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Preview: Idaho at Western Michigan
When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Quick Hits
Overall Team Offense
The Western Michigan Broncos are ranked 119 on offense, averaging 276.0 yards per game. The Broncos are averaging 189.5 yards rushing and 86.5 yards passing so far this season.
The Idaho Vandals are ranked 91 on offense, averaging 370.0 yards per game. The Vandals are averaging 158.0 yards rushing and 212.0 yards passing so far this season.
Home and Away
The Western Michigan Broncos are 0-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Broncos are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
The Idaho Vandals are 0-0 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Vandals are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense
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Preview: Alabama A&M at South Alabama
When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama
Quick Hits
Overall Team Offense
The South Alabama Jaguars are ranked 120 on offense, averaging 274.5 yards per game. The Jaguars are averaging 105.5 yards rushing and 169.0 yards passing so far this season.
The Alabama A&M Bulldogs are ranked 0 on offense, averaging yards per game. The Bulldogs are averaging yards rushing and yards passing so far this season.
Home and Away
The South Alabama Jaguars are 0-1 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Jaguars are averaging 7.0 scoring, and holding teams to 44.0 points scored on defense.
The Alabama A&M Bulldogs are 0-2 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Bulldogs are averaging 3.5 scoring, and holding teams to 40.0 points scored on defense.
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When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Preview: Colorado State at Alabama
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
Alabama coach Nick Saban is tired of the criticism sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts is receiving as the top-ranked Crimson Tide prepare to host Colorado State on Saturday. Hurts rushed for a career-best 154 yards in last Saturday's victory over Fresno State, which was 26 more yards than his passing output.
Hurts is averaging nearly as many rushing yards per game (104.5) as passing (112) but all Saban cares about is the victory count. "I think different players play winning football in different ways," Saban told reporters. "If you want to be critical of a guy for rushing for 154 yards and think he should not do that so he can pass more, then that's up to you. You can do that if you want. But we did pass for 192 yards (as a team) and I think that's the kind of balance that we want to create." Colorado State scored just three points in a two-touchdown loss to Colorado on Sept. 1 in its toughest game so far but Saban is drumming up the notion that his squad can't take the Rams lightly. "This is a good team, and it's going to be a challenging game for us," Saban said. "We need to play better on both sides of the ball."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Alabama -28.5
ABOUT COLORADO STATE (2-1): Senior quarterback Nick Stevens has passed for 985 yards and six touchdowns but also is prone to making errant throws and has been intercepted four times. Senior receiver Michael Gallup is a solid target with 26 receptions for 309 yards while senior Dalyn Dawkins (183 yards) and junior Izzy Matthews (153) split the ball-carrying duties. Junior middle linebacker Josh Watson (25 stops) is the leading tackler for a unit that already has seven interceptions after having just eight all last season.
ABOUT ALABAMA (2-0): Hurts is completing 66.7 percent of his passes and hasn't been intercepted, but his most impressive stat is that gaudy 8.4 rushing average. Standout senior receiver Calvin Ridley (12 catches-127 yards) is 59 yards shy of becoming the fifth player in school history with 2,000 career receiving yards and is six receptions behind third-place Julio Jones (179 from 2008-10) on the program's career receptions list. Junior free safety Ronnie Harrison has a team-best 13 tackles, while sophomore defensive end Raekwon Davis (eight tackles in last week's win over Fresno State) is playing well after suffering a gunshot wound in late August.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Alabama registered a 31-6 win over Colorado State in 2013 in the lone previous meeting.
2. Crimson Tide sophomore RB Josh Jacobs (hamstring) is hopeful of playing for the first time this season.
3. Stevens is third in Rams' history with 47 career touchdown passes, four behind second-place Moses Moreno (1994-97).
PREDICTION: Alabama 38, Colorado State 16
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When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi
Preview: LSU at Mississippi State
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
After breezing past its first two opponents, No. 11 LSU kicks off SEC play Saturday with a challenging road date against Mississippi State. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 72-10 with junior tailback Derrius Guice off to a sizzling start out of the backfield.
