Week 6 game breakdowns

Published Oct. 9, 2009 4:55 p.m. ET

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Boston College at Virginia Tech

KICKOFF: Saturday, 12 ET

SERIES: Virginia Tech leads 11-6 (last meeting, 30-12 Virginia Tech in 2008)

POLLS: Virginia Tech (5 AP, coaches)

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 30-17

KEYS TO THE GAME: On paper, the BC running game appears to have a shot to do some damage here, but the real key to this game figures to be how well the Eagles can neutralize the Tyrod Taylor/Ryan Williams 1-2 punch on the other side of the ball. The Eagles also have to stay away from the mistakes and penalties that have hurt them and, as always, beware the Frank Beamer special teams.

The Hokies will have to match BC's toughness on both lines and run the ball more consistently than they did at Duke.

One reason the Eagles have had regular-season success against Tech the last three years is that line play. That hasn't been a strength for Tech. That means being able to run the ball and keep the Eagles from establishing their running game. While BC QB Dave Shinskie is 25 years old, he's just a freshman, and you don't want a freshman trying to win in Blacksburg with a one-dimensional attack.

FAST FACTS: Golden Eagles: QB David Shinskie, the 25-year-old freshman known as "Uncle Dave" among his BC teammates, makes his third straight start when the Eagles visit No. 5 Virginia Tech this week. "He's progressing just like a freshman would," says his coach, Frank Spaziani. "He's making some progress, but in no means is he a polished, accomplished signal caller and field general. There's just not enough experience. But once again, he's getting better every week, he's learning and we see improvement there. We need to see a lot more." ... The Eagles hope their second road game turns out better than their first, when the offense totaled just 54 yards in a 26-7 loss to Clemson in a game in which the defense kept things from getting completely out of hand. Will that experience help this young team? "How much do you put on experience?" said Spaziani. ""The experience of going down there has to help some, but then again, it wasn't a good experience. This is a similar situation, so we're going to have to buckle our chinstraps." ... Virginia Tech is the latest ACC foe raising money for cancer-stricken linebacker Mark Herzlich's Uplifting Athletes. The Hokies were hoping to raise $5,094 for the charity, $5,000 plus the additional $94 for Herzlich's uniform number. ... Spaziani is 5-1 as a head coach.

Hokies: Have won 11 straight games since a Matt Ryan-led comeback gave the Eagles a stunning 14-10 win in 2007. ...

LB Cody Grimm was named the Atlantic Coast Conference's Defensive Back of the Week after a 14-tackle performance at Duke. Grimm leads the team in tackles with 45 through five weeks and will be hard to keep off the All-ACC team. ... WR Danny Coale has started every game since arriving on campus last year, but he visited the end zone for the first time at Duke with a 36-yard reception in the first quarter. Coale added a critical 37-yard catch in the fourth quarter that set up a Josh Oglesby touchdown. ... DT Demetrius Taylor notched his first career sack in the first half at Duke, forcing a punt. Earning his second straight start for the injured John Graves, Taylor had four tackles, including two and a half for loss.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Golden Eagles:

QB David Shinskie — He's 25 and a freshman and now has two college starts, both victories. He has shown leadership and production, and this will be a serious test of his development.

RB Montel Harris — He is coming off a career-high 179-yard rushing game against Florida State and is second in the ACC in rushing with 89.8 yards per game. He has 449 yards on the ground this season, just less than half of the 900 he gained last year as a freshman. He recorded his second 100-yard game last week, the seventh of his 18-game career.

LB Luke Kuechly — The freshman continues to lead the Eagles in tackles and is tied for second in the ACC with 9.0 tackles per game in the first five games of his college career.

Hokies:

QB Tyrod Taylor — Since his signature moment against Nebraska on Sept. 19, Taylor has taken his game to another level. He averaged more than 19 yards a completion last week at Duke, proving for at least one week that opponents can't just take away the run and expect to stop the Tech offense.

RB Josh Oglesby — The sophomore made his six carries count, scoring fourth-quarter TDs on runs of 12 and 19 yards to put Duke away. A physical, one-cut runner, Oglesby is a perfect complement to Ryan Williams' big-play threat. Oglesby has beaten out highly-touted David Wilson for the backup spot.

LB Lyndell Gibson — A backup to Jake Johnson, Gibson is creeping up on co-starter status with solid production, registering five tackles on just 18 snaps at Duke. But Gibson does need to improve on pass coverage, as he was beaten on a wheel route at Duke for a 26-yard gain that led to a field goal.

INJURY WATCH:

Golden Eagles:

CB Roderick Rollins missed the FSU game with a hamstring injury but vowed to play at Virginia Tech.

Hokies:

DT John Graves (ankle) was cleared to play at Duke, but never left the sidelines, as Demetrius Taylor enjoyed a productive day. Graves was listed atop the depth chart on Monday, so it's likely he'll return to action this week.

ORT Blake DeChristopher (knee) didn't play at Duke despite being listed as probable on the Thursday injury report. DeChristopher is listed atop the depth chart this week, so the coaches feel he'll be able to play against Boston College.

LB Cam Martin (knee/finger) hasn't played much the last two weeks, although Cody Grimm's excellent play has helped keep him off the field. Martin isn't 100 percent and doesn't practice a lot as the coaches try to save him for game situations.

Eastern Illinois at Penn State

KICKOFF: Saturday, 12 ET

SERIES: First meeting

POLLS: Penn State (AP 14, 12 coaches)

PREDICTION: Penn State 54-7

KEYS TO THE GAME: Penn State, which is allowing 86.4 rushing yards per game, must shut down EIU tailbacks Mon Williams and Chevon Walker. The Nittany Lions, who turned the ball over just once last week, must continue to avoid mistakes on offense and protect quarterback Daryll Clark, whose health is vital to the team's future success.

Coach Joe Paterno if he isn't quite caught up with the recently redefined distinctions of Division I football teams (Football Bowl Subdivision versus Football Championship Subdivision).

"You can put all the quotes A, AA, below BCS, above BCS," Paterno said Tuesday. "I can't follow all that stuff. I had trouble with the alphabet when I was a kid."

But don't try telling the coach that Eastern Illinois, the 25th-ranked FCS team, won't give his Nittany Lions, the 14th-ranked FBS team, all they can handle this Saturday.

"I think Eastern Illinois is a solid program," Paterno said. "They're 4-1. The coach has been there for a long time. They're solid. If you look at the stats and everything else, you'll see just how steady they've been."

The Nittany Lions are familiar with at least one Panther — senior quarterback Jake Christensen, who transferred from Iowa this spring. Christensen was the starter when Penn State beat the Hawkeyes 27-7 in 2007.

FAST FACTS: Nittany Lions: Have won their last 13 regular-season non-conference games and their last 18 at Beaver Stadium. ... Just 33 of Penn State's 119 players have junior or senior eligibility. ... Eight different players have scored Penn State's 18 touchdowns. Only tailback Evan Royster (four touchdowns rushing, one receiving) has scored more than two.

Panthers: EIU ranks first in the Ohio Valley Conference in total defense, pass defense and scoring defense. ... Coach Bob Spoo is tied with Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer for fifth place on the Division I coaching seniority list with both joining their current schools in 1987. Joe Paterno (1966) is first. ... EIU is ranked No. 25 in the FCS. ... This will be Eastern Illinois fourth game against a Big Ten opponent with the Panthers having twice faced Illinois (2006, 2008) and once facing Spoo's alma mater Purdue (2007). ... EIU is 4-21 against FBS opponents. ... EIU faced No. 24 Illinois losing to the Fighting Illini 47-21 after missing an opportunity to take the lead late in the second half. The Panthers faced Kansas State in third week of the season in 2002 when the Wildcats were the first team receiving votes in both major polls. EIU trailed in that game 15-13 at the end of the first quarter before KSU pulled away for a 63-13 win.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Nittany Lions:

P Jeremy Boone — The former walk-on is hammering the ball this season. Boone's average of 48.8 yards per punt is the best in the Big Ten, and he's shown a penchant for dropping the ball inside the 5-yard line. He is one of the Nittany Lions' most consistent players.

