Saturday 11/5/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Michigan State at Illinois

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois




Two teams in need of victories - and consistency at quarterback - clash when Michigan State hits the road to face Illinois in a Big Ten matchup Saturday. The Spartans have lost six straight and are playing musical chairs under center the last few weeks, while the Illini have dropped six of their last seven, with redshirt freshman Jeff George Jr. being forced to start at quarterback the last two weeks because of injuries.

Coach Mark Dantonio’s team showed a bit of improvement in last week’s loss to undefeated Michigan, but the Spartans also lost quarterback Brian Lewerke for the season to a leg injury suffered in the fourth quarter. The ground game showed some life with LJ Scott going for a season-high 139 yards against the nation’s top-ranked defense. Defense has been a big problem for Lovie Smith in his first year on the Illinois sideline, with his team allowing 38 points a game in its losses. Look for Illini redshirt freshman running back Reggie Corbin to get the ball more and more as he’s averaging 7.4 yards per carry in Big Ten play.

TV: Noon ET, ESPNews. LINE: None

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2-6, 0-5 Big Ten): Dantonio was hoping to use the rest of this season to get a feel for Lewerke and how he’d fit as the team’s starting quarterback next year. But with Lewerke out, Dantonio has to decide if he wants to try to win now with senior Tyler O’Connor or build for the future with junior Damion Terry, who played briefly last week but finished 0-for-4 passing. One thing he won’t be doing is taking the redshirt off freshman Messiah deWeaver, despite Spartan fans calling for the future to be now.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (2-6, 1-4): It’s anyone’s guess as to who will be starting for the Illini under center this week after Wes Lunt returned to practice after being sidelined for three weeks with a back injury. Lunt is a fifth-year senior with plenty of experience to bring to the table, but does Smith want to rush him back into the lineup or see more of George, the son of former Illini and NFL quarterback Jeff George. Whichever one starts, they’ll need to bring a spark to the Illinois offense, which ranks above only Rutgers in the Big Ten in total offense (330.6 yards), scoring (22.4 points) and passing yards (167.5 yards).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Michigan State LB Chris Frey leads the team with 66 tackles and with his nine stops against Michigan went over the 100-tackle mark for his career.

2. Illinois WR Malik Turner accounts for 39 percent of the Illini’s total receiving yards (523 of 1,340), the second-highest percentage of any FBS player.

3. Illini DE Dawuane Smoot has raised his game in conference play, ranking third in the Big Ten in tackles for loss with 1.4 per outing.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 35, Illinois 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Charlotte at Southern Mississippi

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, Mississippi


Quick Hits



Overall Team Offense
The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles are ranked 20 on offense, averaging 492.9 yards per game. The Golden Eagles are averaging 196.2 yards rushing and 296.6 yards passing so far this season.
The Charlotte 49ers are ranked 85 on offense, averaging 385.2 yards per game. The 49ers are averaging 186.0 yards rushing and 199.2 yards passing so far this season.


Home and Away
The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles are 3-1 at home this season, 3-1 against conference opponents and 2-2 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Golden Eagles are averaging 38.8 scoring, and holding teams to 19.8 points scored on defense.
The Charlotte 49ers are 2-2 while on the road this season, 2-2 against conference opponents and 1-3 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the 49ers are averaging 22.2 scoring, and holding teams to 41.2 points scored on defense.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Florida Atlantic at Rice

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas


Quick Hits



Overall Team Offense
The Rice Owls are ranked 101 on offense, averaging 371.1 yards per game. The Owls are averaging 166.6 yards rushing and 204.5 yards passing so far this season.
The Florida Atlantic Owls are ranked 119 on offense, averaging 337.4 yards per game. The Owls are averaging 154.5 yards rushing and 182.9 yards passing so far this season.


Home and Away
The Rice Owls are 1-3 at home this season, 0-5 against conference opponents and 1-2 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Owls are averaging 30.8 scoring, and holding teams to 34.5 points scored on defense.
The Florida Atlantic Owls are 0-4 while on the road this season, 0-4 against conference opponents and 1-3 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Owls are averaging 17.2 scoring, and holding teams to 40.2 points scored on defense.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Air Force at Army

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Michie Stadium, West Point, New York


Quick Hits



Overall Team Offense
The Army Black Knights are ranked 46 on offense, averaging 433.0 yards per game. The Black Knights are averaging 342.4 yards rushing and 90.6 yards passing so far this season.
The Air Force Falcons are ranked 41 on offense, averaging 448.8 yards per game. The Falcons are averaging 295.9 yards rushing and 152.9 yards passing so far this season.


Home and Away
The Army Black Knights are 2-1 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 5-3 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Black Knights are averaging 37.0 scoring, and holding teams to 18.7 points scored on defense.
The Air Force Falcons are 2-1 while on the road this season, 2-3 against conference opponents and 3-0 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Falcons are averaging 28.0 scoring, and holding teams to 25.3 points scored on defense

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Georgia Tech at North Carolina

When: 12:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina




Georgia Tech travels to No. 17 North Carolina on Saturday in a matchup featuring two of the hottest quarterbacks in the ACC, but it is the Tar Heels who have no margin for error as they chase Virginia Tech in the Coastal Division. North Carolina has won two in a row following a loss to the Hokies as quarterback Mitch Trubisky and its defense has excelled of late, but the Yellow Jackets come in after a tremendous performance last week by quarterback Justin Thomas.

