College football caps: OK State-Texas Tech, Cal-USC

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Capsule previews for Saturday's top college football games. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.MICHIGAN (2-7) at MINNESOTA (7-2), Noon, ESPN.FAVORITE: Minnesota by 8.COACHES: Rich Rodriguez (first year at Michigan) and Tim Brewster (8-13 in second year at Minnesota).LAST WEEK: Michigan lost at Purdue, 48-42. Minnesota lost at home to Northwestern, 24-17.SERIES HISTORY: Michigan leads, 65-22-3LAST MEETING: Michigan won, 34-10, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1968, Wolverines are 35-3 vs. Golden Gophers including perfect 11-0 mark at Metrodome.GAME FACTS: Tide has shifted in battle for Little Brown Jug trophy. Wolverines have to be demoralized by final-play defeat last week (on hook-and-ladder play no less) that ended UM's nation's best streak of 34 consecutive bowl trips. Defense has utterly collapsed (101st in nation vs. pass, 252.6 yards per game, 14 TD passes, 5 ints.) yielding 105 points in last 10 quarters as losing streak has reached five (UM's longest since 1967). At least RB Brandon Minor erupted for 155 yards, TD last week. Looking for first home win over Wolverines since 1977, Gophers also have to shake off bitter loss to Northwestern when QB Adam Weber's pass with 12 seconds left was picked off and run back 48 yards for TD, particularly shocking since Minny is second in nation in turnover ratio (26 gained, 11 given up). CB Traye Simmons' terrific game (5 tackles, 2 ints., one taken back 23 yards for TD) was also wasted. And now Weber may have to go it without his favorite target, WR Eric Decker (leads Big Ten, third in nation with 73 catches) who is questionable with ankle problem.No. 12 OHIO STATE (7-2) at NORTHWESTERN (7-2), Noon, ESPN2.FAVORITE: Ohio State by 11.COACHES: Jim Tressel (80-18 in 8th year at Ohio State) and Pat Fitzgerald (17-16 in third year at Northwestern).LAST WEEK: Ohio State was off. Northwestern won at Minnesota, 24-17.SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads, 58-14-1.LAST MEETING: Ohio State won, 58-7, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 33-27 overtime loss in Evanston four years ago, Buckeyes have beaten Wildcats last three years by combined score of 150-24.GAME FACTS: Still with outside shot at share of Big Ten title, Buckeyes need to pick up pieces from disheartening 13-6 loss at home to Penn State Oct. 25. They'll do it without suspended WR Ray Small. Freshman QB Terrelle Pryor's ill-fated fumble in fourth quarter set up only TD of game, overshadowing respectable night passing (16-of-25, season-high 226 yards). LB James Laurinitis (second in Big Ten with 90 tackles), rest of defense have manhandled Northwestern last two years giving up only 68 yards rushing with 7 sacks. That's why Wildcats desperately need something positive early or "here-we-go-again'' mentality will creep in. QB Zach Bucher may return after missing last week with hamstring injury (ending streak of 25 straight starts), though backup Mike Kafka was sensational accounting for all but three of NU's 363 total yards (27 rushes, 217 yards, 12-of-16, 143 passing, 2 TDs). S Brendan Smith was also hero picking off deflected pass and weaving his way 48 yards for game-winning TD with 12 seconds left.No. 1 ALABAMA (9-0) at No. 15 LSU (6-2), 3:30, CBS.FAVORITE: Alabama by 3-1/2.COACHES: Nick Saban (16-6 in second year at Alabama) and Les Miles (40-8 in fourth year at LSU).LAST WEEK: Alabama beat Arkansas State, 35-0. LSU beat Tulane, 35-10.SERIES HISTORY: Alabama leads, 43-23-5.LAST MEETING: LSU won, 41-34, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2000, Tigers are 7-1 vs. Crimson Tide, LSU's best run in rivalry that dates back to 1895.GAME FACTS: If top-rated BCS team Crimson Tide are to claim first national title since 1992, ending frustrating 5-game losing skid to Tigers is a must. LSU fans aren't likely to make Saban's return to Baton Rouge a pleasant one, even though he coached Tigers to 2003 national title before fleeing for Miami Dolphins, then 'Bama. Fast-starting Tide have outscored foes by amazing 198-26 in first half. That has reduced pressure on QB John Parker Wilson (1,412 passing, 8 TDs), who has only 4 ints. after throwing 12 last year. Though still fourth in SEC with 894 rushing, RB Glen Coffee has slowed down lately so look for more of speedy