College Essentials - Week 5
Tony Mejia
September is already disappearing into the rear-view. Although conference play is in full swing there are two matchups featuring the nation's top Independents that could impact the national race. College football is definitely a sprint so let’s play along and race right into the week’s top 10 offerings.
Saturday
Ohio State at Penn State, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC: Urban Meyer and his staff have played to new QB Dwayne Haskins’ strengths, empowering their strong-armed quarterback to look downfield. Expect them to attack a Nittany Lions defense that has had their issues defending the passing game this season despite not facing an attack anywhere near as formidble as what the Buckeyes bring into Happy Valley.
Even if James Franklin watches his defense get carved up, there's no reason the Nittany Lions can't win a shootout. They've seen Miles Sanders emerge as a capable replacement for Saquon Barkley and a number of receivers have stepped up for QB Trace McSorley. Without Ohio State's top pass rusher, Nick Bosa, out until November at the earliest, its defense now has to deal with its stiffest offensive challenge of the season and looked vulnerable against Oregon State and TCU. We should see plenty of points here, which is why the books have set the total up at 70 and rising.
Stanford at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC: New QB Ian Book had a strong debut as the Fighting Irish crushed Wake Forest, executing so well that they got the Demon Deacons’ defensive coordinator fired. Brian Kelly will continue to play veteran Brandon Wimbush some and might be forced to lean on his experience at some point again here, but it appears he feels his sophomore gives the team the best chance to overcome this hurdle, which is why he chose to get him in there as a starter last week. Suspended RB Dexter Williams has returned and should also be available for a few carries if Kelly wants to add him to the mix next to Tony Jones, Jr. and Jafar Armstrong.
Coming off a miraculous comeback win at Oregon, Stanford has gotten to this point unscathed without getting a truly big game out of top running back Bryce Love. He ran for 147 or more yards in last year’s first seven games but has surpassed the 100-yard mark only once this season, breaking off 136 on USC. Love topped the 180-yard mark four times last season and had a 301-yard game this time last year (Sept. 30) at Oregon State, so he’s due to start making the impact we’ve grown accustomed to seeing. Love didn’t find the end zone but contributed 125 rushing yards and made one heck of a decoy in helping then-unproven QB K.J. Costello the opportunity to throw four touchdown passes in a 38-20 win over Notre Dame in Palo Alto. The winner here enters October looking like a strong candidate for the national semifinals.
West Virginia at Texas Tech, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN2: Oklahoma looked vulnerable in nearly losing at home to Army last week, so both of these teams are undoubtedly fantasizing about a conference title. The Mountaineers haven’t been challenged since a strong defense has emerged to complement QB Will Grier's ability to put the ball wherever he wants. WR David Sills has 23 TD receptions in 15 games but he can't be keyed on due to the presence of Gary Jennings, who had nearly 100 catches last year and is the better pro prospect. Getting out of Lubbock with a win means West Virginia will be favored heavily to reach November unbeaten.
The Red Raiders not only have Patrick Mahomes making the program look good in the pros but are helping their own cause by recovering from a lopsided season-opening loss to Ole Miss. After knocking off Houston and pulling off an upset of Oklahoma State in Stillwater to open Big 12 play, Kliff Kingsbury's group is in good position to make this a special season since the schedule lends an assist with Oklahoma and Texas each coming into Lubbock in November's first two weekends. True freshman QB Alan Bowman has already broken some of Mahomes’ single-game records and has an impressive receiving corps that has improved every week. Things could get real interesting in Lubbock if the Texas Tech defense can pick up where they left off against the Cowboys last week, having pitched a second-half shutout. Tech blew a 35-17 third-quarter lead in Morgantown last season and hasn't won in this annual series since '13.
Florida at Mississippi State, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN: Dan Mullen leaving for another SEC program went over as well as a runaway bride at a wedding would, so now that he's back, they'll have to check Bulldogs fans for torces and pitchforks in addition to the cowbells they carry into the Davis Wade Stadium. Coming off a frustrating loss at Kentucky, first-year coach Joe Moorhead's honeymoon period has officially ended, and if he wants to stop sleeping on the couch, he'll need to keep Mullen from a victorious return. Excuses simply won't be allowed.
The Gators have gotten improved play from QB Feleipe Franks this season and are hoping he can follow up a brilliant outing in Knoxville with another strong effort. With most suspensioins having been served and the majority of key players healthy, the Gators are enjoying a level of depth they haven't had the luxury of putting on display all season. Mississippi State called a players-only meeting after losing in Lexington, keying on handling the emotions of this week's meeting the right way in light of all the penalties that helped trip them up last week. Look for this to be a physical game. Hopefully the stripes will let the teams play and decide this on the field.
Syracuse at Clemson, 12 p.m. ET, ABC: Trevor Lawrence officially replaced Kelly Bryant at quarterback this week since the Tigers offense has been glaringly better with him at the controls. That’s something most predicted before the season opened since it appeared inevitable, but the change is news-worthy in that it lets you know Dabo Swinney is done messing around and views this Orange invasion as a viable threat. Clemson almost lost at Texas A&M in a game where Bryant’s experience came in handy, but that safety net won't be available here with Bryant transferring out.
‘Cuse is hoping to move the ball as effectively as the Aggies did, looking to turn this into a shootout by keeping the Tigers' feared defensive line off balance by moving the pocket, getting it out quickly and mixing in QB draws. With Eric Dungey healthy enough to play, Syracuse has a playmaker who has the mobility and arm talent to make the country’s top defensive front to work for everything it gets. In case you’ve forgotten, Syracuse beat Clemson 27-24 at the Carrier Dome last season. The Orange will have to deal with the elements for the first time since the season opener at Western Michigan since they've played their last three games at the Carrier Dome, but rain in the area isn't scheduled to arrive until later in the day.
Ole Miss at LSU, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN: LSU's Tigers stepped out of the spotlight briefly last week after their huge road upset of Auburn, wearing down a pretty good Louisiana Tech squad. Now the Rebels arrive in Death Valley and present a different challenge than they’ve seen thus far given the receivers who will test Greedy Williams and the LSU secondary here. Miami had a few viable threats but top receiver Ahmmon Richards was hurt in the season opener while Auburn was hampered by the lack of a true go-to guy, but Ole Miss brings a different set of strengths to the table.
Senior QB Jordan Ta’amu looks to shake off a shoulder issue and perform more consistently than he has over the past few weeks. A.J. Brown, the leading returning WR from the Rebs’ elite group, is also expected to overcome a hamstring issue to participate. LSU hung 40 on Ole Miss in Oxford last season, so Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow could have a big day and announce his candidacy for mayor of Baton Rouge afterward. Nose tackle Benito Jones and corner Ken Webster, the Rebs' most talented defensive players, have both been upgraded to probable.
BYU at Washington, 8:30 p.m. ET, FOX: The Cougars knocked off McNeese State last week and now look to go back into giant-killer mode as they venture into Seattle. Coming off a win at Wisconsin on its last road trip, BYU can pull off an upset of Washington given how physical they can be on both sides of the ball and will look to frustrate Jake Browning into mistakes. The Huskies will need to ride electric senior RB Myles Gaskin to keep the heat off their quarterback, which could result in a lower-scoring game where the clock is constantly running.
Center Nick Harris returned for the Huskies and graded out well against Arizona State, so the Washington offensive line should be up to the challenge of banging up front with BYU. The U-Dub defense has been bolstered by the continued emergence of standout LB Ben Burr-Kirven, who has back-to-back Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors and is coming off of a 20-tackle game. Look for him to be an x-factor here.
USC at Arizona, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2: After surviving Washington State at the Coliseum, a young Trojans team faces a crossroads game against the Wildcats, who are looking for their own resurgence as they try and turn the corner in Kevin Sumlin’s first season following a road conquest at Oregon State in the Pac-12 opener. There’s still time for Khalil Tate to turn things around, especially since defenses must now key in on sophomore RB J.J. Taylor after his eye-opening 284-yard day against the Beavers. If Sumlin can snap a five-year losing streak to USC, who the 'Cats haven't beaten since Rich Rodriguez's first season, he will have some momentum to work with entering a challenging October.
USC is playing their third road game in four weeks and have largely struggled outside the L.A. Coliseum, coming in 10-12 under Clay Helton. It also works against them that their defensive depth has been compromised by injuries, which is one factor why they've only forced two turnovers through their first four games. USC caught a break that top DE Porter Gustin wasn't ejected for targeting for a second straight game against WSU, so he'll be available here from the onset. WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown (shoulder) and Velus Jones (elbow) will be out there as targets for true freshman QB J.T. Daniels.
South Carolina at Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC: 'Cats RB Benny Snell is a surprise Heisman candidate now, so hopefully you took advantage of my preseason column on longshots and got in on the 300-to-1 preseason odds. The Wildcats are undefeated and nationally-ranked as they welcome in the Gamecocks, a program that’s undoubtedly higher on the football pecking order in the SEC. That perception may lead you to miss the fact that Kentucky has actually beaten South Carolina four straight times. If QB Terry Wilson can limit turnovers, a fifth consecutive win could be in the cards.
Senior LB Josh Allen has also gotten a lot of love after a dominant performance in last Saturday's upset of Mississippi State, so his ability to again be disruptive against Bentley will be as big a key for UK as Snell getting the running game going. South Carolina QB Jake Bentley struggled with turnovers in the blowout loss to Georgia and was intercepted twice despite throwing for 304 yards in the loss to Kentucky in Columbia last season. The Gamecocks are without standout DE D.J. Wonnum and will be looking to win consecutive home games for the first time under Will Muschamp, having not done so since 2013.
Utah at Washington State, 6 p.m. ET, Pac-12: Although both teams lost their Pac-12 opener, they're sound enough to put together a run and get back in contention for a conference title so long as they can pick up a win here. They're in different divisions and only one can prevail, so this one should be riveting given all the preseason aspirations on the line. The Utes come off a bye and have excelled under Kyle Whittingham with extra time to work, entering this game 20-6 in those situations. Meanwhile, Mike Leach has won three straight in the series and is looking for a 10th consecutive win in Pullman.
Temperatures could dip into the 40s and there may be some wind to deal with, so we'll get our first taste of true October football weather here. Washington State QB Gardner Minshew has thrived in taking over for record-setting passer Luke Falk, but this will be the best defense he's seen so far, superior to even last week's USC group. The Cougs will have to deal with a true dual threat in Tyler Huntley for the first time all season but catch a break in talented Utes DE Leki Fotu being unable to play until the second half after being tossed for targeting two weeks ago against Washington.
Others to watch: Oregon at Cal, Iowa State at TCU, Virginia Tech at Duke, Purdue at Nebraska, Texas at Kansas State, Michigan at Northwestern, Baylor at Oklahoma, Virginia at N.C. State, Florida Atlantic at Middle Tennessee, Pittsburgh at UCF, Florida State at Louisville, Toledo at Fresno State, Temple at Boston College.
Tony Mejia
September is already disappearing into the rear-view. Although conference play is in full swing there are two matchups featuring the nation's top Independents that could impact the national race. College football is definitely a sprint so let’s play along and race right into the week’s top 10 offerings.