DT Jared Odrick — After a strong start, the senior has had a quiet couple of games as opponents continue to double-team him. Look for Odrick to give Eastern Illinois' offensive line all it can handle.

RG Lou Eliades — Pulling guards are a big part of Penn State's running game, and Eliades is catching on with this part of the game after an uneven start. The Nittany Lions got most of their 338 yards rushing behind the right side of the offensive line last week and are likely to go there again.

Panthers:

QB Jake Christensen — He played for the Hawkeyes in 2007 — as did kicker Austin Signor — when he was sacked five times in a 27-7 loss. He has 1,090 passing yards in four games this season.

LB Cory Leman — He has 47 tackles and led EIU for the past three games.

RB Mon Williams — With 441 rushing yards and a ground game putting up 152 yards per game as a group, Williams and the Panthers' rushing attack is the key to making this more than a field trip.

INJURY WATCH:

Nittany Lions:

WR Chaz Powell, who missed most of last week's practice and was ineffective in the Illinois game while battling an illness, fully participated in Monday's practice.

LB Sean Lee is out for the third straight week with a left knee sprain.

RT Nerraw McCormack is doubtful for the Eastern Illinois game. He injured his right ankle during the win at Illinois but played through it, though he has been limited at practice.

WR/KR Devon Smith, who suffered a concussion during the Sept. 26 game against Iowa, will undergo further testing to determine his status for the Eastern Illinois game.

Panthers:

None.

Auburn at Arkansas

KICKOFF: Saturday, 12 ET

SERIES: Auburn leads Arkansas, 10-7-1 (last meeting, 2008, 25-22, Arkansas)

POLLS: Auburn (AP 17, 19 coaches)

PREDICTION: Arkansas 35-31

KEYS TO THE GAME: Auburn's rise from anonymity has been gradual despite a bigger-than-advertised win over West Virginia two weeks ago that started pollster stirring.

The Tigers are deserving of their ascent into the national polls, but how good is Gene Chizik's team?

Arkansas' offense is good enough to score on most anyone. They pass relentlessly and will play at a frenetic pass.

Auburn's offense has been outstanding, too, setting up a he who holds the ball last storyline.

All indications point to this SEC West battle resembling a shootout, with two of the game's more notable offensive minds (Bobby Petrino and Gus Malzahn) squaring off against each other.

The defensive edge, if there is one, goes to Auburn, but even the notoriously tough Tigers have had their fair share of issues on this side of the ball. If the Tigers can muster up just a little bit of pass defense and continue doing what they do on offense, this game could get lopsided in favor of the road team with quickness.

FAST FACTS: Razorbacks: Arkansas has scored 40 or more points in three of its first four games, marking the first time since 1916 and only the third time in school history that the Razorbacks have accomplished that feat. ... The Razorbacks have allowed seven sacks through four games, compared to the 17 allowed through four games a year ago.

Tigers: Auburn has already scored 207 points this season, which is just one fewer than Auburn scored all of last year. ... Auburn has scored in every quarter this season, including at least one touchdown in 17 of 20 quarters. ... Auburn has recorded five straight games of 400 or more yards of offense for the first time since the 1994 season. ... Auburn is tied for seventh nationally in first downs (24.2) and has had at least 20 in all five games. ... Auburn is tied for fourth in the nation in turnover margin (+1.6) and tied for seventh in interceptions (eight) and turnovers forced (13). ... Auburn has come from behind to win in four of its five games this season. ... Chris Todd has 12 touchdown passes this season. Last year, Auburn had just seven touchdown passes as a team during the entire season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Razorbacks:

QB Ryan Mallett — The sophomore came through with flying colors in a must-win game, carving up the Texas A&M defense and leading Arkansas to the easy win. He'll need to be decisive with the ball against Auburn, which wants to get to him and force bad throws.

DE Tenarius Wright — Although the entire defensive front played well against Texas A&M, it was Wright that made the hit that forced a fumble that Jerry Franklin returned 85 yards for a touchdown. That play really turned the game into a blowout. Wright needs to be the same kind of presence against Auburn to keep Tigers QB Chris Todd from getting comfortable in the pocket.

RB Michael Smith — Smith showed his versatility against Texas A&M, leading the Razorbacks with five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. But Smith needs more than the 17 rushing yards he got against the Aggies in order to keep Auburn's defensive linemen from just rushing up field and going after Ryan Mallett.

Tigers:

TB Ben Tate — Auburn's bruising tailback, who has quietly led the team in rushing the past two seasons, has come into his own in Gus Malzahn's system. His 128 yards weren't the big story against Tennessee. All the message-board talk has centered on the highlight that will follow him throughout his career, when he plowed over Tennessee all-everything safety Eric Berry.

DT Mike Blanc — It's tough to notice a player like Blanc unless you're directly focusing on him, but the junior has emerged as a nuisance to guards and centers across the college football world. A straight bull-rusher, Blanc has been quick to fall on fumbles and even quicker to raise his big arms to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.

PK Wes Byrum — He may not have the prettiest form — even after he spent the entire offseason cleaning it up — but the junior has been simply getting the job done with an icy demeanor. At 10-of-11 on the season, Byrum is just one make short of his 2008 total for made field goals, and he already has fives makes from at least 40 yards or more, which is two more than he had all last season.

INJURY WATCH:

Razorbacks:

None.

Tigers:

Freshman DE Nosa Eguae has yet to play a snap this season, but Gene Chizik is not ready to call 2009 a complete wash. "We are still at the point where if he can play we would love to have him, but as the weeks tick on we might have to lean towards redshirting him," Chizik said.

S Mike McNeil is still recovering from a broken leg he suffered in the spring. The emergence of freshman Daren Bates, though, has made things easier for coach Gene Chizik. "We need all hands on deck for the next seven games," Chizik said. "But it's comforting for the coaching staff to know that there's a young guy that can come in and do the job, and Daren's gotten better every week."

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M

KICKOFF: Saturday, 12:30 ET

SERIES: A&M leads 17-7

POLLS: Oklahoma State (15 AP, 15 coaches)

PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 34-27

KEYS TO THE GAME: Contending with the Aggies' high-powered offense begins with trying to bring down bulky 6-5 QB Jerrod Johnson. He is a threat to produce big yards with either his arm or his feet. Watch out for WR Ryan Tannehill, who plays sparingly because he backs up Johnson at quarterback, but is as good as any of the Aggies snagging passes and gaining yards after the catch. DE Von Miller, a hybrid who lines up some at linebacker, is a dangerous pass rusher.

FAST FACTS: Aggies: The Aggies will be seeking their first win over a Big 12 South opponent since beating Texas at Kyle Field in 2007. ... Texas A&M's move to a no-huddle offense has the team riding high in the total offense ranking (No. 2 nationally this week), and it also leads to the Aggies running significantly more plays than ever before. The Aggies ran 350 plays during the non-conference schedule or 87.5 plays per game, which is tied for most in the NCAA FBS with Houston. Only four FBS teams are averaging more than 80 plays per game: A&M, Houston, Texas (82.0) and Middle Tennessee State (80.3). ... The Aggies are averaging 545.3 yards per game and are the only team in the nation ranked in the top 15 in all four major offensive categories. Last year the Aggies averaged just 340.9 total yards per game and ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 in all four categories. ... The Aggies already have 16 quarterback sacks and rank No. 4 in the NCAA FBS in sacks just a season after posting only 16 sacks for the entire 2008 season and ranking No. 100 in the NCAA statistics.