Thomas won national player of the week honors after accounting for 459 yards of total offense (264 yards passing and 195 yards rushing) and four touchdowns in a 38-35 victory over Duke, giving the Yellow Jackets a two-game winning streak and needed momentum entering November. “We have been playing pretty well offensively the past three weeks,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson told reporters Tuesday. “Hopefully, we can carry that momentum and keep it going.” Trubisky ranks third in the nation in completion percentage (71.2 percent) and is fourth in the ACC in averaging 309.9 yards of total offense per game, while the Tar Heels have surrendered just 27 points in their past two games. “I think they’re playing with some confidence,” North Carolina coach Larry Fedora told reporters Monday in describing his defense, “and their confidence has grown over the last couple of weeks.”

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: North Carolina -10.5

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (5-3, 2-3 ACC): The Yellow Jackets begin a difficult month in which they will play three of four games on the road, including back-to-back away matchups against ranked teams (North Carolina on Saturday; No. 21 Virginia Tech on Nov. 12). Thomas’ big day, the third-highest single-game yardage total in school history, helped Georgia Tech pile up 605 yards of total offense against Duke. The Yellow Jackets have struggled defensively of late, allowing 35 or more points in three of their past four games.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (6-2, 4-1): The Tar Heels surrendered 31.5 points per game during their first six contests but have improved of late, limiting Virginia to 93 total yards in the second half of a 35-14 victory on Oct. 22. Trubisky passed for 310 yards and three touchdowns against the Cavaliers, and has three of the top 11 single-game passing performances in school history this season. Running back Elijah Hood averages five yards per carry and rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown against Virginia.

EXTRA POINTS

1. North Carolina has won two straight against Georgia Tech for the first time since 1992-94, rallying from a 21-0 deficit last season in Atlanta to prevail 38-31.

2. Johnson did not say whether leading rusher Dedrick Mills would play Saturday, after the freshman missed last week’s game with what the school described as an upper-body injury.

3. The Tar Heels have won 17 of their past 21 games overall, and 12 out of 13 conference regular-season contests.

PREDICTION: North Carolina 34, Georgia Tech 21

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oregon State at Stanford

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California




Christian McCaffrey isn’t going to win this season's Heisman Trophy, but the star running back still can help Stanford become bowl eligible with a victory Saturday over visiting Oregon State. After being limited in several games due to injury, McCaffrey was in vintage form with three touchdowns and 225 all-purpose yards in last week’s 34-10 rout of Arizona.

McCaffrey’s return provided a welcome boost for a Stanford team that ranks last in the Pac-12 in scoring (19.1 points per game), total offense (304.4 yards), passing offense (153.1 yards) and turnover margin (minus-6). Quarterback Keller Chryst threw for 104 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against Arizona but showed enough to earn his second straight start in place of struggling Ryan Burns. Stanford will need a repeat performance from McCaffrey against the injury-plagued Beavers, who took a 24-6 lead into halftime last week against Washington State before crumbling in the second half of a 35-31 loss. Beavers running back Ryan Nall, who returned from a foot injury to record 202 all-purpose yards against the Cougars, leads the Pac-12 and ranks ninth in the nation at 7.2 yards per carry.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Stanford -14.5

ABOUT OREGON STATE (2-6, 1-4 Pac-12): Wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. has a least one reception in 32 consecutive games for the Beavers, who have lost three in a row following a 47-44 overtime win over California on Oct. 8. Quarterback Marcus McMaryion is set to make his third straight start after throwing for a career-high 327 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s loss, with most of his production coming in the first half. The defense has been led by linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu, who has 11 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks but will miss the first half Saturday after being flagged for targeting in last week’s game.

ABOUT STANFORD (5-3, 3-3): Fullback Daniel Marx is expected to miss his sixth straight game due to injury, but the team’s running game was sharp last week with Bryce Love sharing time in the backfield with McCaffrey, who leads the Pac-12 with 111 rushing yards per game. The Cardinal defense has allowed just one touchdown in each of the last three games and boasts a true game-changer in Solomon Thomas, who has recorded sacks in four consecutive games and is tied for second in the Pac-12 in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (11). Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips has five sacks and will need another strong outing to help slow down Nall and the Beavers’ impressive run game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stanford has won the last six meetings against Oregon State by an average of 23.2 points.

2. Oregon State has lost its two conference road games against Colorado and Washington by a combined total of 65 points.

3. The Cardinal are 48-8 at Stanford Stadium since 2008.

PREDICTION: Stanford 31, Oregon State 14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Virginia Tech at Duke

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, North Carolina




Virginia Tech looks to remain in the driver's seat in the ACC Coastal division when it visits Duke on Saturday. The 21st-ranked Hokies held off Pittsburgh 39-36 last week to pull into a tie atop the division with North Carolina, whom they already defeated earlier in the season, putting Justin Fuente's squad on track for a berth in the conference title game.

