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Thread: Saturday 9-16-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

  1. #21
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    When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa

    Preview: North Texas at Iowa
    Gracenote
    Sep 13, 2017

    Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley put together a masterful effort in a stunning 44-41 overtime win over rival Iowa State last week, but the Hawkeyes didn't escape the game unscathed as they prepare for a home date with North Texas on Saturday. Iowa will need to replace its starting right tackle after losing Ike Boettger for the remainder of the season after he suffered an Achilles injury in the win over the Cyclones.

    Boettger's loss not only puts a damper on one of the most satisfying program wins in some time, it also forces Iowa to rearrange an offensive line that has helped Stanley and the Hawkeyes average 34 points over their first two games. Stanley was sublime in last week's OT triumph, throwing for 333 yards and five TDs - the last, a 5-yard strike to Ihmir Smith-Marsette that ended things after the Cyclones had settled for a field goal on the opening possession in extra time. Stanley's eight touchdowns rank third in the nation entering the week, and he should add to that total against a visiting Mean Green defensive unit that coughed up 54 points last week in a loss to SMU. North Texas racked up nearly 500 yards of offense but was undone by three turnovers

    TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Iowa -21.5

    ABOUT NORTH TEXAS (1-1): The Mean Green can go back and forth with the best of them: their 45.5-points-per-game scoring average ranks them in the top 15 nationally, and they sit in the top 25 overall in both passing yards (328) and rushing yards (252.5) per game. Sophomore quarterback Mason Fine has six TD passes against just two interceptions, and rolled up a career-best 424 passing yards in defeat last weekend. Jeffery Wilson has been the other offensive star for North Texas, rushing for 212 yards and four touchdowns; he had 176 yards and three TDs in the first half alone as North Texas crushed Lamar 59-14 in its opener.

    ABOUT IOWA (2-0): Stanley's effort last week landed him on the short list for the Davey O'Brien "Great 8" Award, but a repeat might be a tall task with Boettger on the shelf. Right guard Sean Welsh, who has 37 career starts under his belt, is expected to move to right tackle in Boettger's place, with additional line shuffling on the way. While receiver Nick Easley (11 receptions, 125 yards, two TDs) has been Stanley's primary target, he has spread the scoring around in the early going; five different receivers have at least one touchdown, while three - Easley, Noah Fant and Smith-Marsette - are tied for the team lead with two apiece.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Iowa is 5-1 all-time against members of Conference USA, including a 62-16 rout of North Texas in their only previous meeting in 2015.

    2. The Hawkeyes had four scoring drives against Iowa State that measured at least 89 yards.

    3. North Texas allowed 21 points off turnovers against SMU while allowing more than 200 yards on third downs alone.

    PREDICTION: Iowa 42, North Texas 24

  2. #22
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    When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

    Preview: Middle Tennessee at Minnesota
    Gracenote
    Sep 12, 2017

    Despite watching Conor Rhoda only attempt eight passes in last weekend's rout of Oregon State, first-year Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck saw enough to be convinced the senior quarterback had done enough to separate himself from Demry Croft and emerge as the starter. Rhoda looks to justify Fleck's faith in him again on Saturday when the Golden Gophers host Middle Tennessee to close out their non-conference schedule.

    Minnesota piled up 58 rushes versus only eight passes in last Saturday's 48-14 victory against the Beavers, but Croft fumbled on a second-quarter carry and ceded most of the playing time for the rest of the game to Rhoda, who finished 7-of-8 for 158 yards - including a 67-yard touchdown in the first quarter. "Today is the first time I've watched Conor Rhoda control the football team. Seven of eight (passing), that's pretty elite right there. I thought he led us better than he ever has," Fleck told reporters. The Blue Raiders showed poorly in a 28-6 defeat in their season opener against Vanderbilt, but they earned their fifth win over a Power 5 opponent in 12 years under Rick Stockstill at Syracuse last weekend as the coach's son, Brent, threw touchdown passes on three consecutive drives in the second half of a 30-23 triumph.

    TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Minnesota -10.5.

    ABOUT MIDDLE TENNESSEE (1-1): Brent Stockstill took home Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors by managing to throw for all three of his touchdowns after sustaining a second-half shoulder injury - an ailment that leaves him questionable for Minnesota as he awaits the results of an MRI. Junior receiver Richie James is well on track to post his third consecutive 100-catch season with 18 receptions for 208 yards and two scores through two contests. Rick Stockstill said during Monday's presser that he was pleased with the way 5-8, 163-pound sophomore Ty Lee - a converted receiver - fared in his first game as the main running back, finishing with 18 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown.

    ABOUT MINNESOTA (2-0): Fleck announced Tuesday that Croft will be away from the team for an unspecified amount of time for "personal issues beyond football," according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Randy Johnson. The running game has taken center stage thus far, as junior running backs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks have combined for 88 carries, 328 yards and four TDs. Smith needs four more rushing yards to become the 14th Gopher to rush for 2,000 career yards while Brooks trails his backfield mate by only 477 yards despite 158 fewer carries; both backs have a very good shot at overtaking Garry White (2,353) for 10th place on the school's all-time list before the end of the season.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Minnesota's 48 points were the most it scored against an FBS opponent since a 51-14 home win against Iowa in 2014.