Saturday
Ohio State at Penn State, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC: Urban Meyer and his staff have played to new QB Dwayne Haskins’ strengths, empowering their strong-armed quarterback to look downfield. Expect them to attack a Nittany Lions defense that has had their issues defending the passing game this season despite not facing an attack anywhere near as formidble as what the Buckeyes bring into Happy Valley.
Even if James Franklin watches his defense get carved up, there's no reason the Nittany Lions can't win a shootout. They've seen Miles Sanders emerge as a capable replacement for Saquon Barkley and a number of receivers have stepped up for QB Trace McSorley. Without Ohio State's top pass rusher, Nick Bosa, out until November at the earliest, its defense now has to deal with its stiffest offensive challenge of the season and looked vulnerable against Oregon State and TCU. We should see plenty of points here, which is why the books have set the total up at 70 and rising.
Stanford at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC: New QB Ian Book had a strong debut as the Fighting Irish crushed Wake Forest, executing so well that they got the Demon Deacons’ defensive coordinator fired. Brian Kelly will continue to play veteran Brandon Wimbush some and might be forced to lean on his experience at some point again here, but it appears he feels his sophomore gives the team the best chance to overcome this hurdle, which is why he chose to get him in there as a starter last week. Suspended RB Dexter Williams has returned and should also be available for a few carries if Kelly wants to add him to the mix next to Tony Jones, Jr. and Jafar Armstrong.
Coming off a miraculous comeback win at Oregon, Stanford has gotten to this point unscathed without getting a truly big game out of top running back Bryce Love. He ran for 147 or more yards in last year’s first seven games but has surpassed the 100-yard mark only once this season, breaking off 136 on USC. Love topped the 180-yard mark four times last season and had a 301-yard game this time last year (Sept. 30) at Oregon State, so he’s due to start making the impact we’ve grown accustomed to seeing. Love didn’t find the end zone but contributed 125 rushing yards and made one heck of a decoy in helping then-unproven QB K.J. Costello the opportunity to throw four touchdown passes in a 38-20 win over Notre Dame in Palo Alto. The winner here enters October looking like a strong candidate for the national semifinals.
West Virginia at Texas Tech, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN2: Oklahoma looked vulnerable in nearly losing at home to Army last week, so both of these teams are undoubtedly fantasizing about a conference title. The Mountaineers haven’t been challenged since a strong defense has emerged to complement QB Will Grier's ability to put the ball wherever he wants. WR David Sills has 23 TD receptions in 15 games but he can't be keyed on due to the presence of Gary Jennings, who had nearly 100 catches last year and is the better pro prospect. Getting out of Lubbock with a win means West Virginia will be favored heavily to reach November unbeaten.
The Red Raiders not only have Patrick Mahomes making the program look good in the pros but are helping their own cause by recovering from a lopsided season-opening loss to Ole Miss. After knocking off Houston and pulling off an upset of Oklahoma State in Stillwater to open Big 12 play, Kliff Kingsbury's group is in good position to make this a special season since the schedule lends an assist with Oklahoma and Texas each coming into Lubbock in November's first two weekends. True freshman QB Alan Bowman has already broken some of Mahomes’ single-game records and has an impressive receiving corps that has improved every week. Things could get real interesting in Lubbock if the Texas Tech defense can pick up where they left off against the Cowboys last week, having pitched a second-half shutout. Tech blew a 35-17 third-quarter lead in Morgantown last season and hasn't won in this annual series since '13.
Florida at Mississippi State, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN: Dan Mullen leaving for another SEC program went over as well as a runaway bride at a wedding would, so now that he's back, they'll have to check Bulldogs fans for torces and pitchforks in addition to the cowbells they carry into the Davis Wade Stadium. Coming off a frustrating loss at Kentucky, first-year coach Joe Moorhead's honeymoon period has officially ended, and if he wants to stop sleeping on the couch, he'll need to keep Mullen from a victorious return. Excuses simply won't be allowed.
The Gators have gotten improved play from QB Feleipe Franks this season and are hoping he can follow up a brilliant outing in Knoxville with another strong effort. With most suspensioins having been served and the majority of key players healthy, the Gators are enjoying a level of depth they haven't had the luxury of putting on display all season. Mississippi State called a players-only meeting after losing in Lexington, keying on handling the emotions of this week's meeting the right way in light of all the penalties that helped trip them up last week. Look for this to be a physical game. Hopefully the stripes will let the teams play and decide this on the field.
Syracuse at Clemson, 12 p.m. ET, ABC: Trevor Lawrence officially replaced Kelly Bryant at quarterback this week since the Tigers offense has been glaringly better with him at the controls. That’s something most predicted before the season opened since it appeared inevitable, but the change is news-worthy in that it lets you know Dabo Swinney is done messing around and views this Orange invasion as a viable threat. Clemson almost lost at Texas A&M in a game where Bryant’s experience came in handy, but that safety net won't be available here with Bryant transferring out.
‘Cuse is hoping to move the ball as effectively as the Aggies did, looking to turn this into a shootout by keeping the Tigers' feared defensive line off balance by moving the pocket, getting it out quickly and mixing in QB draws. With Eric Dungey healthy enough to play, Syracuse has a playmaker who has the mobility and arm talent to make the country’s top defensive front to work for everything it gets. In case you’ve forgotten, Syracuse beat Clemson 27-24 at the Carrier Dome last season. The Orange will have to deal with the elements for the first time since the season opener at Western Michigan since they've played their last three games at the Carrier Dome, but rain in the area isn't scheduled to arrive until later in the day.
Ole Miss at LSU, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN: LSU's Tigers stepped out of the spotlight briefly last week after their huge road upset of Auburn, wearing down a pretty good Louisiana Tech squad. Now the Rebels arrive in Death Valley and present a different challenge than they’ve seen thus far given the receivers who will test Greedy Williams and the LSU secondary here. Miami had a few viable threats but top receiver Ahmmon Richards was hurt in the season opener while Auburn was hampered by the lack of a true go-to guy, but Ole Miss brings a different set of strengths to the table.
Senior QB Jordan Ta’amu looks to shake off a shoulder issue and perform more consistently than he has over the past few weeks. A.J. Brown, the leading returning WR from the Rebs’ elite group, is also expected to overcome a hamstring issue to participate. LSU hung 40 on Ole Miss in Oxford last season, so Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow could have a big day and announce his candidacy for mayor of Baton Rouge afterward. Nose tackle Benito Jones and corner Ken Webster, the Rebs' most talented defensive players, have both been upgraded to probable.
BYU at Washington, 8:30 p.m. ET, FOX: The Cougars knocked off McNeese State last week and now look to go back into giant-killer mode as they venture into Seattle. Coming off a win at Wisconsin on its last road trip, BYU can pull off an upset of Washington given how physical they can be on both sides of the ball and will look to frustrate Jake Browning into mistakes. The Huskies will need to ride electric senior RB Myles Gaskin to keep the heat off their quarterback, which could result in a lower-scoring game where the clock is constantly running.
Center Nick Harris returned for the Huskies and graded out well against Arizona State, so the Washington offensive line should be up to the challenge of banging up front with BYU. The U-Dub defense has been bolstered by the continued emergence of standout LB Ben Burr-Kirven, who has back-to-back Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors and is coming off of a 20-tackle game. Look for him to be an x-factor here.
USC at Arizona, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2: After surviving Washington State at the Coliseum, a young Trojans team faces a crossroads game against the Wildcats, who are looking for their own resurgence as they try and turn the corner in Kevin Sumlin’s first season following a road conquest at Oregon State in the Pac-12 opener. There’s still time for Khalil Tate to turn things around, especially since defenses must now key in on sophomore RB J.J. Taylor after his eye-opening 284-yard day against the Beavers. If Sumlin can snap a five-year losing streak to USC, who the 'Cats haven't beaten since Rich Rodriguez's first season, he will have some momentum to work with entering a challenging October.
USC is playing their third road game in four weeks and have largely struggled outside the L.A. Coliseum, coming in 10-12 under Clay Helton. It also works against them that their defensive depth has been compromised by injuries, which is one factor why they've only forced two turnovers through their first four games. USC caught a break that top DE Porter Gustin wasn't ejected for targeting for a second straight game against WSU, so he'll be available here from the onset. WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown (shoulder) and Velus Jones (elbow) will be out there as targets for true freshman QB J.T. Daniels.
South Carolina at Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC: 'Cats RB Benny Snell is a surprise Heisman candidate now, so hopefully you took advantage of my preseason column on longshots and got in on the 300-to-1 preseason odds. The Wildcats are undefeated and nationally-ranked as they welcome in the Gamecocks, a program that’s undoubtedly higher on the football pecking order in the SEC. That perception may lead you to miss the fact that Kentucky has actually beaten South Carolina four straight times. If QB Terry Wilson can limit turnovers, a fifth consecutive win could be in the cards.
Senior LB Josh Allen has also gotten a lot of love after a dominant performance in last Saturday's upset of Mississippi State, so his ability to again be disruptive against Bentley will be as big a key for UK as Snell getting the running game going. South Carolina QB Jake Bentley struggled with turnovers in the blowout loss to Georgia and was intercepted twice despite throwing for 304 yards in the loss to Kentucky in Columbia last season. The Gamecocks are without standout DE D.J. Wonnum and will be looking to win consecutive home games for the first time under Will Muschamp, having not done so since 2013.
Utah at Washington State, 6 p.m. ET, Pac-12: Although both teams lost their Pac-12 opener, they're sound enough to put together a run and get back in contention for a conference title so long as they can pick up a win here. They're in different divisions and only one can prevail, so this one should be riveting given all the preseason aspirations on the line. The Utes come off a bye and have excelled under Kyle Whittingham with extra time to work, entering this game 20-6 in those situations. Meanwhile, Mike Leach has won three straight in the series and is looking for a 10th consecutive win in Pullman.
Temperatures could dip into the 40s and there may be some wind to deal with, so we'll get our first taste of true October football weather here. Washington State QB Gardner Minshew has thrived in taking over for record-setting passer Luke Falk, but this will be the best defense he's seen so far, superior to even last week's USC group. The Cougs will have to deal with a true dual threat in Tyler Huntley for the first time all season but catch a break in talented Utes DE Leki Fotu being unable to play until the second half after being tossed for targeting two weeks ago against Washington.
Others to watch: Oregon at Cal, Iowa State at TCU, Virginia Tech at Duke, Purdue at Nebraska, Texas at Kansas State, Michigan at Northwestern, Baylor at Oklahoma, Virginia at N.C. State, Florida Atlantic at Middle Tennessee, Pittsburgh at UCF, Florida State at Louisville, Toledo at Fresno State, Temple at Boston College.
Preview: Louisiana at Alabama
Gracenote
Sep 27, 2018
Top-ranked Alabama appears likely to post another easy victory as it hosts Louisiana on Saturday in nonconference play. The Crimson Tide have outscored their first four opponents 215-51 behind sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and hold a 52-0 edge in points off turnovers.