Guice ran for 122 yards and two touchdowns in a season-opening 27-0 win against BYU before scoring twice again as part of a 102-yard effort in last weekend's victory over Chattanooga. Guice, who is replacing Leonard Fournette - now the starting running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars - should receive a larger workload this weekend after carrying only 15 times last Saturday. Danny Etling has been efficient (and has yet to throw an interception) for the Tigers, but Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald has been strong as well, accounting for eight touchdowns in his team's first two wins. "Once you get into conference play, things are going to ramp up," Fitzgerald said this week. "If anyone needs any outside motivation other than we're playing an SEC team, they probably shouldn't be playing. This is what we're here for. This is why we came to school here. This is the conference we play in, for which we're really excited and really ready to go."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: LSU -7
ABOUT LSU (2-0, 0-0 SEC): The Tigers need to clean up their play despite two convincing wins, as they have committed 21 penalties in two games and also have missed three field goals on the young season. "They know we need to play better," said coach Ed Orgeron, who added that the penalties are "unacceptable" and that "we need to still find a field goal kicker." On the bright side for LSU, 2016 sack leader Arden Key, who missed the first two games with a shoulder injury, has been cleared to play against Mississippi State.
ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (2-0, 0-0): The Bulldogs overcame an early 9-0 deficit to rout Louisiana Tech 57-21 last week as Fitzgerald totaled five touchdowns and Jeffrey Simmons scored on a fumble recovery and a blocked punt. Mississippi State is averaging 6.8 yards per carry with Aeris Williams leading the squad in yards (190) and Fitzgerald registering a team-high three rushing scores. The Bulldogs have kicking issues of their own, as freshman Tucker Day has already missed two field goals and two extra points.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Key had two sacks against Mississippi State last season as LSU notched a 23-20 win. Fournette led the offense that day with 147 rushing yards and two scores.
2. Mississippi State ranks eighth nationally and first in the league with an average of 53 points per game.
3. The Bulldogs are the only team in the SEC that has not allowed a sack.
PREDICTION: Mississippi State 27, LSU 20
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Preview: Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky
When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Quick Hits
Overall Team Offense
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are ranked 113 on offense, averaging 304.0 yards per game. The Hilltoppers are averaging 53.0 yards rushing and 251.0 yards passing so far this season.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are ranked 71 on offense, averaging 406.0 yards per game. The Bulldogs are averaging 186.5 yards rushing and 219.5 yards passing so far this season.
Home and Away
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are 1-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Hilltoppers are averaging 31.0 scoring, and holding teams to 17.0 points scored on defense.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are 0-0 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Bulldogs are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
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Preview: Southern Mississippi at UL Monroe
When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Malone Stadium, Monroe, Louisiana
Quick Hits
Overall Team Offense
The UL Monroe Warhawks are ranked 61 on offense, averaging 425.0 yards per game. The Warhawks are averaging 146.0 yards rushing and 279.0 yards passing so far this season.
The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles are ranked 64 on offense, averaging 420.5 yards per game. The Golden Eagles are averaging 126.0 yards rushing and 294.5 yards passing so far this season.
Home and Away
The UL Monroe Warhawks are 0-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 0-1 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Warhawks are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles are 0-0 while on the road this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Golden Eagles are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
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Preview: Southern at Texas-San Antonio
When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Quick Hits
Overall Team Offense
The Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners are ranked 88 on offense, averaging 375.0 yards per game. The Roadrunners are averaging 220.0 yards rushing and 155.0 yards passing so far this season.
The Southern Jaguars are ranked 0 on offense, averaging yards per game. The Jaguars are averaging yards rushing and yards passing so far this season.
Home and Away
The Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners are 0-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-0 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Roadrunners are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
The Southern Jaguars 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 Jaguars are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 45.0 points scored on defense
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When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming
Preview: Oregon at Wyoming
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
After struggling through its first losing season since 2004, Oregon is off to a 2-0 start under new coach Willie Taggart. The Ducks will look to stay perfect Saturday in their first road test – and final non-conference game – when they visit Wyoming.
Oregon also started 2-0 a year ago but then dropped 10 of its final 12 games to finish 4-8 and last in the Pac-12 North Division at 2-7. Enter Taggart, who was 24-25 in four seasons at South Florida but did guide the Bulls to 18 wins and two bowl berths over his final two seasons and is now attempting to orchestrate a similar turnaround in Eugene. “I’m proud of this football team and how the guys are working together and playing for one another,” Taggart told ESPN earlier this week. “That’s what we see more than anything – you see a group of young men having fun and playing for each other – and when you get that, winning comes easy.” Unlike its Saturday opponent, Wyoming did have a winning season and played in a bowl a year ago, but 2017 got off to a rocky start in a 24-3 loss at Iowa before the Cowboys rebounded to blank FCS visitor Gardner-Webb 27-0 last week.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Oregon -14
ABOUT OREGON (2-0): The Ducks rank third nationally in scoring (59.5 points) and second in total offense (634.5 yards) after home wins over Southern Utah (77-21) and Nebraska (42-35). Sophomore quarterback Justin Herbert ranks eighth nationally in passer rating (199.0) after completing 77.8 percent of his attempts and throwing for 646 yards and four touchdowns while stud tailback Royce Freeman has rolled up 303 yards and six TDs on 52 carries. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Troy Dye leads the team with 21 tackles, including 3.5 for losses, while cornerbacks Thomas Graham Jr. and Ugochukwu Amadi each have a pair of interceptions.
