Top 25 Preview Capsule
SATURDAY
No. 1 Alabama (3-0, 0-0 SEC) at No. 10 Arkansas (3-0, 1-0), 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Line: Alabama by 7.
Series Record: Alabama leads 10-8.
Last Meeting: 2009, Alabama 35-7.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
In the first matchup of two top 10 teams in Fayetteville since 1979, Arkansas can put itself into this year's national title race by knocking off defending champion Alabama. The Crimson Tide will go after their fifth straight victory against a top-10 opponent and their first this season after going 4-0 last season.
KEY MATCHUP
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett vs. Alabama's new defense. Mallett managed a season-low 160 yards on 12-for-35 passing at Alabama last year, but the Crimson Tide have just two starters back from that dominating defense. A strong performance will boost Mallett, the nation's No. 3 passer, toward the front of the Heisman Trophy race.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alabama: DE Marcell Dareus. Alabama has had only two sacks through three games this season. Dareus, who had a team-high 6 1/2 sacks last season, didn't play in two of those games and could lead the charge as the Tide try to disrupt Mallett.
Arkansas: Can someone in Arkansas' stable of running backs have a big enough day to take some of the pressure off Mallett in a pass-oriented offense? The Razorbacks haven't had a 100-yard rusher in their last eight games, and the Tide haven't allowed one in 37 games.
FACTS & FIGURES
Arkansas is 4-11 against No. 1-ranked teams. ... Alabama's 19 points allowed are the fewest for the team through three games since it yielded only nine to Georgia Tech, Baylor and Vanderbilt to start the 1979 season. ... The Tide host No. 9 Florida next week, then play at No. 12 South Carolina. ... Ronnie Caveness, a center and linebacker on Arkansas' 1964 national championship team, will be honored at halftime. He'll be inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in December. ... Bama has won 13 of the 20 meetings on the field, but has vacated two wins and forfeited another.
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Eastern Michigan (0-3) at No. 2 Ohio State (3-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Ohio State by 44.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Not much, judging from the line. The Buckeyes needed to fill out the schedule with another home date before opening Big Ten play next week at Illinois and Eastern Michigan, which has lost its last 15 games, needed an $850,000 check to underwrite its athletic program. Ohio State's third- and fourth-teamers should get lots of work.
KEY MATCHUP
Ohio State vs. itself. The Buckeyes have been Keystone Kops on kick coverage so far, allowing one punt and two kickoffs (one disallowed by a penalty) to be returned for touchdowns. In addition, they've had a punt and a field goal blocked. Much of the problem has been missed assignments. Priority one will be tightening things up and throttling the Eagles early.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Eastern Michigan: QB Alex Gillett's numbers don't point to a winless team. He's completed 58 percent of his passes in three games. But he'll have to be mobile to avoid Ohio State's rush, while making quick decisions such as short passes to TB Dwayne Priest and WR Ben Thayer if he wants to avoid a long afternoon.
Ohio State: DE Cameron Heyward always seems to be around the ball. So far in just three games, he's returned an interception 80 yards, had a tackle in the end zone for a safety and picked up a fumble for a short return. The Buckeyes figure to turn him loose, along with fellow DE Nathan Williams and DTs Dexter Larimore and John Simon, to see what havoc they can create.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Eagles have lost 15 in a row, all under coach Ron English. ... Eastern Michigan is 4-1 against Jim Tressel, all of the games taking place between 1986-90 when Tressel was the head coach at Division I-AA Youngstown State and the Eagles were (as now) in the bowl division. ... Tressel and English will be wearing patches on their sleeve to promote the cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, part of an initiative by the coaches' association. ... Ohio State leads the nation in turnover margin (+3.33). ... EMU has never beaten an Associated Press Top 25 team in five tries, and this is the first time it has played one ranked above No. 10.
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No. 24 Oregon State (1-1) at No. 3 Boise State (2-0), 8 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Boise State by 17 1/2.
Series Record: Oregon State leads 4-2.