Cowboys: The game in College Station represents Oklahoma State's latest road opener since 1975 when the Cowboys traveled to Missouri for an Oct. 11 road debut against the Tigers. ... Bill Young may be able to give tours of the Texas A&M campus by the end of the weekend. For the third straight year, Young will be bringing a defense to College Station. In 2007, Young and the Kansas Jayhawks were 19-11 winners over the Aggies. In 2008, Young was the defensive coordinator at Miami when the Hurricanes picked up a 41-23 victory at A&M. ... Don't think the A&M-OSU series has been tight over the last seven meetings? During that time, the Cowboys have outscored the Aggies by a 221-217 count. ... OSU has scored at least 40 points 17 times in Mike Gundy's 54 career games.

The Cowboys spent an off week trying to get numerous injured players healed, including two dangerous playmakers, WR Dez Bryant and RB Kendall Hunter. But Bryant has since been suspended for a violation of NCAA bylaws related to interaction with NFL and former NFL players.

CB/KR Perrish Cox also is hobbled. Although Oklahoma State may not be at full strength, its attack is diverse enough to challenge any defense. The Cowboys pride themselves on balance, and even unleashed true freshman RB Jeremy Smith, who rushed for 160 yards in a Sept. 26 romp against Grambling. The OSU defense continues to adjust under first-year coordinator Bill Young, so expect the Aggies to attack with some success in what could be a shootout.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Aggies:

WR Brandal Jackson — He became the third freshman at Texas A&M to post a 100-yard receiving game; he had 118 yards against Arkansas. Earlier this season, freshman WR Uzoma Nwachukwu had a 100-yard game against Utah State.

QB Jerrod Johnson — He has thrown 186 consecutive passes without an interception. He had his third 300-yard passing game of the season against Arkansas, tying a Texas A&M record.

DE Von Miller — He leads the Big 12 with nine sacks, but must find a way to offer more consistent pressure after Texas A&M got both of its sacks against Arkansas early in the game.

Cowboys:

RB Jeremy Smith — He rushed for 160 yards against Grambling in his collegiate debut. He became just the third true freshman at Oklahoma State to rush for 100 yards in his first game.

QB Zac Robinson — He is ranked just ninth in the Big 12 in passing through four games with a 197.8-yard average, one of just four conference starters who weren't throwing for at least 200 yards per game. Robinson ranked fourth in efficiency.

LB Donald Booker — Booker, who was promoted to first string after LB Orie Lemon suffered a season-ending injury the week leading into the season opener, leads the Cowboys with 26 tackles.

INJURY WATCH:

Aggies:

OG Mike Shumard suffered a severe ankle sprain and is questionable for the Oklahoma State game. If Shumard is unable to play, OG Matt Allen will shift to the left side and OG Patrick Lewis will move in on the right side.

RB Christine Michael could be ready for more work against Oklahoma State. He came back from a calf injury to carry 11 times for 46 yards in the Arkansas defeat.

Cowboys:

WR Dez Bryant was out with a hamstring when the school announced Wednesday he was done for the year. It wasn't injury-related, but rather a violation of NCAA bylaws regarding interaction with NFL and ex-NFL players. Bryant failed to disclose the interaction.

Oklahoma State is applying via appeal for Bryant's reinstatement.

"I made a mistake by not being entirely truthful when meeting with the NCAA. I sincerely regret my mistake and apologize to my teammates, coaches, OSU fans and the NCAA," Bryant said in a prepared statement.

QB Alex Cate suffered a blow to the head on the only play he ran as a backup against Grambling. He was expected to miss some practices, elevating QB Brandon Weeden to second team. Weeden completed 4 of 7 passes for 77 yards against Grambling.

Iowa State at Kansas

KICKOFF: Saturday, 12:30 ET

SERIES: Kansas leads the all-time series 48-34-6

POLLS: Kansas (16 AP, 15 coaches)

PREDICTION: Kansas 38-18

KEYS TO THE GAME: KU is one of 13 remaining unbeaten teams in the FBS.

QB Todd Reesing has played three times against Iowa State and is a combined 42 of 57 for 607 yards and eight touchdowns... He was three of five for 35 yards and one touchdown as a freshman, 21 of 26 for 353 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore and 18 of 26 for 319 yards and three touchdowns last year. An off week helped Kansas heal any bumps and bruises in advance of the start of Big 12 play. Iowa State opened conference play Oct. 3 with a 24-23 loss against Kansas State in Kansas City, Mo. The Cyclones now travel just a few miles farther for its next game and even plans to stay at the same hotel in suburban Kansas City. The Cyclones carry a 10-game losing streak in Big 12 games, but stand 3-2 under first-year coach Paul Rhoads.

Iowa State would do well to turn the game into a grind, preventing the big-play possibilities of the Kansas offense. The Cyclones are looking for balance on offense, but will want to test a solid Kansas run defense, especially if RB Alexander Robinson's groin injury is healed.

FAST FACTS:
Jayhawks: KU is playing its fourth home game in its first five contests. After this week the Jayhawks will then play four of their next six on the road before playing Missouri at a neutral site. ... KU has posted a 26-4 home record in the last five seasons. ... KU has won nine straight home games vs. Big 12 North opponents since losing to Colorado in 2004. ... KU is 14-4 in its last 18 games against Big 12 North opponents. ... KU is opening Big 12 play at home for the first time in the last five years and just the third time in the last 11 seasons. In fact, KU will start league play at home for just the fifth time in 14 years in the Big 12 Conference. ... KU is 41-49-5 all-time in homecoming games, including 4-3 in the Mark Mangino era. KU lost last year's homecoming game to Texas Tech. KU is 7-6 against Iowa State in homecoming games, including four straight victories. ... KU is looking to post a 5-0 record for the fourth time (11-0 in 2007, 7-0 in 1995, 7-0 in 1968) since 1921. ... KU is 27-7 in its last 34 games dating back to late in 2006. ... KU has won four straight games, which have come after a bye week.

Cyclones: Gave up 14 fourth-quarter points in a 24-23 loss to Kansas State last week. ... Iowa State has lost 10 consecutive games in the Big 12. ... Iowa State has not won in Lawrence, Kan., since 2001, when it throttled the Jayhawks 49-7.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Jayhawks:

QB Todd Reesing — In addition to being one of the most productive quarterbacks in the Big 12, he was named as a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy, which the National Football Foundation awards to a deserving scholar-athlete. Reesing is closing in on 10,000 total yards for his career. He stands at 9,359.

CB Chris Harris — Opponents often look to pick on him, which was a contributing factor behind his career-high 15 tackles against Southern Mississippi.

DE Jake Laptad — He has been in on a sack in each of the first four games this season, boosting Kansas to the early Big 12 lead in that category with 15.

Cyclones:

CB Ter'ran Benton — Iowa State will play plenty of nickel against Kansas, meaning Benton will have to be as adept in stopping the run as he is in defending the pass if the Cyclones are to pull off the upset.

QB Austen Arnaud — No matter how well the defense plays, Iowa State will have to score points to beat Kansas, and the Cyclones won't be able to do that if Arnaud continues to struggle throwing to his left.

DE Christopher Lyle — Coaches want a more consistent pass rush out of the Cyclones and Lyle is the man who can do it. He is the team's best pass rusher and if he can keep Todd Reesing under pressure, the Kansas quarterback won't have much time to find his favorite receiving targets.

INJURY WATCH:

Jayhawks:

RB Jake Sharp was expected to use the off week as additional recovery time for an undisclosed injury he suffered prior to the Sept. 19 game against Duke. He missed the game against Southern Mississippi.

