Saturday 09/01/2018 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc.

[bmd1803]

Preview: UT Martin at Missouri
Gracenote
Aug 29, 2018

Missouri hopes to avoid the slow start that plagued the squad last year and pick up where it left off when it hosts UT Martin on Saturday. The Tigers won their last six regular-season games in 2017 and will look for a potentially potent offense to lead the way against the Skyhawks.


The Tigers had trouble putting away Missouri State in last season's opener before losing their next five games, and they don’t want a repeat performance against another FCS opponent. “We’ve been a team in the past that oozes our way out,” Missouri offensive lineman Paul Adams told the Kansas City Star. “It’s caught up to us a lot. I would love for us to come out and make a statement. Put our foot on the gas and never look back.” The Tigers have plenty of fuel on offense, with 10 starters back from a team that led the ACC with 502.2 total yards per game. Among them is quarterback Drew Lock, who is surrounded by a group of weapons that includes Preseason All-SEC tight end Albert Okwuegbunam.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: None


ABOUT UT MARTIN (2017: 6-5): The Skyhawks did not have much firepower on offense last year as they averaged 19.6 points, but they made up for it with a stingy defense. The unit that ranked fourth in FCS last season has several holes to fill, but all three starting linebackers return after combining for 27.5 tackles for loss in 2017. UT Martin is 1-24 all-time against FBS teams, with the only win coming in 2012 against a Memphis squad for which Odom served as the defensive coordinator.

ABOUT MISSOURI (2017: 7-6): Lock set the school and SEC record with 44 touchdown passes last year and needs just 105 passing yards to move ahead of Brad Smith for second place on the school’s all-time list. The Tigers also should have a solid ground game with Damarea Crockett and Larry Rountree III in the backfield. The defense should be strong up the middle, with tackle Terry Beckner Jr. back for his senior year to anchor the line and all three starting linebackers returning.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Missouri has won each of its last 12 home openers and 19 of its last 21.

2. The Tigers are 17-0 all-time against FCS opponents and have outscored their last 14 FCS foes 728-139.

3. Missouri’s offense has had fewer plays go for negative yardage than any other team in the nation each of the last two seasons, as it averaged three per game in 2016 and 2.85 last year.


PREDICTION: Missouri 37, UT Martin 13

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: North Carolina at California
Gracenote
Aug 29, 2018

California opened the Justin Wilcox era last year on a high note by going to North Carolina and recording a surprising come-from-behind 35-30 victory. Cal’s second-year coach looks for a similar result Saturday when the Bears host the depleted Tar Heels, who will be without 13 suspended players and standout defensive lineman Aaron Crawford (knee injury) in the season opener for both teams.

North Carolina is taking the longest trip in school history to face an improving Cal team that has made just one bowl game in the past six seasons and was picked to finish fourth in the Pac-12 North Division. The Bears are hoping to build on the promising signs from last season, when former walk-on Patrick Laird rushed for 1,127 yards – including an average of 145.4 yards over the final five games. Laird returns for his senior season and figures to receive a heavy workload against North Carolina, which finished 88th in the nation in points allowed in last year’s injury-plagued season but hopes to bounce back behind a veteran defensive line. The Tar Heels will look to pressure Cal quarterback Ross Bowers, who completed 59 percent of his passes for 3,039 yards and 18 touchdowns against 12 interceptions last season.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: California -7

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (3-9 in 2017): Dual-threat quarterback Nathan Elliott started the final three games last season and will get the nod Saturday over Chazz Surratt, who is suspended for the first four contests. Coach Larry Fedora plans to rotate Jordon Brown, Antonio Williams and true freshman Javonte Williams at running back, while wide receiver Anthony Ratliff-Williams looks to build on a strong sophomore campaign. The Tar Heels boast a formidable defensive line and two impressive linebackers in Cole Holcomb and Jonathan Smith, but the secondary could be vulnerable against Cal’s aerial attack.

ABOUT CAL (5-7 in 2017): In search of their first bowl appearance since 2015, the Bears need continued growth from a defensive unit led by linebackers Cameron Goode and Jordan Kunaszyk, who had a team-high 74 tackles last season. Cal fell from third to 10th in the conference in scoring offense last year and needs a quick start from Bowers, who will be operating behind a veteran offensive line. There are question marks at the wide receiver position after three key wideouts left the program, but Kanawai Noa and Vic Wharton III return after combining for 123 catches last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cal has won its last four consecutive season openers and is 12-4 in its first game since 2002.

2. Saturday’s contest marks North Carolina’s first trip to the West Coast since a 37-34 loss at Stanford in 1998.

3. Cal was 4-2 at home last season with its two losses coming by a combined 11 points to USC and Arizona.

PREDICTION: Cal 27, North Carolina 17

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
North Carolina

Tar Heels are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Tar Heels are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games.
Tar Heels are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Tar Heels are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.
Tar Heels are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in September.

California

Golden Bears are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Golden Bears are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
Golden Bears are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends
North Carolina

Over is 5-1 in Tar Heels last 6 vs. Pac-12.
Over is 6-2 in Tar Heels last 8 games in September.

California

Under is 5-2 in Golden Bears last 7 home games.
Over is 34-16-1 in Golden Bears last 51 non-conference games.