freshman backup Mark Ingram (113 rushing, 2 TDs last week). Rushing defense (second in nation vs. run, 65.6 ypg, 1 TD run allowed) has been impenetrable. Having given up over 50 points twice in season for first time ever, defending national-champion Tigers defense (5th in SEC in total defense, 297.2 ypg) must rise up here as freshman QB Jarrett Lee (5 ints. in losses to Florida and Georgia) could be in for tough day vs. vicious 'Bama unit. Bruising RB Charles Scott (second in SEC with 889 rushing, 11 TDs) isn't likely to find a lot of holes. Big-play from mighty mite return man Trindon Holliday (second in SEC in punt returns, 16.98 ypr, TD, 22.1 on kickoff returns), who stands all of 5-5 and weighs 159 pounds, would help Tigers a lot.No. 3 PENN STATE (9-0) at IOWA (5-4), 3:30, ABC (regional).FAVORITE: Penn State by 7-1/2.COACHES: Joe Paterno (381-125-3 in 43rd year at Penn State) and Kirk Ferentz (66-52 in 10th year at Iowa).LAST WEEK: Penn State was off. Iowa lost at Illinois, 27-24.SERIES HISTORY: Penn State leads, 11-9.LAST MEETING: Penn State won, 27-7, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since start of 2006 season, Hawkeyes are just 17-17 including 1-6 mark vs. ranked teams.GAME FACTS: No. 2 in BCS rankings, Nittany Lions are three wins away from likely spot in BCS title game Jan. 8 in Miami. More immediate concern for Paterno, who coaches from press box these days, is QB Daryll Clark, who should play after leaving Ohio State game with concussion. If sophomore backup Pat Devlin has to go, this could get interesting -- especially after Lions were held to season-low 281 yards, 13 points at Ohio State. K Kevin Kelly (third in Big Ten with 14 FGs, only 3 misses), P Jeremy Boone (3 punts inside 20 vs. Ohio State) are team's unsung heroes. Hawkeyes haven't been competitive vs. these kind of foes lately. After looking good in wins over Indiana and Wisconsin, sophomore QB Ricky Stanzi regressed last week (11-of-29, 191 passing, TD, 2 ints.), making what junior RB Shon Greene (third in nation with 1,257 rushing, 11 TDs) has accomplished even more amazing. But considering UI had all of 48 yards rushing at Penn State last year, it's hard to see Greene finding much room vs. tough PSU front seven (leads Big Ten vs. run, 99.1 ypg). Led by LB Pat Angerer (4 ints.), ball-hawking defense leads Big Ten with 16 ints. CLEMSON (4-4) at No. 24 FLORIDA STATE (6-2), 3:30, ABC (regional).FAVORITE: FSU by 6.COACHES: Dabo Swinney (interim Clemson coach) and Bobby Bowden (306-89-4 in 33rd year at FSU).LAST WEEK: Clemson won at Boston College, 27-21. FSU lost at Georgia Tech, 31-28.SERIES HISTORY: FSU leads, 15-6.LAST MEETING: Clemson won, 24-18, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since October, 2007, Tigers have lost five straight to ranked foes while averaging only 15.4 points per game.GAME FACTS: No longer the Bowden Bowl, but Swinney needs win to further his audition, get Tigers eligible for bowl. Shaking off effects of head injury, RB C.J. Spiller had six catches for 105 yards last week (most by Clemson RB ever) to go along with 55 yards rushing. QB Cullen Harper threw for 252 yards, TD and also ran for score but threw 3 ints. as well giving him 11 for season (5 more than last year). Right on heels of Maryland in ACC Atlantic race, this is huge for Seminoles, who must shake off tough loss last week when RB Marcus Sims fumbled into end zone with 45 seconds left ruining valiant comeback. Real culprit was FSU's run defense which looked befuddle trying to stop tricky Ga. Tech spread option which gained 288 yards on ground for game, including 3 TD runs in first half alone (first time FSU has done that since 1993). QB Christian Ponder threw and ran for TD but wasn't exactly accurate (16-of-27, 149 passing, int.). He'll be under pressure considering FSU managed only 256 total yards while giving up 5 sacks in last year's loss at Clemson.No. 6 OKLAHOMA (8-1) at TEXAS A&M (4-5), 3:30, ABC (regional).FAVORITE: Oklahoma by 27.COACHES: Bob Stoops (105-23 in 10th year at Oklahoma) and Mike Sherman (first year at Texas A&M).LAST WEEK: Oklahoma beat Nebraska, 62-28. Texas A&M beat Colorado, .24-17.SERIES HISTORY: Oklahoma leads, 16-10.LAST MEETING: Oklahoma won, 42-14, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Stoops, Sooners are 8-1 vs. Aggies winning by average score of 40-19.GAME FACTS: Lone blemish on Sooners' domination of A&M under