ShareThisBy JOHN LINDSAY
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Capsule previews for this week's top college football games. All times Eastern and all rankings Coaches poll.
THURSDAY:
No. 7 WEST VIRGINIA (8-1) at PITTSBURGH (6-4), 7:30 p.m., ESPN.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say West Virginia by 8.
COACHES: Rich Rodriguez (47-23 in 6th year at West Va.) and Dave Wannstedt (11-10 in second year at Pitt).
LAST WEEK: West Virginia beat Cincinnati, 42-24. Pittsburgh lost at Connecticut, 46-45, in double overtime.
SERIES HISTORY: Pitt leads, 59-36-3.
LAST MEETING: West Virginia won, 45-13, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1988, Mountaineers are 12-5-1 vs. Panthers while averaging 40 points per game in the 12 wins..
GAME FACTS: If Mountaineers can continue dominance of "Backyard Brawl,'' then at least a share of Big East crown will be there for taking with home wins over South Florida and Rutgers. After discouraging 44-34 loss at Louisville Nov. 2, WVU got back on track last week behind familiar 1-2 punch of QB Pat White (191 yards total offense, 2 TD runs, TD pass), RB Steve Slaton (career-best 63 and 65-yard runs, 2 TDs), who is second in the nation with 1,363 rushing. Pass defense (78th in nation vs. pass, 215.4 ypg, 10 TDs given up, 13 ints.) will need to do a lot better than it did vs. Louisville (gave up season-high 354 passing, 1 TD). Wanting revenge for last year's 'brawl'' shellacking, Panthers are reeling with 3-game losing streak, capped by last week's bizarre loss as defense blew 31-17 fourth-quarter lead to squander excellent efforts from QB Tyler Palko (20-of-25, 234 passing, 3 TDs), RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (154 rushing, 2 TDs), TE Steve Boches (career-high 5 catches, 2 TDs). WR Darrell Strong did not play after making obscene gesture to crowd in 22-12 loss at South Florida Nov. 4 and his status remains unclear. LB H.B. Blades is third in nation with 126 tackles.
SATURDAY:
No. 21 MARYLAND (8-2) at No. 20 BOSTON COLLEGE (8-2), Noon, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say BC by 8.
COACHES: Ralph Friedgen (49-22 in 6th year at Maryland) and Tom O'Brien (74-44 in 10th year at BC).
LAST WEEK: Maryland beat Miami, 14-13. BC beat Duke, 28-7.
SERIES HISTORY: Maryland leads, 2-1.
LAST MEETING: BC won, 31-16, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Terrapins' current 5-game winning streak has come by combined total of 13 points.
GAME FACTS: With win, Terps could wrap up ACC Atlantic title by beating Wake Forest at home Nov. 25. Golden Eagles would need win, victory at Miami on Thanksgiving along with at least one loss by Wake to grab share to division crown. Terps' winning ways continued to defy logic last week as UM was shut out over final 44 minutes of game, held to three first downs in second half (second time that's happened in last three weeks) but still held on for vital win. QB Stan Hollenbach's 65 and school-record 96-yard TD strikes to WR Derrius Heyward-Bey was difference along with key defensive stands. Eagles re-discovered ground game last week busting loose for season-high 241 yards last week including combined 223 rushing, 2 TDs from RBs Andre Callender, L.V. Whitworth. That's good news for QB Matt Ryan (63-of-94, 621 passing, 3 TDs, 3 ints. in last two games) who has played gamely through ankle and foot problems all year. Run defense gave up 170 rushing to ACC's worst ground attack and must tighten up here. Freshman WR Jeff Smith is dangerous return man (fifth in nation in kickoff returns, 31 ypr, 1 TD).
MICHIGAN STATE (4-7) at PENN STATE (7-4), Noon, ESON2.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Penn State by 15.
COACHES: John L. Smith (21-26 in fourth year at Michigan State) and Joe Paterno (361-121-3 in 41st year at Penn State).
LAST WEEK: Michigan State lost at home to Minnesota, 31-18. Penn State beat Temple, 47-0.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 11-11-1.
LAST MEETING: Penn State won, 31-22, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Against Division I teams with losing records this year, Nittany Lions are 4-0 while averaging 34 points per game. Against D-I foes with winning marks, PSU is 1-4 while averaging 10 points per game.