Last Meeting: 2006, Boise State won 42-14.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
This could be the most talented team left on Boise State's schedule. After hosting Oregon State, the Broncos enter a lull in their schedule with their next major test likely to come at the end of November with games against Fresno State and at Nevada. Oregon State would love to make up for their opening loss against TCU by taking out the other non-automatic qualifier threatening to bust the BCS. The Broncos have won 56 straight regular-season games at home.
KEY MATCHUP
RB Jacquizz Rodgers vs. Boise State front seven. Boise State's underrated defense held Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams to 44 yards rushing in the opener, then stymied Wyoming into minus-21 yards on the ground last week. But the Broncos have yet to face someone with the shiftiness or versatility of Rodgers. As a freshman, he had 213 combined yards and two touchdowns in an upset of then-No. 1 USC.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oregon State: WR James Rodgers. The pass catching Rodgers' brother was relatively quiet in the Beavers first two games. Against TCU, James had four catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. Louisville did an even better job, holding Rodgers to three catches for 27 yards. Last year Rodgers had 11 catches in his third game. Seems like Rodgers is due for another breakout game.
Boise State: WR Austin Pettis. He was benched last week against Wyoming after somersaulting into the end zone on a 58-yard touchdown reception. Coach Chris Petersen didn't take too kindly to Pettis' display, sitting the lanky senior who caught the game-winning score against Virginia Tech.
FACTS & FIGURES
Oregon State painted one of its practice fields blue this week in preparation for blue turf in Boise. ... Beavers have won three of last four games against teams ranked in the top five in AP Top 25 - all Pac-10 foes. ... ESPN's College GameDay will broadcast from Boise on Saturday morning, on the blue field at Bronco Stadium. First time popular telecast has visited. ... Latest home opener for Boise State since 1969 when Broncos hosted Whitworth College on Sept. 27. Boise State was in second year of being a four-year school.
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No. 5 Oregon (3-0) at Arizona State (2-1), 10:30 p.m. (Fox Sports Net)
Line: Oregon by 9 1/2.
Series Record: Arizona state leads 16-14.
Last Meeting: 2008, Oregon won 44-21.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
After rolling over its first three opponents by a combined score of 189-13 and Oregon opens conference on the road against a better-than-expected Arizona State team. The Sun Devils played No. 11 Wisconsin close on the road last week and will be the first big test for the Ducks in their bid to repeat at Pac-10 champs.
KEY MATCHUP
Arizona's run defense vs. LaMichael James. Arizona State has been pretty good defensively through the first three games, but the Sun Devils haven't seen anyone like James. Oregon's sophomore running back has been a highlight reel since missing the first game due to a suspension, including a 227-yard performance against Portland State last week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oregon: QB Darron Thomas. The sophomore has had no trouble handling the awkward transition of replacing Jeremiah Masoli, who was dismissed from the team. Thomas has thrown for 562 and eight TDs in three games, including a four-touchdown performance before halftime against Portland State.
Arizona State: WR Aaron Pflugrad. The junior played the first two years of his career at Oregon and was projected to be a starter after a strong spring game in 2009, but transferred to Tempe. He's had a team-best 15 catches for 165 yards the first three games and, despite saying otherwise, will likely be geared up to face his former team.
FACTS & FIGURES
Arizona State doesn't play at home again for 34 days after Saturday, with the next three games on the road. ... Oregon's offense is averaging a point a minute this season. ... The Sun Devils had kick returns of 97 and 95 yards against Wisconsin last week, but lost by one after having an extra point blocked. ... The Ducks have two shutouts - in three games, no less - in a season for the first time since 1964. ... Arizona State's defense leads the nation in three-and-outs possessions, averaging 3.75 per game. ... Oregon leads the nation in total and scoring offense, along with total and scoring defense.
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South Dakota State (0-2) at No. 6 Nebraska (3-0), 7 p.m. (PPV)
Line: None.
Series Record: Nebraska leads 1-0.
Last meeting, 1963, Nebraska 58-7.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Nebraska gets a final tuneup before starting Big 12 play at Kansas State on Oct. 7. The best scenario for the Cornhuskers is to avoid injuries and play everybody in uniform. South Dakota State, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, gets a rare chance to play on the big stage.
