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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Preview: Utah State at Wake Forest
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017

Wake Forest will try to begin 3-0 for the second straight year and exact a measure of revenge when it hosts Utah State on Saturday. The Demon Deacons have utilized a solid defense that has allowed 17 points in the first two games and forced four turnovers in last Saturday's 34-10 win at Boston College.

Coach Dave Clawson has been impressed with that side of the ball, but is just as happy with a clean offensive effort thus far. "It was a great a job by the defense creating the turnovers, but also a good job by the offense to not have any turnovers," he told reporters. "That has to be part of our plan to win. It is something we emphasize." If that needs any more emphasis, Clawson can show footage of a 36-24 loss at Utah State in 2014, when the Aggies scored twice off Wake Forest turnovers to pick up their first win over an ACC team. Utah State followed up a lopsided loss at Wisconsin to start the year with a 51-13 rout of Idaho State on Sept. 7.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: Wake Forest -13.5

ABOUT UTAH STATE (1-1): The Aggies ran for 255 yards in their most recent effort, led by Eltoro Allen's 103 yards on 19 attempts. Senior quarterback Kent Myers threw one interception in the victory but was otherwise nearly perfect, completing 24-of-26 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns and running eight times for 85 yards and a pair of scores. The dual threat needs 253 passing yards to move into seventh place on the school's all-time list and can reach the top 20 among career rushers at Utah Sate with another 28 yards on the ground.

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (2-0): Senior John Wolford has thrown for just 258 yards through two games but he has four TD passes against zero interceptions and is the team's top rusher with 139 yards and a pair of scores. His top target has been freshman Greg Dortch (10 catches, 111 yards and three TDs) while star tight end Cam Serigne (two TDs in season-opening win over Presbyterian) is looking to get back in the act after having his streak of consecutive games with a reception snapped at 37. Essang Bassey had an interception return for a TD and five tackles against Boston College and earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Wolford completed 20 of a career-high 50 passing attempts in the previous loss to the Aggies.

2. WRs Jordan Nathan and Ron'quavion Tarver lead Utah State with nine catches apiece and have the team's only two TD receptions.

3. Wake Forest was held to minus-25 yards rushing in its loss at Utah State three years ago.

PREDICTION: Wake Forest 31, Utah State 14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

Preview: Tennessee at Florida
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017

Authorities still are in the process of assessing the damage around Gainesville, Fla. after Hurricane Irma passed through the state, but Florida will host a football game this weekend. The No. 25 Gators hope to give their fans something to take their minds off the destruction of the storm when they host SEC rival and 23rd-ranked Tennessee on Saturday.

"After meeting with the City of Gainesville, campus officials and numerous staffing entities to discuss hosting the game, we are pleased that the Florida-Tennessee football game will take place in Gainesville Saturday as scheduled,” Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin announced. “There has been a tremendous amount of cooperation between local authorities, the Southeastern Conference and the Tennessee athletic program throughout this process, and we are grateful for these strong partnerships." Volunteers coach Butch Jones is hoping to ride his high-powered offense to a key road win early in conference play. Tennessee scored 42 points in each of its first two games and is coming off an easy 42-7 victory at home over Indiana State last week. The Gators had their home game against Northern Colorado cancelled due to the storm and are off to a rocky start after suspending nine players indefinitely prior to the season-opening loss to Michigan.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Florida -5.5

ABOUT TENNESSEE (2-0): The Volunteers are finding it easy to put up points early in 2017 thanks not only to the offense, but to strong work on special teams and defense. Freshman Ty Chandler returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown last weekend, marking the team’s ninth punt- or kickoff-return TD since 2015. Tennessee's defense allowed a total of 213 passing yards over the first two games and is coming off a stifling effort against the Sycamores in which it collected 11 tackles for loss and held them to 0-for-11 on third down.

ABOUT FLORIDA (0-1): The Gators will attack the Volunteers' defense with Feleipe Franks at quarterback despite benching the freshman in favor of Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire in the opening loss to Michigan. Franks fumbled twice and was sacked once by the Wolverines while throwing for 75 yards but drew praise from coach Jim McElwain for how he handled a top defense on the road. Whoever takes the snaps under center could use more help from the running game, which gained only 11 yards on 27 carries in the opening loss.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida freshman WR James Robinson is out indefinitely due to a heart issue.

2. The Volunteers snapped an 11-game losing streak in the series with a 38-28 win at home last season.

3. Gators DBs Duke Dawson and C.J. Henderson each returned an interception for a touchdown in the opener.

PREDICTION: Tennessee 31, Florida 28

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

Preview: SMU at TCU
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017

No. 20 TCU will get another good test before conference play starts when high-scoring SMU visits Saturday afternoon. The unbeaten Mustangs are averaging 56 points and have one of the country's top receivers in junior Courtland Sutton.

The Horned Frogs will counter with a defense among the nation's best early in the season, allowing 3.5 points and 166 yards. The Horned Frogs' experienced defense - with seven returning starters - has eight sacks and three turnovers. Coach Gary Patterson credited the TCU offense's smart play for helping the defense turn in a dominating performance against Arkansas. "You have to take away possession times and shorten the ballgame," Patterson said during Monday's Big 12 teleconference. "You control the clock, it keeps your defense off the field and doesn't allow them to game plan you as much."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: TCU -19.

ABOUT SMU (2-0): Sutton, who is fourth on SMU's career receiving touchdowns list with 24 after four in the season opener against North Texas, has 10 catches for 185 yards and five TDs. Sophomore quarterback Ben Hicks is 29-of-58 for 424 yards, six touchdowns and one interception as the Mustangs have set a school record for points in their first two games (112). SMU is allowing 72 rushing yards and has forced five turnovers - all of which have been turned into touchdowns.