GAME FACTS: Disastrous year for Spartans comes to end as Smith, fired earlier this month, and his staff bow out. MSU never really recovered from blowing 17-point fourth quarter lead to Notre Dame in 40-37 loss on Sept. 23 as Spartans are 1-6 since while being outscored 224-135. Senior QB Drew Stanton (2,252 total offense, 12 TD passes, 10 ints., 5 TD runs) has NFL ability but never really made plays well enough under pressure. Lions hope to get Paterno back after he missed last week recovering from broken leg suffered in sideline spill in 13-3 loss at Wisconsin Nov. 11. Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley guided team in last week's laugher as his unit gave up paltry 74 yards, 2 first downs, lowest figures ever under Paterno, who watched game from his home. RB Tony Hunt was offensive weapon with 167 rushing, 3 TDs, TD catch. Talented sophomore WR Derrick Williams finally made impact with 75-yard punt return for TD.
No. 16 OKLAHOMA (8-2) at BAYLOR (4-7), 12:30, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Oklahoma by 18.
COACHES: Bob Stoops (93-18 in 8th year at Oklahoma) and Guy Morriss (15-30 in fourth year at Baylor).
LAST WEEK: Oklahoma beat Texas Tech, 34-24. Baylor lost at Oklahoma State, 66-24.
SERIES HISTORY: Oklahoma leads, 15-0.
LAST MEETING: Oklahoma won, 37-30 in overtime, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Sooners have won five straight while outscoring foes 135-62 while Bears have lost three straight while being outscored 152-66.
GAME FACTS: Sooners' utter domination of Bears nearly ended last year when Bears rallied from 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to tie game on 2-point conversion with 55 seconds left. But principal figures from that game _ Sooners QB Rhett Bomar (transferred) and Bears QB Shawn Bell (out for year with knee injury _ are now nowhere to be found. Baylor clinched 12th straight bowl-less season last week with embarrassing drubbing where effort appeared questionable _ especially on defense (121 points given up in last two losses). Sooners got the good side of Jekyll-and-Hyde QB Paul Thompson last week as the senior threw for career-high 309 yards, 2 TDs _ this a week after going 3-of-12 for career-low 39 yards in 17-16 win at Texas A&M Nov. 4. With RB Allen Patrick (ankle) out and Jacob Gutierrez ineffective, Stoops turned to true freshman Chris Brown, who had immediate impact with 84 yards rushing, 2 TDs.
ARMY (3-7) at NOTRE DAME (9-1), 2:30, NBC.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Notre Dame by 32.
COACHES: Bobby Ross (9-23 in third year at Army) and Charlie Weis (18-4 in second year at Notre Dame)
LAST WEEK: Army was off. Notre Dame won at Air Force, 39-17.
SERIES HISTORY: Notre Dame leads, 36-8-4.
LAST MEETING: Notre Dame won, 20-17, in 1998.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Weis, Fighting Irish are 14-1 when scoring 32 points or more and 4-3 when they don't.
GAME FACTS: Making first trip to South Bend since 1998, Cadets haven't beaten ND since 1958 (0-12). Breaking streak doesn't look encouraging here as Army has lost four straight including 43-7 loss at home to Air Force Nov. 3 when exasperated Ross refused to speak to the media afterwards. As criticism of his handling of program has increased, the 69-year-old Ross said "(If) they want to replace the coach, let them do it. I have nothing to lose by it.'' Biggest problem has been wave of turnovers (32, last in nation). During seven-game winning streak over mostly overmatched competition, Irish have ridden hot hand of QB Brady Quinn (138-of-199, 1,405 passing, 18 TDs. 0 ints. in last six games). S Chinedum Ndukwe's 22 tackles last week were third most in one game in ND history. At No. 5 in BCS rankings, win sets up big showdown at No. 3 USC next week.
No. 2 MICHIGAN (11-0) at No. 1 OHIO STATE (11-0), 3:30, ABC.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Ohio State by 5.
COACHES: Lloyd Carr (113-34 in 11th year at Michigan) and Jim Tressel (61-13 in 6th year at Ohio State).
LAST WEEK: Michigan won at Indiana, 34-3. Ohio State won at Northwestern, 54-10.
SERIES HISTORY: Michigan leads, 57-39-6.
LAST MEETING: Ohio State won, 25-21, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense (7.8 points per game) and are eighth in scoring offense (35.8 points per game), the only team in the nation to rank in the top eight in both categories..
