ShareThisBy JOHN LINDSAY
Capsule preview for season-opening college football games. All times Eastern and all rankings Coaches poll.
THURSDAY:
BOSTON COLLEGE (0-0) at CENTRAL MICHIGAN (0-0), 6 p.m., ESPN2.
FAVORITE: Matthews/Scripps Howard power ratings say Boston College by 15.
COACHES: Tom O'Brien (66-32 in 10th year at BC) and Brian Kelly (10-12 in third year at Central Mich.).
LAST YEAR: BC went 9-3. Central Michigan went 6-5.
SERIES HISTORY: BC leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: BC won, 43-0, in 2002.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since November 2002, Golden Eagles are 12-5 on road.
GAME FACTS: Eagles need to be focused vs. upstart Chippewas who recorded first winning season since 1998 last year. As usual behind massive offensive line (avg. weight of 315 pounds), BC RBs L.V. Withworth, Andre Callender (combined 1,523 yards rushing, 15 TDs last year) will pound on smaller CMU defense (led MAC, 20th in nation vs. run last year, 113.7 ypg). CMU has never beaten an ACC school and hasn't beaten team from BCS conference since 1994 (0-14). DE Dan Bazuin (tied MAC record with 16 sacks last year) has made some All-America teams. Maybe new permanent lights system at Kelly/Shorts Stadium will spark lethargic offense (76th in nation in scoring, 23.6 ppg last year).
SOUTH CAROLINA (0-0) at MISSISSIPPI STATE (0-0), 8, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say South Carolina by 12.
COACHES: Steve Spurrier (7-5 in second year at South Carolina) and Sylvester Croom (6-16 in second year at Miss. State).
LAST YEAR: South Carolina went 7-5. Mississippi State went 3-8.
SERIES HISTORY: Miss. State leads, 6-5.
LAST MEETING: South Carolina won, 34-10, in 2002.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Spurrier's .829 conference winning percentage (97-20) is the best in SEC history.
GAME FACTS: With defense returning only three starters, Spurrier needs better play from QB Blake Mitchell (2,370 passing, 17 TDs, 12 ints. last year) as Gamecocks already have best SEC's best receiver in WR Sidney Rice (70 receptions, led SEC with 13 TD catches). Croom made USC bulletin board in offseason. When asked about recruiting, he replied "We already have the players on hand that will beat South Carolina next year." That's big talk from a team that is 6-34 in SEC games since 2001 (14-43 overall). Decent talent on hand includes LB Quinton Culberson (78 tackles), DT Dejuan Robinson. Lately, offense has been awful (113th in nation, last in SEC in total offense, 276.2 ypg last year).
FRIDAY:
NEVADA (0-0) at FRESNO STATE (0-0), 10, ESPN2.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Fresno State by 13.
COACHES: Chris Ault (177-63-1 in 22nd year at Nevada) and Pat Hill (73-43 in 10th year at Fresno).
LAST YEAR: Nevada went 9-3. Fresno State went 8-5.
SERIES HISTORY: Fresno State leads, 22-13-1.
LAST MEETING: Nevada won, 38-35, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In winning six of last seven over Wolf Pack, Bulldogs have averaged 46 points per game.
GAME FACTS: Wolf Pack won share of WAC title last year by stunning Bulldogs in regular-season finale to nab first bowl bid since 1996. QB Jeff Rove (2,925 yards passing, 21 TDs, 10 ints. last year) was terrific that day (15-of-22, 189 passing, 1 TD, TD run). Bulldogs want some payback but will have to do it with untested sophomore QB Tom Brandstater (6-of-13, 49 yards passing, int. last year). Hill hopes RB Dwayne Wright is over knee problems that have dogged him since rushing for 1,038 yards way back in 2003. Under Hill, Bulldogs are 8-1 in WAC openers and are 11-2 overall in home openers at Bulldog Stadium.
SATURDAY:
VANDERBILT (0-0) at No. 15 MICHIGAN (0-0), Noon, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Michigan by 23.
COACHES: Bobby Johnson (11-34 in fifth year at Vandy) and Lloyd Carr (102-34 in 12th year at Michigan).
