Saturday 9-8-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Wyoming at Missouri

After breezing through its season opener, Missouri expects to find out more about its team when it hosts Wyoming on Saturday. The Tigers rolled to a 51-14 victory over UT Martin last week, but they expect a strong challenge from the Cowboys, who already have two games under their belt.


After opening the season with a 29-7 win at New Mexico State on Aug. 25, Wyoming let things get away in the fourth quarter of a 41-19 loss to Washington State last week. Now it takes on a Missouri team that was nearly flawless in its opener, going turnover-free and committing only four penalties. “We’re going to prepare the same way. I’ve been telling that to everybody,” Missouri linebacker Cale Garrett told reporters. “This week was the Super Bowl for us. Next week is going to be another Super Bowl for us. As long as we prepare the same way, we’re going to perform our best. I like that versus anybody, really. That’s going to give us the best shot at winning.” Missouri scored on eight of its first nine possessions last week as star quarterback Drew Lock passed for 289 yards and four touchdowns.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Missouri -18.5


ABOUT WYOMING (1-1): The Cowboys led 19-13 late in the third quarter last week before the Cougars poured it on in the final period. Wyoming has a major weapon in running back Nico Evans, who has rolled up 279 yards and three touchdowns on the ground through two games. The Cowboys boasted one of the nation’s best defenses a year ago and have been solid against the run so far this season, allowing just 33 rushing yards per contest.

ABOUT MISSOURI (1-0): The Tigers figure to have one of the nation’s most dangerous passing attacks with Lock back at the helm, and he didn’t disappoint in just over one half of play last week. Ten different players caught passes for Missouri, which would like to get a little more out of running backs Larry Rountree III and Damarea Crockett after averaging a mediocre 3.7 yards per carry against the Skyhawks. The revamped defense had a solid debut with five tackles for loss and three sacks but will face a stiffer test this week.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Missouri has scored at least 45 points in each of its last seven regular-season games, winning each contest.

2. Lock has recorded 8,984 career passing yards and surpassed Brad Smith for second place on Missouri’s all-time list last week, putting him behind only Chase Daniel (12,515).

3. Wyoming has not faced an SEC opponent since posting a 13-7 victory at Tennessee in 2008, its third win in its last four meetings with teams from the conference.


PREDICTION: Missouri 33, Wyoming 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Indiana State at Louisville

Louisville looks to get into the win column as it hosts Indiana State on Saturday evening. The Cardinals have nowhere to go but up after being crushed 51-14 by No. 1 Alabama in their opener.

No other team in the country faced a stiffer test in Week 1 than the Cardinals and it was tough for coach Bobby Petrino to find positives after Alabama dominated all aspects of the game. “They’re very good,” he told reporters after the game. “There’s no question about that. Offense. Defense. Special teams. They out-coached us. So basically they beat us in all phases. It was a tough game. No doubt they were the better football team.” Indiana State comes in feeling good about itself after blanking Division II foe Quincy 49-0 at home on Thursday evening, snapping a 14-game losing skid. "It's a good win, but we're not satisfied. We're ready to keep winning," linebacker Katrell Moss told reporters after the game.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra LINE: None

ABOUT INDIANA STATE (1-0): Quincy simply could not stop Indiana State’s rushing game as the Sycamores averaged 5.5 yards per carry in running for 339 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Jalil Kilpatrick, who finished 8-of-13 for 84 yards, also ran for 69 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, mostly while running the option. Defensively, the Sycamores stuffed Quincy's ground game, holding the Hawks to 2.2 yards per rush.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (0-1): If there was a bright spot from the loss to Alabama it had to be sophomore quarterback Jawon Pass, who was 20-of-39 for 252 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Both of the touchdown passes went to sophomore tight end Kemari Averett, a red zone threat who totaled four receptions for 30 yards. The Cardinals were forced to abandon the running game against Alabama but will likely focus on getting Dae Williams (nine carries for six yards against the Crimson Tide) and Trey Smith (four for 11) going against Indiana State.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Louisville’s 252 passing yards last week were the most Alabama has given up through the air since its 2016 National Championship game against Clemson.

2. Petrino is 40-7 all-time at Cardinal Stadium, including a 4-2 mark last season.

3. Indiana State has 13 returning starters from the 2017 team that went 0-11.

PREDICTION: Louisville 41, Indiana State 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Clemson at Texas A&M

Texas A&M has won 29 consecutive home games over non-conference opponents, but it rarely has welcomed an opponent the caliber of the one it will face this week. No. 2 Clemson will be the highest-ranked non-conference opponent in the history of Kyle Field when it visits the Aggies on Saturday.