Alabama coach Nick Saban improved to 13-0 against former assistant coaches with last Saturday's win over Texas A&M and faces another of his former co-workers this week. First-year Louisiana coach Billy Napier was the Crimson Tide's receivers coach from 2013-16 before moving to Arizona State as offensive coordinator and then landing the Ragin' Cajuns job following last season. "Billy is a very bright guy and a very good football coach," Saban said during a press conference. "He works hard, and I think he'll make a really good head coach. He did a good job for us, and they were very productive offensively at Arizona State last year when he was the coordinator there." Louisiana dropped a 30-28 decision to Coastal Carolina last Saturday and was mauled 56-10 by Mississippi State of the SEC the previous week.
TV: Noon ET, SEC Network. LINE: Alabama -48.5
ABOUT LOUISIANA (1-2): The Ragin' Cajuns are averaging 29 points per game behind senior quarterback Andre Nunez, who is completing 72.3 percent of his passes for 541 yards and four touchdowns against one interception. Sophomore running back Trey Ragas (294 yards) and junior Raymond Calais (186) each topped 100 yards rushing in the loss to Coastal Carolina, and Calais owns a superb 14.3 average per carry. Junior linebacker Jacques Boudreaux has a team-leading 17 tackles while junior defensive end Bennie Higgins has notched a team-high 3.5 tackles for loss for a unit allowing 34.3 points per game.
ABOUT ALABAMA (4-0): Tagovailoa is off to an electric start as he has completed 72.5 percent of his passes for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns and has yet to be intercepted. Sophomore receiver Jerry Jeudy is also off to a superb start with 17 receptions for 365 yards and six touchdowns for the Crimson Tide, who are averaging 53.8 points per game and have topped 500 yards in each contest. The defense, which is allowing 12.8 points per game, racked up seven sacks in the win over Texas A&M with senior defensive end Isaiah Buggs recording three to raise his team-best total to 5.5.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Alabama has won all eight previous meetings with the most recent being a 25-6 victory in 1990.
2. The Ragin' Cajuns have notched just one victory against ranked programs (29-22 over Texas A&M in 1996 when it was known as Southwestern Louisiana and Jake Delhomme was the quarterback).
3. The Crimson Tide have intercepted seven passes with three of them returned for touchdowns.
PREDICTION: Alabama 55, Louisiana 9
Gracenote
Sep 27, 2018
Top-ranked Alabama appears likely to post another easy victory as it hosts Louisiana on Saturday in nonconference play. The Crimson Tide have outscored their first four opponents 215-51 behind sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and hold a 52-0 edge in points off turnovers.
Alabama coach Nick Saban improved to 13-0 against former assistant coaches with last Saturday's win over Texas A&M and faces another of his former co-workers this week. First-year Louisiana coach Billy Napier was the Crimson Tide's receivers coach from 2013-16 before moving to Arizona State as offensive coordinator and then landing the Ragin' Cajuns job following last season. "Billy is a very bright guy and a very good football coach," Saban said during a press conference. "He works hard, and I think he'll make a really good head coach. He did a good job for us, and they were very productive offensively at Arizona State last year when he was the coordinator there." Louisiana dropped a 30-28 decision to Coastal Carolina last Saturday and was mauled 56-10 by Mississippi State of the SEC the previous week.
TV: Noon ET, SEC Network. LINE: Alabama -48.5
ABOUT LOUISIANA (1-2): The Ragin' Cajuns are averaging 29 points per game behind senior quarterback Andre Nunez, who is completing 72.3 percent of his passes for 541 yards and four touchdowns against one interception. Sophomore running back Trey Ragas (294 yards) and junior Raymond Calais (186) each topped 100 yards rushing in the loss to Coastal Carolina, and Calais owns a superb 14.3 average per carry. Junior linebacker Jacques Boudreaux has a team-leading 17 tackles while junior defensive end Bennie Higgins has notched a team-high 3.5 tackles for loss for a unit allowing 34.3 points per game.
ABOUT ALABAMA (4-0): Tagovailoa is off to an electric start as he has completed 72.5 percent of his passes for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns and has yet to be intercepted. Sophomore receiver Jerry Jeudy is also off to a superb start with 17 receptions for 365 yards and six touchdowns for the Crimson Tide, who are averaging 53.8 points per game and have topped 500 yards in each contest. The defense, which is allowing 12.8 points per game, racked up seven sacks in the win over Texas A&M with senior defensive end Isaiah Buggs recording three to raise his team-best total to 5.5.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Alabama has won all eight previous meetings with the most recent being a 25-6 victory in 1990.
2. The Ragin' Cajuns have notched just one victory against ranked programs (29-22 over Texas A&M in 1996 when it was known as Southwestern Louisiana and Jake Delhomme was the quarterback).
3. The Crimson Tide have intercepted seven passes with three of them returned for touchdowns.
PREDICTION: Alabama 55, Louisiana 9
ATS Trends
UL Lafayette
Ragin' Cajuns are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games on grass.
Ragin' Cajuns are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. SEC.
Ragin' Cajuns are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Ragin' Cajuns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Ragin' Cajuns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Ragin' Cajuns are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
Ragin' Cajuns are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in September.
Ragin' Cajuns are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Ragin' Cajuns are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Ragin' Cajuns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Ragin' Cajuns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Alabama
Crimson Tide are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in September.
Crimson Tide are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS loss.
Crimson Tide are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
Crimson Tide are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. S-Belt.
OU Trends
UL Lafayette
Over is 6-0 in Ragin' Cajuns last 6 non-conference games.
Over is 6-0 in Ragin' Cajuns last 6 vs. SEC.
Over is 4-0 in Ragin' Cajuns last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 7-1-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 9 games on grass.
Over is 6-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 7 games overall.
Over is 4-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 23-8 in Ragin' Cajuns last 31 games in September.
Alabama
Over is 6-1 in Crimson Tide last 7 games in September.
Under is 5-1 in Crimson Tide last 6 vs. S-Belt.
Over is 4-1 in Crimson Tide last 5 games overall.
Under is 5-2 in Crimson Tide last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 15-6 in Crimson Tide last 21 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 17-7 in Crimson Tide last 24 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 21-10 in Crimson Tide last 31 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Head to Head
No trends available.
UL Lafayette
Ragin' Cajuns are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games on grass.
Ragin' Cajuns are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. SEC.
Ragin' Cajuns are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Ragin' Cajuns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Ragin' Cajuns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Ragin' Cajuns are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
Ragin' Cajuns are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in September.
Ragin' Cajuns are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Ragin' Cajuns are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Ragin' Cajuns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Ragin' Cajuns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Alabama
Crimson Tide are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in September.
Crimson Tide are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS loss.
Crimson Tide are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
Crimson Tide are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. S-Belt.
OU Trends
UL Lafayette
Over is 6-0 in Ragin' Cajuns last 6 non-conference games.
Over is 6-0 in Ragin' Cajuns last 6 vs. SEC.
Over is 4-0 in Ragin' Cajuns last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 7-1-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 9 games on grass.
Over is 6-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 7 games overall.
Over is 4-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 23-8 in Ragin' Cajuns last 31 games in September.
Alabama
Over is 6-1 in Crimson Tide last 7 games in September.
Under is 5-1 in Crimson Tide last 6 vs. S-Belt.
Over is 4-1 in Crimson Tide last 5 games overall.
Under is 5-2 in Crimson Tide last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 15-6 in Crimson Tide last 21 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 17-7 in Crimson Tide last 24 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 21-10 in Crimson Tide last 31 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Head to Head
No trends available.
Preview: Arkansas at Texas A&M
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Texas A&M looks to bounce back from a drubbing by No. 1 Alabama when it plays Arkansas in an SEC contest at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday. The Aggies -- whose two losses have come to the Crimson Tide and No. 2 Clemson -- fell 45-23 last week, while the Razorbacks dropped their conference opener, 34-3 at No. 10 Auburn.
Arkansas coach Chad Morris is looking for answers after a slow start to the season, with an offense that has averaged 15.7 points in its three contests against FBS opponents and ranks 12th in the SEC in total offense (374 yards per game). Defensively, the Razorbacks have been solid against the run, leading the conference by giving up 88.3 yards per game (seventh nationally), but opponents are still averaging 33 points. Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (1,020 yards, seven touchdowns) keeps the Aggies moving through the air, while running back Trayveon Williams (430 yards, four TDs) is the workhorse in the ground attack. Coach Jimbo Fisher would like to see Williams show more consistency as he's averaged 184 yards against Northwestern State and Louisiana-Monroe but 31 against Clemson and Alabama.
TV: Noon ET, ESPN. LINE: Texas A&M -20.5
ABOUT ARKANSAS (1-3, 0-1 SEC): There are a lot of areas for the Razorbacks to improve, but coach Chad Morris specifically pointed at his team's special teams play as an area that must get better in a hurry. Against Auburn, Arkansas gave up a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a 48-yard punt return and had a punt blocked. For the season, the Razorbacks rank 126th among the 129 FBS teams in opponents' punt return average (20.9 yards) and 113th in opponents' kickoff return average (25.6), putting more pressure on the team's defense to hold up when allowing good field position to start drives.
ABOUT TEXAS A&M (2-2, 0-1): The Texas A&M defense hasn't had a big season making big plays thus far, with one turnover -- tied for the fewest in the nation -- and five sacks through four games. Fisher has been working on getting his defensive backs to play tighter coverage, which could lead to more interceptions, as well as better tackling angles which could lead to possible strips of ball carriers. Playing against Alabama and Clemson has made it difficult to rack up turnover and sack numbers, but the hope is playing a team such as Arkansas (10 turnovers, nine sacks allowed) will help the team get some big plays and start the momentum going for the rest of the season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Arkansas SS Kamren Curl set a career high with nine tackles against Auburn last week.
2. The Aggies' offense is first in the SEC and seventh nationally, averaging 545.5 yards per game.
3. Texas A&M P Braden Mann set an NCAA record for single-game punt average, with 60.8 yards per punt on five kicks against Alabama.
PREDICTION: Texas A&M 38, Arkansas 20
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Texas A&M looks to bounce back from a drubbing by No. 1 Alabama when it plays Arkansas in an SEC contest at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday. The Aggies -- whose two losses have come to the Crimson Tide and No. 2 Clemson -- fell 45-23 last week, while the Razorbacks dropped their conference opener, 34-3 at No. 10 Auburn.
Arkansas coach Chad Morris is looking for answers after a slow start to the season, with an offense that has averaged 15.7 points in its three contests against FBS opponents and ranks 12th in the SEC in total offense (374 yards per game). Defensively, the Razorbacks have been solid against the run, leading the conference by giving up 88.3 yards per game (seventh nationally), but opponents are still averaging 33 points. Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (1,020 yards, seven touchdowns) keeps the Aggies moving through the air, while running back Trayveon Williams (430 yards, four TDs) is the workhorse in the ground attack. Coach Jimbo Fisher would like to see Williams show more consistency as he's averaged 184 yards against Northwestern State and Louisiana-Monroe but 31 against Clemson and Alabama.