"I think we have a pretty good reference point for ourselves in the season," Fuente told reporters this week. "The last time everyone was patting us on the back and telling us how good of a job we've been doing, we went up to Syracuse and got smacked around." That was Oct. 15, a 31-17 loss, and it stands as Virginia Tech's lone conference blemish, but junior Jerod Evans has helped the offense get back in the flow with 665 yards passing and four touchdown strikes over the last two weeks. He ranks second among ACC passers in total TDs (24), leads the conference in passing efficiency (166.0) and will be facing a Blue Devils defense that is tied for second in the league in the most yards allowed per pass attempt (8.4). Duke is the only team winless in ACC play and will be forced to press on without leading rusher Jela Duncan, who tore his Achilles tendon while celebrating a teammate's TD during last week's 38-35 loss at Georgia Tech.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Virginia Tech -11

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (6-2, 4-1 ACC): Evans sprained his ankle in the win over Pittsburgh but has been able to practice fully as he looks to follow up a performance in which he compiled 439 total yards, the most ever for a Hokies quarterback in ACC play. Junior wide receiver Cam Phillips was the team's leading rusher with 43 yards and also hauled in six catches for a career-high 109 yards. Travon McMillian, who was held to minus-3 yards on six carries last week, had a career-high 142 in last year's 45-43 quadruple-overtime loss to the Blue Devils.

ABOUT DUKE (3-5, 0-4): Duncan's injury is the latest blow for a team that also lost quarterback Thomas Sirk to the same injury and top cornerback DeVon Edwards to torn ligaments in his left knee. Junior Shaun Wilson, who had 109 yards on 10 carries versus the Yellow Jackets, is next up in the rushing department, while quarterback Daniel Jones ranks third with 276 yards on 82 carries. Jones became the first Duke freshman with three 300-yard passing games when he had 305 last week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Hokies WR Isaiah Ford (143 yards versus Pitt) needs eight catches to seize the top spot in program history, currently held by Jarrett Boykin (184).

2. Jones is 16-for-23 on third-down passes over the last two weeks.

3. Four of the last five meetings have been decided by four points or fewer.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 31, Duke 23

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oregon State at Stanford

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California




Christian McCaffrey isn’t going to win this season's Heisman Trophy, but the star running back still can help Stanford become bowl eligible with a victory Saturday over visiting Oregon State. After being limited in several games due to injury, McCaffrey was in vintage form with three touchdowns and 225 all-purpose yards in last week’s 34-10 rout of Arizona.

McCaffrey’s return provided a welcome boost for a Stanford team that ranks last in the Pac-12 in scoring (19.1 points per game), total offense (304.4 yards), passing offense (153.1 yards) and turnover margin (minus-6). Quarterback Keller Chryst threw for 104 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against Arizona but showed enough to earn his second straight start in place of struggling Ryan Burns. Stanford will need a repeat performance from McCaffrey against the injury-plagued Beavers, who took a 24-6 lead into halftime last week against Washington State before crumbling in the second half of a 35-31 loss. Beavers running back Ryan Nall, who returned from a foot injury to record 202 all-purpose yards against the Cougars, leads the Pac-12 and ranks ninth in the nation at 7.2 yards per carry.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Stanford -14.5

ABOUT OREGON STATE (2-6, 1-4 Pac-12): Wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. has a least one reception in 32 consecutive games for the Beavers, who have lost three in a row following a 47-44 overtime win over California on Oct. 8. Quarterback Marcus McMaryion is set to make his third straight start after throwing for a career-high 327 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s loss, with most of his production coming in the first half. The defense has been led by linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu, who has 11 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks but will miss the first half Saturday after being flagged for targeting in last week’s game.

ABOUT STANFORD (5-3, 3-3): Fullback Daniel Marx is expected to miss his sixth straight game due to injury, but the team’s running game was sharp last week with Bryce Love sharing time in the backfield with McCaffrey, who leads the Pac-12 with 111 rushing yards per game. The Cardinal defense has allowed just one touchdown in each of the last three games and boasts a true game-changer in Solomon Thomas, who has recorded sacks in four consecutive games and is tied for second in the Pac-12 in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (11). Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips has five sacks and will need another strong outing to help slow down Nall and the Beavers’ impressive run game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stanford has won the last six meetings against Oregon State by an average of 23.2 points.

2. Oregon State has lost its two conference road games against Colorado and Washington by a combined total of 65 points.

3. The Cardinal are 48-8 at Stanford Stadium since 2008.

PREDICTION: Stanford 31, Oregon State 14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Syracuse at Clemson

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina






Clemson puts the nation’s longest home winning streak on the line when the Tigers look for a 21st consecutive victory in Death Valley on Saturday versus Syracuse. The Tigers also have won 14 straight conference games, the second-longest streak in the country behind San Diego State’s 15-game run.



The Tigers are ranked third in this week’s coaches poll and second in the initial College Football Playoff rankings after surviving another close call last week. Clemson’s 37-34 victory at Florida State on Saturday was its fifth win this season by seven points or fewer. The upset-minded Orange are coming off a week off following a two-game win streak that included a 31-17 home win over then-No. 19 Virginia Tech and a 28-20 win at Boston College. Clemson has won all three meetings since the Orange joined the ACC, including a 37-27 victory last year at Syracuse in which Deshaun Watson passed for 368 yards and two touchdowns and added 105 yards on the ground.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Clemson -26.



