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Who
Won The Texas A&M-Nebraska Game?
Did you think Texas A&M was going to beat Nebraska last week? I did. Did you put your prediction up for all of the cyberworld to see two days before the upset? I did. Are you bragging to everyone you see this week that you called the biggest upset of the college football year? I am. What? You say you didn't see it? You missed it amongst the 12 pages of college football previews that I provide you with each week? Well, today's your lucky day because I just happen to have a copy of it right here... [from last week's Saturday Selections] "Prediction: Nebraska's streak has to end somewhere, sometime, and this is as good a place as any. Texas A&M certainly has enough talent that if all the stars are in their proper places, then it can pull an upset. However, Nebraska also has enough talent to blow the Aggies out like they did last year. I don't like Aggie quarterback McCown, so let's say he gets replaced by Branndon Stewart (35 of 69 for 376 yards, one touchdown and one interception), who leads Texas A&M to the upset of the day. Texas A&M 22, Nebraska 17." Actual score: Texas A&M 28, Nebraska 21. O.K., so Texas A&M didn't need Stewart, although McCown didn't exactly top "Player of the Game" ballots with his performance. He completed two of eight passes for 93 yards with one interception. Aw, come on, let me brag a little, it's been a rough season, although I did go 9-7 last week raising my season record to 44-53-1. Still brutal, but getting better. Slowly. I would have had a better week, except I lost by a half-point on Florida (the 12.5-point favorite beat LSU 22-10) and by one point on Miami (the 11-point underdog lost to Florida State 26-14). Missed it by that much. (To see last week's Saturday Selections, click here. To look at this week's NFL games through AQB's unique Crystal Ball, click here.) As for this week, I paraphrase singer Paula Cole and ask, "Where have all the good games gone? Yippee Aw, Yippee Yea. Yippee Aw, Yippee Yea." Last week, seven of the top ten teams played a ranked opponent. This week, only one but it should be an exciting Pac-10 battle between No. 11 Oregon at No. 2 UCLA. I also take extended looks at No. 22 Texas Tech at No. 19 Colorado and No. 7 Virginia at No. 25 Georgia Tech. There is no Thursday night college game this week or next week. Here are my previews and picks for all the games involving Top 25 teams. Remember, this is for amusement purposes only. (Generally, your amusement over how inept I am at picking the games.) Did I mention that I picked Texas A&M to win last week? Click on a particular game previewed or just scroll down the page. (All times Eastern. All rankings AP. Note: I don't pick games with odds over 30 points)
No.
22 Texas Tech (6-0) at No. 19 Colorado (5-1) Notes: As a home favorite, Colorado is 0-3 against the spread this year and 2-12 over the past three years. ... Texas Tech has won five of the last six road games after back-to-back home games. ... Texas Tech is 18-8-1 as a road underdog since 1990. ... Since 1990, Colorado is 7-4 against the spread vs. former SWC teams. ... This is the fourth meeting between the two teams. Texas Tech won in 1962 and 1976, while Colorado won in 1981 ... This is only the second time in Colorado history that it hosted ranked opponents in back-to-back weeks. (Last week, Colorado lost 16-9 to No. 4 Kansas State). In 1972, Colorado beat No. 18 Iowa State, 34-22, and then No. 2 Oklahoma, 20-14, a week later. ... Texas Tech is undefeated this late in the season for the first time since 1976. ... With a win Texas Tech head coach Spike Dykes would tie Pete Cawthon's school record of 76. Dykes is 75-57-1 in 12 seasons at Tech, while Cawthon was 76-32-6 from 1930-1940. ... Next week, Texas Tech travels to College Station to face Texas A&M. Coming into this weekend, Texas Tech leads the Aggies in the Big 12 South Division by a half-game. ... Colorado has trailed at some point in 19 straight games. Over those 19 games, the Buffaloes are 11-8. Stars to watch: Texas Tech has the "other" Ricky Williams, who ranks fourth in the country in rushing with 171 yards per game. Which Ricky Williams is better? The 5-7, 190-pound sophomore for the Red Raiders (194 carries, 1,026 yards, 5.3 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns) or the 6-0, 225-pound senior for Texas (188 carries, 1,225 yards, 6.5 yards per carry and 22 touchdowns). ... Colorado kicker Jeremy Aldrich has 42 points this year, including 10 field goals. Sleepers to watch: Texas Tech defensive end Montae Reagor, second on the team with 55 tackles, has made an astounding 13 tackles for a loss and has three sacks. The 6-4, 254-pound senior, who has been called the best defensive end in the Big 12, was