Saturday, Sept 26.

No. 1 Florida (3-0) at Kentucky (2-0), 6 p.m. (ESPN2)

Line: Florida by 21 1/2.

Series Record: Florida leads 42-17.

Last Meeting: 2008, Florida 63-5.

Whats at Stake

The Gators aura of invincibility took a hit during a harder-than-expected 23-13 win over Tennessee. Coach Urban Meyer blamed some of the lethargy on a roster ravaged by the flu. Expect the Gators to take out some of their frustration on the Wildcats, who are better than they were a year ago but were lucky to win after a mistake-prone effort against Louisville. Kentucky has taken some serious strides under Rich Brooks, including an upset of top-ranked LSU two years ago. Knocking off the Gators for the first time in 23 years would surely eclipse that as the biggest win in the programs modern history.

Key Matchup

Florida vs. flu: The Gators have been struggling, like several schools across the country, with a serious outbreak. Tight end Aaron Hernandez, running back Jeff Demps and defensive end Jermaine Cunningham were all slowed by the flu against the Volunteers, and Meyer called worries over the disease at a panic level of proportion Ive never seen before. The team had a round of flu shots last weekend, and Meyer has his players on full-alert looking for even the slightest symptoms.

Players to watch

Florida: QB Tim Tebow. Mr. Everything may be coming off a so-so performance against Tennessee, but hes toyed with the Wildcats during his career. He threw for four touchdowns in a shootout win in Lexington two years ago, then passed for two and ran for two more in last seasons 63-5 rout.

Kentucky: LB Micah Johnson. The seniors job will be to make sure Tebow doesnt get loose. Hes been bothered by a foot injury early in the season, but is still second on the team with 16 tackles and already has a sack. He chose Kentucky coming out of high school because he wanted to help rewrite Kentuckys record book. Beating the Gators would go a long way toward that.

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Texas-El Paso (1-2) at No. 2 Texas (3-0), 3:30 p.m.

Line: Texas by 34.

Series Record: Texas leads 3-0.

Last Meeting: 2008, Texas 42, Texas-El Paso 13

Whats at Stake

Colt McCoy needs a big game to re-establish his Heisman Trophy bonafides. Not that McCoy has been bad, its just that hes lacking a a good stat-padder thatll polish up his resume later on. A Texas-El Paso victory would be of a magnitude similar to Stanfords upset of Southern California two years ago.

Key Matchup

UTEP linebackers vs. Texas receiver Dan Buckner. Buckner plays a flex position, which puts him closer to the ball and often matches him against linebackers and safeties. Buckner is big (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and fast and quickly becoming a favorite target for McCoy.

Players to Watch

Texas: RB Tre Newton started the season absent from the depth chart. Now hes the No. 1 tailback after two good games. Newton gives the Longhorns the balance they need to open up the passing game for McCoy.

Texas Tech: QB Trevor Vittatoe. Hes UTEPs career passing leader but could have a tough time staying upright against Texas pass rush, which is quickly emerging into one of the best in the country.

Facts Figures

McCoy already has half as many interceptions (four) as he did last season (eight) … UTEPs Jeremy Springer was a backup QB last season. He moved to linebacker and is second for the Miners in tackles with 27 … UTEP is 3-46 vs. ranked opponents. They lost to a ranked Kansas team two weeks ago, now get Texas and then host No. 17 Houston on Oct. 3.

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No. 3 Alabama (3-0) vs. Arkansas (1-1), 3:30 p.m. (CBS)

Line: Alabama by 16 1/2.

Series Record: Alabama leads 11-8.

Last meeting: Alabama won 49-14 in 2008.

Whats at Stake

Its the SEC opener for defending Western Division champion Alabama and the Crimson Tides final home game before road trips to Kentucky and No. 4 Mississippi. Arkansas would love to show how far it has come since last years 49-14 drubbing, and that its defense isnt as bad as Georgia made it look.

Key Matchup

Alabamas defense against the nations No. 2 pass offense. The Tide defense doesnt have any real weak links, but has given up a few big pass plays. Bama has been able to get pressure on every quarterback so far, but Arkansas has only allowed two sacks. Tide has just one INT.

Players to Watch

Arkansas: QB Ryan Mallett. Threw for 408 yards and five touchdowns – both school records – against Georgia, which has the leagues worst defense. Now he faces perhaps the best. Mallett hasnt thrown an interception yet and has two receivers, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs, averaging better than 21 yards a catch.

Alabama: WR Julio Jones. Jones is expected to return after missing most of the past two games with a bruised right knee. Held in check so far, he could be hard to stop for an Arkansas secondary burned for 137 yards and two touchdowns by Georgias A.J. Green last week. Jones is 6-foot-4, Razorbacks starting cornerbacks are 5-9 and 6-0.

Facts Figures

This is the first of four road games for Arkansas against Top 10 teams, including No. 1 Florida, No. 4 Mississippi and No. 7 LSU. Mallett is one of 13 quarterbacks nationally and the only SEC starter who hasnt thrown an interception. Alabama has scored on each of its 12 trips inside the opponents 20-yard line the past two games, and 15 straight overall.