ABOUT WYOMING (1-1): As expected, quarterback Josh Allen and the Cowboys bounced back to dominate Gardner-Webb as the first-round NFL draft prospect threw for 328 yards and a pair of TDs after being limited to 174 yards, no scores and two interceptions by the Hawkeyes. Allen also may have found a new favorite target in wideout Austin Conway, who had 11 receptions for 135 yards and a TD last week, but the Wyoming ground game remains a work in progress as the Cowboys managed only 65 yards on 28 carries against the Bulldogs. Meanwhile, safety Andrew Wingard (14 total tackles), the Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and linebacker Logan Wilson (12) lead a defense which has surrendered only 24 points and 458 total yards to date.
EXTRA POINTS
1. This will be the second meeting in the series with Oregon rolling to a 48-14 home win in 2014.
2. Freeman’s six rushing TDs are tops nationally and he needs three more to tie former Oregon RB LaMichael James for second on the Pac-12’s all-time list with 53.
3. Wyoming has won eight of its last nine home games and is 2-4 against visiting Power 5 conference teams in Laramie since 2000.
PREDICTION: Oregon 34, Wyoming 26
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When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia
Preview: Samford at Georgia
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
Georgia’s victory at Notre Dame last week may end up being a signature win for the 13th-ranked Bulldogs, but that depends on what they accomplish starting with Saturday’s home game against Samford. While Georgia showed a national television audience what it is capable of doing, especially the impressive play of freshman quarterback Jake Fromm and an inspired defense, it will not matter if the Bulldogs stumble in their final game before SEC play starts.
Fromm, in his first collegiate start for the injured Jacob Eason, completed 16-of-29 passes as the Bulldogs knocked off Notre Dame last week as the true freshman continues adjusting to running the Georgia offense. “You have to earn every yard,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart told reporters Tuesday. “The good thing is, we’ve got a good stable of backs to try and accomplish that.” Senior running backs Sony Michel and Nick Chubb combined for 136 yards and a touchdown against the Fighting Irish. Samford has opened its season with victories over Kennesaw State and West Alabama, averaging 38.5 points but allowing 32 points per contest.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network Alternative. LINE: None
ABOUT SAMFORD (2-0): Quarterback Devlin Hodges passed for 327 yards against Division II foe West Alabama last week, hitting Kelvin McKnight for 136 yards receiving and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs saw a 28-point lead midway through the third quarter dwindle to 42-35 midway through the fourth quarter before holding on for a 49-41 triumph. On the downside, Samford allowed 401 yards passing last week.
ABOUT GEORGIA (2-0): Fromm passed for 141 yards and a touchdown while effectively running the Bulldogs offense against a Top 25 team on the road, despite throwing an interception. Both Michel (73 yards, one touchdown) and Chubb (63 yards) carried 13 times against Notre Dame, and freshman D’Andre Swift added 42 yards on the ground. The Georgia defense was outstanding last week, and linebacker Lorenzo Carter won SEC defensive player of the week honors after forcing two fumbles and recovering a fumble.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Bulldogs held Notre Dame QB Brandon Wimbush – who rushed for more than 100 yards the previous week – to one yard on 16 carries in last week’s victory.
2. Georgia K Rodrigo Blankenship, who hit the go-ahead field goal with 3:34 left Saturday and is 3-for-4 on field goals through two games, was awarded a scholarship earlier last week.
3. Samford coach Chris Hatcher hired Smart to his first full-time college coaching job in 2000, employing Smart as defensive backs coach at Valdosta State.
PREDICTION: Georgia 47, Samford 13
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When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
Preview: Kentucky at South Carolina
Gracenote
Sep 12, 2017
Containing Deebo Samuel will be critical for Kentucky if it hopes to come away victorious in its SEC opener Saturday at South Carolina. Samuel has accounted for 352 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns for the Gamecocks, who have dropped three straight games to the Wildcats.