named as one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award, given each year to college football's best lineman. Meanwhile, middle linebacker Kyle Shipley leads the team with 65 tackles. ... Colorado receiver Marcus Stiggers has touched the ball eight times this year but has scored three touchdowns - one running and two passing. He is second on the team with 18 points. What to watch: How successful will Texas Tech be running the ball? Colorado did a nice job containing the run last week against Kansas State, but Texas Tech - averaging 240 yards a game on the ground - might have a better running offense that Kansas State. If Colorado stops the run, a distinct considering that it's sixth in the nation against the run, can shaky Texas Tech quarterback Rob Peters pass the Red Raiders to victory? ... Colorado quarterback Mike Moschetti is more beat up than Linda Tripp's reputation but continues to perform. Will he last against Texas Tech's tough front? ... Will Colorado's rash of injuries catch up with them? Prediction: Colorado has not played consistently well this year despite its record, while Texas Tech has quietly won all its games. And I don't see any changes this week. Texas Tech 23, Colorado 13. Back
to the list No.
11 Oregon (5-0) at No. 2 UCLA (4-0) Notes: Visitor is 6-1 against the spread in this series since 1989. ... Oregon is 3-6 in the second of two road games since 1990. ... UCLA is 6-2 against the spread in the last eight as a double-digit home favorite. ... UCLA, which has won the last two and three of the last four games between the two schools, leads the series 35-17. However, the visiting team has won the last four in the series. As a matter of fact, Oregon has won two of the last three games against UCLA in the Rose Bowl. ... With Nebraska's loss last week (did I mention that I predicted Texas A&M would win?), UCLA has the nation's longest winning streak at 14 games. Oregon has won seven straight. ... Oregon and UCLA are ranked 2-3 nationally in scoring. ... Stars to watch: Oregon quarterback Akili Smith (73 of 120, or 60.8%, for 1,418 yards, 15 touchdowns and three interceptions) leads the nation's second-best offense. (Only Louisiana Tech has garnered more offensive yards.) The 6-3, 215-pound senior, a Heisman Trophy candidate, leads the nation in passing efficiency with a 196.3 rating. ... UCLA tailback Jermaine Lewis (53 carries, 270 yards, 5.1 yards per carry and eight touchdowns) returns after a one-game suspension for his involvement in an off-campus fight. But he probably won't start because freshman Deshaun Foster (45 carries, 269 yards, 6.0 yards per carry and three touchdowns) and junior Keith Brown (23 carries, 128 yards, 5.6 yards per carry and four touchdowns) proved themselves to be worthy starters by running for two touchdowns EACH and 209 yards on 29 carries in UCLA's win last week at Arizona, 52-28. Sleepers to watch: Oregon running back Reuben Droughns (87 carries, 652 yards, 7.5 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns - eight rushing, two receiving) is the Pac-10's top rusher and is fifth in the country, averaging 163 yards a game on the ground. The 6-foot, 205-pound junior, a junior college transfer, is making Duck fans forget Saladin McCullough, who accounted for 80% Oregon's carries last year. ... UCLA offensive tackle Kris Ferris - a 6-9, 310-pound junior - was named as one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award, given each year to college football's best lineman. What to watch: See which offense gets tired first or which defense finally steps up to stop the other team. These two schools are second and third in the country in scoring. Oregon averages 50.6 points a game, while UCLA averages 48 points. ... Does familiarity breed contempt? UCLA coach Bob Toledo used to coach at Oregon, and both his coordinators - Al Borges on offense and Nick Aliotti on defense - had those same jobs at Oregon. ... Both teams still have some tough games after this. While the Ducks have looked impressive so far this year, the Harlem Globetrotters have had tougher opponents. Oregon's next five opponents are either ranked or have been ranked this season. Then, they finish the season on the road against its intrastate rival, Oregon State. Meanwhile, UCLA has some tough games remaining, including trips to Berkeley, Calif., (to battle undefeated California), Seattle (Washington) and Miami (Miami, Fla.) Prediction: We will now see how good Oregon really is. I think we'll see an explosive offense with an average defense. And it's that average defense which will eventually cost them the game. The Ducks will hang around for a while, but UCLA has the better defense and home field, which has to eventually count for something in this series. UCLA 44, Oregon 30. Back
to the list No.