LB Justin Springer drew his first start against Southern Mississippi after dealing with an injury that slowed him during the early part of the season.

Cyclones:

RB Alexander Robinson is expected to play Saturday. He aggravated a groin injury against Kansas State last week. The coaching staff isn't sure how many snaps Robinson will play.

CB Devin McDowell and S Allen Bell have quit the Iowa State football team. McDowell is transferring to a Division II school, and Bell is giving up the game. He will graduate from Iowa State in December.

WR Darius Reynolds was lost for the season after fracturing his fibula in practice last week. Reynolds, who had 13 catches for 72 yards, started the first two games of the season.

Kentucky at South Carolina

KICKOFF: Saturday, 12:30 ET

SERIES: South Carolina leads Kentucky, 16-6-1 (last meeting, 2008, 24-17 South Carolina).

POLLS: South Carolina (25 AP)

PREDICTION: South Carolina 34-14

KEYS TO THE GAME: It will be interesting to see if South Carolina can run the football successfully against Kentucky's defense. The Gamecocks have rushed for more than 200 yards in two of their past three contests. But those performances came against the defenses of Florida Atlantic and South Carolina State. It's safe to say Kentucky's defense will provide a sterner test.

FAST FACTS:
Gamecocks: Steve Spurrier has never lost to Kentucky. He is 16-0 all-time against the Wildcats. The Gamecocks have won nine straight times against the Wildcats, their longest active streak against a Division I FBS team (Carolina has won 15 straight over FCS foe Wofford). ... A Gamecock win would tie Coach Spurrier with Lou Holtz for sixth all-time at Carolina with 33 victories as the South Carolina head coach. ... South Carolina is part of the AP Top 25 for the first time this season at No. 25. The Gamecocks are still just outside the USA Today Coaches Top 25, coming in at 27th this week. ... Senior linebacker Eric Norwood set the school record for career sacks with his 27th and 28th against Ole Miss. He is now tied for eighth in SEC history in the category. Norwood also has 49.5 career tackles for loss; he is one away from entering the league's top 10 in that category as well. ... Senior wide receiver Moe Brown is only 84 yards away from 1,000 receiving yards in his career. He would become the 22nd player at South Carolina to achieve that milestone.

Wildcats: Looking for first win over ranked team since beating LSU at home in 2007. They also look to chart their first road win over a ranked team since winning at No. 17 Louisville, 22-17, in 2002. UK's last road win over a ranked SEC team was in 1998 when UK upset No. 21 LSU in Baton Rouge. ... With South Carolina on the schedule this week, Kentucky will be taking on one of the top three defenses in the SEC for the third-consecutive game. Florida, Alabama and USC rank 1-2-3 in the league in total defense. ... UK ranks in the top five of six SEC statistical categories. The Cats are tied for first in fourth-down conversions (66.7 percent); third in kickoff return average (28.3); tied for third in sacks allowed (five); fourth in punt return average (10.7); fifth in third-down conversions (41.4 percent) and "Blue Zone" defense (76.5 percent). ... RB Derrick Locke leads the SEC and ranks 10th in the nation in all-purpose yards. He averages 173.0 all-purpose yards per game. He also ranks second in the league and 11th nationally in kick off returns with an average of 33.9.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Gamecocks:

QB Stephen Garcia — Is there a quarterback who has improved more than the Gamecocks' sophomore starter? Garcia is completing better than 60 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and only two interceptions.

RB Kenny Miles — The redshirt freshman has jump-started the running game. He's averaging 6 yards a carry and has received double-digit carries in the last two games.

LB Eric Norwood — He's having an All-American start to his senior season. Norwood leads the team in tackles (30), sacks (six), interceptions (two) and blocked kicks (two).

Wildcats:

WR Randall Cobb — Athletic wideout has 21 catches and ranks second in the SEC in averages receptions (5.25) per game. The Wildcats need to hit Cobb on longer plays as he's averaging just 11.8 yards per catch.

MLB Micah Johnson — With All-American CB Trevard Lindley probably missing the game, the Wildcats could use a big game from their other NFL-caliber defensive player. Johnson has a team-leading 35 tackles.

CB Randall Burden — The sophomore was beaten out by Paul Warford for a starting gig, but he is suddenly the Wildcats' top cornerback with Trevard Lindley and Warford ailing.

INJURY WATCH:

Gamecocks:

TE Weslye Saunders is expected to miss Saturday's game with a sprained ankle. True freshman Justice Cunningham will get the start.

LT Jarriel King will move back into the starting lineup, according to GoGamecocks.com. King, who has been shuffled in and out of the starting lineup this season, is expected to replace Kyle Nunn.

Starting CB Akeem Auguste will serve the second game of his three-game suspension against Kentucky.

Wildcats:

CB Trevard Lindley's streak of 43 consecutive starts is in jeopardy because of a severe ankle sprain. He's listed as doubtful for Saturday's contest.

CB Paul Warford likely will miss his second consecutive game due to a thigh injury.

RB Alfonso Smith's ability to securely handle and catch the football will be an issue after a cast was put on his hand to protect an injured thumb.

OT Justin Jeffries is bothered by an Achilles' tendon injury that continues to flare up.

Alabama at Mississippi

KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET

SERIES: Alabama leads Ole Miss 45-9-2 (last meeting, 2008, 24-20 Alabama).

POLLS: Alabama (3 AP, coaches)
Mississippi (20 AP, 16 coaches)

PREDICTION: Alabama 30-22

KEYS TO THE GAME: No. 3 Alabama (5-0, 2-0 SEC West) is playing to close the gap on nationally ranked Florida and Texas, while Ole Miss (4-1, 1-1 SEC West) is still looking to live up to the preseason hype.

The key to the Tide has been remarkable consistency. Alabama is averaging 228.2 yards rushing and 234.6 yards passing, adding up to an average of 462.8 yards in total offense, 14th in the NCAA. The team's 25 touchdowns share the lead in the SEC with Auburn.

That kind of balance keeps opposing defense from ganging up to stop either the run or the pass, and keeps this team from becoming frustrated or impatient when one aspect isn't working.

"We know our coaches will make adjustments," said running back Mark Ingram. "And sooner or later, everything will be fine."

While the style of offense has changed from last year's pound-it-between-the-tackles approach, the constant has been ball control. Through five games, Alabama leads the SEC in time of possession, averaging 33 minutes, 17 seconds per game, nearly two minutes better than the second-best team.

Defensively, the Tide has been stifling.

Alabama is fourth in the NCAA in rushing defense (64.4 yards per game), 10th in pass defense (157.8 ypg), second in total defense (222.2 ypg) and 13th in scoring defense (14.4 ppg).

Plus, the Tide is allowing opponents to convert only 27.1 percent of third-down chances. And Alabama leads the SEC in sacks with 15.

All of this from a team that has had to deal with the potential distractions of having a player arrested, a player shot, suspensions for alleged NCAA violations, the flu, and a season-ending injury to one of the teams' top players — linebacker Dont'a Hightower.

The consistency is a testament to Nick Saban's constant emphasis on staying focused and concentrating only on the task at hand.

For all the intangibles associated with this game, the top key might be for Ole Miss to get off to a good start with QB Jevan Snead. He hasn't exactly lived up to his high accolades this year, but a good start and a great finish on national television might just be the best thing for the Rebels.

FAST FACTS:
Crimson Tide: Alabama is fourth in the NCAA in rushing defense (64.4 yards per game), 10th in pass defense (157.8 ypg), second in total defense (222.2 ypg) and 13th in scoring defense (14.4 ppg), while Ole Miss has given up an average of 10.8 points and 274 yards per game. ...

