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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Allen's experience key to Arkansas' hopes as season begins

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) Brandon Allen and Bret Bielema's careers have been closely linked since the moment Bielema was hired at Arkansas following the 2012 season.

And that just fine with Allen, the fifth-year quarterback who thanks his coach for turning around what was a nightmarish experience in Fayetteville.

Despite the turmoil following the Bobby Petrino scandal and eventual firing, Allen hopes to complete the program's dramatic turnaround in his third year as the starter - beginning when No. 18 Arkansas opens its season against UTEP on Saturday.

Allen has started 24 of 25 games for the Razorbacks since Bielema's hiring, missing one because of injury. During that time, Arkansas has finished at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference West twice - though a strong finish to last season has the Razorbacks believing their fortunes have finally turned.

While Allen is focused on ending his collegiate career in much the same way it started - an 11-2 season in 2011 - he knows Bielema is responsible for the turnaround following a combined seven wins during the 2012-13 seasons. And he's ever thankful for the former Wisconsin coach's arrival.

''I'm glad he's here, I'm glad I've had this time with him,'' Allen said. ''The development that, not only me, but our whole team has undergone with him here is something that I think everyone's thankful for.''

Arkansas finished last season 7-6, with three dominant wins in its last four games - including shutouts of LSU and Mississippi and holding Texas to only 59 yards of total offense in a Texas Bowl win to end the season.

The Razorbacks face 10 teams this season that made bowl games a year ago, including the Conference USA Miners. UTEP finished 7-6 last season, losing to Utah State in the New Mexico Bowl. Coach Sean Kugler is well aware of the challenge of opening on the road against an SEC team with a three-year starter at quarterback.

''If you really look at their body of work over the last four or five games, I don't think there was a hotter team in the country, maybe with the exception of Ohio State,'' Kugler said.

For his part, Bielema has embraced Arkansas' lofty expectations this season of rejoining the SEC's elite. Part of the reason for that is a talented roster restocked with three years of his recruiting classes, while having Allen under center also plays a large role. He threw for 20 touchdowns and five interceptions last season.

''I would say that's why a lot of people feel good about us from the outside world,'' Bielema said. ''I just think anytime you have a fifth-year quarterback that's a multi-year starter, there's a certain comfort level with what he's seen, what's he's done.''

Some things to watch as Arkansas looks to carry over its momentum from last season against UTEP:

BACKFIELD SHUFFLE:

The Razorbacks suffered a setback during the preseason when last season's leading rusher, Jonathan Williams, was lost for the regular season with a left foot injury. Two-time 1,000-yard running back Alex Collins is expected to pick up part of Williams' workload, while freshman Rawleigh Williams and junior Kody Walker are also expected to see action.

LEFTWICH'S START:

After a close competition with Garrett Simpson throughout the spring and preseason, Kugler said this week sophomore QB Mack Leftwich will start against Arkansas. Leftwich started four games as a freshman in 2013 before redshirting last year, and he's 44-of-75 passing (58.7 percent) in his career with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions.

LINEBACKER SHUFFLE:

Arkansas ended last season with the 10th-best defense in the country, allowing 323.4 yards per game. This season, junior Brooks Ellis moves from middle linebacker to the weak side - replacing All-SEC Martrell Spaight's SEC-leading 128 tackles - while junior Josh Williams and sophomore Khalia Hackett are also expected to see extended action at linebacker.

PRODUCTIVE JONES:

Junior running back Aaron Jones has led UTEP in rushing in each of his first two seasons, including 1,321 yards last season. He's rushed for 100 yards or more nine times in his career, but he had 62 yards on 22 carries against Texas A&M in 2103 - the only other time he's faced an SEC opponent.

MISSING PIECE:

Bielema said Arkansas will be without freshman wide receiver Jojo Robinson for the first half because of a suspension. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Robinson redshirted last season, but he has shown the ability to make defenders miss in the open field in scrimmages.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cal's Goff looks to show off new freedom at line in opener

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) Jared Goff is excited to show off his new-found freedom at the line of scrimmage.

After a prolific first two seasons as California's quarterback, Goff has been given the keys to the offense in his third year with the ability to change plays whenever he sees fits.

Goff will get to show off that new responsibility when the Golden Bears open their season Saturday against Grambling State. Goff said he is quite comfortable with the increased role given to him by offensive coordinator Tony Franklin after doing it all spring and summer and his teammates like what they have seen.

''It definitely shows up when you see us making checks at the line,'' receiver Bryce Treggs said. ''In our early years, Coach Franklin didn't really have the trust and he wasn't comfortable in us checking different routes at the line. Now he's a lot more comfortable with us and gives us a lot more freedom.''

The Bears hope that will lead to even more success and help them get back to a bowl game for the first time since 2011 and into contention in the Pac-12 North.

Goff has put up staggering numbers in two years in the pass-happy system. He has completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 7,481 yards, 53 touchdowns and only 17 interceptions. He ranks in the top 10 in completions, yards and touchdown passes since starting college ball.

But coach Sonny Dykes believes Goff can do even more.

''I think everybody will see an improved Jared Goff and he was a very good player last season,'' Dykes said. ''He just has a better understanding of the offense, a better sense of timing, has a better understanding of situational football and the decisions he needs to make.''

Here are some things to watch when Grambling State visits Cal:

RUN TO DAYLIGHT:

As much publicity as Cal gets for its passing offense, the running game should be potent too this season. Daniel Lasco is back after leading the team with 1,115 yards rushing last season and scoring 14 touchdowns. Vic Enwere and Tre Watson also should get plenty of chances to carry the ball, which should take pressure off Goff.

''We need to be able to run the ball,'' Dykes said. ''For us to make that next step, we have to improve our run game and be more consistent in our run game. We made great strides last year.''

STEPPING UP:

Playing a Pac-12 team is a big step up in competition for FCS Grambling State. The Tigers have lost all 13 games they have played against FBS teams since 1996, getting outscored by more than 34 points per game. Grambling's last game against a power conference team came in 2012, a 56-0 loss to TCU.

CENTER OF ATTENTION:

With projected starting center Matt Cochran dismissed from the program after spring ball, the Bears were on a search for a replacement all summer. Dominic Granado ended up winning the job after sitting out last year as a junior college transfer. Granado spent last year working as a tackle but did well back at center for the shotgun-heavy offense.

''We had very few bad snaps at all fall camp,'' Dykes said. ''Probably as few as I've been around.''

BAND ON THE FIELD:

One of the highlights of the game figures to be the halftime performance of the Grambling marching band. The group has performed at the Super Bowl, presidential inaugurations and Rose Bowl parades and is widely considered one of the best in the nation with its high-stepping energy.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bowling Green's fast-paced offense to test No. 25 Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Now that Tennessee finally has ended a string of four straight losing seasons, the next challenge is for the Volunteers is to build on their momentum.

The 25th-ranked Vols get a chance to take that step Saturday when they open their season by facing Bowling Green at Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans. Tennessee is in the Top 25 for the first time since September 2012 and is seeking its first win as a ranked team since 2007.

''We're not building a team,'' Tennessee coach Butch Jones said. ''We're building a program. And those are two totally different things.''

The Vols' toughest chore will be keeping up with the fast pace of Bowling Green's offensive scheme, while Bowling Green must worry about the speed of Tennessee's players.

''We're playing the best football team we've played since I've been here,'' said second-year Bowling Green coach Dino Babers, whose team lost 68-17 last season to a Wisconsin team that ended up ranked 13th. ''It's going to be a very challenging task, but we're looking forward to it.''

Bowling Green returns the nucleus of an offense that averaged 18.6 seconds per play. Baylor and Arizona were the only Football Bowl Subdivision programs with faster-paced offenses last season.

Tennessee's defense has tackled fast-paced attacks in the Southeastern Conference and when it practices against its own offense, but cornerback Emmanuel Moseley acknowledges the Vols didn't face a team last year that picked up the tempo quite this much.