Head to Head
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Boise State at Troy
Gracenote
Aug 29, 2018

Boise State is one of the preseason favorites to end up in a New Year's Six bowl game, and the No. 22 Broncos will strive to get off to a good start when they visit Troy on Saturday. The Broncos and Central Florida (No. 21) are the lone non-power conference schools to be part of the preseason national rankings.

Boise State has won 42 games in Bryan Harsin's four seasons, but the coach isn't all that thrilled about the prognosticators placing lofty expectations on his squad. "What we understand is whatever expectations are put on us from the outside, we can't control that, good or bad," Harsin told reporters. "People can say you're going to be great, people can say you're going to suck. Neither one's true in our minds, don't pay attention to that. At the end of the year, that's when you decide whether you had a good season or a bad season." Troy is 21-5 over the past two seasons -- including a memorable road win at LSU last season -- and has won its past seven contests. Coach Neal Brown announced Monday that junior Kaleb Barker will start at quarterback as the Trojans look to replace departed four-year starter Brandon Silvers.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPNews. LINE: Boise State -10.5

ABOUT BOISE STATE (2017: 11-3): Senior quarterback Brett Rypien (2,877 yards, 16 touchdown passes last season) looks to increase his productivity after topping 3,300 yards and throwing for at least 20 scores in each of his first two seasons. Rypien has a sturdy back to hand the ball off to in junior Alexander Mattison, who rushed for 1,086 yards and 12 touchdowns last season but needs to develop a new go-to wideout after the departure of Cedrick Wilson (school-record 1,511 receiving yards last season). The Broncos lost star linebacker Leighton Vander Esch - a first-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys - but are still loaded on the defensive side with standouts such as senior cornerback Tyler Horton (two interceptions last season), sophomore outside linebacker Curtis Weaver (team-best 11 sacks in 2017) and senior defensive tackle David Moa (11.5 career sacks).

ABOUT TROY (2017: 11-2): Barker, who has thrown 17 collegiate passes, was chosen over sophomore Sawyer Smith (25 passes) in a tight competition, but both signal-callers will see action against Boise State. "(Barker) won the job from a production standpoint, the ability to make plays with his feet and from an efficiency standpoint in the passing game," Brown said in a press conference. "I still have a lot of confidence in Sawyer and the team does too, so he will have a significant role in our offense on Saturday." Senior cornerback Blace Brown is a defensive playmaker with 11 career interceptions and he returned one for a touchdown in last season's meeting with Boise State.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Boise State notched a 24-13 home victory over the Trojans in last season's opener in the lone previous meeting.

2. Troy sophomore CB Marcus Jones returned three kickoffs for touchdowns last season while ranking seventh nationally with a 30.3 kick return average.

3. Rypien has 9,876 career passing yards and needs 2,815 to surpass San Diego State's Ryan Lindley (12,690 from 2008-11) as the Mountain West's all-time leader.

PREDICTION: Boise State 30, Troy 24

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Boise State

Broncos are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on turf.
Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
Broncos are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 vs. S-Belt.
Broncos are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Troy

Trojans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Trojans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
Trojans are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games on turf.
Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
Trojans are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.

OU Trends
Boise State

Over is 17-8 in Broncos last 25 road games.

Troy

Under is 6-0 in Trojans last 6 games in September.
Under is 7-2 in Trojans last 9 games on turf.
Under is 12-5 in Trojans last 17 games overall.
Over is 36-15 in Trojans last 51 non-conference games.

Head to Head
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: North Carolina A&T at East Carolina
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

Reid Herring will be making his first career start at quarterback for East Carolina on Saturday as it tries to avoid a second straight season-opening loss to an FCS opponent when it takes on visiting North Carolina A&T. Herring, a sophomore, won the starting job over Holton Ahlers and Kingsley Ifedi for the Pirates, who will square off with the Aggies for the first time.

Herring, who threw one pass for a 20-yard touchdown last season after redshirting in 2016, won't need to do much to improve on what the Pirates got out of the position last season, with the other quarterbacks throwing 25 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. The Raleigh, N.C., native will have several talented weapons at his disposal, including receivers Trevon Brown, who posted 60 receptions for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns last season, redshirt freshman Blake Proehl, son of former NFL receiver Ricky Proehl, and junior Deondre Farrier. Anthony Scott, who redshirted last season after producing 384 yards on the ground in 2016, was named the starting running back ahead of Trace Christian and Hussein Howe, who led the team with 419 rushing yards last season. Aside from North Dakota State and James Madison, which beat the Pirates 34-14 in last season's opener, there aren't many FCS teams better than North Carolina A&T, which has fashioned a 31-5 record over the last three seasons, including 12-0 in 2017.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA A&T (1-0): The Aggies kicked off the Sam Washington era with a 20-17 victory last week against Jacksonville State as last season's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference MVP Lamar Raynard threw a pair of touchdowns. Raynard, who passed for 2,932 yards and 27 touchdowns as a redshirt junior, was one of five Aggies to be named to the All-MEAC first team on offense, joining running back Marquell Cartwright, receiver Elijah Bell, tight end Leroy Hill and offensive lineman Marcus Pettiford. Defensive lineman Darryl Johnson, who totaled 15.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season, was the only Aggie named to Phil Steele's preseason FCS All-American team, but the junior was accompanied by Timadre Abram and Frank McCain on the All-MEAC first team defense.

