College football capsules

Capsule previews for this weekend's season-opening college football games. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.

SATURDAY:

No. 17 VIRGINIA TECH (0-0) vs. EAST CAROLINA (0-0), in Charlotte, Noon, ESPN.

FAVORITE: Va. Tech by 10.

COACHES: Frank Beamer (167-85-2 in 22nd year at Va. Tech) and Skip Holtz (20-17 in fourth year at East Carolina).

LAST YEAR: Virginia Tech went 11-3. East Carolina went 8-5..

SERIES HISTORY: Virginia Tech leads, 9-4.

LAST MEETING: Virginia Tech won, 17-7, last year.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2004, Hokies are 16-2 on road outscoring foes by average score of 28-16.

GAME FACTS: Tricky opener for Hokies vs. Pirates, who they struggled past last year, managing only 33 yards rushing (278 total yards) while giving up 4 sacks and 3 turnovers. Beamer has finally settled on a QB in senior Sean Glennon (22-of-33, 245 yards passing, TD pass, int. vs. ECU last year), while the more mobile sophomore Tyrod Taylor is supposed to take red-shirt season. WR Zach Luckett was suspended indefinitely following DUI arrest. Senior CB Victor "Macho'' Harris must step up for defense that lost 7 starters. Pirates were one of nation's surprises last season riding 7-2 finish that included 41-38 upset of Boise State in Hawaii Bowl, ECU's first bowl win since 2000 and got Holtz a new contract extension through 2013. 16 starters, punter, kicker return from group that ranked fourth in nation in turnover margin (31 gained, 14 lost). Senior QB Patrick Pinney (1,664 total offense, 11 TD passes last year) takes great care of ball (only 4 ints. in 200 passes, 0 in last 6 games) but like Beamer, Holtz likes to mix in sophomore Rob Kass (1,183 total offense, 9 TD passes, 4 ints., 2 TD runs last year) as well. With 7 senior starters, questionable defense (95th in nation in total defense, 431.1 ypg last year, gave up 35 points or more 6 times) must tighten up for program to take next step up.

SYRACUSE (0-0) at NORTHWESTERN (0-0), Noon, ESPN2.

FAVORITE: Northwestern by 12.

COACHES: Greg Robinson (7-28 in fourth year at Syracuse) and Pat Fitzgerald (10-14 in third year at Northwestern).

LAST YEAR: Syracuse was 2-10. Northwestern was 6-6.

SERIES HISTORY: Syracuse leads, 4-3.

LAST MEETING: Syracuse won, 13-12, in 1984.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Robinson, Orange are 2-14 on road losing by average score of 29-13.

GAME FACTS: Somehow Robinson survived '07 disaster but pretty much has to make a bowl this year or he's out. This one might just be winnable, considering Wildcats did lose at home to lowly Duke last year. It all may hinge on how well QB Andrew Robinson (154-of-292, 2,192 passing, 13 TDs, 7 ints. last year) picks up on new coordinator Mitch Browning's new offense. Defense gave up school-record 418 points (104th in nation) but should be better with 7 starters back. Wildcats missed out on bowl last year with costly 1-3 finish. Spread offense is impressive () behind senior trio of QB C.J. Bacher (led Big Ten with 3,687 total offense last year, 19 TD passes, 19 ints., 4 TD runs), RB Tyrell Sutton (522 rushing, 4 TDs, 30 catches), WR Eric Peterman (66 catches, 3 TDs). A star on NU's '95 Rose Bowl team, Fitzgerald knows he needs to shore up defense that made few big plays (last or next-to-last in Big Ten with 18 sacks, 16 turnovers forced, 63 tackles for loss,). So he brought in new coordinator Mike Hankwitz, who guided Wisconsin's defense last two years among many coaching tours.

No. 3 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (0-0) at VIRGINIA (0-0), 3:30 p.m., ABC (regional).

FAVORITE: Southern Cal by 21.

COACHES: Pete Carroll (76-14 in 8th year at USC) and Al Groh (51-37 in 8th year at Virginia).

LAST YEAR: USC went 11-2. Virginia went 9-4.

SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Trojans have won 10 straight openers, including last seven under Carroll by average score of 33-11.

GAME FACTS: Only team in nation to finish ranked in top five last six seasons, powerhouse Trojans are an amazing 70-8 over that span. QB Mark Sanchez should start after suffering freakish dislocated kneecap in practice earlier this month. RB C.J. Gable (sprained ankle and hip) is questionable, though that simply means more carries for star-in-the-making Joe McKnight (540 rushing, 3 TDs,23 catches as freshman last year). LB Rey Maualuga (79 tackles, 6 sacks) might be nation's best and leads attacking defense (third in nation last year with 45 sacks, 11th with 100 tackles for loss). With only 2 starters back on offensive line and none on defensive line, Cavaliers look overmatched at point of attack. That's bad news for new QB, either sophomore Peter Lalich or seldom-used senior Scott Deke who take over after promising sophomore Jameel Sewell was hit with one-year academic suspension. Backfield features fine duo of junior Mikell Simpson (570 rushing, 8 TDs, 43 catches last year), senior Cedric Peerman (585 rushing, 5 TDs). 6-7 freshman DE Matt Conrath might be the next Chris Long for Cavs' pass rush.

UTAH (0-0) at MICHIGAN (0-0), 3:30, ABC (regional).

FAVORITE: Michigan by 3-1/2.

COACHES: Kyle Whittingham (24-14 in fourth year at Utah) and Rich Rodriguez (first year at Michigan).

LAST YEAR: Both schools went 9-4.

SERIES HISTORY: Michigan leads, 1-0.

LAST MEETING: Michigan won, 10-7, in 2002.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Since start of 2005, Wolverines have lost six home games, which equals the number of UM losses at The Big House from 1995-2004.

GAME FACTS: With spread option attack and small, quick defense, Utes eerily mirror UM's season-opening nightmare from last year -- I-AA Appalachian State. But Utah hasn't exactly been giant-killer lately (3-8 in away games vs. BCS teams since 2000). They'll have edge in offense thanks to underrated duo of QB Brian Johnson (1,997 total offense, 11 TD passes, 2 TD runs, 10 ints. last year), RB Darrell Mack (1,204 rushing, 12 TD runs, 21 catches, 3 TDs). LB Stevenson Sylvester, DE Paul Kruger anchor respectable defense. Protracted legal battle to leave West Virginia finally behind him, Rodriguez takes over from Lloyd Carr, but hardly with a loaded deck as Wolverines return just 10 starters (fewest in Big Ten). With star RB Mike Hart and QB Chad Henne gone to the NFL, only three starters return on offense with huge question mark at QB where freshman Steven Threet will get first crack. Led by DE Tim Jamison (5-1/2 sacks), LB Obi Ezeh, defense returns seven starters but gave up 34 points or more four times last year (1-3 mark in those games), the first time Wolverines have done that since 1999.

OKLAHOMA STATE (0-0) at WASHINGTON STATE (0-0), in Seattle, 3:30, Fox Sports Net.

FAVORITE: Oklahoma State by 6-1/2.

COACHES: Mike Gundy (18-19 in fourth year at Okla. State) and Paul Wulff (first year at Wash. State)

LAST YEAR: Oklahoma State went 7-6. Washington State went 5-7.

SERIES HISTORY: Washington State leads, 2-0.

LAST MEETING: Washington State won, 9-7, in 1952.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Gundy, Cowboys are 5-12 on the road while giving up 40 points per game in the losses.

GAME FACTS: If Cowboys are going to step up from quasi-mediocrity under Gundy, this is kind of game they have to win. QB Zac Robinson (fifth in Big 12 last year with 3,671 total offense last year, 23 TD passes, 9 TD runs, 9 ints.) is wondrous talent and leads potent spread offense (7th in nation in total offense, 486.3 ypg last year). With 2 TD catches in Insight Bowl win over Indiana, WR Dez Bryant is emerging talent. Poor defense (101st in nation in total defense, 443 ypg) simply must get better but returns only one starter on front four that was 84th in nation last year with only 22 sacks. Former 3-time Big Sky coach of the year at I-AA Eastern Washington, Wulff takes over at his alma mater where he was an offensive lineman from 1986-89, succeeding Bill Doba, who was canned after WSU finished last four seasons bowl-less at 20-26. Senior QB Gary Rogers (4-of-16, 25 passing last year) is unproven while three of top four receivers from last year are gone. Bright spots back include RB Dwight Tardy (676 rushing, 6 TDs), All-Pac-10 WR Brandon Gibson (67 catches, 17.6 per catch, 9 TDs). Defense (97th in nation in scoring, 32.4 ppg, 40.7 ppg in 7 losses) gives up too many big plays.

