By JOHN LINDSAY
Scripps Howard News Service
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Capsule previews for opening week's top college football games. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.
SATURDAY:
EAST CAROLINA (0-0) at No. 9 VIRGINIA TECH (0-0), Noon, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Virginia Tech by 24.
COACHES: Skip Holtz (12-12 in third year at East Carolina) and Frank Beamer (156-82-2 in 21st year at Va. Tech).
LAST YEAR: East Carolina went 7-6. Va. Tech went 10-3.
SERIES HISTORY: Va. Tech leads, 8-4.
LAST MEETING: .Va. Tech won, 45-28, in 2000.
STATS THAT MATTER: Since 1998, Hokies have won 20 straight non-conference games in Blacksburg including last three home openers by combined score of 146-0.
GAME FACTS: With ESPN Gameday on hand, it should be emotional day at Lane Stadium as Hokies take to field for first time since deranged gunman killed 32 in campus shooting in April. Holtz, son of former Notre Dame coach Lou, hopes his Pirates won't roll over quickly. ECU rallied to 5-1 finish last year before losing to South Florida, 24-7, in PapaJohns.com Bowl. In that loss, sophomore QB Rob Kass got some time (10-of-19, 138 yards passing) but could get overwhelmed by terrific Tech defense, which led nation in total defense (219.5 ypg), pass defense (128.2 ypg, 17 ints., 6 TD passes given up) and scoring (11 ppg) last year. Senior LBs Vince Hall (led ACC with 128 tackles), Xavier Adibi lead seven returning starters on that unit. With QB Sean Glennon (11 TDs, 11 ints. last year) not much more than functional, look for usual tough Hokie running game led by RB Branden Ore (third in ACC with 1,137 rushing last year). And Holtz must have kicking units ready for vaunted "Beamer Ball'' (Tech has blocked 113 kicks under Beamer).
ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM (0-0) at MICHIGAN STATE (0-0), Noon, ESPN2.
FAVORITE: Michigan State by 19.
COACHES: Neil Calloway (first year at UAB) and Mark Dantonio (first year at Mich. State)..
LAST YEAR: UAB went 3-9. Mich. State went 4-8.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In losing eight of last 11 home games since October, 2005, Spartans have surrendered 30 or more points six times.
GAME FACTS: Both teams starting over after miserable 2006 seasons. Veteran offensive coordinator who worked at Alabama and Georgia among other stops, Calloway gets his first head coaching shot taking over for Watson Brown, who guided Blazers since program went Division I in 1996. With only nine starters back, Calloway faces tough rebuilding project, starting with sputtering offense (95th in nation in total offense, 310.1 ypg). Dantonio arrives after guiding Cincinnati to International Bowl last year and must restore confidence of team that collapsed losing 14 of last 19 games under departed John L. Smith, including numerous fourth-quarter meltdowns. More discipline is needed to motivate underachievers. Dantonio hopes that converting 275-pound TE Dwayne Holmes to fullback will open holes for talented RBs Javon Ringer, Jehuu Caulcrick (combined 923 rushing, 6 TDs last year). Junior QB Brian Hoyer showed plenty of potential in late-season action (56-of-111, 621 passing, 2 TDs, 2 ints. in losses to Minnesota and Penn State).
COLORADO STATE (0-0) vs. COLORADO (0-0), in Denver, Noon, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Colorado by 2-1/2.
COACHES: Sonny Lubick (105-65 in 15th year at Colo. State) and Dan Hawkins (2-10 in second year at Colorado).
LAST YEAR: Colo. State went 4-8. Colorado went 2-10.
SERIES HISTORY: Colorado leads, 57-19-2.
LAST MEETING: Colorado State won, 14-10, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Rams are 4-3 vs. rival Buffaloes in Denver, and 10-54-2 vs. CU anywhere else.
GAME FACTS: Last five games in battle of Colorado have been decided by 22 total points with CU holding 3-2 edge. Rams' win last year came thanks to stingy defense that held Buffs to 28 total yards in second half. QB Caleb Hanie (20-of-23, 233 passing, 1 TD, TD run) enjoyed best game of season. Hawkins' debut at CU resulted in program's worst mark since 1984 team went 1-10. Anemic offense (107th in nation in scoring, 16.3 ppg, held under 15 points eight times, all losses) must improve, though is Hawkins' son, redshirt freshman Cody, really the answer at QB? Leaky secondary (10th in Big 12, 94th in nation vs. pass, 228.5 ypg, 22 TD passes given up, 12 ints.) also has plenty of issues to settle. LB Jordan Dizon (second in Big 12 with 137 tackles) is talented leader on defense.