The Tigers are double-digit favorites, but coach Dabo Swinney knows better than to take anything for granted when playing in an environment like it will on Saturday. "I was part of that butt-whipping we took out there in ’04," Swinney told reporters. "We got destroyed out there. I remember it all too well." The Aggies are trying to get back to that level of dominance under new coach Jimbo Fisher, whose team rolled up more than 700 total yards in a 59-7 win over Northwestern State in his debut. Clemson also cruised in its opener, routing Furman 48-7 behind a balanced offense and dominant defense.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Clemson -12.5


ABOUT CLEMSON (1-0): The Tigers will continue splitting time at quarterback between veteran Kelly Bryant and freshman Trevor Lawrence, who led the team to points on all five of his drives last week. Both provide different threats, as Lawrence possesses a big-time arm while Bryant rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown on five carries in the season opener. Clemson’s defense allowed only 163 total yards and racked up 12 tackles for loss and three sacks against Furman but will face a much stronger threat in the Aggies, who have a massive offensive line.

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (1-0): The Aggies also used two quarterbacks in their opener as Nick Starkel relieved starter Kellen Mond after things got out of hand, and both were effective. After battling nagging injuries during a disappointing sophomore season, Trayveon Williams rushed for 240 yards - the second-most in program history - and three touchdowns last week as the Aggies rolled up 503 yards on the ground. Texas A&M's defense also will face its first true test after giving up 251 total yards in the season opener.


EXTRA POINTS

1. The Aggies have lost five straight games against Top-25 opponents dating to an overtime win over No. 9 Tennessee in 2016.

2. Clemson has won its last three true road contests against SEC opponents, defeating South Carolina in both 2015 and 2017 and Auburn in 2016.

3. Texas A&M has scored at least 14 points in 28 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the SEC.


PREDICTION: Clemson 30, Texas A&M 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Samford at Florida State

Florida State looks to turn the page quickly after a very disappointing season opener, facing a short week of preparation for its matchup Saturday night against visiting FCS power Samford. The Seminoles turned the ball over five times and dropped a 24-3 decision to Virginia Tech on Monday night despite outgaining the Hokies 327-319 in head coach Willie Taggart’s debut at the helm.

“We didn’t handle adversity well,” Taggart told reporters. “We had some guys that were encouraging teammates on the sideline and we had some guys frustrated. It was on us.” Junior quarterback Deondre Francois, who missed most of last season with a knee injury and won a three-way battle to start the opener, threw three interceptions while being sacked five times and Florida State scored just once in four tries in the red zone to drop out of the national rankings. “It seemed there was something different each time,” Francois told reporters of the team’s work in red zone. “Little mistakes here and there, missed assignments, bad execution by me. It seemed like we just took turns making mistakes.” The Seminoles won’t have an easy road to their first victory against Samford, which rolled to a 66-9 victory over Division II Shorter on Aug. 30 to open the season and returns 10 of 11 starters on offense from an FCS playoff team.

TV: 7:20 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: None

ABOUT SAMFORD (1-0): The Bulldogs are ranked ninth in the current FCS coaches poll after senior quarterback Devlin Hodges threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns in the opener after totaling 3,983 last season with 31 scoring strikes. Senior Roland Adams led the way on the ground with 71 yards and senior wide receiver Kelvin McKnight, a second-team All-American along with Hodges last year, hauled in six passes for 119 yards and two TDs in the opener. Senior lineman Ahmad Gooden leads the defense after being picked as a first-team FCS All-American last season when he recorded 101 tackles - 15.5 for loss.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (0-1): Francois did throw for 233 yards overall Monday and veteran receivers Keith Gavin (three catches, 54 yards) along with Nyqwan Murray (five, 52) were his top targets. Sophomore running back Cam Akers, who rushed for a freshman record 1,024 yards in 2017, had 82 in the opener but ran 85 yards on one carry that set Florida State up inside the Virginia Tech 10 before it lost a fumble on third down. The Seminoles’ defense kept them in the game until a long touchdown pass with 5:11 left as defensive end Brian Burns finished with 1.5 sacks and sophomore defensive back Hamsah Nasirildeen led the way with 11 tackles.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida State junior K Ricky Aguayo, a preseason first-team ACC pick, was 1-for-2 in field goals Monday and has 38 makes in his career.