Samuel has touched the ball a total of 14 times in two games, resulting in a pair of 97-yard kickoff returns for touchdowns, two rushes for 30 yards and a touchdown and 10 receptions for 128 yards and two scores. "He's really good with the ball in his hands and he's also really good when it's not in his hands," coach Will Muschamp told the media. "He works extremely hard and that's why he has tremendous respect with his teammates." After a tough opening six quarters which saw him run 23 times for 70 yards, sophomore Benny Snell, Jr. exploded in the second half for 100 yards on 16 carries as Kentucky topped Eastern Kentucky to start 2-0 for the third time in the last four seasons. Snell's 25-yard touchdown run - the 14th of his career - gave the Wildcats the lead for good late in the third quarter.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: South Carolina -6
ABOUT KENTUCKY (2-0, 0-0 SEC): Following a shaky opening against Southern Miss, Stephen Johnson impressed as a passer and runner against Eastern Kentucky to improve to 10-4 as the primary quarterback for the Wildcats. The senior threw for 224 yards and one touchdown and ran for 48 yards and another score and has thrown and run for a touchdown in three straight games. C.J. Conrad caught his second touchdown of the season and Blake Bone had three catches for 93 yards to top his yardage total from last season.
ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (2-0, 1-0): The Gamecocks have proven content to give up yardage on defense as 927 yards in two games would attest, but have stiffened by forcing five turnovers and holding opponents to five scores in eight red zone opportunities. Dante Sawyer has forced two fumbles and South Carolina has recovered three total while Bryson Allen-Williams and Jamyest Williams have one interception each. T.J. Brunson leads the defense unit with 22 tackles and D.J. Wonnum has two sacks and four tackles for loss.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Kentucky, which will be out to stop South Carolina RBs Ty'Son Williams and Rico Dowdle, has allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing in consecutive games for the first time since 2008
2. Despite their first three-game losing streak to the Wildcats, the Gamecocks maintain a 17-9-1 lead in the series, which has been renewed every season since 1992.
3. Samuel became the second player in South Carolina history to have a kickoff return for a touchdown in back-to-back games, joining King Dixon (1957).
PREDICTION: South Carolina 34, Kentucky 23
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When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
Preview: Kansas State at Vanderbilt
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
Kansas State left little doubt its offense is ready for a tougher test after scoring 55 points in each of its first two games, but the going undoubtedly will be more difficult Saturday when the 18th-ranked Wildcats travel to Vanderbilt. A Kansas State offense that has shown balance by passing for 333 yards in the season opener and rushing for 315 yards and five touchdowns last week faces a Commodores defense that has surrendered only six points in two games.
“They’ve got a few things they do with their defensive schemes that are somewhat unique and harder to prepare for,” Kansas State coach Bill Snyder told reporters Tuesday. The Wildcats seek to counter that Vanderbilt defense with an impressive offense led by quarterback Jesse Ertz – who has completed 70.3 percent of his passes through two games. The Commodores also have cruised to easy victories in their first two contests, as quarterback Kyle Shurmur has completed 79.5 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and no interceptions, but coach Derek Mason acknowledges Saturday is a far tougher challenge as a stretch of four consecutive games against ranked teams begins. “I’ll find out who our football team is when we line up on Saturday,” Mason told reporters.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Kansas State -4
ABOUT KANSAS STATE (2-0): Five different Wildcats running backs have scored touchdowns so far in 2017 with Alex Barnes finishing with 99 yards rushing and a score in last week’s 55-7 rout of Charlotte. Kendall Adams became the third-ever Big 12 player to return a fumble and an interception for touchdowns in the same game, earning conference defensive player of the week honors. D.J. Reed earned the Big 12 special teams player of the week award after returning the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and a punt 62 yards for a score.
ABOUT VANDERBILT (2-0): Using what Mason called improved footwork, Shurmur is off to a great start and set a school record by completing 83.3 percent of his passes in last week’s 42-0 blowout of Alabama A&M. Standout running back Ralph Webb gained 54 yards on only 13 carries and scored a touchdown for the sixth consecutive contest. Vanderbilt posted its first shutout since 2012, holding Alabama A&M to 103 yards of total offense while recording three sacks and two interceptions.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Vanderbilt is three victories away from 600 in program history.
2. The Wildcats have scored 55 points in the first two games of a season for the first time since 1998, when Kansas State started 11-0.
3. The two Power 5 schools have met once, a 26-14 Vanderbilt home victory in 1984.
PREDICTION: Kansas State 24, Vanderbilt 21
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When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois
Preview: Bowling Green at Northwestern
Gracenote
Sep 12, 2017
Northwestern looks to bounce back from a disappointing defeat when it hosts Bowling Green to close out non-conference play on Saturday. The Wildcats opened the season with a 31-20 win over Nevada before suffering a humbling 41-17 loss on the road to Duke, and hopes to climb above .500 with their first-ever win against the Falcons with marquee matchups with No. 12 Wisconsin and fifth-ranked Penn State on the horizon.
