Saturday Previews.

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Notre Dame at North Carolina State

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Carter Finley Stadium, Raleigh, North Carolina

Notre Dame is trying to put together back-to-back wins for the first time this season but might be dealing with more than just a tough opponent. The Fighting Irish are hoping to avoid Hurricane Matthew when they visit North Carolina State on Saturday.
The ACC issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the hurricane situation: "The conference and its institutions continue to monitor the weather forecast for this weekend's games. Every effort will be made to play the games as the safety of players, teams and fans is not compromised." The game could end up being moved later in the night on Saturday or to Sunday if necessary. Notre Dame would like to get back on the field, where DeShone Kizer comes in hot after a 471-yard passing performance and the much-maligned defense finally found a rhythm and stepped up in the second half of a 50-33 win over Syracuse in New Jersey last week. The Wolfpack are averaging 40 points on offense but will get their biggest test defensively this week after rolling to home wins over Old Dominion and Wake Forest in the last two games.

TV: Noon, ET, ABC. LINE: N.C. State -2.5

ABOUT NOTRE DAME (2-3): Kizer was not immune from coach Brian Kelly's criticism after an embarrassing 38-35 home loss to Duke in Week 4 dropped the Irish to 1-3, and the junior quarterback responded with a career high in passing yardage and four total touchdowns (three passing). Kelly elevated analyst Greg Hudson to defensive coordinator after the Duke loss, and the defense looked much the same while allowing 27 first-half points to Syracuse before turning things around with a strong second half. Kelly is turning the rest of the season into a learning experience for his young roster and is shuffling the pieces on defense, and 27 different players recorded at least one tackle last week.

ABOUT N.C. STATE (3-1): The Wolfpack are about to take a huge jump in competition with Notre Dame this week and trips to No. 3 Clemson and No. 8 Louisville the following two weeks. N.C. State should be able to keep pace offensively behind quarterback Ryan Finley, who is completing 72.4 percent of his passes and has thrown for nine TDs without an interception. Finley benefits from a balanced attack that is averaging 208 yards on the ground and has totaled 12 rushing TDs, led by senior running back Matthew Dayes (437 yards, three TDs).

EXTRA POINTS

1. N.C. State SS Shawn Boone will miss the first half after being flagged for targeting last week.

2. Notre Dame scored five TDs of 50 or more yards last week.

3. The Wolfpack are averaging 75.5 penalty yards per game and were hit with 13 penalties for 144 yards last week.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Auburn at Mississippi State

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi

After five straight home games to open the season, Auburn faces its first road test Saturday at Mississippi State. The game, meanwhile, will be the first home date for the Bulldogs in nearly a month as they’re coming off two road games followed by a bye last weekend.The Tigers have played a demanding schedule so far, going 1-2 against ranked foes Clemson, Texas A&M and LSU, mixed in with blowout wins over Arkansas State and last week against ULM. “Starkville (Miss.) is a tough place to play,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said at Tuesday news conference of his team’s first road game. “The young guys are who you’re always concerned about.” Mississippi State, meanwhile, has had an up-and-down first month, losing to South Alabama (21-20) in the opener and then alternating wins and a loss against South Carolina, LSU and Massachusetts. “(It’s about) execution and playing with confidence,” Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen said Monday at his weekly news conference. “There are a lot more plays there to be made than we are making. A lot of that comes with confidence and experience and being out there on the field and playing.”

TV: Noon ET, SEC Network. LINE: Auburn -2.5

ABOUT AUBURN (3-2, 1-1 SEC): The Tigers have posted the best rushing numbers (269.8 yards per game) in the SEC so far behind tailbacks Kerryon Johnson (103.4) and Kamryn Pettway (84.0). Pettway was held out of last Saturday’s 56-7 win over ULM as more of a precautionary measure with a bruised quad but is expected to return Saturday along with center Xavier Dampeer, who also was held out last week. The Auburn defense, led by cornerback Johnathan Ford (31 total tackles) and defensive end Carl Lawson (four sacks) has held four of five foes to fewer than 20 points and ranks fifth in the conference in total defense (358.4 yards allowed per game).

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (2-2, 1-1): The Bulldogs will counter the Auburn ground game with the SEC’s fourth-ranked run defense (110.8 yards allowed), which is headed by conference tackles-for-loss leader (9.0) A.J. Jefferson, a senior defensive end. Sophomore quarterback Nick Fitzgerald has taken over for Dak Prescott and had 415 yards of total offense and three touchdowns in the Sept. 24 win over UMass. Fitzgerald also is Mississippi State’s leading rusher with 82.2 yards per outing, and his favorite aerial target is senior wideout Fred Ross, who ranks second in the conference in receptions per game (6.2) and is tied for third with four total receiving TDs.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Auburn has dominated the overall series 61-26-2, but Mississippi State has won three of the last four, including a 17-9 road victory last season.

2. Tigers QB Sean White has completed 33-of-43 passes for 473 yards, two TDs and no interceptions over the last two games.

3. Ross’ 152 career receptions leads all active SEC players.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Iowa at Minnesota

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Just about everything went right for Iowa during the regular season last year and 2016 has been a different story on both sides of the ball with two losses and a narrow victory in the last three weeks. The Hawkeyes look to begin their recovery by winning the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy when they visit rival Minnesota for a Big Ten battle on Saturday afternoon.
“We’ve got to play better team football as a whole,” Iowa’s senior quarterback C.J. Beathard told reporters after the Hawkeyes lost 38-31 to Northwestern last Saturday. “There’s no reason to point at any spot because, right now, we’re just not playing well enough at any aspect of our game.” Iowa doesn’t have fond memories of its last trip to Minnesota in 2014 when the Golden Gophers produced a 51-14 rout. Minnesota looks to rebound from its first loss of the season last week – a 29-26 overtime heartbreaker at Penn State to open the Big Ten campaign, after leading by 10 at halftime. The Golden Gophers scored 119 points in the first three games and senior quarterback Mitch Leidner runs the show for the balanced offense.