    2. James needs eight catches and one more touchdown reception to set new school marks in those categories after breaking the Blue Raiders' career receiving yardage mark against Vanderbilt.

    3. The Gophers yielded only 35 total yards after the break to the Beavers and have allowed a combined 104 yards and no points in the second half to their opponents thus far.

    PREDICTION: Minnesota 30, Middle Tennessee 17

  3. #23
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    When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

    Preview: Morgan State at Rutgers
    Gracenote
    Sep 12, 2017

    Rutgers looks for its first win of the season when it hosts FCS opponent Morgan State on Saturday. The Scarlet Knights gave sixth-ranked Washington a run for their money in the season opener (30-14), but the optimism soon faded after they suffered a disappointing 16-13 setback to Eastern Michigan, which had lost its previous 58 games against Power 5 opponents.

    "We need to play better and win football games so that's on me," Rutgers coach Chris Ash told reporters. "I've got to get the football team ready to make those plays that are out there." Rutgers has dropped 11 straight games dating back to last season, including seven in a row at home, and has been held to 14 points or less nine times during their losing skid. The Scarlet Knights shut out Morgan State 38-0 in their last meeting in 2008 and have fared well against teams from the Mid-Eastern American Conference, posting a 13-0 record while outscoring their opponents 558-88 in the process. The Bears have yet to score a point in two games after falling to Towson (10-0) and Albany (26-0), but hope to notch its first signature win under second-year coach Fred T. Farrier.

    TV: 3:30 p.m. BTN. LINE: None

    ABOUT MORGAN STATE (0-2): Former Mississippi State quarterback Elijah Staley struggled with his accuracy as he was limited to 170 yards on 18-of-40 passing and Herb Walker, who rushed for a program-record 1,408 yards in 2014, was held to eight yards on the ground. "We've got to do a better job of taking advantage of the talents our guys have," Farrier told reporters. "Sitting here 0-2 it's difficult to find moral victories after being shut out in two games." Eric Alvis Jr. led the way with six tackles and a sack for a defensive unit which ranks sixth in the FCS in total defense (221 yards per game).

    ABOUT RUTGERS (0-2): Senior quarterback Kyle Bolin threw for 198 yards and finished without a touchdown pass while throwing two costly interceptions in the loss to Eastern Michigan. Robert Martin ran for 68 yards against the Eagles and needs 180 more to move into 10th place on the Scarlet Knights' all-time rushing list. Offensive coordinator Jerry Kill, who stepped down as the head coach of Minnesota in 2015 due to complications from epilepsy, was hospitalized with a minor seizure after taking a sideline hit during Saturday's game, but is expected to be back in time to face Morgan State.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Rutgers has won its three meetings with Morgan State by an average margin of 26.6 points.

    2. Bolin has thrown more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (two) in 2017.

    3. Morgan State hasn't scored an offensive touchdown since Nov. 26, 2016.

    PREDICTION: Rutgers 35, Morgan State 10

  4. #24
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    When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky

    Preview: Clemson at Louisville
    Gracenote
    Sep 13, 2017

    The reigning national champions and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner square off in a marquee early-season matchup when No. 14 Louisville hosts No. 2 Clemson on Saturday. The defending champion Tigers are facing a second straight top-15 opponent, and their outstanding defense will face a tall task against Heisman Trophy quarterback Lamar Jackson.


    Clemson has won all three previous meetings, but each has been decided by six points or fewer, including a 42-36 victory last year in which the Tigers made a fourth-down stop on their own 3-yard line to hold on. “We've had three really good battles with them – had our opportunities and have come up short – so this is something that is really important to our players,” Louisville coach Bobby Petrino told reporters. “First of all, we should have confidence that we're there and that we can play, but it is up to us to win the game.” The Cardinals certainly have the offensive firepower to put the pressure on Clemson’s stout defense, as Jackson and Co. rolled up 705 total yards in last week’s 47-35 win at North Carolina and are averaging 41 points in their first two games. The key for both defenses will be attempting to make the opposing quarterback one-dimensional – Clemson must continue its excellent pass defense, while Louisville needs to limit Kelly Bryant in the running game.

    TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Clemson -3


    ABOUT CLEMSON (2-0, 0-0 ACC): The Tigers have leaned on a dominant defense in their first two games, as they have yet to allow a touchdown and have given up only 237 yards of total offense. The anchor of that dominant unit is defensive end Austin Bryant, who was named National Defensive Player of the Week after recording seven tackles and four of the team’s 11 sacks against Auburn. The offense was stymied last week, but Kelly Bryant has been solid in his first two games as the starter, passing for 417 yards with a touchdown and an interception and rushing for a team-high 136 yards and three scores.