2. Samford, which lost in the first round for the FCS playoffs last year, was picked to win the Southern Conference in a preseason poll.

3. The Seminoles hosted Samford in 2010 and came away with a 59-6 victory.

PREDICTION: Florida State 48, Samford 14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Virginia at Indiana

Virginia will try to start 2-0 for the first time since 2012 when it visits Indiana on Saturday evening. The Hoosiers are also coming off a season-opening win after earning a 38-28 road victory over Florida International last week.

Indiana fell behind 7-0 early but responded with three straight touchdowns and held on the rest of the way for the victory. “We've got a little confidence now. We've played one. And now we're ready to get rolling and get this thing going," Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey told reporters after throwing for three touchdowns. The Cavaliers are coming off a 42-13 win over FCS foe Richmond where junior college transfer quarterback Bryce Perkins stole the show. The dual-threat threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for 108 yards and two more scores.

TV: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, BTN LINE: Indiana -6.5

ABOUT VIRGINIA (1-0): Perkins threw an interception on his first offensive series but responded with a 36-yard touchdown run 20 seconds later and proved to be difficult to stop for the rest of the evening. He seems to have developed instant chemistry with Olamide Zaccheaus as the halfback caught six passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. The Cavaliers also held Richmond to just 225 total yards and two field goals.

ABOUT INDIANA (1-0): While Ramsey flashed, Indiana was unable to score on the ground as freshman running back Stevie Scott mustered 70 yards on 20 touches. The rushing attack is already dealing with adversity, as 2017 leading rusher Morgan Ellison remains suspended indefinitely and Cole Gest was lost for the season when he tore his ACL in the opener. Senior safety Jonathan Crawford forced a fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown against FIU, but he’ll have a much more difficult challenge on Saturday in trying to contain Perkins.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Indiana has won 14 of its last 16 home openers and 12 of its last 13 non-conference regular-season games.

2. The Hoosiers had three takeaways against FIU and have forced at least two turnovers in three of the last four contests.

3. Last weekend was the first time Virginia held an opponent without an offensive touchdown since 2013.

PREDICTION: Indiana 38, Virginia 35

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Western Illinois at Illinois

Illinois will look to move to 2-0 on the season when it hosts FCS foe Western Illinois in a Saturday night matchup. The Illini eked out a win in their opener, topping Kent State 31-24, while the Leathernecks are coming off a narrow 26-23 loss at Montana State.

Coach Lovie Smith was happy with the Illini debut of senior quarterback AJ Bush Jr, who had 190 passing yards and 139 rushing yards in the season-opening victory. Running back Reggie Corbin also had a big game, rushing 10 times for 79 yards and a pair of scores, eclipsing his 2017 output. Defensively, the Illini found a playmaker in sophomore linebacker Jake Hansen, who had six tackles for loss among his 15 stops, tying the Illinois record and leading the nation in the category. Quarterback Sean McGuire will lead the Western Illinois attack after he was 20-of-31 for 164 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Montana State.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: None

ABOUT WESTERN ILLINOIS (0-1): If the Leathernecks are going to make a game of it against Illinois, they will need their running game to be effective, which means Steve McShane will need to be playing well. The senior running back had 76 yards on 11 carries in the opener but was also a threat as a pass-catcher, making six receptions for 40 yards and two touchdowns. With Illinois' pass rush showing some ferocity in its opener, it will be important for Western Illinois to be able to slow down the defensive line with the threat of a running game, which is why McShane could be the most important player for first-year coach Jared Elliott on Saturday.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (1-0): One problem for the Illini against Kent State was the play of the defensive secondary, where sophomores Bennett Williams and Nate Hobbs -- both out with suspensions -- were definitely missed and three true freshmen -- Sydney Brown, Jartavius Martin and Delano Ware -- were forced into starting duties. Both suspended players should be back this week, which will help the play of the secondary as well as the defensive line, which should have a little bit more time to get to the opposing quarterback. Illinois gave up 270 yards though the air against Kent State, a number that needs to improve this week but also in the weeks to follow, when Big Ten opponents will be even more potent in their passing games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Illini suffered a big loss in the opener as senior WR Mike Dudek was lost for the season to a knee injury, the third time in four seasons Dudek has played one or fewer games because of a knee injury.

