Well not sure if this is a omen or not but neither of my books have their lines up so I guess I will sleep on the Michigan play and reevaluate in the morning.
Rivals Week Early Look
- Thread starter Master Capper
- Start date
what do u guys in big 10 country think of iowa -3 vs wisky---is it time to bet against undefeated team that lost previous week?
I really respect Ferentz, he should be gobbled by bigger power id think by now ... kinda line youd think would draw wisky $$$
not sure iowa can run vs them tho ... but their qb impresses me
I really respect Ferentz, he should be gobbled by bigger power id think by now ... kinda line youd think would draw wisky $$$
not sure iowa can run vs them tho ... but their qb impresses me
Let's see how close these come in. I have NOT checked on any stats. These appear to be the winner in each matchup.
South Carolina+3
Virginia-7
Conn-40.....Buffalo used all their points this past weekend l
Wisky-3
Oklahoma-45....looks like they cover and the over total..easy
Tennessee-30..Cutler still has not recovered from previous injury..many walking wounded on defense....bench isn't dip enough to fend off Tenn 2nd string bench which will see playing time.
Southern Miss- up to 14
Nevada+23...now we all know the books won't let Fresno Cover
UNLV+7'...same as above
Fla International..whatever the points
Probably The Best bet of the above is probably Conneticut....and over the total.
We'll see next Sunday Morning....gl
South Carolina+3
Virginia-7
Conn-40.....Buffalo used all their points this past weekend l
Wisky-3
Oklahoma-45....looks like they cover and the over total..easy
Tennessee-30..Cutler still has not recovered from previous injury..many walking wounded on defense....bench isn't dip enough to fend off Tenn 2nd string bench which will see playing time.
Southern Miss- up to 14
Nevada+23...now we all know the books won't let Fresno Cover
UNLV+7'...same as above
Fla International..whatever the points
Probably The Best bet of the above is probably Conneticut....and over the total.
We'll see next Sunday Morning....gl
Tease,
I always respect your opinions and you do have some valid points. Ginn and Nugent are two very special players who can individually determine the outcome of any given contest.. They are truly the X factor here.
Honestly though, Tressels offense is a joke and the once vaunted defense has become exposed as not being so great as once thought. The Buckeyes have been out yarded in 7 of their last 8 games, and that includes a home contest vs. Penn Freaken State. If you recall, the Bucks were pretty damned fortunate to escape the Marshall game with a win at home.
I did , do, and will think an opening line of 3' is way too soft, and unless the buckeyes manage some more special team magic I see them being dominated by a very solid Michigan unit. I still see this line closing at 6.
GL
I always respect your opinions and you do have some valid points. Ginn and Nugent are two very special players who can individually determine the outcome of any given contest.. They are truly the X factor here.
Honestly though, Tressels offense is a joke and the once vaunted defense has become exposed as not being so great as once thought. The Buckeyes have been out yarded in 7 of their last 8 games, and that includes a home contest vs. Penn Freaken State. If you recall, the Bucks were pretty damned fortunate to escape the Marshall game with a win at home.
I did , do, and will think an opening line of 3' is way too soft, and unless the buckeyes manage some more special team magic I see them being dominated by a very solid Michigan unit. I still see this line closing at 6.
GL
Spang: LIkewise, I always respect your thoughts/picks. And unfortunatly, there is no denying anything you just said about my Bucks. And while the offense is a joke, it doesnt really have to be, and if you see anytime we are trailing, it suddenly turns into a credible unit.
I am going more on the side that Michigan, a team that has struggled in every road game they have had, will not be able to cover a chalk in their toughest road assignment yet. (Of course that is debatable too)
Good luck to you, and I expected tons of critics on my pick this week. I can take it and hope I look good when it is said and done.
By the way, you think that Akron has any shot this weekend?
I am going more on the side that Michigan, a team that has struggled in every road game they have had, will not be able to cover a chalk in their toughest road assignment yet. (Of course that is debatable too)
Good luck to you, and I expected tons of critics on my pick this week. I can take it and hope I look good when it is said and done.
By the way, you think that Akron has any shot this weekend?
pt1gard said:
Iowa has covered over 10 straight at home (I think), but it seems to me if Iowa is one-dimensional with the pass this week and allows Wisconsin's Dline to tee up, I think the Badgers will dominate.
I've got to figure out how Michigan State put up so many last week. I had the Spartans to cover, but I assumed it would be an ugly cover.
Lean towards the Badgers, but with little conviction.
The Big Tease said:
A couple of weeks ago I'd have said not a chance, lately I'm not so sure. Statistically Miami has an edge in all areas and, I mean all of the catagories right down to the hottest cheerleaders. I told G saturday if I could get Miami at less than 7, I would load up and fire. I won't play the Redhawks at the current number (7')
The Zips have a very porous secondary, and at nearly 300 passing yds. per game Miami is just the team to expose that weakness. For the Zips to prosper they must come up with some nice defensive schemes to put some heat on Betts. He is prone to the interception when under the gun, and I've seen him make some really horrible throws/ decisions when under those conditions.
The Zips have improved greatly in the past few weeks and now have the mindset of a winner. Confidence is a wonderful thing, but will it be enough to take Miami? I honestly don't know, but I hope so. I'm doing the double header thing saturday. My wife and I will be in the 'shoe then sprinting home for the 6:00 start at the Rubberbowl. I can't wait!!
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INJURIES OF NOTE - The hottest QB in the country that no one has heard of is LSU transfer Lester Ricard (PS#26) of Tulane. He has had some incredible games but unfortunately was inj’d in the 3Q vs Army and did not return after hitting 13 of 18 passes for 227 yds. RB Matt Forte took over in his absence and would finish with 283 ttl yds including 216 rushing. Ricard has a broken wrist and is lost for the rest of the season. Backup Richard Irvin hit 10 of 14 for 123...
