ShareThisCapsule previews of Saturday's top college games. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.
NORTH CAROLINA (3-0) at No. 25 GEORGIA TECH (3-0), Noon, ESPN.
Favorite: Georgia Tech by 6.
Coaches: Everett Withers (first year at UNC) and Paul Johnson (29-14 in fourth year at Ga. Tech).
Last Week: North Carolina beat Virginia, 28-17. Ga. Tech beat Kansas, 66-24.
Series History: Ga. Tech leads, 25-18-3.
Last Meeting: Ga. Tech won, 30-24, last year.
Stat That Matters: Since 1999, Yellow Jackets are 6-0 vs. Tar Heels in Atlanta and 11-2 overall vs. UNC.
Game Facts: Looking for first 4-0 start since 1997 (also last year UNC won at Grant Field), Withers, promoted to interim coach after Butch Davis was fired in early August, has Tar Heels feeling good about a themselves - none more than junior QB Bryn Renner (leads ACC in QB rating, 57-of-70, 693 yards passing, 5 TDs, 4 ints., TD run), WR Dwight Jones (20 catches, 4 TDs, second in ACC with 336 yards receiving). Run defense (second in ACC, 76.6 ypg) looks improved -- and better be considering Tech's option gashed them for 372 yards on ground last year in Chapel Hill. Last week Jackets were virtually unstoppable piling up school-record 604 yards rushing led by RBs Orwin Smith (157 rushing, TD), Embry Peeples (110 rushing, TD). Just for good measure QB Tevin Washington added 164 yards passing, 2 TDs on just 7 completions as it all added up to school-record 768 total yards. Tech has yet to trail this season and weakness in passing game has always been downfall of Johnson's beloved option if it's behind late.
EASTERN MICHIGAN (2-1) at PENN STATE (2-1), Noon, ESPN2.
Favorite: Penn State by 28.
Coaches: Ron English (4-23 in third year at Eastern Michigan) and Joe Paterno (403-136-3 in 46th year at Penn State).
Last Week: Eastern Michigan lost at Michigan, 31-3. Penn State won at Temple, 14-10.
Series History: Penn State leads, 1-0.
Last Meeting: Penn State won, 52-7, in 1992.
Stat That Matters: Eagles are 0-42 vs. BCS Conference schools on the road including four losses since start of 2010 season by combined score of 204-50.
Game Facts: Having already equaled win total of his first two years at EMU (albeit vs. I-AA Howard, Alabama State), English, former defensive coordinator at Michigan, Louisville, will get a better measuring stick of his program's progress here. Positive signs last week included Eagles piling up 207 yards rushing, LB Justin Kudsworth's 9 tackles. PSU survived mistake-fest last week which led to this summation of things from Nittany Lions alumni newsletter "Penn State's Nittany Lions came home from Philadelphia Saturday with a win they didn't deserve. " RB Michael Zordich's 1-yard TD plunge with 2:42 left saved PSU from embarrassment of first loss to Temple since 1943. His 84-year-old body still aching, Paterno remained in coaches' box for game. Neither QB Matt McGloin, Rob Bolden (combined 22-of-37, 216 passing, int. last week) can seem to grab permanent hold of job. With 259 yards rushing, 4 TDs, sophomore Silas Redd appears to be PSU's latest workhorse RB.
NOTRE DAME (1-2) at PITTSBURGH (2-1), Noon, ABC.
Favorite: Notre Dame by 6.
Coaches: Brian Kelly (9-7 in second year at Notre Dame) and Todd Graham (first year at Pitt).
Last Week: Notre Dame beat Michigan State, 31-13. Pitt lost at Iowa, 31-27.
Series History: Notre Dame leads, 45-20-1.
Last Meeting: Notre Dame won, 23-17, last year.
Stat That Matters: Since 1964, Fighting Irish are 21-6 vs. Panthers in Pittsburgh.