2. Illinois WR Sam Mays tied a career high with four receptions for a career-best 47 yards against Kent State.

3. This is the third meeting of the in-state schools, with Illinois winning the first two meetings by a combined 65-0.

PREDICTION: Illinois 42, Western Illinois 6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Arkansas at Colorado State

It’s one game into the new season, and a quarterback quandary has developed at Arkansas. Both Cole Kelley and Ty Storey played and played well in the Razorbacks’ 55-20 season-opening win over Eastern Illinois and first-year head coach Chad Morris says both will play again Saturday when Arkansas visits Colorado State.


Kelley, a sophomore, started and completed 9-of-12 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown against Eastern Illinois. However, the junior Storey earned rave reviews after coming off the bench to complete 12-of-17 attempts for 261 yards and three scores and is taking the primary snaps with the first-team offense in practice this week. In his weekly Monday news conference, though, Morris declined to say which quarterback will start Saturday’s game. "Ty will get the first-team reps starting (Tuesday) in practice, and we'll re-evaluate things as practice goes," Morris said. "Ty got first-team reps at times last week, but Cole got the majority of them. This week, Ty will get the majority of them, and we'll make the decision later in the week how we're going to run this thing out there. Ty's earned that right right now."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Arkansas -13.5


ABOUT ARKANSAS (1-0): While the up-tempo passing game produced 353 yards and four TDs against the Panthers of the FCS, the Razorbacks’ ground game managed only 80 yards on 37 attempts, including 31 yards on 14 carries for the top two tailbacks, Devwah Whaley and Chase Hayden. As for the pass-catchers, wide receivers Jordan Jones and La’Michael Pettway reeled in a combined 10 passes for 225 yards and three TDs. Defensively, Arkansas forced six fumbles, recovering five, and was led by senior linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who recorded 10 total tackles, including two for losses, and forced a fumble.

ABOUT COLORADO STATE (0-2): The Rams have been on the wrong side of losses to Hawaii (43-34) and Colorado (45-13) so far and are seeking to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2010 when they wound up 3-9. Defense has been the major issue with Colorado State getting gashed for 44 points and 606.5 yards per game while surrendering 8.8 yards per play and an opponent completion percentage of 77.4. In trying to keep pace, senior transfer K.J. Carta-Samuels has thrown for 713 yards and six TDs with wideouts Olabisi Johnson and Preston Williams combining for 27 catches, 476 yards and five TDs.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Arkansas leads the series 3-0 with all three games being played in Little Rock, but the two schools haven’t met since 1990.

2. It will mark the first time the Razorbacks have faced a Mountain West Conference in a true road game, and Arkansas will be only the second SEC team to visit Fort Collins after Mississippi State in 1981.

3. Colorado State, which is 2-12 against current SEC members, also faces a SEC team the following Saturday when the Rams play at Florida.


PREDICTION: Arkansas 38, Colorado State 23

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Utah at Northern Illinois

Utah is 1-0 for the 11th straight season after dominating FCS-ranked Weber State 41-10 on Aug. 30. But coach Kyle Whittingham still saw plenty for his team to work on in the nine days leading up to Saturday's contest at preseason Mid-American Conference West Division-favorite Northern Illinois.

The issues surfaced immediately as two early Utah turnovers led to a quick 10-0 lead for the visiting Wildcats. In all, the Utes finished the contest with a 4-0 turnover deficit and had a field-goal attempt blocked, marring what should’ve been a shutout after Utah posted a dominating 587-59 edge in total yards and allowed only three first downs. "What we need to do is start better," Whittingham said Monday at his weekly news conference. "... Defensively, we just need to find a way to get a takeaway, and special teams, we have plenty of things to work on there. We had a field goal blocked for the first time in six or seven years, and we turned the ball over on a punt return." Northern Illinois, meanwhile, did get off to a strong start on the road last week against Iowa, and the Hawkeyes led only 3-0 midway through the third quarter before pulling away for a 33-7 win.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNews. LINE: Utah -10.5


ABOUT UTAH (1-0): Zack Moss rushed for 1,173 yards a season ago, but the junior tailback looks as if he’s taken the next step forward after rushing for 150 yards, including an 86-yard scoring sprint, and catching three passes for 24 yards and another touchdown in the opener. Returning starting quarterback Tyler Huntley also is off to a strong start after throwing for 253 yards and matching his career high with four TD passes. Defensively, though, is where the Utes really stood out, particularly against the pass as Weber State quarterback Kaden Jenks finished 5-of-22 for just 13 yards while getting sacked three times.