TV: Noon ET, ESPN2. LINE: Iowa --1.5

ABOUT IOWA (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten): The Hawkeyes may not be able to replace leading receiver Matt VandeBerg (foot), but senior Riley McCarron recorded career highs with eight catches and 78 yards in last week’s loss. Iowa is struggling to protect Beathard, who was sacked six times last Saturday, and the defense is yielding 182.8 rushing yards per contest – 87th best in the nation. More emphasis may have to be made on the ground and senior LeShun Daniels Jr. (373 yards, four TDs in 2016) finished with a career-high 195 yards and three scores in last year’s 40-35 win over Minnesota.

ABOUT MINNESOTA (3-1, 0-1): Leidner is completing 62.9 percent of his passes for 210 yards per game and has thrown five touchdown passes while running for another three scores. Rodney Smith rushed for at least 99 yards in three of the team’s four games and 402 overall while fellow sophomore Shannon Brooks ran for 185 combined the last two weeks. Cornerbacks KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford, safety Dior Johnson and defensive end Tamarion Johnson will not face charges from an alleged sexual assault, and were re-instated Tuesday after being held out the last three weeks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Minnesota WR Drew Wolitarsky leads the team with 24 catches and 321 yards, but WR Brian Smith had seven receptions for 101 yards last week.

2. Iowa LB Josey Jewell had a career-high 16 tackles last week and has reached double figures in three straight games.

3. The Golden Gophers lead the all-time series 62-45-2, including 39-16-1 at home.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Texas at Oklahoma

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, Texas

Plenty will be riding not only for both schools but also both head coaches when old rivals Texas and No. 22 Oklahoma square off Saturday for the 111th time in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Third-year Texas coach Charlie Strong, the object of several reports that he will likely be fired at the end of the season, and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, also on the hot seat after upset losses by Houston and at home to Ohio State, both could sleep a little easier with a win.
Strong, who fell to 13-16 in Austin after back-to-back losses to Cal and Oklahoma State that saw the Longhorn defense pulverized for a combined 99 points, still has two years remaining at $5 million per year on his contract and received a vote of confidence via Twitter on Wednesday from Texas president Greg Fenves. “Had a great call w/Coach Strong. We’re behind our student-athletes and coaches as they prepare for OU and rest of the season,” Fenves tweeted. In many ways, the game sets up like it did in 2015 when Strong was under fire for a 1-4 start but earned some breathing room when Texas stunned then No. 10 Oklahoma, 24-17. “I think they said they didn’t want to see my get fired, so they were going to step up and play for me,” Strong said after that one.

TV: Noon ET, FS1. LINE: Oklahoma -10

ABOUT TEXAS (2-2, 0-1 Big 12): After the Longhorns gave up 49 points against Oklahoma State last week -- the third time in four games that the Longhorns have surrendered 47 or more points this season -- Strong decided to demote defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and will take over control of the defense. The offense, under first-year offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert, has been clicking, averaging 41.2 points and is led by running back D’Onta Foreman, who is second in the nation with his average of 145.3 rushing yards per game, and the quarterback duo of freshman Shane Buechele and senior Tyrone Swoopes, who have combined for 14 total touchdowns. Linebacker Anthony Wheeler leads the team in tackles (31) while five players are tied for the team lead in sacks with two including linebacker Breckyn Hager who is also tied for second on the team in tackles with 23.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (2-2, 1-0): The Sooners bounced back from an embarrassing 45-24 loss to Ohio State to edge TCU, 52-46, last Saturday. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who finished fourth in Heisman Trophy balloting a year ago, led the way, completing 23-of-30 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns and also rushing for 55 yards and two more TDs. Joe Mixon (105 yards, 1 TD) and Samaje Perine (98 yards, 2 TDs) paced a strong ground game in the win over the Horned Frogs while linebackers Jordan Evans (10 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss) and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (6 tackles, 2 sacks) led the way defensively.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stoops is 10-7 all-time against Texas, but the Longhorns have won two of the last three meetings despite being heavy underdogs each time.

2. Mayfield has thrown 45 touchdown passes through his first 17 games as a Sooner which ranks second in school history behind only current Minnesota Vikings star Sam Bradford (48).

3. Mixon leads the Big 12 and ranks fourth nationally with an average of 191.5 all-purpose yards per game.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Maryland at Penn State

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

In what is becoming each team’s biggest rival in the Big Ten, Maryland is seeking a second straight victory at Beaver Stadium and its first 5-0 start since 2001 when the Terrapins visit Penn State on Saturday. The Nittany Lions dominated the series (35-1-1) before Maryland received national notoriety in 2014 by refusing to shake hands with the Lions during the coin flip and then shocked Happy Valley by scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter for a 20-19 victory.
Penn State got revenge last season 31-30 in a back-and-forth contest in which Maryland quarterback Perry Hills accounted for 349 yards of total offense but committed four turnovers. This season, albeit against sub-par competition in Howard, FIU, UCF and Purdue - a 50-7 win last week - Hills has the offense in high gear, outscoring its opponents 105-14 in the first half and totaling 173 points through its first four games - a school record. The Terps will have their hands full with Lions signal-caller Trace McSorley, who totaled 408 yards of total offense - the third highest single-game total in school history – as Penn State rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit last week to defeat Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. This game will likely be decided in the trenches; Penn State’s battered-and-bruised front seven allows 217 rushing yards per game, while Maryland averages 300 yards rushing (seventh in FBS) and 6.5 yards per carry.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Maryland -1.