Rebels: The last four Alabama-Ole Miss games have been decided in the final minute. But Alabama has won 19 of the last 22 and five straight since Ole Miss won in Oxford in 2003. ... Saturday marks the home Southeastern Conference opener for the Rebels, a situation in which they have not won since 2004. ... In their last eight games, the Rebels have outscored opponents by an average of 39.0 to 11.3 points per game. ... Coach Houston Nutt is 5-8 against top-5 teams, including last year's win over then-No. 4 Florida. Three of the losses were by four or less points.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Rebels:

ATH Dexter McCluster — Wide receiver, running back ... whatever. Ole Miss needs him, regardless of where it lines him up, to be the dynamic player that he is.

DL Jerrell Powe — He lodged a career high in tackles last week. Could the highly touted recruit with the long eligibility saga be building toward another breakout game?

WR Shay Hodge — He had a breakout game of sorts at Vanderbilt and could be a huge component of a Rebel upset.

Crimson Tide:

RB Mark Ingram — The sophomore made his presence felt last week with 140 yards rushing against Kentucky. He's averaging 97.4 yards per game with six touchdowns. He's the leader in the SEC in total touchdowns.

QB Greg McElroy — He is No 6 in the NCAA in passing efficiency, completing 65.6 percent of his passes and averaging 217.2 yards per game with nine touchdowns and only one interception.

DE Marcell Dareus — He has come from almost nowhere to lead the Tide with 3.5 sacks for minus-25 yards. He ranks sixth in the SEC in sacks.

INJURY WATCH:

Rebels:

None.

Crimson Tide:

True freshmen LBs Tana Patrick and Nico Johnson could step in this week on the inside while sophomore Jerrell Harris sits out the last game of his six-game suspension.

LB Donta Hightower is out for the season after suffering a knee injury that required surgery.

LB Jerrell Harris is at the end of a six-game suspension by the NCAA for allegedly accepting a laptop computer as a gift. Harris will be eligible after this weekend's game against Ole Miss.

LB Damion Square is out after suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Wisconsin at Ohio State

KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET

SERIES: Ohio State leads 52-17-5 (last meeting, 2008, 20-17, Ohio State)

POLLS: Ohio State (9 AP, 8 coaches)

PREDICTION: Ohio State 26-20

KEYS TO THE GAME: It's a battle of the Big Ten's only 2-0 teams in a national prime-time telecast. What could be greater? Well, from the Badgers' perspective, they could stop letting the Buckeyes off the hook. Wisconsin led 17-10 in the third quarter at The Horseshoe in 2007 before falling 38-17. Last year at Camp Randall, Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor scored in the waning moments to give the Bucks a 20-17 win. ... Wisconsin scored more points in its worst game (28 vs. Northern Illinois) than Ohio State allowed in its worst game (27 vs. Navy). Wisconsin possesses the league's best rushing offense while Ohio State owns the league's best rushing defense. The Buckeyes don't throw the ball frequently or well, but the Badgers never got a handle on sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor last year. Long story short, Wisconsin's improving lines need to play to no less than a stalemate in order to get in position for a huge road win.

FAST FACTS:
Badgers: Sophomore TB John Clay earned the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week award while senior DE O'Brien Schofield took the Defensive Player of the Week award. Clay, the league leader in rushing, carried 32 times for a career-high 184 yards and the first three-TD game of his career. Schofield, the league leader in tackles for loss, earned two sacks and 1.5 other tackles for loss against Minnesota. ... The Badgers lead the Big Ten in five statistical categories: Scoring offense (35.0 points per game), rushing offense (217.2 yards per game), passer efficiency (152.94 rating), turnover margin (plus-5) and sacks allowed (2). The Badgers are tied for second nationally in sacks allowed.

Buckeyes: The Buckeyes have forced 12 turnovers through the first five games, an average of 2.4 per contest. ... The Buckeyes have a streak of seven consecutive seasons of at least eight wins, tying them with USC, Texas Tech and West Virginia for eighth-longest in the country. Georgia has the longest such streak at 12 seasons.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Badgers:

QB Scott Tolzien — Despite throwing his first interception since Week 1, the redshirt junior continues to rank among the nation's Top 20 quarterbacks in passing efficiency (154.65). He completes 65.6 percent of his throws and has enough mobility to get out of trouble when Ohio State's powerful rush gets through the cracks.

RB John Clay — The Badgers are going to ride this bruising sophomore as far as he'll take them. With 336 yards and four touchdowns in the last two weeks, Clay has jumped to the top of the Big Ten's rushing charts (582 yards, seven TDs) and No. 5 on the national list. He carried the ball 32 times in each of the last two weeks, so it'll be interesting to see if he can do it again if necessary.

DE O'Brien Schofield — The senior has developed into a first-class playmaker. Schofield leads the Big Ten in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (11) while forcing a team-high two fumbles and posting a team-high four quarterback hurries.

Buckeyes:

RB Brandon Saine — Dan Herron is back this week, but this is Saine's chance to build off last week's impressive 113-yard performance. Saine's speed is a difference-maker.

DT Doug Worthington — Wisconsin's powerful rushing attack comes right at defenses. That means Worthington, who is without partner Dexter Larimore, who is out this week with a knee injury. Worthington must control the line of scrimmage at the point of attack.

OL J.B. Shugarts — With a number of linemen battling the flu, Shugarts becomes even more important. He is typically the starter at right tackle, but if both Mike Adams and Andrew Miller are out with the flu, Shugarts could flip over to the left side.

INJURY WATCH:

Badgers:

RG Bill Nagy (heel) sat out four of the first five weeks, but the preseason's first-string right guard seems likely to bethe third guard in the rotation. "It's been kind of hoping, hoping, hoping," said coach Bret Bielema. "Now it seems to be real."

Senior safeties Shane Carter and Aubrey Pleasant won't return to the team after having their appeal denied to have their suspensions lifted.

Buckeyes:

Starting LT Mike Adams missed time this week with the flu and his status will be updated later in the week. Compounding matters is that backup Andrew Miller missed the Indiana game with the flu. If Miller is unable to play, the Buckeyes could be scrambling to find enough healthy linemen.

DT Dexter Larimore will miss the game with a strained right knee. Larimore has started all but one game for the Bucks this season.

OL Jimmy Cordle will miss at least a couple of more weeks with his lingering ankle issue. Cordle is OSU's most experienced and versatile offensive lineman, having started at guard, center and tackle throughout his career.

OL Marcus Hall played in his first game last week against Indiana and is in line for more work. With Adams missing time this week to the flu, J.B. Shugarts could shift to left tackle and leave Hall at right tackle. Worst case, he's a backup seeing plenty of time.

RB Dan Herron is recovered enough from his ankle injury that he should be ready to play against Wisconsin. Herron missed the Indiana game.

RB Jamaal Berry was "95 percent" against Indiana but did not play. That means the Bucks' highest profile recruit can still qualify for a redshirt, since he has now missed the team's first five games. Whether or not he gets into a game will depend on the health of the players in front of him. "We try not to think about (redshirting) a whole bunch with tailbacks because you can be thinking for a moment that you're just fine, and two turned ankles later, you're not so fine," Tressel said. "We want him preparing as if he's got to be ready to play." Barring injuries to both Brandon Saine and Dan Herron, though, it would seem Berry may not get onto the field until next season.

Baylor at Oklahoma

KICKOFF: Saturday, 3:30 ET

SERIES: Oklahoma leads 18-0

POLLS: Oklahoma (19 AP, 21 Coaches)

PREDICTION: Oklahoma 38-10

KEYS TO THE GAME: Baylor's running game was cut in half by Kent State last week, but should have RB Jay Finley back from a two-game absence. Establishing the run will take the pressure off the quarterback, whether it's Nick Florence or Blake Szymanski.