Game Facts: After pair of hard-luck losses in final minute to Michigan, South Florida in which ND committed 10 turnovers, Irish righted themselves vs. Michigan State behind RB Cierre Wood's 2 TD runs, QB Tommy Rees (18-of-26, 161 passing, TD, int.), freshman CB George Atkinson III's 89-yard TD on kickoff return. Freshman DE Aaron Lynch (5 tackles, sack last week) is another future star. Panthers squandered 24-3 lead late in third quarter as its pass defense collapsed, giving up TD passes on three straight possessions. Fine effort from WR Devin Street (7 catches, 138 yards, TD) was wasted while QB Tino Sunseri (23-of-33, 255 passing, 2 TDs, 2 ints.) showed a bit of improvement. RB Ray Graham (fifth in nation with 419 rushing, 6 TDs) was held in check in South Bend last year finishing with just 44 yards in game that saw Panthers make furious comeback of their own (down 20-3 late in third quarter) only to fall short.
No. 14 ARKANSAS (3-0) at No. 3 ALABAMA (3-0), 3:30, CBS.
Favorite: Alabama by 11.
Coaches: Bobby Petrino (26-15 in fourth year at Arkansas) and Nick Saban (46-11 in fifth year Alabama).
Last Week: Arkansas beat Troy, 38-28. Alabama beat North Texas, 41-0.
Series History: Alabama leads, 13-8.
Last Meeting: Alabama won, 24-20, last year.
Stat That Matters: Since start of 2009 season, Crimson Tide has gone 26-3 (13-1 at home) while yielding 12.3 points per game.
Game Facts: This is the kind of game Razorbacks need to win under Petrino, but haven't lately (3-15 vs. top-10 teams since 2005). Last year's choke-job was particularly ugly (squandered 20-7 third-quarter lead with three ints. in final 18 minutes). UA seems to have edge on special teams with three TD kick returns including WR Joe Adams' 2 punt returns for scores. QB Tyler Wilson (59-of-86, 822 passing, 5 TDs, 2 ints., TD run) may have even better arm than last year's ballyhooed Ryan Mallett. Defense giving up 373 yards passing 3 TDs last week is cause for concern. Few people do that vs. wicked Tide defense (second in nation in scoring, 6 ppg, third in total defense, 170 ypg, fourth vs. run, 55.3 ypg). Junior RB Trent Richardson (370 all-purpose yards) already has 8 TDs to lead the nation. Consistency questions remain for sophomore QB AJ McCarron (48-of-75, 579 passing, 2 TDs, 2 ints.). Crimson Tide has won 19 straight SEC openers with last loss coming 35-0 at Florida in 1991, 'Bama's only loss that season.
No. 11 FLORIDA STATE (2-1) at No. 21 CLEMSON (3-0), 3:30, ESPN.
Favorite: Clemson by 2-1/2.
Coaches: Jimbo Fisher (12-5 in second year at FSU) and Dabo Swinney (22-15 in fourth year at Clemson).
Last Week: FSU lost at home to Oklahoma, 23-13. Clemson beat Auburn, 38-24.
Series History: FSU leads, 17-7.
Last Meeting: FSU won, 16-13, last year.
Stat That Matters: Since 2003, Tigers are 4-0 vs. Seminoles at home while averaging 31.2 points per game.
Game Facts: Both teams are ranked entering game for first time since 2000 back when this was "Bowden Bowl" featuring FSU father Bobby vs. Clemson son Tommy. Fisher has big concerns about QB E.J. Manuel's left shoulder, which he hurt in third quarter vs. Oklahoma. Freshman backup Clint Trickett then came in and led comeback finishing 7-of-15 for 134 yards with TD, int. Last year in Tallahassee, things ended amid high drama when FSU's Dustin Hopkins hit epic 55-yard FG on final play to deliver win. He's in midseason form, hitting from 53 yards last week. Off to first 3-0 start since 2007, Tigers roared back from 21-7 second-quarter hole last week behind marvelous overall game from sophomore QB Tajh Boyd (30-of-42, 386 passing, 4 TDs, 30 yards rushing), who connected with 7 different receivers for including WR Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins (combined 17 catches, 238 yards, 2 TDs), TE Dwayne Allen (7 catches, TD). Offense rolled to 622 total yards, most ever under Swinney. Moving the ball vs. FSU last year wasn't the problem (391 total yards, 25 first downs). Execution in red zone was (seven trips inside 20, 1 TD scored).