"We're in a heightened state of urgency," Northwestern safety Kyle Queiro told reporters. "Being able to respond is one of the best indicators of the maturity level of a team and you're going to have your answer pretty soon." The Wildcats are 0-2 against Bowling Green, but haven't played the Falcons since dropping a 28-24 decision in the 2003 Motor City Bowl, and they aim to extend their home winning streak to a modest three games. Northwestern has lost three of its last five non-conference contests, including a 22-21 defeat to Mid-American Conference opponent Western Michigan last season. Bowling Green is left to pick up the pieces following a 35-27 loss to FCS outfit South Dakota, and hopes to turn its fortunes around by knocking off its fourth Big Ten team since 2014.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Ntework. LINE: Northwestern -21.5
ABOUT BOWLING GREEN (0-2): James Morgan threw for 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but it wasn't enough as the Falcons suffered their first loss to an FCS opponent in nearly 30 years. "The kids were disappointed to say the least but the sun came up and they understood we have a challenge on Saturday night against a good Northwestern team," Bowling Green head coach Mike Jinks told reporters. "It's a great opportunity so there's no time to sulk." Jake Suder was named the MAC East Division Special Teams Player of the Week after making all four of his field goal attempts against the Coyotes to equal a Perry Stadium record.
ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (1-1): Clayton Thorson struggled with his consistency as he completed just 11-of-29 passes for 120 yards and two interceptions in the loss to Duke to finish with less than 125 yards for the second time in his last three regular-season starts. Freshman wide receiver Riley Lees caught a touchdown pass against Duke to become the first Wildcat player in 17 years to start his collegiate career with TD receptions in back-to-back games. Justin Jackson was limited to 18 yards on the ground due to a nagging injury, but rushed for a touchdown and needs one more rushing TD to move past Tyrell Sutton (31) for fourth place on the Wildcats' all-time list.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Northwestern has won 24 of 30 non-conference home games under Pat Fitzgerald.
2. Jackson needs 94 yards to become the third player in Wildcats history to surpass 5,000 all-purpose yards.
3. Bowling Green has been outscored 112-20 in its last two games against Big Ten opponents.
PREDICTION: Northwestern 31, Bowling Green 17
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When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
Preview: Georgia State at Penn State
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
No. 5 Penn State has one more tune-up before beginning its defense of the Big Ten title when it hosts Georgia State on Saturday. The Nittany Lions followed up a 52-0 rout of Akron in their opener with a 33-14 triumph over rival Pittsburgh, although their prolific offense could stand to improve in some areas before the schedule intensifies.
The Panthers possessed the ball nearly twice as long as Penn State and they outgained James Franklin's squad 342-312. "After the game, I said, 'We played a complete game,' and what I mean by that is, when you watch a tape, there's some areas obviously we could have played better in," Franklin told reporters this week. "But I do feel like that all three phases played good enough to win. It's probably a better way to describe a 'complete game.'" Trace McSorley recorded the fewest passing yards (164) in his last eight games but he managed three touchdown passes and needs three more to tie Kerry Collins (39) for seventh on the school's all-time list. The Panthers have not played since a season-opening 17-10 home loss to Tennessee State of the FCS.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Penn State -38.5
ABOUT GEORGIA STATE (0-1): The Panthers had four turnovers and rushed for only 49 yards in their loss while playing their debut at Georgia State Stadium, the facility formerly known as Turner Field and home to the Atlanta Braves. Senior Conner Manning completed 14-of-17 passes and seven different players had at least one catch, led by Taz Bateman (six catches, 74 yards and a TD). Georgia State leans on a defense led by cornerback Chandon Sullivan - a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection - and defensive end Mackendy Cheridor, who ranks second in program history in career sacks (7.5) and is tied for first in tackles for loss (22).
ABOUT PENN STATE (2-0): Star running back Saquon Barkley, who had 88 rushing yards and a TD in the win over Pitt, has been tagged as the primary kick returner for the Nittany Lions, despite the protests of many who want to limit injury risk for the dynamic junior. "One of the things that I don't really understand is everybody talks about how important special teams are, and it's just as important as offense and defense until you try to use your starters on special teams. I don't really get it," Franklin said of the criticism. "...I know we have a kickoff returner that … I know makes people nervous to kick it to." Tight end Mike Gesicki has two TDs in each of the first two games and needs only one more to match the team's record for a single season at the position.
