College football weekend cheat sheet: Week 2
There's only one game pitting two top-25 games this week, but it’s a doozy. Here’s a quick look at all the ranked teams in action (unless they are facing an FCS school).
Troy at No. 1 Florida (-36, 59)
UF coach Urban Meyer claims Troy has more NFL talent than “several” SEC schools. Then why did the Trojans lose by 17 points to Bowling Green last week? Troy did nearly beat LSU last year, leading 31-3 at one point.
Florida allowed 31 points the last time Troy visited in 2007, so Meyer will remind his Gators of that. But Troy has lost eight in a row to ranked opponents.
No. 2 Texas at Wyoming (+32.5, 56.5)
How on earth did Wyoming get Texas to visit for this one? The Horns are the highest-ranked team ever to play in Laramie. Cowboys coach Dave Christensen is Missouri’s former offensive coordinator, so he should know what to expect from UT.
It’s not like Texas will lose here, but UT could get caught looking ahead to dealing with high-flying Texas Tech next week. Plus the Horns will be playing at an altitude of 7,220 feet above sea level – Wyoming’s stadium is the highest above sea level in Division I.
No. 3 Southern Cal at No. 7 Ohio State (+6.5, 45)
Remember that USC will again be without No. 2 wideout Ronald Johnson (also a great return man) because of his broken collarbone. Starting center Kristofer O’Dowd is expected back after missing the season opener while recovering from shoulder surgery.
Frankly, both the Big Ten and Ohio State need this game or that conference will be limited to one BCS bowl berth this year because respect for it is dropping. While USC romped in this game last year, Terrell Pryor wasn’t starting then. Dual-threat QBs have given USC trouble in the past.
Florida International at No. 4 Alabama (-34, 48.5)
Well, FIU had about eight months to prepare for this game, as the school didn’t play last week. Nick Saban called Golden Panthers WR T.Y. Hilton a better offensive player than anyone the Tide saw against Virginia Tech.
The Tide seem sure to have a slight letdown after playing Virginia Tech. Alabama tailback Mark Ingram (150 yards vs. Hokies) has the flu but is expected to play.
Syracuse at No. 5 Penn State (-28.5, 52)
First-year QB Greg Paulus looked decent last week against Minnesota. But the Orange won’t have starting outside linebacker Ryan Gillum because of injury.
Nittany Lions star LB Navorro Bowman might not play, as he is still bothered by a pulled groin after taking himself out of Saturday’s win over Akron.
Houston at No. 6 Oklahoma State (-15.5, 67.5)
This game should be fun. Behind Case Keenum, the Cougars will score. They did put up 37 points in last year’s loss. But they can’t stop anyone and they can’t run the ball.
OSU will make Houston a one-dimensional passing team. The often-maligned Cowboy defense held Georgia to just 95 yards on the ground last week. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State rushed for 379 yards and four TDs last year against the Cougars.
Vanderbilt at No. 9 LSU (-14.5, 44.5)
Don’t laugh, but Vandy currently has the No. 2 rushing attack in the country after gaining 433 yards on the ground in a win over Western Carolina.
Les Miles will have LSU focused after the Tigers were sloppy at Washington last week. Plus LSU, which has won five in a row in this series, lost its final three SEC home games last year - if it needs any more motivation.
Miami of Ohio at No. 11 Boise State (-37, 51.5)
This one has letdown game written all over it for Boise State, coming after the big home win over Oregon and a trip to Fresno State next week.
Other than not focusing, there’s no reason for Boise not to cover. Miami won just twice last year and was crushed 42-0 by Kentucky last week, totaling just 188 yards.
No. 12 BYU at Tulane (+17.5, 53)
BYU is another team apt for a letdown after what it did to Oklahoma last week. The Cougars held the Sooners to their fewest points in three years and Tulane is not a good offensive team.