WAKE FOREST (0-0) at BOSTON COLLEGE (0-0), 3:30, ABC (regional).
FAVORITE: Boston College by 6.
COACHES: Jim Grobe (37-35 in 7th year at Wake Forest) and Jeff Jagodzinski (first year at BC).
LAST YEAR: Wake Forest went 11-3. BC went 10-3.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 6-6-2.
LAST MEETING: Wake Forest won, 21-14, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Demon Deacons have won three of last four from Eagles with the four games decided total of 19 points.
GAME FACTS: In stunning run to ACC title and Orange Bowl last year, Wake went 7-0 on road. Some 14 starters return including sophomore QB Riley Skinner (led ACC in QB rating last year, 171-of-260, 2,051 passing, 9 TDs, 5 ints.). K-P Sam Swank (23-of-31 on FGs, 41.2 ypp including 86-yarder) was team MVP last year and can dominate kicking game. Former Green Bay assistant Jagodzinski was offensive coordinator under former Eagles coach Tom O'Brien from 1997-98. Jagodzinski hopes new OC, former East Carolina coach Steve Logan, can make QB Matt Ryan (15 TDs, 10 ints.) even more effective. Huge line will try to push around smaller Wake front seven, open holes for RBs LV Whitworth, Andre Callender (combined 1,424 rushing, 7 TDs).
NEVADA (0-0) at No. 20 NEBRASKA (0-0), 3:30, ABC (regional).
FAVORITE: Nebraska by 21.
COACHES: Chris Ault (185-78-1 in 23rd year at Nevada) and Bill Callahan (22-15 in fourth year at Nebraska).
LAST YEAR: Nevada went 8-5. Nebraska went 9-5.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1986, Cornhuskers are 17-0 in openers at home winning by average score of 46-13.
GAME FACTS: Tough opening assignment for game Wolf Pack team that has made consecutive bowl appearances, a first in school history. With starting QB, leading rusher and receiver all gone, Ault hopes that sophomore QB Nick Graziano can keep spread attack moving. Rebuilt secondary could have its hands full with Callahan's multiple offense. Transfer from Arizona State, QB Sam Keller threw 20 TDs vs. only 9 ints. when he was Sun Devils starter in 2005 before getting hurt. He'll have one less target with WR Maurice Purify, who led the team with 7 TD catches, suspended for game after drunk driving arrest. That means more of WR Terrence Nunn (led NU with 42 catches), versatile RB Marlon Lucky (728 rushing, 5.2 per carry, 6 TD runs, 32 catches). "Blackshirts'' defense (gave up only 109 yards rushing in final two games last year) returns only 5 starters, led by LB Bo Ruud (65 tackles, 2 ints.).
WASHINGTON STATE (0-0) at No. 7 WISCONSIN (0-0), 3:30, ABC (regional).
FAVORITE: Wisconsin by 14.
COACHES: Bill Doba (25-22 in fifth year at Wash. State) and Bret Bielema (12-1 in second year at Wisconsin).
LAST YEAR: Wash. State went 6-6. Wisconsin went 12-1.
SERIES HISTORY: Wisconsin leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: Wisconsin won, 35-26, in 1976.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Badgers have won nine straight season-openers including last three by combined score of 125-62.
GAME FACTS: Cougars might have shot here thanks to impressive skill players led by QB Alex Brink (2,899 passing, 60.9 pct. completions, 19 TDs, 10 ints. last year), WRs Michael Bumpus, Brandon Gibson (combined 109 catches, 8 TDs), RB Dwight Tardy. But defense (81st in nation in total defense, 357.2 ypg) wasn't much last year and returns only 5 starters from unit that gave up 109 points in final three losses. With Bielema's smashing debut after replacing Barry Alvarez last year, Badgers fancy themselves as national-title contenders this year. Much will depend on how senior QB John Donovan plays after looking decent (37-for-58, 564 passing, 4 TDs, 2 ints.) in two starts in '06. He'll hand often to RB P.J. Hill (led Big Ten with 1,569 rushing) who is tough around the goal line (15 TDs last year). And was gaudy defense (second in nation in both scoring, 12.1 ppg, and vs. pass, 138.3 ypg, 6 TD passes given up, 15 ints., fifth in total defense, 253.1 ypg) or really that good or merely product of easy schedule?