ABOUT MARYLAND (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten): Ty Johnson ran for a career-high 204 yards on seven carries last week, his 29.1 yards-per-carry was the highest in FBS for a 200-yard rusher over the last 20 years. The sophomore has 333 yards on 28 carries and three touchdowns on the season and splits time with Lorenzo Harrison, who averages 7.5 yards per carry and is the first freshman in school history to post a rushing TD in each of his first four games. Hills, who will be playing 150 miles east from his hometown of Pittsburgh, has five TDs and just one interception in 73 throws this season compared to eight TDs and 13 picks on 180 attempts a season ago.

ABOUT PENN STATE (3-2, 1-1): McSorley (58.9 completion percentage, six TDs, three interceptions) leads the Big Ten in passing yards (1,284) and frequently targets wideouts Chris Godwin (23 catches, 325 yards), DaeSean Hamilton (16, 169) and DeAndre Thompkins (14, 237). Sophomore running back Saquon Barkley (380 yards rushing this season) was held to 63 yards on 20 carries last week but rumbled 25 yards on the opening play of Penn State’s first OT possession to provide the victory. Safety Marcus Allen jumped from fifth in the Big Ten in tackles to first after recording 22 stops last week – two shy of the school record and the most since 2005 – and will probably see plenty of action this week as the Lions try to play through injuries to five linebackers – including all three starters - and three members of the secondary.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Terps have won five consecutive games dating back to their 2015 season finale - the most since posting seven straight victories in 2003-04.

2. Penn State junior kicker Tyler Davis converted three field goals against Minnesota to match a career high and move his consecutive field goals streak to 17, breaking the school record of 15 held by Sam Ficken.

3. Penn State coach James Franklin was the offensive coordinator at Maryland from 2008-10 and its wide receivers coach from 2000-04.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Georgia Tech at Pittsburgh

When: 12:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi admits his team would rather try to defend the run, and the Panthers get that chance Saturday as they host Georgia Tech in a matchup of two teams looking to escape the bottom of the ACC’s Coastal Division. “This will be fun,” Narduzzi told the media earlier this week in reference to facing the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option offense. “I think our guys are looking forward to it.”
The Panthers beat Marshall last week 43-27 but nearly lost a 27-0 halftime advantage, as running back James Conner extended his streak of consecutive games with a rushing touchdown to 13. The Yellow Jackets gained 361 yards on the ground in last week’s 35-21 loss to Miami but committed three turnovers, with two fumbles by quarterback Justin Thomas resulting in defensive touchdowns. Coach Paul Johnson lamented to the media early this week his team’s defensive struggles early in games, as the Yellow Jackets have allowed opponents to score on their opening possession in four consecutive contests. “We’ve got to find a way to take that momentum and find a way to get it from the start of the game,” Johnson said.

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: Pittsburgh -6 ½

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (3-2, 1-2 ACC): Even with the early-game struggles, the Yellow Jackets have been good defensively in the red zone as they've allowed only seven scores in 20 situations to rank second nationally behind Ohio State. Freshman Dedrick Mills won ACC Rookie of the Week honors after rushing for 99 yards and scoring three touchdowns (one receiving). But Thomas has been inconsistent and the Yellow Jackets gave up four sacks and eight tackles for losses a week ago.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH (3-2, 0-1): Conner’s recovery from cancer is one of the best stories in college football through the season’s first six weeks – he ranks sixth in the ACC in rushing with 381 yards and has run for five touchdowns. The Panthers average 250 yards rushing and 37.4 points per game. Defensive lineman Ejuan Price leads the league and is second in the country with 7 ½ sacks, pacing a defense that ranks fourth nationally and first in the conference with just 69.8 rushing yards allowed per contest.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Georgia Tech has allowed 18.4 points per game, ranking 21st nationally.

2. Pittsburgh S Jordan Whitehead is expected to play Saturday after the Panthers’ leading tackler missed last week’s game for what Narduzzi described as, “reasons that are personal in nature.”

3. The Yellow Jackets won their first two meetings with Pittsburgh after the Panthers joined the ACC in 2013 but dropped a 31-28 decision in Atlanta last season.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Army at Duke

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, North Carolina

Army is no stranger to leading the country in rushing, but wins typically have not accompanied its success on the ground. After a bye week to stew over their first loss of the season, the Black Knights hope to continue their best start in 20 years on Saturday when they complete a three-game road swing against Duke.
Despite opening up with four of its first five contests away from West Point, Army enjoyed an average margin of victory of 28 points over its first three games on the strength of a ground game piling up a FBS-best 375 yards per game. The Black Knights appeared to be in a good position to move to 4-0 for the first time since 1996 as they held a 14-pont lead well into the fourth quarter against previously winless Buffalo on Sept. 24, but a missed field goal by their backup placekicker at the end of regulation and again in overtime proved to be their undoing in a 23-20 setback. The Blue Devils are off to their worst start since 2010 after committing six turnovers during last weekend's 34-20 home loss to Virginia and appear to be in danger of missing the postseason for the first time in five years. Duke shut down Army's triple-option attack in last year's 44-3 rout, however, holding the Black Knights to a season-low 113 yards for the Blue Devils' eighth win in the last 10 meetings in this series.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: Duke -4.