LAST YEAR: Vanderbilt went 5-6. Michigan went 7-5.
SERIES HISTORY: Michigan leads, 9-0-1.
LAST MEETING: Michigan won, 42-14, in 1969.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Carr, Wolverines are 28-2 at home in September.
GAME FACTS: With former star QB Jay Cutler with the Denver Broncos, this is brutal debut for replacement _ either redshirt freshman Mackenzi Adams, seldom-used sophomore Chris Nickson or Arizona transfer Richard Kovalcheck. Wolverines are still angry about last year, UM's worst season since 1984. Finally healthy again, RB Mike Hart should find lots of room vs. porous Vandy defense (82nd in nation vs. run, 169.8 ypg, 15 TD runs given up last year) that lost five starters. QB Chad Henne (2,526 passing, 23 TDs, 8 ints.) played better down stretch last year (63-of-103, 677 passing, 7 TDs, 1 int. in last three starts).
NORTH TEXAS (0-0) at No. 2 TEXAS (0-0), Noon, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Texas by 40.
COACHES: Darrell Dickey (39-55 in 9th year at North Texas) and Mack Brown (83-19 in 8th year at Texas).
LAST YEAR: North Texas went 2-9. Texas went 13-0.
SERIES HISTORY: Texas leads, 8-0.
LAST MEETING: Texas won, 65-0, in 2004.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Cumulative score of eight North Texas-Texas games is Longhorns 240, Eagles 85.
GAME FACTS: Eagles hope to score vs. Longhorns, something they haven't done since 33-15 loss in 1992. NTSU lost last six games last year to finish with worst mark since 1999, but do have RB Jamario Thomas (led nation with 1,801 rushing in 2004) healthy again. Owners of nation's longest winning streak at 20, defending national-champion Longhorns turn to freshman Colt McCoy to replace departed wonder-QB Vince Young. In winning last 16 games in Austin, Longhorns have topped 40 points 11 times and are 7-1 in season-openers under Brown.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (0-0) at No. 1 OHIO STATE (0-0), 3:30, ABC (regional).
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Ohio State by 22.
COACHES: Joe Novak (54-60 in 11th year at Northern Ill.) and Jim Tressel (50-13 in 6th year at Ohio St.).
LAST YEAR: NIU went 7-5. Ohio State went 10-2.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Buckeyes are 53-9-1 all-time as No. 1-ranked team.
GAME FACTS: With recent wins over Alabama, Maryland and Iowa State, giant-killer Huskies get their toughest test here. Offense has talent duo of QB Phil Horvath (18 TD passes, 8 ints., led nation with 70.6 pct. completion rate last year)-RB Garrett Wolfe (second in nation with 1,580 rushing, 16 TDs). Defense (52nd in nation in total defense, 370 ypg) may be in over its head vs. Buckeyes' Heisman-candidate Troy Smith (led Big Ten in QB rating, 2,282 passing, 16 TDs, 4 ints., 11 TD runs), the first OSU QB to pass for 2,000 yards and run for 500 in a season. RB Antonio Pittman (1,331 rushing, 7 TDs), WR Ted Ginn Jr. (1,668 all-purpose yards) are other dangerous weapons. OSU must reload after losing 28 players off last year's team including 5 first-round NFL draft picks.
RUTGERS (0-0) at NORTH CAROLINA (0-0), 3:30, ABC (regional).
FAVORITE: Power ratings say North Carolina by 7.
COACHES: Greg Schiano (19-39 in 6th year at Rutgers) and John Bunting (24-36 in 6th year at UNC).
LAST YEAR: Rutgers went 7-5. North Carolina went 5-6.
SERIES HISTORY: Rutgers leads, 2-0.
LAST MEETING: Rutgers won, 19-0, in 1919.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Bunting, Tar Heels are 5-14 in August and September games.