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No. 4 Mississippi (2-0) at South Carolina (2-1), 7:45 p.m. (ESPN)

Line: Mississippi by 3.

Series Record: Mississippi leads 8-6.

Last Meeting: 2008, South Carolina 24-17.

Whats at Stake

The Rebels spot in the top five. Wins over Memphis and Southeastern Louisiana were nice, but Mississippi is expected to receive a stronger test of high ranking in Southeastern Conference opener against Gamecocks. Rebels QB Jevan Snead can also cement his place as the leagues second-highest profile quarterback with a big game. South Carolina won a Thursday night showdown against an SEC upstart two years ago over No. 8 Kentucky. However, the Gamecocks have lost six straight to ranked opponents since. Coach Steve Spurrier is anxious for his team to turn a corner.

Key Matchup

Mississippi QB Jevan Snead vs. South Carolina LB Eric Norwood: Snead and the Rebels were fresh off their landmark victory at The Swamp last season when South Carolina came to town. But Snead lost a fumble and threw an interception in that one as Ole Miss squandered a 14-3 lead to lose 24-17. Norwood, the Gamecocks senior defender and SECs active sack leader, has been a Thursday night marvel in his career. Two years ago, Norwood returned two fumbles for touchdown against Kentucky. Earlier this year, Norwood had five tackles and keyed South Carolinas defense in 7-3 win at North Carolina State.

Players to watch

Mississippi: DE Greg Hardy. Coach Houston Nutt said he expected the Rebels defensive star to play against South Carolina. And that means Hardy could be key in pressuring young Gamecocks passer Stephen Garcia. Hardy sprained his ankle in the opener against Memphis and did not play in the win over Southeastern Louisiana. Hardy has 18 1/2 sacks in his career.

South Carolina: RB Jarvis Giles. The Gamecocks freshman earned his first 100-yard game – and the programs first 100-yard rushing performance in more than year – in a 38-16 win over Florida Atlantic. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier thinks Giles can be the home-run hitter out of the backfield the team has missed.

Facts Figures

Mississippi hasnt been ranked as high as No. 4 since QB Archie Manning led the Rebels in 1970. … Rebels defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix held the same position with Spurriers Gamecocks from 2005-2007. … South Carolina defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye will start after serving a three-game suspension for an offseason arrest.

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Iowa vs. No. 5 Penn State, 8 p.m., (ABC)

Line: Penn State by 9 1/2.

Series record: Penn State leads 11-10.

Last meeting: 2008, Iowa 24-23.

Whats at Stake

The Big Ten opener for both teams is also each schools toughest test so far, especially for Penn State. The Nittany Lions didnt play their best during three early season wins. After Iowas win dashed Penn States national title hopes last season, the underdog Hawkeyes hope to score another surprise before a hostile road crowd.

Key Matchup

Iowa defense vs. Penn St. run game. The Hawkeyes defense has been solid. Iowa allows an average of 140 yards on the ground, though they held Arizona star RB Nic Grigsby last week to 75 – 58 on one long run. Penn State RB Evan Royster and his offensive line hope to stay on track after reviving the run last week. A consistent ground game should give a break to a defense hit by injuries at linebacker.

Players to Watch

Iowa: QB Ricky Stanzi. He has struggled to shake off early game jitters. All three of his interceptions have come before halftime this season, including one returned for a touchdown last week. Stanzi usually improves after halftime, but he needs to limit first-half mistakes to keep Iowa from falling into an early hole.

Penn State: QB Daryll Clark. Last year, the star signal-caller went 9 of 23 for 86 yards and an interception with under 4 minutes left that eventually led to Iowas game-winning field goal. Hes been solid so far this year, though a win Saturday would help ease the pain from the worst performance of his career.

Facts Figures

Iowa has won six of the last seven games against Penn State since 2000. … Iowas victory last year over the Nittany Lions started a seven-game win streak that has stretched into this season. … Paterno has 386 career wins, two ahead of Florida States Bobby Bowden to top the career victory list for major college coaches.

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No. 6 California (3-0) at Oregon (2-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)

Line: California by 6.

Series Record: California leads 39-30-2.

Last Meeting: 2008, California 26-16.

Whats at Stake

Now that USC has a conference loss, California is in early position to steal away the Pac-10 title from the Trojans – who have won a league-record seven straight. But USCs loss to Washington showed that it wont be easy. Oregon snapped Utahs 16-game winning streak last week in a continuing effort to prove that the season-opening loss at Boise State did not define the Ducks.

Key Matchup

Californias offense against Oregons defense. The Golden bears rank among the nations leaders in three major offensive categories. They are 11th in total offense, averaging 488.67 yards, second in scoring offense with an average of 48.67 points and 10th in rushing offense at 250.33 yards. Oregon, meanwhile, is second-to-last in the Pac-10 as far as overall defense and eighth in rushing defense.

Players to watch

California: RB Jahvid Best, who tied the Pac-10s single-game record with five rushing touchdowns last weekend in Cals 35-21 victory at Minnesota. He earned pac-10 offensive player of the week honors for the performance. Best is the nations third-best rusher with an average of 137.33 yards a game and is widely considered a Heisman candidate.