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (2017: 3-9): If third-year head coach Scottie Montgomery can't fix a defense that permitted six teams to score 52 or more points last season, it might not matter what Herring and the offense can do. Sophomore weak side linebacker Aaron Ramseur, who had 57 tackles and two interceptions a season ago, is one of three underclassmen slated to start for the Pirates along with sophomore middle linebacker Bruce Bivens and freshman free safety Nolan Johnson. Senior nickelback Devon Sutton, who started 10 games last season and recorded 68 tackles, junior defensive back Colby Gore (37 tackles) and junior defensive tackle Jalen Price have the most experience of the group in terms of games started last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. East Carolina has had a 1,000-yard receiver in six straight seasons, which is the most in the FBS and twice that of any other team.

2. Included in the 31-5 mark over the last three seasons for the Aggies are victories over FBS teams Charlotte (2017) and Kent State (2016).

3. The Pirates had won 24 straight against FCS teams prior to the loss to James Madison, which entered the game as the reigning FCS national champion.

PREDICTION: East Carolina 47, North Carolina A&T 41

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Elon at South Florida
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

South Florida unveils a new backfield corps on offense and replaces several key departed starters on the defensive side of the ball when it opens the 2018 season with a visit from FCS foe Elon on Saturday night. The Bulls must fill the spots left by productive quarterback Quinton Flowers and two running backs, a group that combined for 2,817 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground in 2017.

Second-year USF coach Charlie Strong hopes to see players emerge from a deep and talented, if not experienced, cast of running backs and former Alabama quarterback Blake Barnett gets the start behind center after a three-way battle for the position. “I think I’ve been picking (the offense) up pretty quick,” Barnett told the Tampa Bay Times. “Everyone’s had a fair shot, everyone’s had equal reps. We’re just all trying to apply ourselves and do as best we can to make this team productive.” The Bulls lose two key lineman, their all-time leading tackler at linebacker and two top defensive backs from last year’s team and should be challenged by a talented Elon offense. The Phoenix made the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2009 last season, led by Colonial Athletic Association offensive Rookie of the Year Davis Cheek (2,431 yards, 15 TDs passing) at quarterback.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: No Line

ABOUT ELON (2017: 8-4): Cheek completed 58.8 percent of his passes in his freshman campaign with eight interceptions in 12 games and returns his top receiver Kortez Weeks, who hauled in 60 passes for 709 yards last season as a freshman. Senior Malcolm Summers ran for 755 yards in six games before an injury ended his season in 2017 and is back to lead the way on the ground along with junior De’Sean McNair (663 yards) and sophomore Brelynd Cyphers (476). Senior linebacker Warren Messer (114 tackles, 5.5 sacks) leads a defense that returns nine starters - matching the total on offense.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (2017: 10-2): Barnett started for Alabama in its season opener against USC back in 2016 and completed 5-of-6 passes for 100 yards with a touchdown, but was replaced by Jalen Hurts before eventually transferring to Arizona State. Junior Brett Kean and sophomore Chris Oladokun may also get a shot at quarterback, throwing to a solid group of receivers led by senior Tyre McCants (36 catches, 686 yards in 2017). Senior cornerback Mazzi Wilkins returns after recording three of the team’s 20 interceptions last year and Strong told reporters there is a lot of depth on the defensive line.

EXTRA POINTS

1. USF junior RB Trevon Sands ran for 111 yards last year, the most of any player returning.

2. The Bulls defeated Elon 28-13 in their only meeting in 2007 and the Phoenix are 0-9 versus FBS opponents overall.

3. USF TE Mitchell Wilcox (17 receptions in 2017) has been slowed by an upper-body injury, but is expected to play Saturday.

PREDICTION: South Florida 47, Elon 14

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Richmond at Virginia
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

Virginia will try to shake bad memories of two years ago when it hosts Richmond on Saturday evening. The two teams meet in the season opener for the second time in three seasons, and two years ago it was the Spiders, an FCS squad, who dominated the Cavaliers with a 37-20 win.

That loss was Bronco Mendenhall’s first game as Virginia’s coach and his team went on to go 2-10 in 2016 but rebounded last year with a 6-7 campaign that ended with an appearance at the Military Bowl. Mendenhall wouldn’t agree that he’s looking forward to getting revenge on Saturday, instead telling reporters that the game “has special meaning more in relation to it being year three (under his direction) rather than the same opponent.” Richmond enters the 2018 season after going 6-5 under first-year head coach Russ Huesman last season. It was a tough 2017 season for the Spiders, who at one point were ranked as high as No. 7 but suffered four one-possession losses over the course of the season.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: None

ABOUT RICHMOND (2017: 6-5): Richmond enters the season with a big void to fill at quarterback after Kyle Lauletta (3,737 yards, 28 TDs, 12 INTs, 153.2 QB rating) was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. The Spiders will turn to junior Kevin Johnson, a former three-star recruit who led Richmond to two FCS playoff victories when Lauletta was injured in 2016. The 4-2-5 defense is led by senior defensive lineman Andrew Clyde, who has been named to three preseason All-America teams, and returns both of its starting linebackers - seniors Justin Rubin and Dale Matthews Jr.

ABOUT VIRGINIA (2017: 6-7): Coach Mendenhall isn’t overly optimistic about this season, publicly saying “I believe we have 27 ACC-caliber football players on our roster today” back in June. One of those 27 players will hopefully be quarterback Bryce Perkins, a junior-college transfer from Arizona Western who led his team to an NJCAA runner-up finish in 2017. The defense - the strength of the team last season, returns eight starters, including inside linebacker Jordan Mack who had 115 tackles in 2017 (fifth in the ACC).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Mendenhall is 9-1 in his career against FCS competition.