ABOUT NORTHERN ILLINOIS (0-1): The Huskies had won four of their previous five games against Big Ten foes, but Iowa took charge midway through the third quarter Saturday, reeling off 30 unanswered points to seal the home win. Sophomore quarterback Marcus Childers hooked up with Jauan Wesley for the team’s lone TD on a 10-yard fourth-quarter pass but finished with only 105 yards passing and two turnovers (a fumble and interception) as Iowa registered five sacks and eight tackles for loss. Linebacker Kyle Pugh had a team-high nine tackles, including six solo stops, to lead a defense which limited Iowa to modest 352 total yards.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Utah not only will be facing Northern Illinois for the first time but also will be playing its first MAC opponent as well.

2. Since joining the Pac-12 in 2011, the Utes are 27-1 in nonconference games, including five bowl wins, and have won 20 straight non-league contests since an overtime loss at Utah State in 2012.

3. The Huskies will play a second straight game without WR Spencer Tears, who had a team-high 43 receptions in 2017, as he finishes a two-game suspension for an undisclosed violation of team rules.


PREDICTION: Utah 24, Northern Illinois 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Alabama State at Auburn

After opening the season with a statement win over a Top-10 opponent at a neutral site, No. 7 Auburn returns home for a less daunting matchup. The Tigers host Alabama State on Saturday in the first meeting between the in-state foes.


The game is sandwiched between huge matchups for the Tigers, who defeated No. 6 Washington 21-16 in their season opener and will open SEC play next week against LSU, but they’re trying not to look ahead. "We don't take anything for granted. The good teams that have a chance to win a championship, don’t,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn told reporters. “This week is about us getting better. Last week is behind us and we have to figure out a way to get better. There's all kinds of areas that we should improve on and need to improve on, and that's the way we are approaching this game." Auburn showed some mettle in the fourth quarter against Washington, responding after the Huskies took a 16-15 lead to drive 76 yards on 10 plays for the go-ahead score. “I really liked the way that we won the game,” Malzahn said. “In the fourth quarter, the offense made plays to help us win and the defense made plays to help us win. A lot of times, it's how you win that can help you later in the season, so I thought that was really good.”

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network Alternate. LINE: None


ABOUT ALABAMA STATE (1-0): The Hornets opened their season with a 26-20 overtime win over Tuskegee, but they’ll step up the competition level significantly in Week 2. The defense gave up 482 yards last week - including 273 on the ground, which is cause for concern against the Tigers. The Hornets averaged just 3.6 yards per carry versus Tuskegee, but Ezra Gray recorded 60 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries while Darryl Pearson Jr. passed for 164 yards and a score.

ABOUT AUBURN (1-0): The Tigers’ defense turned in an impressive performance against Washington, recording nine tackles for loss and six sacks while forcing two turnovers. Auburn had a tough time getting its ground game going, averaging 3.3 yards per carry, but Kam Martin piled up 80 rushing yards and the passing game was effective. Jarrett Stidham was 26-of-36 for 273 yards and a touchdown as he completed passes to nine different receivers.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Auburn has won 12 straight home games dating to 2016, outscoring opponents by an average of 28.5 points during the streak.

2. Auburn kickers have converted 225 consecutive extra-point attempts dating to 2013, the second-longest active streak among FBS teams behind Stanford's run of 226.

3. Auburn WR Ryan Davis has caught multiple passes in 15 straight games since the start of the 2017 season.


PREDICTION: Auburn 48, Alabama State 7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Fresno State at Minnesota

Minnesota was impressive in a season-opening win and will try to get to 2-0 for the third straight year Saturday night when it hosts Fresno State, an opponent that has some on edge in the Twin Cities. "I think it's a Big Ten opponent," Golden Gophers coach P.J. Fleck told reporters Monday of the Bulldogs. ". ... You can see it all over the field for them. They play with an extreme confidence."

While Minnesota cruised to a 48-10 victory over New Mexico State last weekend, Fresno State produced the highest scoring total in the NCAA with a 79-13 rout of Idaho. Seven of the Bulldogs' 11 touchdowns came on the ground, two on blocked field goals and one on an interception return. Fresno State loaded up on Power Five wins between 2000 and 2012, but it has lost nine straight such contests since a rout of Colorado six years ago. True freshman Zack Annexstad threw for 220 yards and two TDs in the Golden Gophers' win and was supported by a ground game that piled up 295 rushing yards at 6.3 per attempt.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Minnesota -2.5

ABOUT FRESNO STATE (1-0): Fleck also was quick to compliment Bulldogs quarterback Marcus McMaryion, who completed 19-of-26 passes for 207 yards in the opener while backed by a 239-yard ground attack. One aim in practice this week was to figure out a way to get more pressure on Annexstad after Fresno State managed just one sack and three quarterback hurries against an Idaho team that threw the ball 33 times. "We're trying to get our goal every week of a certain number of sacks, and we didn't achieve that goal," defensive end Mykal Walker told the Fresno Bee. "We're going to come back, get in the film room, chop it up, and (defensive line coach Jamar Cain) does a great job of teaching us new things and as long as we trust that we'll do pretty good."