KEY MATCHUP
Kyle Minnet vs. Nebraska's defensive line. The Jackrabbits are probably not capable of pounding away at the Huskers' front four, but that won't stop them from trying to run. Minnet is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The Huskers could stand to shore up their rush defense before going against Kansas State star Daniel Thomas in two weeks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
South Dakota State: The Jacks need all the poise QB Thomas O'Brien can muster. He started seven games last season, including one at Minnesota, but Memorial Stadium is an entirely different animal. He's already thrown five interceptions in two games. He must be better or this one will get ugly.
Nebraska: Backup QB Cody Green figures to get significant playing time, just the tonic to rebuild his confidence. Green fumbled twice in two snaps at Washington, with one of them setting up a Husky touchdown. He needs to be ready down the road if Taylor Martinez goes down.
FACTS & FIGURES
Nebraska has scored on its first drive in each of its three games... South Dakota State is Nebraska's first FCS opponent since Nicholls State in 2006... The Jackrabbits have lost five of their last six games, with four of those losses by 10 or more points... The Huskers have 22 plays of 20 yards or longer... SDSU is allowing 222 rushing yards a game to rank 104th in rush defense in FCS. Nebraska averages 344 yards on the ground to rank fourth in FCS.
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UCLA (1-2) at No. 7 Texas (3-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Texas by 15 1/2.
Series Record: Tied 2-2.
Last Meeting: 1998, UCLA won 49-31.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Texas is desperate to crank up its sputtering offense a week a before meeting Big 12 rival No. 8 Oklahoma in Dallas. The Bruins are trying to maintain momentum after they beat up then-No. 23 Houston for their first win of the season. Longhorns fans haven't forgotten the last time the Bruins came to Austin in 1997 and humiliated Texas 66-3.
KEY MATCHUP
UCLA's big offensive line vs. a Texas defense that has proved it can sack a quarterback but has yet to face a running team like the Bruins. Texas freshman end Jackson Jeffcoat has been a standout pass rusher but weighs just 238 pounds. The Longhorns haven't given up more than one offensive touchdown in any game this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Texas: Pick a tailback. Any tailback. Just make it a healthy one. Fozzy Whittaker gets the start for the second straight week but he and backups Tre' Newton and Cody Johnson have struggled with nagging injuries and the running game is in slow motion.
UCLA: TB Johnathan Franklin. He rushed for a career-high 158 yards and three touchdowns last week against Houston, the most yards by a Bruins back since 2007.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Bruins have lost 15 straight against ranked opponents on the road. Texas is 4-3 against Pac-10 teams since 1999 ... A rematch for UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who was at USC when the Trojans lost to Texas 41-38 in the 2006 BCS championship game ... The first of a two-game contract. Texas travels to UCLA next season.
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No. 8 Oklahoma (3-0) vs. Cincinnati (1-2), 6 p.m. (ESPN2)
Line: Oklahoma by 18.
Series Record: Oklahoma leads 1-0.
Last Meeting: 2008, Oklahoma won 56-26.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Oklahoma wants to start 4-0 for the first time since 2008 and take some momentum into its next game, Oct. 2 against No. 8 Texas at the Cotton Bowl. The Bearcats desperately need a good showing. The two-time defending Big East champs have already lost twice as many games as last season and are in danger of falling to 1-3 for the first time since 2006.
KEY MATCHUP
WR Ryan Broyles vs. Cincinnati's inexperienced defense. The junior receiver made his collegiate debut during a 52-26 win over Cincinnati in Oklahoma in 2008, setting a school freshman record with 141 yards on seven catches. He has six straight 100-yard receiving games and has scored at least one touchdown in five of the last six. He'll be facing a defense that has no senior starters.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oklahoma: DE Jeremy Beal has four tackles for a loss and a pair of sacks. He had 11 sacks last season, the fourth-best total in school history. Cincinnati hasn't been able to protect QB Zach Collaros, sacked 15 times already - matching the Bearcats' total for last season. Cincinnati's offensive line has already been revamped.
Cincinnati: RB Isaiah Pead missed most of the last two games with a swollen knee. Without their top returning rusher, the Bearcats had to rely on Collaros, who ran 22 times for only 32 yards against North Carolina State. If Pead can't get some yards on the ground, Bearcats are in for a tough time.
