College football capsules

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Capsule previews for Saturday's top college football games. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.No. 1 OKLAHOMA (5-0) vs. No. 5 TEXAS (5-0), in Dallas, Noon, ABC.FAVORITE: Oklahoma by 7.COACHES: Bob Stoops (102-22 in 10th year at Oklahoma) and Mack Brown (107-25 in 11th year at Texas).LAST WEEK: Oklahoma won at Baylor, 49-17. Texas won at Colorado, 38-14.SERIES HISTORY: Texas leads, 57-40-5.LAST MEETING: Oklahoma won, 28-21, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: In games sophomore QB Sam Bradford starts and finishes, Sooners are 16-2 while averaging 39 points per game with Bradford throwing for 54 TDs vs. only 11 ints.GAME FACTS: Played at Cotton Bowl in Dallas, higher ranked team in Red River Shootout is only 18-15, but 5-0 since 1998. Bradford (second in nation in QB rating, 106-of-146, 1,665 yards passing, 18 TDs, 3 ints.) was brilliant carving up Longhorns last year (21-of-32, 244 passing, 3 TDs) with RB DeMarco Murray (129 rushing, TD) adding balance. Freshman DE Travis Lewis (41 tackles, 3-1/2 sacks), LB Keenan Clayton (30 tackles, 2 forced fumbles) boost defense (11th in nation in total defense, 256.2 ypg, third with 17 sacks). UT QB Colt McCoy (fourth in nation in QB rating, 103-of-130, 1,280 passing, 16 TDs, 3 ints.) has just about equaled Bradford and also was superb (19-of-26, 324 passing, 2 TDs, int.) in last year's loss to OU. But how 'Horns are third in Big 12 in rushing (198 ypg) with McCoy (317 yards, 4 TDs) leading rusher makes no sense. DE Brian Orakpo (third in nation with 5-1/2 sacks) can cause havoc, but secondary (96th in nation vs. pass, 244 ypg, 5 TD passes given up, 2 ints.) remains big concern. UT's five victims (Fla. Atlantic, UTEP, Rice, Arkansas and Colorado) are only combined 11-15 so how good Longhorns really are is question mark.MINNESOTA (5-1) at ILLINOIS (3-2), Noon, ESPN.FAVORITE: Illinois by 11.COACHES: Tim Brewster (6-12 in second year at Minnesota) and Ron Zook (16-25 in fourth year at Illinois).LAST WEEK: Minnesota beat Indiana, 16-7. Illinois won at Michigan, 45-20.SERIES HISTORY: Minnesota leads, 31-27-3.LAST MEETING: Illinois won, 44-17, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since November, 2005, Golden Gophers are 1-9 in Big Ten road games, losing by average score of 36-20.GAME FACTS: Having played 70th toughest schedule, Gophers are not as good as record. But getting sixth win to become bowl eligible after going 1-11 last year would be an achievement nonetheless. WR Eric Decker leads nation with 696 receiving yards on 50 catches (4 TDs) as he is QB Adam Weber's go-to-guy. But running game (80th in nation in rushing, 131.3 ypg) is terrible and defense (62nd in nation in total defense, 354.3 ypg) not much better. Illini got out of the way for QB "Juice'' Williams last week as he tormented Michigan with wondrous performance (13-of-26, 310 passing, 2 TDs, 121 yards rushing, 2 TD runs), including 77 and 66-yard TD throws. His 431 yards of total offense were most ever by an opponent at Michigan Stadium. Much-maligned defense (93rd in nation in scoring, 29.6 ppg) also came alive holding Michigan to six points in final three quarters led by DT David Linquist, LB Brit Miller (2 sacks each)..COLORADO (3-2) at No. 16 KANSAS (4-1), 12:30, ESPN2.FAVORITE: Kansas by 14.COACHES: Dan Hawkins (11-19) and Mark Mangino (41-37 in 7th year at Kansas).LAST WEEK: Colorado lost at home to Texas, 38-14. Kansas won at Iowa State, 35-33.SERIES HISTORY: Colorado leads, 41-23-3.LAST MEETING: Kansas won, 19-14, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Jayhawks have beaten Buffaloes each of last two seasons, first time KU has done that since 1980-81.GAME FACTS: Since nice 3-0 start, Buffs have been blitzed by Florida State, Texas by combined 77-35. That didn't stop CU brass from giving Hawkins a two-year contract extension earlier this week. Hawkins showed he doesn't play favorites, benching his son QB Cody (13-of-33, 118 passing, TD last week) in final quarter vs. Texas in favor of freshman Matt Bellanger, who promptly threw TD pass. K Aric Goodman didn't help matters missing 3 FGs, all in first half. After going 3-18 vs. Buffs