TV: Noon ET, ESPN. LINE: Texas A&M -20.5
ABOUT ARKANSAS (1-3, 0-1 SEC): There are a lot of areas for the Razorbacks to improve, but coach Chad Morris specifically pointed at his team's special teams play as an area that must get better in a hurry. Against Auburn, Arkansas gave up a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a 48-yard punt return and had a punt blocked. For the season, the Razorbacks rank 126th among the 129 FBS teams in opponents' punt return average (20.9 yards) and 113th in opponents' kickoff return average (25.6), putting more pressure on the team's defense to hold up when allowing good field position to start drives.
ABOUT TEXAS A&M (2-2, 0-1): The Texas A&M defense hasn't had a big season making big plays thus far, with one turnover -- tied for the fewest in the nation -- and five sacks through four games. Fisher has been working on getting his defensive backs to play tighter coverage, which could lead to more interceptions, as well as better tackling angles which could lead to possible strips of ball carriers. Playing against Alabama and Clemson has made it difficult to rack up turnover and sack numbers, but the hope is playing a team such as Arkansas (10 turnovers, nine sacks allowed) will help the team get some big plays and start the momentum going for the rest of the season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Arkansas SS Kamren Curl set a career high with nine tackles against Auburn last week.
2. The Aggies' offense is first in the SEC and seventh nationally, averaging 545.5 yards per game.
3. Texas A&M P Braden Mann set an NCAA record for single-game punt average, with 60.8 yards per punt on five kicks against Alabama.
PREDICTION: Texas A&M 38, Arkansas 20
ATS Trends
Arkansas
Razorbacks are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Razorbacks are 15-34-2 ATS in their last 51 games in September.
Razorbacks are 4-10-2 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Razorbacks are 2-9-2 ATS in their last 13 games on fieldturf.
Razorbacks are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Razorbacks are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Razorbacks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.
Razorbacks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Texas A&M
Aggies are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Aggies are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Aggies are 21-5-1 ATS in their last 27 games in September.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Aggies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games.
Aggies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.
Aggies are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss.
OU Trends
Arkansas
Under is 4-0 in Razorbacks last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 6-1 in Razorbacks last 7 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Razorbacks last 7 games overall.
Over is 5-2 in Razorbacks last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Texas A&M
Over is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 neutral site games.
Over is 5-1 in Aggies last 6 games overall.
Over is 5-1 in Aggies last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Under is 9-3 in Aggies last 12 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 11-5 in Aggies last 16 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 13-6 in Aggies last 19 games following a straight up loss.
Head to Head
Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Arkansas
Razorbacks are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Razorbacks are 15-34-2 ATS in their last 51 games in September.
Razorbacks are 4-10-2 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Razorbacks are 2-9-2 ATS in their last 13 games on fieldturf.
Razorbacks are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Razorbacks are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Razorbacks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.
Razorbacks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Texas A&M
Aggies are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Aggies are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Aggies are 21-5-1 ATS in their last 27 games in September.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Aggies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games.
Aggies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.
Aggies are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss.
OU Trends
Arkansas
Under is 4-0 in Razorbacks last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 6-1 in Razorbacks last 7 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Razorbacks last 7 games overall.
Over is 5-2 in Razorbacks last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Texas A&M
Over is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 neutral site games.
Over is 5-1 in Aggies last 6 games overall.
Over is 5-1 in Aggies last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Under is 9-3 in Aggies last 12 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 11-5 in Aggies last 16 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 13-6 in Aggies last 19 games following a straight up loss.
Head to Head
Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Preview: Indiana at Rutgers
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Indiana looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season when it visits Rutgers on Saturday. The Hoosiers opened the campaign with three straight victories but were held to 29 rushing yards on 32 attempts in the 35-21 loss to 18th-ranked Michigan State in Week 4, and they hope to shore up their running game against a Scarlet Knights squad which has given up an average of 220 yards on the ground in 2018.
"I'm very disappointed in our running game," Indiana coach Tom Allen told reporters. "That's an area that really bothers me and we have to address that in order to move forward." Rutgers is heading in the wrong direction following a disappointing 42-13 home defeat to Buffalo. The Scarlet Knights have dropped three straight games by an average margin of 39.6 points, and they hope to salvage a season that is quickly spinning out of control by beating the Hoosiers for the first time since a thrilling 55-52 victory on Oct. 17, 2015. "It's not the start that we wanted and it's not where we want to be," Rutgers coach Chris Ash admitted to reporters. "Winning will never happen if losing doesn't hurt and right now we have a hurt football team."
TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Indiana -17.5.
ABOUT INDIANA (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten): Peyton Ramsey completed 32-of-46 passes for 272 yards and two scores in the loss to Michigan State to record the sixth multi-touchdown game of his career. Sophomore wide receiver Whop Philyor filled in admirably for an injured Luke Timian as he caught a career-high 13 passes - the fourth most in program history - for 148 yards against the Spartans. Defensive back Marcelino Ball registered six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble before he was ejected for targeting midway through the third quarter. He will miss the first half against Rutgers.
ABOUT RUTGERS (1-3, 0-1): Artur Sitkowski was limited to 39 yards on 6-of-13 passing before he was benched in favor of Gio Rescigno, who went 12-of-24 for 129 yards in the loss to Buffalo, but Ash refused to name the starter for Saturday's clash. Raheem Blackshear was one of the lone bright spots on offense as he rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown while Justin Davidovicz kicked a pair of field goals to improve to 3-for-3 on the season. Offensive lineman Zack Heeman was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded annually to the top scholar-athlete in the nation.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Indiana has won two straight meetings with Rutgers by an average margin of 23.5 points.
2. The Scarlet Knights have been outscored 149-30 during their current losing skid.
3. The Hoosiers are ranked ninth nationally with nine takeaways.
PREDICTION: Indiana 35, Rutgers 20
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Indiana looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season when it visits Rutgers on Saturday. The Hoosiers opened the campaign with three straight victories but were held to 29 rushing yards on 32 attempts in the 35-21 loss to 18th-ranked Michigan State in Week 4, and they hope to shore up their running game against a Scarlet Knights squad which has given up an average of 220 yards on the ground in 2018.
"I'm very disappointed in our running game," Indiana coach Tom Allen told reporters. "That's an area that really bothers me and we have to address that in order to move forward." Rutgers is heading in the wrong direction following a disappointing 42-13 home defeat to Buffalo. The Scarlet Knights have dropped three straight games by an average margin of 39.6 points, and they hope to salvage a season that is quickly spinning out of control by beating the Hoosiers for the first time since a thrilling 55-52 victory on Oct. 17, 2015. "It's not the start that we wanted and it's not where we want to be," Rutgers coach Chris Ash admitted to reporters. "Winning will never happen if losing doesn't hurt and right now we have a hurt football team."
TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Indiana -17.5.
ABOUT INDIANA (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten): Peyton Ramsey completed 32-of-46 passes for 272 yards and two scores in the loss to Michigan State to record the sixth multi-touchdown game of his career. Sophomore wide receiver Whop Philyor filled in admirably for an injured Luke Timian as he caught a career-high 13 passes - the fourth most in program history - for 148 yards against the Spartans. Defensive back Marcelino Ball registered six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble before he was ejected for targeting midway through the third quarter. He will miss the first half against Rutgers.
ABOUT RUTGERS (1-3, 0-1): Artur Sitkowski was limited to 39 yards on 6-of-13 passing before he was benched in favor of Gio Rescigno, who went 12-of-24 for 129 yards in the loss to Buffalo, but Ash refused to name the starter for Saturday's clash. Raheem Blackshear was one of the lone bright spots on offense as he rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown while Justin Davidovicz kicked a pair of field goals to improve to 3-for-3 on the season. Offensive lineman Zack Heeman was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded annually to the top scholar-athlete in the nation.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Indiana has won two straight meetings with Rutgers by an average margin of 23.5 points.
2. The Scarlet Knights have been outscored 149-30 during their current losing skid.
3. The Hoosiers are ranked ninth nationally with nine takeaways.
PREDICTION: Indiana 35, Rutgers 20
ATS Trends
Indiana
Hoosiers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Hoosiers are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
Hoosiers are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Hoosiers are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games on fieldturf.
Hoosiers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
Hoosiers are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 conference games.
Hoosiers are 2-10-1 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
Hoosiers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Hoosiers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Hoosiers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Rutgers
Scarlet Knights are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Scarlet Knights are 2-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Scarlet Knights are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Scarlet Knights are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Scarlet Knights are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Scarlet Knights are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf.
Scarlet Knights are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
OU Trends
Indiana
Under is 4-0 in Hoosiers last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 9-3 in Hoosiers last 12 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 14-6-1 in Hoosiers last 21 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Over is 7-3 in Hoosiers last 10 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 9-4 in Hoosiers last 13 road games.
Rutgers
Over is 4-0 in Scarlet Knights last 4 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Over is 5-0 in Scarlet Knights last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 7-1 in Scarlet Knights last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 8-2 in Scarlet Knights last 10 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Scarlet Knights last 7 home games.
Head to Head
No trends available.
Indiana
Hoosiers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Hoosiers are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
Hoosiers are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Hoosiers are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games on fieldturf.
Hoosiers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
Hoosiers are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 conference games.
Hoosiers are 2-10-1 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
Hoosiers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Hoosiers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Hoosiers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Rutgers
Scarlet Knights are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Scarlet Knights are 2-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Scarlet Knights are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Scarlet Knights are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Scarlet Knights are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Scarlet Knights are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf.
Scarlet Knights are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
OU Trends
Indiana
Under is 4-0 in Hoosiers last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 9-3 in Hoosiers last 12 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 14-6-1 in Hoosiers last 21 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Over is 7-3 in Hoosiers last 10 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 9-4 in Hoosiers last 13 road games.
Rutgers
Over is 4-0 in Scarlet Knights last 4 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Over is 5-0 in Scarlet Knights last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 7-1 in Scarlet Knights last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 8-2 in Scarlet Knights last 10 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Scarlet Knights last 7 home games.
Head to Head
No trends available.
Preview: Central Michigan at Michigan State
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Michigan State looks to keep its momentum going after a win on the road last week when it returns home to face non-conference foe Central Michigan on Saturday. The No. 18 Spartans opened their Big Ten season with a 35-21 victory at Indiana, while the Chippewas are coming off their first win of the season, a 17-5 decision over Maine.
Coach Mark Dantonio would like to see his running game get itself into gear, after the Spartans managed 131 yards on the ground against the Hoosiers, a majority of which came on a game-clinching 75-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Jalen Nailor. Quarterback Brian Lewerke and the passing game have looked a little more in sync with the junior quarterback averaging 271.3 yards, but he's thrown for five touchdowns and four interceptions, with the offense stalling at inopportune times. Defensively, the Spartans have been outstanding against the run, ranking No. 1 in the country at 32.7 yards per game. Central Michigan's attack has been inconsistent this season, with junior quarterback Tommy Lazzaro taking off the starting duties last week and finishing with 82 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception.