Oregon: Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli completed just four of 16 passes in last Saturdays 31-24 victory over No. 18 Utah. He has yet to throw a touchdown through three games this season, although he has rushed for four scores. Fans have been calling on the Ducks to replace him with backup Nate Costa.

Facts Figures

Cal coach Jeff Tedford was offensive coordinator for the Ducks from 1998-2001. He has a 4-2 record against his former team. Cals defense has allowed just 51 yards rushing over two games. The Golden Bears have outscored opponents 146-41. The Ducks are playing the third of a four-game homestand. Oregon has faced three ranked teams in its first four games this season. Ducks running back LaMichael James made his first career start last weekend against Utah and rushed for 152 yards, breaking the schools single-game record for a freshman.

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No. 7 LSU (3-0) at Mississippi State (2-1), 12:21 p.m. (SEC Network)

Line: LSU by 13.

Series Record: LSU leads 66-33-3.

Last Meeting: 2008, LSU 34-24.

Whats at Stake

LSU has dominated this series recently and needs to continue the trend if coach Les Miles wants to keep the doubters at bay. For Mississippi State, the game represents opportunity. A win – or even just a good showing – will offer evidence of growth under first-year coach Dan Mullen.

Key Matchup

LBs Jamar Chaney and K.J. Wright vs. RBs Charles Scott, Keiland Williams and Trindon Holliday. The Tigers are last in the SEC in total offense and are relying on their multidimensional running game so far. If Chaney and Wright can corral LSUs trio of backs, Mississippi State has a shot.

Players to watch

QB Jordan Jefferson, the SECs youngest starting quarterback at 19, could be a beneficiary of Mississippi States focus on LSUs running backs. Hes a threat to pass and run and Bulldogs defenders say they will have to take a cautious approach because of his ability to get outside.

DE Pernell McPhee was named SEC defensive lineman of the week after getting two sacks against Vanderbilt. If McPhee can get into LSUs backfield, he could create enough havoc to slow LSU down.

Facts Figures

LSU has won nine straight and 16 of 17 against Mississippi State. The Tigers have outscored the Bulldogs 374-105 in the last nine and have given up just 13 points with four shutouts in the last four games in Starkville. … LSU has not allowed a touchdown in six quarters. … Mississippi State has won 3 of its last 6 against ranked teams. … With 2,818 yards rushing, RB Anthony Dixon needs 3 more to move into second place on the Bulldogs career list.

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No. 8 Boise State (3-0) at Bowling Green (1-2), 7 p.m.

Line: Boise State by 17.

Series Record: Boise State leads 2-0.

Last meeting: 2008, Boise State 20-7.

Whats at Stake

Boise State needs a second straight road victory to keep alive its bid for another BCS berth and maintain its No. 8 ranking. The Broncos face their first game since losing RB D.J. Harper to season-ending knee injury.

Key Matchup

Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes vs. Boise State DBs. Barnes is the Falcons top receiver and may be their best runner, too, so theyll look to get him the ball any way possible. Hes leading the nation with 14 catches per game. The Broncos have given up just one passing touchdown and must keep Barnes from getting into space.

Players to Watch

Boise State: RB Jeremy Avery. Avery is the Broncos leading rusher with 297 yards on 45 carries, but he will need to carry more of the load with the loss of Harper. Averys backup now is Doug Martin, a defensive back who has seven tackles this season. Hes had limited action this season and a year ago at running back. The Falcons havent been very good against the run so far, surrendering 156 yards per game.

Bowling Green: QB Tyler Sheehan. A three-year starter who has completed 68 percent of throws this year, Sheehan is averaging 309 yards passing per game and has just one interception. He had a school record 62 attempts at Marshall.

Facts Figures

Boise State will be the highest ranked team to play at Bowling Greens Doyt Perry Stadium. The Falcons beat No. 12 Northern Illinois in 2003. … The Broncos are making their first trip to Ohio. … Boise State has won five straight against teams from the Mid-American Conference, including this seasons win over Miami of Ohio. … Bowling Greens two losses have come after the Falcons were leading or tied in the fourth quarter. The Falcons led at Missouri before giving up two touchdowns in the final quarter. … The Broncos have five consecutive games with an interception. … Bowling Green has beaten four ranked teams in its history, most recently No. 25 Pittsburgh last season. … Sheehan has started 28 straight games at quarterback.

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No. 9 Miami (2-0) at No. 11 Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)

Line: Miami by 2 1/2.

Series Record: Miami leads 17-9.

Last Meeting: 2008, Miami won 16-14.

Whats at Stake

This may be the most difficult game left on the schedule for both teams, and as Coastal Division members in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the winner becomes the favorite to win the division – and reach the ACC championship game at the end of the regular season.

Key Matchup

Miami QB Jacory Harris against the Virginia Tech defense. Harris has been so good in two games his name is suddenly being mentioned in Heisman talk. Hes only been sacked once and plays behind a surprisingly strong offensive line, but Virginia Tech is likely to work hard to find a way to see how good Harris can be when hes not in a comfortable backfield cocoon.