ABOUT ARMY (3-1): Six players have at least 15 carries and seven have scored at least one rushing touchdown in an offense that has accumulated no fewer than 67 attempts or 329 rushing yards in any game, led by sophomore fullback Andy Davidson, who has run 80 times for 414 yards and six scores. Junior quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for a season-high 126 yards and a TD versus the Bulls and ranks sixth among FBS quarterbacks with 70 yards rushing per game. Although Army uncharacteristically yielded 17 points after the third quarter against Buffalo, it is tied for 13th in the country in scoring defense (16 points per game) and ranks 10th in total defense (264.8 yards).

ABOUT DUKE (2-3): Freshman quarterback Daniel Jones had the worst game of his brief college career with five interceptions against the Cavaliers, but he is averaging 307.6 yards of total offense thus far - a mark trailing only 1988 ACC Player of the Year Anthony Dilweg's school record of 337.6. Leading rusher Jela Duncan is listed as questionable for Army after missing last weekend with an ankle injury; he remains 111 yards shy of becoming the sixth player in school history to run for 2,000 in his career. Sophomore T.J. Rahming (32) and senior Anthony Nash (27) rank fourth and fifth, respectively, in the ACC in catches and are one of three sets of wideouts in the conference with at least 300 yards receiving.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Duke is one of only three teams with at least three sacks in every game and already has 20 for the season, three more than it had all of last year. Despite attempting only 29 passes all season, Army has allowed three sacks.

2. The Black Knights committed their first two giveaways of the season against Buffalo but still boast a plus-six turnover margin, tied for ninth in FBS.

3. Tar Heels running back/returner Shaun Wilson is the only active FBS player with touchdowns of at least 80 yards via rush, reception and return during his career.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Brigham Young at Michigan State

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State, riding a two-game losing streak for the first time since 2012, looks to bounce back when it hosts non-conference foe BYU on Saturday. The Spartans started the season 2-0, but have suffered a pair of rough defeats in Big Ten play, including last weekend’s overtime loss to Indiana.
A week after failing to score a touchdown against Wisconsin, the Spartans' offense did well against Indiana, with quarterback Tyler O’Conner throwing for three touchdowns. But injuries on defense - most notably to linebacker Riley Bullough, who will miss his third straight game - has made it difficult for Michigan State to be consistent on that side of the ball, allowing 27.3 points over the last three contests. The Cougars enter the game on a high after a 55-53 victory over Toledo, powered by running back Jamaal Williams’ school-record 286 yards and five touchdowns. Keeping that ground attack going will be tough, though, as the Spartans rank 16th in the nation, allowing 105.5 rushing yards.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET. ABC. LINE: Michigan State -6

ABOUT BYU (2-3): While the win over Toledo was nice - especially the offensive outburst - the fact that they needed every one of those points to win really bothered defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki. The Rockets had 692 yards of total offense, including 505 yards through the air, which Tuiaki blamed mostly on he and the other defensive coaches going to a base package defensively rather than being aggressive as they planned going into the contest. The Cougars allow 444.2 yards of total offense per game, though the most important area when facing Michigan State - stopping the run - is a strength for BYU, which allows 134 per contest.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2-2): Coach Mark Dantonio has heard the questions since the Spartans lost to Wisconsin two weeks ago, wondering if O’Conner will be replaced at quarterback. A second straight loss didn’t help, though O’Conner’s performance - 21-of-35 for 263 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions -helped his coach feel confident that the senior is still the man for the job. O’Conner missed some short balls against the Hoosiers, but also had a couple nice long throws – an 86-yard touchdown to R.J. Shelton and a dropped deep ball to Donnie Corley – and led the Spartans to the game-tying score in the final minutes to force overtime.

EXTRA POINTS

1. LB Butch Pau’u, BYU's leading tackler, missed the contest against Toledo with a knee injury and is considered a game-time decision against the Spartans.

2. Michigan State DT Malik McDowell will sit out the first half against BYU after he was called for targeting and ejected in the fourth quarter against Indiana.

3. In each of its losses this season, Michigan State has had more total yards and first downs than its opponents.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Tennessee at Texas A&M

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas

Unbeaten Tennessee’s high-wire act takes on a higher degree of difficulty Saturday, as the ninth-ranked Volunteers travel to face No. 7 Texas A&M in an SEC showdown. The Aggies, who are 3-0 in conference play for the first time since 2004, will attempt to end the Volunteers’ improbable run of comeback victories.
The Vols are 5-0 for the first time since 1998 and have won 11 straight dating to last season despite facing double-digit deficits in four of their five games. The Aggies, on the other hand, are 5-0 for the third straight season and hope to avoid another second-half slide. “It’s something that’s happened the last couple of years, and people keep harping on it,” Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin told reporters. “If we win Saturday, it will be brought up next week. Everyone’s waiting for something to happen.” The teams are meeting for the first time as conference foes and only the third all-time, with Tennessee claiming victories in the 1957 Gator Bowl and the 2005 Cotton Bowl.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Texas A&M -7

ABOUT TENNESSEE (5-0, 2-0 SEC): The Vols’ status as a comeback team hit a crescendo with last week’s miraculous 34-31 win at Georgia, as Jauan Jennings pulled down a 43-yard Hail Mary pass as time expired to keep Tennessee undefeated. The offense has been able to come up with big plays when needed, with quarterback Joshua Dobbs accounting for 18 touchdowns (13 passing, five rushing). While far from dominant, Tennessee’s defense has forced 10 turnovers - including two or more in three of its five contests - but again will be without injured linebackers Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) and Darrin Kirkland Jr. (ankle).