GAME FACTS: First time fierce Wolverines-Buckeyes rivalry that dates back to 1897 has ever produced No. 1-vs.-No. 2 showdown. Winner can book tickets to BCS national title game Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz. Loser likely shuffles off to Rose Bowl unless there is a rematch for BCS crown. Buckeyes looking for first 3-game winning streak over UM since winning four in row from 1960-63. Led by DE LaMarr Woodley (leads Big Ten with 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles), LB David Harris (13 tackles for loss), ferocious UM defense (leads nation with 40 sacks and vs. run, 29.9 ypg, third in total defense, 231.4 ypg) will take aim on OSU QB Troy Smith (leads Big Ten in QB rating, 170-of-256, 2,191 passing, 26 TDs, 4 ints.), who has dominated Wolverines in wins last two years (combined 40-of-60, 541 passing, 3 TDs, 0 ints., 182 rushing with 2 TD runs.) Since injuring his knee in win over Mich. State on Oct. 7, Wolverines big-play WR Mario Manningham (26 catches, 20.7 per catch, 9 TDs) has only two catches while missing four games. He must stretch OSU defense to open up things for RB Mike Hart (second in Big Ten with 1,373 rushing, 11 TDs), underneath passing of QB Chad Henne (third in Big Ten in QB rating, 156-of-252, 1,932 passing, 18 TDs, 7 ints.). Both teams have superb return men in Buckeyes WR Ted Ginn Jr. (second in Big Ten in punt returns, 12.1 ypr, 1 TD), Wolverines WR Steve Breaston (third in Big Ten in punt returns, 11.4 ypr, 1 TD).
No. 15 AUBURN (9-2) at ALABAMA (6-5), 3:30, CBS.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Auburn by 6.
COACHES: Tommy Tuberville (69-29 in 8th year at Auburn) and Mike Shula (26-22 in fourth year at Alabama).
LAST WEEK: Auburn lost at home to Georgia, 37-15. Alabama lost at LSU, 28-14.
SERIES HISTORY: Alabama leads, 38-31-1.
LAST MEETING: Auburn won, 28-18, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Tigers' four-game winning streak in Iron Bowl is AU's longest over Crimson Tide since winning five straight from 1954-58.
GAME FACTS: One of sport's most heated rivalries sees both teams limping in. Tigers' puzzling collapse last week virtually eliminated them for SEC West race, BCS at-large bowl bid. QB Brandon Cox was absolutely awful (4-of-12, 35 passing, 1 TD, 4 ints.), though banged-up knee didn't help any. RB Kenny Irons wasn't happy with getting only 10 carries for 49 yards. Much to anger of 'Bama fans, Tigers are 5-0 in Tuscaloosa, including three wins since series returned to Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2000. Shula's 0-3 mark vs. Tigers isn't much but at least he went 2-1 vs. AU as 'Bama QB from 1984-86. Last year's loss was particularly tough as Tide QB Brodie Croyle was sacked 8 times. Tide freshman QB John David Parker had career-high 291 yards passing last week but will likely be without WR Keith Brown, who returned from knee injury last week only to hurt his leg. Red-zone offense has been terrible all year for 'Bama, despite WR D.J. Hall (56 catches), who needs one yard to become second Tide player ever to have 1,000 yards receiving in a season.
KANSAS STATE (7-4) at KANSAS (5-5), 3:30, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say K-State by 3.
COACHES: Ron Prince (7-4 in first year at K-State) and Mark Mangino (24-34 in fifth year at Kansas).
LAST WEEK: K-State beat Texas, 45-42. Kansas was off.
SERIES HISTORY: Kansas leads, 61-37-5.
LAST MEETING: K-State won, 12-3, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1992, Wildcats are 12-1 vs. Jayhawks including six wins by 24 points or more.
GAME FACTS: 104th edition of Sunflower State Showdown for supremacy of Kansas. Prince pretty much made his debut season with rousing upset of No. 4 Texas last week with freshman QB Josh Freeman, RB Leon Patton either running or throwing for all six Wildcats TDs. Three-game winning streak has assured K-State of first bowl trip since 2003 team upset Oklahoma to win school's only Big 12 title. Mangino could really use this one as Jayhawks have been mostly disappointing, though four of the losses have been by combined total of 16 points. RB Jon Cornish (leads Big 12 with 1,130 rushing) is durable weapon while QB Kerry Meier returned to lineup with bang with 17-of-22, 199-yard, 2-TD effort in 41-10 win over Iowa State Nov. 4. Horrendous pass defense (last in Big 12, 117th in nation vs. pass, 262.9 ypg, 18 TD passes given up, 9 ints.) explains what happened in a lot of those close losses.