GAME FACTS: After guiding Scarlet Knights to first bowl bid since 1978 (only second RU postseason trip ever), time to see if Schiano's program has arrived. Last year included one win over a team with a winning record (Navy). Curiously, Rutgers thinks RB Brian Leonard (740 rushing, 11 TDs, 55 catches, 6 TD catches) is a Heisman candidate. After being one of worst in nation in 2004, Tar Heels defense improved greatly (42nd in nation in total defense, 349.2 ypg). Unfortunately, offense (104th in nation in scoring, 18.0 ppg) fell off a cliff. Bunting hopes Nebraska-transfer Joe Dailey comes through at QB to complement RB Ronnie McGill (530 rushing led UNC).
STANFORD (0-0) at No. 20 OREGON (0-0), 3:30, ABC (regional).
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Oregon by 13.
COACHES: Walt Harris (5-6 in second year at Stanford) and Mike Bellotti (90-42 in 12th year at Oregon).
LAST YEAR: Stanford was 5-6. Oregon was 10-2.
SERIES HISTORY: Stanford, leads, 43-25-1.
LAST MEETING: Oregon won, 44-20, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In winning last four over Cardinal since 2002, Ducks have outscored Stanford, 136-47.
GAME FACTS: Tough opener for weak Cardinal defense (110th in nation vs. pass, 285.9 ypg, 21 TDS given up, 105th in total defense, 441.9 ypg) that lacks playmakers. So QB Trent Edwards (1,934 passing, 17 TDs, 7 ints. last year) will likely throw often. Bellotti has good QB problem in that both Dennis Dixon, Brady Leaf (Ryan's brother) can play after combining for 1,244 yards passing with 9 TDs and 6 ints. in sharing time last year. WR James Finley (57 catches, 2 TDs), RB Jonathan Stewart (led nation in kickoff returns, 33.7 ypg, 2 TDs) look to be breakout stars. Excellent K Paul Martinez (8-of-9 on FGs outside 40 yards last year) means UO always scores when it should.
AKRON (0-0) at No. 19 PENN STATE (0-0), 3:30, ESPN2.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Penn State by 23.
COACHES: JD Brookhart (13-11 in third year at Akron) and Joe Paterno (353-117-3 in 41st year at Penn State).
LAST YEAR: Akron was 7-6. Penn State went 11-1.
SERIES HISTORY: Penn State leads, 2-0.
LAST MEETING: Penn State won, 48-10, in 2004.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Paterno, Nittany Lions are 33-7 in season-openers including four straight wins.
GAME FACTS: After leading Zips to first Division I bowl and MAC title last year, this is tough task _ especially considering UA has lost 10 straight to BCS teams since beating then-Big East patsy Temple in 1999. QB Luke Getsy (3,455 passing, 23 TDs, 12 ints. last year), a transfer from Pitt, has big-time ability. After storming to surprising Big Ten crown last year, Nittany Lions must reload with most pressure falling on untested junior QB Anthony Morelli to replace do-it-all hero of 2005 Michael Robinson. LB Paul Posluszny (116 tackles last year) might be nation's best and gets help from senior co-captain DT Levi Brown.
LOUISIANA TECH (0-0) at No. 22 NEBRASKA (0-0), 3:30, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Nebraska by 14.
COACHES: Jack Bicknell III (40-42 in 8th year at La. Tech) and Bill Callahan (13-10 in third year at Nebraska).
LAST YEAR: La. Tech went 7-4. Nebraska went 8-4.
SERIES HISTORY: Nebraska leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: Nebraska won, 56-27, in 1998.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1985, Cornhuskers have won 20 straight openers, the longest streak in the nation.
GAME FACTS: First Bulldogs are snubbed for bowl last year despite having best record of I-A teams not invited. Now Tech, with only 9 starters back, opens at newly-renovated Memorial Stadium which has added 6,000 more screaming NU fans to push capacity over 81,000. Cornhuskers QB Zack Taylor set school record with 2,653 yards passing last year to go along with 19 TD passes, including 7 each to WRs Terrence Nunn (43 catches) and Nate Swift (45 catches). But even Callahan knows 'Husker nation is not going to accept a running game ranked 107th in the nation (96 ypg).
No. 12 CALIFORNIA (0-0) at No. 23 TENNESSEE (0-0), 5:30, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say the game is even.
COACHES: Jeff Tedford (33-17 in fifth year at Cal) and Phil Fulmer (128-37 in 15th year at Tennessee).