Players to watch

Miami: Harris. Hes been brilliant against Florida State and Georgia Tech, ranking third in the nation in passing efficiency and averaging 328 yards through the air. The Hokies have bent but not broken on defense, holding Nebraska to five field goals in six trips inside the 20 a week ago, setting the stage for their last-minute comeback.

Virginia Tech: QB Tyrod Taylor. Once criticized for being too quick to run, Taylor didnt run enough in the Hokies three non-conference games. He needs to stay healthy, but his running opens things up for the running game and the rest of the offense, and if he continues to pass up open field scrambling opportunities, the Hokies could struggle to move the ball.

Facts Figures

Virginia Tech has won 10 consecutive home games overall and has beaten its old Big East rival nine times in their last 14 meetings. … The Hokies defense, typically among the nations best, is ranked 77th overall and 107th against the run. … Miamis ranking its first inside the top 10 since the final poll of the 2005 season. … Twelve Miami players have already caught a pass this season, and half of those have caught at least five.

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No. 12 USC (2-1) vs. Washington State (1-2), 10:15 p.m. (FSN)

Line: USC by 45.

Series Record: USC leads 56-8-4.

Last meeting: 2009, USC 69-0.

Whats at Stake

The Trojans hope to rebound from last weeks stunning 16-13 loss at Washington, which crippled their national title hopes. With a trip to California looming next week, USCs flailing offense must rediscover its groove against the moribund Cougars, who improved to 3-13 under coach Paul Wulff with last weeks OT win over SMU.

Key Matchup

Washington State P Reid Forrest vs. USC returner Damian Williams: The Cougars best player might be Forrest, whos averaging 45.5 yards – sixth-best in the nation – with plenty of practice. USCs special teams have been decidedly average under new coordinator Brian Schneider, with unimpressive returns and subpar coverage. If Williams can use his impressive speed to make a big play, the Trojans wont need as much from their struggling offense.

Players to Watch

Washington State: RB Dwight Tardy. The senior ball-carrier is back in a starring role with Cal transfer James Montgomery out for the season with leg injury. Tardy could become the first in school history to lead the Cougars in rushing for four straight years.

USC: QB Matt Barkley or Aaron Corp. After Barkley missed last weeks loss to the Huskies with a bruised shoulder, coach Pete Carroll hopes his prized freshman is back in the lineup. If he cant go, Corp will be under tremendous pressure to improve on his 13 for 22 effort against Washington. Third-stringer Mitch Mustain also would love to play, but Carroll doesnt seem inclined that way.

Facts Figures

USC hasnt lost consecutive games since the fourth and fifth games of Carrolls first season in 2001. … The Trojans have won 39 of their last 44 meetings with the Cougars, including six straight. … Washington State ranks last in the Pac-10 both in scoring (21 points per game) and defense (34 points and 537 yards allowed per game). … USC has won 45 of its last 46 games at the Coliseum. The Trojans also have won 28 straight night home games.

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Illinois (1-1) at No. 13 Ohio State (2-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN)

Line: Ohio State by 14 1/2.

Series Record: Ohio State leads 61-30-4.

Last Meeting: 2008, Ohio State 30-20.

Whats at Stake

Ohio State came into the year wanting to play for the national championship and a fifth consecutive Big Ten title. The first goal may have evaporated with an 18-15 loss to Southern California two weeks ago, with USC then turning around and losing at Washington last week. But the Buckeyes cant afford to start conference play with a home loss. Illinois and QB Juice Williams went from 6-2 and a tie for second two years ago in the conference to 3-5 and a tie for sixth last year. This is Williams last chance to live up to that incredible potential he brought into the league four years ago.

Key Matchup

Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor vs. Illinois defense. The sophomore is coming off the best game of his young career, passing for 262 yards and two scores and running for 110 and another TD in a 38-0 win over Toledo. If he can maintain that level of performance against an Illinois unit that was torched for 37 points by Missouri, itll be a long day for the Illini.

Players to watch

Illinois: LB Evan Frierson, who makes his first collegiate start replacing injured Martez Wilson.

Ohio State: WR Dane Sanzenbacher, coming off 126-yard receiving day that marked him as Pryors favorite target.

Facts Figures

The Illini will be without LB Martez Wilson, gone for the rest of the season with a herniated disc in his neck. … Out for Ohio State is RT Jim Cordle, expected to miss about another month with an ankle injury. … Ohio States Jim Tressel (220-77-2) will be coaching in his 300th career game. … Buckeyes hold a 61-30-4 upper hand in series, including 26-18-4 in Columbus. Yet Illini have won three of last four and seven of 10 at Ohio Stadium.

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Fresno State (1-2) at No. 14 Cincinnati (3-0), noon, Saturday (ESPN Regional)

Line: Cincinnati by 14.

Series Record: First meeting.

Whats at Stake

Cincinnati is trying to build on the momentum of its second 3-0 start in the last three years. This one has put the Bearcats in the discussion of top teams in the country. Cincinnatis highest ranking was No. 12 – at the end of last season, after the Bearcats had won the Big East and a berth in the Orange Bowl, where they lost to Virginia Tech. Fresno State is coming off two stinging losses – 34-31 at Wisconsin in double overtime and 51-34 against No. 10 Boise State last week.