ABOUT SYRACUSE (4-4, 2-2 ACC): The Orange boast one of the nation’s most improved offenses, averaging 487 total yards behind the prolific passing duo of quarterback Eric Dungey and receiver Amba Etta-Tawo. Syracuse averages 45 pass attempts per game, with Dungey completing 65 percent of his passes for an average of 329 yards per game and Etta-Tawo ranking third nationally with 134 receiving yards per contest. The defense has improved recently, allowing 18.5 points per game over the past two contests after giving up an average of 36 in the first six games of the season.

ABOUT CLEMSON (8-0, 5-0): The Tigers have been somewhat inconsistent in their ability to run the ball, though Wayne Gallman put up 82 yards and two touchdowns in a solid effort at Florida State. Gallman, Watson and Co. should be able to exploit a Syracuse defense that gives up 450.8 yards per game and hasn’t had much success stopping the run or the pass. Clemson’s defense will have its work cut out against the Orange’s up-tempo offense but has been up to the task all season, ranking in the top 15 nationally in total defense and scoring defense.



EXTRA POINTS

1. Clemson TE Jordan Leggett has 86 career receptions for 1,216 yards and needs eight catches and 40 yards to break John McMakin’s school records for a tight end.

2. Dungey’s six 300-yard passing games this season are tied with Ryan Nassib for the school record set in 2012.

3. The Tigers have outscored opponents 86-6 in the first quarter and 167-43 in the first half.



PREDICTION: Clemson 33, Syracuse 20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Massachusetts at Troy

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy, Alabama


Quick Hits



Overall Team Offense
The Troy Trojans are ranked 27 on offense, averaging 481.6 yards per game. The Trojans are averaging 198.9 yards rushing and 282.7 yards passing so far this season.
The Massachusetts Minutemen are ranked 116 on offense, averaging 346.3 yards per game. The Minutemen are averaging 109.2 yards rushing and 237.1 yards passing so far this season.


Home and Away
The Troy Trojans are 3-0 at home this season, 4-0 against conference opponents and 2-1 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Trojans are averaging 46.7 scoring, and holding teams to 14.7 points scored on defense.
The Massachusetts Minutemen are 0-3 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 2-7 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Minutemen are averaging 17.0 scoring, and holding teams to 31.3 points scored on defense

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Texas Christian at Baylor

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: McLane Stadium, Waco, Texas




No. 13 Baylor, which likely saw its College Football Playoff hopes dashed with a 35-34 loss at Texas last Saturday, now will turn its attention to trying to win another Big 12 Conference title when it hosts old rival TCU on Saturday afternoon. The Bears, one of three Big 12 teams with one loss in conference play, travel to league-leading Oklahoma next Saturday.

Baylor already owns a 35-24 victory over Oklahoma State, one of the other two teams with one loss, and ends the season at West Virginia, which also has one defeat. So the Bears still control their own destiny when it comes to winning the conference championship. "I would expect us to respond really well," acting Baylor head coach Jim Grobe told the Waco Tribune. "That's when you find out what kind of football team you've got and what kind of character you've got on your football team. I think they'll bounce back and work really hard to get ready. We just don't have a choice."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox. LINE: Baylor -7.5

ABOUT TCU (4-4, 2-3 Big 12): Starting quarterback Kenny Hill was pulled in favor of sophomore Foster Sawyer during last Saturday's 27-24 double-overtime loss to Texas Tech -- the Horned Frogs' third setback in four games -- after throwing his 10th interception of the season but the Texas A&M transfer is still expected to start this week. Running back Kyle Hicks, who injured his left ankle in the loss to Texas Tech and leads the team with 597 rushing yards and is tied for the team lead with 31 catches, was listed as probable by head coach Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs are tied with Texas for the Big 12 lead in sacks (31) with end Mat Boesen (6) leading the way while junior linebacker Travis Howard leads the conference in tackles (88).

ABOUT BAYLOR (6-1, 3-1): Quarterback Seth Russell, who missed the last six games of the 2015 season with a neck injury and took numerous hard hits from the Texas defense, is expected to start but will continue to be monitored for potential concussion-like symptoms throughout the week after feeling nauseous and groggy about 90 minutes after the loss. Russell has thrown 52 touchdown passes and only 11 interceptions while compiling a 14-1 record in 15 career starts with junior wide receiver KD Cannon, who ranks fourth in the Big 12 in both receptions (5.8) and receiving yards (88.5) his No. 1 target. Baylor's defense, which is second in the Big 12 in takeaways (16) and first in passing yards allowed (179.4), is led by returning all-Big 12 linebacker Taylor Young (53 tackles, 4 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss) and junior defensive back Travon Blanchard, a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist who has 34 tackles and four pass breakups.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Baylor has compiled an FBS best 23 wins (23-5) in November and December since 2011.

2. TCU has at least one sack in a school-record 38 consecutive games which is also the second longest streak in the nation behind Ohio State (43).

3. Baylor is allowing an average of 1.3 points in the fourth quarter of games which is tops in the country.

PREDICTION: Baylor 31, TCU 21

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Florida at Arkansas

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas




Ninth-ranked Florida looks to stay on course for the SEC Championship game when the Gators make their first trip to Arkansas since 2008 on Saturday afternoon. Florida has won three straight while allowing just 30 points combined and aims to avoid a letdown against the Razorbacks, who are coming off a bye week that followed an embarrassing 56-3 loss to Auburn.