    ABOUT LOUISVILLE (2-0, 1-0): Jackson has accounted for 1,010 yards of total offense in a stellar start to his bid to become the second two-time Heisman Trophy winner. Maintaining that pace will be tricky against the Tigers, who hope to pressure Jackson and force someone else to beat them such as running backs Reggie Bonnafon and Malik Williams. The Cardinals’ defense has been excellent against the run, allowing just 34 yards per game on the ground, but that is mitigated by a susceptible secondary that has given up a whopping 338.5 yards per game through the air.


    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Clemson has won 10 consecutive games on opponents’ home fields.

    2. Louisville is 8-11 against top-25 opponents under Petrino, including a win over No. 2 Florida State last season.

    3. The Tigers are 40-1 – and have won 36 straight – under coach Dabo Swinney when they rush for at least 200 yards.


    PREDICTION: Clemson 27, Louisville 23

  5. #25
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    When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: S.B. Ballard Stadium, Norfolk, Virginia

    Preview: North Carolina at Old Dominion
    Gracenote
    Sep 13, 2017

    North Carolina's defense is searching for answers after a pair of losses to open the season that included record-setting performances by the opposition. The Tar Heels will try to secure their first win of the campaign when they visit a dangerous Old Dominion squad on Saturday.

    Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson racked up 514 yards of total offense - the most ever against a North Carolina defense - in a 47-35 setback, and the Tar Heels are surrendering an average of 41 points after losses to California and the Cardinals. "Based on a formation, you've got to communicate the coverage that you're going to run with each other," Tar Heels coach Larry Fedora told reporters while referencing communication breakdowns on defense. "If you're dropping a guy to pick someone else up and a crosser is coming, you've got to let the guy know next to you so he's picking the guy up. So there's communication on quite a bit of it that we didn't get done." Conference USA’s Monarchs are coming off a road win at Massachusetts and are looking forward to a step up in competition. “We know this is going to be a major challenge, we know we are going to be underdogs in this game at home, and we are going to need a loud and proud group of 12th Monarchs there Saturday at 3:30,” Old Dominion coach Bobby Wilder told reporters.

    TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Stadium. LINE: North Carolina -7

    ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (0-2): While the defense has been an issue, the Tar Heels don’t have many complaints about the offense while using two different quarterbacks - freshman Chazz Surratt and senior transfer Brandon Harris. Surratt went 12-of-14 for 168 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Louisville before getting dinged up last week, and Harris finished up by completing 17-of-23 passes for 216 yards and a score. Austin Proehl is headlining the receiving corps with 12 catches for 175 yards but still is looking for his first TD.

    ABOUT OLD DOMINION (2-0): The Monarchs are trying to sort out their quarterback situation as well and will play both Blake LaRussa and Jordan Hoy on Saturday. “The plan is that they’re both still going to play and we’re still trying to figure them both out within the system, what makes them both work,” Wilder told reporters. “At this point, we haven’t settled on one or the other, and this could be a process going through.” LaRussa is 24-of-42 for 290 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while Hoy has yet to throw a TD pass but did run for a score in last week’s 17-7 win at UMass.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. North Carolina P Tom Sheldon was named the Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week after posting a net average of 51.5 yards on four punts against Louisville.

    2. Monarchs leading WR Jonathan Duhart (broken foot) is likely to miss the rest of the season.

    3. Tar Heels KR Anthony Ratliff-Williams set a school single-game record with 199 return yards last week, including a 94-yard TD return.

    PREDICTION: North Carolina 38, Old Dominion 24

  6. #26
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    When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York

    Preview: Central Michigan at Syracuse
    Gracenote
    Sep 13, 2017

    Passing yards should be aplenty Saturday when Syracuse hosts Central Michigan in a non-conference affair. The Orange rank 25th in the nation in passing yards per game, while the Chippewas are 13th in the country and proved last week that they can win on the road against a power conference team.

    Syracuse is coming off a disappointing seven-point home loss to Middle Tennessee despite another huge game from Steve Ishmael. The senior receiver leads the nation in catches (26) and has racked up 250 receiving yards through two games. Meanwhile, Central Michigan defeated Kansas 45-27 last weekend behind Shane Morris, who threw for 467 yards and five touchdowns without a turnover. "A lot of people didn't think we were going to win," Morris said. "So coming out there and us beating a power five team ... I think that shows a lot about us."

    TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra. LINE: Syracuse -10

    ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (2-0): The Chippewas have a solid offensive attack led by Morris (693 yards, six TD passes), Jonathan Ward (206 rushing yards) and Mark Chapman (256 receiving yards, three TDs). They also have been opportunistic defensively, recording a national-best eight interceptions despite allowing 27 points in each of their first two games. Corey Willis is another cause for concern for Syracuse, as he leads Central Michigan in catches (16 for 183 yards) and is coming off a dynamic season in which he racked up 71 catches for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns.