Key Matchup

Cincinnatis defense proved it can win a game when the offense is merely above-average. The defense, which had 10 new starters this season, held Oregon State in check for a 28-18 win last weekend. Now, it has to stop what Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly calls arguably the best offensive team weve seen in quite some time. The Bulldogs are fourth in the nation in rushing.

Players to watch

Fresno State: RB Ryan Mathews leads the country with 149 yards per game. He ran for 234 yards against Boise State, including touchdowns of 69, 60 and 68 yards. He has rushed for 100 yards in each game this season. The Bulldogs need him to break some runs and help keep Cincinnatis offense off the field.

Cincinnati: WR/KR Mardy Gilyard. The senior is having a sensational season, scoring six touchdowns – one on a punt return, one on a run, four on catches. Gilyard and QB Tony Pike will be going against a defense that was prone to give up big plays in the loss to Boise State.

Facts Figures

Fresno State has played only one other Big East opponent, winning 24-7 at Rutgers last season. … Mathews next touchdown will give him 25 for his career, matching Dale Messer at No. 10 on the schools list. Messer allowed Mathews to wear his retired jersey No. 21. … Cincinnatis win at Oregon State snapped the Beavers 26-game winning streak at home against nonconference teams, one that lasted 13 years. … The Bearcats offense ranks in the top 10 nationally in four statistical categories. Its fourth at 48.3 points per game, and is also listed for passing yards, total yards and passing efficiency. … Cincinnati has won its last seven games at Nippert Stadium. … The Bearcats are 24-0 under Kelly when they take a lead into the fourth quarter. Theyre 22-2 when they lead after halftime.

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No. 15 TCU (2-0) at Clemson (2-1), 3:30 p.m.

Line: Clemson by 2 1/2.

Series Record: Clemson leads 2-1.

Last Meeting: 1965, Clemson 3-0.

Whats at Stake

TCU can boost its Bowl Championship Series credentials with a second win at an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent, although the intersectional matchup will only be available to watch on the Internet. The Horned Frogs opened their season with a 30-14 victory at Virginia two weeks ago. Clemson is seeking its first win over a ranked opponent since Dabo Swinney took over as coach at midseason last year. The Tigers have lost to both ranked teams they faced since – Florida State last November and Georgia Tech two weeks ago.

Key Matchup

Clemson RB C.J. Spiller vs. TCU Defense: The Tigers star had a 77-yard punt return TD – his third straight game with a TD of at 63 yards or better – and 225 all-purpose yards against Boston College last week. Hes less than 300 yards away from the becoming the Atlantic Coast Conferences career leader in that category. TCUs defense has given up just 88 yards rushing through two games. The Horned Frogs led the nation in total defense last season and are allowing 213 yards per game, less than their 217.8 average that topped the Bowl Subdivision in 2008.

Players to watch

TCU: DE Jerry Hughes. The Horned Frogs 6-foot-3, 257-pound senior had 15 sacks and six forced fumbles last year and has picked up where he left off in 2009 with 4 1/2 sacks so far. Hes a leader of a unit eager to outplay a Clemson group that surrendered just 54 yards to Boston College last Saturday.

Clemson: DE Ricky Sapp. First-year Tigers defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has the 6-5, 240-pound Sapp lining up some at linebacker along with end. Sapp had two sacks against Boston College and has made six tackles behind the line of scrimmage this season.

Facts Figures

Clemson and TCU played in the first Bluebonnet Bowl in 1959, won by the Tigers and coach Frank Howard 23-7. … Since 2002, TCU is 12-3 in its last 15 games against teams from conferences with automatic BCS bids. … Before this season, the Horned Frogs hadnt faced an ACC team since 1997.

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Grambling State (2-1) at No. 16 Oklahoma State (2-1), 7 p.m.

Line: No line.

Series Record: First meeting.

Whats at Stake

Oklahoma State has a final chance to tune up before Big 12 play, with its offense yet to click as it did when ranking sixth in yardage. OSU also needs to kick its turnover habit after giving the ball away six times in the past two games. Grambling State is second in the Championship Subdivision with 13 takeaways, and that would be its surest way to a mammoth upset.

Key Matchup

Grambling State RB Frank Warren vs. OSU defense. The Tigers have been averaging barely more yards rushing than passing so far this season, with Warren leading the way. Hes 10th in the Championship Subdivision with 113 yards per game. Oklahoma State hasnt allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, giving up 105.7 yards per game.

Players to watch

Grambling State: DE Christian Anthony. A 6-foot-4 senior, Anthony has returned two interceptions for touchdowns this season. He also lateraled another to a teammate for a score and returned a fumble to the 5-yard line. Anthony leads the team with 2 1/2 sacks and 7 1/2 tackles for loss.

Oklahoma State: LB Donald Booker. While replacing injured starter Orie Lemon, Booker is leading OSU with 23 tackles and returned a fumble 51 yards for a touchdown last week against Rice.

Facts Figures

The Tigers have won 12 of their last 13 games. … Grambling State coach Rod Broadway was on the same coaching staff with OSU offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer for two years at North Carolina and he coached at Florida when Cowboys RB coach Robert Gillespie played there. … Oklahoma States Quinn Sharp ranks second in the nation with 50.5 yards per punt. He has placed six of his 12 punts inside the 20 with only one touchback.