EXTRA POINTS
1. This will be the first meeting between the teams. Georgia State is 0-8 against Power Five teams but played Wisconsin tough last year before falling 23-17.
2. Nittany Lions WR DaeSean Hamilton leads the team with 119 receiving yards and is tied for third on the program's career receptions list with 167.
3. Penn State begins Big Ten play at Iowa on Sept. 23.
PREDICTION: Penn State 48, Georgia State 7
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When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Fred Yager Stadium, Oxford, Ohio
Preview: Cincinnati at Miami (Ohio)
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
Cincinnati will look to get back on the winning track when it travels to face in-state rival Miami (Ohio) on Saturday night. The Bearcats are coming off a rough 36-14 setback to No. 7 Michigan while the RedHawks got their first victory of the season, routing Austin Peay at home.
Despite the lopsided final score, first-year Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell has to be happy with his squad, which was within three late in the third quarter against the Wolverines. Still, the Bearcats' offense could use a boost, as the team is averaging 224 yards and 20 points this season, both outside the top 100 in the nation. Quarterback Hayden Moore has been solid if not spectacular, throwing for 283 yards and four touchdowns through two games. Miami, which has lost the last 11 meetings with the Bearcats, ranks ninth in the country in time of possession, holding the ball for an average of 35:37.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Miami (Ohio) -5.5
ABOUT CINCINNATI (1-1): There are possible position battles happening for the Bearcats at two key positions: quarterback and kicker. While Moore will remain the team's starting signal caller after a pair of pick-six interceptions against Michigan, Fickell said sophomore backup Ross Trail -- recovering from an abdominal strain -- could see time against Miami if conditions dictate. Seniors Andrew Gantz and Josh Pasley will compete for the placekicking job in practice again this week after Pasley took the job after Gantz's poor opening-week performance, missing an extra point and a 26-yard field goal attempt.
ABOUT MIAMI (OHIO) (1-1): The key to the RedHawks ending their long losing streak to the Bearcats will likely be the team's defense, which has been dominant in its first two games. Miami ranks 24th in the nation in total defense, allowing 268.5 yards per game, but giving up two special teams touchdowns and a defensive score to Marshall in the season-opening 31-26 loss. Senior defensive back Tony Reid has been a big part of that, amassing 12 tackles through two games as well as recording an interception and a fumble recovery in the win over Austin Peay.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Cincinnati RB Mike Boone has rushed for two touchdowns this year, giving the Bearcats rushing scores in consecutive contests after the team went nearly 10 games in 2016 without scoring on the ground.
2. Miami QB Gus Ragland has gotten off to a good start to his junior campaign, completing 34-of-67 for 443 yards and five touchdowns against one interception.
3. The last three contests in this 121-game rivalry (Miami leads 59-55-7) have been decided by a combined 18 points, after Cincinnati won the previous eight by an average of 27.6.
PREDICTION: Cincinnati 24, Miami (Ohio) 17
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Preview: Troy at New Mexico State
When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Quick Hits
Overall Team Offense
The New Mexico State Aggies are ranked 20 on offense, averaging 524.5 yards per game. The Aggies are averaging 125.0 yards rushing and 399.5 yards passing so far this season.
The Troy Trojans are ranked 69 on offense, averaging 410.0 yards per game. The Trojans are averaging 163.5 yards rushing and 246.5 yards passing so far this season.
Home and Away
The New Mexico State Aggies are 0-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 1-1 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Aggies are averaging 0.0 scoring, and holding teams to 0.0 points scored on defense.
The Troy Trojans 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 Trojans are averaging 13.0 scoring, and holding teams to 24.0 points scored on defense.
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When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Preview: Arizona State at Texas Tech
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage tied the NCAA record of eight touchdowns when he last saw Texas Tech defenders and looks for another productive outing when the Sun Devils visit the Red Raiders on Saturday. Ballage rushed for seven scores and also caught one in last season's 68-55 victory over Texas Tech while tying the single-game touchdown mark held by Illinois' Howard Griffith (1990).