While S Carolina has battled through a lot of QB and RB inj’s this year, the star of their offense has been WR Troy Williamson who was leading the SEC in rec’s at 89 ypg. Unfortunately he sprained his left ankle and sat out most of the 2H last week (check status). SC starting QB Pinkins missed the game and due to ineffectiveness they played 3 QB’s with 4th stringer Mike Rathe playing the majority of the 4Q. Florida did play without LB’s Channing Crowder and Travis Harris for the 2nd straight week...
Kyle Orton did not start or play the first 3Q’s for Purdue but with the game tied at 17, he came off the bench and led PU on an 80 yd 9 play drive for a TD with 2:17 left to pull out the 7 pt win. Ohio St uncharacteristically turned the ball over 3 times in the 4Q with an int at the PU 15, a fumble at the PU 6 and an int at their own 34...
Kansas was already without their top 2 QB’s and then John Nielsen was inj’d vs Texas. Fourth string Brian Luke hit 14 of 25 for 225 yds. KU very nearly had the win SU as they led 23-13. UT got a TD with 4:12 left. On 3rd & 6 KU appeared to get the FD but a very questionable offensive pass interference was called and they were forced to punt with 1:53 left. On 4th & 18 Young took off running and avoided numerous tackles, somehow getting a 24 yd run for a FD and then with :11 left he hit a 21 yd TD pass. Texas escaped with a SU win...
N Carolina leading WR Jarwarski Pollock was inj’d in the 2Q with an apparent concussion and did not return.
While S Carolina has battled through a lot of QB and RB inj’s this year, the star of their offense has been WR Troy Williamson who was leading the SEC in rec’s at 89 ypg. Unfortunately he sprained his left ankle and sat out most of the 2H last week (check status). SC starting QB Pinkins missed the game and due to ineffectiveness they played 3 QB’s with 4th stringer Mike Rathe playing the majority of the 4Q. Florida did play without LB’s Channing Crowder and Travis Harris for the 2nd straight week...
Kyle Orton did not start or play the first 3Q’s for Purdue but with the game tied at 17, he came off the bench and led PU on an 80 yd 9 play drive for a TD with 2:17 left to pull out the 7 pt win. Ohio St uncharacteristically turned the ball over 3 times in the 4Q with an int at the PU 15, a fumble at the PU 6 and an int at their own 34...
Kansas was already without their top 2 QB’s and then John Nielsen was inj’d vs Texas. Fourth string Brian Luke hit 14 of 25 for 225 yds. KU very nearly had the win SU as they led 23-13. UT got a TD with 4:12 left. On 3rd & 6 KU appeared to get the FD but a very questionable offensive pass interference was called and they were forced to punt with 1:53 left. On 4th & 18 Young took off running and avoided numerous tackles, somehow getting a 24 yd run for a FD and then with :11 left he hit a 21 yd TD pass. Texas escaped with a SU win...
N Carolina leading WR Jarwarski Pollock was inj’d in the 2Q with an apparent concussion and did not return.
BACKDOOR and FRONTDOOR COVERS - It was a strange game between Utah St and Arkansas St. ASU dominated early with 3 long drives but settled for 2 short FG’s and was SOD and only led 6-0. USU controlled the rest of the game and only trailed 9-7 in the 4Q when they gave up a 61 yd PR for a TD which allowed ASU the frontdoor cover. USU had 4 shots at the backdoor cover. They were SOD at the ASU 36 and 35 yd lines, then punted from the 39 with 4:37 left and on their last drive they had a FD at the ASU 15 but were int’d at the 10 with :54 left and ASU held on for the cover...
Baylor/Oklahoma St stood at just 28-14 with 5:00 left. BU was SOD at the OSU 45 and the Cowboys drove 55 yds for a TD and then got a 74 yd PR for a TD with 3:54 left for the frontdoor cover. BU got in the backdoor with a 56 yd TD pass with just 2:24 left but surprisingly after rec’ing the onside kick, OSU got a 39 yd TD pass on the next play for the frontdoor cover with 2:17 left...
We knew that Bob Stoops would try to score at the end of the game to add margin for the BCS and he had his opportunities. Oklahoma should have been covering but instead was right at the line for most of the 4Q. The Sooners led 23-0 at the half but had missed a crucial xp. The went 79 yds to open the 3Q for a 30-0 lead but instead of being ahead of the spread, it was right at the number. They missed a 34 yd FG with 13:57 left which would have put them ahead of the spread. They got the ball back on their 6 with 7:40 left and as expected, Stoops tried to score, passing the ball late. They came up 4 yds short on 4th & 8 at the 23 with :33 left. NU simply ran the ball in the line but FB Kriewald ripped off a 55 yd run to the Oklahoma 22. They spiked the ball with :01 left and nailed a 38 yd FG for the backdoor cover on the game’s final play...
Utah suffered one of the tougher backdoor covers of the year. The Utes (-22) led 45-14 after 3Q’s and by the same margin with 1:00 left in the game. Wyoming got a TD with :46 left. They kicked off deep and Utah’s up-man caught the ball, turned around and pitched it backwards so that a returnman would be able to run with the ball. Unfortunately nobody was there and WY fell on the fumble at the 20 yd line. On the first play they got a 20 yd TD pass with :34 left and an amazing backdoor cover, 45-28...
Miami led by 14 or 21 most of the game vs W Michigan but WM got a TD with 2:13 left to pull to 35-21 for the apparent backdoor cover. Miami, however, got a 22 yd TD run by Brandon Murphy with 1:07 left in the game and the xp gave them the frontdoor cover, 42-21...