GEORGIA TECH (0-0) at NOTRE DAME (0-0), 3:30, NBC.
FAVORITE: Notre Dame by 2-1/2.
COACHES: Chan Gailey (37-27 in 6th year at Ga. Tech) and Charlie Weis (19-6 in third year at Notre Dame).
LAST YEAR: Ga. Tech went 9-5. Notre Dame went 10-3.
SERIES HISTORY: Notre Dame leads, 27-5-1.
LAST MEETING: Notre Dame won, 14-10, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Weis, Fighting Irish are 10-3 at home while averaging 36 points per game.
GAME FACTS: Yellow Jackets have been Road Warriors lately, winning road opener in each of last three years, all vs. ranked teams (Clemson, Auburn, Va. Tech). Tech will miss uber-talented WR Calvin Johnson (No. 2 NFL pick), but at least hopelessly erratic QB Reggie Ball is gone. Junior Taylor Bennett showed promise (19-of-29, 326 passing, 3 TDs) in 38-35 Gator Bowl loss to West Virginia. LB Phillip Wheeler (9 sacks) is impact player on aggressive defense (35 sacks, 25 turnovers forced). Weis isn't saying who will start at QB -- freshmen Jimmy Clausen, Demetrius Jones or sophomore Evan Sharpley, who completed both his passes backing up Brady Quinn last year. WR David Grimes, TE John Carlson (47 catches, 4 TDs) are only returning skill guys with any experience. Just as important is how much has new coordinator Corwin Brown improved ND defense (67th in nation in scoring, 23.8 ppg) that looked awful in season-ending losses to USC and LSU in Sugar Bowl (allowed combined 85 points and 981 total yards)?
MISSOURI (0-0) vs. ILLINOIS (0-0), in St. Louis, 3:30, ESPN2.
FAVORITE: Missouri by 6.
COACHES: .Gary Pinkel (37-35 in 7th year at Missouri) and Ron Zook (4-19 in third year at Illinois).
LAST YEAR: Missouri went 8-5. Illinois went 2-10.
SERIES HISTORY: Missouri leads, 13-7.
LAST MEETING: Missouri won, 22-15, in 2003.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Zook, Illini are 1-10 away from home losing by average score of 29-11.
GAME FACTS: On 10-6 run since late 2005, Tigers begin season of great expectations, mostly centering around terrific QB Chase Daniel (second in Big 12, fifth in nation with 3,906 yards total offense, 28 TD passes, 10 ints., 4 TD runs), underrated RB Tony Temple (second in Big 12 with 1,063 rushing, 7 TDs). NG Lorenzo Williams (6 sacks) is defensive force in middle. Enthusiastic Zook and Illini lug 7-game losing streak into season as turnovers (next-to-last in nation in turnover ratio, 35 given up, 20 forced) wiped them out, despite scintillating play of freshman QB "Juice'' Williams (2,065 total offense, 9 TD passes, 9 ints., 5 TD runs in starting last 9 games). LB J Leman led Big Ten with 152 tackles (third in nation). Playing at the Edward Jones Dome, home of NFL's Rams, UI hasn't won in the state of Missouri since 1976 (0-7).
No. 14 UCLA (0-0) at STANFORD (0-0), 3:30, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: UCLA by 17.
COACHES: Karl Dorrell (29-21 in fifth year at UCLA) and Jim Harbaugh (first year at Stanford).
LAST YEAR: UCLA went 7-6. Stanford went 1-11.
SERIES HISTORY: UCLA leads, 43-31-3.
LAST MEETING: UCLA won, 31-0, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In last year's rout, Bruins physically man-handled Cardinal out-gaining SU 391 total yards to 166 while also adding 7 sacks.