WASHINGTON (4-7) at WASHINGTON STATE (6-5), 6:45, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Wash. State by 14.
COACHES: Tyrone Willingham (6-16 in second year at Washington) and Bill Doba (25-21 in fourth year at Wash. State).
LAST WEEK: Washington lost at home to Stanford, 20-3. Wash. State lost at Arizona State, 47-14.
SERIES HISTORY: Washington leads, 63-29-6.
LAST MEETING: Wash. State won, 26-22, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since opening season 4-1, Huskies have lost five straight including overtime losses to Cal and Arizona State and a 26-20 loss at USC.
GAME FACTS: 99th edition of the Apple Cup battle has both schools searching for answers. Huskies seemed to lose all focus last week in ugly Senior Day loss to winless Stanford. Sputtering offense managed only 161 total yards (95 in final three quarters) vs. worst defense in Pac-10 and just hasn't been same since QB Isiah Stanback was lost for season three weeks ago. With QBs Carl Bonnell (thigh bruise), Johnny DuRocher (concussion) both questionable, fifth-year walk-on senior Felix Sweetman might be forced to start. Cougars look for first 3-game winning streak ever vs. Huskies in rivalry that dates back to 1907 and to assure first bowl trip since 2003. Defense absolutely collapsed from start last week as Arizona State scored on all six first-half possessions en route to 30-7 lead at intermission. QB Jason Brink (14-of-30, 161 passing, 2 TDs) mostly struggled and has had problems since WSU's top two WRs Jason Hill and Michael Bumpus, went down with high ankle sprains two weeks ago. Those two remain questionable and receiver depth was dealt another blow with WR Chris Jordan (knee) gone for year.
No. 19 VIRGINIA TECH (8-2) at No. 14 WAKE FOREST (9-1), 7, ESPN2.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Wake Forest by 1.
COACHES: Frank Beamer (154-81-2 in 20th year at Virginia Tech) and Jim Grobe (35-33 in 6th year at Wake Forest).
LAST WEEK: Virginia Tech beat Kent State, 23-0. Wake Forest won at Florida State, 30-0
SERIES HISTORY: Va. Tech leads, 21-11-1
LAST MEETING: Va. Tech won, 17-10, in 2004.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1999, Hokies are 70-5 when they out-rush their foes and 7-16 when they don't. For year, Hokies average 118.4 yards per game rushing (83rd in nation) while Demon Deacons average 153.9 ypg (40th in nation).
GAME FACTS: Though Hokies have played better on road in recent years, Tech is still only 7-16 vs. ranked foes away from home under Beamer. RB Brandon Ore (1,090 rushing, 14 TDs) gets tough yards inside while CB Brandon Flowers leads ACC with 19 passes defended as part of tough defense (leads nation in total defense, 228.4 ypg, third in scoring, 10.6 ppg). With win here and at Maryland next week, Demon Deacons will win stunning ACC Atlantic crown and trip to ACC title game in Jacksonville Dec. 2. Amazing effort last week (Florida State's first shutout loss at home ever under Bobby Bowden) was led by WR Kenneth Moore, who filled in at RB and rushed for 80 yards and LB Kevin Patterson's 48-yard int. return for TD, one of 4 turnovers forced as defense gave up only 139 total yards. P-K Sam Swank (avg. 61.6 yards on five punts, 3-of-4 on FGs), is now 7-of-9 career on FGs outside 50 yards. LB Jon Abbate, S Josh Gattis will play despite ankle injuries.
No. 8 RUTGERS (9-0) at CINCINNATI (5-5), 7:45, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Rutgers by 11.
COACHES: Greg Schiano (28-39 in 6th year at Rutgers) and Mark Dantonio (16-20 in third year at Cincinnati).
LAST WEEK: Rutgers beat Louisville, 28-25. Cincinnati lost at West Virginia, 42-24.
SERIES HISTORY: Rutgers leads, 17-6.
LAST MEETING: Rutgers won, 44-9, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Scarlet Knights are fourth in nation in both scoring defense (10.9 points per game) and total defense (231.7 yards per game) while Bearcats are 92nd in nation in scoring offense (19.1 ppg) and 77th in total offense (323.5 ypg).