7 Virginia (5-0) at No. 25 Georgia Tech (4-1) Notes: Virginia is 5-2 against the spread in the past seven games against Georgia Tech. ... This is Georgia Tech's homecoming. ... Visitor is 10-3 against the spread in this series. ... Georgia Tech has scored 40 or more points in four straight games since its opening game loss, 41-31, to Boston College on Sept. 5. ... Georgia Tech's defense has scored in four straight games and all the same way - stripping the quarterback, recovering the fumble and running it back for a touchdown. ... Georgia Tech lost starting tailback Charles Wiley (45 carries, 168 yards and four touchdowns) last week with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The fifth-year senior, whose college career is probably over, led the team in rushing touchdowns. Those who will have to cover Wiley's load include leading rusher Phillip Rogers (54 carries, 233 yards) and freshman Joe Burns (36 carries, 132 yards and one touchdown). Running back-turned-receiver Charlie Rogers (19 carries, 192 yards and one touchdown) will probably return periodically to his old spot. Stars to watch: Virginia All-American safety Anthony Poindexter leads the team with 58 tackles, three interceptions, four passes broken up, two fumbles recovered and two forced fumbles. He also has three sacks. ... Georgia Tech quarterback Joe Hamilton not only can run the option (52 carries, 174 yards, 3.3 yards per carry and three touchdowns), but he can throw the ball (69 of 120 for 1,152 yards, nine touchdowns and two touchdowns). Hamilton, tied with Quincy Carter for 20th in the nation in passing yards this year, has been amazing since last year's 38-31 loss to Virginia, throwing 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 10 games. Sleepers to watch: Virginia running back Thomas Jones is the Cavaliers most productive offensive player. He can run (97 carries, 536 yards, 5.5 yards per carry and six touchdowns) and catch (12 catches for 87 yards) ... Georgia Tech receiver Dez White (25 catches, 532 yards and five touchdowns) is 13th in the country in receiving yards per game (106.4). What to watch: See how Virginia handles the option. The Cavaliers don't see the option much. ... Can Virginia slow down Hamilton and the Georgia Tech offensive machine? ... Check out how well Virginina quarterback Aaron Brooks (74 of 139 for 1,000 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions), who has had a disappointing year, deals with the aggressive Georgia Tech defense and the pressure of competing against the best quarterback in the ACC. Prediction: While Georgia Tech averages 11.6 points more a game than Virginia (40.8 to 29.2), Virginia averages more yards a game (433.2 to 424). That leads me to believe that the Cavaliers can hold their own on offense. They already have the advantage of defense, allowing more than 10 points a game and 100 yards less than Georgia Tech. Virginia, rested after a bye week, is the better team and will show it Saturday. Virginia 30, Georgia Tech 15. Back
to the list
No. 9 Wisconsin (-20 1/2) at Illinois - Noon, ESPN2 - After getting shut out at home by the best team in the Big 10 (and the nation), Illinois (2-4) gets to host the second-best team in the Big 10 (and the ninth-best in the nation) for its homecoming. The Fighting Illini last played back-to-back games against teams in the Top 10 in September 1989, when they battled No. 5 USC and No. 8 Colorado. Wisconsin, 6-0 now, should be 9-0 before its final two games of the season - at Michigan on Nov. 14 and home against Penn State on Nov. 21. Wisconsin is 3-0-1 against Illinois in the past four games. The Badgers should improve that mark Saturday with (ch)ease, but I think Illinois will cover. Wisconsin 28, Illinois, 13. Minnesota at No. 1 Ohio State (-37 1/2) - Noon, ESPN - Ohio State's defense has allowed 40 points. Total. In five games. On the other side, the Buckeyes offense averages almost that much a game (37.4 points a game actually). This should be another easy win as Ohio State cruises to its home date against Michigan on Nov. 21. Back