COLORADO (1-2) at OHIO STATE (2-1), 3:30, ESPN2.
Favorite: Ohio State by 15.
Coaches: Jon Embree (first year at Colorado) and Luke Fickell (first year at Ohio State).
Last Week: Colorado beat Colorado State, 28-14. Ohio State lost at Miami, 24-6.
Series History: Ohio State leads, 3-1.
Last Meeting: Ohio State won, 13-10, in 1986.
Stat That Matters: Buffaloes haven't won on road since Oct. 27, 2007 dropping 18 straight including 11 by 16 points or more.
Game Facts: Is this the week for Buffs to snap second-longest road losing streak in nation? Offense has talent behind QB Tyler Hansen (17-of-32, 215 passing, 2 TD passes, 2 TD runs last week), RB Rodney Stewart (98 yards rushing, 7 catches, 93 yards receiving last week). Defense has usually been the problem giving up 262 points in last five road losses since start of last season. Unit looked a lot better last week giving up 243 total yards (fewest since 2009) while coming up with 3 sacks. Which brings us to Buckeyes' atrocious offensive effort last week that featured 209 total yards, 2 turnovers, 4-of-12 third-down conversions with passing game reduced to absolute joke as QBs Joe Bauserman, Braxton Miller combined to go 4-of-18 for 35 yards with 1 int., lost fumble. Miller gets first start here. Junior RB Jordan Hall was only sign of life with 87 yards in first game of season after being suspended. S C.J. Barnett (int., 4 tackles), LBs Andrew Sweat, Etienne Sabino (combined 17 tackles) did all they could but defense still got pushed around (gave up 240 yards rushing, most since 2008).
No. 7 OKLAHOMA STATE (3-0) at No. 8 TEXAS A&M (2-0), 3:30, ABC.
Favorite: Texas A&M by 4.
Coaches: Mike Gundy (50-29 in 7th year at Oklahoma State) and Mike Sherman (21-19 in fourth year at A&M).
Last Week: Oklahoma State won at Tulsa, 59-33. Texas A&M was off.
Series History: Texas A&M leads, 17-9.
Last Meeting: Oklahoma State won, 38-35, last year.
Stat That Matters: Cowboys have beaten Aggies last three years, OSU's longest winning streak vs. A&M.
Game Facts: Despite losing offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen (now head coach at West Virginia), Cowboys' high-octane offense (lead in nation in passing, 408 ypg, second in total offense, 601 ypg, third ) and third in scoring, 52.3 ppg) hasn't missed a tick thanks to senior QB Brandon Weeden (1,154 passing, 8 TDs, 6 ints.), senior WR Justin Blackmon (27 catches, 3 TDs), sophomore RB Joseph Randle (second in Big 12 with 378 rushing, only 74 yards fewer than he had all last season). Defense returned only one starter on front seven and has struggled (9th in Big 12, 92nd in nation in total defense, 413.7 ypg). That unit had big problems with A&M last year in Stillwater giving up 535 total yards but holding on for win after OSU turned A&M's fifth turnover into winning FG on final play. In that game, Ryan Tannehill caught three passes for 68 yards. He became Aggies starting QB three weeks later and has been terrific (2,289 passing, 17 TDs, 7 ints., TD run in 9 career starts). Senior RB Cyrus Gray (233 rushing, 4 TDs, 9 straight 100-yard games dating back to last season) is one of Big 12's most underrated talents. In going 2-3 vs. ranked teams last year, defense gave up 24 ppg.
No. 15 FLORIDA (3-0) at KENTUCKY (2-1), 7, ESPN.
Favorite: Florida by 19.
Coaches: Will Muschamp (first year at Florida) and Joker Phillips (8-8 in second year at Kentucky).
Last Week: Florida beat Tennessee, 33-23. Kentucky lost at home to Louisville, 24-17.