''Their pace is way faster,'' Moseley said. ''Way faster.''

Bowling Green quarterback Matt Johnson will be playing his first game since injuring his hip in last year's season opener. Johnson led Bowling Green to a 2013 MAC title.

While Bowling Green's quarterback is healthy again, Tennessee's secondary is dealing with injury issues.

Rashaan Gaulden, the projected starting nickel back, broke his foot in training camp and will miss the entire season. Safety LaDarrell McNeil, who has 31 career starts, has a neck issue that likely will cause him to miss the whole season.

Their injuries have led to depth issues that could prove problematic against such a fast-paced offense. but Bowling Green will have its own issues keeping up with Tennessee. Babers said the speed of Tennessee's defensive linemen offers the most cause for concern.

''They're just so athletic, so huge,'' Babers said. ''Our tackles, our guards, we haven't seen anything like this. This is new territory for all those young men.''

---

Some things to watch when Tennessee faces Bowling Green.

STRENGTH vs. STRENGTH:

The matchup between Bowling Green's offensive line and Tennessee's defensive front is worth watching. Bowling Green `s offensive linemen have combined for 125 career starts. Only UCLA's offensive linemen have more combined starts. Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett make Tennessee the only FBS team to return two players who recorded at least 10 sacks last season.

TENNESSEE'S BIG RECEIVERS:

Tennessee has four receivers who are 6-foot-3 or taller in Marquez North, Jauan Jennings, Josh Malone and Preston Williams. That could cause trouble for a Bowling Green secondary that lists 5-9 Darrell Hunter and 5-10 Clint Stephens as its starting cornerbacks. Tennessee's receiving corps will be hurt by a one-game suspension to Alton ''Pig'' Howard and injuries to Jason Croom and Vincent Perry.

FAMILIAR FOES:

Bowling Green receiver Ronnie Moore verbally committed to play for Jones at Cincinnati. After Tennessee hired Jones away from Cincinnati, Moore ended up at Bowling Green. Bowling Green reserve defensive lineman Malik Brown redshirted at Tennessee in 2013 before transferring.

COMING HOME:

Tennessee's trip to Nashville represents a homecoming for running back Jalen Hurd, offensive guard Jashon Robertson and Barnett among others. Reserve defensive end Kyle Phillips is the son of Tennessee State athletic director Teresa Phillips, whose school uses Nissan Stadium as its home field. Jennings comes from nearby Murfreesboro.

NEW COORDINATORS:

Tennessee has a new offensive coordinator who will be matchup with Bowling Green's new defensive coordinator. Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike DeBord formerly held the same position at Michigan, but he hadn't coached in the college ranks since 2007 and hadn't coached at all since 2012. Bowling Green defensive coordinator Brian Ward was Western Illinois' defensive coordinator the last three years. Bowling Green returns only three starters from a defense that allowed 33.5 points per game to rank 108th nationally last season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Notre Dame's Zaire seeks to stay calm in start against Texas

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is concerned about quarterback Malik Zaire being overwhelmed in big moments as the 11th-ranked Fighting Irish open the season against Texas.

''He can be emotional at times. We have to transfer that into just being enthusiastic,'' Kelly said. ''I told him, `You don't have to be the reason that we won. You just can't be the reason why we lost.'''

The 6-foot, 220-pound lefthander got the start for the Music City Bowl against LSU last year because Everett Golson kept making turnovers that contributed to Notre Dame stumbling to an 8-5 record after a 6-0 start. Zaire will see his first significant playing time at home Saturday night, but dismissed talk about feeling like a rookie.

''You can only really feel like a rookie, in my opinion, if you aren't prepared, you aren't confident in what you're doing,'' Zaire said. ''That's kind of in my mind a rookie mentality where you're unsure of yourself. I've been able to be decisive in practice.''

While Zaire knows the job is his alone, Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes doesn't have that security.

Swoopes, who started 12 games last season and struggled mightily, knows he will be sharing time with redshirt freshman Jerrod Heard as he works to try to keep the job. Second-year Texas coach Charlie Strong isn't saying how the time will be divided. Swoopes said he and the rest of the Longhorns know they have to prove themselves.

''I think everybody kind of has a chip on their shoulder and is just kind of ready to go out there and show people what we've got,'' he said.

The two programs are playing each other for the first time since 1996. Expectations are high for the Irish with 15 returning starters. The Longhorns are coming off a 6-7 finish, including big losses in the final two games against TCU and Arkansas, and are depending on freshmen at key positions.

Other things to know about the Texas-Notre Dame game:

VETERANS VS. INEXPERIENCE:

Texas will start six freshmen, including two offensive linemen, and 24 figure in their two- and-three-deep lineup, with many listed as the top backups at key positions. The Irish have no freshmen starters and only two sophomore starters, although some freshmen are expected to contribute, most notably defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, tight end Alize Jones and place-kicker Justin Yoon.

TEXAS COULDN'T HOLD 'EM:

The Irish have a handful of players from Texas who could have an impact against the Longhorns, including wide receivers Corey Robinson of San Antonio and Torii Hunter Jr. of Prosper - the sons of former San Antonio Spurs great David Robinson and Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter. Robinson was second on the team in receiving last season with 40 catches while Irish coaches have been raving about Hunter, who was slowed by injuries his first two seasons.

KICKING CONTEST:

Texas senior kicker Nick Rose posted a video of himself this summer kicking a 70-yard field goal. His career long is 51. Yoon has been drawing praise from Kelly, who says the freshman has been making nearly 80 percent of his attempts from 40 to 49 yards.

NO WALKTHROUGH:

Texas coach Charlie Strong, an assistant at Notre Dame 1995-98, isn't bringing the Longhorns for the traditional walkthrough at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday because he knows how crowded campus gets. ''I don't want our guys chattering with their fans and hearing all that,'' he said.

COTTON BOWL MEMORIES:

Notre Dame played Texas three times in the 1970s with national championships at stake. The Longhorns won the 1970 game to claim the 1969 national title, were upset by the Irish the next season and Notre Dame upset the Longhorns again to win the 1977 national title.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NC State aims to build on 5-win turnaround, opens with Troy

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The next step for North Carolina State is finally here.

The Wolfpack had a five-win turnaround to reach eight victories in Dave Doeren's second season, ending with a bowl win that pumped plenty of optimism into the program. Saturday's opener against Troy marks the debut of a team that talks confidently about following that up by contending in a tough Atlantic Coast Conference division behind star quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

''It's not really to help people see what we can do,'' running back Matt Dayes said of the opener. ''It's just basically for ourselves to get the confidence early on and just keep building from that.''

N.C. State entered last season with fragile confidence after a three-win season in Doeren's first year that included the program's first winless ACC record in a half-century. But a strong finish provided a jolt of confidence, including a road rout of rival North Carolina.

''At this point ... you're around 43 to 44 practices (since spring) without a game,'' Doeren said. ''The guys are ready to get on the field and the coaches are ready to see them play.''

It also marks the first game for Troy coach Neal Brown. The 35-year-old coach is second youngest coach in the Bowl Subdivision and has returned to the program where he served as an offensive coordinator before stints at Kentucky and Texas Tech.

''It will be a different experience,'' Brown said. ''It's obviously the first time I'm going to run out there as a head coach, there will be some things that I will have to get used to, but I'm looking forward to it.''

Here are some things to know about Saturday's Troy-N.C. State game:

FAMILIAR FACE:

Troy's defensive coordinator should be very familiar with N.C. State. Vic Koenning spent the past three seasons running UNC's defense. ''We expect to see some of the same and some different from him,'' Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said, ''and that's kind of what you get in every opening game.''

NO THORNTON:

The Wolfpack won't have top rusher Shadrach Thornton due to a two-game suspension. His absence means a start and bigger role in a strong running offense for Dayes, a junior who had a big performance in a game when Thornton was suspended once before in 2013. ''It's a great opportunity,'' he said, ''and I've just got to take full advantage of it.''