It was an amazing pointspread loss for Idaho last week. Idaho RB Jayson Bird, the SBC’s 4th leading rusher, left the game on his first carry with a sprained knee and did not return. Still, Idaho played NT fairly even. In fact, they had a 28-25 FD edge for the game. The cover was well in hand as NT only led 37-29 with 2:00 left. NT would get an 85 yd, 10 play TD drive with 1:40 left but still was not covering. Idaho got 2 FD’s to the NT 29 yd line threatening to make the game closer but was int’d and ret’d all the way to the Idaho 18 for an amazing 14 pt swing and the ball was fmbl’d and picked up by DB Priestley who took it the remaining 18 yds for the frontdoor cover with :46 left. Idaho still got down to the NT 22 but was int’d in the EZ with :04 left and NT got the miracle cover.
MISLEADING FINALS - Memphis could have covered vs S Miss but they had a 9 yd punt setting up an SM 31 yd TD drive, an int set up a 41 yd TD drive and a fmbl set up a 13 yd TD drive. Memphis’s K Gostkowski came in as a Lou Groza candidate but would miss FG’s of 37 and 32 yds. He also missed a long xp and Memphis only won by 4 laying 6 points...
Houston had a 22-18 FD edge vs UAB and while UAB was int’d at the UH 5 and fmbl’d at the UH 15, the Cougars had a 69 yd 12 play drive that was SOD at the UAB 26, a 17 play 66 yd drive that resulted in a missed 41 yd FG and a 63 yd 13 play drive that resulted in a missed 34 yd FG and were SOD at midfield with 2:01 left in the game...
The W Virginia/Boston College game could have also gone under Game Changing Plays as there were many of them, mostly on special teams for BC. BC got 2 PR for TD’s, one of 41 and one of 71 yds. WV lost by 19 but had a 452-243 yd edge! With 1:13 left in the half WV was SOD at the BC 30 and BC would go 70 yds in 10 plays and got a TD with :08 left in the half. WV fmbl’d the opening KO of the 2H setting up a FG. WV settled for a 25 yd FG, allowed the 71 yd PR for a TD and was SOD at the BC 47 and int’d on their final 4 drives...BYU had a 20-13 FD edge vs New Mexico but their excellent K Matt Payne amazingly missed 3 FG’s. Also a Cougars fmbl set up a NM 37 yd drive for a TD. Also late in the game BYU fmbl’d at midfield when driving for the tying TD...
It appears LSU won comfortably vs Alabama but the game could have been much different. Bama led 10-7 and were at the LSU 9 yd line. On 3rd down a pass in the EZ saw an LSU DB push a Bama WR down for an obvious pass interference. He then picked off the pass and would return it to midfield and amazingly the flag never came. LSU still trailed when they ret’d a fmbl 8 yds for a TD late 3Q, 13-10. In the 4Q two plays did UA in: a 35 yd screen pass to Addai and a 49 yd TD run by Addai after the Tide missed a FG to extend the margin
Baylor/Oklahoma St stood at just 28-14 with 5:00 left. BU was SOD at the OSU 45 and the Cowboys drove 55 yds for a TD and then got a 74 yd PR for a TD with 3:54 left for the frontdoor cover. BU got in the backdoor with a 56 yd TD pass with just 2:24 left but surprisingly after rec’ing the onside kick, OSU got a 39 yd TD pass on the next play for the frontdoor cover with 2:17 left...
We knew that Bob Stoops would try to score at the end of the game to add margin for the BCS and he had his opportunities. Oklahoma should have been covering but instead was right at the line for most of the 4Q. The Sooners led 23-0 at the half but had missed a crucial xp. The went 79 yds to open the 3Q for a 30-0 lead but instead of being ahead of the spread, it was right at the number. They missed a 34 yd FG with 13:57 left which would have put them ahead of the spread. They got the ball back on their 6 with 7:40 left and as expected, Stoops tried to score, passing the ball late. They came up 4 yds short on 4th & 8 at the 23 with :33 left. NU simply ran the ball in the line but FB Kriewald ripped off a 55 yd run to the Oklahoma 22. They spiked the ball with :01 left and nailed a 38 yd FG for the backdoor cover on the game’s final play...
Utah suffered one of the tougher backdoor covers of the year. The Utes (-22) led 45-14 after 3Q’s and by the same margin with 1:00 left in the game. Wyoming got a TD with :46 left. They kicked off deep and Utah’s up-man caught the ball, turned around and pitched it backwards so that a returnman would be able to run with the ball. Unfortunately nobody was there and WY fell on the fumble at the 20 yd line. On the first play they got a 20 yd TD pass with :34 left and an amazing backdoor cover, 45-28...
Miami led by 14 or 21 most of the game vs W Michigan but WM got a TD with 2:13 left to pull to 35-21 for the apparent backdoor cover. Miami, however, got a 22 yd TD run by Brandon Murphy with 1:07 left in the game and the xp gave them the frontdoor cover, 42-21...
It was an amazing pointspread loss for Idaho last week. Idaho RB Jayson Bird, the SBC’s 4th leading rusher, left the game on his first carry with a sprained knee and did not return. Still, Idaho played NT fairly even. In fact, they had a 28-25 FD edge for the game. The cover was well in hand as NT only led 37-29 with 2:00 left. NT would get an 85 yd, 10 play TD drive with 1:40 left but still was not covering. Idaho got 2 FD’s to the NT 29 yd line threatening to make the game closer but was int’d and ret’d all the way to the Idaho 18 for an amazing 14 pt swing and the ball was fmbl’d and picked up by DB Priestley who took it the remaining 18 yds for the frontdoor cover with :46 left. Idaho still got down to the NT 22 but was int’d in the EZ with :04 left and NT got the miracle cover.
MISLEADING FINALS - Memphis could have covered vs S Miss but they had a 9 yd punt setting up an SM 31 yd TD drive, an int set up a 41 yd TD drive and a fmbl set up a 13 yd TD drive. Memphis’s K Gostkowski came in as a Lou Groza candidate but would miss FG’s of 37 and 32 yds. He also missed a long xp and Memphis only won by 4 laying 6 points...