Ballage, a senior, departed last Saturday's loss to San Diego State with an unspecified injury but described it as "bumps and bruises" during an interview session in which his epic outing against the Red Raiders was the main topic of conversation. "It was cool and everything, but as a whole, it's a year ago," Ballage told reporters. "It's time to just get over that. I've been hearing about it for a year. I'm looking forward to the next thing coming." Texas Tech has a revamped defense, and the unit will certainly be looking for No. 7 after Ballage rang up 137 yards on 13 rushes last season. "I think obviously any time somebody scores eight touchdowns on you, you're going to know about it," Red Raiders coach Kliff Kingsbury said at a news conference. "But I think they understand this is a new defense, two teams in a new year, so last year doesn't mean anything really."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN. LINE: Texas Tech -7.5
ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (1-1): Ballage (123 yards, three touchdowns this season) appears set to play, while sidekick Demario Richard (knee) is expected back after missing the San Diego State contest with a leg injury. Richard, a senior, ranks 12th in school history with 2,171 rushing yards, and he and Ballage complement junior quarterback Manny Wilkins, who has completed 70 percent of his passes for 598 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Senior defensive end Koron Crump already has four sacks, but the Sun Devils looked powerless to stop the run when allowing 279 rushing yards to the Aztecs.
ABOUT TEXAS TECH (1-0): Fifth-year senior quarterback Nic Shimonek shined in his first career start by going 26-of-30 for 386 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opening 56-10 rout of Eastern Washington. Shimonek is attempting to fill the big shoes of Patrick Mahomes II -- a first-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs -- and has stellar targets to throw to in senior Cameron Batson (nine catches for 148 yards and a TD versus Arizona State last season) and junior Keke Coutee (5 for 99, two scores in the opener). Junior safety Jah'Shawn Johnson is the defensive leader and has been part of 17 turnovers (five interceptions, six forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries) in his career.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Arizona State holds a 2-1 series edge with Texas Tech's victory (37-23) occurring in the 2013 Holiday Bowl.
2. The Red Raiders have scored 50 or more points in 11 of their last 13 home games.
3. Sun Devils sophomore WR John Humphrey (team-best 123 receiving yards) is expected to miss the game after being injured against San Diego State.
PREDICTION: Texas Tech 56, Arizona State 54
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When: 8:00 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
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When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
Preview: Rice at Houston
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
Houston will put the nation's longest active home win streak on the line when the Cougars host crosstown-rival Rice on Saturday night. The Cougars have won 15 straight at home while the Owls are playing their third straight game away from home, although this one is only a five-mile trip.
Houston first-year coach Major Applewhite and Rice coach David Bailiff both praised the play of Houston sophomore defensive tackle Ed Oliver in last week's win at Arizona. "He truly is the most disruptive defensive lineman I've seen in college football," Bailiff told the media Tuesday. "He dominates football games. And if he's not making the play, he's disrupted the play somehow. And he doesn't take plays off." Oliver was named the American Athletic Conference's Defensive Player of the Week after 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in the Cougars' opener. Rice has its own defensive standout in senior linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee, who has 19 stops in two games after being named the Conference USA's preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Houston -22.5.
ABOUT RICE (1-1): Running back Sam Stewart has team highs in rushing yards (160) and receiving yards (75) for a squad averaging 19 points and 339 yards. Freshman Sam Glaesmann is 17-of-36 for 200 yards with one interception in his first two starts, although his one touchdown pass was a 52-yarder to Aaron Cephus in last weekend's win over UTEP. Ellerbee, defensive end Blain Padgett (eight tackles, 1.5 sacks) and the Owls held the Miners to 26 rushing yards after they gave up 287 to Stanford in the opener.
ABOUT HOUSTON (1-0): Junior quarterback Kyle Allen, in his first action in 21 months after transferring from Texas A&M, threw for 225 yards, two interceptions and one touchdown against Arizona in his debut. Dillon Birden (14 carries, 83 yards, TD) and Duke Catalon (18 carries, 79 yards) split the work in the backfield, while Linell Bonner (nine catches, 59 yards, TD) and Steven Dunbar (six catches, 72 yards) were Allen's top targets. Those two will be counted on even more this weekend as D'Eriq King (knee) is questionable for Saturday, while Ellis Jefferson (concussion, knee) has already been ruled out and is expected to miss at least three weeks.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Houston-Rice and UCLA-USC are the only scheduled games this year to feature two FBS schools from the same city.
2. Houston enters the weekend tied with TCU (31) for most wins by a Texas FBS school since the start of 2014.
3. Applewhite was the offensive coordinator and QB coach at Rice in 2006 - the youngest coordinator at the FBS level that year - before stops at Alabama (2007), Texas (2008-13) and Houston (offensive coordinator 2015-16).
PREDICTION: Houston 38, Rice 17
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When: 8:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Preview: Texas at USC
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
Fourth-ranked USC and Texas will meet Saturday for the first time since their epic clash at the 2006 Rose Bowl, with the host Trojans looking for their 12th straight victory dating to last season. USC is coming off an impressive 42-24 home victory against then-No. 14 Stanford in its Pac-12 opener last Saturday.