TOP RECEIVER:

N.C. State will have to find a go-to receiver. Juniors Jumichael Ramos, Johnathan Alston and Bra'Lon Cherry figure to earn key roles, but it's the arrival of freshman converted running back Nyheim Hines that has created the most buzz. ''Whoever has the hot hand will play,'' Hines said. ''I believe each game there may be a different go-to guy until somebody separates themselves.''

EXPERIENCED SECONDARY:

N.C. State has plenty of experience back with all five starters returning to the secondary in a 4-2-5 scheme. ''We have a lot of guys that have been in the system for quite a long time,'' cornerback Jack Tocho said. ''There's no worry about miscommunication.''

TROY'S CHANGES:

Coach Neal Brown inherits a team that needs a boost on both sides of the ball. The offense averaged about 22 points last year, but returns quarterback Brandon Silvers and the team's top two rushers in Brandon Burks and Jordan Chunn. The defense allowed an average of 36.2 points in a three-win season. ''I think it is hard to speak on confidence until you've played,'' Brown said. ''If you want to talk about trust, I trust them.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

No. 12 Clemson faces defensive questions against Wofford

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables did not need a refresher on Wofford's option offense to get worried for Saturday's opener.

All the holes on the 12th-ranked Tigers' defense took care of that long ago.

Clemson was the country's No. 1 defense last year, allowing 260 yards a game to finish 10-3. But eight starters off that group are gone, including NFL first-round selections in defensive end Vic Beasley and linebacker Stephone Anthony - and Venables is waiting to see if his new starters can keep things going Clemson's way.

Wofford could make that difficult.

The Terriers of the Football Championship Subdivision have been among that division's best running teams for nearly two decades (they're ranked among country's top seven rushing teams each of past 17 years). The last time Wofford came to Death Valley in 2011, it led 24-21 in the third quarter before Clemson rallied to win 35-27.

Venables didn't need to go back that far, simply watching Wofford give Georgia Tech fits last season. The Terriers were down just 24-19 in the final quarter of Georgia Tech's 38-19 win.

''And was the same Georgia Tech team that kicked our butt,'' Venables said of Clemson's 28-6 loss to the Yellow Jackets two months later. ''That's what I saw.''

Clemson defense continued to take hits during fall football camp. Korrin Wiggins, one of three returning starters at nickel back, was lost for the year with a torn ACL. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader, an expected starter on the front four, stepped away from the team last month to handle what Clemson coach Dabo Swinney called ''personal issues'' with no timetable for a return.

Travis Blanks, returning from knee injuries the past two seasons, will take Wiggins' spot at linebacker while sophomore Scott Pagano or freshman Christian Wilkins are in line to fill Reader's role.

''It's exciting for the challenge,'' Venables said. ''And we will have to play really well to give ourselves a chance to win.''

---

Some things to watch when No. 12 Clemson plays Wofford:

CLEMSON'S FCS SUCCESS:

The Tigers are 29-0 all-time against teams from the Football Championship Subdivision since 1982. The only team to finish within single-digits of Clemson in that stretch? Wofford in 2011 when it fell at Death Valley 35-27. The Terriers 27 points are the most ever put up by an FCS school against Clemson.

WOFFORD LOOKING TO REBOUND:

Wofford missed the FCS playoffs for the second straight season last fall, something that had not happened since the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The Terriers have won three Southern Conference titles and gone to the national playoffs five times in the past eight seasons and are anxious for a return to the top. ''When you feel the pulse of this team, I think the kids are excited about the season,'' said Mike Ayers, who's starts his 28th season with the Terriers. ''They're a close-knit group.''

CLEMSON KICKER:

The Tigers enter the season without last year's place kicker Ammon Lakip, suspended for the first three games because of a drug arrest last June. Lakip was 21 of 28 on field goals last fall, improving his accuracy as the season went on. Walk-on Greg Huegel won the job in fall camp, out-performing scholarship kicker Alex Spence. Huegel won't truly be tested until the third game when Clemson starts Atlantic Coast Conference play at Louisville.

CROWDED BACKFIELD:

Clemson either has a lot of depth at running back or is still searching for a featured runner. Wayne Gallman, last year's leading rusher with 769 yards, is listed as the starter. Behind him, the Tigers depth chart lists four more runners expected to see playing time in C.J. Davidson, Tyshon Dye, C.J. Fuller and Zac Brooks.

NEW FACES:

The Clemson offensive three-deep lineup includes 13 freshman, including offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt who will make his first college start Saturday against Wofford. Other freshmen who'll play are receivers Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud and Trevion Thompson, tight end Garrett Williams and offensive linemen Justin Falcinelli and Jake Fruhmorgen.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WVU focused on Georgia Southern's triple-option run game

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) Weeks of film study and practice may not have been enough to get West Virginia ready for how it will go after Georgia Southern's triple-option run game.

Getting defenders spaced out properly on Saturday night could be the difference between West Virginia stifling an overmatched opponent or becoming the latest major-conference victim of the underdog Eagles.

''You have to attack the dive. You have to attack the quarterback, and you have to attack the pitch man,'' said West Virginia linebacker Jared Barber. ''Everybody has to do their job every play or they'll get out on us.''

In its inaugural season in the Bowl Subdivision, Georgia Southern's 4,573 rushing yards in 2014 were second nationally to Georgia Tech. The Eagles ran the ball 80 percent of the time, and the game plan may not be much different against the Mountaineers in Morgantown.

For West Virginia, there's little comfort in the fact that Georgia Southern quarterback Kevin Ellison, a 1,000-yard rusher, will sit out the game.

''This one will definitely test our mental focus, especially in the secondary with them running the ball so much,'' said West Virginia cornerback Terrell Chestnut.

Georgia Southern lost by a combined five points at North Carolina State and Georgia Tech last year. In 2013, the Eagles stunned Florida on its home field.

''They're not going to come in here intimidated,'' said West Virginia defensive coordinator Tony Gibson.

---

Here are some things to watch out for when the Mountaineers and Georgia Southern meet for the first time:

NEW QB:

Georgia Southern junior Favian Upshaw will get his first career start because Ellison is academically ineligible for the first two games. Upshaw played in 11 games as a backup a year ago, rushing for 385 yards and throwing for 285 more. ''He can do anything,'' said Georgia Southern coach Willie Fritz. ''We have a lot of confidence in him. He's got great composure and is very competitive.''

BORN TO RUN:

The game features running backs with solid credentials from both teams. Georgia Southern's Matt Breida compiled 1,485 rushing yards as a sophomore last season, including a pair of 200-yard games. He scored 18 touchdowns and averaged a whopping 8.7 yards per carry. The West Virginia tandem of Rushel Shell (788) and Wendell Smallwood (722) combined for 1,510 yards and nine touchdowns.

YOUNG PASS CATCHERS:

The Mountaineers will need plenty of help at wide receiver to make up for the graduations of second-team All-American Kevin White and Mario Alford, who combined for nearly 2,400 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in 2014. Getting the call as a starter is freshman Jovon Durante, who had only 11 catches as a high school senior in Miami. Coach Dana Holgorsen has talked about the speedy Durante's potential but said ''until it happens in a game, I am going to reserve the right to sit here and brag about him.'' Another new starter is sophomore Shelton Gibson, who caught four passes last season and emerged as a kickoff returner at midseason.

SPECIAL TEAMS ON WATCH:

West Virginia was terrible returning punt and kickoffs last season, and the watch is on for any improvement. K.J. Dillon is expected to handle both duties for the Mountaineers, who averaged a measly 3 yards per punt return a year ago.

QB'S HOME DEBUT:

West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard will make his first start at Mountaineer Field after subbing for the injured Clint Trickett in two games at the end of last season - a win at Iowa State and a Liberty Bowl loss to Texas A&M. ''He knows how to execute this offense,'' said West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen. ''He has a chip on his shoulder, and he is ready to play.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Gators hope to improve under McElwain

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) Florida's passing game was difficult, maybe even impossible, to watch the last five years.