ABOUT MINNESOTA (1-0): Annexstad shook off an early fumble to complete 10-of-16 passes for 162 yards and two scores in the first half alone, giving Fleck confidence that the youngster has the poise to make it. "I looked at him and said, 'We're going to be all right, huh?'" Fleck told reporters of his reaction to Annexstad's calmness following the fumble. "Usually it's me telling them, 'Hey, you're going to be OK.' That's his personality. It's different. And I like it." The top target was Tyler Johnson (100 yards receiving and both TDs) and the team was happy to welcome back defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr., who missed the final eight games of 2017 but returned to take a punt back 76 yards for a TD and make five tackles on defense.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Gophers RB Rodney Smith had 153 rushing yards against New Mexico State and needs 42 more to become the sixth player in program history with 3,000 for a career.

2. McMaryion has zero TD passes in 108 attempts over his last three games.

3. The teams are meeting for the first time. Minnesota is 12-3 against Mountain West Conference opponents.

PREDICTION: Minnesota 28, Fresno State 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Kentucky at Florida

With just one game under their belts, No. 25 Florida and Kentucky jump right into the fire of the SEC season Saturday night in Gainesville. The Gators, in Dan Mullen's coaching debut, come off a promising 53-6 rout of Charleston Southern that vaulted Florida into the Top 25, while the Wildcats used a strong second half to defeat Central Michigan 35-20.

For Florida, there may be no better way to open the conference slate than against Kentucky thanks to a 31-game series winning streak -- college football's longest active win streak in an uninterrupted series and the fourth longest such streak in NCAA history. "These guys cannot worry about 30-some years and all that," Wildcats coach Mark Stoops told reporters. "They really can't. Winning is important to our team each and every week, and that's the approach we'll have." A closer look reveals that the Gators squeaked by in three of the last four meetings, winning by six points or less, including a one-point fourth-quarter comeback victory a year ago. "I imagine one day the streak will be broken," Mullen told reporters. "That's just the nature of sports. But I'm confident. To me, we want to go win the game because it's our SEC opener. That's got to be the whole focus, and not worry about anything else."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: Florida -14

ABOUT KENTUCKY (1-0, 0-0 SEC): All-SEC running back Benny Snell (125 yards, two TDs) and sophomore AJ Rose (104 yards, two TDs) combined for 229 of the team's 299 yards rushing and four touchdowns in the opener and the two have a one-two punch that has the power to devastate a Gators defense that was surprisingly pushed around by Charleston Southern. Stoops is sticking with junior-college transfer Terry Wilson (78 yards passing, 38 rushing) as his starting quarterback despite an inconsistent three-turnover performance last week that resulted in sophomore Gunnar Hoak coming in to lead the team to a much-needed touchdown before halftime. Led by linebacker Josh Allen, the Wildcats defense proved stingy at times against Central Michigan but will be challenged by a Gators offense that spread the ball around to 16 different running backs, receivers and tight ends in the opener.

ABOUT FLORIDA (1-0, 0-0): Feleipe Franks showed why Mullen chose him as the starter, becoming the first Gators quarterback to throw five touchdown passes in a game (to four different receivers) since Chris Leak hit six against South Carolina in 2004. Former Ole Miss receiver Van Jefferson caught two touchdown passes in his Gators debut but the running game, despite accumulating 203 yards, was bottled up at the line of scrimmage as the offensive front did not dominate the smaller Charleston Southern defensive line as expected. Likewise, the Gators defense did not exert its will against Charleston Southern's front line, surrendering 222 yards and 5.2 yards per carry, a huge concern heading into a meeting with the Wildcats' powerful ground attack.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida leads the series 51-17, and as of Saturday, the Gators' last loss to the Wildcats will be 11,620 days ago.

2. Over the past three years, the Gators only eclipsed the 200-yard mark in eight games, three of which came last season.

3. Under Stoops, the Wildcats have either matched or exceeded the previous season's win total in each of the past five seasons.