Tulane owns the nation's third-longest losing streak, losing to Tulsa last week for its ninth consecutive setback. But the team did play much better, especially QB Joe Kemp, after falling down 17-0.
Marshall at No. 15 Virginia Tech (-19, 43.5)
The Herd have to be salivating at dealing with Virginia Tech’s offensive line after the Hokies had 155 yards of offense last week and QB Tyrod Taylor was sacked five times and finished with minus 26 rushing yards.
Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster promised his unit will respond after getting gouged last week for 498 total yards by Alabama. Tech hasn’t dropped a home opener in 14 years.
No. 16 TCU at Virginia (+11, 40.5)
There’s no way the Horned Frogs would have been giving 11 points before Virginia was beaten at home by William & Mary last week. TCU didn’t allow a TD its final two opponents of 2008 and could start 2009 the same way.
Even TCU coach Gary Patterson admits he is leery of the Cavs off that embarrassing loss. And maybe the Frogs are rusty since they haven’t played yet. Virginia is 12-17 against ranked teams under coach Al Groh.
No. 17 Utah at San Jose State (+13.5, 47.5)
The Utes have the nation’s longest winning streak and just watched as San Jose State mustered all of nine yards rushing and 1-for-16 on third downs last week against USC.
As for the Spartans, they might be catching Utah in a look-ahead game, as the Utes visit Oregon next week.
Arkansas State at No. 18 Nebraska (-21.5, 56.5)
The Red Wolves might be able to move the ball some against Nebraska, as the Huskers allowed 358 yards to Florida Atlantic last week, drawing the ire of Coach Bo Pelini.
Both Nebraska running back Roy Helu and quarterback Zac Lee were impressive last week. Helu had 152 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Over the past five regular season games, he is averaging 7.7 yards per carry.
No. 19 North Carolina at Connecticut (+4, 45.5)
If last year is any indication, the Heels should roll. They blocked three punts and intercepted three passes in a 38-12 win. Also, UNC’s starting offensive line is on average 40 pounds bigger than the Huskies’ defensive front four.
UConn won’t have to deal with Heels WR Dwight Jones, who remains out following knee surgery. Huskies QB Zach Frazer must improve dramatically from last week’s game vs. Ohio.
No. 20 Notre Dame at Michigan (+3.5, 47.5)
In his past two games, Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen has been arguably the best signal-caller in college football. The Irish won’t have starting fullback James Aldridge, who hurt his shoulder against Nevada.
The Wolverines, meanwhile, appear to have found a QB of their own in freshman Tate Forcier. The UM defense was very good against Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller, who is an NFL prospect. Notre Dame has lost nine of its past 12 road openers.
South Carolina at No. 21 Georgia (-6.5, 37.5)
Take the under in this one. Only once this decade in this series has either team scored more than 21 points. And the Gamecocks, who lost to Georgia 14-7 last year, looked great on defense last week against N.C. State.
Georgia’s offense didn’t look good against Oklahoma State, but South Carolina was much worse against an inferior opponent. Dawgs QB Joe Cox will start again after struggling against the Cowboys, but the team may start to mix in backup Logan Gray.
No. 24 Oregon State at UNLV (+7, 53.5)
OSU may add another weapon in former starting QB Lyle Moevao. He could be ready to play after not being at full strength since offseason rotator cuff surgery. He won’t start, however.
UNLV was a solid team last year, beating Arizona State and hanging with BYU. The Beavers have lost six road openers in a row and eight of their last nine non-conference road games.
No. 25 Kansas at UTEP (+12.5, 62.5)
The Jayhawks cruised against Northern Colorado in their opener despite sitting star WR Dezmon Briscoe because of suspension. But he is expected to play on Saturday as KU looks to end a six-year winless streak (but just three games) on the road against non-conference teams.
The Miners lost at home to MAC team Buffalo last week and are 3-44 all-time against ranked opponents, including nine straight losses since 1997. Two defensive starters, Anthony Morrow and Cornelius Brown, were cleared from injury and will play this week.