from 1982-2005, Jayhawks have upper hand now and have won 12 straight at home since October, 2006. But they'll need to much better start than last week, when Iowa State leaped out to 20-0 halftime lead before junior QB Todd Reesing (18-of-26, 319 passing, 3 TDs, int.) led impressive rally. Two of Reesing's TD passes went to the guy he replaced at QB, senior Kerry Meier, who is now excellent WR, ranking second in nation with 44 catches. Having given up 81 points in last 3 games, defense (84th in nation vs. pass, 227.6 ypg, 6 TD passes given up, 7 ints.) needs to tighten up.NEBRASKA (3-2) at No. 7 TEXAS TECH (5-0), 3, Fox Sports Net.FAVORITE: Texas Tech by 21.COACHES: Bo Pellini (first year at Nebraska) and Mike Leach (70-37 in 9th year at Texas Tech).LAST WEEK: Nebraska lost at home to Missouri, 52-21. Texas Tech won at Kansas State, 58-28SERIES HISTORY: Nebraska leads, 7-2.LAST MEETING: Texas Tech won, 34-31, in 2005.STAT THAT MATTERS: Red Raiders are second in nation in total offense (583.4 ypg) and fifth in scoring (48.2 ppg) while Cornhuskers are 82nd in total defense (376.2 ypg) and 72nd in scoring defense (26 ppg).GAME FACTS: This looks like nightmarish match-up for beleaguered 'Huskers defense that was punished for 87 points, 839 total yards in consecutive losses to Va. Tech and Missouri. AWOL running game (72nd in nation in rushing, 140.2 ypg) has put them on field too much while adding to pressure on QB Joe Ganz (44-of-65, 571 passing, 4 TDs, 2 ints. in last two losses). Winner of Sammy Baugh award as nation's top QB last year, Tech QB Graham Harrell (second in nation with 2,022 total offense, 18 TD passes, 3 ints., 2 TD runs) has Leach's high-octane attack (leads nation in passing, 439 ypg) purring along. Gifted WR Michael Crabtree (38 catches, 8 TDs, third in nation with 564 receiving yards) will beat man coverage all day long. Overlooked defense (24th in nation vs. run, 102.6 ypg, 12 sacks) finally is making strides catching up to pinball offense.TENNESSEE (2-3) at No. 10 GEORGIA (4-1), 3:30, CBS.FAVORITE: Georgia by 13.COACHES: Phillip Fulmer (149-48 in 17th year at Tennessee) and Mark Richt (83-20 in 8th year at Georgia).LAST WEEK: Tennessee beat Northern Illinois, 13-9. Georgia was off.SERIES HISTORY: Tennessee leads, 20-15-2.LAST MEETING: Tennessee won, 35-14, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Vols are 97th in nation in total offense (317.6 ypg) and have scored just three TDs in last three games, the worst three-week production ever under Fulmer.GAME FACTS: In spite of beating Bulldogs by combined 86-47 last two years, Vols might have trouble even being competitive here. Fulmer went to sophomore QB Nick Stephens (10-of-17, 153 passing, TD) last week. Yet offense remains hopelessly mired with penalties, turnovers, assorted foul-ups -- as proven by lackluster 221-total yard effort vs. Northern Ill. Tough defense (leads SEC, fifth in nation in total defense, 244.4 ypg) offers ray of hope. Since UT raced to 28-0 halftime lead en route to easy win in Knoxville last year, Bulldogs are 11-1 while averaging 34 points per game. So revenge is in order. Of course, slow-start problem was again evident in 41-30 loss to Alabama Sept. 27 as UGA fell behind 31-0 at halftime. RB Knowshon Moreno (fourth in SEC with 489 rushing, leads SEC, third in nation with 10 TDs) should play despite elbow problem. QB Matthew Stafford has had trouble with Vols defense (combined 18-of-38, 185 passing, 2 TDs, 2 ints.), but has been on target lately (7 TDs, 1 int. this season). Defense really wants to atone for getting pushed around by UT last year (gave up 411 total yards including 190 rushing, most by any '07 opponent).ARIZONA STATE (2-3) at No. 8 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (3-1), 3:30, ABC (regional).FAVORITE: USC by 27.COACHES: Dennis Erickson (12-6 in second year at Arizona State) and Pete Carroll (79-15 in 8th year at USC).LAST WEEK: Arizona State lost at California, 24-14. USC beat Oregon, 44-10.SERIES HISTORY: USC leads, 15-9.LAST MEETING: USC won, 44-24, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2000, Trojans have won eight straight over Sun Devils while averaging 40 points per game.GAME FACTS: Reeling Sun Devils have lost three