Houston had a 22-18 FD edge vs UAB and while UAB was int’d at the UH 5 and fmbl’d at the UH 15, the Cougars had a 69 yd 12 play drive that was SOD at the UAB 26, a 17 play 66 yd drive that resulted in a missed 41 yd FG and a 63 yd 13 play drive that resulted in a missed 34 yd FG and were SOD at midfield with 2:01 left in the game...
The W Virginia/Boston College game could have also gone under Game Changing Plays as there were many of them, mostly on special teams for BC. BC got 2 PR for TD’s, one of 41 and one of 71 yds. WV lost by 19 but had a 452-243 yd edge! With 1:13 left in the half WV was SOD at the BC 30 and BC would go 70 yds in 10 plays and got a TD with :08 left in the half. WV fmbl’d the opening KO of the 2H setting up a FG. WV settled for a 25 yd FG, allowed the 71 yd PR for a TD and was SOD at the BC 47 and int’d on their final 4 drives...BYU had a 20-13 FD edge vs New Mexico but their excellent K Matt Payne amazingly missed 3 FG’s. Also a Cougars fmbl set up a NM 37 yd drive for a TD. Also late in the game BYU fmbl’d at midfield when driving for the tying TD...
It appears LSU won comfortably vs Alabama but the game could have been much different. Bama led 10-7 and were at the LSU 9 yd line. On 3rd down a pass in the EZ saw an LSU DB push a Bama WR down for an obvious pass interference. He then picked off the pass and would return it to midfield and amazingly the flag never came. LSU still trailed when they ret’d a fmbl 8 yds for a TD late 3Q, 13-10. In the 4Q two plays did UA in: a 35 yd screen pass to Addai and a 49 yd TD run by Addai after the Tide missed a FG to extend the margin
Master Capper,
Be very careful with S.C. & Clemson.
This could very well be Lou's last one. He has not
forgotten last seasons 63-17 home beating. He said yesterday on his tv show it was one of his most embarrassing defeats. Dondrial Pinkins is expected to do light throwing today. Think Clemson will be stuck with a little emotional problem. Clemson sits @ 5-5, needs win for bowl.
Problem, eight teams in ACC could still qualify but
Acc only has 6 guaranteed bowl berths.Think Bowden feeling the pressure of the fans, lots of
negatives on him and Whitehurst who only threw
for 117 yards. If Pinkins can go will be real lift for a ball control Gamecocks team. Last time Tigers lost a closeone (28-24) to GA TECH it took them
a month to win again(UTAH ST).Need best effort
and don't think it will be enought. Think LOU gets
this one on REVENGE. Could very well be Tommys
last one. Best of luck.
AL FARR
Be very careful with S.C. & Clemson.
This could very well be Lou's last one. He has not
forgotten last seasons 63-17 home beating. He said yesterday on his tv show it was one of his most embarrassing defeats. Dondrial Pinkins is expected to do light throwing today. Think Clemson will be stuck with a little emotional problem. Clemson sits @ 5-5, needs win for bowl.
Problem, eight teams in ACC could still qualify but
Acc only has 6 guaranteed bowl berths.Think Bowden feeling the pressure of the fans, lots of
negatives on him and Whitehurst who only threw
for 117 yards. If Pinkins can go will be real lift for a ball control Gamecocks team. Last time Tigers lost a closeone (28-24) to GA TECH it took them
a month to win again(UTAH ST).Need best effort
and don't think it will be enought. Think LOU gets
this one on REVENGE. Could very well be Tommys
last one. Best of luck.
AL FARR
Michigan-Ohio State
Michigan-Ohio State
A little leary of Michigan on the road. Plus the fact that Ohio State has decided to open up their offense a little bit. They looked good against Purdue with their spread offense as those receivers are really talented. I don't understand why they didn't do this earlier. I personally like how the line has changed in this game. I wouldn't doubt if this game was bet up to seven. Love home dogs in rivalry games as they are normally pretty good plays.
Early leans this weekend.
Florida +
Ole Miss +
Auburn -
Utah -
Oregon+
Washington +
Michigan-Ohio State
A little leary of Michigan on the road. Plus the fact that Ohio State has decided to open up their offense a little bit. They looked good against Purdue with their spread offense as those receivers are really talented. I don't understand why they didn't do this earlier. I personally like how the line has changed in this game. I wouldn't doubt if this game was bet up to seven. Love home dogs in rivalry games as they are normally pretty good plays.
Early leans this weekend.
Florida +
Ole Miss +
Auburn -
Utah -
Oregon+
Washington +
If Barry is as good as coach as I think he is, Wisky bounces back. I think the def coord challenges his defense to play to the level they had played up to the Mich St game and they respond. Stocco played one of his worst games of the year last week, I think he plays much better also.
One huge caveat that was previously mentioned...the badgers could come out very very flat after having their undefeated season go down the drain. should be a great game.
One huge caveat that was previously mentioned...the badgers could come out very very flat after having their undefeated season go down the drain. should be a great game.
Copied this from another site.....Take it for what's it is worth.....