GAME FACTS: Dorrell seemed to finally arrive as The Man at UCLA after last year's rousing 13-9 season-ending upset of No. 2 USC. Then erratic Bruins returned with 44-27 clunker vs. Florida State in Emerald Bowl. Pac-10's most physical defense (9th in nation vs. run, 91.1 ypg) returns 10 starters including S Chris Horton (95 tackles, 3 ints.), LB Christian Taylor (9 sacks). QB Ben Olson has reclaimed starting job after junior Patrick Cowan grabbed it when Olson went down with knee injury last Oct. With only one winning season this decade, Harbaugh arrives from San Diego as fourth Cardinal coach since 2001 succeeding Walt Harris, who was fired after only two years that included only one win in his last 14 games. Thanks to Harris playing so many underclassmen last year, Harbaugh does inherit 16 returning starters along with kicker and punter. Inept offense (next-to-last in nation in total offense, 231.9 ypg) must improve after managing only 33 points in losing all five home games in '06.
ARIZONA (0-0) at BRIGHAM YOUNG (0-0), 5:30, Versus (cable).
FAVORITE: BYU by 6-1/2.
COACHES: Mike Stoops (12-22 in fourth year at Arizona) and Bronco Mendenhall (17-8 in third year at BYU).
LAST YEAR: Arizona went 6-6. BYU went 11-2.
SERIES HISTORY: Arizona leads, 11-8-1.
LAST MEETING: Arizona won, 16-13, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Cougars went 6-0 in Provo last year, outscoring opponents 273-72.
GAME FACTS: Wildcats took thrilling win last year on K Nick Folk's 48-yard FG with one second left. With 17 starters returning, hopes are high for UA's first bowl trip since 1998. QB Willie Tuitama (7 TDs, 6 ints.) must stay healthy and be more consistent for poor offense (115th in nation in total offense, 252.8 ypg, scored 47 total points in six losses in '06) to improve. Explosive Cougars (fourth in nation in total offense, 465.4 ypg, fifth in scoring, 36.8 ppg) must replace QB John Beck, who was second in nation QB rating and is now with NFL's Miami Dolphins. Transfer from Arizona State, sophomore Max Hall will get first shot but hasn't played since 2003 due to Mormon mission. So don't rule out sophomore Brendan Gaskins, who looked great in spring game. Mendenhall would love to repeat fast-starting magic BYU showed last year when they outscored foes 138-15 in the first quarter.
OKLAHOMA STATE (0-0) at No. 13 GEORGIA (0-0), 6:45, ESPN2.
FAVORITE: Georgia by 7.
COACHES: Mike Gundy (11-13 in third year at Okla. State) and Mark Richt (61-17 in 7th year at Georgia).
LAST YEAR: Okla. State was 7-6. Georgia was 9-4.
SERIES HISTORY: Georgia leads, 2-0.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won, 20-7, in 1947.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Bulldogs are 6-0 in openers under Richt and haven't lost an opener since 11-7 defeat to Southern Miss in Athens in 1996.
GAME FACTS: High-powered Cowboys get it done with offense (7th in nation last year in both scoring, 35.2 ppg, rushing, 208 ypg) led by QB Bobby Reid (second in Big 12 in QB rating, 2,266 passing, 24 TDs, 11 ints.), RB Dantrell Savage (820 rushing, 8 TDs), WR Adarius Bowman (60 catches, 12 TDs, led Big 12 with 1,181 receiving yards). OSU needs all of this since defense (89th in nation in total defense, 364.1 ypg) usually can't stop anybody. Bulldogs' hopes of contending in brutal SEC East center on continued development of sophomore QB Matthew Stafford (39-of-70, 519 passing, 3 TDs, 1 int., TD run in last three wins to end '06). Senior RB Kregg Lumpkin (798 rushing, 7 TDs) could be poised for stardom. They'll need to be good as defense returns only three starters with DT Jeff Owens lone returnee on front seven.
NORTH TEXAS (0-0) at No. 8 OKLAHOMA (0-0), 7, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Oklahoma by 40.
COACHES: Todd Dodge (first year at North Texas) and Bob Stoops (78-27 in 9th year at Oklahoma).
LAST YEAR: North Texas went 3-9. Oklahoma went 11-3.
SERIES HISTORY: Oklahoma leads, 6-0.
LAST MEETING: Oklahoma won, 37-3, in 2003.
STATS THAT MATTER: In going 6-0 at home last year, Sooners gave up only 73 points. In going 1-6 on road last year, Mean Green managed only 58 points.