straight as supposedly potent offense (44 points scored in last three games) has floundered. As his protection has broken down (9th in Pac-10, 99th in nation with 12 sacks allowed), QB Rudy Carpenter has had trouble (20-of-35, 165 passing, TD, 2 ints. last week). And now he's questionable with broken bone in his ankle. Considering 6-sack beaten USC put on him last year, maybe Carpenter should let backup Danny Sullivan play. Trojans also have QB uncertainty with starter Mark Sanchez (19-of-28, 332 passing, 3 TDs last week) questionable with bruised knee. That may mean start for sophomore Mitch Mustain, heralded transfer from Arkansas, though freshman Aaron Corp or junior Garrett Green are Carroll's other options. Either should be able to maintain SC's dominance over ASU. Pressure defense (leads nation with 35 tackles for loss, ninth with 12 sacks) has plenty of playmakers in LB Rey Maualuga (213 career tackles), S Taylor Mays (25 tackles this season). Underrated K David Buehler (21-of-24 career on FGs) is valuable asset.PURDUE (2-3) at No. 12 OHIO STATE (5-1), 3:30, ABC (regional).FAVORITE: Ohio State by 18.COACHES: Jim Tressel (78-17 in 8th year at Ohio State) and Joe Tiller (85-57 in 12th year at Purdue).LAST WEEK: Ohio State won at Wisconsin, 20-17. Purdue lost at home to Penn State, 20-6.SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads, 37-11-2.LAST MEETING: Ohio State won, 23-7, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1968, Buckeyes are 13-1 vs. Boilermakers in Columbus including six straight wins by average score of 27-10.GAME FACTS: Boilermakers have lost 15 straight to ranked foes since 2003. And with Tiller retiring at end of season with offensive line coach Dan Hope taking over, there may not be much left in tank for PU, who was outscored 58-27 in consecutive losses to Notre Dame, Penn State. Tiller pulled QB Curtis Painter in fourth quarter last week as backup Joey Elliot led only scoring drive. Tressel's decision to go with QB Terrelle Pryor looked great last week as the gifted freshman led late scoring drive, dashing 11 yards for game-winning TD with 1:08 left. RB Beanie Wells was real star with 168 yards, TD on 22 tough carries. He'll be counted on for more of the same with RB Dan Herron, WR Dane Sanzenbacher both out after suffering concussions last week. Since looking bad in 35-3 loss at USC Sept. 13, defense (leads Big Ten, 14th in nation vs. pass, 155 ypg,) has settled down, though pass rush (last in Big Ten, 77th in nation with 9 sacks) remains absent.NOTRE DAME (4-1) at No. 22 NORTH CAROLINA (4-1), 3:30, ABC (regional).FAVORITE: North Carolina by 5.COACHES: Charlie Weis (26-16 in fourth year at Notre Dame) and Butch Davis (8-9 in second year at North Carolina).LAST WEEK: Notre Dame beat Stanford, 28-21. North Carolina beat Connecticut, .SERIES HISTORY: Notre Dame leads, 16-1.LAST MEETING: Notre Dame won, 45-26, in 2006.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since starting last season 1-9 while averaging 16 points per game, Fighting Irish are 6-1 and are averaging 27 points in the wins..GAME FACTS: Irish haven't beaten a ranked team since early 2006, losing six straight by combined score of 228-83. But they may not be as overmatched here. Not with QB Jimmy Clausen (49-of-75, 622 passing, 6 TDs in last two wins) finding his stride and defense (40th in nation in scoring, 19 ppg) gradually improving. If it comes down to an FG, Irish are in trouble with floundering sophomore Brandon Walker (1-of-7 on FGs this season, 7-of-19 on career) so Weis may give junior Ryan Burkhart another shot. Opportunistic Tar Heels (12th in nation in turnover ratio, 13 gained, 7 given up) are ranked for first time since 2001. After picking off three passes last week, including DT Marvin Austin's 23-yard TD return, secondary (leads nation with 12 ints.) wants to make things tough on Clausen. LB Bruce Carter was phenomenal last week blocking school-record three punts, recovering one for TD. Since taking over in second quarter of comeback win over Miami Sept. 27, former third-string QB Cameron Sexton (9-of-16, 117 passing, TD, int. last week) hasn't been asked to do too much. But offense managing only 263 total yards, 13 first downs last week has to be