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 6 Play to Check out--Colo St. - 6 1/2
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OMT,
Because you have been so generous in sharing your insight with others, here is some information you want to consider: The entire Las Vegas community has moved on to basketball. Last week Safety Jamal Brimmer (an NFL draft pick who may not play this week) was quoted in the Las Vegas paper on Saturday as saying he just wanted to get the season over with. UNLV's starting QB quit the team for personal reasons. If the Rebels could not gut it out to win John Robinson's last home game, they sure as hell ain't gonna get up for a meaningless road game. Lubick's teams always play hard and have a spectacular ATS record in November. UNLV's best cornerback has been suspended by the conference for Saturday's game. In addition, the best linebacker for UNLV has criticized Coach Robinson for the team's lack of conditioning because he did not make summer workouts mandatory. UNLV is in disarray and I think we see a mail it in game on Saturday. I am playing Colo. St. - 6 1/2 and think this line may rise significantly by gametime at 9 a.m. on saturday (changed starting time
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 6 Play to Check out--Colo St. - 6 1/2
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OMT,
Because you have been so generous in sharing your insight with others, here is some information you want to consider: The entire Las Vegas community has moved on to basketball. Last week Safety Jamal Brimmer (an NFL draft pick who may not play this week) was quoted in the Las Vegas paper on Saturday as saying he just wanted to get the season over with. UNLV's starting QB quit the team for personal reasons. If the Rebels could not gut it out to win John Robinson's last home game, they sure as hell ain't gonna get up for a meaningless road game. Lubick's teams always play hard and have a spectacular ATS record in November. UNLV's best cornerback has been suspended by the conference for Saturday's game. In addition, the best linebacker for UNLV has criticized Coach Robinson for the team's lack of conditioning because he did not make summer workouts mandatory. UNLV is in disarray and I think we see a mail it in game on Saturday. I am playing Colo. St. - 6 1/2 and think this line may rise significantly by gametime at 9 a.m. on saturday (changed starting time
... Bama's QB woes
Junior starting QB Spencer Pennington suffered an injury during this past weekend’s loss at LSU, but the nature and severity of the injury have not been detailed; The injury appeared to be to Pennington’s left shoulder, but head coach Mike Shula indicated that it was more of a rib injury; Pennington, however, would not comment, but indicated that he intended to play in Saturday’s game against Auburn
ACC
Florida State
Junior starting center David Castillo, who dislocated the ring finger on his right hand during last Thursday night’s win over N.C. State, returned to practice on Monday and may be able to play in Saturday’s game versus Florida; Castillo will undergo an MRI today to further evaluate the injury
Big XII
Kansas
The injuries at the QB spot continue, as the Jayhawks will start its fourth different QB during Saturday’s season-finale at Missouri; Junior Brian Luke, who came on in relief of injured senior John Nielsen (ankle) last weekend, is expected to start against the Tigers; With three QBs nursing injuries, the real concern for the Jayhawks is the backup QB spot
Big Ten
Michigan State
Sophomore QB Drew Stanton, who returned from his shoulder injury to play the second half of the Spartans’ 49-14 victory of Wisconsin, is expected to start this week’s game at Penn State; Meanwhile, last week’s starting QB, senior Damon Dowdell, is questionable for Saturday’s game due to a shoulder injury of his own
Mountain West
Air Force
Junior QB Adam Fitch, who has started the past two games for the Falcons, suffered a rib injury during this past weekend’s loss to San Diego State, and is questionable for this weekend’s game versus Colorado State; The severity of the injury has not yet been determined, but if Fitch is unable to play, true freshman Shaun Carney would regain the starter’s role
Pac-10
Oregon State
Redshirt freshman starting WR Anthony Wheat-Brown, redshirt freshman reserve DT Ryan Rainwater, redshirt freshman reserve OL Whitfield Usher, and redshirt freshman DE Joe Rudulph have been suspended indefinitely for their roles in an incident at a local bar early last Friday morning; Rudulph was arrested for allegedly assaulting a National Guardsman, and the other three players were with him that evening
Southern California
Sophomore DT Manuel Wright, who started his second game this past weekend, is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after suffering a high left ankle sprain during the first quarter of Saturday’s win over Arizona; Junior LaJuan Ramsey and redshirt freshman Sedrick Ellis will compete for Wright’s spot on the depth chart
SEC
Florida
Sophomore standout LB Channing Crowder (foot sprain) is still questionable for Saturday’s game at Florida State, but even if Crowder returns, his replacement, true freshman Brandon Siler, is expected to see plenty of playing time; Head coach Ron Zook indicated that, due to Siler’s outstanding play, both he and Crowder may get on the field at the same time … Click here for more on this story (Orlando Sentinel) … Athletics director Jeremy Foley stated that he won’t know until next week whether Zook will stay aboard to coach the Gators’ bowl game; Foley indicated that Zook wanted to concentrate on this week’s contest versus Florida State before discussing plans for the bowl game; The administration has expressed its desire for Zook to coach the bowl game
Georgia
Senior leading WR Reggie Brown, who suffered a concussion as a result of the helmet-to-helmet hit during Saturday’s loss to Auburn, will sit out practices this week, but is expected to return for the Dawgs’ next game, which is not until Nov. 27; X-rays did not reveal any damage, but Brown will be given time this week to recover from the hit …
Vanderbilt
Junior starting LB Moses Osemwegie was on crutches Sunday night, as a result of an injury to his right ankle suffered during the Commodores’ loss to Kentucky this past weekend; Head coach Bobby Johnson indicated that Osemweige would rehab the injury this week, but his playing status is “very questionable” for Saturday’s home game versus Tennessee …
Junior starting QB Spencer Pennington suffered an injury during this past weekend’s loss at LSU, but the nature and severity of the injury have not been detailed; The injury appeared to be to Pennington’s left shoulder, but head coach Mike Shula indicated that it was more of a rib injury; Pennington, however, would not comment, but indicated that he intended to play in Saturday’s game against Auburn
ACC
Florida State
Junior starting center David Castillo, who dislocated the ring finger on his right hand during last Thursday night’s win over N.C. State, returned to practice on Monday and may be able to play in Saturday’s game versus Florida; Castillo will undergo an MRI today to further evaluate the injury
Big XII
Kansas