to the list Vanderbilt at No. 13 Georgia (-27 1/2) - 12:30 pm, Jefferson Pilot - What's the best way to regroup after a tough home loss to a highly ranked conference foe? Beat up on the worst team in the conference! Vanderbilt is just that, having lost 21 straight against the SEC and having been outscored 104-13 by its three SEC opponents (Mississippi State, Alabama and Mississippi) so far this year. Vanderbilt's last win was against Northern Illinois on Oct. 11, 1997, and its last SEC win was against Kentucky on Nov. 4, 1995. None of that will change this week at Georgia's homecoming; look for Champ Bailey to pad his totals this week. Georgia 48, Vanderbilt 7. No. 17 Arkansas (-7) at South Carolina - 1 pm - This game is an oxymoron. Arkansas (5-0) is coming off its worst win of the year, an unimpressive 23-9 victory against Memphis, while South Carolina (1-5) is coming off its best loss of the year, an impressive 33-28 defeat at Kentucky. Plus, despite being is different SEC divisions, Arkansas and South Carolina play each other every year because of scheduling glitch caused by them entering the SEC at the same time. Arkansas has the third-best rushing defense in the country, but when have you known South Carolina to run the ball? The Gamecock like to pass behind their two quarterbacks Anthony Wright (80 of 153 for 1,092 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions. He also has two rushing touchdowns) and Phil Petty (17 of 43 for 230 yards, one touchdown and one interception). Arkansas stud running back Chrys Chukuma should be back, which should help the Razorbacks and his backfield mate, Madre Hill, who was held to 24 yards on 17 carries. This could be an upset; however, I think Arkansas pulls it out. Arkansas 32, South Carolina 28. Back
to the list Oklahoma at No. 20 Missouri (-16 1/2) - 1 pm - Missouri (4-1) is off to its best start in nearly 20 years but will be going up against a team this week that has proven to be quite troublesome for them. Although this is the first meeting since 1995, Missouri has lost 12 straight games to Oklahoma (2-3) and hasn't won since a 10-0 victory in 1983. Undoubtedly, this is Missouri's most-talented team in a generation lead by roommates Corby Jones and Devin West, who account for 22 of the team's 23 touchdowns. Jones (35 of 63 for 570 yards, four touchdowns and two touchdowns) is still suffering from a sprained left big toe that he suffered on Oct. 3 against Northwestern State. However, the option quarterback still has great rushing numbers (70 carries, 245 yards, 3.5 yards per carry and eight touchdowns). West (140 carries, 958 yards, 6.8 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns) is second in the country, averaging more than 191 rushing yards per game. Oklahoma did a terrible job last week against the run vs. Texas, and I see that continuing this week. Missouri 38, Oklahoma 17. Temple at No. 14 Virginia Tech (-36) - 1 pm - Virginia Tech (5-0) has won five games over five games this year. Temple (0-6) has won five games over 47 games since 1994. Virginia Tech's defense has given 30 points this year. Temple's defense has given up at least 30 points in each of the past five games this year. Shall I go on? Back
to the list Auburn at No. 5 Florida (-20) - 3:30 pm, CBS - Florida coach Steve Spurrier has decided again to change his quarterback situation. This time, though, it wasn't his choice. After being named the starter last week, Jesse Palmer suffered a broken left clavicle against LSU. He will probably miss the season. Now, Spurrier goes back to Doug Johnson (54 of 95 for 843 yards, six touchdowns and one interception), who's not a bad alternative considering he is ranked 14th in the country. (Florida also lost stud defensive lineman Ed Chester for the season to injury. Chester and linebacker Jevon Kearse were named as two of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award, which annually goes to college football's best lineman.) Auburn (1-4), meanwhile, has started its own quarterback rotation, having played sophomore Ben Leard (53 of 106 for 695 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions) and true freshman Gabe Gross (11 of 30 for 170 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions) in last week's 38-21 loss to Mississippi State. Florida (5-1) has won 25 