ABOUT TCU (2-0): Kenny Hill (39-of-54 for 372 yards with four TDs and two interceptions) and TCU's balanced offense has converted 68 percent of the time on third down. Darius Anderson (173 rush yards, one TD) is one of four Horned Frogs with a rushing score, while six different players have at least three catches. Travin Howard leads the TCU defense with 12 tackles, while safety Ridwan Issahaku has 11 stops, three tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown.

EXTRA POINTS

1. TCU is 104-3 when holding an opponent to 17 points or fewer under Patterson.

2. The Horned Frogs and Mustangs each have two defensive touchdowns, putting them tied for third nationally behind Texas and Michigan (three each).

3. SMU is one of three teams (Maryland, Kansas State) to score at least 50 points in each of their first two games.

PREDICTION: TCU 48, SMU 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Preview: Notre Dame at Boston College
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017

A pair of traditional rivals looking to bounce back from difficult losses meet Saturday when Notre Dame pays a visit to Boston College. The Fighting Irish allowed a late field goal and then fumbled away their final drive in a 20-19 loss to then-No. 15 Georgia at home last week, putting forth a sloppy effort that included eight penalties, two turnovers and a 3-for-17 mark on third-down conversions.

"We're learning," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly told reporters. "Our QB is learning the tools of trade. He's getting different looks and reads. I thought he learned a lot tonight." Kelly was referring to junior Brandon Wimbush, who completed less than half his passes and gained one yard on the ground against Georgia after running for 106 in a season-opening rout of Temple. The Eagles are sticking with freshman Anthony Brown at quarterback after he was pulled in the third quarter of last Saturday's 34-10 loss to Wake Forest. The Fighting Irish have won five straight meetings and took the previous encounter in 2015 by a 19-16 margin in a game that was played at Fenway Park.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Notre Dame -13.5

ABOUT NOTRE DAME (1-1): Wimbush and the group of running backs led by Josh Adams were limited to 55 yards on 37 carries against Georgia, with 21 of the team's rushing attempts going for two or fewer yards. Adams still has 214 yards through the first two games while Dexter Williams has gained 124 on only six carries. Senior linebacker Nyles Morgan leads the defense with 15 tackles, 2 1/2 tackles for a loss and one sack.

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (1-1): Brown followed up a solid debut in a win at Northern Illinois with an 11-for-29 showing and three interceptions against the Demon Deacons, but some felt the numbers were not representative of his performance. "He's our quarterback and I'm looking forward for him to get going," coach Steve Addazio told reporters. "You go back and you watch the film, and Anthony went to the right place with that ball a lot. And he's a young guy. We've got to help him a little bit." The Eagles had more first downs than Wake Forest and they were outgained by only four yards, but Addazio's team committed all four of the game's turnovers.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Eagles' leading rusher Thadd Smith (101 yards) is averaging 9.2 yards per carry.

2. The Fighting Irish are in the early portions of a stretch in which they will play one home game in 41 days.

3. Notre Dame has produced points in all nine of its red-zone trips.

PREDICTION: Notre Dame 27, Boston College 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah

Preview: Wisconsin at BYU
Gracenote
Sep 13, 2017

Wisconsin had a tougher time than expected last weekend against Florida Atlantic, but at least it looks like the team found a new star. Freshman running back Jonathan Taylor will try to stay hot Saturday, when the 12th-ranked Badgers hit the road for the first time this season to face BYU.

Taylor needed only nine carries to rack up 87 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against Utah State and took on a much larger role versus Florida Atlantic, carrying the ball 26 times for 223 yards and three scores. "I'm just out there having fun," Taylor told reporters. "On the wall, as we're coming up from the tunnel, it says, 'Have fun, play the game.' You have to be grateful that you're here, you're here having fun. But it is humbling to be mentioned with the things I'm doing. But I just have fun and play the game." The Cougars are facing their third consecutive power-five opponent and trying to avoid a third straight loss after falling to LSU and Utah. "We can’t hang our heads," BYU coach Kalani Sitake told reporters after the 19-13 loss to rival Utah last Saturday. "We have to move on and learn as much as we can from this game. We have a top-10 team coming into town next week."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Wisconsin -15.5

ABOUT WISCONSIN (2-0): The Badgers were expected to roll over Florida Atlantic after posting an impressive opening win over Utah State, but quarterback Alex Hornibrook threw his first interception of the campaign and struggled to find a rhythm while completing 16-of-28 passes. The running game took some of the pressure off Hornibrook, as Chris James complemented Taylor's big day with 101 yards on 16 carries. Wisconsin's defense has shown an ability to make adjustments at halftime and has yet to allow any points after the break.

ABOUT BYU (1-2): The Cougars are working on limiting mistakes on offense as quarterback Tanner Mangum has thrown one touchdown pass and four interceptions in the last two weeks, including three picks against Utah at home. The Cougars have their own freshman running back in Ula Tolutau, who totaled one carry in the first two games but ended up leading the team's meager rushing attack with 25 yards and a score against the Utes. BYU is stronger on the other side of the ball with three turnovers forced and an average of 17.3 points allowed in its first three games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Wisconsin OLB Leon Jacobs has recorded four tackles for loss, the highest mark among Big Ten players.

2. Freshman TE Matt Bushman leads the Cougars in receiving with 13 catches for 149 yards.

3. The Badgers are playing their first-ever game in the state of Utah and first true road contest against a non-conference foe since 2013.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 34, BYU 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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