    ABOUT SYRACUSE (1-1): Ishmael is having a fine season to this point, but he still needs to make his way into the end zone - a problem last year as well - as he has totaled 74 catches and only one TD since the start of 2016. Ishmael tied a Syracuse record with 14 catches last week but totaled a relatively modest 116 yards as he and the entire team struggled with drops. Eric Dungey has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes and also leads the team in rushing yards (104) and touchdowns (three).

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Syracuse is the only team in the nation with two receivers with 140 career catches. Ervin Philips (147) and Steve Ishmael (140) rank second and third on the school's all-time list.

    2. Opponents are 4-for-27 on third downs against the Orange.

    3. Syracuse defeated Central Michigan 30-27 in overtime in 2015 to improve to 3-0 in the all-time series.

    PREDICTION: Syracuse 33, Central Michigan 30

  7. #27
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    When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, North Carolina

    Preview: Virginia Tech at East Carolina
    Gracenote
    Sep 12, 2017

    Electric freshman quarterback Josh Jackson leads No. 16 Virginia Tech into East Carolina on Saturday eyeing a 3-0 start. Jackson, who helped the Hokies knock off West Virginia in his collegiate debut, threw a pair of scoring passes last week as Virginia Tech blanked FCS member Delaware 27-0.

    The Hokies don't figure to be challenged until they host No. 3 Clemson in what is shaping up to be a monstrous ACC game Sept. 30. Jackson completed 16 of 28 passes for 222 yards in a pedestrian performance last week as Virginia Tech turned to its defense to manhandle the Blue Hens. East Carolina is off to an abysmal start under coach Scottie Montgomery. The Pirates lost to FCS powerhouse James Madison in their opener and then were crushed by West Virginia 56-20 last week, a decision so lopsided it cost defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson his job a day later.

    TV: 3:30 p.m. ET. CBS Sports Network. LINE: Virginia Tech -21

    ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (2-0): The Hokies allowed West Virginia to rack up nearly 600 yards on offense in their first game before limiting the Blue Hens to 223 yards as defensive coordinator Bud Foster notched his 32nd shutout. Virginia Tech defeated visiting East Carolina 54-17 last season after building a 38-0 halftime lead. On the road, however, things have been different as the Hokies' last three trips to East Carolina have been decided by a touchdown or fewer.

    ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (0-2): The Pirates trailed 49-3 at the half last week before West Virginia mercifully called off the onslaught. “We got off to a slow start (in a season-opening loss to James Madison) and I really challenged everybody to get better this week in some way, in some form. I didn’t necessarily think we got better. We needed a little bit of a change in direction,” Montgomery told reporters about the firing of Thompson. Thomas Sirk made his first start for East Carolina, finishing 16-of-34 for 191 with a touchdown before leaving with a concussion and is questionable for Saturday.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Defensive line coach Robert Prunty took over for Thompson.

    2. Greg Stroman last week became the first player in Virginia Tech history to return a punt for a touchdown in three consecutive seasons.

    3. East Carolina has been outscored 56-3 in the combined first halves of its first two games and has allowed 616.5 yards per game the first two weeks, ranking 128th out of 129 FBS teams.

    PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 45, East Carolina 10

  8. #28
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    When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama

    Preview: Mercer at Auburn
    David Beaudoin
    Sep 12, 2017

    Auburn proved it has a stellar defense after last week's 14-6 loss at defending national champion and No. 2 Clemson but has work to do on offense as it hosts FCS member Mercer on Homecoming Saturday. The No. 17 Tigers totaled 117 yards of offense and sophomore quarterback Jarrett Stidham was sacked 11 times against Clemson, prompting coach Gus Malzahn to tell reporters: "We'll get better offensively, and we'll get this thing corrected. There's no doubt about that."

    Part of the issue was that junior running back Kerryon Johnson, who rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in the 41-7 season-opening victory over Georgia Southern, missed the Clemson game with a hamstring injury. It is not clear whether Johnson can play Saturday, but one thing is certain: The Tigers must figure out a way to better protect Stidham before they begin the grind that is the SEC season Sept. 23 at Missouri. "Jarrett’s a really good quarterback, but there were times we didn’t have anybody open,” Malzahn said. “(The sacks) had something to do with him holding the football. He’s a good quarterback; he’s going to have a very good year.” The Bears, who were picked to finish fifth in the Southern Conference this season, blew a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost to Wofford 28-27 in a conference game last week after a 48-7 victory over Jacksonville to open the season.

    TV: 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: None

    ABOUT MERCER (1-1): The Bears are under the guidance of freshman quarterback Kaelan Riley (32-for-54, 373 yards, five touchdowns, four interceptions), who threw two of his three interceptions last week after Mercer fell behind with 3:34 remaining. Senior wide receiver Avery Ward, who missed the Jacksonville game because of a lower-body injury, returned to make seven catches for 113 yards and touchdown versus Wofford. The defense has been paced by junior linebacker LeMarkus Bailey, who leads the team with eight solo tackles and 18 total, and owns the club's only interception this season.