APPALACHIAN STATE (0-0) at No. 7 LSU (0-0), 5, ESPN.

FAVORITE: LSU by 25.

COACHES: Jerry Moore (140-67 in 17th season at Appalachian State) and Les Miles (34-6 in fourth year at LSU).

LAST YEAR: Appy State went 13-2. LSU went 12-2.

SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2003, Tigers are 31-3 at home and have won 22 straight non-conference and have won 22 straight non-conference games at Death Valley since 2000.

GAME FACTS: First time ever that Division I-AA champions will face D-I champions. Impressive 36-4 since mid-2005, Mountaineers used momentum of last season's season-opening 34-32 shocker at No. 5 Michigan to roar to third consecutive I-AA title, bouncing Delaware, 49-21, in title game in December. After throwing 3 TD passes in Michigan win, QB Armanti Edwards later missed four games with shoulder injury but returned for magnificent playoff run (38-of-51 passing, 601 passing, 6 TDs, 528 rushing, 5 TD runs in last 3 wins). He hopes adding 10 pounds to lean 185-pound frame will help durability. How defense that ranked 87th in I-AA vs. run (193.3 ypg) holds up vs. Tigers is huge question mark. Last seen zipping past Ohio State in BCS title game last January, Tigers also face uncertainty under center. Miles dismissed starting QB Ryan Perrilloux from team last spring, meaning either freshman Jarrett Lee, or junior Andrew Hatch (transfer from Harvard) will start. Either will often hand to RB-by-committee featuring Keiland Williams, Charles Scott, Trindon Holliday, Richard Murphy (combined 1,396 rushing, 15 TDs last year). DEs Kirston Pittman (8-1/2 sacks), Tyler Jackson could make for long night for Edwards. S Curtis Taylor (3 ints. in '07) is only returning starter in secondary.

TCU (0-0) at NEW MEXICO (0-0), 6, Versus.

FAVORITE: TCU by 7.

COACHES: Gary Patterson (62-25 in 8th year at TCU) and Rocky Long (61-61 in 11th year at New Mexico).

LAST YEAR: TCU went 8-5. New Mexico went 9-4.

SERIES HISTORY: TCU leads, 6-3.

LAST MEETING: TCU won, 37-0, last year.

STAT THAT MATTERS: In winning last three years over Lobos, Horned Frogs have outscored New Mexico by combined 103-49.

GAME FACTS: Despite fine 56-18 mark the last six years, Frogs always seem to fly under national radar. So-so 2007 could have been much better (four losses by combined 18 points). QB Andy Dalton needs to improve on erratic freshman season (10 TDs, 11 ints.) Joseph Turner, Aaron Turner (combined 1,087 rushing, 8 TDs last year) lead deep, talented RB corps. Defense has seven starters back and is capable (10th in nation in scoring, 18.7 ppg, 15th in total defense, 323.6 ypg). They pretty much dominated in last year's rout holding UNM to just 6 first downs, 117 total yards. Lobos were 6-1 in Albuquerque last year (only loss was 31-24 to Mountain West champ BYU) and culminated with 23-0 win over Nevada in New Mexico Bowl, school's first bowl win since 1961. CB DeAndre Wright, S Blake Ligon (combined 17 passes broken up, 4 ints. last year) anchor strong defense (13th in nation in total defense, 319.9 ypg). QB Donovan Porterie (3,006 passing, 15 TDs, 9 ints. last year) wants to make up for miserable showing last year in Fort Worth (7-of-23, 76 passing, sacked three times).