Stoops was 30-26 loss in College Station as No. 1 team in 2002. That isn't likely here with QB Sam Bradford (third in nation in QB rating, 129-of-187, 3,086 passing, 6 ints., leads nation with 34 TD passes) taking aim at weak Aggies' secondary (79th in nation vs. pass, 225.1 ypg, 10 TD passes, 8 ints.), that gets no help from front seven (11th in Big 12, 94th in nation with 12 sacks). After forcing three turnovers (including TD int. return) in first five plays last week, Sooners defense will miss DE Auston English, out with sprained knee. In rough debut season, Sherman at least made right call going to sophomore QB Jerrod Johnson (15-of-31, 214 passing, 3 TDs last week), who has impressive 18 TD passes to just 4 ints. A dismal 1-4 at home this season, A&M has already clinched only second losing season at Kyle Field since 1984 with expected loss giving Aggies worst home record since going 0-5 under Bear Bryant in 1954..KANSAS STATE (4-5) at No. 13 MISSOURI (7-2), 7, Fox Sports Net.FAVORITE: Missouri by 27.COACHES: Ron Prince (16-18 in third year at K-State) and Gary Pinkel (56-39 in 8th year at Missouri).LAST WEEK: K-State lost at Kansas, 52-21. Missouri won at Baylor, 31-28.SERIES HISTORY: Missouri leads, 57-31-5LAST MEETING: Missouri won, 49-32, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: After losing 13 straight to Wildcats, Tigers have beaten KSU last two years by combined score of 90-53.GAME FACTS: Somewhat surprisingly, Prince announced Wednesday that he's stepping down at season's end as KSU is just 6-11 since starting last year at 3-1. Defense (108th in nation in total defense, 444.6 ypg) has been just awful over that span yielding 45 points or more in six of the losses. So QB Josh Freeman's heroics (2,723 total offense, 15 TD passes, 13 TD runs, 8 ints.) have been wasted. Tied with Kansas atop Big 12 North, Tigers barely survived on K Jeff Wolfert's 34-yard FG with 2:31 left after squandering early 14-0 lead. QB Chase Daniel (fifth in nation in QB rating, 250-of-324, 2,993 passing, 26 TDs, 8 ints.) threw 3 TD passes but also had pair of costly ints. After spectacular start, WR Jeremy Maclin is becoming less of a factor (57 yards of total offense, 0 TDs last week). Secondary (11th in Big 12, 113th in nation vs. pass, 272.8 ypg, 17 TD passes, 8 ints.) has had real problems lately giving up big plays (993 yards passing, 6 TD passes in last four games).No. 8 OKLAHOMA STATE (8-1) at No. 2 TEXAS TECH (9-0), 8, ABC (regional).FAVORITE: Texas Tech by 3.COACHES: Mike Gundy (26-20 in fourth year at Oklahoma State) and Mike Leach (74-37 in 9th year at Texas Tech).LAST WEEK: Oklahoma State beat Iowa State, 59-17. Texas Tech beat Texas, 39-33.SERIES HISTORY: Texas Tech leads, 20-12-3.LAST MEETING: Oklahoma State won, 49-45, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Red Raiders haven't lost to Cowboys in Lubbock since 1944 (9-0-2).GAME FACTS: After tough 28-24 loss at then-No. 1 Texas Oct. 25, Cowboys get another shot to make statement on national stage, stay in tight Big 12 South race. Aside from Lubbock jinx, OSU is 4-9 vs. ranked foes under Gundy. Offense (fifth in nation in scoring, 45.3 ppg) can score on anybody behind QB Zac Robinson (second in nation in QB rating, 129-of-187, 2,082 passing, 20 TDs, 5 ints.), WR Dez Bryant (60 catches, second in nation with 1,054 yards, leads nation with 15 TDs), RBs Kendall Hunter (leads Big 12 with 1,220 rushing, 11 TDs), Keith Tolston. But problem here may be weak pass rush (102nd in nation with 11 sacks). And pressuring Red Raiders' QB Graham Harrell (leads nation with 3,618 total offense, 30 TD passes, 5 ints., 6 TD runs) is no easy task (second in nation with only 5 sacks allowed). Harrell's clutch 28-yard TD pass to WR Michael Crabtree to beat Texas with one second left was biggest play in Tech history, but what is left for an encore here? Improved defense (second in Big 12 vs. run, 98.7 ypg, 22 turnovers forced, 24 sacks) will be put to test vs. high-flying Cowboys. Since being plucked out of crowd after winning halftime kicking contest last month, K Matt Williams hasn't missed (2-of-2 on FGs, 13-of-13 on PATs).No. 21 CALIFORNIA (6-2) at No. 7 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (7-1), 8, ABC (regional).FAVORITE: USC by 21.COACHES: Jeff Tedford (56-28 in 7th year at Cal) and Pete Carroll (83-15 in 8th year at USC).LAST WEEK: Cal beat Oregon, 26-16. USC beat