    ABOUT AUBURN (1-1): Junior cornerback Carlton Davis (11 solo tackles, two pass breakups) had a huge game versus Clemson. "I think we grew as a defense," Davis told reporters. "We fought through this whole game. We battled. We really found out what we were made of, through all the adversity, and we just continued to fight. We can only get better from here on out." Junior wide receiver Ryan Davis recorded a career-high eight receptions last week while junior running back Kamryn Pettway rushed for 74 yards on 22 carries while slowed by plantar fasciitis in his season debut after he was suspended (undisclosed reason) for the Georgia Southern game.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Auburn and Hawaii share the longest active streak nationally without having a punt blocked at 105 games.

    2. Tigers senior K Daniel Carlson was 2-for-2 in field goals versus Clemson, improving his school-record conversion rate to 82 percent.

    3. Auburn has won the 11 previous meetings, all of which occurred between 1896 and 1922.

    PREDICTION: Auburn 41, Mercer 7

  9. #29
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    When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Faurot Field, Columbia, Missouri

    Preview: Purdue at Missouri
    Gracenote
    Sep 13, 2017

    Purdue and Missouri appear to be teams who have come to early crossroads in their season, and both hope to head down the right path when they square off Saturday at Missouri. The Boilermakers and Tigers both sit at 1-1 and almost certainly have Saturday’s showdown circled as one they need to win to reach bowl eligibility.


    Missouri showed a sense of urgency to get its season on track by firing defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross following Saturday’s 31-13 home loss to South Carolina. The Tigers’ defensive coaching staff has a tall task this week in preparing for the Boilermakers, who are enjoying an offensive revival under new coach Jeff Brohm. “We’ve been busy since Sunday morning getting to work on Purdue,” Missouri coach Barry Odom told reporters. “The staff is working really well together. We understand that there will be people that have got to do a little bit more and that’s OK.” It’s the teams’ first meeting since Purdue’s 28-25 win in the 1980 Liberty Bowl.

    TV: 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: Missouri -7.5


    ABOUT PURDUE (1-1): The Boilermakers have shown some offensive prowess under Brohm with quarterbacks Elijah Sindelar and David Blough splitting time and running back Tario Fuller having success on the ground. Most importantly, Purdue is cashing in its opportunities – the Boilermakers are 9-for-9 scoring in the red zone with six touchdowns and three field goals. The defense has given up 460 yards per game but has been tough with its back against the wall, holding Louisville to three touchdowns and three field goals in eight red-zone trips and stopping Ohio in Purdue territory three times.

    ABOUT MISSOURI (1-1): The Tigers again are putting up big offensive numbers, averaging 619 total yards per game (fourth nationally) behind quarterback Drew Lock and running back Damarea Crockett. Missouri even outgained South Carolina 423-359 in last week’s loss, but the Tigers committed three turnovers that led to 21 points and made several special teams blunders. After being torched in a 72-43 win over Missouri State to open the season, the defense was much better against the Gamecocks but couldn’t seem to stay off the field in the second half.


    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Lock (383 passing yards per game, seventh nationally) and Crockett (149.5 rushing yards per game, ninth nationally) make Missouri the only team in the country with a passer and rusher in the top 10 nationally in yards per game.

    2. Purdue has not played a team from the SEC since facing Georgia in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2004.

    3. Missouri’s offense has lost yardage on only four plays through two games, tied for the fewest in the nation after leading the nation with 2.92 negative plays per game a year ago.


    PREDICTION: Purdue 37, Missouri 33

  10. #30
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    When: 4:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

    Preview: Army at Ohio State
    Gracenote
    Sep 12, 2017

    Ninth-ranked Ohio State hopes to gain back some confidence on both sides of the ball after a dispiriting loss as it hosts unbeaten Army on Saturday in the first meeting between the schools. The Buckeyes have allowed 806 yards through the air in their first two contests of the season, including 386 in a 31-16 loss to Oklahoma last Saturday in which they permitted 28 second-half points.

    While the team's pass defense needs some fixing, Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer is concerned about the passing offense, which has not been able to provide a consistent compliment to a rushing attack that could be more formidable as the season goes on. “It’s not one thing,” Meyer told reporters. “It’s several things. I have some ideas that we’re going to work on as a staff.” Freshman J.K. Dobbins has rushed for 253 yards in his first two games to lead Ohio State while sophomore Mike Weber (1,096 yards rushing last year) still is being nagged by a hamstring injury, but Army can match the Buckeyes on the ground. The Black Knights are averaging 417.5 rushing yards, with senior quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw (324 yards) leading the way, but will face an Ohio State defense that has given up a total of 121 over its first two games.

    TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Ohio State -30.5

    ARMY (2-0): The Black Knights rallied for 14 points in the fourth quarter last week to edge Buffalo 21-17, getting a pair of touchdowns from junior running back Darnell Woolfolk (186 yards rushing in 2017). Bradshaw and Woolfolk both have scored three times this season while coach Jeff Monken told reporters the team “just gutted out” the win over Buffalo and were better fundamentally in the second half. Senior linebacker Alex Aukerman (nine tackles, two sacks) and sophomore defensive back Jaylon McClinton (10 tackles, one sack, one interception) lead Army's defense.

    OHIO STATE (1-1): Senior quarterback J.T. Barrett has not been as sharp as he was earlier in his career, completing 39-of-70 passes with three touchdowns and one interception, and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson told reporters, “We have to put him in better situations.” Weber, who still is not 100 percent according to Meyer, gained 29 yards on three carries against Oklahoma after missing the opener while Barrett has added 127 rushing yards. Junior wide receiver Parris Campbell has made nine catches for 163 yards and one touchdown while sophomore K.J. Hill had a career-best five receptions last week.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Barrett needs 132 passing yards to become the third Ohio State quarterback to reach 7,000 in his career.

    2. Army, which has recorded just 17 yards passing this season, has received 11 rushing touchdowns from six different players.

    3. Ohio State senior LB Chris Worley finished with a career-high 11 tackles in the loss to Oklahoma.

    PREDICTION: Ohio State 38, Army 14

  11. #31
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    When: 5:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Martin Stadium, Pullman, Washington

    Preview: Oregon State at Washington State
    Gracenote
    Sep 13, 2017

    Off to its first 2-0 start under under sixth-year coach Mike Leach, No. 22 Washington State looks to avoid a letdown Saturday against visiting Oregon State. The Cougars rallied from a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Boise State 47-44 in triple overtime last Saturday while Oregon State has looked overmatched in ugly losses to Colorado State and Minnesota.

    Cougars backup quarterback Tyler Hilinski threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Boise State, but senior Luke Falk will get the start Saturday and look to continue his dominance over the Beavers. Falk, who was benched against the Broncos for ineffectiveness and health reasons, has completed 77 percent of his passes for 1,293 yards and 16 touchdowns in three career wins against Oregon State. Falk and the Cougars should have little trouble against an Oregon State defense that ranks last in the Pac-12 in several categories and has not recorded a sack through three games. “This is absolutely not what I expected in any way, shape or form,” Beavers coach Gary Andersen told reporters. “It’s all on me. We’ll keep battling. We’ll keep fighting. The football team is not playing well, and it’s a football team I’m in charge of."

    TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Washington State -21

    ABOUT OREGON STATE (1-2): The Beavers rank 128th out of 130 teams nationally in scoring defense (46 points allowed per game) and will be without starting cornerbacks Xavier Crawford (shoulder) and Dwayne Williams (knee) after both were injured in the loss to Minnesota. Freshman safety David Morris provided a spark with 17 tackles against Minnesota, but fellow safety Jalen Moore will miss Saturday’s first half after he was ejected for targeting against the Golden Gophers. Running back Artavis Pierce had 147 all-purpose yards against Minnesota to lead an offense has been stuck in neutral through three games.

    ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (2-0): The Cougars have forced five turnovers in two games and have several dynamic playmakers, including defensive tackle Hercules Mata’afa and linebacker Peyton Pelluer, who was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week after recording a team-high 14 tackles and an interception against Boise State. The offense caught fire after a sluggish first half, but Leach was disappointed by the play of his offensive line after the Broncos recorded five sacks. “We were a bunch of cautious patty-cakers out there,” Leach told reporters. “Our offensive line, we weren’t really whipping anybody. I hope they’re not listening to their press clippings. As a matter of fact, I may never say anything positive about them again.”

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Washington State has won the last three meetings against Oregon State and holds a 51-47-3 lead in the all-time series.

    2. Oregon State RB Ryan Nall rushed for 131 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown, in last season’s 35-31 loss to the Cougars.

    3. The Cougars are 14-3 when forcing multiple turnovers under defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.

    PREDICTION: Washington State 55, Oregon State 17

  12. #32
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    Preview: Colgate at Buffalo
    When: 6:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: UB Stadium, Buffalo, New York
    Quick Hits

    Overall Team Offense

    The Buffalo Bulls are ranked 116 on offense, averaging 287.0 yards per game. The Bulls are averaging 85.0 yards rushing and 202.0 yards passing so far this season.
    The Colgate Red Raiders are ranked 0 on offense, averaging yards per game. The Red Raiders are averaging yards rushing and yards passing so far this season.

    Home and Away

    The Buffalo Bulls are 0-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
    At home the Bulls are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
    The Colgate Red Raiders are 1-0 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
    On the road, the Red Raiders are averaging 20.0 scoring, and holding teams to 14.0 points scored on defense.

  13. #33
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    When: 6:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma

    Preview: Tulane at Oklahoma
    Gracenote
    Sep 12, 2017

    The Lincoln Riley era is off to a great start at Oklahoma, and Baker Mayfield's supreme accuracy in the early going has only fueled the talk of a potential Heisman Trophy campaign. The third-ranked Sooners attempt to avoid a letdown at home following a convincing win at Ohio State last weekend when they wrap up their non-conference slate against Tulane on Saturday.