The injuries at the QB spot continue, as the Jayhawks will start its fourth different QB during Saturday’s season-finale at Missouri; Junior Brian Luke, who came on in relief of injured senior John Nielsen (ankle) last weekend, is expected to start against the Tigers; With three QBs nursing injuries, the real concern for the Jayhawks is the backup QB spot
Big Ten
Michigan State
Sophomore QB Drew Stanton, who returned from his shoulder injury to play the second half of the Spartans’ 49-14 victory of Wisconsin, is expected to start this week’s game at Penn State; Meanwhile, last week’s starting QB, senior Damon Dowdell, is questionable for Saturday’s game due to a shoulder injury of his own
Mountain West
Air Force
Junior QB Adam Fitch, who has started the past two games for the Falcons, suffered a rib injury during this past weekend’s loss to San Diego State, and is questionable for this weekend’s game versus Colorado State; The severity of the injury has not yet been determined, but if Fitch is unable to play, true freshman Shaun Carney would regain the starter’s role
Pac-10
Oregon State
Redshirt freshman starting WR Anthony Wheat-Brown, redshirt freshman reserve DT Ryan Rainwater, redshirt freshman reserve OL Whitfield Usher, and redshirt freshman DE Joe Rudulph have been suspended indefinitely for their roles in an incident at a local bar early last Friday morning; Rudulph was arrested for allegedly assaulting a National Guardsman, and the other three players were with him that evening
Southern California
Sophomore DT Manuel Wright, who started his second game this past weekend, is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after suffering a high left ankle sprain during the first quarter of Saturday’s win over Arizona; Junior LaJuan Ramsey and redshirt freshman Sedrick Ellis will compete for Wright’s spot on the depth chart
SEC
Florida
Sophomore standout LB Channing Crowder (foot sprain) is still questionable for Saturday’s game at Florida State, but even if Crowder returns, his replacement, true freshman Brandon Siler, is expected to see plenty of playing time; Head coach Ron Zook indicated that, due to Siler’s outstanding play, both he and Crowder may get on the field at the same time … Click here for more on this story (Orlando Sentinel) … Athletics director Jeremy Foley stated that he won’t know until next week whether Zook will stay aboard to coach the Gators’ bowl game; Foley indicated that Zook wanted to concentrate on this week’s contest versus Florida State before discussing plans for the bowl game; The administration has expressed its desire for Zook to coach the bowl game
Georgia
Senior leading WR Reggie Brown, who suffered a concussion as a result of the helmet-to-helmet hit during Saturday’s loss to Auburn, will sit out practices this week, but is expected to return for the Dawgs’ next game, which is not until Nov. 27; X-rays did not reveal any damage, but Brown will be given time this week to recover from the hit …
Vanderbilt
Junior starting LB Moses Osemwegie was on crutches Sunday night, as a result of an injury to his right ankle suffered during the Commodores’ loss to Kentucky this past weekend; Head coach Bobby Johnson indicated that Osemweige would rehab the injury this week, but his playing status is “very questionable” for Saturday’s home game versus Tennessee …
Great infor Al Farr, I am definitly going to reconsider Clemson! Winky, good find on UNLV definitly a must look at fading this team at this point.
ASA Big 10 Report
Michigan (-4.5) at Ohio State
** First a few quick numbers tidbits involving this game. The Wolverines are favored at Ohio State for the seventh time since 1980. Prior to this season, the Wolverines were also favored at Columbus in 1982, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1994. Michigan’s straight-up record in those games is 3-2-1, but its spread record is just 1-5. Ohio State is 61-10 straight up at home (40-28-2 ATS) overall since 1994. The Wolverines, on the other hand, are 36-18 SU away from home (24-29-1 ATS) since 1994.
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** We think one of the big keys to this weekend’s game will be the play of Michigan QB Chad Henne. That might be stating the obvious, however this is a completely new situation for the 19-year old true freshman. He has been in a few big road games, winning at Purdue and losing at Notre Dame. However, neither of those comes close this. If he can guide his team to a win, the Wolves will win the Big Ten and go to the Rose Bowl. That’s a lot of pressure on a true freshman playing in his first OSU-Michigan game. Not only that, his team is favored on the road. This will be the FIRST time since freshman became eligible to play on varsity (1972) that Michigan has started a true freshman at QB at Ohio State. It has happened when the Wolverines played host, however never at OSU. Henne has thrown 81 passes now without an interception (since the Purdue game), and we’ll be surprised to see that continue on Saturday. If he doesn’t get rattled and stays efficient, the Wolverines will most likely be headed to Pasadena. If not, don’t be surprised if we see an upset.
** Since taking over the starting QB role four games ago, OSU signal caller Troy Smith has directed his team to a 3-1 record with wins over Indiana, Penn State and Michigan State with his only loss at Purdue. While his numbers haven’t been phenomenal, they are an improvement over previous starter Justin Zwick. Smith has thrown for six touchdowns and three interceptions while Zwick had five TD’s and six int’s. Smith’s QB rating is also about 20 points higher than Zwick’s. However, what really makes Smith tough to defend is the fact that he is a "running back at the QB position." In his four games played, he is already OSU’s fourth leading rusher on the season. That aspect just brings another component into the defensive game plan and makes it that much tougher on them.
Wisconsin (+3) at Iowa
** A close look at the results of these two teams when the game is played in Iowa City definitely makes for a one-sided argument. In fact, in the last 30 years Wisconsin has won just two games in Iowa City. However, a closer look reveals that despite only winning two games, those wins were in 1998 and 2000 giving the Badgers wins in two of their last three trips to Iowa. The Hawks have been very tough at home, winning 17 in a row straight up and covered 20 of their last 24 at Kinnick Stadium.
** Can Wisconsin get back up emotionally after last week’s pasting at Michigan State which cost them a shot at an undefeated season? That is the million dollar question. It will be tough. There is still a lot riding on this game and if Michigan loses at Ohio State, the Badgers will again be playing for a shot at the Rose Bowl. The Wisconsin – Iowa game is being played at 3:30 PM Central time on Saturday while the Michigan – OSU game is at 11:00 AM. Thus, Wisconsin will know the outcome of the first game before taking the field vs. Iowa. Will they be playing for a chance to win the Big Ten or simply playing for second place. Iowa also has a lot riding, as a Michigan loss gives the Hawkeyes a chance to split the Big Ten Championship with a win. Iowa, however, has no chance to go to the Rose Bowl as Michigan would win the tie breaker. Wisconsin wins the tie breaker vs. Michigan, so they would go to the Rose Bowl with a win and Michigan loses. Got all that?