TV: Noon ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Michigan State -28.5
ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (1-3): Lazzaro appears to be the Chippewas' starter going forward, especially considering the former starting quarterback, Tony Poljan, was on the receiving end of a 23-yard pass from Lazzaro on the last scoring drive against Maine. Lazzaro's numbers aren't significantly better than Poljan's, who started the season's first three contests, but he brings a running threat to the game, leading the team in rushing against Maine and ranking third on the team overall with 99 yards and two touchdowns this season. Coach John Bonamego will keep his options open as the season goes on, especially with the offense still having trouble putting together a consistent attack, but barring injuries, Lazzaro looks to be the Chippewas' man.
ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2-1): The usual look for the Michigan State offense is pound the ball on the ground and take a few shots through the air, but there is some clamoring for changing that. Lewerke is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and has a number of weapons in receivers Cody White (18 catches, 260 yards, two touchdowns), Darrell Stewart (14 catches, 127 yards), Felton Davis (13, 212) and Nailor (three, 34, TD). With running back LJ Scott likely returning from an injury that sidelined him against Indiana, the Spartans will try to get more out of the running game against Central Michigan, but if the ground attack continues to struggle, Lewerke and the passing game could get the chance to be the featured part of the offense.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Michigan State LB Joe Bachie leads the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 10 per game.
2. The Spartans' pass defense ranks 123rd among the 129 FBS teams in the country, allowing 323.7 yards per contest.
3. Michigan State recorded five sacks against Indiana, the most by the Spartans since the 2015 season opener.
PREDICTION: Michigan State 38, Central Michigan 6
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Michigan State looks to keep its momentum going after a win on the road last week when it returns home to face non-conference foe Central Michigan on Saturday. The No. 18 Spartans opened their Big Ten season with a 35-21 victory at Indiana, while the Chippewas are coming off their first win of the season, a 17-5 decision over Maine.
Coach Mark Dantonio would like to see his running game get itself into gear, after the Spartans managed 131 yards on the ground against the Hoosiers, a majority of which came on a game-clinching 75-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Jalen Nailor. Quarterback Brian Lewerke and the passing game have looked a little more in sync with the junior quarterback averaging 271.3 yards, but he's thrown for five touchdowns and four interceptions, with the offense stalling at inopportune times. Defensively, the Spartans have been outstanding against the run, ranking No. 1 in the country at 32.7 yards per game. Central Michigan's attack has been inconsistent this season, with junior quarterback Tommy Lazzaro taking off the starting duties last week and finishing with 82 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception.
TV: Noon ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Michigan State -28.5
ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (1-3): Lazzaro appears to be the Chippewas' starter going forward, especially considering the former starting quarterback, Tony Poljan, was on the receiving end of a 23-yard pass from Lazzaro on the last scoring drive against Maine. Lazzaro's numbers aren't significantly better than Poljan's, who started the season's first three contests, but he brings a running threat to the game, leading the team in rushing against Maine and ranking third on the team overall with 99 yards and two touchdowns this season. Coach John Bonamego will keep his options open as the season goes on, especially with the offense still having trouble putting together a consistent attack, but barring injuries, Lazzaro looks to be the Chippewas' man.
ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2-1): The usual look for the Michigan State offense is pound the ball on the ground and take a few shots through the air, but there is some clamoring for changing that. Lewerke is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and has a number of weapons in receivers Cody White (18 catches, 260 yards, two touchdowns), Darrell Stewart (14 catches, 127 yards), Felton Davis (13, 212) and Nailor (three, 34, TD). With running back LJ Scott likely returning from an injury that sidelined him against Indiana, the Spartans will try to get more out of the running game against Central Michigan, but if the ground attack continues to struggle, Lewerke and the passing game could get the chance to be the featured part of the offense.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Michigan State LB Joe Bachie leads the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 10 per game.
2. The Spartans' pass defense ranks 123rd among the 129 FBS teams in the country, allowing 323.7 yards per contest.
3. Michigan State recorded five sacks against Indiana, the most by the Spartans since the 2015 season opener.
PREDICTION: Michigan State 38, Central Michigan 6
ATS Trends
Central Michigan
Chippewas are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Chippewas are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Chippewas are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Chippewas are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Chippewas are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Chippewas are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Chippewas are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Chippewas are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Chippewas are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Chippewas are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Chippewas are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games in September.
Chippewas are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.
Michigan State
Spartans are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games.
Spartans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Spartans are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 non-conference games.
OU Trends
Central Michigan
Over is 5-0 in Chippewas last 5 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-1 in Chippewas last 7 games in September.
Over is 5-1 in Chippewas last 6 road games.
Under is 8-2 in Chippewas last 10 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Chippewas last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 7-2 in Chippewas last 9 games on grass.
Over is 7-2-1 in Chippewas last 10 vs. Big Ten.
Under is 7-2 in Chippewas last 9 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 12-4 in Chippewas last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-2 in Chippewas last 7 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Chippewas last 7 games following a ATS win.
Under is 19-8 in Chippewas last 27 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Chippewas last 10 games overall.
Michigan State
Over is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 games overall.
Over is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 5-2 in Spartans last 7 games in September.
Under is 5-2-1 in Spartans last 8 vs. MAC.
Head to Head
Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Chippewas are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Michigan State.
Central Michigan
Chippewas are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Chippewas are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Chippewas are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Chippewas are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Chippewas are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Chippewas are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Chippewas are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Chippewas are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Chippewas are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Chippewas are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Chippewas are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games in September.
Chippewas are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.
Michigan State
Spartans are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games.
Spartans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Spartans are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 non-conference games.
OU Trends
Central Michigan
Over is 5-0 in Chippewas last 5 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-1 in Chippewas last 7 games in September.
Over is 5-1 in Chippewas last 6 road games.
Under is 8-2 in Chippewas last 10 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Chippewas last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 7-2 in Chippewas last 9 games on grass.
Over is 7-2-1 in Chippewas last 10 vs. Big Ten.
Under is 7-2 in Chippewas last 9 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 12-4 in Chippewas last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-2 in Chippewas last 7 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Chippewas last 7 games following a ATS win.
Under is 19-8 in Chippewas last 27 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Chippewas last 10 games overall.
Michigan State
Over is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 games overall.
Over is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 5-2 in Spartans last 7 games in September.
Under is 5-2-1 in Spartans last 8 vs. MAC.
Head to Head
Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Chippewas are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Michigan State.
Preview: Oklahoma State at Kansas
Gracenote
Sep 25, 2018
Over the first three weeks of the season, Oklahoma State had shown a much better defense than past years and a surprising offense without record-setting quarterback Mason Rudolph, but the Cowboys dropped seven spots to No. 21 after getting drubbed at home by Texas Tech last week. Beginning with a visit to Kansas on Saturday, the Cowboys will have a chance to endear themselves to the voters once again before finishing the season against three top-25 teams in their final five contests.
Led by first-year starter Taylor Cornelius, Oklahoma State entered the Texas Tech contest sixth in the country in total offense and had outscored its first three opponents 157-51, but Cornelius struggled and the defense yielded 621 yards in a 41-17 defeat that snapped a nine-game win streak against the Red Raiders. After guiding the Cowboys to a win over No. 25 Boise State a week ago, Cornelius (1,229 passing yards in 2018 - eighth in FBS) finished 18-of-38 passing for 258 yards with a touchdown and interception against the Red Raiders. On paper, Kansas appears to be the perfect elixir for Oklahoma State, as the Cowboys have won six straight road games overall, eight consecutive in the series and seven straight in Lawrence. The Jayhawks, who have played very good defense thus far in 2018, trailed 23-0 at the half at Baylor last week before falling 26-7.
TV: Noon ET, Fox Sports Network. LINE: Oklahoma State -18.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (3-1, 0-1 Big 12): Cowboys coach Mike Gundy may try to return more to the run game this week and Justice Hill (388 yards, five TDs), who ranks 14th nationally with 8.43 yards per has but ran the ball only 12 times for a robust 111 yards in the loss. “We got behind, and that didn't help. If we were able to go back and do it again, you'd like to have pumped it to him about 18 times in that game, "Gundy told reporters at his weekly press conference. Despite its struggles against the high-powered Texas Tech offense (35 first downs, 9-of-14 on 3rd downs), the Cowboys' defense leads the nation in sacks per game (4.75) and the conference in fewest rushing yards allowed (111.5).
ABOUT KANSAS (2-2, 0-1): The Jayhawks, who put together a 405-yard rushing performance in their 55-24 win over Rutgers, managed only 122 yards on the ground against Baylor, led by freshman Pooka Williams Jr.'s 89 yards - including 72 on one run. Williams owns the top rushing contest in the Big 12 thus far with 163 yards against Rutgers, and he has collected 377 yards on 46 carries for the season, good for eight yards per carry and three touchdowns. Led by senior linebacker Joe Dineen (at least 10 tackles in every game), the Kansas defense currently leads the Big 12 in seven categories, including second in scoring defense (18.3 per game).
EXTRA POINTS
1. WR Tylan Wallace is just the third Oklahoma State underclassman to record three consecutive 100-yard receiving games, joining Biletnikoff winners James Washington and Justin Blackmon. He ranks sixth nationally at 110.5 yards per game and eighth with 442 total receiving yards.
2. Kansas' defense leads FBS in turnover margin at plus-12 (13 forced). The Jayhawks produced nine turnovers by its opponents in all of 2017.
3, Jayhawks sophomore P Kyle Thompson is second in the conference and 20th in FBS with his 44.2 yards per punt. He has recorded nine punts of 50 or more yards, including a career-long 65-yarder at Baylor, and has dropped 14 punts inside the 20-yard line.
PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 41, Kansas 14
Gracenote
Sep 25, 2018
Over the first three weeks of the season, Oklahoma State had shown a much better defense than past years and a surprising offense without record-setting quarterback Mason Rudolph, but the Cowboys dropped seven spots to No. 21 after getting drubbed at home by Texas Tech last week. Beginning with a visit to Kansas on Saturday, the Cowboys will have a chance to endear themselves to the voters once again before finishing the season against three top-25 teams in their final five contests.
Led by first-year starter Taylor Cornelius, Oklahoma State entered the Texas Tech contest sixth in the country in total offense and had outscored its first three opponents 157-51, but Cornelius struggled and the defense yielded 621 yards in a 41-17 defeat that snapped a nine-game win streak against the Red Raiders. After guiding the Cowboys to a win over No. 25 Boise State a week ago, Cornelius (1,229 passing yards in 2018 - eighth in FBS) finished 18-of-38 passing for 258 yards with a touchdown and interception against the Red Raiders. On paper, Kansas appears to be the perfect elixir for Oklahoma State, as the Cowboys have won six straight road games overall, eight consecutive in the series and seven straight in Lawrence. The Jayhawks, who have played very good defense thus far in 2018, trailed 23-0 at the half at Baylor last week before falling 26-7.
