured in their opener against UCLA as Texas A&M squandered a 34-point third quarter lead in the 45-44 loss. But he's gotten better each week as the Aggies have won three in a row heading into Saturday's game.
He threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 109 yards in Texas A&M's 50-43 overtime win against Arkansas on Saturday.
''He was tossed into the fire,'' running back Trayveon Williams said. ''As a true freshman he was just pushed into the game and had to go in there in a big-time moment. But now he has a different look in his eyes. He looks at the game from a whole different aspect. He's becoming way more vocal. He's just becoming the leader he was born to be.''
While Sumlin was complimentary of Mond, he was quick to point out that there are many factors that have led to his improvement in the last few weeks.
''We've got guys making plays for him, too that maybe that didn't happen early in the year on the perimeter,'' he said. ''We made some competitive catches. We didn't make those plays at UCLA.''
South Carolina coach Will Muschamp knows that dealing with a dual-threat quarterback like Mond will be a challenge as his team tries to get its first win in the series after dropping the first three meetings. But he's more concerned about his defense limiting running backs Williams and Keith Ford. The pair has combined for 560 yards rushing with nine touchdowns.
''The two backs they've got are big-time runners, guys that are going to create space,'' Muschamp said. ''They'll get in one-on-one matchups, and you don't want to have to tackle in space and get both of these guys on the ground. They can take the ball anywhere.''
Some things to know about the South Carolina-Texas A&M game.
KIRK DOES IT ALL
Texas A&M receiver and returner Christian Kirk had one of the best games of his three-year career last week. After being held in check for the first three games, he returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown and finished with 110 yards receiving and two touchdowns against Arkansas.
''Christian Kirk is as good of a player as there is in college football as far as a returner and receiver,'' Muschamp said.
CLOSE CALL
The Gamecocks were held scoreless for three quarters last week before scoring 17 points in the fourth to get a 17-16 win over Louisiana Tech. South Carolina didn't lead until the final five minutes, but Louisiana Tech went back on top with a field goal with less than a minute to go. South Carolina eked out the win when Parker White made a 31-yard field goal with just four seconds remaining.
RED ZONE WOES
The Gamecocks have struggled in the red zone this season, often settling for field goals instead of touchdowns. When asked about the problem, Muschamp recounted all of the mistakes they've made in the area to illustrate that there isn't just one reason why they haven't been better.
''It's multiple things,'' he said. ''It's not one thing you're putting your finger on. Obviously, we need to coach better in those situations, because if our players aren't executing, that's a coaching issue in my opinion. So, we've got to do a better job of putting our guys in spots to be successful.''
WATT(S) A PLAYER
Texas A&M defensive back Armani Watts is the only player in the Football Bowl Subdivision with at least five tackles for losses, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this season. He secured A&M's win against Arkansas last week when he grabbed an interception in the end zone. The senior has 260 tackles, has broken up 16 passes and has six interceptions in his career.
No. 10 Wisconsin hosts Northwestern in teams' Big 10 opener
September 29, 2017
MILWAUKEE (AP) Wisconsin freshman Jonathan Taylor is just getting started in the Big Ten. Northwestern senior Justin Jackson is on the verge of setting a career school rushing record.
Two important tailbacks at different ends of their respective college careers. The running game will be front and center when the 10th-ranked Badgers host the Wildcats on Saturday in the conference opener for both teams.
Not that this really breaks any new ground in the Big Ten.
''They're tough and they're physical. They try to match our intensity and physicality. They'll come out and hit you. They're not afraid,'' Wisconsin tight end Troy Fumagalli said. ''They play in this league just like we do.''
Taylor seized an opportunity created by an injury in the season opener to then-starter Bradrick Shaw. He may just never give back the job after averaging a league-best 146 yards a game for Wisconsin (3-0). Taylor was officially tabbed the starter this week on the Badgers' depth chart.
''Patience is key. If you wait just a (second) something will show up. He's not forcing anything. He's waiting for things to develop,'' left tackle Michael Deiter said.
As usual, Wisconsin likes to pound away at defenses with the running game. Northwestern (2-1) operates out of the spread, but Jackson has been equally as effective carrying the ball.
With 4,377 yards rushing in his career, Jackson is 108 shy of tying Damien Anderson's program of 4,485.
''I think the minute he got on campus, he had that type of potential,'' coach Pat Fitzgerald said. ''It's from the get-go ... he's had a lot of special performances.''
Other notes and things to watch ahead of Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium:
BACK AND FORTH: Wisconsin leads the overall series 58-35-5, but the matchup has been much closer in recent years. Two years ago, the Wildcats pulled out a 13-7 win in their last visit to Camp Randall Stadium when Badgers receiver Jazz Peavy's 1-yard touchdown catch with 1:47 left was negated on review. Northwestern has won six of the past 11 meetings.
''It comes down to execution, comes down to not beating yourself and finding a way in the fourth quarter to win the game,'' Fitzgerald said.