alarming to Davis.No. 23 MICHIGAN STATE (5-1) at NORTHWESTERN (5-0), 3:30, ESPN2.FAVORITE: Michigan State by 3.COACHES: Mark Dantonio (12-7 in second year at Michigan State) and Pat Fitzgerald (15-14 in third year at Northwestern).LAST WEEK: Michigan State beat Iowa, 16-13. Northwestern was off.SERIES HISTORY: Michigan State leads, 32-16.LAST MEETING: Northwestern won, 48-41 in overtime, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Wildcats are 5-0 for first time since Ara Parseghian guided them to 6-0 start in 1962.GAME FACTS: Over the last two years, no two teams have provided wilder games. Back in 2006, Spartans team that would finish 4-8 and get coach John L. Smith fired somehow rallied from 38-3 third-quarter deficit to win 41-38 in greatest comeback in I-A history. Then last year, there was 1,081 total yards combined with NU winning on C.J. Bacher's TD pass in OT, final act of phenomenal day (38-of-48, 520 passing, 5 TDs). Improved Spartans' defense (5th in Big Ten in scoring, 16.2 ppg) wants to atone for giving up embarrassing 611 total yards that day. Then there's RB Javon Ringer (second in nation with 988 rushing, 12 TDs ties for most in nation) who rung up 'Cats for 185 yards, 3 TDs. NU's fine start is diminished a bit considering who they've beaten (Syracuse, Duke, I-AA Southern Illinois, Ohio and Iowa, combined mark of 10-16). Bacher (1,042 passing, 6 TDs, 6 ints.) has been a bit inconsistent. However, Fitzgerald, star LB on 'Cats' 1995 Rose Bowl team, has to like improved defense (leads Big Ten, third in nation with 17 sacks, leads Big Ten with 41 tackles for loss, third in Big Ten in scoring, 12.4 ppg).No. 4 LSU (4-0) at No. 11 FLORIDA (4-1), 8, CBS.FAVORITE: Florida by 5-1/2.COACHES: Les Miles (38-6 in fourth year at LSU) and Urban Meyer (35-9 in fourth year at Florida).LAST WEEK: LSU was off. Florida won at Arkansas, 38-7.SERIES HISTORY: Florida leads, 28-23-3.LAST MEETING: LSU won, 28-24, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Meyer, Gators are 21-2 at home including perfect 4-0 mark vs. ranked teams..GAME FACTS: Match-up of last two national champs. Legend of gambler Miles began in last year's win in Baton Rouge when Tigers went 4-for-4 on fourth-down tries (including fake FG) that culminated in RB Jacob Hester's game-winning TD plunge with a minute left. But that LSU team had tested senior QB Matt Flynn. This one has freshman Jarrett Lee (29-of-49, 443 passing, 4 TDs, 2 ints. in last two games) making second career start. Bruising RB Charles Scott (leads SEC with 535 rushing, 6 TDs) makes Lee's job simpler. Excellent defense (8th in nation vs. run, 69 ypg) is led by DE Tyson Jackson, DT Ricky Jean-Francois, who earlier this week said Tigers would "try our best to put (Gators QB Tim) Tebow out of the game ...'' That would help considering how well Heisman-winner Tebow has played vs. Tigers (combined 22-of-29, 236 passing, 3 TDs, int., 102 yards rushing, 2 TD runs last two years). Somewhat subdued by injuries so far, WR-RB Percy Harvin (19 catches, 3 TDs, 177 rushing, 2 TD runs) needs to step up here. Gators are eighth in nation in turnover margin (12 forced, 4 given up). RB Brandon James (second in SEC in both punt returns, 20.5 ypr, 2 TDs, kickoff returns, 29 ypr) can change game instantly with big return. Defense (fourth in nation in scoring, 11.4 ppg) needs to atone for inexplicable blunders in 31-30 upset loss to Ole Miss on Sept. 27. History is not on UF's side as Gators are only 3-11-2 vs. defending national champs and 14-28-2 against defending SEC champs.No. 17 OKLAHOMA STATE (5-0) at No. 3 MISSOURI (5-0), 8, ESPN2.FAVORITE: Missouri by 15.COACHES: Mike Gundy (23-19 in fourth year at Oklahoma State) and Gary Pinkel (54-37 in 8th year at Missouri).LAST WEEK: Oklahoma State beat Texas A&M, 56-28. Missouri won at Nebraska, 52-17.SERIES HISTORY: Missouri leads, 25-20.LAST MEETING: Missouri won, 38-31, in 2005.