LAST YEAR: Cal went 8-4. Tennessee went 5-6.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 1-1.
LAST MEETING: Tennessee won, 38-12, in 1987.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1986, Vols are 12-0 in season-openers Knoxville including seven wins by 24 points or more.
GAME FACTS: Surprisingly Bears probably have edge in talent here thanks to Heisman-hopeful RB Marshawn Lynch (1,246 yards rushing, 12 TDs last year), aggressive defense (32 sacks, 21 turnovers forced). After breaking leg in last year's opener, QB Nate Longshore is unproven. After crumbling to first losing season since 1988, Vols must get off deck quickly. Fulmer let three offensive assistants go to bring his longtime friend David Cutcliffe back as offensive coordinator, mostly to fix junior QB Erik Ainge (737 passing, 5 TDs, 7 ints.) who regressed miserably last year. RB Arian Foster (879 rushing, 5 TDs, over 100 yards in last five games last year) is emerging star. DT Justin Harrell, DB Jonathan Hafney lead defense that did all it could last year (7th in nation in total defense, 298.2 ypg, held 7 of 11 foes to 16 points or less).
ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM (0-0) at No. 5 OKLAHOMA (0-0), 7, TBS.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Oklahoma by 28.
COACHES: Watson Brown (59-65 in 12th year at UAB) and Bob Stoops (75-16 in 8th year at Oklahoma).
LAST YEAR: UAB was 5-6. Oklahoma was 8-4.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Stoops, Sooners are 41-2 at home.
GAME FACTS: Blazers were very close to being good last year with four losses coming by combined 15 points. But that was with QB Darrell Hackney, who's now in the NFL. Senior Chris Williams takes over for Hackney but has thrown only three passes in game since 2003. Stoops has QB issues as well since projected starter Rhett Bomar was booted off team for accepting cash from booster. That means last year's starter Paul Thompson is back under center after spending most of last year and all spring at WR. Thompson is sure to hand often to bullish RB Adrian Peterson (1,108 yards rushing last year, 14 TDs) who should find holes in UAB front seven (59th in nation vs. run, 148.1 ypg).
UTAH (0-0) at UCLA (0-0), 7, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say UCLA by 1.
COACHES: Kyle Wittingham (7-5 in second year at Utah) and Karl Dorrell (22-15 in fourth year at UCLA).
LAST YEAR: Utah was 7-5. UCLA was 10-2.
SERIES HISTORY: UCLA leads, 7-0.
LAST MEETING: UCLA won, 27-14, in 1974.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Bruins were comeback kids last year, rallying five times from double-digit deficits including 22-0 hole in 50-38 Sun Bowl win over Northwestern.
GAME FACTS: Utes are excited about return of QB Brian Johnson, who was having terrific season in spread attack last year (2,892 yards passing, 18 TDs, 7 ints., 458 rushing, 8 TDs last year) before injuring his knee vs. New Mexico, Nov. 12. Bruins will turn to sophomore QB Ben Olson, once the nation's top-rated prep QB before going on a two-year Mormon mission and then transferring from BYU. Olson has thrown only four passes in college and hasn't started since his senior year in high school in 2001. Freshman WR Terrence Austin appeared on ESPNU reality show "The House" over the summer and should make quick impact.
WASHINGTON STATE (0-0) at No. 6 AUBURN (0-0), 7:45, ESPN2.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Auburn by 18.
COACHES: Bill Doba (19-16 in fourth year at Wash. State) and Tommy Tuberville (60-27 in 8th year at Auburn).
LAST YEAR: Washington State went 4-7. Auburn went 9-3.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Tigers have won 18 of last 20 at home including nine by 30 points or more.
GAME FACTS: After losing five games by four points or less, Doba has made "Finish" his team's motto for this year. QB Alex Brink (2,891 passing, 24 TDs, 13 ints. last year) often did that, especially with WR Jason Hill (62 catches, 13 TDs, third in nation with 1,097 receiving yards). But porous defense was 106th in nation in total defense (442.6 ypg). Tigers remember getting stunned by Ga. Tech in last year's opener and should be focused here. RB Kenny Irons' (led SEC with 1,293 rushing) hard running should set up QB Brandon Cox's play-action passes. Pressure defense (39 sacks) could be big problem for WSU line.