“It’s another step and an opportunity to define a little bit about who we are and what we’re all about,” Gators coach Jim McElwain told reporters. “I look at it as a definition.” McElwain said the Auburn contest was “an anomaly” and expects to face a different Arkansas squad Saturday as Florida goes for its 10th straight victory in the series and faces its third straight team that arrives with the benefit of a bye week. The Razorbacks expect to have talented junior quarterback Austin Allen (knee) in the lineup Saturday after he was knocked around the last three games. “(Allen) didn’t get any work last week but he was out there (Sunday),” Arkansas coach Bret Bielema told reporters and his Monday press conference. “Ran the whole time with the ones, so feel good about where that is.”

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Florida –5.5

ABOUT FLORIDA (6-1, 4-1 SEC): The Gators gave up 38 points in their lone loss to Tennessee and 44 combined during six victories, standing second in the nation in total defense (239.9 yards). Sophomore quarterback Luke Del Rio threw for 131 yards in the 24-10 victory over Georgia last week and has three receivers with at least 25 catches, but junior tight end DeAndre Goolsby (hand) is questionable. Sophomore Jordan Scarlett rushed for 194 yards combined the last two games and the Gators get fellow running back Mark Thompson back after a one-game suspension.

ABOUT ARKANSAS (5-3, 1-3): Allen is third in the SEC in passing yards per game (256) and boasts 18 touchdown passes as opposed to seven interceptions with a trio of talented veteran receivers as weapons. Seniors Drew Morgan (41 catches, 420 yards, two TDs) and Keon Hatcher (28, 435, five), along with junior Jared Cornelius (24, 465, four), are all dangerous through the air. Sophomore Rawleigh Williams III has also had a big year on the ground, totaling 807 yards and five touchdowns, but will have to rebound after registering a season-low 22 yards against Auburn.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida WR Antonio Callaway is the team’s top threat through the air with 27 catches for 441 yards and a pair of TDs.

2. Arkansas LB Brooks Ellis leads the team and is seventh in the SEC with 57 tackles.

3. The Gators have allowed just three points in the first quarter and are fifth in the nation in third-down conversion defense (27.8 percent).

PREDICTION: Florida 24, Arkansas 14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Texas State at Appalachian State

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina


Quick Hits



Overall Team Offense
The Appalachian State Mountaineers are ranked 78 on offense, averaging 394.9 yards per game. The Mountaineers are averaging 210.2 yards rushing and 184.6 yards passing so far this season.
The Texas State Bobcats are ranked 117 on offense, averaging 345.9 yards per game. The Bobcats are averaging 87.7 yards rushing and 258.1 yards passing so far this season.


Home and Away
The Appalachian State Mountaineers are 3-1 at home this season, 4-0 against conference opponents and 2-2 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Mountaineers are averaging 23.8 scoring, and holding teams to 18.5 points scored on defense.
The Texas State Bobcats are 1-3 while on the road this season, 0-3 against conference opponents and 2-2 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Bobcats are averaging 28.5 scoring, and holding teams to 44.2 points scored on defense.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oklahoma State at Kansas State

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas






No. 22 Oklahoma State has reeled off four straight wins, and last Saturday’s 37-20 victory over previously unbeaten West Virginia moved it into sole possession of second place in the Big 12. But coach Mike Gundy knows his Cowboys must keep their focus going forward with three of their four remaining games on the road, starting with Saturday’s visit to Kansas State.



“Our message to them was when you have big wins and when you have unfortunate losses, you have to get over them pretty fast and start preparing for the next team,” Gundy said at his Monday news conference. “This game, like I would expect the others to be on our conference schedule from here on out, will be a challenging game for us.” Kansas State, meanwhile, has won three of its last four games since opening conference play with a 17-16 loss to West Virginia. The Wildcats, though, nearly squandered a 31-10 fourth quarter lead last week at Iowa State as the last place Cyclones reeled off 16 straight points, and it took an illegally-touched onside-kick in the final minute to finally seal the 31-26 win for the visitors. “We are not complete,” Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said at his Tuesday news gathering. “... At the end of the day, it goes back to being able to put together complete ballgames, (and) there is not an area where we have performed quite well in every segment of the offense, defense and kicking game consistently throughout (a game).”

TV: 1:30 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN2. LINE: Kansas State -2.5



ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (6-2, 4-1 Big 12): Junior quarterback Mason Rudolph has stepped things up over the last month, throwing for 1,273 yards and 11 touchdowns without an interception, including a 273-yard, three-TD outing against the Mountaineers. Wideouts James Washington (43 receptions-857 yards-six TDs) and Jalen McCleskey (49-602-5) are Rudolph’s top targets, but the ground game has struggled to find consistent traction behind leading rusher Justice Hill (128 carries-619 yards-four scores). Defensively, the Cowboys are allowing 26.5 points and 445.2 total yards per game, and their strength is a formidable defensive line, led by defensive tackle Vincent Taylor (4.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss), that has accounted for 18.5 of the team’s 22 sacks.

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (5-3, 3-2): Quarterback Jesse Ertz only has thrown for 1,078 yards and seven touchdowns this season but has emerged as a dangerous running threat, capped by last week’s career-high 106 yards on nine carries against Iowa State. Senior tailback Charles Jones ranks second to Ertz on the team with 439 yards and two TDs on 88 attempts, but Snyder will ride the “hot hand” in games, and against Iowa State, sophomores Justin Silmon (9-54-1) and freshman Alex Barnes (5-37-1) stepped forward to complement Ertz. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Elijah Lee (8.6 tackles per game) and defensive end Jordan Willis (Big 12-most eight sacks) anchor a defense which has been the best in the conference against the run (102.9 yards per game) and is allowing only 21.6 points and 363.5 yards per game.