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Texas Tech (2-1) at No. 17 Houston (2-0), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN2)

Line: Houston by 1.

Series Record: Houston 17-10-1.

Last Meeting: 1995, Texas Tech 38-26.

Whats at Stake

Houston seeks its second straight high-profile victory over a Big 12 team. After beating Oklahoma State on Sept. 12, the Cougars will play as a ranked team for the first time in 18 years. Texas Tech lost at No. 2 Texas last week. Now the Red Raiders face another road test in front an expected record crowd at Robertson Stadium.

Key Matchup

Texas Techs Taylor Potts vs. Houstons Case Keenum. Both quarterbacks are from Abilene, Texas, and guide similar passing offenses. Keenum has completed 72 percent of his passes for 725 yards as the Cougars have rung up 100 points in two games. In his third career start, Potts threw for 420 yards and three TDs against Texas. The junior leads the nation in passing yards with 1,281.

Players to Watch

Texas Tech: LB Marlon Williams has 26 tackles this season. Even though the Red Raiders are known for offense, their defense is fourth in the Big 12, giving up 268 yards per game.

Houston: RB Bryce Beall has rushed for 136 yards at an average of five yards per carry. The sophomore has also caught seven passes and scored a team-best four TDs.

Facts Figures

Keenum can break a school record by throwing for a TD in his 19th straight game. He currently shares the record with 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware. … ESPN analyst Craig James will be broadcasting the game for ESPN while his son, Adam, is a receiver for the Red Raiders. … Robertson Stadiums single-game attendance record is 31,818. Houston officials are expecting a new mark to be set Saturday.

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South Florida at No. 18 Florida State, noon (ESPNU)

Line: Florida State by 14.

Series record: First meeting.

Whats at Stake

After an eye-opening 54-28 win at Brigham Young last week, No. 18 Florida State (2-1) needs to avoid a letdown against a tough, unbeaten opponent from the Big East if it hopes to rejoin the nations elite. South Florida (3-0) will be without four-year starter Matt Grothe at QB. He suffered a season-ending knee injury last week and will be replaced by redshirt freshman B.J. Daniels, who grew up on the Florida State campus where his father was a housing director. USF has clobbered three inferior opponents coming into the game.

Key Matchup

Daniels vs. Seminoles LBs. Itll be tough adjusting to Daniels, a multitalented athlete who played point guard for the USF basketball team. Its also USFs first talented opponent of the year after easy wins over Wofford, Western Kentucky and Charleston Southern.

Players to watch

South Florida: George Selvie, a 245-pound defensive end from Pensacola who has 62.5 career tackles for loss including 26.5 sacks. He has been double or triple-teamed on more than half of opponents snaps. Selvies 62.5 tackles for loss are 15 more than any other active player with a BCS team.

Florida State: QB Christian Ponder has played almost flawlessly in the first three games. Ponder, who completed 21 of 26 in the win over Brigham Young, ranks among the nations leaders in total offense, with 308 yards a game.

Facts Figures

Florida State has its first, and possibly last, sellout of the season with South Florida fans scooping up the final remaining tickets for the first game between the schools. Former Seminoles wide receiver Peter Warrick, a star on the Seminoles 1999 national championship team, is an honorary co-captain for Saturdays game.

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Colorado State (3-0) at No. 19 BYU (2-1), 6 p.m. (The Mtn.)

Line: BYU by 17.

Series Record: BYU leads 37-27-3.

Last Meeting: 2008, BYU 45-42.

Whats at Stake

BYU is trying to regroup after being humbled at home last week by Florida State 54-28, ending an 18-game home winning streak and any thoughts the Cougars had of reaching a BCS game. The Rams, meanwhile, are 3-0 for the first time since 1994 after beating Colorado, Weber State and Nevada.

Key Matchup

BYUs defense vs. Colorado States offense. The Cougars were run over last week by Florida State, which rushed for 313 yards and finished 12 for 15 on third down conversions. The Rams are averaging just 341 yards of offense in their first three games.

Players to watch

COLORADO STATE: QB Grant Stucker will be going against a defense eager for redemption after last week.

BYU: QB Max Hall is also looking for redemption after throwing three interceptions against Florida State.

Facts Figures

Colorado State won its final three games last season and is on a six-game winning streak. … BYU has won the last five games in the series. … Saturday is the Mountain West Conference opener for both teams.

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Southern Miss (3-0) at No. 20 Kansas (3-0), 7 p.m.

Line: Kansas by 13 1-2.

Series Record: First meeting.

Whats at Stake

After rolling up yards against Northern Colorado, UTEP and Duke- 538 per game – the Jayhawks offense gets its first real test. Southern Miss defense ranks 17th in the nation in total yards allowed (251.7) and is sixth-best against the run, giving up 51.7 yards per game.

Key Matchup

Kansas running game vs. Southern Miss run defense. The Golden Eagles have held their last eight opponents under 100 yards rushing, including Virginia (78) in a 37-34 win on Saturday. Kansas starting RB Jake Sharp will likely be an game-time decision.