FACTS & FIGURES
The game is at Paul Brown Stadium, the Bengals' home field. It's the second time Cincinnati has played there. The last time produced one of the most memorable games in school history. A dropped pass in the end zone allowed Ohio State to hold on for a 23-19 win on Sept. 21, 2002. The Buckeyes went on to win the national title. ... Oklahoma hasn't played in Ohio since Sept. 24, 1977, when Uwe Von Schamann's field goal in the closing seconds gave the Sooners a 29-28 win at Ohio State. They'll play in Columbus again in 2017. ... Oklahoma is accustomed to playing in NFL stadiums. They played in the Cowboys' and Dolphins' stadiums last season. ... It concludes a two-game series for the schools.
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Kentucky (3-0) at No. 9 Florida (3-0, 1-0 SEC), 7 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: Florida by 14.
Series Record: Florida leads 43-17.
Last Meeting: 2009, Florida 41-7.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
One of the longest winning streaks in college football. The Gators have won 23 in a row in the series, the second-longest active streak between two Football Bowl Subdivision teams in an uninterrupted series. Kentucky's last win came on Nov. 15, 1986.
KEY MATCHUP
Florida's defense vs. QB Mike Hartline, RB Derrick Locke and WR Randall Cobb. Kentucky's talented trio is among the league leaders in several categories. Hartline ranks third in passing yards, Locke is the SEC's leading rusher and scorer, and Cobb is eighth in receptions.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kentucky: LB Danny Trevathan, who attended high school about an hour from Gainesville, has led the Wildcats in tackles all three games. He has 25 tackles, including six for loss.
Florida: RB Jeff Demps is the only player in the country with a run longer than 70 yards and a kick return longer than 50 yards. He averages 196.7 all-purpose yards a game, which leads the SEC and ranks third in the country. He carried a career-high 26 times last week at Tennessee.
FACTS & FIGURES
Coaches from both teams will wear Coach to Cure MD patches Saturday to raise awareness and funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research. ... Kentucky hasn't turned the ball over this season, ranking 16th nationally and second in the SEC with a turnover margin of plus-4. Florida ranks second in the nation and leads the league at plus-7. ... Kentucky has won seven consecutive games when scoring 30 or more points. ... The Wildcats haven't beaten a ranked team since 2007, haven't defeated a ranked team on the road since 2002 and haven't knocked off top-10 team from the SEC on the road since 1964. ... Kentucky RBs coach Larry Brinson played at Florida (1973-76), running for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. ... The Gators have won 23 consecutive regular-season games, including 13 straight at home.
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Austin Peay (2-1) at No. 11 Wisconsin (3-0), Noon (Big Ten Network)
Line: None.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Wisconsin has a final tuneup game before Big Ten Conference play begins at Michigan State on Oct. 2. The Badgers have said they aren't going to run up scores to impress poll voters, but have had close calls in recent years with FCS opponents. Austin Peay has already played one FBS team, losing to Middle Tennessee 56-33 on Sept. 11.
KEY MATCHUP
Wisconsin's offensive line vs. Austin Peay's defensive line. It's definitely a mismatch on paper, with the Badgers' projected starting five averaging 321 pounds to 278 pounds for Austin Peay's front four. If 252-pound running back John Clay gets through the line, watch out - every Governors player left in the back seven weighs at least 20 pounds less than Clay. Cornerback Sheldon Brown is the smallest at 156 pounds.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin Peay: RB Ryan White. The 2009 Ohio Valley Conference rushing leader had 112 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against Tennessee State last week for his first 100-yard rushing performance this season.
Wisconsin: DE David Gilbert. Gilbert is replacing injured linebacker Chris Borland in the ``Badger package,'' a defense that features three defensive linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs that Wisconsin likes using in passing downs. Borland's athleticism allowed the Badgers to hide a variety of blitzes. Gilbert is much taller than Borland and undersized for an end in Wisconsin's scheme.