TV: Noon ET, Fox Sports Network. LINE: Oklahoma State -18.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (3-1, 0-1 Big 12): Cowboys coach Mike Gundy may try to return more to the run game this week and Justice Hill (388 yards, five TDs), who ranks 14th nationally with 8.43 yards per has but ran the ball only 12 times for a robust 111 yards in the loss. “We got behind, and that didn't help. If we were able to go back and do it again, you'd like to have pumped it to him about 18 times in that game, "Gundy told reporters at his weekly press conference. Despite its struggles against the high-powered Texas Tech offense (35 first downs, 9-of-14 on 3rd downs), the Cowboys' defense leads the nation in sacks per game (4.75) and the conference in fewest rushing yards allowed (111.5).
ABOUT KANSAS (2-2, 0-1): The Jayhawks, who put together a 405-yard rushing performance in their 55-24 win over Rutgers, managed only 122 yards on the ground against Baylor, led by freshman Pooka Williams Jr.'s 89 yards - including 72 on one run. Williams owns the top rushing contest in the Big 12 thus far with 163 yards against Rutgers, and he has collected 377 yards on 46 carries for the season, good for eight yards per carry and three touchdowns. Led by senior linebacker Joe Dineen (at least 10 tackles in every game), the Kansas defense currently leads the Big 12 in seven categories, including second in scoring defense (18.3 per game).
EXTRA POINTS
1. WR Tylan Wallace is just the third Oklahoma State underclassman to record three consecutive 100-yard receiving games, joining Biletnikoff winners James Washington and Justin Blackmon. He ranks sixth nationally at 110.5 yards per game and eighth with 442 total receiving yards.
2. Kansas' defense leads FBS in turnover margin at plus-12 (13 forced). The Jayhawks produced nine turnovers by its opponents in all of 2017.
3, Jayhawks sophomore P Kyle Thompson is second in the conference and 20th in FBS with his 44.2 yards per punt. He has recorded nine punts of 50 or more yards, including a career-long 65-yarder at Baylor, and has dropped 14 punts inside the 20-yard line.
PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 41, Kansas 14
ATS Trends
Oklahoma State
Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Cowboys are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.
Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Cowboys are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Kansas
Jayhawks are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Jayhawks are 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Jayhawks are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games in September.
Jayhawks are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
OU Trends
Oklahoma State
Over is 6-0 in Cowboys last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-1 in Cowboys last 6 conference games.
Over is 13-3 in Cowboys last 16 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 19-7 in Cowboys last 26 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Over is 5-2 in Cowboys last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Over is 12-5 in Cowboys last 17 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 7-3 in Cowboys last 10 games overall.
Over is 7-3 in Cowboys last 10 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Over is 21-9 in Cowboys last 30 games on fieldturf.
Over is 15-7 in Cowboys last 22 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Kansas
Under is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 6-2 in Jayhawks last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 6-2 in Jayhawks last 8 conference games.
Under is 8-3 in Jayhawks last 11 games overall.
Head to Head
Home team is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Cowboys are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 meetings.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Cowboys are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Kansas.
Oklahoma State
Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Cowboys are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.
Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Cowboys are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Kansas
Jayhawks are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Jayhawks are 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Jayhawks are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games in September.
Jayhawks are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
OU Trends
Oklahoma State
Over is 6-0 in Cowboys last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-1 in Cowboys last 6 conference games.
Over is 13-3 in Cowboys last 16 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 19-7 in Cowboys last 26 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Over is 5-2 in Cowboys last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Over is 12-5 in Cowboys last 17 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 7-3 in Cowboys last 10 games overall.
Over is 7-3 in Cowboys last 10 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Over is 21-9 in Cowboys last 30 games on fieldturf.
Over is 15-7 in Cowboys last 22 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Kansas
Under is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 6-2 in Jayhawks last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 6-2 in Jayhawks last 8 conference games.
Under is 8-3 in Jayhawks last 11 games overall.
Head to Head
Home team is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Cowboys are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 meetings.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Cowboys are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Kansas.
Preview: Bowling Green at Georgia Tech
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Georgia Tech looks to start moving in the right direction – both figuratively and literally – when it hosts Bowling Green on Saturday in a non-conference matchup that provides the team an opportunity to fix the mistakes that have resulted in three consecutive defeats. Georgia Tech was blitzed for 49 points for the second time in three weeks in Saturday’s loss to No. 2 Clemson, a game in which 10 of its 64 offensive snaps resulted in negative yardage.
“It’s embarrassing,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson admitted to reporters following Saturday’s 49-21 setback - a contest marred by fumbles and penalties as the Yellow Jackets finished with just 203 yards of total offense. “I can promise you we’re going to get better fundamentally at quarterback.” TaQuon Marshall struggled with pitching the ball to running backs and completed just one pass as the offense clearly feels the loss of running back KirVonte Benson to a season-ending knee injury. Things are not much better on defense for the Yellow Jackets, who are allowing 347 yards and 30.5 points per game while struggling against up-tempo offenses. The Falcons also have dropped three of their first four games while allowing an overall average of 44 points.
TV: Noon ET, ACC Network, FS Southeast. LINE: Georgia Tech -28 ½
ABOUT BOWLING GREEN (1-3): It has been a difficult start for the Falcons, who received 237 passing yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Jarret Doege in last week’s 38-23 victory over Miami (Ohio) – a game in which Bowling Green trailed by 28 points early in the third quarter. Doege was sacked five times as the Falcons finished with only 85 yards on the ground. The defense continues to struggle, allowing 289 rushing yards last week as the team prepares to face Georgia Tech’s triple-option rushing attack.
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (1-3): The Yellow Jackets are off to their worst start since 2003 and there already are grumblings about Johnson, who is in his 11th season at the helm. Georgia Tech rushed for only 146 yards, a far cry from last season's 307.4 average that ranked fourth in the nation, with Marshall leading the way with 47 on 25 carries. Defensive back Malik Rivera recorded six tackles - all solo - against Clemson and is tied for second on the team with 15 stops.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Georgia Tech RB Clinton Lynch is 26 receiving yards shy of becoming the first player in school history to record 1,000 both rushing and receiving in his career.
2. The Yellow Jackets have intercepted five passes this season (tied for 19th nationally) after picking off just six last season.
3. Bowling Green is 5-20 against FBS competition over the past three campaigns.
PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 48, Bowling Green 20
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Georgia Tech looks to start moving in the right direction – both figuratively and literally – when it hosts Bowling Green on Saturday in a non-conference matchup that provides the team an opportunity to fix the mistakes that have resulted in three consecutive defeats. Georgia Tech was blitzed for 49 points for the second time in three weeks in Saturday’s loss to No. 2 Clemson, a game in which 10 of its 64 offensive snaps resulted in negative yardage.
“It’s embarrassing,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson admitted to reporters following Saturday’s 49-21 setback - a contest marred by fumbles and penalties as the Yellow Jackets finished with just 203 yards of total offense. “I can promise you we’re going to get better fundamentally at quarterback.” TaQuon Marshall struggled with pitching the ball to running backs and completed just one pass as the offense clearly feels the loss of running back KirVonte Benson to a season-ending knee injury. Things are not much better on defense for the Yellow Jackets, who are allowing 347 yards and 30.5 points per game while struggling against up-tempo offenses. The Falcons also have dropped three of their first four games while allowing an overall average of 44 points.
TV: Noon ET, ACC Network, FS Southeast. LINE: Georgia Tech -28 ½
ABOUT BOWLING GREEN (1-3): It has been a difficult start for the Falcons, who received 237 passing yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Jarret Doege in last week’s 38-23 victory over Miami (Ohio) – a game in which Bowling Green trailed by 28 points early in the third quarter. Doege was sacked five times as the Falcons finished with only 85 yards on the ground. The defense continues to struggle, allowing 289 rushing yards last week as the team prepares to face Georgia Tech’s triple-option rushing attack.
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (1-3): The Yellow Jackets are off to their worst start since 2003 and there already are grumblings about Johnson, who is in his 11th season at the helm. Georgia Tech rushed for only 146 yards, a far cry from last season's 307.4 average that ranked fourth in the nation, with Marshall leading the way with 47 on 25 carries. Defensive back Malik Rivera recorded six tackles - all solo - against Clemson and is tied for second on the team with 15 stops.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Georgia Tech RB Clinton Lynch is 26 receiving yards shy of becoming the first player in school history to record 1,000 both rushing and receiving in his career.
2. The Yellow Jackets have intercepted five passes this season (tied for 19th nationally) after picking off just six last season.
3. Bowling Green is 5-20 against FBS competition over the past three campaigns.
PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 48, Bowling Green 20
ATS Trends
Bowling Green
Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Falcons are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Falcons are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 games overall.
Falcons are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Falcons are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Falcons are 5-15 ATS in their last 20 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Falcons are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Falcons are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games.
Falcons are 1-12 ATS in their last 13 games in September.
Georgia Tech
Yellow Jackets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Yellow Jackets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Yellow Jackets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Yellow Jackets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Yellow Jackets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in September.
Yellow Jackets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Yellow Jackets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Yellow Jackets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.
Yellow Jackets are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
OU Trends
Bowling Green
Over is 5-0 in Falcons last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 5-0 in Falcons last 5 road games.
Over is 7-0 in Falcons last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 7-0 in Falcons last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-0 in Falcons last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 10-1 in Falcons last 11 games overall.
Over is 7-1 in Falcons last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Falcons last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 12-3 in Falcons last 15 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Under is 19-7 in Falcons last 26 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Georgia Tech
Under is 4-0 in Yellow Jackets last 4 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Yellow Jackets last 7 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Yellow Jackets last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Yellow Jackets last 6 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 9-3-1 in Yellow Jackets last 13 games in September.
Under is 5-2 in Yellow Jackets last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Head to Head
No trends available.
Bowling Green
Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Falcons are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Falcons are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 games overall.
Falcons are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Falcons are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Falcons are 5-15 ATS in their last 20 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Falcons are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Falcons are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games.
Falcons are 1-12 ATS in their last 13 games in September.
Georgia Tech
Yellow Jackets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Yellow Jackets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Yellow Jackets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Yellow Jackets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Yellow Jackets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in September.
Yellow Jackets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Yellow Jackets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Yellow Jackets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.
Yellow Jackets are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
OU Trends
Bowling Green
Over is 5-0 in Falcons last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 5-0 in Falcons last 5 road games.
Over is 7-0 in Falcons last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 7-0 in Falcons last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-0 in Falcons last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 10-1 in Falcons last 11 games overall.
Over is 7-1 in Falcons last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Falcons last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 12-3 in Falcons last 15 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Under is 19-7 in Falcons last 26 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Georgia Tech
Under is 4-0 in Yellow Jackets last 4 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Yellow Jackets last 7 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Yellow Jackets last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Yellow Jackets last 6 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 9-3-1 in Yellow Jackets last 13 games in September.
Under is 5-2 in Yellow Jackets last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Head to Head
No trends available.
Preview: Temple at Boston College
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Boston College's first appearance in the coaches poll in nearly 10 years was a brief one and the Eagles hope to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they host Temple on Saturday in the non-conference finale for both teams. After averaging 52.7 points in a 3-0 start to move to No. 25 in the nation, Boston College had four turnovers and just 229 total yards in a 30-13 loss at Purdue last weekend.