Series History: Florida leads, 44-17.
Last Meeting: Florida won, 48-14, last year.
Stat That Matters: Gators' 24-game winning streak over Wildcats is second longest in nation of one team over another, and includes 12 wins by 21 points or more.
Game Facts: Gators rode phenomenal performance by RB Chris Rainey (Walter Camp offensive player of the week, 233 all-purpose yards, 83-yard TD catch, blocked punt, UF record fifth of his career, second Gator ever with 100 yards rushing and receiving in same game) to key win last week. QB John Brantley (14-of-23, 213 passing, 2 TDs) was solid while K Caleb Sturgis was 4-for-4 on FGs to remain perfect (9-of-9) on year. Since 1990, UF is 173-6 when holding foes to less than 21 points while Wildcats have scored total of 26 points in last three losses to Gators while giving up 152. UK hardly comes in on roll after losing Commonwealth Cup matchup to Louisville while getting out-rushed 181 yards to 35. QB Morgan Newton played well (27-of-41, 255 passing, 2 TDs) considering beating he was taking (sacked 4 times). Only certainty is LB Danny Trevathan (fourth in nation with 38 tackles, 182 since start of last season) will be in on a lot of tackles.
VANDERBILT (3-0) at No. 12 SOUTH CAROLINA (3-0), 7, ESPN2.
Favorite: South Carolina by 17
Coaches: James Franklin (first year at Vanderbilt) and Steve Spurrier (47-33 in 7th year at South Carolina).
Last Week: Vandy beat Ole Miss, 30-7. South Carolina beat Navy, 24-21.
Series History: South Carolina leads, 16-4.
Last Meeting: South Carolina won, 21-7, last year.
Stat That Matters: Since October 31, 2008, Gamecocks are 15-2 at home while holding foes to 20 points per game.
Game Facts: Commodores have played 'Cocks extremely tough last four years splitting the games by with combined score tied 58-58. Franklin is first Vandy coach since 1943 to start his career 3-0. But Commodores have done it honestly with sound defense (10th in nation in total defense, 250 ypg), taking good care of ball (leads SEC, fifth in nation in turnover ratio, 12 forced, 6 given up). RBs Zac Stacy, Jeron Seymour have combined for 407 yards, 3 TDs. That's good because senior QB Larry Smith (14 career TD passes, 15 ints., 49.3 pct. completions) isn't much of a passer. Always known for his fun-and-gun passing game, Spurrier now has to lean on superb RB Marcus Lattimore (leads nation with 534 rushing, 7 TDs), who came to rescue last week bulling his way for 246 yards on 37 carries, 3 TDs, who missed last year's win in Nashville with leg injury. Senior QB Stephen Garcia (4 TD passes, 8 ints. in last four games dating back to last year) must find consistency or immense talents of junior WR Alshon Jeffery (12 catches, TD, 9 catches for 158 yards, TD in last year's win in Nashville) will continue to wasted. DE Jadeveon Clooney (2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, forced fumble) might be nation's best freshman.
No. 2 LSU (3-0) at No. 16 WEST VIRGINIA (3-0), 8, ABC.
Favorite: LSU by 4.
Coaches: Les Miles (65-17 in 7th year at LSU) and Dana Holgorsen (first year at West Virginia).
Last Week: LSU won at Mississippi State, 19-6. West Virginia won at Maryland, 37-31.
Series History: LSU leads, 1-0.
Last Meeting: LSU won, 20-14, last year.
Stat That Matters: Since start of 2008, Tigers are 8-8 vs. ranked foes compared to Mountaineers' 1-2.