QB Sam Bradford and coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday the decision on whether to play him or not rests primarily with Bradford. The doctors aren't really part of the process any more. And what's holding Bradford back is the durability and recovery time for his arm, which apparently looked great the Tuesday before the Miami game, but sore and worn by Thursday. Bradford said he wants to be able to trust himself and his body and, thus far, the arm won't let him do that. A decision is likely by Thursday, perhaps Friday.

Clearly, this is not the season the Sooners — or Bradford — were hoping for, yet all of conference play awaits. It all starts with beating Baylor.

Stoops on Tuesday had liked what he had seen this week.

"Our guys yesterday had a great attitude in how they practiced, I've said that all along, there wasn't anybody hanging their head," he said.

Turnovers are huge to the Sooners now because they're margin for error has been slimmed dramatically. OU needs big plays from its wide receivers, for now and later. Now, because their best playmaker, Ryan Broyles, is out. For later because this is a group that needs to develop fast.

FAST FACTS:
Sooners: Oklahoma has two losses this season — both one-point setbacks to nationally-ranked foes away from Norman. ... Oklahoma has won 26 straight home games, the longest current streak in the nation, and a school record. The current record was set with the win over Tulsa. The previous mark was set at 25 before loss in the 1953 season opener to Notre Dame, 28-21. ... Bob Stoops' teams are 61-2 at home and the Sooners have won 45 of their last 46 on Owen Field. ... Other long OU home streaks and the years they ended include 21 (1975), 20 (1957).

Bears: Have lost 18 straight games in the series and 18 in a row to ranked opponents. ... Only three of 18 all-time meetings with Sooners had a single-digit victory margin. ... The Bears have lost 11 straight Big 12 road games by a combined score of 462-174. The last road win was at Colorado on Oct. 7, 2006. ... The Bears have at least one rushing touchdown in 15 straight games, the second-longest streak in school history. The record is 33 straight, from 1951-54.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Sooners:

WR Cameron Kenney — He was the breakout star from the Miami game, catching six balls for 72 yards. The Sooners need more of that.

WR Mossis Madu — He was moved from running back to slot receiver to get him on the field, yet he remained stuck behind Ryan Broyles. A hometown Norman High product, just like Broyles, Madu finally has his chance.

Bears:

QBs Blake Szymanski and Nick Florence — With Robert Griffin out, there's even more focus on this position, as one of these two guys will start at Oklahoma. Florence played well in his freshman debut against Kent State, but that was Kent State and in Waco. Szymanski has been through it all before and this is a better team than the one he quarterbacked in 2007.

RB Jay Finley — He's missed the last two games with a sprained ankle but wasn't needed against Northwestern State and Kent State. He's needed now.

LB Joe Pawelek — He is the man who makes the defense go. He snuffed out a fake field goal attempt by stopping holder Anthony Magazul last week, when he was in on six tackles in the win over Kent State.

INJURY WATCH:

Sooners:

WR Ryan Broyles suffered a hairline fracture to his shoulder against Miami and is expected to be out 2 to 4 weeks. Head coach Bob Stoops said there's a small chance he could be back for Texas a week from Saturday.

Bears:

CB Antareis Bryan is out for 6-8 weeks with a broken foot.

CB Tim Atchison suffered a broken hand last week but is expected to play at Oklahoma, wearing a cast.

RB Jay Finley is 23rd on Baylor's all-time rushing list with 1,284 yards. The junior is well on his way to becoming Baylor's seventh 2,000-yard rusher, but he missed the last two games with an ankle injury.

Florida A&M at Miami (Fla.)

KICKOFF: Saturday, 7 ET

SERIES: Miami leads 6-1

POLLS: Miami (11 AP, coaches)

PREDICTION: Miami 41-17

KEYS TO THE GAME: After four consecutive games against teams ranked at the time of their meeting, the Hurricanes are ready for a breather, right? But they can't let down too much, as the Rattlers are coming into the game with a 4-0 mark.

Miami needs to keep running the football and avoid the kind of mistake or turnover that would provide Florida A&M with early opportunities. Running quarterbacks have given Miami problems in the past, and FAMU's Curtis Pulley averages nearly 73 yards a game rushing while throwing for 212.

FAST FACTS:
Hurricanes: Miami has come up with only four takeaways all season and hasn't had an interception since S Randy Phillips picked off a pass in the opener at Florida State. But defensive coordinator John Lovett is confident the picks will come. "We start getting 11 guys to the ball, the turnovers will come," Lovett said. ... Kickoff coverage has improved substantially with walk-on Alex Uribe taking over, and the stress on Matt Bosher on field goals and punts has been substantially reduced. "That's the one kicking duty that you put the most force in your leg," Shannon said, referring to kickoffs, "and you can really tear some things up." Shannon has been particularly pleased with the hang time Uribe has gotten on his kickoffs. Oklahoma averaged just over 17 yards a return with a long runback of only 23 yards.

Rattlers: Have dropped six straight games in the series since a 16-13 upset in 1979. ... QB Curtis Pulley remains the club leader in rushing with 291 yards on 47 carries with one (1) TD, while having passed for 846 yards on seven (7) TDs, completing 64 of 96 aerials with just one (1) interception ... Diminutive freshman tailback Eddie Rocker has run for 185 yards on 35 carries in four games, ranking as the club's number two rusher, while junior speedster Philip Sylvester has run for 84 yards on on 24 carries and two (2) TDs the past two games ... A pitched battle is in progress for the club receiving lead between Isaac West (18 catches, 342 yards, 2 TDs) and Kevin Elliott (18 receptions, 254 yards and 3 TDs), while Adrian Smith is in the mix too (10 grabs, 71 yards) ... Defensively, LB Bryan Parker holds the club takedown lead with 31 tackles and 4.5 stops for loss, followed by FS Greg Harvey (26 tackles) and LBs Alvis Graham and John Williams with 19 tackles each..... All-America return ace LeRoy Vann, who now holds the school career record for TD punt returns (7), and is tied for the NCAA FCS career standard (7) ... Vann now has 392 yards and 4 TDs on 16 punt returns this season — leaving him 86 yards shy of the single-season school record for punt return yards (478, by Howard Huckaby in 1988) ... He also has 254 yards on 10 kickoff runbacks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hurricanes:

RB Javarris James — James had a big night with 150 yards on just 10 rushes against Oklahoma. He also can catch the ball out of the backfield (six receptions in four games).

WR Adarius Johnson — Johnson celebrated his return after missing two games because of injury with a team-high four catches against the Sooners. Last year's leading receiver as a freshman, he now has seven receptions on the season.

TE Jimmy Graham — Graham has two catches on the season. Both have gone for touchdowns.

LB Sean Spence — Spence had probably his best game of the season against Oklahoma with a team-high 10 tackles, including one for loss. He now has 23 tackles on the year, tied for second with LB Darryl Sharpton behind LB Colin McCarthy's 32 stops.

Rattlers:

QB Curtis Pulley — Teams leading rusher is much more than a speed threat. He's also capable of winging it.

RS LeRoy Vann — A speed merchant with seven career punt returns for touchdowns.

INJURY WATCH:

Hurricanes:

S Randy Phillips (arm) sat out the Oklahoma game and is questionable for Florida A&M.

TE Richard Gordon (arm) remains out.

Rattlers:

None.

Colorado at Texas

KICKOFF: Saturday, 7:15 ET

SERIES: Texas leads Colorado 10-7 (last meeting, 2008, 38-14 Texas)

POLLS: Texas (2 AP, coaches)

PREDICTION: Texas 49-16

KEYS TO THE GAME: The trips don't get any easier for the Buffaloes, who come off a loss at West Virginia to meet No. 2 Texas. Colorado will be the first North Division team to visit Royal-Memorial Stadium since it was expanded to more than 100,000. Since the inception of the Big 12, the Buffs' only victory in Austin was in 1997. They've lost four straight and six of the last seven in the series.