FACTS & FIGURES
Wisconsin has 27 straight nonconference wins. ... Austin Peay is playing a Big Ten opponent for the first time in school history. ... Clay has nine straight 100-yard games and has scored at least one touchdown in each. ... The Governors returned to scholarship football in 2006 and were picked to finish seventh out of nine teams in the OVC's preseason poll. ... Austin Peay beat Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan. in 1987.
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No. 12 South Carolina (3-0, 1-0 SEC) at No. 17 Auburn (3-0, 1-0), 7:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Auburn by 3.
Series Record: Auburn leads 6-1-1.
Last meeting: Auburn 24-17, Sep. 28, 2006.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Respect and holding ground in the SEC divisional races. Auburn actually dropped a spot in the rankings after an overtime win over Clemson. South Carolina is seeking only its ninth 4-0 start and first since 2001.
KEY MATCHUP
Auburn has the SEC's top rushing offense while South Carolina's defense is stingiest against the run. The Tigers have three of the league's top-10 runners. The Gamecocks are giving up just 60 yards a game on the ground and haven't allowed a rushing TD.
Players to Watch
South Carolina: RB Marcus Lattimore. Highly touted freshman has been offense's workhorse, while Auburn's defense is still somewhat thin. If forced to load up against the run, cornerbacks could be vulnerable to big plays against Gamecocks' taller receivers.
Auburn: QB Cam Newton. Newton has been a formidable runner and mixed in some big plays in the passing game. This could be a time when he'll be called on to win with his arm, though his scrambling might also provide the best chance for sizable runs.
FACTS & FIGURES
These teams have only met four times since South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, and Auburn has won all four meetings. It's the first time they've played when both teams were ranked. The Auburn leads the nation in pass efficiency mostly because it averages the most yards per attempt (11.8) and touchdown percentage (13.73). Gamecocks have lost five straight SEC road games, dating back to win over Kentucky on Oct. 22, 2008. South Carolina has scored on all 12 red zone opportunities, including 10 touchdowns.
San Jose State (1-2) at No. 13 Utah (3-0), 8 p.m. EDT (no TV)
Line: Utah by 31 1/2.
Series record: Utah leads 5-1.
Last Meeting: 2009, Utah 24-14.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Utah is coming off one-sided wins over UNLV and New Mexico and is looking for a final tuneup before a week off, then three road games in October. San Jose State is just trying to survive a brutal first month that included road games against top-ranked Alabama, No. 11 Wisconsin and now the 13th-ranked Utes.
KEY MATCHUP
Utah's defensive front vs. San Jose State's sputtering offense. Utah more than doubled its season total with five sacks last week against New Mexico and faces a San Jose State team that is averaging just 244 yards of offense and 11 points per game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Jose State: LB Vince Buhagiar, a freshman who moved from offense to defense midway through training camp and is tied for the team lead with 20 tackles.
Utah: WR/KR Shaky Smithson has returned punts for touchdowns in each of the last two games. He is one short of Steve Smith's school record of three in a season, set in 1999.
FACTS & FIGURES
Utah moved up to No. 13 in this week's AP Top 25, the Utes' highest ranking since finishing the 2008 season at No. 2. ... Utah QB Jordan Wynn resumed throwing this week after missing the last two games with a sprained right thumb. Coach Kyle Whittingham said Wynn was likely to play Saturday, but would not say whether the Utes would still start Terrance Cain for a third straight game. ... San Jose State hasn't visited Salt Lake City since 1974, when the Spartans won 24-6 for their only victory in the six meetings. ... The Spartans are playing three teams from the state of Utah this season. Their first win under coach Mike MacIntyre came on a late touchdown to beat Southern Utah 16-11 last week. The Spartans also host Utah State in November.
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No. 22 West Virginia (3-0) at No. 15 LSU (3-0), 9 p.m. (ESPN2)
Line: LSU by 9.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
LSU and West Virginia both seek to remain undefeated and continue to move up in the rankings with a noteworthy out-of-conference victory.
KEY MATCHUP
West Virginia running back Noel Devine against LSU's stout defense. Devine has averaged 118 yards rushing and has been held to no fewer than 111 yards in a game, while the Tigers' defense is allowing 80.3 yards rushing per game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
West Virginia: QB Geno Smith was 19 of 29 for 268 yards and four TDs in a 31-17 win over Maryland last weekend. Devine rushed for 131 yards against the Terrapins, while reserve DE Bruce Irvin emerged as a serious pass-rushing threat with three of Mountaineers' eight sacks last weekend.