ON TARGET: Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook is coming off a terrific performance in the 40-6 win over BYU on Sept. 16, when he was 18 of 19 for a school-record 94.7 percent completion rate. The left-handed sophomore also set career highs of 256 yards and four touchdown passes. If Hornibrook can come close to this level of accuracy in Big Ten play, the Badgers could be nearly unstoppable given their success in the running game.
RUNNING WILD: A 49-7 rout of Bowling Green two weeks ago gave Northwestern a confidence boost after opening the season with a lackluster 1-1 start in nonconference play. With 678 yards on 74 plays, the team set a program record 9.2 yards per play.
Probably won't be repeated at Wisconsin, which is seventh in the nation in total defense (248 yards) and has yet to allow a point in the second half.
BADGERING D: Wisconsin has yet to be really tested defensively in Jim Leonhard's first season as coordinator. Imagine how good the Badgers might be if top linebacker Jack Cichy didn't go down for the year in training camp with a knee injury.
One of the few quibbles with the defense is a couple communication breakdowns in the secondary that have led to long gains. The defensive backfield includes cornerback Nick Nelson, a first-year starter after transferring from Hawaii; and safety Natrell Jamerson, a former cornerback.
''I think we've made improvements in communication as far as just getting on the same page,'' safety D'Cota Dixon said. ''A big area we can improve on is creating more turnovers and putting our offense in a better position.''
GOOD FOOTING: Northwestern is on good footing on special teams with punter Hunter Niswander, who ranks second nationally in punting average (49.5 yards) and set a career high against Bowling Green by averaging 51.5 yards a punt. This gives the Wildcats the ability to at least flip position on the road when the run into empty possessions.
September 29, 2017
MILWAUKEE (AP) Wisconsin freshman Jonathan Taylor is just getting started in the Big Ten. Northwestern senior Justin Jackson is on the verge of setting a career school rushing record.
Two important tailbacks at different ends of their respective college careers. The running game will be front and center when the 10th-ranked Badgers host the Wildcats on Saturday in the conference opener for both teams.
Not that this really breaks any new ground in the Big Ten.
''They're tough and they're physical. They try to match our intensity and physicality. They'll come out and hit you. They're not afraid,'' Wisconsin tight end Troy Fumagalli said. ''They play in this league just like we do.''
Taylor seized an opportunity created by an injury in the season opener to then-starter Bradrick Shaw. He may just never give back the job after averaging a league-best 146 yards a game for Wisconsin (3-0). Taylor was officially tabbed the starter this week on the Badgers' depth chart.
''Patience is key. If you wait just a (second) something will show up. He's not forcing anything. He's waiting for things to develop,'' left tackle Michael Deiter said.
As usual, Wisconsin likes to pound away at defenses with the running game. Northwestern (2-1) operates out of the spread, but Jackson has been equally as effective carrying the ball.
With 4,377 yards rushing in his career, Jackson is 108 shy of tying Damien Anderson's program of 4,485.
''I think the minute he got on campus, he had that type of potential,'' coach Pat Fitzgerald said. ''It's from the get-go ... he's had a lot of special performances.''
Other notes and things to watch ahead of Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium:
BACK AND FORTH: Wisconsin leads the overall series 58-35-5, but the matchup has been much closer in recent years. Two years ago, the Wildcats pulled out a 13-7 win in their last visit to Camp Randall Stadium when Badgers receiver Jazz Peavy's 1-yard touchdown catch with 1:47 left was negated on review. Northwestern has won six of the past 11 meetings.
''It comes down to execution, comes down to not beating yourself and finding a way in the fourth quarter to win the game,'' Fitzgerald said.
ON TARGET: Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook is coming off a terrific performance in the 40-6 win over BYU on Sept. 16, when he was 18 of 19 for a school-record 94.7 percent completion rate. The left-handed sophomore also set career highs of 256 yards and four touchdown passes. If Hornibrook can come close to this level of accuracy in Big Ten play, the Badgers could be nearly unstoppable given their success in the running game.
RUNNING WILD: A 49-7 rout of Bowling Green two weeks ago gave Northwestern a confidence boost after opening the season with a lackluster 1-1 start in nonconference play. With 678 yards on 74 plays, the team set a program record 9.2 yards per play.
Probably won't be repeated at Wisconsin, which is seventh in the nation in total defense (248 yards) and has yet to allow a point in the second half.
BADGERING D: Wisconsin has yet to be really tested defensively in Jim Leonhard's first season as coordinator. Imagine how good the Badgers might be if top linebacker Jack Cichy didn't go down for the year in training camp with a knee injury.
One of the few quibbles with the defense is a couple communication breakdowns in the secondary that have led to long gains. The defensive backfield includes cornerback Nick Nelson, a first-year starter after transferring from Hawaii; and safety Natrell Jamerson, a former cornerback.
''I think we've made improvements in communication as far as just getting on the same page,'' safety D'Cota Dixon said. ''A big area we can improve on is creating more turnovers and putting our offense in a better position.''
GOOD FOOTING: Northwestern is on good footing on special teams with punter Hunter Niswander, who ranks second nationally in punting average (49.5 yards) and set a career high against Bowling Green by averaging 51.5 yards a punt. This gives the Wildcats the ability to at least flip position on the road when the run into empty possessions.