There's only one game pitting two top-25 games this week, but it’s a doozy. Here’s a quick look at all the ranked teams in action (unless they are facing an FCS school).
Troy at No. 1 Florida (-36, 59)
UF coach Urban Meyer claims Troy has more NFL talent than “several” SEC schools. Then why did the Trojans lose by 17 points to Bowling Green last week? Troy did nearly beat LSU last year, leading 31-3 at one point.
Florida allowed 31 points the last time Troy visited in 2007, so Meyer will remind his Gators of that. But Troy has lost eight in a row to ranked opponents.
No. 2 Texas at Wyoming (+32.5, 56.5)
How on earth did Wyoming get Texas to visit for this one? The Horns are the highest-ranked team ever to play in Laramie. Cowboys coach Dave Christensen is Missouri’s former offensive coordinator, so he should know what to expect from UT.
It’s not like Texas will lose here, but UT could get caught looking ahead to dealing with high-flying Texas Tech next week. Plus the Horns will be playing at an altitude of 7,220 feet above sea level – Wyoming’s stadium is the highest above sea level in Division I.
No. 3 Southern Cal at No. 7 Ohio State (+6.5, 45)
Remember that USC will again be without No. 2 wideout Ronald Johnson (also a great return man) because of his broken collarbone. Starting center Kristofer O’Dowd is expected back after missing the season opener while recovering from shoulder surgery.
Frankly, both the Big Ten and Ohio State need this game or that conference will be limited to one BCS bowl berth this year because respect for it is dropping. While USC romped in this game last year, Terrell Pryor wasn’t starting then. Dual-threat QBs have given USC trouble in the past.
Florida International at No. 4 Alabama (-34, 48.5)
Well, FIU had about eight months to prepare for this game, as the school didn’t play last week. Nick Saban called Golden Panthers WR T.Y. Hilton a better offensive player than anyone the Tide saw against Virginia Tech.
The Tide seem sure to have a slight letdown after playing Virginia Tech. Alabama tailback Mark Ingram (150 yards vs. Hokies) has the flu but is expected to play.
Syracuse at No. 5 Penn State (-28.5, 52)
First-year QB Greg Paulus looked decent last week against Minnesota. But the Orange won’t have starting outside linebacker Ryan Gillum because of injury.
Nittany Lions star LB Navorro Bowman might not play, as he is still bothered by a pulled groin after taking himself out of Saturday’s win over Akron.
Houston at No. 6 Oklahoma State (-15.5, 67.5)
This game should be fun. Behind Case Keenum, the Cougars will score. They did put up 37 points in last year’s loss. But they can’t stop anyone and they can’t run the ball.
OSU will make Houston a one-dimensional passing team. The often-maligned Cowboy defense held Georgia to just 95 yards on the ground last week. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State rushed for 379 yards and four TDs last year against the Cougars.
Vanderbilt at No. 9 LSU (-14.5, 44.5)
Don’t laugh, but Vandy currently has the No. 2 rushing attack in the country after gaining 433 yards on the ground in a win over Western Carolina.
Les Miles will have LSU focused after the Tigers were sloppy at Washington last week. Plus LSU, which has won five in a row in this series, lost its final three SEC home games last year - if it needs any more motivation.
Miami of Ohio at No. 11 Boise State (-37, 51.5)
This one has letdown game written all over it for Boise State, coming after the big home win over Oregon and a trip to Fresno State next week.
Other than not focusing, there’s no reason for Boise not to cover. Miami won just twice last year and was crushed 42-0 by Kentucky last week, totaling just 188 yards.
No. 12 BYU at Tulane (+17.5, 53)
BYU is another team apt for a letdown after what it did to Oklahoma last week. The Cougars held the Sooners to their fewest points in three years and Tulane is not a good offensive team.
Tulane owns the nation's third-longest losing streak, losing to Tulsa last week for its ninth consecutive setback. But the team did play much better, especially QB Joe Kemp, after falling down 17-0.