LSU: CB Patrick Peterson had two interceptions in LSU's victory over Mississippi State and remains a threat to return kicks and punts for scores. DT Drake Nevis leads LSU with 3 1/2 sacks and got his first career interception last week. WR Russell Shepard is a threat in both the passing game and running game. His two longest gains of the season were on 50- and 30-yard TD runs.
FACTS & FIGURES
West Virginia is 22-18-2 all-time against current members of the Southeastern Conference, going 1-1 against the SEC under current coach Bill Stewart. ... WVU is 15-3 when Devine rushes for 100-plus yards ... Mountaineers receiver Jock Sanders has a reception in 31 straight games ... West Virginia's average yards passing (267) is more than double that of LSU (120). ... LSU is seeking a fourth straight 4-0 start and seeks to extend its longest-in-the-nation 30-game regular season winning streak against nonconference teams. ... LSU coach Les Miles is 24-1 with the Tigers in nonconference games. The only loss came against Penn State in last season's Capital One Bowl. ... LSU is 1-3 against current Big East members, but hasn't played a current Big East team since losing to Syracuse in the 1989 Hall of Fame Bowl.
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No. 16 Stanford (3-0) at Notre Dame (1-2), 3:40 p.m. (NBC)
Line: Stanford by 4 1/2.
Series Record: Notre Dame leads 17-7.
Last Meeting: 2009, Stanford won 45-38.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Off to its best start in nine years, Stanford still has yet to be tested. That's about to change, with the trip to Notre Dame kicking off what should be the toughest three weeks of the Cardinal's season. Games at Oregon and against USC follow. With two straight losses and six in its last seven games, not to mention an oh-fer in its last 10 games against ranked opponents, Notre Dame just wants a win.
KEY MATCHUP
QB Andrew Luck vs. Notre Dame's secondary. Luck is the best quarterback the Irish will see this year, with 10 touchdown passes already this year and the third-best pass efficiency ranking (192.31) in the country. He's a challenge for any team, but Notre Dame's injury-plagued secondary has been a problem. It's allowing almost a first down per pass and 250 yards passing a game - and its opponents haven't exactly been pass-happy teams.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stanford: WR Chris Owusu. The big-play receiver came back from a reported knee injury last weekend in a big way, with touchdowns on each of his first two drives. He wasn't in on kick returns - he returned three for scores last year - but coach Jim Harbaugh said that's coming soon, and the Irish are fully expecting to see him on special teams.
Notre Dame: S Jamoris Slaughter. The starter was sidelined by a sprained ankle against Michigan and Michigan State (he got in for one play in East Lansing), and the Irish lost both games. Coaches praise him for both his leadership and play, and his return should help settle a secondary that's been a series of moving parts the first three weeks.
FACTS & FIGURES
Stanford hasn't won in South Bend since 1992, when it upset the sixth-ranked Irish 33-16. ... Notre Dame hasn't beaten a ranked opponent since Sept. 9, 2006. ... Stanford is trying to go 4-0 for the first time since 1986. ... Dating back to last season, Notre Dame has lost six of its last seven games, all by a touchdown or less. ... Stanford is averaging almost 52 points a game, third-best in the country. ... Harbaugh was 2-0 against Notre Dame when he played at Michigan. ... The first game in the series was the 1925 Rose Bowl.
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Ball State (1-2) at No. 18 Iowa (2-1), 12 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
Line: Iowa by 28
Series Record: Iowa leads 1-0
Last Meeting: 2005, Iowa won 56-0
WHAT'S AT STAKE
With Big Ten play on the horizon, Iowa needs to shore up its special teams and offensive line play. Both were shaky in a 34-27 loss at Arizona last week. Ball State put up a fight in losing to Purdue 24-13 last week, and a good showing at Iowa could give the Cardinals momentum heading into MAC play.