Deep balls were mostly non-existent. Tight ends were an afterthought. Creativity was conjecture. Productivity was three touchdowns.

Forget the Fun `n' Gun. With all the jokes surrounding the Gators' paltry passing game, the offense should have been dubbed the Run `n' Pun.

New coach Jim McElwain plans to return Florida to passing prominence, or at the very least, respectability. His first chance comes Saturday night against New Mexico State, a seemingly overmatched opponent that managed just five victories in the last three years.

McElwain has a strong vision for rebuilding the Gators. It includes better facilities, a few extra bodies working behind the scenes and bolstering recruiting efforts, and - maybe most importantly - better offensive efficiency.

''As hungry as (fans) are, I guarantee you that I'm twice as hungry to see and get after it,'' McElwain said. ''Yet, we still have to find out what they're capable of. For us, we want to discover some explosive playmakers and really stretch the field. One of the things we've stressed is trying to put the ball down the field vertically and not worry as much horizontally.''

Florida ranked 114th, 107th and 104th in passing yards the last three years, way down from the Tim Tebow era and significantly below when Steve Spurrier's ''Fun `n' Gun'' started revolutionizing the Southeastern Conference 25 years ago.

Florida hired McElwain to turn things around. He has directed several high-powered offenses, including recent stops at Fresno State, Alabama and Colorado State.

Getting it done at Florida won't be an overnight fix. After all, he hasn't even settled on a starting quarterback.

McElwain picked sophomore Treon Harris to start over redshirt freshman Will Grier in the opener. Harris is expected to play three or four series before turning things over to Grier. McElwain believes competing under the lights and in front of nearly 90,000 fans will help decide the outcome of the competition.

Florida has other concerns, too. Although tight end Jake McGee, running back Kelvin Taylor and receivers Demarcus Robinson and Brandon Powell are considered the team's top playmakers, the offensive line is a seemingly shaky unit with little experience and even less depth.

''I'm excited,'' guard Trip Thurman said. ''We've never really had an offensive coordinator that stayed here. With McElwain being an offensive guy, I think that's really the key to getting Florida's offense back on track the way they've been in the past.''

Florida's defense should be stout as usual.

Former coach Will Muschamp left behind a deep and talented unit, and new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins made few changes. The Gators will blitz more, which should create more turnovers and put the revamped offense in better spots.

''Kind of looking forward to seeing what our identity is going to be,'' McElwain said. ''This will be the first chance to give us a chance out there and see what we are, what we're all about. ... I know what we want it to be. There are certain things that we want our guys to be able to do and show.''

Offensive prowess tops the list.

Here are some other things to know about Florida and New Mexico State heading into the opener:

FLORIDA DEBUTS:

Don't read too much into McElwain's first game. Former Florida coaches Ron Zook and Muschamp enjoyed dominating debuts, with the Gators pounding Alabama-Birmingham 51-3 under Zook in 2002 and thumping Florida Atlantic 41-3 under Muschamp in 2011. Florida edged Wyoming 32-14 in Urban Meyer's opener, and Meyer went on to lead the Gators to two national titles in three years.

ABOUT THE AGGIES:

New Mexico State ranked last (128th) in rushing defense in the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2014 and 116th in total defense. The Aggies also have lost 10 in a row.

INJURIES:

Florida likely will be without two projected starters. Safety Keanu Neal and left tackle Martez Ivey are considered doubtful.

SUSPENSIONS:

The Gators will be without safety Marcus Maye, defensive end Alex McCalister and receiver Latroy Pittman because of an undisclosed violation of program policy.

MORRISON RETURNS:

Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison is expected to start and play, eight months after reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

No. 21 Stanford, Northwestern look to show old winning form

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) Along with their sterling academic reputations, No. 21 Stanford and Northwestern share at least one more thing in common: Both want to show they can play winning football again.

That starts Saturday when they meet in a season opener.

''It's the opportunity of a lifetime,'' Northwestern safety Traveon Henry said. ''Some say this is a bowl game for us. Some say it's the academic bowl. There's a lot built into it. We respect those guys a whole lot. They have a great model and we've seen them have success.''

Stanford is trying to show that a strong finish last year was not just a late-season tease. The Cardinal closed with a three-game winning streak to finish 8-5 after playing in BCS bowls the previous four seasons.

Northwestern is trying to improve on back-to-back 5-7 seasons after making bowls the previous five years and going 10-3 in 2012. It's been a difficult stretch for a team that looked as if it was ready to challenge the Big Ten powers, with the losses mounting and the unionization issue hovering above the program.

The school recently won an appeal with the National Labor Relations Board, settling that issue at least for now. A victory Saturday would go a long way toward showing coach Pat Fitzgerald's team is returning to form.

---

Some things to watch when Stanford visits Northwestern:

NEW FACES:

Only one team in the nation gave up fewer points per game last season than Stanford (16.4) and that was Ole Miss (16.0). The Cardinal also led the Pac-12 in rushing and passing defense while holding opponents to league-low 282.4 yards overall. But they come into this season with some big holes on the line and in the secondary. The secondary took several hits with safety Jordan Richards graduating, cornerback Alex Carter jumping to the NFL after three seasons, cornerback Wayne Lyons transferring to Michigan and safety Zach Hoffpauir getting taken by Arizona in major league baseball's draft and signing with the Diamondbacks. The Cardinal are also inexperienced on the defensive line with Henry Anderson in the NFL.

''There was a little bit of a concern at the beginning of the camp, but now I am confident,'' coach David Shaw said. ''We have the talent to do it.''

EXPERIENCE BEHIND CENTER:

Last year was not an easy one for Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan. After leading Stanford to two Rose Bowls, he had to deal with the death of his father during his junior season. He still threw for 2,792 yards and 19 touchdowns on the year and was particularly good down the stretch, completing 76.3 percent of his passes over the final three games. With 24 wins as a starting quarterback, Hogan trails only Ohio State's Braxton Miller (26) among active FBS players.

INEXPERIENCE BEHIND CENTER:

While Stanford comes in with an experienced quarterback, Northwestern will be starting a freshman in Clayton Thorson. A dual threat who starred at suburban Wheaton North High School, about 40 miles from Ryan Field, he beat out senior Matt Oliver and sophomore Matt Alviti to replace Trevor Siemian.

GOOD START:

Northwestern's Justin Jackson made quite an impression when he ran for 1,187 yards last season and joined Tyrell Sutton (1,474 in 2005) as the only Wildcats freshmen to run for 1,000. He figures to be tested right from the start even if Stanford has some new faces on defense.

CARDINAL RUN:

Six straight seasons with at least a 1,000-yard rusher and years of overpowering opponents with the run game came screeching to a halt in 2014. Remound Wright led the team with 601 yards, but Stanford is counting on big gains on the ground again. One reason for that is Christian McCaffrey, who ran for 300 yards and averaged 7.1 per carry as a freshman. He added a few pounds in hopes of becoming stronger without sacrificing the speed that made him a threat in the passing game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Falk in charge as Wazoo opens season

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) The quarterback gets much of the attention in Mike Leach's Air Raid offense. But the receivers are just as important, and Washington State will use an array of them in the season opener against Portland State on Saturday.

''We'll play eight of them,'' Leach said this week.

That's in addition to throwing often to running backs Jamal Morrow, Gerard Wicks and Keith Harrington.

Last season, the Cougars threw for a school-record 5,732 yards. Not one of those yards came from Gabe Marks, who red-shirted. But Marks figures to be one of the top passing targets this season, along with River Cracraft, Dom Williams, Robert Lewis and Tyler Baker.

Leach had declined during fall camp to say whether Luke Falk would be his starting quarterback, insisting the veteran was in a battle with Peyton Bender. This week, Leach announced that Falk would start against the Vikings. Falk filled in ably last season when starter Connor Halliday broke his leg in the ninth game of the season.