straight games at home and is 51-2 at "The Swamp" since 1990. Included in that is a 29-1 home record against the SEC. The only loss? By Auburn in 1991. Recently, though, it has been all Florida, who has beat the Tigers three straight times, including a 24-10 victory. Add another win to Florida's totals. Florida 44, Auburn 17. Oklahoma State at No. 4 Kansas State (-21) - 3:30 pm, ABC - Oklahoma State (2-3) came within inches of knocking off Nebraska, instead it became the last team to lose to Nebraska during its 19-game winning streak. Saturday, it will try not to become No. 14 on Kansas State's winning streak list. Kansas State (5-0) looked a little less formidable last week against a game Colorado club but still won 16-9. I think Kansas State re-establishes itself this week to send a message to Nebraska, whom the Wildcats play in Lincoln on Nov. 14. Kansas State 42, Oklahoma State 7. Back
to the list Louisville at No. 24 Tulane (-16) - 3:30 pm, Fox Sports Net - Tulane is back in The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 1979, after beating Southern Mississippi two weeks ago. Quarterback Shaun King, who entered the game leading the nation in passing efficiency, completed 14-of-25 passes for 123 yards on one touchdown despite playing the game with a soft cast on his broken left wrist. King is now sixth in the nation in passing efficiency with a 170.78 rating. King's two top targets are wide receivers P.J. Franklin and JaJuan Dawson, who have combined for 52 catches for 809 yards and nine touchdowns. Louisville also has an impressive led by quarterback Chris Redman (156 of 266 for 1,993 yards, 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions), who is fifth in the nation in passing yards per game, averaging 332.2 yards per game. Unfortunately for Louisville, its defense has to come on to the field. The Cardinals' defense ranks 100th out of 112 teams against the run, 108th against the pass and 110th in total defense. It allows nearly 511 yards per game. Here's the difference between the two teams: Both teams scored 21 against Southern Mississippi, except Tulane won 21-7, while Louisville lost 56-21. Tulane 42, Louiville 21. No. 23 Syracuse (-12 1/2) at Boston College - 3:30 pm, CBS - One of the nation's best quarterbacks faces one of the nation's best runners. Syracuse quarterback Donovan McNabb (83 of 117 for 1,077 yards, 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions) is the second-ranked passer in the country, while Boston College running back Mike Cloud is fourth in the country with 862 rushing yards, including 186 yards against Virginia Tech in the rain last week. Cloud averages 172 yards a game and 6.1 yards a carry. Boston College (3-2) got off to a quick start, winning its first three games and giving hope to its fans in what was suppose to be a rebuilding year. In the end, I think Boston College fans will realize that it actually was a rebuilding year. Syracuse 38, Boston College 24. Back
to the list Purdue at No. 12 Penn State (-8 1/2) - 3:30 pm, ABC - Purdue and quarterback Drew Brees bring their passing attack to Happy Valley this weekend. In last week's 31-24 loss to Wisconsin, Brees tied an NCAA record with 55 completions and set a new one. He threw for 494 yards but had four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. In its 27-17 win in Minnesota last week, Penn State's defense forced four turnovers and had seven sacks. A similar effort will be needed against Brees and the more explosive Purdue offense. I don't know if the Boilermakers will win, but they proved to me last week that they could play in hostile situations. I'm picking the Nittany Lions, whom I still consider over-rated, but I wouldn't be surprised by an upset. Penn State 28, Purdue 23. No. 16 Arizona (-8 1/2) at Oregon State - 4 pm - Two teams with different goals meet in Corvallis, Oregon. Arizona (5-1), coming off an disappointing loss to UCLA after an emotional win at Washington, must regroup against a dangerous Oregon State (4-2) squad, seeking its first bowl since 1965. Oregon State knows win at home against a nationally ranked team makes them very attractive to the bowls, while Arizona realizes that it has to keep