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (5-0, 3-0): The Aggies boast the SEC’s most efficient offense, averaging a league-best 521 total yards per game with quarterback Trevor Knight leading the charge. Knight and freshman running back Trayveon Williams guide a running game that averages 258.6 yards and has gained at least 200 in every contest this season. The Aggies' defense has been disruptive in opponents’ backfields, leading the nation with 50 tackles for losses – 17 more than any other team in the SEC – as star defensive end Myles Garrett has accounted for five along with three sacks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Volunteers have averaged 22.8 points in the second half but only 10.2 in the first.

2. Texas A&M has allowed only two touchdowns of more than 15 yards while scoring 12 of more than 20.

3. Tennessee is trying to beat a ranked opponent for a third straight game for the first time since 1991.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Virginia Tech at North Carolina

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

After posting one of the biggest victories in program history, 16th-ranked North Carolina must get focused quickly for another big challenge on Saturday when it hosts Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels are averaging 44.5 points during a four-game winning streak, capped by a thrilling 37-35 victory at Florida State, and Virginia Tech has scored 103 in two straight triumphs as they prepare for a contest that could be affected by Hurricane Matthew.
North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky is beginning to get Heisman Trophy buzz after three consecutive 400-yard passing performances. The Tar Heels, who won on a last-second Trubisky scoring strike two weeks ago before Nick Weiler’s 54-yard field goal as time expired beat the Seminoles, would like to make it easier on themselves with a stronger defensive effort. That will be difficult against the Hokies, who are being led by an efficient quarterback of their own in junior Jerod Evans (13 TD passes, one interception) and primed to pounce after a bye week if North Carolina has any letdown. “We have a tremendous challenge in front of us with North Carolina,” Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente told reporters. “They are coming off two huge victories. … I know a lot of people haven’t gone down to Tallahassee and walked away with a win.”

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN2. LINE: North Carolina –2.5

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (3-1, 1-0 ACC): The Hokies start a critical stretch to their season with four of the next five on the road, but they appear to be improving in all phases since the loss to Tennessee. Evans has passed for 907 yards while running for another 209 and has a prime target to look for in junior Isaiah Ford, who boasts 24 receptions and 376 yards to go along with four touchdowns. The defense came up with six sacks last time out in a 54-17 win over East Carolina and the Hokies have forced 30 opponent drives to go three-and-out (or less) this season.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (4-1, 2-0): Trubisky has completed 76 percent of his passes to lead the nation while tossing 13 touchdowns and avoiding an interception for his last 240 attempts, dating back to 2014. One of the advantages the junior has is a stable of experienced receivers, led by senior Ryan Switzer (47 catches, 587 yards). If Virginia Tech can limit the Tar Heels’ passing game, there is still a ground attack for them to turn to with junior Elijah Hood (338 yards, four TDs) and senior T.J. Logan (258, five rushing TDs, two receiving scores).

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Hokies are 9-3 against North Carolina since joining the ACC, but the Tar Heels pulled out a 30-27 overtime victory last year.

2. Switzer’s 195 career receptions are 10 shy of school-record holder Quinshad Davis.

3. North Carolina DB Donnie Miles is third in the ACC in tackles per game (9.4) and Virginia Tech LB Andrew Motuapuaka is fourth (9.2).

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Vanderbilt at Kentucky

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, Kentucky

Two of the top running backs in the SEC go toe-to-toe Saturday as Boom Williams and Kentucky host Ralph Webb and Vanderbilt. Both teams have struggled out of the gate, but at no fault of their star backs, who have combined to rush for more than 1,000 yards and will both see plenty of carries in this one.
Wildcats coach Mark Stoops has spoken glowingly of Williams, who has racked up 486 rushing yards through five games but settled for 22 on nine carries in last week's 34-6 drubbing at the hands of powerhouse Alabama. "He’s really grown up,” Stoops said prior to the game against the top-ranked Crimson Tide. “He’s really maturing. ... It’s great to see because this game is so mental. It’s such a big part of it, and he’s maturing." Williams will meet his match Saturday in Webb, who piled up 110 yards on 24 carries in the Commodores' 13-6 defeat to Florida last Saturday. Webb comes into this one leading the conference in rushing yards (582) and attempts (118) and tied for third in rushing touchdowns (five).

TV: 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: Kentucky -3

ABOUT VANDERBILT (2-3, 0-2 SEC): Quarterback Kyle Shurmur was injured in the fourth quarter against the Gators but is listed at the top of the depth chart against Kentucky and will look to improve upon an abysmal showing that saw him complete just 9-of-25 passes for 82 yards and an interception. Shurmur has exceeded 150 passing yards just once in Vanderbilt's first five games and will need to bolster his 51.5 percent completion rate if he hopes to open things up for the running game. Linebacker Zach Cunningham has been the lone bright spot on what has been an otherwise underwhelming defense, compiling 52 total tackles - including 8.5 for losses - and forcing a fumble.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (2-3, 1-2 SEC): Quarterback Drew Barker remains sidelined indefinitely with a back injury, so Stephen Johnson will take the reins for the fourth consecutive game as he recorded a 310-yard, three-touchdown performance on Sept. 17 against New Mexico State but has thrown for just 224 yards with zero TDs and an interception in two games since. Williams is the heartbeat of the rushing game, but Benjamin Snell Jr. has been a solid complement, turning his 41 carries into 247 yards and a team-best five touchdowns. Garrett Johnson (17) is the only receiver to reach double digits in catches this season, while tight end C.J. Conrad leads the way with three receiving scores.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kentucky ranks 11th in the 14-team SEC in total yards (1,762), while Vanderbilt is 13th (1,515).