No. 3 NOTRE DAME (0-0) at GEORGIA TECH (0-0), 8, ABC.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Ga. Tech by 1.
COACHES: Charlie Weis (9-3 in second year at Notre Dame) and Chan Gailey (28-22 in fifth year at Ga. Tech).
LAST YEAR: Notre Dame was 9-3. Ga. Tech was 7-5.
SERIES HISTORY: Notre Dame leads, 26-5-1.
LAST MEETING: Georgia Tech won, 35-28, in the 1999 Gator Bowl.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In first year under offensive wiz Weis, Irish set school record with 440 points scored last year.
GAME FACTS: High-powered Irish offense has weapons galore starting with Heisman-favorite QB Brady Quinn (school-records with 3,919 yards passing, 32 TDs, and 64.9 pct. completions last year), RB Darius Walker (1,196 rushing, 9 TDs, 43 catches, 2 TDs), WR Jeff Samardzija (77 catches, school-record 1,249 yards, 15 TDs). Defense (75th in nation in total defense, 396.9 ypg) must improve. Given curious contract extension, Gailey must hope QB Reggie Ball (95th in nation in QB rating, 2,165 passing, 11 TDs, 12 ints.) develops some kind of consistency or superb WR Calvin Johnson (54 catches, only 4 in season-ending losses to Georgia, Utah in San Francisco Bowl) will continue to be wasted. Yellow Jackets' blitz pressure (second in ACC with 36 sacks) will come at Quinn from all angles.
No. 3 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (0-0) at ARKANSAS (0-0), 8:45, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Southern Cal by 20.
COACHES: Pete Carroll (53-10 in 6th year at USC) and Houston Nutt (57-40 in 9th year at Arkansas).
LAST YEAR: USC went 11-1. Arkansas went 4-7.
SERIES HISTORY: USC leads, 3-1.
LAST MEETING: USC won, 70-17, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Trojans have won 16 straight road games while averaging 39 points per game.
GAME FACTS: Interesting test to see how new-look Trojans fare minus Matt Leinart-Reggie Bush and co. New QB John David Booty (327 passing, 3 TDs, 2 ints. last year) at least has comfort in wondrously talented WR Dwayne Jarrett (led nation with 16 TD catches). RB-by-committee will attempt to replace the 3,000 yards and 40 TD runs of Bush and LenDale White. Razorbacks want revenge for last year's humiliation. QB Robert Johnson (52-of-92, 492 passing, 1 TD, 3 ints. in last five games) didn't do much right in '05 but held on to job in spring, though most 'Hogs fans want wunderkind freshman Mitch Mustain to start. RB Darren McFadden, '05 SEC freshman of the year after rushing for 1,113 yards, is doubtful after injuring his toe in a fight outside nightclub.
BYU (0-0) at ARIZONA (0-0), 10:15, TBS.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Arizona by 1.
COACHES: Bronco Mendenhall (6-6 in second year at BYU) and Mike Stoops (6-16 in second year at Arizona).
LAST YEAR: BYU went 6-6. Arizona went 3-8.
SERIES HISTORY: Arizona leads, 10-8-1.
LAST MEETING: BYU won, 34-14, in 1977.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Stoops, Wildcats are 6-4 when scoring 20 points or more and 0-12 when they don't.
GAME FACTS: Cougars managed to get to Las Vegas Bowl last year without really beating anybody any good. QB John Beck (3,729 passing, 27 TDs, 13 ints.), TE Jonny Harline (63 catches, 5 TDs), RB Curtis Brown (1,123 rushing, 14 TDs, 53 catches, 2 TDs) key fine offense (13th in nation in total offense, 462.4 ypg). But leaky defense gave up 227 points in six losses last year. Wildcats could be surprise of Pac-10 if sophomore QB Willie Tuitama (82-of-142, 1,105 passing, 9 TDs, 5 ints. in starting last 5 games) steps up along with some depth from Stoops' first two recruiting classes. Sophomore WR Mike Thomas had 29 catches, 3 TDs in Tuitama's 5 starts.