** We’re still absolutely baffled at how a team (Minnesota) can rush for a whopping 337 yards and hold an opponent (Iowa) to just six yards on the ground and lose the game. That is nearly unheard of. It really doesn’t matter that Iowa threw for over 300 yards, if a team dominates the ground game like that, you can almost always bank a win. The deciding factor was the turnovers. Minnesota had four and Iowa had none. However, those turnovers directly resulted in just six of Iowa’s 23 points. In a two-point game, that was the deciding factor.
Illinois (+13) at Northwestern
** NU head coach Randy Walker took an approach that many coaches shy away from this week. He actually laid out the bowl situation for his team. He gave them the bowl possibilities if they finish out the season 2-0. Some of his assistants didn’t think it was a good idea. They should just focus on Illinois and let everything fall into place when the season is done. Walker basically said the players are all talking about it and figuring it out, let’s lay it out for them. He did. The Music City Bowl is a possibility. The Sun Bowl is an outside shot. The Motor City bowl could also be a destination. The Cats could also win their last two games and not be invited to a bowl game if there are eight bowl eligible teams in the Big Ten for seven guaranteed spots. Northwestern is currently 5-5 with two games remaining vs. Illinois and at Hawaii. They must win both games to be bowl eligible. Either way, the Wildcats must go 2-0 or they don’t have to worry about all of the possible scenarios.
** Could this be Ron Turner’s final game as head coach at Illinois? The rumors of him being fired after the season are running rampant. However, apparently in his weekly meeting with Illinois A.D. Ron Guenther that topic was not even discussed. They simply talked about getting ready to beat Northwestern. One thing we have noticed is that his players must like Turner. They have not quit despite a poor season. They are still playing hard and with a bye week last Saturday, you can bet they will be fresh and will lay it on the line vs. their in-state rivals on Saturday. Not sure if that will be enough vs. a pretty good NU team that won by 17 points in Champaign last season.
** The Northwestern players claim they will not have a problem getting up for Illinois despite the fact that they are 1-6 in the Big Ten and that the Cats whipped them easily on the road last year (by 17 points). The NU players are referring back to the last time these teams played in Evanston for motivation. Wildcat QB Brett Basanez puts it quite bluntly, "A couple of years ago they took their helmet and put it on the Wildcats statue," he said referring to the Illini’s 31-24 win in 2002. "We want to go out and pound them," Basanez went onto say. Well we know the NU QB is fired up!
Indiana (+20) at Purdue
** Can Indiana get back up off the turf after the way they lost last week’s game vs. Penn State? You would think so since the game didn’t cost them a shot at a bowl or anything like that, plus the fact they are playing for the "Old Oaken Bucket" against in-state rival Purdue. However, it was a very tough way for IU to lose 22-18 to Penn State. The Hoosiers (trailing 22-16) got down to the Penn State one-yard line with under two minutes left in the game. Not only that, it was first and goal at the one-yard line. IU attempted four consecutive running plays, three for no gain and one for a one-yard loss, failing to punch it in. PSU then ran three plays and had its punter take a safety with a few seconds left to make the final 22-18.
** Brandon Kirsch got the start at QB for Purdue last week just as we expected. Kyle Orton took just 20 percent of the snaps with the first team offense during the week of practice. We also knew that Orton, despite not being 100 percent, could play if called upon. Kirsch played well as we knew he would completing 22-of-34 passes for 211 yards. He also is a better runner than Orton, thus he brought an extra dimension to the offense. Purdue led 17-3 at half and was in full control, however they failed to do much on offense for much of the second half. Thus, head coach Joe Tiller opted to bring Orton in off the bench for a "spark" with the game tied at 17 in the fourth quarter. Orton did just that leading the Boilers on an 80-yard, 8 play drive that took just over a minute and 30 seconds to complete. The TD gave Purdue the 24-17 lead with just over two minutes left in the game, and the team went on to win by that margin. Thus, you can bet Orton will be back on the field this week. He has now been cleared to practice full go this week.
** PU starting CB and team captain senior Antwuan Edwards did not play in the OSU game due to a knee injury he sustained a week before vs. Iowa. Unfortunately his career with the Boilers is now over as he will have season ending surgery this week.
Michigan (-4.5) at Ohio State
** First a few quick numbers tidbits involving this game. The Wolverines are favored at Ohio State for the seventh time since 1980. Prior to this season, the Wolverines were also favored at Columbus in 1982, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1994. Michigan’s straight-up record in those games is 3-2-1, but its spread record is just 1-5. Ohio State is 61-10 straight up at home (40-28-2 ATS) overall since 1994. The Wolverines, on the other hand, are 36-18 SU away from home (24-29-1 ATS) since 1994.
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** We think one of the big keys to this weekend’s game will be the play of Michigan QB Chad Henne. That might be stating the obvious, however this is a completely new situation for the 19-year old true freshman. He has been in a few big road games, winning at Purdue and losing at Notre Dame. However, neither of those comes close this. If he can guide his team to a win, the Wolves will win the Big Ten and go to the Rose Bowl. That’s a lot of pressure on a true freshman playing in his first OSU-Michigan game. Not only that, his team is favored on the road. This will be the FIRST time since freshman became eligible to play on varsity (1972) that Michigan has started a true freshman at QB at Ohio State. It has happened when the Wolverines played host, however never at OSU. Henne has thrown 81 passes now without an interception (since the Purdue game), and we’ll be surprised to see that continue on Saturday. If he doesn’t get rattled and stays efficient, the Wolverines will most likely be headed to Pasadena. If not, don’t be surprised if we see an upset.