Sophomore quarterback Anthony Brown entered that contest leading FBS passers in efficiency but he hit a wall against the Boilermakers, completing 13-of-27 passes for 96 yards with four interceptions. "He's ticked off as any competitor would be," coach Steve Addazio told reporters of Brown's desire to rebound this week. "He's got to make sure he's not trying too hard. He's got to go back and take care of business and handle the reads and taking what's there." The Owls come in with loads of momentum after an impressive 21-point upset win at Maryland and then a 31-17 victory over Tulsa at home last week. Ryquell Armstead reached the 100-yard mark on the ground for the third straight game and Temple forced five turnovers against the Golden Hurricane to win its American Athletic Conference opener.
TV: Noon ET, ESPNU. LINE: Boston College -13.5
ABOUT TEMPLE (2-2): The Owls have forced seven total turnovers in the back-to-back wins - three of which were returned for touchdowns - as the "Darkside" defense lives up to its mantra. "The big thing that [defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker] preaches all the time, we want to get the ball," coach Geoff Collins told reporters. "It's all about the ball. It's been really nice to see the last couple of weeks of us creating turnovers, causing fumbles, getting picks, and then scoring off of them." Sophomore Anthony Russo has started at quarterback in the two wins after senior Frank Nutile was unavailable with an undisclosed injury but Russo was just 7-of-20 for 112 yards and two interceptions against Tulsa.
ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (3-1): Sophomore star AJ Dillon was held to 59 rushing yards against Purdue, his lowest total since Oct. 7, 2017, and his two receptions resulted in a minus-2 yards. Tight end Tommy Sweeney has all of his team-leading nine catches over the last three games and he found the end zone in each of the last two contests. Senior linebacker Connor Strachan leads the defense with 31 tackles while defensive lineman Wyatt Ray followed up his four-sack effort at Wake Forest with another versus the Boilermakers to give him an FBS-high 5.5 on the season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Addazio coached Temple in 2011 and 2012, compiling a 13-11 record and a win in the 2011 New Mexico Bowl.
2. Boston College is one of three FBS teams yet to attempt a field goal.
3. The Eagles have won 12 of the last 14 meetings between the former Big East foes.
PREDICTION: Boston College 27, Temple 20
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
Boston College's first appearance in the coaches poll in nearly 10 years was a brief one and the Eagles hope to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they host Temple on Saturday in the non-conference finale for both teams. After averaging 52.7 points in a 3-0 start to move to No. 25 in the nation, Boston College had four turnovers and just 229 total yards in a 30-13 loss at Purdue last weekend.
Sophomore quarterback Anthony Brown entered that contest leading FBS passers in efficiency but he hit a wall against the Boilermakers, completing 13-of-27 passes for 96 yards with four interceptions. "He's ticked off as any competitor would be," coach Steve Addazio told reporters of Brown's desire to rebound this week. "He's got to make sure he's not trying too hard. He's got to go back and take care of business and handle the reads and taking what's there." The Owls come in with loads of momentum after an impressive 21-point upset win at Maryland and then a 31-17 victory over Tulsa at home last week. Ryquell Armstead reached the 100-yard mark on the ground for the third straight game and Temple forced five turnovers against the Golden Hurricane to win its American Athletic Conference opener.
TV: Noon ET, ESPNU. LINE: Boston College -13.5
ABOUT TEMPLE (2-2): The Owls have forced seven total turnovers in the back-to-back wins - three of which were returned for touchdowns - as the "Darkside" defense lives up to its mantra. "The big thing that [defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker] preaches all the time, we want to get the ball," coach Geoff Collins told reporters. "It's all about the ball. It's been really nice to see the last couple of weeks of us creating turnovers, causing fumbles, getting picks, and then scoring off of them." Sophomore Anthony Russo has started at quarterback in the two wins after senior Frank Nutile was unavailable with an undisclosed injury but Russo was just 7-of-20 for 112 yards and two interceptions against Tulsa.
ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (3-1): Sophomore star AJ Dillon was held to 59 rushing yards against Purdue, his lowest total since Oct. 7, 2017, and his two receptions resulted in a minus-2 yards. Tight end Tommy Sweeney has all of his team-leading nine catches over the last three games and he found the end zone in each of the last two contests. Senior linebacker Connor Strachan leads the defense with 31 tackles while defensive lineman Wyatt Ray followed up his four-sack effort at Wake Forest with another versus the Boilermakers to give him an FBS-high 5.5 on the season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Addazio coached Temple in 2011 and 2012, compiling a 13-11 record and a win in the 2011 New Mexico Bowl.
2. Boston College is one of three FBS teams yet to attempt a field goal.
3. The Eagles have won 12 of the last 14 meetings between the former Big East foes.
PREDICTION: Boston College 27, Temple 20
ATS Trends
Temple
Owls are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Owls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Owls are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Owls are 11-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Owls are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games on fieldturf.
Owls are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up win.
Owls are 21-9 ATS in their last 30 games overall.
Owls are 39-18 ATS in their last 57 road games.
Owls are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 games following a ATS win.
Owls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. ACC.
Owls are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Boston College
Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Eagles are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Eagles are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games on fieldturf.
Eagles are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Eagles are 11-2-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
Eagles are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in September.
Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Eagles are 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 games following a ATS loss.
OU Trends
Temple
Under is 7-1 in Owls last 8 games in September.
Under is 4-1 in Owls last 5 games overall.
Under is 12-3 in Owls last 15 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 10-3 in Owls last 13 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-2 in Owls last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Owls last 7 non-conference games.
Over is 5-2 in Owls last 7 games on fieldturf.
Under is 5-2 in Owls last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 9-4 in Owls last 13 games following a ATS win.
Under is 13-6 in Owls last 19 vs. a team with a winning record.
Boston College
Over is 4-0 in Eagles last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 3-0-1 in Eagles last 4 games on fieldturf.
Over is 5-1-1 in Eagles last 7 games overall.
Under is 9-2 in Eagles last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 non-conference games.
Under is 18-5 in Eagles last 23 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 19-7-1 in Eagles last 27 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 38-14-1 in Eagles last 53 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 19-7 in Eagles last 26 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 37-17-2 in Eagles last 56 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 15-7 in Eagles last 22 home games.
Head to Head
Favorite is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Owls are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Temple
Owls are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Owls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Owls are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Owls are 11-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Owls are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games on fieldturf.
Owls are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up win.
Owls are 21-9 ATS in their last 30 games overall.
Owls are 39-18 ATS in their last 57 road games.
Owls are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 games following a ATS win.
Owls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. ACC.
Owls are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Boston College
Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Eagles are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Eagles are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games on fieldturf.
Eagles are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Eagles are 11-2-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
Eagles are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in September.
Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Eagles are 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 games following a ATS loss.
OU Trends
Temple
Under is 7-1 in Owls last 8 games in September.
Under is 4-1 in Owls last 5 games overall.
Under is 12-3 in Owls last 15 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 10-3 in Owls last 13 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-2 in Owls last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Owls last 7 non-conference games.
Over is 5-2 in Owls last 7 games on fieldturf.
Under is 5-2 in Owls last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 9-4 in Owls last 13 games following a ATS win.
Under is 13-6 in Owls last 19 vs. a team with a winning record.
Boston College
Over is 4-0 in Eagles last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 3-0-1 in Eagles last 4 games on fieldturf.
Over is 5-1-1 in Eagles last 7 games overall.
Under is 9-2 in Eagles last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 non-conference games.
Under is 18-5 in Eagles last 23 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 19-7-1 in Eagles last 27 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 38-14-1 in Eagles last 53 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 19-7 in Eagles last 26 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 37-17-2 in Eagles last 56 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 15-7 in Eagles last 22 home games.
Head to Head
Favorite is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Owls are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Preview: Syracuse at Clemson
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
No. 2 Clemson will have a new starting quarterback — and perhaps a new distraction — when it hosts an upstart Syracuse team in an ACC clash on Saturday. The Orange, who stunned the Tigers with a 27-24 victory at home last season, are off to their best start since 1991.
Two days after coach Dabo Swinney named freshman Trevor Lawrence the Tigers’ starting quarterback on Monday, Kelly Bryant announced he will transfer from the program he led to the College Football Playoff last season. “At the end of the day, my job is to put the best people out there and give this team the best chance to win,” Swinney told reporters. “And based on four games, that’s the decision that was made.” Bryant is an effective runner, but Lawrence is the stronger passer, which could benefit the Tigers against a Syracuse team whose biggest weakness during a surprising 4-0 start has been defending the pass. While the Tigers are attempting to improve to 5-0 for the fourth straight season and sixth in the last eight, the Orange are 4-0 for just the third time since 1960.
TV: Noon ET, ABC. LINE: Clemson -25.5
ABOUT SYRACUSE (4-0, 1-0 ACC): The Orange aren’t just winning, they’re doing so convincingly as they have not trailed through their first four contests. Their up-tempo offense is flourishing in coach Dino Babers’ third season, with dynamic dual-threat quarterback Eric Dungey passing for 763 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception while leading the team in rushing with 354 yards and four scores. The defense gave up a whopping 621 total yards in a season-opening win at Western Michigan but was dominant against Wagner and Florida State before having a tough time stopping Connecticut’s ground game in a 51-21 triumph last week.
ABOUT CLEMSON (4-0, 1-0): The dynamic changes for the Tigers on offense with Lawrence taking over full-time and providing more of a deep passing threat. The big-armed freshman has been impressive, passing for 600 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions through his first four collegiate games, and provides a nice complement to running back Travis Etienne, who has rushed for 284 yards over his last two contests. The Tigers’ defense has been dominant, holding three of the team's four opponents to 203 total yards or fewer.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Clemson has forced a turnover in 12 consecutive games and recorded at least three sacks in four straight contests.
2. Syracuse has scored 37 points off turnovers while allowing only seven.
3. Clemson WR Hunter Renfrow, who has 149 career receptions, has caught a pass in 32 consecutive games.
PREDICTION: Clemson 31, Syracuse 20
Gracenote
Sep 26, 2018
No. 2 Clemson will have a new starting quarterback — and perhaps a new distraction — when it hosts an upstart Syracuse team in an ACC clash on Saturday. The Orange, who stunned the Tigers with a 27-24 victory at home last season, are off to their best start since 1991.
Two days after coach Dabo Swinney named freshman Trevor Lawrence the Tigers’ starting quarterback on Monday, Kelly Bryant announced he will transfer from the program he led to the College Football Playoff last season. “At the end of the day, my job is to put the best people out there and give this team the best chance to win,” Swinney told reporters. “And based on four games, that’s the decision that was made.” Bryant is an effective runner, but Lawrence is the stronger passer, which could benefit the Tigers against a Syracuse team whose biggest weakness during a surprising 4-0 start has been defending the pass. While the Tigers are attempting to improve to 5-0 for the fourth straight season and sixth in the last eight, the Orange are 4-0 for just the third time since 1960.