2. Virginia RB Olamide Zaccheaus has at least one reception in 29 straight games - a streak that started on Nov. 7, 2015.

3. The Spiders ran for 1,229 yards last season and return their top four running backs.

PREDICTION: Virginia 38, Richmond 28

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Cincinnati at UCLA
Gracenote
Aug 29, 2018

Chip Kelly will make his debut as coach at UCLA when the Bruins host Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon at the Rose Bowl. Kelly led Oregon to three Pac-12 titles from 2009-12, and then spent four seasons in the NFL (2013-16) as coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

Kelly has yet to coach at game at UCLA and he's already dealing with serious internal distractions. UCLA announced Monday that running back Soso Jamabo, tight end Devin Asiasi, defensive back Mo Osling, center Boss Tagaloa, and defensive linemen Osa Odighizuwa and Moses Robinson-Carr have been suspended for the season opener for violating unspecified athletic department policies. Jamabo was the team's second-leading rusher last season (446 yards, six touchdowns), Tagaloa was in the hunt for the starting center spot and Odighizuwa was expected to play a key role on the defensive front. Cincinnati is looking for a fast start coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1998-99, and the Bearcats have their leading passer, rusher and receiver back this season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: UCLA -15

ABOUT CINCINNATI (2017: 4-8): Hayden Moore has been the primary starter at quarterback the past two seasons, and he played eight games for the Bearcats as a freshman in 2015, giving him considerable experience at the position. He didn't improve at the rate many expected last season, however, and could face early challenges from the four other Cincinnati quarterbacks, most notably redshirt freshman Desmond Ridder. Gerrid Doaks missed the final three games with an ankle injury last season, but still led the Bearcats in rushing as a freshman with 513 yards on 87 carries, and look for the offense to lean on senior wide receiver Kahlil Lewis, who caught a team-high 61 passes for 676 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

ABOUT UCLA (2017: 6-7): The quarterback position was still murky at UCLA to start the week, and it may take Kelly right up until game day to make a decision on a starter. Wilton Speight started 11 games for Michigan in 2016 and the first four for the Wolverines last season before a fractured vertebrae ended his year. He has moved on to UCLA as a graduate transfer this season and is competing against freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson and redshirt sophomore Devon Modster for the starting nod.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kelly's regular-season record as a college head coach is 44-5 and his NFL mark is 28-35.

2. UCLA junior tight end Caleb Wilson caught a school-record 15 passes for 208 yards in last year's season-opening win against Texas A&M.

3. Cincinnati is the only American Athletic Conference team to return its leading passer, rusher and receiver this season.

PREDICTION: UCLA 37, Cincinnati 21

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Cincinnati

Bearcats are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games overall.
Bearcats are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games in September.
Bearcats are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 non-conference games.
Bearcats are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.

UCLA

Bruins are 7-17 ATS in their last 24 games on grass.
Bruins are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
Bruins are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
Bruins are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games in September.

OU Trends
Cincinnati

Under is 4-1 in Bearcats last 5 games on grass.
Under is 8-2-1 in Bearcats last 11 non-conference games.
Under is 22-10-1 in Bearcats last 33 games overall.

UCLA

Over is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 games in September.
Under is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 games on grass.
Over is 5-2-1 in Bruins last 8 non-conference games.

Head to Head
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Indiana at Florida International
Gracenote
Aug 29, 2018

Indiana opens its 2018 campaign -- and quest to return to a bowl game after missing out last season -- when it travels to take on Florida International in a non-conference contest Saturday night. The Hoosiers are hoping to get more consistency at quarterback with redshirt sophomore Peyton Ramsey (1,252 yards, 10 touchdowns, five interceptions) earning the job after starting four games in 2017.

Coach Tom Allen likes the team's uptempo offense under offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, and Ramsey should be more comfortable running things in his second season playing in the system. Senior Luke Timian gives Ramsey an explosive target, having made 68 catches for 589 yards and two touchdowns in 2017, while the sophomore duo of Morgan Ellison (704 yards, six touchdowns) and Cole Gest (428, one) will power the Hoosiers' ground attack. The Indiana defense will be anchored by senior safety Jonathan Crawford, a playmaker who can also stop a ball carrier, ranking fourth on the team with 62 tackles in 2017. Golden Panthers coach Butch Davis isn't giving anything away about his quarterback for the opener, listing junior Christian Alexander or Bowling Green transfer James Morgan as the starter, saying he'll wait until the day of the game to make a decision, though both are expected to play.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Indiana -10.5

ABOUT INDIANA (2017: 5-7): For consistency sake, Allen is hoping Ramsey can stay healthier than last season, when he was sidelined after making four starts under center. But with the recent departure of expected backup Brandon Dawkins, a graduate transfer from Arizona in the offseason, that leaves Allen having to count on freshman MIchael Penix Jr. if Ramsey goes down. Ramsey is able to pick up yards on the ground, rushing 92 times for 226 yards and two scores as a freshman, but Allen may look to rein in his signal caller and have him stay in the pocket to avoid taking needless hits and avoid injury.

ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (2017: 8-5): The Panthers had a very efficient offense last season behind quarterback Alex McGough, finishing first in the nation in red-zone efficiency, scoring on 40-of-41 trips inside the 20. Now Davis' squad has to almost start over, with Alexander only having played in four games over the last two seasons, while Morgan is new to the program. That means the team will likely try to rely on the ground attack to start so senior Napoleon Maxwell, who averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2017, will have to be ready for a solid workload against the Hoosiers.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Indiana ranked first nationally in forcing three-and-outs defensively, averaging 6.5 per contest.

2. The Hoosiers have won 11 of their last 12 non-conference games and were 3-0 in such contests in 2017.

3. Indiana has won both its meetings with Florida International -- 36-22 in 2015 and 34-13 in 2016 -- with last season's scheduled game canceled because of Hurricane Irma.

PREDICTION: Indiana 31, Florida International 14

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Nicholls at Kansas
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

David Beaty is 3-33 in his first three years as Kansas' coach, so the goals are simple as the Jayhawks open their 2018 season by hosting FCS member Nicholls on Saturday. Kansas has endured nine straight losing campaigns since Mark Mangino led the team to consecutive bowl victories in 2007 and 2008 but will be happy with one win at this point.

“We're going to start with game one and the goal is to go 1-0, to win that game and then put just as much focus on that next game to be able to do the same and repeat that,” Beaty told reporters. “When it comes to a win total, I don't have that answer. I don't know that many people do. But I know this: I’ll bet around Christmastime, we know.” Beaty named Peyton Bender as his starting quarterback, and the 6-1 senior's first task is to halt Kansas' 11-game losing streak since it opened 2017 with a 38-16 victory over Southeast Missouri State. "Peyton has done a terrific job of taking command,” Beaty told reporters, adding that his quarterback did a good job taking the ball in training camp. “He really worked on that part of his game.” The Colonels, members of the Southland Conference who are ranked 17th in the FCS preseason coaches poll, opened 2016 with a 26-24 loss at No. 9 Georgia and dropped a 24-14 decision at Texas A&M last season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, No TV. LINE: None

ABOUT NICHOLLS (2017: 8-4): The Colonels are led by junior quarterback Chase Fourcade, a nephew of former New Orleans Saints quarterback John Fourcade. He completed 54.3 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season after throwing for 18 TDs as a freshman. Senior wide receiver Damion Jeanpiere Jr. (19.2 yards, 40 receptions, four TDs) and sophomore WR Dai'Jean Dixon (21.3, 23, five) are expected to be Chase Fourcade's favorite targets while defensive linemen Sully Laiche (7.5 sacks) and Kenny Dotson (6.5) figure to make life tough on opposing quarterbacks.

ABOUT KANSAS (2017: 1-11): Bender completed 54.2 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season and must perform with junior Carter Stanley (54.6 percent, four TDs, seven INTs in 2017) and junior college transfer Miles Kendrick ready to step in. "The good thing is we know we’ve got three very capable, very talented guys that understand what we’re doing, which is really, really good,” Beaty told reporters about his quarterback situation. The defense is led by senior tackle Daniel Wise, a preseason All-Big 12 selection who recorded seven sacks among his 16 tackles for loss last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jayhawks senior WR Steven Sims Jr. led the team in receptions (59), yardage (839) and touchdown catches (six) last year.

2. Kansas lost all nine Big 12 games in 2017 by an average of 32 points.

3. The Jayhawks will try to snap a 46-game road losing streak when they visit Central Michigan on Sept. 8.

PREDICTION: Nicholls 28, Kansas 25

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: South Dakota at Kansas State
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

Bill Snyder begins his 27th season as Kansas State coach with a tough decision to make at quarterback, so it looks like junior Alex Delton and sophomore Skylar Thompson could split time when the Wildcats host FCS member South Dakota on Saturday. Delton and Thompson each started four of the final eight contests last season after senior Jesse Ertz was lost for the year with a knee injury.

“I think the first ballgame will tell us an awful lot, perhaps,” Snyder, who is 210-110-1 at Kansas State, told reporters. “There’s some circumstances that take place in the course of a ballgame on Saturday afternoon that can’t occur in a practice or a game. But we’ve seen them both under pressure before, and both of them have done quite well.” Both quarterbacks have performed well in training camp, making Snyder's decision more difficult, and each possesses a solid resume. Thompson led the Wildcats to late-season victories over Texas Tech, No. 13 Oklahoma State and Iowa State while Delton took over from him and rushed for 158 yards while accounting for four touchdowns in Kansas State's 35-17 triumph over UCLA in the Cactus Bowl. The Coyotes, members of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, advanced to the second round of the 2017 FCS playoffs before losing to Sam Houston State 54-42.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA (2017: 8-5): Junior Austin Simmons takes over at quarterback for Chris Streveler, who plays for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL, after throwing four touchdown passes in 28 attempts in a backup role last season. Senior wide receiver Shamar Jackson, an all-MVFC first-team preseason selection, caught a team-high 53 passes last season (14.3 yards per reception) with four touchdowns and leads a deep receiving corps. Kody Case, who caught 25 passes for 430 yards and five TDs as a freshman in 2017, told reporters: "My favorite part about it is how fast we all play. You don’t give the defense a break. Plus, everyone is ready to go. Fresh legs all the time. If somebody is tired, they can just sub out and the next guy knows all the plays and can make all the catches.”