Players to watch

Southern Miss: RBs Damion Fletcher and Tory Harrison. The pair each rushed for over 100 yards in the win over Virginia, the fourth time in coach Larry Fedoras tenure the Golden Eagles have had two runners eclipse the mark in the same game.

Kansas: QB Todd Reesing. Kansas coach Mark Mangino says Reesing is starting to find his rhythm. That cant be good for Jayhawks opponents, considering the senior has already thrown for 806 yards and seven TDs this season.

Facts Figures

Kansas has won 19 straight non-conference home games. … Southern Miss has the second-longest winning streak in the nation at eight games, the Golden Eagles longest streak since winning 10 straight in the 1958-59 seasons… Southern Miss QB Austin Davis hasnt thrown an interception in his last 128 passes. … Kansas has outscored opponents 51-0 in the second quarter this season. … Kansas WR Dezmon Briscoe needs 93 yards receiving to pass Willie Vaughn (2,266 yards from 1985-88) as the schools career receiving leader.

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Arizona State (2-0) at No. 21 Georgia (2-1), 7 p.m. (ESPNU)

Line: Georgia by 11 1/2.

Series Record: Georgia leads 1-0.

Last Meeting: 2008, Georgia 27-10.

Whats at Stake

Georgia is looking to avoid a stumble heading into a crucial Southeastern Conference stretch against LSU and Tennessee the next two weeks. The Bulldogs defense is under the gun after getting burned repeatedly in high-scoring wins over South Carolina (41-37) and Arkansas (52-41). Arizona State has a chance to make a splash on the national scene after failing to meet expectations in 2008 and starting this season with two wins against cupcake opponents – 50-3 over Idaho State and 38-14 over Louisiana-Monroe.

Key Matchup

Georgia WR A.J. Green against Arizona State CB Omar Bolden. Green had eight catches for 159 yards and a touchdown against the Sun Devils a year ago. Now a sophomore, Green usually draws double coverage, but the Bulldogs showed last week that they have other weapons when Green isnt open. Aron White, Tavarres King and Orson Charles all had long TD catches against Arkansas. That likely will force the Sun Devils to leave single coverage on Green at times, and he usually comes up big in those situations. Last week, he had seven catches for 137 yards and two TDs.

Players to watch

Arizona State: LB Mike Nixon. The 26-year-old senior has eight interceptions in his last 10 games – three in the opener against Idaho State, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also had a blocked punt in that contest.

Georgia: QB Joe Cox. The fifth-year starter is making the most of his one season as the starter. Last week, he tied a school record by throwing for five touchdown passes, earning the Walter Camp national offensive player of the week award.

Facts Figures

Georgias defense ranks last in the SEC in points allowed (34 per game), passing yards (285.3) and total yards (406.3). … Arizona State is playing its first non-conference road game since a trip to Colorado in 2006. Since joining the Pac-10 in 1978, the Sun Devils are 11-14 in road games outside the conference. … The Bulldogs have scored on all nine trips inside the red zone, with four touchdowns and five field goals. … Arizona State is 0-4 against the SEC. Georgias mark against the Pac-10 is 9-4-1. … The Bulldogs are playing three non-conference games against BCS opponents, the first SEC team to do that since a 12th game was added in 2006. They already lost to Oklahoma State (Big 12) and close the regular season against rival Georgia Tech (Atlantic Coast Conference).

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No. 22 North Carolina (3-0) at Georgia Tech (2-1), Noon (Raycom)

Line: Georgia Tech by 3.

Series Record: Georgia Tech leads 23-18-3.

Last Meeting: 2008, North Carolina 28-7.

Whats at Stake

Georgia Tech needs to rebound from last weeks loss at Miami to avoid its second conference loss and its second straight to North Carolina. A win could push the Yellow Jackets back into the Top 25. North Carolina is looking for a win in its ACC opener to join Miami as early favorites in the Coastal Division.

Key Matchup

Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas vs. North Carolina safety Deunta Williams. Thomas had six catches for 133 yards for all of Georgia Techs yards receiving against Miami last week. Williams had two interceptions against The Citadel this year and is a Thorpe Award candidate.

Players to Watch

North Carolina: Freshman WR Erik Highsmith made his first start last week against East Carolina and had six catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Georgia Tech: Jonathan Dwyer, the 2008 ACC player of the year and rushing champion, has been held under 100 yards in three straight games. He was limited to five carries by shoulder injury last week at Miami but returned to practice on Monday.

Facts Figures

Georgia Tech has outscored opponents 41-7 in the first quarter. … Dwyer needs to rush for only one yard to reach 2,000 for his career. … Louisville transfer Anthony Allen has three touchdowns – two rushing and one receiving – for Georgia Tech. … North Carolinas last win at Tech came in 1997, when it was ranked fifth in the nation but struggled to win 16-13. … North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates is from Marietta, Ga. … Tar Heels LB Shane Mularkey is the son of Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. … North Carolina has lost eight straight ACC openers.

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Indiana (3-0) at No. 23 Michigan (3-0), Noon (ESPN2)

Line: Michigan by 21.