TV: Noon ET, ABC. LINE: Clemson -25.5
ABOUT SYRACUSE (4-0, 1-0 ACC): The Orange aren’t just winning, they’re doing so convincingly as they have not trailed through their first four contests. Their up-tempo offense is flourishing in coach Dino Babers’ third season, with dynamic dual-threat quarterback Eric Dungey passing for 763 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception while leading the team in rushing with 354 yards and four scores. The defense gave up a whopping 621 total yards in a season-opening win at Western Michigan but was dominant against Wagner and Florida State before having a tough time stopping Connecticut’s ground game in a 51-21 triumph last week.
ABOUT CLEMSON (4-0, 1-0): The dynamic changes for the Tigers on offense with Lawrence taking over full-time and providing more of a deep passing threat. The big-armed freshman has been impressive, passing for 600 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions through his first four collegiate games, and provides a nice complement to running back Travis Etienne, who has rushed for 284 yards over his last two contests. The Tigers’ defense has been dominant, holding three of the team's four opponents to 203 total yards or fewer.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Clemson has forced a turnover in 12 consecutive games and recorded at least three sacks in four straight contests.
2. Syracuse has scored 37 points off turnovers while allowing only seven.
3. Clemson WR Hunter Renfrow, who has 149 career receptions, has caught a pass in 32 consecutive games.
PREDICTION: Clemson 31, Syracuse 20
ATS Trends
Syracuse
Orange are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
Orange are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Orange are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games in September.
Orange are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Orange are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
Orange are 6-1-2 ATS in their last 9 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Orange are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Orange are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Orange are 7-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Orange are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Clemson
Tigers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Tigers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Tigers are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Tigers are 2-5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Tigers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
OU Trends
Syracuse
Under is 13-2-1 in Orange last 16 conference games.
Under is 13-3 in Orange last 16 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Orange last 5 road games.
Under is 4-1 in Orange last 5 games following a straight up win.
Under is 8-2 in Orange last 10 games in September.
Under is 12-3-1 in Orange last 16 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 19-6-1 in Orange last 26 games overall.
Under is 11-4-1 in Orange last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-2 in Orange last 7 games on grass.
Under is 34-16-1 in Orange last 51 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Clemson
Under is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 home games.
Over is 4-0-1 in Tigers last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 5-1-1 in Tigers last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games following a ATS win.
Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Under is 3-1-1 in Tigers last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 6-2-1 in Tigers last 9 conference games.
Under is 11-4 in Tigers last 15 games in September.
Under is 10-4-1 in Tigers last 15 games overall.
Under is 9-4-1 in Tigers last 14 games on grass.
Head to Head
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Syracuse
Orange are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
Orange are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Orange are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games in September.
Orange are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Orange are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
Orange are 6-1-2 ATS in their last 9 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Orange are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Orange are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Orange are 7-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Orange are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Clemson
Tigers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Tigers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Tigers are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Tigers are 2-5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Tigers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
OU Trends
Syracuse
Under is 13-2-1 in Orange last 16 conference games.
Under is 13-3 in Orange last 16 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Orange last 5 road games.
Under is 4-1 in Orange last 5 games following a straight up win.
Under is 8-2 in Orange last 10 games in September.
Under is 12-3-1 in Orange last 16 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 19-6-1 in Orange last 26 games overall.
Under is 11-4-1 in Orange last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-2 in Orange last 7 games on grass.
Under is 34-16-1 in Orange last 51 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Clemson
Under is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 home games.
Over is 4-0-1 in Tigers last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 5-1-1 in Tigers last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games following a ATS win.
Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Under is 3-1-1 in Tigers last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 6-2-1 in Tigers last 9 conference games.
Under is 11-4 in Tigers last 15 games in September.
Under is 10-4-1 in Tigers last 15 games overall.
Under is 9-4-1 in Tigers last 14 games on grass.
Head to Head
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Preview: West Virginia at Texas Tech
Gracenote
Sep 25, 2018
When No. 12 West Virginia hosts Texas Tech on Saturday, the game will showcase quarterbacks at opposite ends of the experience spectrum when Heisman Trophy contender Will Grier leads the Mountaineers against true freshman surprise Alan Bowman, who passed Texas Tech over then-No. 14 Oklahoma State squad on the road last week.
Grier enters the contest ranked second in the nation in passer efficiency (215.8), fourth in total offense (370 yards per game), third in passing yards per game (372.3) and first in touchdown passes per game (4.7), including five in last week's 35-6 win over Kansas State, but coach Dana Holgorsen isn't worried about placing too much pressure on the senior as the Mountaineers challenge for a Big 12 title. "I’m not worried about overloading him. He’s mature, he’s grounded, he’s comfortable with where he’s at," Holgorsen told reporters after Grier passed for 356 yards against the Wildcats. "He puts high expectations on himself, so us adding to it doesn’t affect him one bit. He grew up in a football office, (as) a coach’s kid. I’ve said it 100 times. He knows how to handle this. He’s a professional that’s in college." Bowman, who took over in the opener from an injured McLane Carter, is guiding the nation's top offensive unit (623.5 yards per game) while leading the country in passing yards per game (389.3) and completing 72 percent of his passes with 10 TDs and just two interceptions.“(Bowman's) not hesitant for a young guy to do what he's doing," coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters this week. "I've been in his shoes and coached young guys, and he just cuts it loose. I saw that he had some moxie (in high school). He's a quick learner and a hard worker so he had a lot of intangibles that you look for to play early."
TV: Noon ET, ESPN2. LINE: West Virginia -3.5.
ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (3-0, 1-0 Big 12): Grier completed 25-of-35 last week with three of his TDs coming on 1-yard throws to David Sills V, another coming on an 82-yard catch-and-run by Marcus Simms and a fifth on a 62-yarder to Tevin Bush. Sills, who tied for the national lead in TDs a season ago with 18, leads the team in catches (19) and touchdowns (five) while Simms has the most yards (295). Kennedy McKoy (167 yards, 6.2 per carry), Leddie Brown (171, 5.5) and Martell Pettaway (151, 5.6) split carries in the backfield. The Mountaineers are tied for first in FBS in scoring defense (12.3), and the defense kept Kansas State on its side of the 50 in the first half and out of the end zone entirely.
ABOUT TEXAS TECH (3-1, 1-0): Bowman completed 35-of-46 passes for 397 yards and two touchdowns last Saturday against Oklahoma State after throwing for 605 yards and five TDs the previous week against Houston. Antoine Wesley has hauled in 30 passes for 511 yards and four touchdowns - all team highs - and ranks tied for second nationally in receiving yards (511), ninth in receptions per game (7.5) and 13th in receiving touchdowns (four). After giving up 47 points to Ole Miss in the opener and 49 two weeks ago in a 14-point win over Houston, the Red Raiders limited Oklahoma State to 386 yards and just 3-of-13 on third down while forcing a couple of turnovers.
EXTRA POINTS
1. West Virginia has won four straight in the series, including 46-35 last season despite being outgained 513-396. The win snapped a nine-game losing streak to ranked teams.
2. The Red Raiders are looking for wins over top-15 opponents in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008 when Tech topped No. 1 Texas (39-33) and No. 8 Oklahoma State (56-20).
3. The Red Raiders rank No. 1 among power-five teams and fifth overall nationally in time of possession (36 minutes per game). The Red Raiders have not finished higher than 48th nationally in time of possession since the NCAA started tracking the stat in 2005.
PREDICTION: West Virginia 49, Texas Tech 31
Gracenote
Sep 25, 2018
When No. 12 West Virginia hosts Texas Tech on Saturday, the game will showcase quarterbacks at opposite ends of the experience spectrum when Heisman Trophy contender Will Grier leads the Mountaineers against true freshman surprise Alan Bowman, who passed Texas Tech over then-No. 14 Oklahoma State squad on the road last week.
Grier enters the contest ranked second in the nation in passer efficiency (215.8), fourth in total offense (370 yards per game), third in passing yards per game (372.3) and first in touchdown passes per game (4.7), including five in last week's 35-6 win over Kansas State, but coach Dana Holgorsen isn't worried about placing too much pressure on the senior as the Mountaineers challenge for a Big 12 title. "I’m not worried about overloading him. He’s mature, he’s grounded, he’s comfortable with where he’s at," Holgorsen told reporters after Grier passed for 356 yards against the Wildcats. "He puts high expectations on himself, so us adding to it doesn’t affect him one bit. He grew up in a football office, (as) a coach’s kid. I’ve said it 100 times. He knows how to handle this. He’s a professional that’s in college." Bowman, who took over in the opener from an injured McLane Carter, is guiding the nation's top offensive unit (623.5 yards per game) while leading the country in passing yards per game (389.3) and completing 72 percent of his passes with 10 TDs and just two interceptions.“(Bowman's) not hesitant for a young guy to do what he's doing," coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters this week. "I've been in his shoes and coached young guys, and he just cuts it loose. I saw that he had some moxie (in high school). He's a quick learner and a hard worker so he had a lot of intangibles that you look for to play early."
TV: Noon ET, ESPN2. LINE: West Virginia -3.5.
ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (3-0, 1-0 Big 12): Grier completed 25-of-35 last week with three of his TDs coming on 1-yard throws to David Sills V, another coming on an 82-yard catch-and-run by Marcus Simms and a fifth on a 62-yarder to Tevin Bush. Sills, who tied for the national lead in TDs a season ago with 18, leads the team in catches (19) and touchdowns (five) while Simms has the most yards (295). Kennedy McKoy (167 yards, 6.2 per carry), Leddie Brown (171, 5.5) and Martell Pettaway (151, 5.6) split carries in the backfield. The Mountaineers are tied for first in FBS in scoring defense (12.3), and the defense kept Kansas State on its side of the 50 in the first half and out of the end zone entirely.
ABOUT TEXAS TECH (3-1, 1-0): Bowman completed 35-of-46 passes for 397 yards and two touchdowns last Saturday against Oklahoma State after throwing for 605 yards and five TDs the previous week against Houston. Antoine Wesley has hauled in 30 passes for 511 yards and four touchdowns - all team highs - and ranks tied for second nationally in receiving yards (511), ninth in receptions per game (7.5) and 13th in receiving touchdowns (four). After giving up 47 points to Ole Miss in the opener and 49 two weeks ago in a 14-point win over Houston, the Red Raiders limited Oklahoma State to 386 yards and just 3-of-13 on third down while forcing a couple of turnovers.
EXTRA POINTS
1. West Virginia has won four straight in the series, including 46-35 last season despite being outgained 513-396. The win snapped a nine-game losing streak to ranked teams.
2. The Red Raiders are looking for wins over top-15 opponents in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008 when Tech topped No. 1 Texas (39-33) and No. 8 Oklahoma State (56-20).
3. The Red Raiders rank No. 1 among power-five teams and fifth overall nationally in time of possession (36 minutes per game). The Red Raiders have not finished higher than 48th nationally in time of possession since the NCAA started tracking the stat in 2005.
PREDICTION: West Virginia 49, Texas Tech 31