    After going 19-of-20 for 329 yards and three touchdowns in a season-opening win over UTEP, Mayfield went 27-of-35 for 386 yards and three more scores against the Buckeyes as Oklahoma pulled away in the second half for a 31-16 victory, extending their winning streak to 12 games by avenging their last loss. "We never got down, even with the ebbs and flows of the game. We just stayed with it. We competed at a high, high level. I was proud of them, but we expected to win this game," Riley told the school's website. The senior quarterback also made headlines for what he did following the game, planting a flag bearing the school's logo in the middle of Ohio State's home field as he celebrated with his teammates after the game. The Green Wave kicked off the season with a 43-14 rout of Grambling for their first season-opening win in four years, but their bid to begin 2-0 for the first time since 2002 fell short in a 23-21 setback at Navy last weekend.

    TV: 6 p.m. ET, No TV. LINE: Oklahoma -34.

    ABOUT TULANE (1-1): Quarterback Jonathan Banks, who accounted for four touchdowns in the opener, did not return after taking a hard hit in the second quarter against Navy and is questionable for this weekend's contest. In his absence, sophomore backup Johnathan Brantley proved his ability to lead Willie Fritz's zone-read offense with a team-high 73 rushing yards and a score. After averaging 5.6 yards per carry and leading the team in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, senior running back Dontrell Hilliard is off to a bit of a slow start with only 104 yards on 27 attempts through two games.

    ABOUT OKLAHOMA (2-0): Mayfield went 16-of-17 for 228 yards and threw for all three of his TDs in the second half against the Buckeyes - a feat made more all the more impressive considering the absence of his favorite target, junior tight end Mark Andrews, who injured his left knee before halftime and did not return. Riley told the school's website that he believes Andrews, who led the Sooners with seven catches and 134 receiving yards in the opener, will be able to play versus the Green Wave. Freshman Trey Sermon came off the bench against Ohio State and totaled 95 yards on 20 touches after no player accounted for more than 11 touches against UTEP.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Mayfield, who has been named Big 12 Player of the Week after each of the first two games, is the first player in conference history to sweep the award in the first two weeks of the season without sharing the honor.

    2. The Green Wave have rushed for at least 100 yards in 17 consecutive contests.

    3. The Sooners' defense either forced a turnover or held Ohio State to zero or negative yards on 23 of 69 offensive plays last weekend.

    PREDICTION: Oklahoma 56, Tulane 10

  14. #34
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    Preview: North Carolina A&T at Charlotte
    When: 6:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: McColl-Richardson Field, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Quick Hits

    Overall Team Offense

    The Charlotte 49ers are ranked 126 on offense, averaging 224.0 yards per game. The 49ers are averaging 138.0 yards rushing and 86.0 yards passing so far this season.
    The North Carolina A&T Aggies are ranked 0 on offense, averaging yards per game. The Aggies are averaging yards rushing and yards passing so far this season.

    Home and Away

    The Charlotte 49ers are 0-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
    At home the 49ers are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
    The North Carolina A&T Aggies are 1-0 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 2-0 against non-conference opponents.
    On the road, the Aggies are averaging 45.0 scoring, and holding teams to 3.0 points scored on defense.

  15. #35
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    Preview: Bethune Cookman at Florida Atlantic
    When: 6:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: FAU Football Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida
    Quick Hits

    Overall Team Offense

    The Florida Atlantic Owls are ranked 117 on offense, averaging 287.0 yards per game. The Owls are averaging 73.0 yards rushing and 214.0 yards passing so far this season.
    The Bethune Cookman Wildcats are ranked 0 on offense, averaging yards per game. The Wildcats are averaging yards rushing and yards passing so far this season.

    Home and Away

    The Florida Atlantic Owls are 0-1 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
    At home the Owls are averaging 19.0 scoring, and holding teams to 42.0 points scored on defense.
    The Bethune Cookman Wildcats are 1-1 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
    On the road, the Wildcats are averaging 20.5 scoring, and holding teams to 32.0 points scored on defense.

  16. #36
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    Preview: Kent State at Marshall
    When: 6:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, West Virginia
    Quick Hits

    Overall Team Offense

    The Marshall Thundering Herd are ranked 94 on offense, averaging 359.0 yards per game. The Thundering Herd are averaging 80.0 yards rushing and 279.0 yards passing so far this season.
    The Kent State Golden Flashes are ranked 122 on offense, averaging 259.5 yards per game. The Golden Flashes are averaging 206.5 yards rushing and 53.0 yards passing so far this season.