KEY MATCHUP
Ball State's offensive line vs. Iowa's defensive ends. The Cardinals lost left tackle Camerton Lowry to a torn ACL last week. That's not good news heading to Iowa City, given that Hawkeyes ends Adrian Clayborn and Broderick Binns are two of the best in the Big Ten.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ball State: KR Eric Williams. He's averaging over 36 yards on kickoff returns this season, while Iowa has proven to be one of the nation's worst in kickoff coverage. If Williams can give the Cardinals short fields to work with, Ball State has a chance to hang around.
Iowa: RB Adam Robinson. Jewel Hampton's season-ending knee injury leaves the top spot to Robinson, who had been sharing duties with Hampton. Robinson, who's rushed for 270 yards this season, has a punishing style but needs to stay productive and healthy for the Hawkeyes. Freshmen Marcus Coker and De'Andre Johnson will serve as backups.
FACTS & FIGURES
Iowa will wear 1960-era throwback uniforms to commemorate the tenure of former coach Forest Evashevski, who died in 2009...Ball State has gone 61 games without being shut out, though the Hawkeyes blanked the Cardinals 56-0 in their only meeting five years ago...Ball State coach Stan Parrish lost to Iowa 38-13 in 1987 and 45-10 the following year as the head coach at Kansas State.
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No. 20 Southern California (3-0) at Washington St. (1-2), 3 p.m. (FSNNW)
Line: Southern Cal by 22.
Series Record: Southern Cal 57-8-4.
Last Meeting: 2009, Southern Cal won 27-6.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Southern Cal is banned from Pac-10 title or bowl game because of NCAA penalties, but still wants to make a statement after three lackluster wins. Washington State looking to prove it has made improvements under third-year coach Paul Wulff, and hopes to break seven-game losing streak to Trojans.
KEY MATCHUP
USC defensive line vs. WSU's young and maligned offensive line. The Trojans are vulnerable to the pass, and WSU QB Jeff Tuel and talented receivers could hurt them if Tuel gets time. Southern Cal's deep running back corps, led by Allen Bradford and Marc Tyler, could exploit a WSU defense that gives up 180 yards per game on the ground.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Southern California: QB Matt Barkley has thrown for nine touchdowns with just two interceptions this season. Bradford and Tyler have each topped the 100-yard rushing mark in a game.
Washington State: QB Jeff Tuel made his college debut against USC last year, and is having a good season. Receivers Marquess Wilson and Jared Karstetter are standouts.
FACTS & FIGURES
USC has lost only three times in Pullman since the series started in 1921. ... Lane Kiffin trying to become first USC coach since Jess Hill in 1951 to begin his Trojans' career at 4-0. ... Southern California has no players from Washington, while WSU has 42 California kids. ... WSU ranks near bottom of NCAA in rushing, defense and points allowed. ... USC ranks near bottom of NCAA in pass defense. ... WSU has 11 straight losses to FBS teams.
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Bowling Green (1-2) at No. 21 Michigan (3-0), noon (ESPN2)
Line: Michigan by 25 1/2.
Series record: Michigan leads 1-0.
Last Meeting: 2000, Michigan won 42-7.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Michigan's defense has a lot to prove after letting Massachusetts move the ball easily on the ground and through the air, adding up to 37 points last week in a close call. The Wolverines would like to get backup quarterbacks Devin Gardner and Tate Forcier along with backup running backs some experience, but they'll play Denard Robinson and Michael Shaw play as much as necessary to win. For the Falcons, it would the upset in program history.
KEY MATCHUP
Bowling Green WR Kamar Jorden vs. Michigan DBs. Jordan leads the nation with 34 receptions, three more than Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles, and he has to like what he's seen on film from the Wolverines. Michigan's inexperienced secondary has been the weak link of its team, allowing 61 catches for 808 yards and four touchdowns.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Michigan: Denard Robinson had the 10th-best day offensively in school history against UMass after setting a team record in the opener and breaking it against Notre Dame with 502 yards of offense. Coach Rich Rodriguez's first priority is to win Saturday and his second is to get Robinson some rest. Seth Broekhuizen and Brendan Gibbons have combined to make only 1 of 5 field goals, leading to a student approaching Rodriguez in a parking lot this week and asking for tryout.