EXTRA POINTS

1. The teams have split their last 12 meetings with the home team going 10-2, including Oklahoma State’s 36-34 win last season in Stillwater on a field goal with 32 seconds remaining.

2. Kansas State has won six straight home games while this will be only Oklahoma State’s third road contest of the season after losing at Baylor (35-24) and winning at Kansas (44-20).

3. Turnovers will be vital as the Cowboys have forced a Big 12-most 19 while the Wildcats have the fewest giveaways in the conference with seven.



PREDICTION: Kansas State 31, Oklahoma State 30

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Florida at Arkansas

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas




Ninth-ranked Florida looks to stay on course for the SEC Championship game when the Gators make their first trip to Arkansas since 2008 on Saturday afternoon. Florida has won three straight while allowing just 30 points combined and aims to avoid a letdown against the Razorbacks, who are coming off a bye week that followed an embarrassing 56-3 loss to Auburn.

“It’s another step and an opportunity to define a little bit about who we are and what we’re all about,” Gators coach Jim McElwain told reporters. “I look at it as a definition.” McElwain said the Auburn contest was “an anomaly” and expects to face a different Arkansas squad Saturday as Florida goes for its 10th straight victory in the series and faces its third straight team that arrives with the benefit of a bye week. The Razorbacks expect to have talented junior quarterback Austin Allen (knee) in the lineup Saturday after he was knocked around the last three games. “(Allen) didn’t get any work last week but he was out there (Sunday),” Arkansas coach Bret Bielema told reporters and his Monday press conference. “Ran the whole time with the ones, so feel good about where that is.”

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Florida –5.5

ABOUT FLORIDA (6-1, 4-1 SEC): The Gators gave up 38 points in their lone loss to Tennessee and 44 combined during six victories, standing second in the nation in total defense (239.9 yards). Sophomore quarterback Luke Del Rio threw for 131 yards in the 24-10 victory over Georgia last week and has three receivers with at least 25 catches, but junior tight end DeAndre Goolsby (hand) is questionable. Sophomore Jordan Scarlett rushed for 194 yards combined the last two games and the Gators get fellow running back Mark Thompson back after a one-game suspension.

ABOUT ARKANSAS (5-3, 1-3): Allen is third in the SEC in passing yards per game (256) and boasts 18 touchdown passes as opposed to seven interceptions with a trio of talented veteran receivers as weapons. Seniors Drew Morgan (41 catches, 420 yards, two TDs) and Keon Hatcher (28, 435, five), along with junior Jared Cornelius (24, 465, four), are all dangerous through the air. Sophomore Rawleigh Williams III has also had a big year on the ground, totaling 807 yards and five touchdowns, but will have to rebound after registering a season-low 22 yards against Auburn.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida WR Antonio Callaway is the team’s top threat through the air with 27 catches for 441 yards and a pair of TDs.

2. Arkansas LB Brooks Ellis leads the team and is seventh in the SEC with 57 tackles.

3. The Gators have allowed just three points in the first quarter and are fifth in the nation in third-down conversion defense (27.8 percent).

PREDICTION: Florida 24, Arkansas 14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Maryland at Michigan

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan




Third-ranked Michigan looks to stay on track for its first Big Ten title in 12 years when it hosts Maryland on Saturday. The Wolverines held off Michigan State 32-23 to bring the Paul Bunyan trophy back to Ann Arbor for the first time since 2012, and they hope to stay undefeated by notching their ninth straight victory of the season.

Michigan, which made its debut in the College Football Playoff Rankings in the top three behind Alabama and Clemson, boasts the 15th best rushing attack in the nation, averaging 249 yards per game, and hopes to run wild against a Terrapins defence that has surrendered 1,285 yards on the ground over its last four contests. Maryland dropped a tight 42-36 decision to Indiana to remain one win shy of bowl eligibility and begins a challenging stretch of three straight games against current Top 10 opponents. The Terrapins shocked the Wolverines 23-16 in 2014 and hope lightning strikes twice at the Big House as Maryland head coach D.J. Durkin returns to Ann Arbor, where he was the defensive coordinator in 2015. "We've got an awesome opportunity to go out there and beat the No. 2 team in the country and that's our plan," Maryland defensive end Roman Braglio told reporters. "It's definitely an opportunity of a lifetime to do that and we're going to take full advantage."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Michigan -31

ABOUT MARYLAND (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten): Ty Johnson racked up 142 yards on 13 carries in the loss to Indiana for his second straight 100-yard game and can become the first running back since Lance Ball in 2005 to reach the century mark in three consecutive contests. Running back Lorenzo Harrison has been a revelation in the backfield for the Terrapins and needs 115 yards to break LaMont Jordan's freshman record (689) set in 1997. Sophomore wide receiver D.J. Moore caught five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown against the Hoosiers - his third straight game with a score - to extend his streak of games with at least one reception to 16.