    Home and Away

    The Marshall Thundering Herd are 1-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
    At home the Thundering Herd are averaging 31.0 scoring, and holding teams to 26.0 points scored on defense.
    The Kent State Golden Flashes are 0-1 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
    On the road, the Golden Flashes are averaging 3.0 scoring, and holding teams to 56.0 points scored on defense

  17. #37
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    Preview: Idaho State at Nevada
    When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: MacKay Stadium, Reno, Nevada
    Quick Hits

    Overall Team Offense

    The Nevada Wolf Pack are ranked 92 on offense, averaging 363.5 yards per game. The Wolf Pack are averaging 125.5 yards rushing and 238.0 yards passing so far this season.
    The Idaho State Bengals are ranked 0 on offense, averaging yards per game. The Bengals are averaging yards rushing and yards passing so far this season.

    Home and Away

    The Nevada Wolf Pack are 0-1 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
    At home the Wolf Pack are averaging 24.0 scoring, and holding teams to 37.0 points scored on defense.
    The Idaho State Bengals are 0-1 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
    On the road, the Bengals are averaging 13.0 scoring, and holding teams to 51.0 points scored on defense.

  18. #38
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    When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Glass Bowl, Toledo, Ohio

    Preview: Tulsa at Toledo
    Gracenote
    Sep 13, 2017

    It could be quite a shootout Saturday night when Tulsa of the American Athletic Conference travels to face Mid-American Conference member Toledo. The Golden Hurricane and the Rockets are in the top 30 nationally in total offense, with Tulsa ranking 14th (549.5 yards) and Toledo 30th (489.5).

    Tulsa senior running back D'Angelo Brewer comes off one of the top rushing performances of the season, tallying 262 yards in last week's victory over Louisiana after he had only 33 in the season opener. Sophomore Chad President may have secured his hold on the starting quarterback spot with a 243-yard effort against Louisiana. It all added up to 667 total yards of offense, the most gained by a Golden Hurricane squad under coach Philip Montgomery. But this week will bring a challenge in the Toledo defense, which ranks 35th nationally, giving up 280.5 yards per outing.

    TV: 7 p.m. ET. ESPN3. LINE: Toledo -9.5

    ABOUT TULSA (1-1): Part of the reason for the Golden Hurricane's offensive success this season has been its proficiency on third down. Through two games, Tulsa has converted 24-of-41 third downs (seventh nationally) and 4-of-5 fourth downs to keep drives alive and moving. The running game doing well helps set up the shorter distances on the later downs, which is why getting Brewer and sophomore Corey Taylor II (179 rushing yards, four touchdowns) going early can only help the Golden Hurricane keep the ball.

    ABOUT TOLEDO (2-0): Seniors are leading the way during Toledo's early success this season paced by Logan Woodside, who became the fourth Rockets quarterback to throw for at least 7,000 career yards (7,187) when he had 232 in the victory over Nevada last week. Fellow senior Cody Thompson was on the receiving end of eight of Woodside's passes -- a career-best for Thompson -- for 101 yards and a touchdown, extending his streak to 27 consecutive games with a reception. And when the Rockets go to the ground attack, senior Terry Swanson was the main weapon, rushing for 101 yards and a pair of scores.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Tulsa's 66 points scored versus Louisiana is tied for the third-most points in a game this season, behind only Oregon's 77 and Missouri's 72.

    2. Toledo junior PK Jameson Vest is tied for the lead nationally in field goals made this season with seven in eight attempts.

    3. The Golden Hurricane's 424 rushing yards against Louisiana were the most since they totaled 439 against Ball State in the GMAC Bowl in January 2009.

    PREDICTION: Toledo 42, Tulsa 31

  19. #39
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    Preview: Appalachian State at Texas State
    When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, Texas
    Quick Hits

    Overall Team Offense

    The Texas State Bobcats are ranked 118 on offense, averaging 286.5 yards per game. The Bobcats are averaging 155.5 yards rushing and 131.0 yards passing so far this season.
    The Appalachian State Mountaineers are ranked 43 on offense, averaging 451.5 yards per game. The Mountaineers are averaging 205.0 yards rushing and 246.5 yards passing so far this season.

    Home and Away

    The Texas State Bobcats are 1-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
    At home the Bobcats are averaging 20.0 scoring, and holding teams to 11.0 points scored on defense.
    The Appalachian State Mountaineers are 0-1 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
    On the road, the Mountaineers are averaging 10.0 scoring, and holding teams to 31.0 points scored on defense

  20. #40
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    Preview: Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Arkansas State
    When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
    Where: Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, Arkansas
    Quick Hits

    Overall Team Offense

    The Arkansas State Red Wolves are ranked 27 on offense, averaging 497.0 yards per game. The Red Wolves are averaging 82.0 yards rushing and 415.0 yards passing so far this season.
    The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions are ranked 0 on offense, averaging yards per game. The Golden Lions are averaging yards rushing and yards passing so far this season.

    Home and Away

    The Arkansas State Red Wolves are 0-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-1 against non-conference opponents.
    At home the Red Wolves are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
    The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions are 0-1 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
    On the road, the Golden Lions are averaging 3.0 scoring, and holding teams to 52.0 points scored on defense.

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