** Since taking over the starting QB role four games ago, OSU signal caller Troy Smith has directed his team to a 3-1 record with wins over Indiana, Penn State and Michigan State with his only loss at Purdue. While his numbers haven’t been phenomenal, they are an improvement over previous starter Justin Zwick. Smith has thrown for six touchdowns and three interceptions while Zwick had five TD’s and six int’s. Smith’s QB rating is also about 20 points higher than Zwick’s. However, what really makes Smith tough to defend is the fact that he is a "running back at the QB position." In his four games played, he is already OSU’s fourth leading rusher on the season. That aspect just brings another component into the defensive game plan and makes it that much tougher on them.
Wisconsin (+3) at Iowa
** A close look at the results of these two teams when the game is played in Iowa City definitely makes for a one-sided argument. In fact, in the last 30 years Wisconsin has won just two games in Iowa City. However, a closer look reveals that despite only winning two games, those wins were in 1998 and 2000 giving the Badgers wins in two of their last three trips to Iowa. The Hawks have been very tough at home, winning 17 in a row straight up and covered 20 of their last 24 at Kinnick Stadium.
** Can Wisconsin get back up emotionally after last week’s pasting at Michigan State which cost them a shot at an undefeated season? That is the million dollar question. It will be tough. There is still a lot riding on this game and if Michigan loses at Ohio State, the Badgers will again be playing for a shot at the Rose Bowl. The Wisconsin – Iowa game is being played at 3:30 PM Central time on Saturday while the Michigan – OSU game is at 11:00 AM. Thus, Wisconsin will know the outcome of the first game before taking the field vs. Iowa. Will they be playing for a chance to win the Big Ten or simply playing for second place. Iowa also has a lot riding, as a Michigan loss gives the Hawkeyes a chance to split the Big Ten Championship with a win. Iowa, however, has no chance to go to the Rose Bowl as Michigan would win the tie breaker. Wisconsin wins the tie breaker vs. Michigan, so they would go to the Rose Bowl with a win and Michigan loses. Got all that?
** We’re still absolutely baffled at how a team (Minnesota) can rush for a whopping 337 yards and hold an opponent (Iowa) to just six yards on the ground and lose the game. That is nearly unheard of. It really doesn’t matter that Iowa threw for over 300 yards, if a team dominates the ground game like that, you can almost always bank a win. The deciding factor was the turnovers. Minnesota had four and Iowa had none. However, those turnovers directly resulted in just six of Iowa’s 23 points. In a two-point game, that was the deciding factor.
Illinois (+13) at Northwestern
** NU head coach Randy Walker took an approach that many coaches shy away from this week. He actually laid out the bowl situation for his team. He gave them the bowl possibilities if they finish out the season 2-0. Some of his assistants didn’t think it was a good idea. They should just focus on Illinois and let everything fall into place when the season is done. Walker basically said the players are all talking about it and figuring it out, let’s lay it out for them. He did. The Music City Bowl is a possibility. The Sun Bowl is an outside shot. The Motor City bowl could also be a destination. The Cats could also win their last two games and not be invited to a bowl game if there are eight bowl eligible teams in the Big Ten for seven guaranteed spots. Northwestern is currently 5-5 with two games remaining vs. Illinois and at Hawaii. They must win both games to be bowl eligible. Either way, the Wildcats must go 2-0 or they don’t have to worry about all of the possible scenarios.
** Could this be Ron Turner’s final game as head coach at Illinois? The rumors of him being fired after the season are running rampant. However, apparently in his weekly meeting with Illinois A.D. Ron Guenther that topic was not even discussed. They simply talked about getting ready to beat Northwestern. One thing we have noticed is that his players must like Turner. They have not quit despite a poor season. They are still playing hard and with a bye week last Saturday, you can bet they will be fresh and will lay it on the line vs. their in-state rivals on Saturday. Not sure if that will be enough vs. a pretty good NU team that won by 17 points in Champaign last season.
** The Northwestern players claim they will not have a problem getting up for Illinois despite the fact that they are 1-6 in the Big Ten and that the Cats whipped them easily on the road last year (by 17 points). The NU players are referring back to the last time these teams played in Evanston for motivation. Wildcat QB Brett Basanez puts it quite bluntly, "A couple of years ago they took their helmet and put it on the Wildcats statue," he said referring to the Illini’s 31-24 win in 2002. "We want to go out and pound them," Basanez went onto say. Well we know the NU QB is fired up!
Indiana (+20) at Purdue
** Can Indiana get back up off the turf after the way they lost last week’s game vs. Penn State? You would think so since the game didn’t cost them a shot at a bowl or anything like that, plus the fact they are playing for the "Old Oaken Bucket" against in-state rival Purdue. However, it was a very tough way for IU to lose 22-18 to Penn State. The Hoosiers (trailing 22-16) got down to the Penn State one-yard line with under two minutes left in the game. Not only that, it was first and goal at the one-yard line. IU attempted four consecutive running plays, three for no gain and one for a one-yard loss, failing to punch it in. PSU then ran three plays and had its punter take a safety with a few seconds left to make the final 22-18.
** Brandon Kirsch got the start at QB for Purdue last week just as we expected. Kyle Orton took just 20 percent of the snaps with the first team offense during the week of practice. We also knew that Orton, despite not being 100 percent, could play if called upon. Kirsch played well as we knew he would completing 22-of-34 passes for 211 yards. He also is a better runner than Orton, thus he brought an extra dimension to the offense. Purdue led 17-3 at half and was in full control, however they failed to do much on offense for much of the second half. Thus, head coach Joe Tiller opted to bring Orton in off the bench for a "spark" with the game tied at 17 in the fourth quarter. Orton did just that leading the Boilers on an 80-yard, 8 play drive that took just over a minute and 30 seconds to complete. The TD gave Purdue the 24-17 lead with just over two minutes left in the game, and the team went on to win by that margin. Thus, you can bet Orton will be back on the field this week. He has now been cleared to practice full go this week.
** PU starting CB and team captain senior Antwuan Edwards did not play in the OSU game due to a knee injury he sustained a week before vs. Iowa. Unfortunately his career with the Boilers is now over as he will have season ending surgery this week.