ABOUT MICHIGAN (8-0, 5-0): Kenny Allen was named the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week after kicking field goals of 23, 23 and a season-long 45 yards in the win over Michigan State. Heisman Trophy candidate Jabrill Peppers, who registered a rushing touchdown, seven tackles and a sack against the Spartans, has been named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, which is given to the most outstanding player in college football. Nose tackle Bryan Mone limped off with an apparent leg injury but Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh expects him to play on Saturday but Harbaugh was mum when asked about slot receiver Grant Perry, who has missed the last three games for undisclosed reasons.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Michigan has scored 40 or more points in six of its eight games.

2. Maryland QB Perry Hills leads the Big Ten in completion percentage (66.4) and passing efficiency (149.9).

3. The Wolverines have won 13 of their last 14 contests dating back to last season.

PREDICTION: Michigan 41, Maryland 13

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Missouri at South Carolina

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina






South Carolina has surpassed last season’s win total and can take a big step toward returning to a bowl game with a homecoming victory over struggling Missouri on Saturday. The Gamecocks are aiming for their first three-game winning streak since 2014, while the Tigers have dropped four straight and are looking for their first win in SEC play.



The Gamecocks had a major breakthrough with last week’s 24-21 home win over then-No. 18 Tennessee — snapping a seven-game skid against ranked opponents — but coach Will Muschamp has cautioned his young team against overlooking Missouri. “I challenged our team about complacency, and we certainly don’t have any room for it,” Muschamp told reporters. “We don’t have any margin of error around here right now, so I really challenged our guys about the preparation it takes to be successful week in and week out.” The Tigers haven’t found much success recently – since a 79-0 drubbing of Delaware State on Sept. 24, they have allowed 35 or more points in four straight losses, including a 35-21 home defeat against Kentucky last week. Missouri has won two straight in the Columbia Cup series, including a 24-10 home victory last season.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: South Carolina -7.



ABOUT MISSOURI (2-6, 0-4 SEC): The one bright spot of late for the Tigers has been the emerging ground game, as Missouri has racked up 770 rushing yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry over the past three games behind freshman Damarea Crockett and junior Ish Witter. Quarterback Drew Lock put up huge numbers early in the season before struggling in conference play but had a decent showing against Kentucky, going 18-of-31 for 220 yards and two touchdowns. After the team’s recent defensive struggles, first-year coach Barry Odom last week reverted to the scheme used when he was the defensive coordinator, but the Tigers still surrendered 582 total yards and were gashed in the running game.

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (4-4, 2-4): A pair of freshmen injected life into the Gamecocks’ inconsistent offense last week, as quarterback Jake Bentley was a steady 15-for-20 for 167 yards and two touchdowns and running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 127 yards on 27 carries. South Carolina has averaged 360 yards and 29 points in two games with Bentley under center compared with 304.5 yards and 14 points in the first six games. The defense has made big strides in Muschamp’s first season, especially in the secondary — ranking 16th nationally by holding opponents to 180.8 passing yards per game.



EXTRA POINTS

1. South Carolina is one of six FBS teams who have held every opponent under 30 points, along with Michigan, Washington, Ohio State, Auburn and LSU.

2. Crockett (601 yards) ranks third on Missouri’s all-time freshman rushing list behind Brad Smith (1,029) and Brock Olivo (614).

3. K Elliott Fry has 329 career points, one behind Collin Mackie for the Gamecocks’ program record.



PREDICTION: South Carolina 26, Missouri 23

 

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Preview: Missouri at South Carolina

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina






South Carolina has surpassed last season’s win total and can take a big step toward returning to a bowl game with a homecoming victory over struggling Missouri on Saturday. The Gamecocks are aiming for their first three-game winning streak since 2014, while the Tigers have dropped four straight and are looking for their first win in SEC play.



The Gamecocks had a major breakthrough with last week’s 24-21 home win over then-No. 18 Tennessee — snapping a seven-game skid against ranked opponents — but coach Will Muschamp has cautioned his young team against overlooking Missouri. “I challenged our team about complacency, and we certainly don’t have any room for it,” Muschamp told reporters. “We don’t have any margin of error around here right now, so I really challenged our guys about the preparation it takes to be successful week in and week out.” The Tigers haven’t found much success recently – since a 79-0 drubbing of Delaware State on Sept. 24, they have allowed 35 or more points in four straight losses, including a 35-21 home defeat against Kentucky last week. Missouri has won two straight in the Columbia Cup series, including a 24-10 home victory last season.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: South Carolina -7.



ABOUT MISSOURI (2-6, 0-4 SEC): The one bright spot of late for the Tigers has been the emerging ground game, as Missouri has racked up 770 rushing yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry over the past three games behind freshman Damarea Crockett and junior Ish Witter. Quarterback Drew Lock put up huge numbers early in the season before struggling in conference play but had a decent showing against Kentucky, going 18-of-31 for 220 yards and two touchdowns. After the team’s recent defensive struggles, first-year coach Barry Odom last week reverted to the scheme used when he was the defensive coordinator, but the Tigers still surrendered 582 total yards and were gashed in the running game.

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (4-4, 2-4): A pair of freshmen injected life into the Gamecocks’ inconsistent offense last week, as quarterback Jake Bentley was a steady 15-for-20 for 167 yards and two touchdowns and running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 127 yards on 27 carries. South Carolina has averaged 360 yards and 29 points in two games with Bentley under center compared with 304.5 yards and 14 points in the first six games. The defense has made big strides in Muschamp’s first season, especially in the secondary — ranking 16th nationally by holding opponents to 180.8 passing yards per game.