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (2017: 8-5): Delton appears to be the strongest runner of the two quarterbacks but will play a supporting role to Alex Barnes, a 6-1, 225-pound junior who rushed for 819 yards and seven touchdowns last season despite dealing with a persistent ankle injury. “Alex has been unbelievable,” offensive coordinator Andre Coleman told the Wichita Eagle. “He had a great summer and has probably been the most impressive guy in camp. He is committed to the process, committed to the team, he has developed as a leader. It won’t be a surprise to me when he (excels) on Saturdays.” The linebacking corps is expected to be led by juniors Elijah Sullivan and Da'Quan Patton under first-year defensive coordinator Blake Seiler.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Wildcats are one of five FBS teams to return 65-of-65 starts on the offensive line from 2017.

2. Snyder is 24-2 in home openers.

3. Kansas State has won all four meetings, including a 34-0 rout in 2015 in the last encounter.

PREDICTION: Kansas State 38, South Dakota 10

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Mercer at Memphis
Gracenote
Aug 29, 2018

Memphis opens its 2018 football season as a heavy favorite when it hosts Mercer on Saturday evening. The Tigers have become perennial contenders in the American Athletic Conference and are coming off a 10-win season that culminated in a 21-20 loss to Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl.

Memphis finished second in the AAC last season to Central Florida and has put together four consecutive seasons of eight or more wins. Coach Mike Norvell enters his third season at the helm and has an 18-8 record with the Tigers, including a 12-4 mark in conference play. Mercer is coming off a 5-6 season in the Southern Conference of the FCS. However, there is optimism that coach Bobby Lamb can get the Bears to seven wins for the first time as a member of the SoCon.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

ABOUT MERCER (2017: 5-6): Mercer had some impressive moments in 2017 with highlights that included being within a touchdown of Auburn in the fourth quarter, losing by only one point to SoCon champs Wofford and winning at Western Carolina late in the season, knocking the Catamounts out of the playoff picture. The Bears return some key players on offense, including quarterback Kaelan Riley (2,030 yards passing, 13 TDs, four rushing TDs), running back Tee Mitchell (626 yards rushing, seven TDs) and receiver Marquise Irvin (536 yards receiving, four TDs). Defensively, Mercer is led by first-team All-SoCon defensive lineman Isaiah Buehler, who had 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss last season.

ABOUT MEMPHIS (2017: 10-3): Memphis will miss the dynamic playmaking duo of quarterback Riley Ferguson and receiver Anthony Miller, but the running game figures to step up this season with Darrell Henderson and Patrick Taylor, a pair who combined for 2,020 yards on 287 carries last season. Adding to the potential of the rushing game is the fact that the offensive line returns four starters. The quarterback position has been tight between Brady White and David Moore all camp, and Norvell hasn’t ruled out both quarterbacks seeing the field against Mercer.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Memphis has hit the over in six of its last seven non-conference games and 11 of its last 13 games at home.

2. In 2017, the Tigers averaged 45.5 points and allowed 32.5.

3. Mercer was the only non-SEC team to play both Auburn and Alabama in 2017.

PREDICTION: Memphis 55, Mercer 28

 

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Preview: Central Arkansas at Tulsa
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

Coming off a highly disappointing season, Tulsa aims to kick off its 2018 campaign in strong fashion Saturday against visiting Central Arkansas. The Golden Hurricane won 10 games in 2016 before dropping down to two victories a season ago.

Central Arkansas, which is ranked 15th in the FCS poll, is coming off its second straight 10-win season and should be a formidable foe this weekend. Tulsa certainly will need to play better than it did most of last season, when the team allowed point totals of 38, 41, 42, 43, 54, 59 and 62 in various losses. Adding to the Golden Hurricane's issues are the absence of career rushing leader D'Angelo Brewer (3,917 yards) and all-time scoring leader Redford Jones (319 points). On the bright side, the team returns quarterbacks Luke Skipper (sophomore) and Chad President (junior), although the two only combined for six TD passes a season ago.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

ABOUT CENTRAL ARKANSAS (2017: 10-2): The Bears won 10 in a row last season between a Week 1 loss against Kansas State and a defeat against South Dakota State in the opening round of the FCS playoffs. Central Arkansas is led by running backs Carlos Blackman, a junior, and Kierre Crossley (sophomore), who ran for a combined 1,550 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2017. Sophomore Breylin Smith is expected to see the majority of the snaps at quarterback despite throwing just seven passes a season ago.

ABOUT TULSA (2017: 2-10): In each of the last two seasons, Tulsa's top running back has led the American Athletic Conference in rushing. Looking to make it three different leaders in three years is Shamari Brooks, who ran for 687 yards (5.8 per attempt) and 10 TDs as a true freshman in 2017. The Golden Hurricane return three of their top four tacklers from a season ago and 14 total defenders who have started at least once in their careers.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Tulsa has won the two previous meetings between the teams, scoring a combined 103 points in those games.

2. The Golden Hurricane have won six straight home openers.

3. In Philip Montgomery's first three seasons as coach, Tulsa is averaging 36.5 points per game.

PREDICTION: Tulsa 29, Central Arkansas 27

 

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Preview: Charleston Southern at Florida
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

Eager to put last season's 4-7 campaign in the rearview mirror, Florida kicks off the Dan Mullen era in earnest Saturday evening at home against Charleston Southern. Expectations are high but Mullen is well aware of the pressures in Gainesville after serving as offensive coordinator for two Gators national championship teams in his four seasons (2005-08) under Urban Meyer.