MISSISSIPPI STATE (0-0) at LOUISIANA TECH (0-0), 6:45, ESPN2.

FAVORITE: Mississippi State by 8-1/2.

COACHES: Sylvester Croom (17-30 in fifth year at Miss. State) and Derek Dooley (5-7 in second year at La. Tech.)

LAST YEAR: Mississippi State went 8-5. Louisiana Tech went 5-7.

SERIES HISTORY: Mississippi State leads, 7-2.

LAST MEETING: La. Tech won, 38-23, in 1996.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Bulldogs' eight wins last year were one fewer than the total in Croom's first three years at MSU.

GAME FACTS: Battle of Bulldogs. After winning school's first bowl in eight years, a 10-3 triumph over Central Florida in Liberty Bowl, up-and-coming MSU Bulldogs return 16 starters including RB Anthony Dixon (1,066 rushing, 16 TD), who will be even better if offensive line improves. That goes the same for sophomore QB Wesley Carroll (134-of-255, 1,392 passing, 9 TDs, 7 ints.), still a work in progress. S Derek Pegues (5 ints., 50 tackles, TD on punt return) makes plays all over field. Defense (7th in nation vs. pas2, 18 ints., 20 TDs given up) scored five TDs itself last year. La. Tech Bulldogs need upset here with trips to Kansas, Boise State and Hawaii looming in next five weeks. Son of legendary Georgia coach Vince, Dooley is banking on one of two transfers -- Steve Ensminger (Auburn) or Taylor Bennett (Ga. Tech) --- stepping up at QB. Phllip Livas, Phillip Beck are two of six WRs that caught at least 27 passes. Porous defense (91st in nation in total defense, 424.2 ypg, 111th vs. pass, 287.1 ypg, 27 TDs given up, 18 ints.) hasn't stopped anybody in years.

No. 9 CLEMSON (0-0) vs. No. 24 ALABAMA (0-0), in Atlanta, 8 ABC (regional).

FAVORITE: Clemson by 5-1/2.

COACHES: Tommy Bowden (69-42 in 10th year at Clemson) and Nick Saban (7-6 in second year at Alabama).

LAST YEAR: Clemson went 9-4. Alabama went 7-6.

SERIES HISTORY: Alabama leads, 11-3.

LAST MEETING: Alabama won, 56-0, in 1975.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Tigers closed last season on 6-1 run while Crimson Tide skidded to 1-4 finish.

GAME FACTS: First time Tigers open season at neutral site since 1904. They've won last four openers. QB Cullen Harper (led ACC last year in QB rating, 282-of-433, 2,991 passing, school-record 27 TD passes, 6 ints.) was surprising choice as preseason ACC offensive player of the year, especially since RBs James Davis, C.J. Spiller (combined 1,832 rushing, 13 TDs) keep defenses from focusing on him. DE Ricky Sapp (5 sacks last year) is best of defense that returns seven starters. Tide's hope for upset hinge as usual on erratic QB John Parker Wilson (12 TDs, 6 ints. in 7 wins last year, 6 TDs, 6 ints. in 5 losses), who has limited WR experience returning, but UA fans are now giddy that super-freshman Julio Jones has earned starting job. Maybe he'll come up big like RB Terry Grant (891 rushing, 8 TDs, 26 catches), one of SEC best freshmen last year. Outside of All-SEC S Rashad Johnson (led SEC with 6 ints.), defense lacks play makers, giving up 1,668 yards, 120 points in final five games last year. Erratic K Leigh Tiffin was 10-of-15 on FGs outside 40 yards but only 3-of-6 from 30-39 yards. Saban is still trying to build up questionable talent level of program. No UA player was drafted by NFL (Ole Miss and Miss. State were only other SEC schools to have zero NFL picks).

MICHIGAN STATE (0-0) at CALIFORNIA (0-0), 8, ABC (regional).

FAVORITE: Cal by 6.

COACHES: Mark Dantonio (7-6 in second year at Mich. State) and Jeff Tedford (50-26 in 7th year at Cal).

LAST YEAR: Both schools were 7-6.