Leach declined to predict how many games he thought the Cougars would win this season, after going just 3-9 last year. But he did allow that this might be the most talented team in his four seasons in Pullman.

''Definitely in the offensive line and defensive line for sure,'' Leach said.

Portland State also finished 3-9, but they are an FCS team that plays in the Big Sky Conference. They figure to be overmatched in Martin Stadium, where they lost 59-21 last season. Portland State will pick up a $525,000 check for its efforts.

The Vikings are led by first-year coach Bruce Barnum, who is working on a one-year contract.

''It forces you to be mistake-free and play fundamental football,'' Barnum said of opening against Washington State. ''That's a challenge for us.''

Washington State has never lost to an FCS team, and the Cougars are looking for a much better start than last season, when they opened with upset losses to Rutgers and Nevada.

Portland State's quarterback will be junior college transfer Alex Kuresa, who threw for 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns last season at Snow College. He also rushed for 592 yards and eight touchdowns. Kuresa beat out senior Kieran McDonagh, who has started 29 games for the Vikings.

Portland State rushed for 2,500 yards last season, and Steven Long (605 yards) is back.

Things to watch in Saturday's game:

RETURN WOES:

Washington State hasn't returned a kickoff for a touchdown since 2003, or a punt for a touchdown since 2005. That may change this season behind explosive kick returner Tavares Martin and punt returner Kyrin Priester. They will be aided by blockers who will likely be bigger and faster than Portland State's tacklers.

LUKE WARM:

WSU led the nation in passing offense last season at 477.7 yards per game, and doesn't seem likely to step back from that behind Falk, who threw for 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns in relief of Halliday last season.

NEW DEFENSE:

Washington State gave up 38.6 points per game last season, so Leach fired defensive coordinator Mike Breske and replaced him with Alex Grinch from Missouri. Grinch must improve a defense that ranked No. 97 nationally in total yards allowed and was largely blamed for the Cougars' poor record. Outside linebackers coach Roy Manning and receivers coach Graham Harrell are also new.

WARM SEAT:

Leach has sparked plenty of interest in WSU football, helping push attendance to more than 30,000 per game. But he also makes more than $2.7 million per year, the best paid employee in the state, and has an overall record of 12-25 at WSU.

WILDFIRE:

Washington State is offering free game tickets to people affected by the massive wildfires in the state this summer. The school is also offering one end zone ticket to Saturday's game to anyone who donates three food items or a case of bottled water, which will go to food banks in towns impacted by the fires.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Kansas State to lean on defense in opener vs South Dakota

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) Bill Snyder is just as keen as anybody else to see how Kansas State's new-look offense, led by sophomore quarterback Jesse Ertz, will fare in its opener against South Dakota on Saturday.

Part of that is he doesn't have to spend much time wondering about his defense.

One of the best units in the Big 12 last season returns most of its playmakers, including three starters in the defensive backfield. In fact, every player listed first on the depth chart has started or played significant minutes during their careers with the Wildcats.

That stands in glaring contrast to the offense, where the departure of prolific passer Jake Waters and record-setting wide receiver Tyler Lockett have produced plenty of questions.

''There are a lot of things in place that would tell you they have a chance to be pretty good,'' Snyder said of his defense. ''Ask me after the first game. ... I might have a better idea.''

''Might'' is the operative word. The Coyotes won just twice in the FCS last season, so there is a good chance Snyder won't know a whole lot more after Week 1.

The strength of Kansas State's defense is unquestionably its defensive backfield, a good thing in the pass-happy Big 12. Senior safety Dante Barnett is on watch lists for every major award, including the Walter Camp and Bednarik awards. Morgan Burns started 12 games last season, while fellow cornerback Danzel McDaniel is a preseason All-Big 12 pick.

The only newcomer to the group is Kaleb Prewett, who fought his way into the lineup with a strong fall after appearing in six games as a freshman a year ago.

''As a defense, you always want to go out there and get stops,'' Barnett said. ''The offense, we lost a few pieces, but we have players who are ready to step up and play.''

OK, even the guys on defense are curious about seeing how the offense fares.

Elijah Lee, Will Davis and Charmeachealle Moore give the Wildcats veteran linebackers, and Jordan Willis, Travis Britz, Will Geary and Marquel Bryant form a formidable front.

That's a stiff challenge for the Coyotes, who return eight starters on offense from a group that was ravaged by injuries during their 2-10 season a year ago.

''They have a wonderful program. I think we all know the job their coach has done down there,'' said fourth-year coach Joe Glenn, who won national championships at Northern Colorado and Montana before a stretch in the FBS with Wyoming. ''They're very fundamentally sound.''

South Dakota is flush with experience, too. Eight are back on offense and 10 on defense.

''We're sick and tired of losing,'' said linebacker Keyen Lage, one of their captains. ''Most of us have come from big high schools, played in big games.''

They'll be playing in another big one Saturday. Here are some things to keep in mind as the Coyotes prepare to visit the Wildcats:

SPEAKING OF BIG GAMES:

Don't expect South Dakota to be intimidated by playing at Kansas State. The Missouri Valley school visited Oregon last year, and have played just down the road at Kansas and at Northwestern the past few years.

STADIUM RENOVATIONS:

The Wildcats will unveil another massive stadium renovation, this time to the north side of the field. That is where teams will enjoy spacious new locker rooms and fans will be able to view replays on a massive new video board.

QUARTERBACK COMPARISON:

Ertz earned the job for Kansas State even though the sophomore has never thrown a college pass. On the opposite side, Ryan Seager will start for the fifth time for South Dakota after filling in for the injured Kevin Earl for a four-game stretch last season.

RUN, RUN, RUN:

The Wildcats struggled to run last season, especially when Waters got banged up - they lean heavily on quarterback runs. But with Charles Jones returning in the backfield and an experienced offensive line, Kansas State wants to get back to its running roots.

SERIES HISTORY:

Kansas State has never lost in three games against South Dakota, the last meeting in 1982. But the Coyotes have had success against schools from major conferences before, upsetting Minnesota 41-38 in 2010.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Is Oregon QB Vernon Adams ready for the spotlight?

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) In perhaps the ultimate irony of college football's opening weekend, quarterback Vernon Adams makes his debut for Oregon against his former team, Eastern Washington.

The No. 7 Ducks face the Big Sky's Eagles on Saturday in Autzen Stadium.

Oregon Coach Mark Helfrich says the game is more about how Adams fares with the Ducks than how he fares against his former team.

''It is a rare and somewhat unfortunate set of circumstances that it is him versus them,'' Helfrich said. ''It's not that.''

Adams announced in February that he would transfer to Oregon for his senior season, taking advantage of an NCAA rule that allowed him to join the Ducks without sitting out a season after he wrapped up his degree at Eastern Washington. He arrived at fall camp several days late because he had to take one last final exam.

Adams, a repeat Big Sky offensive player of the year, passed for 10,438 yards and 110 touchdowns while rushing for 11 more in 37 career games with the Eagles. He has eight games with five or more scores.

But he's got big shoes to fill in replacing Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, arguably the best quarterback in Oregon's history. Now with the Tennessee Titans, Mariota led the Ducks to a 13-2 record and a spot in the championship game of college football's first playoffs.

So all eyes will no doubt be on Adams, including his coach's.

''Some guys go out and throw the ball 205 miles an hour over a guy's head and you're like, OK. You know their first throw is out of the way,'' Helfrich said. ''All that stuff, getting hit, getting in the flow of the game, is important and what's their reaction to it is the important thing.''

SCOUTING THE EAGLES:

Eastern Washington was ranked No. 6 in the preseason FCS coaches poll after going 11-3 and winning the Big Sky last season. The Eagles' season ended with a loss to Illinois State in the playoff quarterfinals. Adams' replacement is Jordan West, who made four starts as an injury replacement and three other appearances last season, throwing for 1,072 yards and nine touchdowns with one interception.