Mullen's top - and toughest - task will be invigorating a lifeless offense that finished 100th, 107th and 109th in the nation in points per game in the three seasons under former head coach Jim McElwain. "Trust me, I know how important offense is here," Mullen said at his introductory press conference. "I know everybody likes to score some points. ... I love scoring points. That's fun." Addressing a quarterback position that has been a turnstile in recent years will go a long way toward that goal and Mullen, a master at grooming signal-callers, took almost all preseason to tab sophomore Feleipe Franks over sophomore Kyle Trask and freshman Emory Jones. "He gives us our best opportunity to win now," said Mullen, who went 69-46 in nine seasons at Mississippi State. "Running our offense. Ability to extend plays, some of his athleticism right now would give us the best opportunity."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: No Line

ABOUT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN (2017: 6-5): Defense has been the cornerstone of the Buccaneers (19.8 points allowed per game in 2017) and that doesn't figure to change despite the departure of Big South Defensive Player of the Year Anthony Ellis, as seniors Solomon Brown and Johnny Robinson return to lead a defensive front that makes a living disrupting the line of scrimmage. There is hope for a spread-option offense that gained valuable backfield experience a year ago and features junior wide receiver Kameron Brown, a two-time All-Big South selection who finished each of the past two seasons in the top 10 in FCS in receiving yards per catch (22.1 last season). Charleston Southern had three different quarterback starters last year, but sophomore London Johnson (581 yards passing, 366 rushing, 7 total TDs) emerged from a spring battle as the undisputed leader thanks to improved maturity, according to second-year head coach Mark Tucker.

ABOUT FLORIDA (2017: 4-7): While all eyes will be on the development of Franks, who passed for 1,438 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions last season, the young quarterback will be helped tremendously by the return of the team's former starting running backs - Jordan Scarlett, who was suspended all of last season for his involvement in credit card fraud, and Malik Davis, who was leading the team in rushing last year until suffering a season-ending knee injury in October. Defensively, the Gators have the talent and athleticism despite falling short last season but the unit may open the year without its top run stuffer after inside linebacker David Reese suffered an ankle injury leading up to the opener. "I want to put as much pressure on the offense as possible," Mullen told reporters. "In an attacking sound-style of defense. Going to be fast, physical and aggressive in everything we do."

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Gators and Buccaneers have met just once, with Florida beating Charleston Southern 62-3 to open the 2009 season.

2. This marks the second time in as many seasons that Tucker and Mullen open the year against each other as Charleston Southern was blanked 49-0 by Mississippi State in the 2017 opener.

3. The Gators' record last year was just their second losing mark since 1980.

PREDICTION: Florida 42, Charleston Southern 10

 

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Preview: Stephen F. Austin at Mississippi State
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

Mississippi State welcomes new head coach Joe Moorhead to a team that went 9-4 and won a bowl game last season, and the 2018 squad could be even better. The 18th-ranked Bulldogs will try to get things started with a win when they host Stephen F. Austin in the season opener on Saturday.

Mississippi State wasted little time snapping up Moorhead when Dan Mullens moved on after last season, and the former Penn State offensive coordinator is excited for the atmosphere in Starkville. "I came from a place where I thought it was the best student section in the country, and I hear the same about Mississippi State," Moorhead told reporters. "You hear writers and the media say this is the best atmosphere in the country, so I want them to arrive early, be as loud as they can and give us a real homefield advantage. I think the students, fans and alumni will be very proud of the product we put on the field." That product will not include starting quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, who was suspended for the season opener due to a violation of team rules that occurred in March. The Lumberjacks head into 2018 under interim coach Jeff Byrd after Clint Conque announced his resignation earlier this month amid an investigation into violations of university policy.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: None

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN (2017: 4-7): The Lumberjacks allowed a combined 675 yards rushing in dropping their final two games last season to Nicholls and Northwestern State, and the defensive line is looking to improve. "We've had pretty consistent improvement across the board," senior defensive tackle Lamont Anderson told the team's website. "We've got some young guys who are improving and a couple of transfers who came in. Everybody is picking up pretty well and coming together as a unit." Stephen F. Austin's offense is expected to be in the hands of senior quarterback Foster Sawyer, who missed the final seven games last season with a knee injury.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (2017: 9-4): Fitzgerald is expected to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation this season, and the suspension didn't dampen Moorhead's enthusiasm for his starter. "He had an awesome spring ball, summer conditioning and preseason camp," Moorhead told reporters. "He's been a great leader and teammate. Fitzgerald will sit out this game and come back against Kansas State." Fitzgerald and running back Aeris Williams combined to rush for 2,091 yards last season and have eclipsed 100 yards rushing in the same game five times over the last two campaigns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Keytaon Thompson will start at quarterback for the Bulldogs on Saturday.

2. Mississippi State's No. 18 ranking is its highest preseason mark since going into the 1984 campaign ranked 14th.

3. Bulldogs senior DT Cory Thomas will miss the opener after being suspended one game for a violation of team rules.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 65, Stephen F. Austin 7

 

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Preview: Middle Tennessee State at Vanderbilt
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

Vanderbilt opens its season at home Saturday against Middle Tennessee State looking to build off a five-win campaign last season, which ended with the Commodores missing a bowl game for the third time in the past four years. A promising 3-0 start quickly was swept away by losses in seven of their next eight games and improving the defense is a must for success this season after the Commodores finished 11th in the SEC in points allowed per game (31.3).