Game Facts: In defensive struggle in Baton Rouge last year, teams combined for paltry 408 total yards, 26 first downs. Tigers held on after grabbing early 17-0 lead. LSU's deep, talented defense (6th in nation in total defense) is led by CB Morris Claiborne (2 ints., 13 tackles), DT Michael Brockers (3-1/2 tackles for loss), S Brandon Taylor (17 tackles). Miles doesn't want senior QB Jarrett Lee (40-of-59, 544 passing, 3 TDs, int.) taking many chances downfield so look for lots of RBs Spencer Ware, Michael Ford (combined 444 rushing, 7 TDs). Mountaineers junior QB Geno Smith looked great last week (36-of-49, career-high 388 passing, TD, int.) and is looking for redemption after tough night vs. LSU last year (14-of-29, 119 passing, 2 TDs, int.). Mountaineers' 126 points in first three games (15th in nation) is most since 2007 when WVU narrowly missed going to BCS national title game. Defense made plays last week including S Terence Garvin's 37-yard TD int. return (one of 3 WVU ints. for game), but also gave up a ton of yards (477 to be exact). Win would ease tough week for school as current Big East is disintegrating while SEC reportedly rejected WVU's overture for membership.
No. 10 OREGON (2-1) at ARIZONA (1-2), 10:15, ESPN2.
Favorite: Oregon by 14.
Coaches: Chip Kelly (26-5 in third year at Oregon) and Mike Stoops (41-47 in 8th year at Arizona).
Last Week: Oregon beat Missouri State, 56-7. Arizona lost at home to Stanford, 37-10.
Series History: Oregon leads, 21-14.
Last Meeting: Oregon won, 48-29, last year.
Stat That Matters: Since 1994, Ducks are 14-3 vs. Wildcats while averaging 31 points per game.
Game Facts: Since disappointing loss to LSU in opener, Ducks have ripped through Nevada, Missouri State by combined 125-27. After being mostly held in check in first two games, RB LaMichael James erupted for 204 yards, 3 TDs on just 12 carries last week and has gained over 100 yards each of last two years vs. Wildcats. Since start of last season, QB Darron Thomas has 40 TD passes vs. 10 ints. in 449 passes. Run defense (107th in nation vs. run, 214.3 ypg, 86 more than last year) has struggled with just DE Terrell Turner, LB Josh Kaddu back on front seven from last year's BCS title game runners-up. It's starting to look grim for Wildcats program, which fell to 9-23 vs. ranked foes under Stoops. Team seemed deflated after pair of misses by K Jaime Salazar, the last from 36 yards early in third quarter with UA down just 16-10. QB Nick Foles leads Pac-10 with 1,049 yards passing (second in nation) 7 TDs, 0 ints. in 126 passes. S Maquis Flowers racked up 16 tackles last week, but too many of them were far down field as defense was gashed for 567 total yards, or 30 more than UA gave up in Eugene last year.
No. 23 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (3-0) at ARIZONA STATE (2-1), 10:15, ESPN.
Favorite: Arizona State by 3.
Coaches: Lane Kiffin (11-5 in second year at USC) and Dennis Erickson (27-25 in fifth year at Arizona State).
Last Week: USC beat Syracuse, 38-17. Arizona State lost at Illinois, 17-14.
Series History: USC leads, 18-9.
Last Meeting: USC won, 34-33, last year.
Stat That Matters: Trojans have beaten Sun Devils 11 straight times though three of last five wins have come by 7 points or less.
Game Facts: Road has gotten a lot tougher for Trojans, who are 5-4 in Pac-10 road games since 2009 compared to 21-4 conference road mark from 2003-2008. This one won't be easy, either, considering that last year in Los Angeles, SC survived only when ASU Missed FG with 1:34 left. In that game, Trojans gave up 398 total yards, but have shaved 81 ypg off that so far this year. WR Robert Woods leads nation with 33 catches as junior QB Matt Barkley (25-of-39, 326 passing last week, tied career-high with 5 TDs) finds him when it matters most. Erickson is 1-8 in his career vs. USC with losses for three different schools (Washington State, Oregon State, ASU). Mistakes cost Sun Devils last week including 3 turnovers, 8 penalties, freshman K Alex Garoutte's missed FG try from 32 yards. QB Brock Osweiler was under siege (sacked 4 times, hit a lot more) and it showed in his numbers (25-of-45, 256 passing, TD, 2 ints.). LB Vontaze Burfict leads Pac-10 with 4 sacks (third in nation) and had 10 tackles last year vs. SC.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