Marshall at No. 15 Virginia Tech (-19, 43.5)
The Herd have to be salivating at dealing with Virginia Tech’s offensive line after the Hokies had 155 yards of offense last week and QB Tyrod Taylor was sacked five times and finished with minus 26 rushing yards.
Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster promised his unit will respond after getting gouged last week for 498 total yards by Alabama. Tech hasn’t dropped a home opener in 14 years.
No. 16 TCU at Virginia (+11, 40.5)
There’s no way the Horned Frogs would have been giving 11 points before Virginia was beaten at home by William & Mary last week. TCU didn’t allow a TD its final two opponents of 2008 and could start 2009 the same way.
Even TCU coach Gary Patterson admits he is leery of the Cavs off that embarrassing loss. And maybe the Frogs are rusty since they haven’t played yet. Virginia is 12-17 against ranked teams under coach Al Groh.
No. 17 Utah at San Jose State (+13.5, 47.5)
The Utes have the nation’s longest winning streak and just watched as San Jose State mustered all of nine yards rushing and 1-for-16 on third downs last week against USC.
As for the Spartans, they might be catching Utah in a look-ahead game, as the Utes visit Oregon next week.
Arkansas State at No. 18 Nebraska (-21.5, 56.5)
The Red Wolves might be able to move the ball some against Nebraska, as the Huskers allowed 358 yards to Florida Atlantic last week, drawing the ire of Coach Bo Pelini.
Both Nebraska running back Roy Helu and quarterback Zac Lee were impressive last week. Helu had 152 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Over the past five regular season games, he is averaging 7.7 yards per carry.
No. 19 North Carolina at Connecticut (+4, 45.5)
If last year is any indication, the Heels should roll. They blocked three punts and intercepted three passes in a 38-12 win. Also, UNC’s starting offensive line is on average 40 pounds bigger than the Huskies’ defensive front four.
UConn won’t have to deal with Heels WR Dwight Jones, who remains out following knee surgery. Huskies QB Zach Frazer must improve dramatically from last week’s game vs. Ohio.
No. 20 Notre Dame at Michigan (+3.5, 47.5)
In his past two games, Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen has been arguably the best signal-caller in college football. The Irish won’t have starting fullback James Aldridge, who hurt his shoulder against Nevada.
The Wolverines, meanwhile, appear to have found a QB of their own in freshman Tate Forcier. The UM defense was very good against Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller, who is an NFL prospect. Notre Dame has lost nine of its past 12 road openers.
South Carolina at No. 21 Georgia (-6.5, 37.5)
Take the under in this one. Only once this decade in this series has either team scored more than 21 points. And the Gamecocks, who lost to Georgia 14-7 last year, looked great on defense last week against N.C. State.
Georgia’s offense didn’t look good against Oklahoma State, but South Carolina was much worse against an inferior opponent. Dawgs QB Joe Cox will start again after struggling against the Cowboys, but the team may start to mix in backup Logan Gray.
No. 24 Oregon State at UNLV (+7, 53.5)
OSU may add another weapon in former starting QB Lyle Moevao. He could be ready to play after not being at full strength since offseason rotator cuff surgery. He won’t start, however.
UNLV was a solid team last year, beating Arizona State and hanging with BYU. The Beavers have lost six road openers in a row and eight of their last nine non-conference road games.
No. 25 Kansas at UTEP (+12.5, 62.5)
The Jayhawks cruised against Northern Colorado in their opener despite sitting star WR Dezmon Briscoe because of suspension. But he is expected to play on Saturday as KU looks to end a six-year winless streak (but just three games) on the road against non-conference teams.
The Miners lost at home to MAC team Buffalo last week and are 3-44 all-time against ranked opponents, including nine straight losses since 1997. Two defensive starters, Anthony Morrow and Cornelius Brown, were cleared from injury and will play this week.