2. The home team has won five of the previous six meetings dating back to 2010.

3. Webb had a season-high 33 carries against the Wildcats last season but had to settle for 113 yards (3.4 YPC) and didn't find the end zone.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Colorado at Southern California

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

USC hosts Colorado on Saturday in a Pac-12 South matchup, and for a change, the roles are reversed as it’s the Buffaloes who enter as the ranked team, coming in at No. 23. It’s the first time Colorado has cracked the Top 25 since late in the 2005 season – also the program’s last winning season.
The Buffaloes enter Saturday’s contest fresh off a sweep of the Oregon schools, and find themselves in uncharted territory: Alone atop the Pac-12 South standings. “We talked about (being ranked) for maybe five seconds, maybe,” Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said at his Tuesday news conference. “Basically what I said is they've earned the right to be acknowledged for what they’ve done, but it means nothing Saturday. We have to keep proving it week after week after week.” USC, meanwhile, opened the season 1-3 – its worst start in 15 years – but bounced back last Saturday with a 41-20 rout of visiting Arizona State. “I’ve always thought adversity reveals the character of your team,” Trojans coach Clay Helton said in a Sunday media teleconference. “I look at these guys, each and every week. They worked harder to get over the top. It’s a monumental effort.”

TV: 4 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: USC -4.5

ABOUT COLORADO (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12): Despite their newfound success, the Buffaloes are dealing with a quarterback dilemma as redshirt freshman backup Steven Montez has rolled up 789 yards of total offense and accounted for seven touchdowns the last two weeks in place of Sefo Liufau, the senior who’s been sidelined with an ankle sprain suffered Sept. 17 against Michigan. Liufau, though, has steadily been ramping up his practice workload, and MacIntyre said he expects it to come down to a game-time decision Saturday. Not to be overlooked, though, is Colorado’s marked defensive improvement as the Buffaloes lead the conference in total (290.4 yards allowed per game) and passing defense (150.4 yards) on the strength of an experienced secondary featuring safety Tedric Thompson (team-most seven passes defended, two interceptions).

ABOUT USC (2-3, 1-2): The Trojans have had their own freshman step up at quarterback the last two weeks in Sam Darnold, who’s 41-of-59 passing for 605 yards and three TDs while adding a pair of rushing scores. Darnold, who replaced junior Max Browne after three games, has gotten wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster back involved after a sluggish start, and the two connected seven times for 123 yards and three TDs against Arizona State. The Trojans also stepped it up defensively against the Sun Devils, allowing only 75 rushing yards on 33 attempts and keeping the visitors out of the end zone for the game’s first 51 minutes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. USC has won all 10 meetings with Colorado after rallying from a 14-point deficit last season in Boulder to pull out a 27-24 victory.

2. The wins over Oregon (41-38) and Oregon State (47-6) constitute the Buffaloes’ first two-game conference win streak since joining the Pac-12 in 2011.

3. With a 2-0 mark so far in 2016, USC has won five straight home games, including double-digit wins over nationally-ranked Utah and UCLA late last season.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Alabama at Arkansas

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Alabama has never lost to Arkansas during Nick Saban's tenure as coach and the top-ranked Crimson Tide aim to defeat the visiting 17th-ranked Razorbacks for the 10th consecutive time when the teams face off in SEC play on Saturday. Alabama is searching for its 18th consecutive overall victory while Arkansas is looking to record its 11th victory in the past 13 games.
The Razorbacks lost their SEC opener to Texas A&M and need to end their drought against Alabama to avoid an 0-2 start in conference play. "You really don't need an extraordinary, out-of-the-body experience in this game. You just need to do your job," Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said in a press conference. "The more you press it and try and make something more than it needs to be, you probably end up misfiring. They train for this game 365 days a year to have Alabama come to town No. 1." The Crimson Tide are averaging 44 points per game and allowing just 13 but Saban isn't close to being satisfied with the performance of his squad. "I think our team is making progress, but we need to continue to do that and continue to work," said Saban, "because every week in the SEC is a real challenge and a real test. That certainly won't be any different on the road against Arkansas."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Alabama -14

ABOUT ALABAMA (5-0, 2-0 SEC): Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts (989 passing yards, seven touchdowns) is fully entrenched as the starter and that led to the recent transfer announcement from redshirt freshman Blake Barnett, who opened the season as the Crimson Tide starter. Sophomore receiver Calvin Ridley is performing well with 31 receptions for 398 yards and three touchdowns and junior wideout ArDarius Stewart could return after missing two straight games due to a knee injury. Senior defensive end Jonathan Allen has been superb with four sacks on a star-studded defense that includes senior safety Eddie Jackson (nine career interceptions) and senior weak-side linebacker Reuben Foster (team-best 35 tackles).

ABOUT ARKANSAS (4-1, 0-1): Junior quarterback Austin Allen has played solid football while passing for 1,232 yards and 12 touchdowns against two interceptions. Sophomore running back Rawleigh Williams III has 559 yards and four touchdowns and junior wideout Jared Cornelius (14 receptions, 262 yards) has provided a boost with back-to-back 100-yard receiving outings. Sophomore weak-side linebacker Dre Greenlaw (35 tackles) and senior middle linebacker Brooks Ellis (34 tackles) lead the defense and senior defensive end Deatrich Wise has recorded three sacks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Alabama, which recorded a 27-14 home victory last season, has prevailed in four straight visits to Fayetteville.