Washington, 56-0.SERIES HISTORY: USC leads, 60-35-5.LAST MEETING: USC won, 24-17, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Carroll, Trojans are unbeaten 24-0 in November games.GAME FACTS: Only half-game behind Trojans, Bears need sizable upset to keep alive hopes for first Pac-10 title since 1958. Led by DT Cameron Jordan (10 tackles, sack), LB Zach Follet (11 tackles, sack), defense rose up last week yielding only 290 total yards while forcing 3 turnovers in driving rainstorm. With sophomore QB Kevin Riley (concussion) questionable, senior Nate Longshore (13-of-27, 136 passing, TD in relief last week) may get start vs. Trojans defense (leads nation in both scoring, 7.1 ppg, three shutouts in last four games, total defense, 211.6 ypg) that's taking no prisoners, though Cal did move it effectively on USC last year finishing with 399 total yards. USC is 63-6 since start of 2004 season including 27-1 mark at home. After calling former Trojans QB and 2004 Heisman winner Matt Leinart of the Arizona Cardinals for advice, QB Mark Sanchez is 51-of-75 for 636 yards with 8 TDs and 1 int. in last three games, despite playing entire game only once (USC led, 42-0, at halftime last week).NOTRE DAME (5-3) at BOSTON COLLEGE (5-3), 8, ESPN.FAVORITE: Boston College by 3.COACHES: Charlie Weis (27-18 in fourth year at Notre Dame) and Jeff Jagodzinski (16-6 in second year at BC).LAST WEEK: Notre Dame lost at home to Pitt, 36-33 in 4 overtimes. BC lost at home to Clemson, 27-21.SERIES HISTORY: Notre Dame leads, 9-8.LAST MEETING: BC won, 27-14, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Eagles have beaten Fighting Irish five straight times and are 6-1 vs. ND since 1998.GAME FACTS: Irish must overcome bitter defeat last week that saw ND blow 17-3 halftime lead, finally succumbing in OT when K Brandon Walker finally missed 38-yard FG (after making 3 others in each OT session) setting up Pitt's game-winning FG, ND's 9th straight loss to team with winning record. WR Michael Floyd caught pair of TD passes from QB Jimmy Clausen last week to set school record for most catches by a freshman with 41 (7 for TDs). Eagles staggered out of gate last week and just couldn't overcome 17-0 halftime deficit in second straight loss. Defense has gone south giving up 691 yards, 72 points in last two losses. QB Chris Crane (62-of-113, 538 passing, 4 TDs, 6 ints. in last three games) needs to be more consistent, but he'll have to do without WR Clarence Megwa (broken leg, out for season). After joining team as walk-on early last season, K Steve Aponavicius is now struggling (4-of-8 on FGs last 6 games) including key misses from 32 and 37 yards last week.No. 4 FLORIDA (7-1) at VANDERBILT (5-3), 8, ESPN2.FAVORITE: Florida by 24.COACHES: Urban Meyer (38-9 in fourth year at Florida) and Bobby Johnson (25-53 in 7th year at Vandy).LAST WEEK: Florida beat Georgia, 49-10. Vandy was off.SERIES HISTORY: Florida leads, 30-9-2.LAST MEETING: Florida won, 49-22, last year.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 1989, Gators have beaten Commodores 17 straight times.GAME FACTS: After emotional-revenge win last week, Gators need to be on letdown alert as style points do count in tight BCS race. QB Tim Tebow once again looked like Heisman winner last week going 10-of-13 for 154 yards with 2 TDs and running for two other scores. But real story for UF has been rise of defense (leads SEC, fifth in nation in scoring, 11.6 ppg, third in SEC vs. run, 103.1 ypg), which has picked off 13 passes, taking 4 back for TDs (most in nation) as Gators lead nation in turnover ratio (20 forced, 6 lost). In search of elusive 6th win to become eligible for first bowl game since 1982, Commodores have stumbled to three straight losses after 5-0 start landed them in top 20. Offense has been atrocious (last in SEC, 117th in nation in total offense, 254.6 ypg), managing only 301 total yards with 3 turnovers in agonizing 10-7 loss at home to Duke Oct. 25. It's hard to figure where Johnson will go at QB with junior Mackenzi Adams, senior Chris Niickson (combined 8 TD passes, 7 ints.) both struggling. Unheralded defense (leads SEC with 25 sacks, fifth in scoring, 16.5 ppg) has kept team in games with CB D.J. Moore (33 tackles, 2 ints., 6 passes defensed, 6th in nation in punt returns, 16.4 ypr), LB Patrick Benoist (70 tackles, 2 sacks) leading way.(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)