GAME FACTS: Amazing Knights have shot to sixth in this week's BCS rankings but face test to remain focused here. Win and victory over Syracuse next week sets up potential Big East showdown in season finale at No. 7 West Virginia on Dec. 2. RB Ray Rice keyed comeback from 25-7 second quarter-deficit vs. Louisville with grind-it 131-yard effort that included 89 yards in final period. QB Mike Teel's numbers aren't great (82nd in nation in QB rating, 98-of-185, 1,205 passing, 7 TDs, 9 ints.) but he makes key plays and is 34-1 as a starter dating back to his high school days. Needing win to become bowl eligible, Cincy has played just well enough to scare likes of Louisville and Va. Tech but needs to find some consistency on offense to break through. QB Dustin Groza (37-of-60, 463 passing, 2 TDs, 4 ints. in last three games) remains erratic and was relieved last week by senior backup Chuck Davila, who looked good (10-of-17, 167 passing, 2 TDs, 1 int.) in second half.
NO. 17 CALIFORNIA (8-2) at No. 4 SOUTHERN CAL (8-1), 8, ABC.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say USC by 13.
COACHES: Jeff Tedford (41-19 in fifth year at California) and Pete Carroll (62-11 in 6th year at USC).
LAST WEEK: California lost at Arizona, 14-13. USC beat Oregon, 35-10.
SERIES HISTORY: USC leads, 58-30-5.
LAST MEETING: USC won, 35-10, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Carroll, Trojans are perfect 18-0 in November.
GAME FACTS: Winner earns Pac-10 title and BCS bowl berth. Bears want breakthrough for first league title, Rose Bowl trip since 1959. Blowing 17-3 third-quarter lead last week was even more puzzling considering Cal outgained Arizona 356 total yards to 262. WR DeSean Jackson had 62-yard TD catch and 95-yard punt return for TD and now has 21 TDs in 21 career games with Bears. In Cal's eight wins, QB Nate Longshore has thrown for 20 TDs vs. 6 ints. compared to 0 TDs and 4 ints. in Bears' two losses. Since upset loss at Oregon State Oct. 29, Trojans have ripped Stanford and Oregon by combined 77-10 and have now won record 31 consecutive Pac-10 games at home. At No. 3 in this week's BCS standings, Trojans are well positioned for third consecutive BCS title game appearance, which is no surprise considering SC has won 53 of last 56 games overall. QB John David Booty has been dead on target lately (52-of-85, 785 passing, 7 TDs, 2 ints. in last three games) while RB Chauncey Washington (674 rushing, 8 TDs) adds balance. LB trio of Rey Maualuga, Keith Rivers and Dallas Startz (combined 25 tackles, forced fumble, recovered fumble) must be active again to contain talented Cal RB Marshawn Lynch (leads Pac-10 with 1,090 rushing, 9 TDs).
UCLA (5-5) at ARIZONA STATE (6-4), 10:15, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Power ratings say Arizona State by 7.
COACHES: Karl Dorrell (27-20 in fourth year at UCLA) and Dirk Koetter (39-32 in 6th year at Arizona State).
LAST WEEK: UCLA beat Oregon State, 25-7. Arizona State beat Washington State, 47-14.
SERIES HISTORY: UCLA leads, 14-7-1.
LAST MEETING: UCLA won, 45-35, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In last two home wins over Stanford, Wash. State, Sun Devils have given up 8.5 points and 168 yards per game. In other eight games, ASU has surrendered 29 points and 348 yards per game.
GAME FACTS: With season-ender with USC set for Dec. 2, Bruins pretty much have to win here to have any shot at bowl. At least they still have a shot thanks to last week's upset of Oregon State led by nasty defense, which added five sacks (now 9th in nation with 32), K Justin Medlock, who went 4-for-4 on FGs and now leads nation with 23 field goals. Koetter's sketchy job security would be dealt a blow with loss here or next week at rival Arizona. In winning four of five home games, ASU is averaging 36 points per game. After looking lost in several defeats, QB Rudy Carpenter seemed to get his touch back last week with sensational effort (15-of-24, 339 passing, 3 TDs, 1 int.). Rudy Burgess, who sees time at both WR and CB, hopes to play after missing two games with high ankle sprain. TE Zach Miller (29 catches, 3 TDs) needs 277 yards receiving in final two games to become Sun Devils' all-time leader in catches by TE, currently held by Baltimore Ravens' Todd Heap.