Bowling Green: Aaron Pankratz or Kellen Pagel are expected to take the first snap for the first time, replacing Matt Schilz, who left last week's game against Marshall with a shoulder injury. Pankratz was 5 of 8 for 111 yards, helping turn a tied game into the fourth quarter into a 44-28 victory. RB Willie Geter had 100 yards rushing and 86 yards receiving against Marshall.
Facts & Figures
Robinson is averaging a nation-best 186.3 yards rushing and 410 yards total offense. ... Bowling Green is 3-13 against ranked teams since 1996, beating No. 25 Pittsburgh two years ago. ... Michigan ranks 11th in the Big Ten in total defense (439 yards a game) in first downs allowed (65) and is among the conference's worst with just two sacks in three games. ... The Falcons fell at Troy 30-27 in their opener and then 33-20 at Tulsa.
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Temple (3-0) at No. 23 Penn State (2-1), 3:37 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
Line: Penn State by 13 1/2.
Series Record: Penn State leads 35-3-1.
Last Meeting: 2009, Penn State won, 31-6.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Off to their best start since 1979, the surging Owls can get a measure of their rebuilding progress against in-state rival Penn State. The Nittany Lions have one final tuneup before Big Ten play and hope to stay free of injuries and build running game momentum. An unlikely Temple win would boost coach Al Golden's resume and send Penn State fans into message-board hysterics.
KEY MATCHUP
RB Bernard Pierce vs. Penn State defense. Temple is touting Pierce as a Heisman Trophy candidate, and there's no better stage to prove his worth than against the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. If Pierce and the Owls' experienced offensive line can wear down a defense plagued by missed tackles at times, Temple might - might - have a chance to keep things close.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Temple: DE Adrian Robinson led the Mid-American Conference last season with 13 sacks. He has one sack so far this year, but did force a fumble and returned it for a touchdown last week against Connecticut. Penn State's offensive line hasn't allowed true freshman QB Rob Bolden to get sacked.
Penn State: RB Evan Royster. While pass blocking may be a strength, the front five has been inconsistent on the run. Royster has just 110 yards on 31 carries, with the senior splitting more time than fans expected with backups Stephfon Green and Silas Redd. Coach Joe Paterno says Royster is fine, and that he isn't worried about his production.
FACTS & FIGURES
Royster's slow start has him inching away at the school career rushing record, 371 yards behind Hall of Famer Curt Warner (3,398 between 1979-82). ... Golden played tight end for Paterno at Penn State from 1987-91, while Owls defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio played linebacker. They were Penn State captains together their senior season in Happy Valley. ... Penn State has outscored Temple 154-9 since Golden took over the Owls in 2006. ... Penn State has eight turnovers, though the defense has forced just two - a pair of interceptions.
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Northern Colorado at No. 25 Michigan State (3-0), noon (Big Ten Network)
Line: No line.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Michigan State won't admit it publicly, but this matchup with second-tier Northern Colorado comes at the perfect time. The Spartans beat Notre Dame in an overtime thriller last weekend, and coach Mark Dantonio had a mild heart attack immediately afterward. Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell is filling in for Dantonio, and Michigan State has every reason to be distracted. The Spartans will simply try to avoid the upset.
KEY MATCHUP
Michigan State RBs Le'Veon Bell and Edwin Baker vs. the Northern Colorado defensive front. Bell and Baker have already combined for 694 yards on the ground, and each is averaging over 8 yards per carry.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Northern Colorado: QB Dylan Orms has thrown for six touchdowns and only one interception and will need to take care of the ball for the Bears to stay close.
Michigan State: LB Greg Jones, a returning All-American, leads the Big Ten in tackles. He and the Spartans hope to shut down Northern Colorado in what could be a mere tuneup for games against Wisconsin and Michigan in early October.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Spartans moved into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2008 after beating Notre Dame. ... Michigan State has rushed for over 200 yards in all three games this season. ... Northern Colorado is trying for its first 3-1 start since 2003. The Bears won three games all last season. ... Michigan State WR B.J. Cunningham is one reception short of 100. ... Northern Colorado WR Jace Davis has caught at least one touchdown pass in each of the first three games.