Texas ranks fifth nationally in total offense with a 521.2-yard average and first in scoring with 49.5 points per game. Ouch. Colorado has had difficulty stopping opponents all season and this will be the most potent attack the Buffs have faced. Texas uses a committee approach among its rushers, though RB Vondrell McGee is coming off a 100-yard game. The UT offense, of course, features the talents of QB Colt McCoy, who hasn't been as precise throwing the ball this season, but he is breaking in some new receivers. WR/PR Jordan Shipley could be the most underrated playmaker in the Big 12, although he leads the conference in receptions and punt return average.

Texas has struggled at times to get going on offense, but Colorado is not properly positioned at times on defense and certainly not as athletic as the Longhorns. Hitting the Buffs for a big plays has been easy, so figure on McCoy to throw deep. Look for any speedy backs, namely RB/KR D.J. Monroe, to bolt into the open field either off a rush or return. Comfortable margins allow defenders to tee off on Colorado QB Cody Hawkins, an accurate thrower with a suspect arm.

FAST FACTS:
Longhorns: 'Horns are off to a 4-0 start for the seventh time in the last nine years. ... Texas has won six of seven and four in a row vs. Colorado. ... During Mack Brown's 12 seasons at Texas, the Horns have registered 22 second-half comebacks, including 12 fourth-quarter comebacks.

Buffaloes: Colorado is 15-18 all-time in the state of Texas, including a 5-8 mark this decade and a 5-5 mark in night games (2-0 versus Texas); among its most prominent wins in the Lone Star State would including the '71 Bluebonnet Bowl (29-17 over Houston), a 29-22 win over Texas in 1990, which many point to as the turning point in CU's national championship season; and the 2001 Big 12 title game where the underdog Buffs toppled UT, 39-37, in Irving ... This is just the second night game in Austin between the two schools (1990 and 2009) ... Colorado will return home for Family Weekend on October 17 against Kansas; 4,500 tickets remain for that one, which was selected for prime time broadcast by Fox Sports Net (5 p.m. MDT); that now makes no less than eight national telecasts for CU in 2009

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Longhorns:

WR/PR Jordan Shipley — The senior became the first Texas player in history to record 10 or more receptions in back-to-back games with big performances against Texas Tech and UTEP. He averages nine receptions per game and also has a punt return for a touchdown.

QB Colt McCoy — He became the 15th player in major-college history to generate more than 12,000 total yards. He has thrown touchdown passes in 21 consecutive games.

S Earl Thomas — He leads Texas with three interceptions after snaring two picks against UTEP.

Buffaloes:

QB Cody Hawkins — He has thrown seven interceptions and completed slightly more than 50 percent of his attempts. He ranks last among Big 12 starters in passing efficiency.

PK Aric Goodman — He has made 4 of 8 field goals after going 1 of 4 against West Virginia. Goodman is 0-for-8 during his CU career from between 40 and 49 yards.

TE Riar Geer — He was incorporated into the passing attack more at West Virginia and responded with a career-best 113 yards receiving.

INJURY WATCH:

Longhorns:

DB Eryon Barnett suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the UTEP game. He will apply for a medical hardship after playing in just two games this season.

OL Mason Walters will probably miss the Colorado game while recovering from a foot injury that has kept him out all season.

LB Sergio Kindle, LB Aaron Williams and C Chris Hall suffered injuries against UTEP, but all were expected to play against Colorado.

Buffaloes:

RB Darrell Scott continues to nurse a knee injury he suffered against Toledo on Sept. 11. He played sparingly at West Virginia and was even removed from kickoff returns. KR Brian Lockridge replaced Scott and averaged 25.5 yards on six runbacks.

TCU at Air Force

KICKOFF: Saturday, 7:30 ET

POLLS: TCU (10 AP, coaches)

PREDICTION: TCU 23-12

KEYS TO THE GAME: Assuming TCU's rushing defense holds serve and keeps Air Force in relative check, the Frogs should cruise in their Mountain West Conference opener. The key for the TCU defense is to be sound and disciplined and keep the Falcons out of the third-and-short situations.

One of the biggest questions for Air Force will be whether it has put last Saturday's gut-wrenching loss to Navy behind it. That's step one for pulling an upset over the 10th-ranked Horned Frogs. Step two would be playing virtually turnover and penalty-free — something the Falcons haven't done in recent weeks. And step three would be getting some points on the board against TCU's stingy defense. The Falcons haven't scored an offensive touchdown since the third quarter of their game at New Mexico on Sept. 19.

FAST FACTS:
Falcons: In the last four seasons, TCU has beaten Air Force three times — by an average of 32.0 points. Air Force's lone victory in the past four seasons (in 2007) came by a field goal in overtime. ... Last season's 44-10 loss to TCU was the worst loss (as far as margin of defeat) in Troy Calhoun's tenure as Air Force's head coach. ... Air Force's defense has scored as many touchdowns as its offense (four) in four games against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents.

Horned Frogs: TCU is 55-1 under Gary Patterson when holding opponents to 17 points or less. Its only blemish was last year's 13-10 loss to Utah. ...

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Falcons:

CB Anthony Wright Jr. — The sophomore has become the play-maker coaches thought he'd be. Wright has returned interceptions for touchdowns in each of the Falcons' last two games.

K Erik Soderberg — Will the sophomore be able to shake off last week's miss at Navy? Soderberg forced overtime with a 39-yard field goal as time expired. But in the extra session he missed a 31-yarder that would have tied the game and sent it to a second overtime.

QB Tim Jefferson — Will he be healthy enough to play and play well? Last Saturday at Navy, the sophomore re-injured the right ankle that kept him out of the Falcons' previous game against San Diego State. He returned after tweaking the ankle but could not lead the offense to a touchdown.

ILB John Falgout — A reserve for most of his career, Falgout likely will make his first career start on Saturday against TCU in place of Ken Lamendola, last season's leading tackler, who injured his knee against Navy. Falgout played well in relief of Lamendola on Saturday, making a team-high 13 tackles.

Horned Frogs:

WR Jeremy Kerley — Coach Gary Patterson isn't big on overhyping his team or players, but he can't hide his excitement about Kerley's potential. And coming off a game in which Kerley had 175 return yards — including a 71-yard punt return for a touchdown — its easy to see why.

LB Daryl Washington — The reigning Co-MWC Defensive Player of the Week will need to be at his best to keep the Air Force rushing attack in check. The Falcons have rushed for more than 291 yards per game this season while Washington leads the Frogs defense in tackles (33).

RB Joseph Turner — TCU uses a by-committee approach, but Turner is expected to be the head of that committee. Still, his production has diminished significantly in the past two games. After averaging 8.5 yards per carry in TCU's first two games, to go along with four touchdowns, Turner is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry in the past two games and has just one rushing touchdown.

INJURY WATCH:

Falcons:

Junior ILB Ken Lamendola is out indefinitely after injuring the medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Junior WR Kyle Halderman has begun doing some work in practice, but he is probably still two weeks away from returning to the Falcons' lineup, coach Troy Calhoun said.

Horned Frogs:

Senior CB Nick Sanders had his streak of 42 consecutive starts snapped against SMU due to injury, although TCU would not comment on the nature of the injury. It was the first time Sanders didn't start since arriving at TCU. Sanders' absence opened the door for the first career start for junior Jason Teague.

Senior LT Nic Richmond started at left tackle against SMU, ending a streak of 29 consecutive starts for senior LT Marshall Newhouse. Newhouse still played in the game.

Florida at LSU

KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET

SERIES: Florida leads LSU 29-23-3 (last meeting, 2008, 51-21 Florida).