SERIES HISTORY: Michigan State leads, 2-1.

LAST MEETING: Cal won, 46-22, in 2002.

STAT THAT MATTERS: After reaching No. 2 in nation last October, Bears staggered to 2-6 finish while yielding 28 points per game.

GAME FACTS: Coming off disastrous 4-8 season in 2006, Dantonio rebuilt Spartans confidence and discipline last year. Now comes next upward step behind senior duo of QB Brian Hoyer (20 TD passes, 11 ints. last year), RB Javon Ringer (Big Ten's second-leading returning rusher after 1,447 yards, 6 TDs last year). Defense (third in Big Ten, 11th in nation with 100 tackles for loss) must finish better after coughing up fourth-quarter leads in three losses last year. Bears' plummet from second in nation to lowly Armed Forces Bowl sure took shine off Tedford's star as he's no longer rumored for NFL vacancies. Tedford is turning to sophomore QB Kevin Riley after Nate Longshore basically imploded in second half of last season (11 ints., 9 TD passes in final 7 games). Speedy sophomore RB Jahvid Best is star in the making. LB Zach Follett (64 tackles, 5-1/2 sacks) leads eight returning starters on defense that lost focus often down stretch.

No. 6 MISSOURI (0-0) vs. No. 20 ILLINOIS (0-0), in St. Louis, 8, ESPN.

FAVORITE: Missouri by 8.

COACHES: Gary Pinkel (49-37 in 8th year at Missouri) and Ron Zook (13-23 in fourth year at Illinois).

LAST YEAR: Missouri went 12-2. Illinois went 9-4.

SERIES HISTORY: Missouri leads, 14-7.

LAST MEETING: Missouri won, 40-34, last year.

STAT THAT MATTERS: In roaring to school's first 12 win season in 116 years of football, Tigers outscored foes by average score of 39-23 including five wins by 28 points or more.

GAME FACTS: Only opener matching top-20 teams. Tigers nearly blew 24-point third-quarter lead last year as Illini backup QB Eddie McGee (17-of-31, 257 passing, TD pass, 2 ints., TD run) filled in for knocked out starter "Juice'' Williams to lead furious comeback, outscoring MU, 21-3, in final 20 minutes. But it wasn't enough to offset awesome effort of Tigers QB Chase Daniel (37-of-54, 359 passing, 3 TDs), a legit Heisman contender after finishing fourth last year. Zook has to be happy his defense isn't facing Southern Cal, which ran roughshod for 633 total yards in 49-17 Rose Bowl rout. Tigers had opposite experience in 38-7 Cotton Bowl drubbing of Arkansas. Aside from Daniel, sophomore WR Jeremy Maclin (NCAA freshman record 2,776 all-purpose yards, 9 TD catches, 4 TD runs, 2 punt return TDs, kickoff return TD), might be most exciting player in nation and burned UI with 66-yard TD punt return last year. After teams combined for 854 total yards, 48 first downs in last year's shootout, whoever has ball last might just win here, though Pinkel insists his returning 10 starters on defense will be improved. And maybe a healthy Williams will have a point to make as well.

WASHINGTON (0-0) at No. 21 OREGON (0-0), 10, Fox Sports Net.

FAVORITE: Oregon by 14.

COACHES: Tyrone Willingham (11-25 in fourth year at Washington) and Mike Bellotti (106-52 in 14th year at Oregon).

LAST YEAR: Washington went 4-9. Oregon went 9-4.

SERIES HISTORY: Washington leads, 58-37-5.

LAST MEETING: Oregon won, 55-34, last year.

STAT THAT MATTERS: In beating Huskies for fourth straight time last year (longest streak vs. UW in 76 years), Ducks ground out school-record 465 yards rushing.