GAME FACTS: A former QB at Texas in the 1980s, Dodge takes over UNT after leading Southlake Carroll High School to four Texas state titles in last five years. He takes over team that was statistical mess (117th in nation in both total offense, 232.2 ypg, and turnover margin, 29 given up, 14 forced) but does return 15 starters. RB Jamario Thomas led the nation in rushing in 2004 but had only 668 yards last year. Still smarting from upset loss to Boise State in Fiesta Bowl, Sooners wound up on NCAA probation over summer that led to forfeiting of 8 wins in 2005. Untested freshman QB Sam Bradford gets start but has plenty of weapons including RBs Allen Patrick, Chris Brown (combined 1,104 rushing, 10 TDs last year), WR Malcolm Kelly (62 catches, 10 TDs). Defense (led Big 12 in total defense, 287.1 ypg) returns only two starters on front seven, but has plenty of young talent and will be fine.
KANSAS STATE (0-0) at No. 18 AUBURN (0-0), 7:45, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Auburn by 13.
COACHES: Ron Prince (7-6 in second year at K-State) and Tommy Tuberville (71-29 in 9th year at Auburn).
LAST YEAR: K-State went 7-6. Auburn went 11-2.
SERIES HISTORY: Auburn leads, 2-0.
LAST MEETING: Auburn won, 26-18, in 1979.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2002, Tigers are only 2-3 in openers including home losses to USC in '03 and Ga. Tech in '05.
GAME FACTS: Wildcats are young and talented enough for upset, but how will they react before crowd of 87,000 at raucous Jordan-Hare Stadium? 1-3 road record last year is ominous. Sophomore QB Josh Freeman (19-of-31, 269 passing, 3 TDs, TD run in 45-42 upset of No. 4 Texas on Nov. 18) came on strong at end of last season but still had ugly ratio of 6 TD passes-to-15 ints. That must improve. Tigers believe QB Brandon Cox (2,198 passing, 14 TDs, 9 ints. last year) will be much better this year after battling numerous injuries in '06. Tuberville needs somebody to step up at RB, preferably Brad Lester (510 rushing, 9 TDs) who showed flashes last year. DE Quentin Groves (9-1/2 sacks) is one of SEC's best. Kicking game is totally rebuilt and may be problem early.
No. 15 TENNESSEE (0-0) at No. 12 CALIFORNIA (0-0), 8, ABC.
FAVORITE: Cal by 5.
COACHES: Phillip Fulmer (137-41 in 15th year at Tennessee) and Jeff Tedford (63-20 in 7th year at Cal).
LAST YEAR: Tennessee went 9-4. Cal went 10-3.
SERIES HISTORY: Tennessee leads, 2-1.
LAST MEETING: Tennessee won, 35-18, last year.
STATS THAT MATTER: Bears have won 18 of last 20 at home while Vols have beaten a ranked team on the road in eight of the past nine seasons.
GAME FACTS: Sadly this is only scheduled meeting between Pac-10 and SEC this season. Vols have won 12 straight openers but only two were away from Knoxville. After fine 7-1 start last year, UT stumbled to 2-3 finish capped by 20-10 loss to Penn State in Outback Bowl. QB Erik Ainge broke Peyton Manning's season completion pct. record hitting 67 pct. of his passes for 2,989 yards with 19 TDs, including 4 in win over Bears in opener. But WRs are inexperienced so look for lots of RB Arian Foster, who will get most carries with last year's top rusher, LaMarcus Coker, not making trip following suspension (violation of team rules). LB Jerod Mayo (5 sacks), S Jonathan Hefney (96 tackles) anchor fast defense (second in SEC with 88 tackles for loss). Like rest of Bears, QB Nate Longshore wants revenge for poor effort vs. Vols last year (11-of-20, 85 passing, 1 int., 1 fumble, sacked 3 times), when he was benched in third quarter with Cal trailing, 35-0. He'll look to get ball to electric WR DeSean Jackson (59 catches, 9 TDs), who also led nation in punt returns last year (18.2 yards per return with 4 TDs, most in nation). With Marshawn Lynch gone to NFL, determined but diminutive RB Justin Forsett gets his chance. LB Worrell Williams (51 tackles) is one of only two returning starters on front seven.
IDAHO (0-0) at No. 1 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (0-0), 10:15, Fox Sports Net.