2. The Razorbacks last beat the No. 1 team in the nation in 1981, when they routed Texas 42-11.

3. Crimson Tide sophomore RB Damien Harris (ankle) was limited to two carries in last week's win over Kentucky, but the team's leading rusher (356 yards) is expected to be close to full health.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Washington at Oregon

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon

Sixth-ranked Washington has experienced nothing but trouble with Oregon for most of this century and attempts to halt a 12-game losing streak in the series when they visit the Ducks on Saturday in Pac-12 play. Oregon has prevailed by an average of 23.8 points during its winning streak with 10 of the victories coming by 20 or more points, but the Huskies are soaring high after demolishing Stanford 44-6 on Sept. 30.
Washington once was the premier program in the Pacific Northwest before Oregon snatched away that moniker and the Huskies are moving into position to recapture their past status. Washington coach Chris Petersen went into bunker-mentality mode by making his players off-limits to the media, a ploy that certainly points to Petersen understanding what's at stake even if he says otherwise. "These guys have been giving everything they can possibly give," Petersen said of a team that has achieved the program's first 5-0 start since 1992. "So we just need to stick to that and stay focused and not pay attention to all the stuff that doesn't really matter." The Ducks have been one of the nation's most disappointing teams with three straight losses and were mauled 51-33 by Washington State last Saturday.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Washington -9

ABOUT WASHINGTON (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12): Sophomore quarterback Jake Browning has been superb and ranks third in the nation with 17 touchdown passes while completing 70.7 percent of his passes for 1,114 yards. The productive skill players include two productive tailbacks in sophomore Myles Gaskin (402 yards) and junior Lavon Coleman (335 yards, 8.2 average) and two solid receivers in junior John Ross (21 receptions for 277 yards and six touchdowns) and sophomore Chico McClatcher (16 catches for 313 yards and four scores). The Huskies have racked up 21 sacks with senior outside linebackers Psalm Wooching (4 1/2) and Joe Mathis (four) at the front of the charge and also lead the nation in fumble recoveries (11) and takeaways (15).

ABOUT OREGON (2-3, 0-2): The Ducks are considering switching quarterbacks with Justin Herbert replacing senior Dakota Prukop, and such a move would make Herbert the first true freshman to start at the position for Oregon since future NFL quarterback Chris Miller in 1983. The timing of the possible move seems odd with Oregon averaging 40 points behind Prukop (1,173 yards, eight touchdowns) and junior running back Royce Freeman (463 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) and about to face the nation's sixth-ranked squad. The defense is allowing 36.2 points and 490.4 yards per game and was punished for 280 rushing yards by typically pass-happy Washington State in the latest defeat.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Huskies hold a 58-45-5 series edge with their last victory being a 42-10 trouncing of Oregon in 2003.

2. Washington, which ranks eighth nationally in scoring defense (12.8), racked up eight sacks and held Stanford star Christian McCaffrey to 79 yards from scrimmage (49 rushing, 30 receiving) in the beatdown of the Cardinal.

3. Ducks freshman OLB Troy Dye (concussion) - who has a team-leading 5 1/2 tackles for losses - is expected to return after sitting out the Washington State contest.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Florida State at Miami

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

With the roles reversed from recent meetings, 10th-ranked Miami (Fla.) hosts No. 21 Florida State while favored to end a six-game losing streak against its instate ACC rival. While the Seminoles, ranked No. 4 in the preseason, already have seen their national title hopes crushed, the unbeaten Hurricanes have outscored their foes 108-44 but have yet to face a team nearly as talented as Jimbo Fisher's squad.
The Seminoles, who lost 37-35 to North Carolina last Saturday on a 54-yard field goal on the final play after rallying from a 21-0 deficit, have allowed 135 points in their last three games and rank 94th in FBS in total defense (438.4 yards per game). To be fair, while the defense clearly hasn't come close to performing to the program's usual lofty standards, FSU already has faced three of the nation's best quarterbacks - Mississippi's Chad Kelly, Heisman Trophy hopeful Lamar Jackson of Louisville and North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky - and will be tested again by Miami junior Brad Kaaya. "Just thinking about Miami winning irks my nerves," FSU star running back Dalvin Cook, who hails from Miami, told reporters. "Going down and playing them, Kaaya is a special talent, he's been having a great year and we must contain him." Miami's youthful defense has far-exceeded expectations, ranking seventh in total defense (253.3 yards) and No. 2 in scoring defense (9.3 points), but the Hurricanes' three FBS wins have come against teams ranked between 89th and 118th in total offense.

TV: 8 p.m., ABC. Line: Miami -3

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (3-2, 0-2 ACC): The Seminoles have plenty of offensive firepower led by Cook, who has rushed for 407 yards in the last two games, and red-shirt freshman quarterback Deondre Francois (264.7 yards per game), who has exhibited poise and the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. His targets include Cook (19 receptions, 15.1 yards per catch) out of the backfield and speedy wide receivers Jesus Wilson (22, 15.5) and Travis Rudolph (17, 14.3). The top performers for the struggling defense, which sorely has missed defensive back Derwin James (torn meniscus), have been linebacker Matthew Thomas (30 tackles) and defensive ends DeMarcus Walker (6.5 sacks) and Brian Burns (four).

ABOUT MIAMI (4-0, 1-0): While Kaaya - who recorded 405 yards passing in last year's loss to the Seminoles - remains the key to Miami's offense, coach Mark Richt is employing a more balanced approach this season (241.8 yards passing, 232.5 rushing) that has left opposing defenses guessing. Running backs Mark Walton (445 yards, 7.1 yards per carry versus 3.5 in 2015) and backup Joe Yearby (323, 7.3 versus 4.9) also have benefited from an improved offensive line. Although the defense gave up more rushing yards last week against Georgia Tech (267) than it had allowed in its first three games combined, it held the Yellow Jackets to three third-down conversions on 12 attempts and produced two touchdowns as freshman linebackers Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney returned fumbles for scores.

EXTRA POINTS

1. When Miami started 4-0 in 2013, its unbeaten run ended with a 41-13 loss to Florida State that began a three-game losing streak.