VERSATILE DUCK:

Charles Nelson caught 23 passes for 327 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman last season. Oh, and he also rushed 11 times for 101 yards. And he returned 11 punts for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Then in spring practice this year he played at cornerback. He's back listed at receiver this season, but Nelson could really turn up anywhere. ''He would play ever down of every game if he had his way - and if the coaches had their way,'' Helfrich said.

RUNAWAY DUCKS:

Oregon's backfield will be led by sophomore Royce Freeman, a power back listed at 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, who finished with 1,365 yards rushing last season - a Pac-12 true freshman record - and 18 touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass. He was named the league's freshman of the year on offense. The Ducks are without running back Thomas Tyner for the season after shoulder surgery. Tyner, a homegrown prep star, appeared in 11 games last season, gaining 573 yards and scoring five touchdowns, primarily serving as the backup to Freeman while he struggled with injuries.

HISTORY:

The two teams have never met. Oregon has a 13-0-2 all-time record against Big Sky opponents; the Ducks won the last one 69-0 against Portland State in 2010. The Eagles, meanwhile, have seen success in recent years against Pac-12 opponents - with Adams at quarterback. The team upended Oregon State 49-46 in Corvallis to open the 2013 season, then came close against Washington 59-52 last season at Husky Stadium.

RANDOM RECORD WATCH:

Oregon has thrown a touchdown pass in 68 consecutive games, a Pac-12 record and one shy of the national record set by Texas Tech from Sept. 23, 2006, to Oct. 22, 2011.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mississippi State striving for fast start vs. Southern Miss

Mississippi State feels confident about its ability to beat Southern Mississippi for a second straight season.

That's not surprising. After all, the Bulldogs crushed the Golden Eagles 49-0 in 2014.

But this matchup has an added degree of difficulty.

Southern Miss gets to host a Southeastern Conference opponent for the first time since 1989 when the Bulldogs come to town on Saturday. Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott - who enters the season as one of the leading Heisman Trophy candidates - expects a rowdy atmosphere that must be respected and neutralized quickly.

''Being the leader, being on the road in an in-state rivalry, we have to go and start off fast and slow the crowd down, quiet them a little bit and then make sure that we have the momentum to control the game from beginning to end,'' Prescott said.

Prescott will play his senior season behind an offensive line with three new starters, including left tackle Rufus Warren. The Bulldogs do have an experienced receiving corps led by junior De'Runnya Wilson.

Southern Miss enters the game a three-touchdown underdog after a 4-32 record over the past three seasons. Third-year coach Todd Monken led the Golden Eagles to a 3-9 record last season after a 1-11 mark in 2013.

Not surprisingly, Monken is concerned with stopping Prescott.

''What he does is he doesn't make mistakes, he is accurate and he can beat you with his feet or his arm,'' Monken said.

---

Some things to watch when Southern Miss hosts Mississippi State for the first time since 1989:

DAK PRESCOTT RETURNS:

Senior quarterback Dak Prescott returns for his final season at Mississippi State. He enters the season as one of the nation's top Heisman Trophy candidates after a stellar junior season that helped propel the Bulldogs to a No. 1 ranking for five weeks. Prescott threw for 3,449 yards last year and 27 touchdowns while also running for 986 yards and 14 touchdowns.

MSU'S NEW OFFENSIVE LINE:

Prescott is a known commodity, but the same can't be said about most of the offensive line. There are three new starters up front, including left tackle Rufus Warren, who is a converted tight end.

DEFENSIVE LEADERS:

Mississippi State is looking for some new defensive leaders after the departure of linebacker Benardrick McKinney, who is now in the NFL. Some of the likely candidates for a breakout season are cornerback Will Redmond, linebacker Beniquez Brown and defensive lineman Chris Jones.

USM QUARTERBACK RACE:

Junior quarterback Nick Mullens has started most of the past two seasons for Southern Mississippi, but he's been pushed by TCU transfer Tyler Matthews during preseason camp. There's a good chance both will see playing time against the Bulldogs.

KEEPING IT CLOSE:

Southern Miss is a three-touchdown underdog in its first home game against a Southeastern Conference opponent since 1989. The reason is simple: The Golden Eagles have a 4-32 record over the past three seasons. Southern Miss coach Todd Monken says his team has much more talent than last season, when the Golden Eagles lost to Mississippi State 49-0 in Starkville.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF Tech Trends - Week 1
By Bruce Marshall

Saturday, Sept. 5

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge


OLD DOMINION at EASTERN MICHIGAN

ODU has been road chalk once, covering at Idaho in 2013. Monarchs 3-3 vs. points away LY compered to 1-5 at Norfolk. EMU 4-7-1 vs. line for Creighton LY, 10-25-1 overall vs. number since 2012, 5-11 last 16 vs. line at Ypsilanti.

Slight to ODU, based on EMU woes.


NEW MEXICO STATE at FLORIDA

McElwain debut for Gators. Jim M was 21-8 vs. line his last 19 at CSU, and 9-3 last 12 as home chalk with Rams. Gators were 3-1 as DD chalk LY and covered both at home vs. lower-echelon non-SEC foes. Ags 1-10 vs. line away since 2013, 4-10 as DD dog that span.

Florida, based on McElwain and NMSU trends.


PENN STATE at TEMPLE

Owls no SU wins vs. Penn State since pre-Pearl Harbor 14-0 job in 1941, 30 SU losses in row since! But not James Franklin was 0-3 as road chalk LY for Nittany Lions, and PSU 0-4 as single-digit chalk a year ago. After 7-1 dog mark in Matt Rhule debut in 2013, Temple sagged to 3-5 record in role LY, but Owls still 13-7 vs. spread last 20 on board since mid 2013.

Slight to Temple, based on recent trends.


FAU at TULSA

Montgomery Tulsa debut. Golden Hurricane just 3-9 vs. line since 2013 at home, 3-7 as chalk overall that span. Crushed 50-21 at FAU LY. Owls 14-4 as visiting dog since 2012, 3-2 in role for Partridge LY. FAU was 12-2 vs. line away in 2012-‘13 prior to 3-4 spread mark in role LY.

FAU, based on team trends.


VIRGINIA at UCLA

Cavs played Bruins tough LY en route to covering 5 of 7 as doggie, now 7-2 last 9 getting points. UCLA only 2-4 vs. line at Rose Bowl LY, first losing spread mark at home since Bob Toledo’s last season of 2002. Bruins also 0-4 as DD chalk in 2014 after Mora was 6-2 in role previous two years.

Slight to Virginia, based on team trends.


STANFORD at NORTHWESTERN

David Shaw just 3-6 as visiting favorite past two years, but Tree was 5-0 as DD chalk in 2014. Pat Fitzgerald just 8-16 vs. spread past two years after losing just once vs. line in 2012. Cats were 2-1 as home dog LY, but just 1-5 vs. spread last six vs. non-Big Ten foes.

Stanford, based on team trends.


LOUISVILLE vs. AUBURN (at Georgia Dome, Atlanta)

Petrino 5-2 vs. line away from Papa John’s LY but only 2-2 overall as dog. Cards were 8-1 as dog 2011-13 under Charlie Strong, bulk of that damage occurring in 2011 when 6-1 in role. After Auburn’s 13-game cover streak ended early last season, Malzahn just 2-9 vs. line thereafter, and Tigers only 3-7 as chalk in 2014 after 6-2 record in role previous year. Gus still 24-15 vs. line since 2012 at Ark State & Auburn.

Slight to Auburn, based on extended Malzahn marks.


ARIZONA STATE vs. TEXAS A&M (at NRG Stadium, Houston)

Todd Graham just 3-7 as dog at ASU, but was 2-2 in role LY. Sun Devils 2-5 vs. line last seven vs. non-Pac 12 foes. Graham only 13-14 vs. spread since 2013. Ags a bit worse lately, just 9-17 vs. spread since 2013, 5-11 last 16 on board, 2-7 last 9 as chalk. Though A&M was 4-3 vs. points away from Kyle Field LY.