Series Record: Michigan leads 50-9.

Last Meeting: 2006, Michigan 34-3.

Whats at Stake

Michigan has built momentum with wins over Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan sandwiched around a last-minute comeback over then-No. 18 Notre Dame that earned the Wolverines their first spot in the AP Top 25 under Rich Rodriguez. An upset by Indiana in the Big Ten opener would spoil that strong start. The Hoosiers opened with close wins against Eastern Kentucky and Western Michigan before routing Akron. Indiana would give third-year coach Bill Lynch the signature wins he needs if it can win at Michigan Stadium for the first time since 1967.

Key Matchup

Michigan LB Obi Ezeh vs. Indiana RB Demetrius McCray. The Wolverines have allowed teams to run. McCray has helped Indiana run for 180-plus yards the past two games. Averaging 5.4 yards a carry, he can keep Michigans high-scoring offense off the field if he can have a good day.

Players to Watch

Indiana: S Austin Thomas, who missed seven games last year with injuries, had two interceptions last week vs. Akron. QB Ben Chappell has completed 68.5 percent of his passes, but has thrown for as many TDs (three) as INTs.

Michigan: RB Carlos Brown ran last week for a career-high 187 yards and two TDs, including a 90-yarder, to share Big Ten offensive player of the week honors. QB Tate Forcier looked like a freshman for the first time last week, completing barely half his passes for just 68 yards.

Facts Figures

Michigan has won 15 straight in the series since losing to Indiana in 1987 and 30 of 31 overall. … Michigan is averaging Big Ten bests of 38 points and 270.7 yards rushing. … The Hoosiers have lost seven straight Big Ten games on the road. … Michigan is hoping to start 4-0 for the first time since 2006, while Indiana hasnt been 4-0 since 1990.

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No. 24 Washington at Stanford, 9 p.m. (Fox College Sports)

Line: Stanford by 7.

Series Record: Washington leads 40-35-4.

Last meeting: 2008, Stanford 35-28.

Whats at Stake

Sole possession of first place in the Pac-10. With the Huskies and Cardinal winning the only two conference games so far, the winner of this one will be the only 2-0 team in the Pac-10.

Key Matchup

Washington ILB Donald Butler against Stanford RB Toby Gerhart. Butler was the Pac-10 defensive player of the week after making 12 tackles, forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass in last weeks 16-13 upset against Southern California. He will have his hands full with the powerful Gerhart, who is averaging 105.3 yards rushing per game.

Players to Watch

Washington: QB Jake Locker. Lockers season ended last season after breaking his thumb against the Cardinal in September. He has been sharp this season, leading the Pac-10 with 270.3 yards passing per game. He is tied for the conference lead with five TD passes, while throwing only one INT.

Stanford: WR Chris Owusu returned the opening kick last week 95 yards for a TD. He also had an 85-yard kickoff return for a score in the opener and is one shy of tying the Pac-10 record for kickoff returns for TDs in a season. He also has 12 catches for 197 yards and two TDs.

Facts Figures

Washington has lost seven straight road games since winning at Stanford Stadium in 2007. … The Huskies did not allow a single third-down conversion in 10 attempts in last weeks 16-13 upset against USC. … Washington has converted 60.4 percent of its third downs for the best mark in the conference. … Four of Stanfords nine TDs have come on returns, with two on kicks, one punt and one interception return for a score. … The Cardinal have scored touchdowns on their opening possession in all three games. … Stanford hasnt started a season 3-1 since 2004.

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Louisiana-Lafayette (2-1) at No. 25 Nebraska (2-1), 7 p.m.

Line: Nebraska by 26 1/2.

Series Record: First meeting.

Whats at Stake

Its bounce-back week for Nebraska, which is coming off a last-minute loss at Virginia Tech. The Ragin Cajuns believe they played LSU closer than the 31-3 score indicated last week, and theyre eager for another crack at a big-time program.

Key Matchup

Louisiana-Lafayette offensive line vs. Nebraska defensive line. All five of the Cajuns starters are back, and theyve played 14 of the last 15 games together. ULL and Kentucky are the only FBS teams that havent given up a sack yet. The strength of the Huskers defense is up front, led by Ndamukong Suh.

Players to Watch

Louisiana-Lafayette: LB Antwyne Zanders has made a team-leading 31 tackles, 15 more than the next player on the tackle chart.

Nebraska: QB Zac Lee. The junior put up great numbers in the first two games but now must overcome his tough outing at Virginia Tech. The right-handed Lee will play with a fractured left thumb.

Facts Figures

Nebraska is celebrating its 300th consecutive sellout since 1962, an ongoing NCAA record. The Huskers will wear 62 throwback jerseys to mark the occasion. … This is Nebraskas third opponent this season from the Sun Belt Conference. The Huskers beat Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State by a combined 87-12. … Nebraska RB Roy Helu Jr. has broken 14 runs of 20 yards or longer in his last eight games. … The Cajuns are 0-13 all-time on the road against the Big 12. … This marks the first time the Cajuns have played three straight games against BCS opponents (Kansas State, LSU, Nebraska).

Posted on September 25th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: College football news, NCAA college football