2. Florida State has allowed a school-record 177 points through five games.

3. Seminoles freshman K Ricky Aguayo has picked up where his brother, Roberto, left off last season, converting all 24 of his extra-point attempts to make it 222 in a row for the siblings at FSU.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Arizona at Utah

When: 10:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah will try to bounce back from a gut-wrenching loss at Cal when it hosts injury-plagued Arizona on Saturday night. The Utes suffered their first loss of he season, 28-23, last week in Berkeley when they were unable to punch it from the 1-yard line as time expired.
A win over the Wildcats, who come in off back-to-back losses to Washington (35-28) and UCLA (45-24), would be career victory No. 100 for 12th-year Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. But if recent past history is any indication, it won’t be easy. Arizona has won four straight over the Utes since Rich Rodriguez brought his spread option offense to Tucson before the 2012 season including a 37-30 double overtime victory last year when Utah came in ranked No. 10 in the nation. "We've been watching the last four years of film, and last year, we did the best job but they've gashed us,” Whittingham said. “Structurally there's only so much you can do with how many guys are in the box. It's a lot like playing Air Force. It's assignment football with the read option, and we're just going to have to do a better job of playing assignment football"

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS1. LINE: Utah -10

ABOUT ARIZONA (2-3, 0-2 Pac-12): Rodriguez won’t announce his starting quarterback until game-time as injuries have sidelined starter Anu Solomon (knee) and backup Brandon Dawkins (ribs) in recent weeks and forced Rodriguez to burn the redshirt off highly touted true freshman Khalil Tate in last week’s loss to the Bruins in the Rose Bowl. Things aren’t much better at running back where starter Nick Wilson is battling a high ankle sprain and things got so dire that slot receiver Tyrell Johnson moved to running back last week and led the team with 77 yards on 16 carries. The defense has also been ravaged by injuries – Rodriguez says there are 28 players, including 18 starters on his injury list this week – and is led by sophomore safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who has a team-high 27 tackles and two interceptions,

ABOUT UTAH (4-1, 1-1): The Utes definitely miss two-time All-Pac-12 running back Devontae Booker and have not had a 100-yard rusher yet in the first five games of the season. True freshman Zack Moss is averaging 77.2 yards per game and splits time with sophomore Armand Shyne who is averaging 68 yards per game while junior quarterback Troy Williams is averaging 268 yards per game passing and has six completions of 40 yards or longer. The defense, a Whittingham trademark, ranks second in the Pac-12 against the run (117.4 yards per game) and is led by junior defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei, considered a likely first round NFL Draft pick next spring, and end Hunter Dimick, who has a team-best five sacks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Utah’s Mitch Wishnowsky leads the nation in punting with a 50.6 average.

2. The Utes lead the Pac-12 and are fourth nationally in time of possession (36:16).

3. Utah center J.J. Dielman, a second team All-Pac-12 choice in 2015 and considered a mid-round NFL Draft prospect, suffered a season-ending foot injury in last week’s loss at Cal.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Washington State at Stanford

When: 10:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 8, 2016
Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California

Coming off the worst defeat in coach David Shaw’s six-year tenure, No. 15 Stanford aims for a bounce-back effort Saturday as the Cardinal host surging Washington State. The Cardinal were dominated on both sides of the ball and allowed eight sacks in last Saturday’s 44-6 loss at Washington, while the Cougars rushed for six touchdowns in a 51-33 win over Oregon.
Stanford has scored two offensive touchdowns in the past two games and could be hard-pressed to keep pace with the Cougars, who lead the Pac-12 in total offense (548.8 yards per game) and rank second in scoring offense (44.2 points). Washington State coach Mike Leach is known for his passing game, but the Cougars have also recorded two straight games with 200-plus rushing yards for the first time since 2005, led by tailbacks James Williams, Gerard Wicks and James Morrow. That type of balanced attack could create trouble for Stanford, which allowed 214 rushing yards against Washington and will likely be without injured cornerbacks Quenton Meeks and Alijah Holder for the second straight week. “I will be in the minority, but it’s the fourth game, and we’re 3-1," Shaw told reporters. “We'll get attacked like we’re 0-12 already. We’re not going to give up on ourselves. Others might. That’s fine. We’re not going to get too low.”

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Stanford -7

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (2-2, 1-0 Pac-12): The Cougars are more balanced than ever but still rely heavily on quarterback Luke Falk, who ranks fourth nationally in passing at 373.8 yards per game and was 36-of-48 passing for 371 yards without an interception against Oregon. The running game has been bolstered by the development of offensive linemen Riley Sorenson, Eduardo Middleton, Cole Madison, Andre Dillard and Cody O’Connell, a first-year starter. Senior wide receiver Gabe Marks had a touchdown reception in last season’s 30-28 loss to the Cardinal and ranks sixth nationally with nine catches per game.

ABOUT STANFORD (3-1, 2-1): Junior running back Christian McCaffrey looks to regain his standing in the Heisman Trophy race after recording a season-low 12 carries for 49 yards last week against the Huskies. Quarterback Ryan Burns struggled last week under constant pressure and needs more support from wide receivers Trent Irwin and Michael Rector along with tight end Dalton Schultz, who has just six receptions this season. In addition to its two starting cornerbacks, the team’s lengthy injury list includes right tackle Casey Tucker, wide receiver Francis Owusu and fullback Daniel Marx.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stanford has won eight straight against Washington State, including four in a row at Stanford Stadium.

2. Washington State K Erik Powell has missed all four of his field-goal attempts this season after going 5-for-10 last season.

3. The Cardinal is 48-6 at Stanford Stadium since 2008 and has not dropped an October home game since 2007.