Slight to ASU, based on recent trends.


BYU at NEBRASKA

Riley Husker debut! Riley 1-1 SU and vs. spread against Bronco Mendenhall in 2011-12. Note that Riley OSU teams were 8-15 as home favorite from 2009-15, and his Beavers were 1-5 overall as chalk LY. His teams are 11-23 their last 34 as chalk. Huskers 6-8 as home chalk for Pelini past two years. Bronco was 8-2 as dog 2011-13 before 1-3 LY, all dog 2014 games after Taysom Hill injury.

BYU, based on team trends.


TROY at NC STATE

Neal Brown Troy debut. Trojans 7-4-1 as DD dog since 2012 though just 3-6 last nine vs. line against non-Belt. Dave Doeren 10-4 as DD chalk since 2012 (6-1 at NIU in 2012) and covered last 3 vs. non-ACC foes LY.

NC State, based on team trends.


UNLV at NORTHERN ILLINOIS

Sanchez UNLV debut! Rebs were 8-4 vs. line as visitor past two years after 5-20 spread mark away previous four years. But Rebs 1-8 vs. number last 9 vs. non-MW away from Sam Boyd Stadium. Huskies only 1-4 as DeKalb chalk LY, but are 20-14 as favorite since 2012.

NIU, based on UNLV extended road non-MW woes.


AKRON at OKLAHOMA

Stoops very middling in most spread categories lately, but is 6-2 last 8 vs. line when hosting non-Big 12 foes. OU 7-7 laying DD since 2013, 6-4 last 10 laying 20 or more. Bowden just 3-5 as DD dog since 2013, and Zips just 8-14-2 overall vs. spread past two years.

OU, based on team trends.


BOWLING GREEN vs. TENNESSEE (at Nissan Stadium, Nashville)

This game at Titans’ Stadium, and Vols were 3-4 as reg season chalk LY. Counting bowl win, UT 4-4 as chalk LY for Butch, improvement over 5-12 chalk mark 2012-13. BG 5-3-1 as dog since 2013 and 3-2-1 in role LY, 6-4 vs. line since 2013 against non-MAC foes.

Slight to Bowling Green, based on team trends.


ULM at GEORGIA

Richt only 4-7 as DD chalk since 2013, 2-3 laying 30 or more. ULM 3-5 as DD dog since 2013, 1-2 as dog of 30 or more since 2014, just 3-8 last 11 vs. line against non-Belt.

Slight to Georgia, based on recent ULM non-Belt mark.


UL-LAFAYETTE at KENTUCKY

Hudspeth only 5-5 as dog past two years but was 11-1 in role 2011-12. Ragin’ Cajuns also 0-4 as DD dog since 2013 after 5-1 mark previous two years in role. ULL 2-6 vs. spread last 8 vs. non-Belt FBS foes. Mark Stoops 5-1 as home chalk past two years, Cats 12-4 as Commonwealth Stadium chalk since 2010. Stoops 5-1 as DD chalk since 2013. Cats covered all four non-SEC games LY.

Kentucky, based on team trends.


UTEP at ARKANSAS

Miners improved to 3-3 as road dog LY after 0-6 mark in role previous year. Kugler 2-9 as DD dog past two years though 0-6 in 2013 in role. Bielema 3–0 as home chalk LY (all as DD chalk) and Hogs now 11-3 vs. number last 14 since late 2013. Bielema has not laid more than 26 ½ as Arkansas coach until this game.

Arkansas, based on team trends.


GEORGIA SOUTHERN at WEST VIRGINIA

GS 2-0 as DD dog LY for Willie Fritz, 3-0 in role since late 2013. Mounties 3-9 as chalk past two years, 4-17 last 21 in role. WVU 3-9 vs. spread at Morgantown since 2012.

Georgia Southern, based on team trends.


TEXAS at NOTRE DAME

Irish just 11-16 last 27 vs. line, and just 6-9-1 vs. spread last 16 at South Bend. Brian Kelly 5-11 as chalk past two years. Charlie Strong 3-5 as dog in difficult Texas debut LY but was 8-1 as dog in previous three years at ‘Ville. Horns 5-1 vs. spread away from Austin in reg season LY.

Texas, based on team trends.


TEXAS STATE at FLORIDA STATE

Franchione 4-0 as road dog LY, 6-1 overall as dog in 2014. Texas State also covered last six games in 2014 en route to 9-3 spread mark. Jimbo 1-6 as home chalk LY after 6-0 mark in role for 2013, also 1-8 as DD chalk in 2014 after 8-2-1 mark in role in 2013.

Texas State, based on recent trends.


WISCONSIN vs. ALABAMA (at Jerry Jones AT&T Stadium, Arlington)

Chryst Wiscy debut! Badgers 6-2-1 as dog since 2012, 11-4-1 since 2009. Though Wiscy only 7-10 last 17 on board overall. Nick only 3-9 vs. spread last 12 laying points away from Tuscaloosa, and 2-8 vs. number last 10 reg season games away from Bryant-Denny.

Wisconsin, based on team trends.


MISSISSIPPI STATE at SOUTHERN MISS

Dak only 4-5-1 as chalk LY despite MSU emergence. Bulldogs 3-3-1 as DD chalk LY. USM 0-4 as home dog LY and just 4-7-1 vs. line overall, though that was improvement from back-to-back 3-9 spread marks that preceded 2014. Golden Eagles were 2-2 as DD dog LY, but just 3-13-1 vs. line at home since 2012.

MSU, based on USM negatives.


ARKANSAS STATE at SOUTHERN CAL

Sark 2-3 as DD chalk LY, 7-9 in role since 2011 counting UW days. Trojans 13-22 as DD chalk since 2009, though Sark was 2-0 laying 20 or more LY. SC 4-9 vs. spread against non-Pac 12 foes since 2012. Ark State only 2-5 vs. spread since 2012 as visitor vs. non-Belt foes, but is 7-5 as DD dog since 2010. Note Trojans “over” 36-16 since 2011, Red Wolves “over” 35-17 same span.

“Over” and slight to Ark State, based on team trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Wisconsin at Alabama September 5, 8:00 EST

When it comes to running the ball, few teams matched the successes boasted by Wisconsin last year as Badgers racked up 320.1 rushing yards/game. This is going to be a test for Alabama which prides itself on being solid defensively with a run stop unit holding opponents to 102.4 rushing yards/game. "Oh yeah" Saban's troops are no slouches at the run game grinding out 206.6 RYG and will also be tested as Badgers hold foes to 126.1 rushing yards/game. Since both run the ball and defend the ground game effectively eating up the clock scoring production should be at a premium. Consider 'Under' in this neutral site game knowing Alabama is 3-1 'Under' L4 away from Bryant-Denny Stadium with the total set at =< 55, Wisky 5-2-1 'Under' L9 away from the comfort of home field with a total =< 55.


Ohio State at Virginia Tech September 7, 8:00 EST

Ohio State's lone blemish last season came at the hands of Virginia Tech in week-2 falling 35-21 as 10 point home favorite. Buckeyes suspending All-America defensive end Joey Bosa, receiver Corey Smith, H-backs Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson for opener have been pegged 11.5 point road favorites down from an opening 14.5 point chalk. Buckeyes haven’t exactly lived up to expectations as double digit favorite going 1-4 ATS last five overall, 1-4 ATS last five as DD road chalk. On the flip side, Hokies have cashed 10-of-12 as home underdogs, 3-of-4 at home handed double digits.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NCAA Football Picks: Virginia at UCLA Expert Predictions
by Alan Matthews

I find Coach Jim Mora Jr.'s UCLA Bruins to be one of the five most interesting teams in the nation this season, and I'm not a fan of theirs in the least, although they probably do have the best uniforms in college football. UCLA opens the season Saturday at home against Virginia.