up with the Pac-10 leaders. The Wildcats know that at least one of the teams in front of them will lose, if not two of the three. Oregon (5-0, 2-0 in the Pac 10) battles UCLA (4-0, 2-0), while California (4-1, 2-0) plays at Washington. Needless to say, this game is important to both teams. Arizona has won five straight against Oregon State, including 27-7 last year. While UCLA ended Arizona's nine-game winning streak, Oregon State broke its 14-game conference losing streak against Stanford last week. I really don't have a feel for this game, so without much aplumb, I'm going with the better team, Arizona, because none of Oregon State's wins this year really impress me. Although this one would. Arizona 30, Oregon State 20. Back
to the list Clemson at No. 6 Florida State (-28 1/2) - 6 pm, ESPN2 - Clemson (2-4) has lost six straight games to Florida State (5-1) and is 2-9 all-time against the Seminoles. The Tigers have been shut out in two of their last three trips to Tallahassee, where it is homecoming this week. Seminole coach Bobby Bowden is 22-0 at Florida State in homecoming games. Make it 23-0. Florida State 38, Clemson 7. Kansas at No. 8 Nebraska (-34 1/2) - 7 pm, Fox Sports Net - Kansas is the wrong team at the wrong time after last week's loss by Nebraska, who hasn't lost back-to-back regular-season games since 1976. Kansas hasn't beaten Nebraska since 1968 in what is the longest continuously played series, at 93 consecutive years, in college football. This is the 105th meeting, putting it third on the list of most frequent opponents. By the way, did I mention that I predicted Nebraska would lose last week? Back
to the list No. 10 Texas A&M (-6 1/2) at Baylor - 7 pm - Did I mention that I predicted that Texas A&M would win last week? Not only is it my best prediction of the year, but it also is the highest-ranked opponent that Texas A&M has ever beaten. That was last week, though; this week's opponent will be tough for the Aggies despite Baylor's 2-3 record. Remember, it was the Bears who beat North Carolina State the week after the Wolfpack upset Florida State. Baylor also almost beat Colorado and Texas Tech on the road, losing both games to those ranked opponents by only two points. Texas A&M has won the last seven games against Baylor and haven't loss to the Bears in the last 12 games. Baylor last defeated the Aggies, 20-15, in 1985. Watch to see how Texas A&M running back Ja'Mar Toombs plays this week after his break out game last week. The true freshman had 110 yards on 10 carries and scored a touchdown against Nebraska last week. Before the game, he had had 23 yards on nine carries. I think Toombs will help the Aggies win but not enough to cover. Texas A&M 23, Baylor 20. Kentucky at No. 21 LSU (-10) - 9 pm, ESPN2 - Two teams who have each lost two games after starting the season with high('sman) hopes and three wins try to salvage a season Saturday night. A loss in Death Valley kills any legitimate hopes for either team. Which is why this game is as much mental game as it is physical one. Can Kentucky (4-2) regroup after rough road losses to Florida and Arkansas, a game that was very winnable? Can LSU (3-2) restore its dominance at Tiger Stadium after losing to Georgia two weeks ago, in a game that was very winnable? Which superstar and preseason Heisman hopeful will lead his team to victory? Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch (215 of 303 for 2,391 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions) or LSU running back Kevin Faulk (87 carries, 611 yards, 7 yards per carry and five touchdowns)? LSU will honor Saturday its 1958 national championship team, which featured 1959 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon. That should be just enough inspiration for the Tigers, who lead the series 34-13-1, including a 20-4-1 record at home. LSU 35, Kentucky 34. Back
to the list The Associated Press, SportsTicker, The Sporting News College Football yearbook, Preview Sports College Football preview, Phil Steele's 1998 College Football Preview, Sportsform and Petersen's Bob Griese's College Football contributed information for this article. |
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