The Trojans are off to a fine start because they've received solid play at nearly every offensive skill position, with running back Ronald Jones II registering 275 rushing yards and five touchdowns at 6.7 yards per carry. The Longhorns were gouged by Maryland for 263 rushing yards in their season-opening loss, including 132 on 12 carries by Ty Johnson - a 1,000-yard rusher like Jones last season. Texas didn't accomplish much in its 56-0 victory against San Jose State last week, but it did give freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger a chance to make his college debut after Shane Buechele was a late scratch because of a sore shoulder. Ehlinger passed the test by completing 15-of-27 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown while running for another 47 yards without committing a turnover, but putting up solid numbers against the Trojans would be asking a lot of the 10th true freshman ever to start a game at Texas.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: USC -15
ABOUT TEXAS (1-1): Look for the Longhorns to try and put together some long drives and keep USC's offense off the field as long as possible. Chris Warren III would be a good candidate after rushing for 166 yards and two touchdowns last week, and Kyle Porter provides Texas a solid second option in the rushing attack. Ehlinger, should he get a second consecutive start, also is a much better runner than Buechele and should be able to help move the chains that way.
ABOUT USC (2-0): The Trojans still have plenty of room for improvement on the offensive side of the ball - particularly at quarterback, as Sam Darnold has been intercepted four times on 59 pass attempts. He was picked off just nine times on 366 throws last season, but defenses are preparing more diligently for the sophomore. Don't look for Darnold to drop back repeatedly against Texas if he doesn't need to, as the rushing attack figures to be strong enough to help put at least 40 points on the board for a third consecutive game.
EXTRA POINTS
1. USC's 11-game winning streak is its longest since capturing 12 in a row in 2008-09.
2. Jones has recorded at least one rushing TD in each of his last nine games.
3. Texas has scored four non-offensive touchdowns this season after recording none last campaign.
PREDICTION: USC 48, Texas 21
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When: 9:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington
Preview: Fresno State at Washington
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017
Dante Pettis is making his case as one of the top returners in college football history and looks to match an all-time record when sixth-ranked Washington hosts Fresno State on Saturday. Pettis has seven career punt-return scores, one behind Texas Tech's Wes Welker and Oklahoma's Antonio Perkins for most in NCAA history.
Pettis has fielded three punts this season and returned two for scores and his touchdown last Saturday against Montana snapped a tie with California's DeSean Jackson (2005-07) for the Pac-12 record. "I think the guys blocked for him really hard up front because they truly understand that if they give him a little space, he has a good chance to make something happen," Huskies coach Chris Petersen said at his post-game news conference. "Even if he doesn't score, that field position is really important and big to us. Dante has that unique feel and knack as a lead punt returner." Fresno State was roughed up 41-10 by top-ranked Alabama last weekend and now faces another College Football Playoff qualifier from last season. New Bulldogs coach Jeff Tedford -- the former head man at Cal -- is highly familiar with the Washington personnel after being a consultant on the Huskies' staff last season.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Washington -33
ABOUT FRESNO STATE (1-1): The Bulldogs are adjusting their personnel to Tedford's system as they attempt to rebound from last year's miserable 1-11 season. Sophomore quarterback Chason Vigil has passed for 426 yards and two touchdowns while being intercepted once, and junior wideout KeeSean Johnson already has 15 receptions for 175 yards. The defense was shredded for 497 yards -- 305 on the ground -- by Alabama and lost junior outside linebacker Kesomi Mafi (knee) for the season, but sophomore middle linebacker Jeffrey Allison (team-best 19 stops) had a big performance with a career-best 14 tackles to go with a sack.
ABOUT WASHINGTON (2-0): Junior quarterback Jake Browning is coming off a 22-of-26 performance in a 63-7 beatdown of Montana and has passed for 543 yards and four touchdowns while being intercepted once. Junior running back Myles Gaskin, who topped 1,300 rushing yards each of the last two seasons, has just 97 yards in two games, while Pettis (seven receptions for 117 yards) doesn't yet have a touchdown catch after nabbing 15 last season. Senior inside linebacker Keishawn Bierria forced a fumble on a sack against Montana and also made the recovery -- the seventh of his career, which is one shy of the school mark shared by three players.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Washington leads the series 2-1 and won the most-recent meeting 21-20 in 2006.
2. The Bulldogs have dropped eight straight road games and 13 of their last 14.
3. Huskies junior ILB Ben Burr-Kirven (21 stops) is coming off back-to-back double-digit tackle outings, the first two of his career.
PREDICTION: Washington 52, Fresno State 14
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