PREDICTION: Florida 35, Kentucky 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Penn State at Pittsburgh

Penn State survived an upset bid in its opener at home, putting the 10th-ranked Nittany Lions on shaky ground entering a heated rivalry game at Pittsburgh on Saturday night. After allowing Appalachian State to score 28 points in the fourth quarter last Saturday, Penn State survived in overtime to win 45-38, but questions surround a squad that entered the year with high hopes.

"We have a lot of things that we need to get cleaned up and corrected before our next game," coach James Franklin told reporters after the victory. The Panthers cruised to a 33-7 win over FCS opponent Albany in their opener and will be licking their chops in the 99th meeting between the Keystone State rivals. "Anybody who wants to argue and say this is no different than any other week, it is," Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi told reporters this week. "That's a fact. If you want to ignore that, you can ignore it. It's a big game." The teams have split two meetings since the rivalry resumed in 2016 following a 16-year hiatus, with the Nittany Lions winning 33-14 at home last year.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Penn State -9

ABOUT PENN STATE (1-0): The Nittany Lions looked outmatched at times in the trenches against Appalachian State, prompting Franklin to tell reporters: "I don't think there's any doubt ... we got to play better up front on both sides of the ball." One of the bright spots away from the line of scrimmage was the play of freshman wide receiver KJ Hamler, who had a team high-tying 67 receiving yards - 15 on the game-tying TD catch in the final minute of regulation. Senior Trace McSorley threw for 229 yards and the one score and needs 402 passing yards to become the second passer in school history with 8,000 in a career.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH (1-0): Kenny Pickett's first collegiate start came in the stunning upset of second-ranked Miami late last season and the sophomore picked up where he left off in the opener against Albany, throwing for two TDs and running for another in the first half alone. Rafael Araujo-Lopes caught both scores from Pickett to match his TD total from last season while Maurice Ffrench found the end zone twice - once with a nine-yard rush and once on a 91-yard kickoff return. Senior Qadree Ollison, who had a season-high 96 rushing yards in just 15 attempts at Penn State last year, led the ground attack with 73 yards versus the Great Danes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. McSorley needs 48 rushing yards to become the second quarterback in Penn State history with at least 1,000.

2. Panthers DL Keyshon Camp had two sacks and two tackles for a loss against Albany.

3. Penn State leads the all-time series 51-43-4.

PREDICTION: Penn State 38, Pittsburgh 33

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Tulsa at Texas

Texas starts a tough three-game homestand against Tulsa on Saturday with the hopes of burying last week's disappointing loss to Maryland. Second-year coach Tom Herman insists his team is making strides despite another loss to the Terrapins.

"We're learning how to win," Herman to the media Monday. "I think, again, losses are unacceptable. Losses hurt really bad. It was like a funeral home around our building yesterday, and it should be." The Longhorns, who have not lost to a non-Power 5 opponent since 1994, will stick with sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger despite two late interceptions. The Golden Hurricane snapped a five-game losing streak by beating FCS opponent Central Arkansas behind a duo of running backs. It was Tulsa's 16th straight game with at least one running back gaining 100 rushing yards.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Longhorn Network. LINE: Texas -23

ABOUT TULSA (1-0): Shamari Brooks rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns while fellow sophomore Corey Taylor II added 110 rushing yards in the come-from-behind win. Sophomore quarterback Luke Skipper threw for 196 yards and two scores in the opener, including a 49-yard TD to Justin Hobbs (three catches, 61 yards). Tulsa held Central Arkansas to 0-of-10 on third down and recovered two fumbles but the Golden Hurricane also lost three fumbles.

ABOUT TEXAS (0-1): Ehlinger (21-of-39 for 263 yards, two touchdowns) has thrown for at least 200 yards in each of his seven career starts (2-5 record). Freshman running back Keaontay Ingram had 37 yards and a score on six carries but wasn't used after a weather delay as Texas relied on starter Tre Watson more (12 carries, 52 yards). Lil'Jordan Humphrey (six catches, 82 yards), Devin Duvernay (four, 58) and Collin Johnson (three, 59) were solid in the opener, combining for six receptions of at least 15 yards and two scores.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Texas has lost seven games under Herman by average 6.7 points after losing 21 games under Charlie Strong between 2014-16 by an average of 16.

2. Three of Texas' four starting defensive backs - S Brandon Jones (ankle, questionable), CB Davante Davis (neck, questionable) and CB Kris Boyd (ankle, probable) - are listed on the team's injury report.