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since November, 2006, Tigers have won 11 straight home games while averaging 41 points per game.GAME FACTS: Cowboys haven't exactly been giant-killers (3-8 vs. ranked teams under Gundy, 0-4 vs. top-10) and soft schedule (Washington State, Houston, Missouri State, Troy, Texas A&M are combined 9-16) makes you wonder if they're that good. There's no debating offensive wizardry (third in nation in scoring, 52.6 ppg, 6th in total offense, 530.2 ypg) led by QB Zac Robinson (third in nation in QB rating, 62-of-86, 1,035 passing, 10 TDs, 3 ints., 4 TD runs), RBs Kendall Hunter (fifth in nation with 708 rushing), Keith Tolston, WR Dez Bryant (27 catches, second in nation with 9 TDs, fifth with 550 yards receiving). Whether so-so defense (51st in nation in total defense, 338.6 ypg) holds up is anyone's guess. Tigers QB Chase Daniel (fifth in nation in QB rating, 30 TD passes vs. 4 ints. in last 11 games dating back to last year), the Heisman front-runner, will attempt to light them up early and often. UM's multiple weapons include WR Jeremy Maclin (fifth in nation with 934-all purpose yards, 31 catches, 5 TDs, TD run, TD kickoff return), RB Derrick Washington (139 rushing, 2 TDs, TD catch last week), TE Chase Coffman (190 career catches). Defense is good vs. run (15th in nation vs. run, 95 ypg), bad against pass (last in Big 12, 114th in nation, 281.6 ypg, 10 TD passes given up, 6 ints.). LB Sean Witherspoon (second in Big 12 with 57 tackles) rarely misses tackles.No. 6 PENN STATE (6-0) at WISCONSIN (3-2), 8, ESPN.FAVORITE: Penn State by 5.COACHES: Joe Paterno (378-125-3 in 43rd year at Penn State) and Bret Bielema (24-7 in third year at Penn State).LAST WEEK: Penn State won at Purdue, 20-6. Wisconsin lost at home to Ohio State, 20-17.SERIES HISTORY: Wisconsin leads, 8-5.LAST MEETING: Penn State won, 38-7, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Nittany Lions are 9-1 since last while averaging 38 points per game.GAME FACTS: Paterno and co. have had trouble in this kind of setting (lost four of last six Big Ten road games) lately. Yet this group seems to have what it takes to take care of business including quality senior QB Daryll Clark (leads Big Ten in QB rating, 80-of-124, 1,116 passing, 9 TDs, int.), elusive sophomore RB Evan Royster (third in Big Ten with 659 rushing, 8 TDs), usual rugged defense (8th in nation in total defense, 250 ypg, second in Big Ten with 17 sacks). WR Jordan Norwood should return after missing last two games with hamstring problem. Desperate Badgers need to pick things up. Blowing 19-0 lead at Michigan Sept. 27 was bad enough, but last week's loss in final minute might have been worse when defense did not appear to be ready or lined up properly for Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor's 12-yard, game-winning TD run with a minute left. QB Allen Evridge (13-of-25, 147 passing, TD, int. last week, 6 turnovers last two games) isn't scaring defenses down the field so they are ganging up on RB P.J. Hill (133 yards on 38 carries last two games). S Jay Valai did all he could vs. Ohio State with 7 tackles, sack, 2 forced fumbles.UCLA (2-3) at OREGON (4-2), 10:15, Fox Sports Net.FAVORITE: Oregon by 17.COACHES: Rick Neuheisel (first year at UCLA) and Mike Bellotti (110-54 in 14th year at Oregon)LAST WEEK: UCLA beat Washington State, 28-3. Oregon lost at USC, 44-10.SERIES HISTORY: UCLA leads, 39-22.LAST MEETING: UCLA won, 16-0, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Bruins are 1-5 on road since September, 2007 and getting outscored by combined score of 198-87.GAME FACTS: Bruins snapped 3-game losing streak last week behind encouraging performance from junior QB Kevin Craft (23-of-36, 225 passing, 2 TDs), though offense (111th in nation in total offense, 286.4 ypg) still has a long way to go. WR Terrence Austin is second in Pac-10 with 841 all-purpose yards. Ducks want revenge for last year's humbling blanking when offense, minus star QB Dennis Dixon, managed only 12 first downs, 148 total yards. After taking 10-3 lead early in second quarter last week, roof fell in with USC scoring 41 straight points with 4 TDs coming on TD passes (3 of at least 34 yards or more). Bellotti won't say he's starting at QB with choices including sophomore Justin Roper, close to ready after knee injury and illness, or freshmen Jermiah Masoli (18-of-29, 156 passing, int. last week), Darron Thomas. In any event, RB Jeremiah Johnson (485 rushing, 7 TDs) needs the ball more.(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)