GAME FACTS: With home games with BYU and Oklahoma on deck, Willingham could sure use upset to stave off critics that insist this will be his farewell season in Seattle. He's got a terrific talent in QB Jake Locker (3,048 yards total offense, 13 TD runs, 14 TD passes, 15 ints.), who last year became the first freshman to open season as Huskies QB since 1970. But bad defense (103rd in nation in total defense, 446.3 ypg last year, 104th vs. pass, 261.3 ypg, 27 TD passes) must improve quickly. Bellotti starts over minus QB Dennis Dixon, RB Jonathan Stewart, both now in NFL after combining for 4,586 yards from scrimmage, 42 TDs last year. After Dixon and his backup Brady Leaf went down last year, sophomore Justin Roper came in, struggled at first but then shined with 4 TD passes in 56-21 rout of South Florida in Sun Bowl. He was being pushed by sophomore Nate Costa for the job until Costa went down with a knee injury -- the fifth Ducks QB to suffer a serious injury in the last 9 months. DE Nick Reed (led Pac-10 with 12 sacks), CB Jairus Byrd (7 ints.) lead defense that returns 7 starters but did give up 88 points in losing last three regular-season games while UW also rung up 422 yards in defeat last year.

SUNDAY:

KENTUCKY (0-0) at LOUISVILLE (0-0), 3:30, ESPN.

FAVORITE: Louisville by 4.

COACHES: Rich Brooks (25-35 in 6th year at Kentucky) and Steve Kragthorpe (6-6 in second year at Louisville).

LAST YEAR: Kentucky went 8-5. Louisville went 6-6.

SERIES HISTORY: Kentucky leads, 11-9.

LAST MEETING: Kentucky won, 40-34, last year.

STAT THAT MATTERS: After losing 46 straight games to top-10 foes since 1977 prior to last year, Wildcats went 2-1 vs. top10s last year including win over Cardinals.

GAME FACTS: Battle for Governor's Cup is usually a good one. Wildcats were probably most exciting team in nation last year with five games decided by 8 points or less including 43-37 3-OT win over No. 1 LSU and 52-50 4-OT loss to No. 19 Tennessee. But much of that excitement was QB Andre Woodson, now in NFL, and his school-record 40 TD passes, including dramatic 57-yard strike to WR Steve Johnson with 28 seconds left that won last year's game. Now Brooks turns to sophomore Mike Hartline after he booted projected starter Curtis Pulley off the team earlier this month. DE Jeremy Jarmon (9 sacks) leads 8 starters back on defense that gave up 34 points or more five times last year (UK went 2-3 ). Cards never really recovered from UK loss collapsing from No. 9 in nation to 4-5 finish that left UL out of a bowl for first time since 1997. Suffice it to say Kragthorpe must do better or he might not make third year in Louisville. Taking over from Brian Brohm (now with Green Bay Packers), QB Hunter Cantwell has looked good (53-of-84, 779 passing, 5 TDs, 3 ints.) last two years few times he's actually gotten in. With WR Scott Long (broken foot) out, Trent Guy is about the only returning WR with any experience. Guy is just happy to be alive after surviving getting shot outside nightclub last May. Former Michigan def. coordinator Ron English inherits group that was trampled for 416 yards, and 31 points a game as effort was not always there.

COLORADO STATE (0-0) vs. COLORADO (0-0), in Denver, 7:30, Fox Sports Net.

FAVORITE: Colorado by 14.

COACHES: Steve Fairchild (first year at Colo. State) and Dan Hawkins (8-17 in third year at Colorado)

LAST YEAR: Colorado State went 309. Colorado went 6-7.

SERIES HISTORY: Colorado leads, 58-20-2.

LAST MEETING: Colorado won, 31-28 in overtime, last year.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Teams have split last six "Rocky Mountain Showdowns'' by with Buffaloes outscoring Rams by slender margin of 155-141.

GAME FACTS: A CSU alum, former assistant and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator last two years, Fairchild takes over for popular Sonny Lubick, forced out after Rams third losing season in last four years as CSU slumped to 17-30 since 2004. With only 12 starters back, he's going to have to be creative, though 1-2 punch of RBs Gatrell Johnson, Kyle Bell (combined 1,649 rushing, 10 TDs last year) is dangerous. In 3-16 slide since October, 2006, defense has given up 28.5 points per game. Buffs have all the heroes back from last year's win including K Kevin Eberhard, who forced OT with 22-yard FG with 13 seconds left then won game with 35-yarder, sophomore QB Cody Hawkins, Dan's son who threw for 201 yards, 2 TDs in first career start, WR Scotty McKnight who caught 8 passes, including 24-yard TD on opening possession. That performance was an upside of Hawkins' season -- downside included 17 ints. (11 in CU's losses compared to six in wins). Pass rush (10th in Big 12, 95th in nation with 21 sacks) must get better or secondary (9th in Big 12, 103rd in nation vs. pass, 261.3 ypg, 27 TDs given up, 16 ints.) could get torched again.