FAVORITE: Southern Cal by 45.
COACHES: Robb Akey (first year at Idaho) and Pete Carroll (65-12 in 7th year at Southern Cal).
LAST YEAR: Idaho was 4-8. Southern Cal was 11-2.
SERIES HISTORY: Southern Cal leads, 7-0.
LAST MEETING: Southern Cal won, 72-0, in 1929.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Preseason No. 1 for the sixth time, Trojans' 33-game winning streak in Los Angeles is longest in nation.
GAME FACTS: Former defensive coordinator at Wash. State, Akey couldn't have asked for tougher head coaching debut. UI's awful defense (115th in nation in scoring last year, 34.7 ppg) has given up 56 or more points four times in its last 18 games. This should be No. 5. But, hey, cash from USC for playing in Coliseum will help budget. Trojans QB John David Booty (3,347 passing, only fourth SC QB to do that in a season last year) is serious Heisman challenger. This should help pad his stats, no matter how long he plays. With sophomore RB Emanuel Moody transferring to Florida that means more touches for senior Chauncey Washington (744 rushing, 10 TDs), sophomore C.J. Gable. DE Lawrence Jackson (4 sacks), LB Keith Rivers (led team with 85 tackles) are co-captains of tough defense (led Pac-10, 11th in nation in scoring, 15.2 ppg).
MONDAY:
TEXAS TECH (0-0) at SMU (0-0), 4, ESPN.
FAVORITE: Texas Tech by 10-1/2.
COACHES: Mike Leach (56-33 in 8th year at Texas Tech) and Phil Bennett (17-41 in 6th tear at SMU)
LAST YEAR: Texas Tech went 8-5. SMU went 6-6.
SERIES HISTORY: Texas Tech leads, 28-15.
LAST MEETING: Texas Tech won, 35-3, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1989, Red Raiders have won 11 straight over Mustangs, including last three since 2003 by combined score of 120-26.
GAME FACTS: Tech is only Big 12 school to have 12 straight winning season, quite a tribute to Leach's program. He does it with wide-open passing attack with junior QB Graham Harrell (second in nation with 4,555 passing, 38 TDs, 11 ints. last year) the latest to pile up numbers. Underrated RB Shannon Woods (926 rushing, 10 TDs, 6.2 -per carry, 75 catches) figures to be featured even more. Shaky defense (gave up 30 points or more six times last year) returns only 5 starters. Bennett might just need Mustangs' first bowl bid since 1984 to keep his job. Last year's 6-6 mark was encouraging considering 0-2 start. QB Justin Willis (second in C-USA, 10th in nation in QB rating, 182-of-270, 2,047 passing, 26 TDs, 6 ints.), DE Cory Muse (7 sacks) are two of best players you've never heard of. Bennett and co. must do better job in close games (3-6 in games decided by 7 points or less last two years).
No. 19 FLORIDA STATE (0-0) at CLEMSON (0-0), 8, ESPN.
FAVORITE: FSU by 3.
COACHES: Bobby Bowden (293-81-4 in 32nd season at FSU) and Tommy Bowden (60-38 in 9th year at Clemson).
LAST YEAR: FSU went 7-6. Clemson went 8-5.
SERIES HISTORY: Florida State leads, 15-5.
LAST MEETING: Clemson won, 27-20, last year.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In rallying for win last year, Tigers held Seminoles to 204 total yards while turning in four sacks and forcing three turnovers.
GAME FACTS: After dropping first four to his father, son Tommy has won three of last four "Bowden Bowls,'' including last year's dramatic triumph on RB James Davis' 1-yard TD plunge with :08 left. Bobby and new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher (who came aboard from LSU) hope junior QB Drew Weatherford (8 ints., 3 TDs in last 7 games) can bounce back from dismal 2006, which, along with poor offensive line, bogged down offense (70th in nation in total offense, 330.3 ypg) often. With some fans angry at Tommy Bowden after last year's 1-4 finish, Tigers are filled with question marks, most notably on offensive line (only 2 starters back) and junior QB Cullen Harper (14-of-20, 155 passing, 2 TDs in limited time last year), who might have hard time holding off freshman Willy Korn. Those areas must improve or teams will just load up to stop talented RBs Davis and C.J. Spiller (combined 2,125 yards rushing, 29 TDs).




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