The Commodores hope new defensive coordinator Jason Tarver - hired from the San Francisco 49ers - can shore up a unit that only returns four starters. “Teams aren’t made this time of year,” Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason told reporters Tuesday. “Teams are made in the summer. I thought we had a good summer.” Senior quarterback Kyle Shurmur returns after a tremendous 2017 season and has the school’s career passing yardage record in sight, but the Commodores will have to navigate a rough schedule which includes trips to No. 11 Notre Dame and No. 4 Georgia, plus three consecutive SEC road games late in the season. The Blue Raiders overcame an injury-filled 2017 season - in which players missed a combined 125 games with injuries - to win a bowl game for the first time in five tries since 2009.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network Alternative. LINE: Vanderbilt -3

ABOUT MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE (2017: 7-6): Quarterback Brent Stockstill owns the school’s all-time records for passing yards (8,951) and touchdowns (77), but has missed nine games the past two seasons with injuries. Wide receiver Ty Lee led Conference USA in receptions in 2017 with 79, and a trio of running backs - Tavares Thomas, Brad Anderson and Terelle West - combined for 1,306 yards rushing and 47 receptions a season ago. The Blue Raiders return nine starters on defense, highlighted by linebacker Khalil Brooks and his 17 tackles for loss last season (tops in C-USA), including 7.5 sacks.

ABOUT VANDERBILT (2017: 5-7): Shurmur (school-record 26 touchdown passes a season ago) enters the season 2,963 passing yards shy of breaking Jay Cutler’s school record of 8,697, but he lost three seniors from an experienced receiving corps. All-time school rushing leader Ralph Webb graduated, leaving the running game to Illinois transfer Ke’Shawn Vaughn (2015 Big Ten Newcomer of the Year) and Khari Blasingame. Senior safety LaDarius Wiley and senior linebacker Charles Wright lead the defense with Wiley recording a team-high 88 tackles a season ago and Wright finished last season with nine sacks – most by a Vanderbilt player since 1993.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Vanderbilt forced only nine turnovers last season, tied for the second-lowest total in FBS behind Rice.

2. Middle Tennessee State faces three SEC teams (Vanderbilt, No. 4 Georgia, Kentucky).

3. The two teams have met six times since 2001 with each squad winning three times (Middle Tennessee State in 2001, 2002 and 2005; Vanderbilt each of the past three seasons).

PREDICTION: Vanderbilt 24, Middle Tennessee State 20

 

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ATS Trends
Middle Tennessee

Blue Raiders are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. SEC.
Blue Raiders are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games on fieldturf.
Blue Raiders are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.

Vanderbilt

Commodores are 12-1 ATS in their last 13 vs. CUSA.
Commodores are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Commodores are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Commodores are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends
Middle Tennessee

Under is 5-0 in Blue Raiders last 5 games in September.
Under is 4-1 in Blue Raiders last 5 non-conference games.
Under is 9-3-1 in Blue Raiders last 13 games overall.
Under is 6-2 in Blue Raiders last 8 vs. SEC.

Vanderbilt

Under is 4-0 in Commodores last 4 non-conference games.
Over is 7-2 in Commodores last 9 games overall.

Head to Head

Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

 

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Preview: SMU at North Texas
Gracenote
Aug 28, 2018

Record-breaking quarterbacks will face off when SMU travels to North Texas on Saturday night to open the season. Mustangs junior Ben Hicks and Mean Green junior Mason Fine are both on the Manning Award watch list to start the year.

Hicks (3,569 passing yards) returns after setting SMU records for passing touchdowns in a single season (33) and career (52). He'll have plenty of help in the backfield with a stable of running backs that combined for 22 rushing scores last year. First-year coach Sonny Dykes does have to replace two receivers that were taken in the NFL Draft and several key pieces on defense. SMU has won three straight against its in-state rival by a combined 54 points.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Stadium. LINE: North Texas -4.5

ABOUT SMU (2017: 7-6): Junior James Proche (40 catches, 816 yards, six touchdowns) is the top returning receiver but West Virginia transfer Reggie Roberson Jr. (a sophomore) and Notre Dame graduate transfer CJ Sanders give the Mustangs some new targets. Junior Xavier Jones led the ground game with 1,075 yards and nine scores last year while senior Braeden West (568 yards, two scores) and junior Ke'Mon Freeman (543 yards, 11 scores) give the Mustangs plenty of options. The SMU secondary is packed with experience, including returning starter Jordan Wyatt (the senior cornerback had 49 tackles and four interceptions in 2017) and leading tackler Mikial Onu, a junior safety who had 105 stops.

ABOUT NORTH TEXAS (2017: 9-5): Fine set single-season program records in passing yards (4,052), passing touchdowns (31), completions (324) and attempts (511) last year. The Mean Green return their top three receivers, including junior Michael Lawrence (62 catches, 819 yards, four TDs). Sophomore Nic Smith (684 yards, six TDs) has been tabbed to start at running back after the graduation of Jeffery Wilson (1,215 yards, 16 TDs last year).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Mustangs' juniors Delontae Scott (2.5 sacks) and Tyeson Neals (4.5 sacks) and California graduate transfer Noah Westerfield will try to replace the production of graduated DE Justin Lawler (9.5 sacks).

2. SMU was ranked eighth nationally last year with 88 plays of 20-plus yards.

3. Fine is also on the preseason lists for the Walter Camp, Davey O'Brien, Maxwell and Sammy Baugh awards.

PREDICTION: SMU 37, North Texas 24