MONDAY:

FRESNO STATE (0-0) at RUTGERS (0-0), 4, ESPN.

FAVORITE: Rutgers by 5.

COACHES: Pat Hill (85-55 in 12th year at Fresno State) and Greg Schiano (38-46 in 8th year at Rutgers).

LAST YEAR: Fresno State went 9-4. Rutgers went 8-5.

SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2003, Bulldogs are 2-7 in road games vs. BCS schools while yielding 30 points per game.

GAME FACTS: After somewhat ordinary 21-17 mark last three seasons, Bulldogs think they are ready to become giant-killers again as 40-28 mugging of Ga. Tech in Humanitarian Bowl boosted confidence. 17 returning starters include RB Ryan Mathews (14 TD runs last year), QB Tom Brandstater (15 TD passes, only 5 ints. in 337 passes), TE Bear Pascoe (45 catches, 4 TDs). Speedy CB A.J. Jefferson led nation in kickoff returns (35.8 ypr, 2 TDs). Scarlet Knights' promising 3-0 start, No. 10 national ranking fizzled in 5-5 finish that included home losses to Maryland, Cincinnati and West Virginia (outscored 55-13 in second half of those losses). And with star RB Ray Rice off to the NFL, QB Mike Teel (3,147 passing, 20 TDs, 13 ints.), talented WRs Tiquan Underwood, Kenny Britt (combined 127 catches, 18.3 ypc, 15 TDs) will be featured a lot more. After pretty much folding up second half of last year (152 points given up in final 6 games), defense has to make positive statement early. Special teams will miss departed Jeremy Ito, who handled both kicking and punting exceptionally.

No. 18 TENNESSEE (0-0) at UCLA (0-0), 8, ESPN.

FAVORITE: Tennessee by 8.

COACHES: Phillip Fulmer (147-45 in 17th season at Tennessee) and Rick Neuheisel (first year at UCLA).

LAST YEAR: Tennessee went 10-4. UCLA went 6-7.

SERIES HISTORY: Tennessee leads, 7-4-2.

LAST MEETING: Tennessee won, 30-24, in 1997.

STAT THAT MATTERS: In Vols' 10 wins last year, UT outscored foes by average score of 35-20. In four losses, Vols were outscored by average of 41-20.

GAME FACTS: Vols hope for better result than last year's west coast opener at Cal, which whacked UT, 45-31. Junior QB Jonathan Crompton (only 12 passes thrown last year) must replace departed Erik Ainge, but will benefit from talented, veteran line (gave up only 4 sacks last year, fewest in nation), RB Arian Foster (1,193 rushing, 12 TDs, 39 catches), deep receiving corps led by WR Lucas Taylor (second in SEC with 73 catches). S Eric Berry (led SEC freshmen with 86 tackles, 222 return yards on 5 ints.) is among nation's best DBs, and could see some time on offense. Fired from Washington in 2002 for, among other things, lying about participation in high-stakes NCAA basketball pool, Neuheisel returns to alma mater after several years as NFL assistant. Unfortunately, Bruins have been battered by injuries, off-season suspensions. Worst is at QB where last year's starter Patrick Cowan (knee) and Ben Olson (foot) went down on successive plays in spring practice while RBs Kahlil Bell, Raymond Carter later suffered knee injuries. QB Kevin Craft, transfer from San Diego State, now leads offense that returns just three starters. Freshman RB Aundre Dean may start. Return of WR Marcus Everett (31 catches, 5 TDs in 2006) should help. UCLA is 5-1 vs. ranked foes at home since 2005.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)