3. Tulsa is 73-103-7 against nine current Big 12 teams with Texas being the only one it has never faced.

PREDICTION: Texas 42, Tulsa 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Southern Utah at Oregon State

Oregon State will look to match its win total from last season when the Beavers host Southern Utah on Saturday. Oregon State posted its only victory in the second game last season against visiting Portland State, an FCS team like Southern Utah.

The Beavers are coming off a 77-31 loss at No. 4 Ohio State on Saturday, but a few positives did arise during the blowout, giving the Beavers some things to build on moving forward. Artavis Pierce delivered touchdown runs of 78 and 80 yards to account for most of his career-best 168 rushing yards on 11 carries, and was also involved in the passing game, catching three passes for 41 yards. The Beavers lost quarterback Jake Luton to a hard hit on the first play against Ohio State, but Conor Blount played well in relief and is prepared to start against Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds figure to be motivated after losing 34-30 last week to North Alabama, a first-year FCS school that scored the go-ahead touchdown with 12 seconds left after Southern Utah had two interceptions nullified by penalties on the drive.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: None

ABOUT SOUTHERN UTAH (0-1): Chris Helbig is a more-than capable quarterback for the Thunderbirds and he did his part last weekend, completing 28-of-38 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns, as well as running for another score. Big-time performances are nothing new to Helbig, who set a Colorado high school record in 2015 when he passed for 607 yards in the opening week of the season. Helbig then headed to Colorado as a preferred walk-on, but wasn't in the hunt for the starting quarterback spot, so he transferred to a junior college in Kansas before getting another shot at Southern Utah.

ABOUT OREGON STATE (0-1): Blount was 12-for-17 for 169 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State, great numbers for a mismatch and even better considering Blount didn't have a turnover. Blount seemed to develop chemistry during the game with junior wide receiver Trevon Bradford, who caught six passes for 106 yards and both touchdowns, doubling his touchdown total from the previous two seasons. Oregon State won't have last season's leading receiver, tight end Noah Togiai, back for another three weeks because of a knee injury, but 6-foot-4 sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins provides a nice-sized target in the seams.

EXTRA POINTS

1.Oregon State’s schedule includes seven teams that played in a bowl game last season.

2. Oregon State is 53-18 in its past 172 games when committing fewer turnovers than its opponent.

3. Southern Utah LB Chinedu Ahanonu missed five games last season because of injury, but still accumulated the third-most tackles on the team with 70.

PREDICTION: Southern Utah 38, Oregon State 31

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati

Cincinnati will try to extend its winning streak over Miami (Ohio) to 13 games when the teams meet in their annual rivalry game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bearcats won the past four games against Miami by seven points or less, most recently rallying from an 11-point deficit with three minutes left in a 21-17 victory last season.

Cincinnati is feeling confident after beating UCLA 26-17 at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, getting a strong game from running back Michael Warren II, who rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns. Warren had extra touches because last season's leading rusher, sophomore Gerrid Doaks, was a late scratch with a groin injury, leaving his availability in question against Miami as well. As of Tuesday, the starting quarterback for Cincinnati on Saturday was also still undecided between Hayden Moore, who started against UCLA, and freshman Desmond Ridder, who replaced Moore on the third offensive series and combined for 163 rushing and passing yards. Miami lost its season opener to Marshall 35-28, but a bright spot was quarterback Gus Ragland, the Cincinnati native who threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Miami -1.5

ABOUT MIAMI (0-1): James Gardner was the most valuable player for the RedHawks last season after catching 47 passes for 927 yards and 11 touchdowns to also earn first-team All-MAC honors, but he'll need to get more involved in the offense this week. He caught four passes for 67 yards in the season opener and Marshall kept the 6-foot-4 senior out of the end zone. Jack Sorenson benefited from the extra attention given to Gardner, snaring three passes for 106 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown for Miami's first points of the season.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (1-0): Putting points on the board will be a stiff challenge against a Cincinnati defense that limited UCLA to 306 total yards. Cortez Broughton and Marquise Copeland are senior defensive tackles who can disrupt an offense in a big way. Broughton had 3 1/2 sacks in the season opener and forced a fumble that led to a tie-breaking safety with 9:45 to play. Copeland had a team-leading seven tackles against a UCLA offensive line that's just as young and inexperienced as Miami's.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cincinnati and Miami have played every year since 1945, and Miami leads the series 59-56-7.

2. The first meeting between the schools came in 1888, the first college football game played in Ohio.

3. The Bearcats were one of four teams in the nation who did not record a touchback on a punt last season.

PREDICTION: Cincinnati 24, Miami 17