EXTRA POINTS

1. South Carolina is one of six FBS teams who have held every opponent under 30 points, along with Michigan, Washington, Ohio State, Auburn and LSU.

2. Crockett (601 yards) ranks third on Missouri’s all-time freshman rushing list behind Brad Smith (1,029) and Brock Olivo (614).

3. K Elliott Fry has 329 career points, one behind Collin Mackie for the Gamecocks’ program record.



PREDICTION: South Carolina 26, Missouri 23

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Purdue at Minnesota

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota




Minnesota will try to remain in the thick of the race in the Big Ten when it hosts Purdue on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium, a place the Boilermakers never have left victorious. The Golden Gophers enter the weekend one game behind No. 10 Nebraska in the West Division and tied with No. 8 Wisconsin, Iowa and Northwestern, with games still remaining against all but the Hawkeyes.

The Boilermakers haven't won at Minnesota since 2007, two years before TCF Bank Stadium opened, and blew an 11-point halftime lead en route to a 39-38 loss in their last game there in 2014. Mitch Leidner threw two touchdown passes for the Golden Gophers in that win, and he's still behind center this season, although he hasn't had a scoring toss since Oct. 1 while sitting out one game in that stretch with a concussion. Both coaches said this week they expect a very physical matchup, and Minnesota showed its physicality last week as safety Duke McGhee was flagged for targeting and ejected after a hit on Malik Turner forced the Illinois receiver to leave the field on a stretcher. The Boilermakers were outscored 45-7 in the second half of their 62-24 loss to No. 23 Penn State last week, so it will be worth watching how hard they play at the outset against Minnesota.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Minnesota -17

ABOUT PURDUE (3-5, 1-4 Big Ten): David Blough completed a career-high 34 passes on 50 attempts last week against Penn State and has at least one touchdown toss in every game this season. He needs eight completions to pass Rick Trefzger (383) for eighth place on the school's all-time list and four scoring passes to move ahead of Len Dawson (29) for ninth. Blough has been spreading the ball around well this season, as six different receivers have caught between 23 and 30 passes this season.


ABOUT MINNESOTA (6-2, 3-2): The Golden Gophers have shown their physicality in another way this season, and that's by recovering 11 fumbles - tying them for second in FBS. That has helped them create a short field for which to work for Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks, who rank third and ninth, respectively, in average rushing yards per game in the Big Ten. If the Golden Gophers have a soft spot on offense, it's their inability to generate big passing plays, as their longest of the season has gone for just 35 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Purdue is the only Big Ten team averaging at least 300 passing yards per game.

2. Minnesota is the most penalized team in the conference, with 62 infractions for 522 yards.

3. Since 2014, the Golden Gophers have covered once in seven instances when they're favored by at least 10 points but have won each game.

PREDICTION: Minnesota 34, Purdue 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Memphis at Southern Methodist

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 5, 2016
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas




A confident SMU squad hosts Memphis for Homecoming on Saturday in search of its first three-game conference winning streak since 2009. The Mustangs rallied for a late victory last week and have recorded at least 400 yards of total offense in three straight games.

The Tigers are trending in the opposite direction, losing back-to-back American Athletic Conference games by a combined 43 points. Five turnovers and 809 rushing yards allowed were too much for Memphis to overcome in losses to Navy and Tulsa. "At the end of the day, (run defense) comes down to pad level, physicality," Tigers coach Mike Norvell told reporters on Monday. "And then you've got to go out there and execute the plan that's in place, and do it with a violent nature." Memphis has won the last two meetings by a combined score of 111-10.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPNews. LINE: Memphis -3

ABOUT MEMPHIS (5-3, 2-2 AAC): Anthony Miller leads all Tiger receivers with 53 catches, 822 yards and five touchdowns after hauling in 12 passes for a school-record 250 yards against Tulsa. Riley Ferguson has thrown for 2,278 yards with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but Memphis has struggled to put together a strong rushing attack. Genard Avery has recorded 50 tackles and returned two interceptions for touchdowns while fellow linebacker Curtis Akins has made 34 tackles over three starts in place of the injured Shareef White.

ABOUT SMU (4-4, 2-2): Braeden West (755 rushing yards, six TDs) has recorded three straight 100-yard rushing performances after scoring two late touchdowns to cap SMU's rally at Tulane. Ben Hicks (1,814 yards, 11 TDs, 11 interceptions) has found reliable targets in fellow redshirt freshman James Proche (41 catches, 548 yards, four TDs) and Courtland Sutton (39, 698, five). SMU is tied for fourth in the nation with 14 interceptions - with Jordan Wyatt, Darrion Millines and Horace Richardson each registering four - while Justin Lawler has blocked two kicks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Norvell and SMU coach Chad Morris spent the 2010 season together on Todd Graham's staff at Tulsa.

2. Tigers K Jake Elliott has the nation's longest active streak with 178 consecutive extra points (34 this year) and is third in career field goals at 71 (11-of-14 this season).

3. Memphis WR Phil Mayhue (28 catches, 421 yards, two TDs) likely will miss Saturday's game with a right leg injury, with either freshman John Williams or redshirt freshman Kedarian Jones starting in his place.

PREDICTION: SMU 38, Memphis 35