I'd argue the Bruins have the one of the most talented teams in the nation and the most in the Pac-12 with 18 starters back. There are future NFL players all over the field, coached by Mora, a past and likely future NFL coach. Just one problem: UCLA is starting a true freshman under center, and the only true freshman quarterback to win a National Championship was Oklahoma's Jamelle Holieway in 1985. He took over in the fourth game that year when Sooners starter Troy Aikman went down with injury. So maybe that's good karma for the Bruins because Aikman would later transfer to UCLA.


Virginia at No. 13 UCLA Betting Story Lines

That freshman is Josh Rosen, and he's got about the about the best prep pedigree you could get, starring at St. John Bosco High in California, a powerhouse, and was the No. 1 ranked pocket passer in the Class of 2015. He also enrolled in January to get a head start on things. Rosen beat out Jerry Neuheisel, who was Brett Hundley's backup last season. Hundley is really all that UCLA lost on that side of the ball. Running back Paul Perkins rushed 251 times for 1,575 yards and nine scores a year ago. And leading receiver Jordan Payton caught 67 balls for 954 yards and seven TDs.

Defensively, likely 2016 NFL first-round pick and linebacker Myles Jack leads eight starters back. He was second on the team with 88 tackles, 8.0 for loss, and had seven passes defended. Jack also carried the ball in nine games, finishing with 113 yards on 28 carries and three scores. However, the news isn't all good. Junior cornerback Ishmael Adams has been suspended indefinitely following a robbery arrest early last Sunday morning. He allegedly used force to take a cell phone from an Uber driver. Adams was first-team All-Pac 12 last year. He had 41 tackles and returned both interceptions he had for touchdowns. Adams also was good return man.

There's no question that Miami's Al Golden is on the hottest coaching seat in the ACC, but a close second is Virginia's Mike London. He has recruited really well since arriving in 2010 but has just one winning season to show for it, in 2011. The Wahoos did improve by three wins to 5-7 last year. But I'm skeptical he will be back in 2016 because of UVa's schedule. It definitely has the toughest nonconference schedule in the nation: this game, next week vs. No. 11 Notre Dame, then a scrimmage vs. William & Mary before hosting No. 23 Boise State. I haven't found any other Power 5 team facing that many ranked nonconference foes. I suppose the good news in the conference is that Virginia avoids Florida State and Clemson from the Atlantic Division. So perhaps if London can go 2-2 out of conference, a bowl berth is possible to keep his gig.

But Virginia brings back just 10 starters, among the worst nationally. Matt Johns is your starting quarterback. He beat out Greyson Lambert this spring, and so Lambert transferred to Georgia and recently won that job. Nice upgrade for him. Johns went 89-for-162 for 1,109 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions last season as a sophomore, playing in every game and starting three when Lambert was hurt. The Cavs' offense ranked 11th in the 14-team ACC in total yards per game (374), 10th in points (25.8) and sixth in passing yards (236.4) in 2014.

Defensively, Virginia lost just about its entire pass rush as defensive end Eli Harold and linebackers Max Valles and Henry Coley combined for 24 sacks and have moved on. The UVa front seven was very good last year. Now it's question mark. At least Freshman All-American safety Quin Blanding is back. He became the first Virginia true freshman to start a season opener at one of the two safety positions since Tony Blount in 1976. Blanding finished the regular season No. 2 in the ACC and No. 12 nationally with 123 tackles. That led the nation for freshmen.

Virginia and UCLA met in Charlottesville to open last season, and the Bruins won ugly 28-20 as 18-point favorites (total was 50.5). The Bruins scored three defensive touchdowns in the second quarter. One was an Adams 20-yard interception return. Perkins rushed 16 times for 80 yards, while Payton caught eight balls for 98. Johns split time with Lambert and was 13-for-22 for two touchdowns. The UVa defense sacked Hundley five times. The Cavaliers had a first down at the Bruins' 19 late in the game but couldn't do anything from there with Johns under center.

Virginia at No. 13 UCLA Betting Odds and Trends

UCLA is 19.5-point favorite with a total of 56. The Bruins are -1000 on the moneyline. The Cavs are 4-0 against the spread in their past four nonconference games. UCLA is 7-3 ATS in its past 10 in September. The "over/under" has gone under in six of Virginia's past seven. It is 4-1-1 in UCLA's past six at home. The Bruins are 9-1 SU in their past 10 as a home favorite of at least 18 points but 5-5 ATS.

Free NCAA Football Picks: Virginia at No. 13 UCLA Expert Betting Predictions

No question UCLA will win. How ready is Rosen? That determines whether the Bruins cover. But I like that this is spread under three touchdowns, so I'll say they do. Not sure Virginia will score more than 10, and UCLA should get at least to 30. Go under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Balmoral Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Post: 7:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 71 - Purse:$12500 - 2 YEAR OLD FILLY STAKE ELIMINATION


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 LEXINGTON LADY 2/1


# 6 CHAR N MARG 5/2


# 4 NARCISSISTIC 9/2


LEXINGTON LADY looks really strong to best this pack. This horse may have some hidden form, a trip to the winner's circle would be a pleasant surprise. Worth considering here given the stats in the speed rating department alone. Had one of the best TrackMaster Speed Ratings of the field of horses in her last contest. I'd recommend using in your plays. CHAR N MARG - Overall figures appear nice. Can't throw out at this point. May be the most compelling in the group here, showing great rankings of late. Average speed is a solid 71. NARCISSISTIC - A really good class horse should not be be forgotten. With an avg class rating of 68 all signs point to yes. Always excellent driver/trainer partnership. 22 percent winners when they team up to do work.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 11 - Post: 8:35 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 95 - Purse:$21000 - INVITATIONAL


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 BLUEHOURPOWER 6/1


# 5 ASTREO'S LOVE 12/1


# 6 LATEST DESIRE 9/2


The consensus in here is that BLUEHOURPOWER is the one to beat. He has very nice class statistics, averaging 95. Worth considering for a bet today. This trainer, and the driver Miller, go together like a hand in a glove. Their results together are terrific. Driver-trainer are a potent duet when teaming up on a common interesting entrant. 60 percent return on investment lately. ASTREO'S LOVE - A very nice win pct has been earned by entrants starting from the 5 post. LATEST DESIRE - Pace figures fit the bias well here at Hoosier Park, look for this one to get the top prize. Considered a solid bet based solely on his high triumph stat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Columbus

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $3800 Class Rating: 78

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2015. THREE YEAROLDS, 118 LBS., OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 5 ALLOWED,3 LBS.; CLAIMING PRICE $2,500.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 BUFFALO CREEK HAWK 8/1


# 1 SAINT CHOCOLATE 3/1


# 2 MAJOR EDGE 4/1


BUFFALO CREEK HAWK has a formidable shot to take this contest particularly if the morning line of 8/1 holds. The rapid return to racing points to a reliable effort this time around. Have to consider solely on class, with some of the best class figures of this group. With a solid 70 average speed fig at the distance, seems well suited for today's affair. SAINT CHOCOLATE - Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this horse look formidable in this contest. Has posted strong Equibase speed figs in dirt sprint races in the past. MAJOR EDGE - Looks solid to be on the lead at the first call. Could beat this group of horses in this race given the 75 speed rating recorded in his last outing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delaware

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 70

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 5 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 CON GEE 9/5


# 6 FLEET TALK'N MISS 5/2


# 5 GITANILLA 3/1


I've got to go with CON GEE. Prominent in earnings per start at the distance/surface in this field. Has been racing in the most competitive company of the group of horses recently. She has earned very good numbers under today's conditions and will almost certainly fare well against this group of animals. FLEET TALK'N MISS - Has performed soundly as of late in route races, posting a nifty 56 avg speed figure. Will most likely be one of the early speedsters of the pack going into the midpoint of the race. GITANILLA - Is a solid contender - given the 64 speed fig from her most recent race. Is worth thinking about and may be a bet - strong speed figures (53 average) at today's distance and surface lately.