POLLS: Florida (1 AP, coaches)
LSU (4 AP, coaches)

PREDICTION: Florida 34-21

KEYS TO THE GAME: Tim Tebow, coach Urban Meyer said on Wednesday, will be a game-time decision.

Whether Tebow plays or not, the Tigers are going to have to have their running game going to keep the Gators off the field. The running game also looks to be the key on the other side of the ball as well, as the Tigers need to slow a Gator attack that is churning out more than 307 yards a game on the ground.

LSU coach Les Miles knows the game won't be won or lost with the decision whether Tebow goes — or doesn't.

"I'm told that (Backup QB John) Brantley has good feet and can move it and run the football as well," Miles said. "Their offense has great, strategic definition, and I suspect that they'll do similar things. They'll speak to the talents of the guys that they have, but we're going to prepare for the Florida offense and adjust that feel based on who's the quarterback."

Tebow ran for 22 yards and a touchdown on a dozen carries and was 14-of-21 passing for 210 yards and two scores in Florida's 51-21 romp over the Tigers in Gainesville last year.

FAST FACTS:
Gators: winner of this matchup has gone on to win the BCS National Championship in each of the past three years. ... Urban Meyer holds a 6-1 record at UF against top-five teams, a 10-2 mark against top-10 opponents and is 17-5 against the top 25. ... Meyer is 28-3 in his career when having more than a week to prepare for a game. ... Florida is looking to repeat as the top rushing team in the Southeastern Conference for the first time in school history. The Gators are averaging 307.5 yards rushing per game and seven yards per carry. In 2008, Florida averaged 231.1 yards per game to lead the league. ... Florida QB Tim Tebow was named as one of 50 semifinalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, formerly known as the Draddy Trophy, by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The trophy, commonly known as the "Academic Heisman," is awarded annually to a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility. It requires the player to hold a grade point average of at least 3.2, demonstrate outstanding football ability and show strong leadership and citizenship.

Tigers: This is the second straight year that LSU will host the nation's No. 1 ranked team — last year No. 1 Alabama escaped Tiger Stadium, 27-21, in overtime. ... LSU is 2-8-1 all-time against teams ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll. One of those wins came against top-ranked Florida in Tiger Stadium in 1997. ... LSU goes into the Florida game having won 21 straight night games in Tiger Stadium. The streak goes to 32 straight in games played on a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. ... TE Richard Dickson now holds the school record for career receiving yards for a tight end with 890, topping the 881 set by David LaFleur. Dickson has 80 catches in his career, seven short of the record held by Mitch Andrews. Dickson is tied for with Brad Boyd for career touchdown catches for a tight end with 10. ... RB Charles Scott has gone over 2,000 yards rushing for his career after compiling 95 yards against Georgia. Scott has 2,049 yards heading into the game against Florida. The senior has 30 rushing touchdowns, one short of fourth-place Terry Robiskie on LSU's all-time list.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Gators:

QB John Brantley — If Tebow can't go, Brantley will be making his first career start. A strong-armed sophomore, Brantley reneged on a verbal commitment to Texas to play for the Gators. He's thrown for 467 yards and seven touchdowns in his career.

RB Emmanuel Moody — With QB Tim Tebow potentially out, the Florida coaching staff may need to turn to Moody to run between the tackles. Moody is Florida's biggest back outside of Tebow.

MLB Brandon Spikes — Spikes will have his hands full supporting a run defense that will try to stop LSU's talented tandem of tailbacks, Charles Scott and Keiland Williams. Spikes had a big day against LSU last season, returning an interception for a touchdown.

Tigers:

RB Charles Scott — Scott broke free on a 33-yard run to score the decisive touchdown in the win over Georgia. He has 2,049 yard rushing in his career over his three-plus seasons, and will need to pound away at a talented Florida front seven.

WR Terrance Tolliver — Tolliver has shown a knack for getting free from defenders after making the catch. He is tied for the team lead in receptions with WR Brandon LaFell (23 catches each); Tolliver leads with 342 yards receiving to LaFell's 282 total.

FS Chad Jones — Jones is tied for fourth on the team in tackles with 23 but, more importantly, has a knack for coming up with the clutch play. His knockdown of a Mississippi State pass into the end zone likely preserved that win, and he scored the decisive touchdown on a punt return.

INJURY WATCH:

Gators:

QB Tim Tebow (concussion) practiced in full pads this week, but he wasn't yet cleared for contact and will be a game-time decision, coach Urban Meyer said.

DT Lawrence Marsh (ankle) had not returned to practice through the end of the weekend.

DT Brandon Antwine (shoulder) had not returned to practice through the end of the weekend.

DE Kedric Johnson missed practice last week with a fever.

Tigers:

DE Chancey Aghayere, who has three starts and is listed as a backup at both ends, is expected back after missing the game at Georgia because of an undisclosed injury.

Georgia Tech at Florida State

KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET

SERIES: Florida State leads 12-8-1

POLLS: Georgia Tech (22 AP, 23 coaches)

PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 21-17

KEYS TO THE GAME: For the Seminoles, they need something to go well immediately in this game. They need to score first, stop Georgia Tech, maybe force a turnover, or get a big play out of special teams. They need to get their crowd behind them. If things start off badly, this could get very ugly, especially with an upset fan base as it is. But the obvious issue for FSU is stopping Georgia Tech's triple option and preventing Tech from faking to a pass and finding a wide open receiver downfield. This game rests on FSU's defense. If the Seminoles can somehow slow Tech's offense and allow some goodwill to flow to their sideline, then FSU will score points. FSU's offense is capable of making plays against Tech.

FAST FACTS:
Seminoles: With 1,423 passing yards in five games this season, QB Christian Ponder has climbed from 21st to 11th on the Florida State career passing yardage list. He climbed six spots with his 341 yards against Boston College. ... Senior WR Rod Owens has already established single-season career bests for receptions (19) and yardage (213) through five games. ... Florida State enters Saturday's game against Georgia Tech averaging 403.4 yards of total offense per game (285.4 passing and 118 rushing). The last time the Seminoles averaged more than 400 yards of total offense per game was during the 2003 season, when they averaged 403 yards. Florida State has accumulated more than 500 yards of total offense once this season (512 in its 54-28 victory over Brigham Young) and has eclipsed 400 yards of total offense in four games.

Yellow Jackets: Tech has lost all six previous meetings in Tallahassee. ... Tech is averaging 442.5 yards of offense the last two weeks. In those games, the Jackets have controlled the ball for 78:09, compared to 41:51 for their opponents. ... WR Demaryius Thomas is the only ACC receiver averaging more than 100 yards per game (107.2). ... Under coach Paul Johnson, Tech is 11-1 when leading at halftime. ... Louisville transfer Anthony Allen has made an immediate impact, scoring touchdowns in four of five games. The A-back is a dangerous runner and receiver and one of Tech's primary kick returners.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Seminoles:

QB Christian Ponder — He leads the ACC in passing yards (1,423), completions (121), attempts (181), yards passing per game (284.6) and total offense (305.8 yards per game) while ranking tied for first for fewest interceptions (one) and second in completion percentage (.688). He is the only quarterback in the ACC who has passed for more than 1,400 yards and earned more than 1,500 yards in total offense.

WR Bert Reed — He went over the 100-yard receiving mark and for the second consecutive week, collecting seven receptions for 107 yards against BC. It marked the first time that two FSU receivers had more than 100 yards receiving in the same game since 2007.

DT Jacobbi McDanniel — The true freshman might make his first start against Tech on Saturday. He's been one of the promising players for the future on FSU's defense. Despite not being in the starting lineup in the first five games, McDaniel leads all defensive tackles in sacks, tackles, tackles for loss and forced fumbles.

Yellow Jackets:

DE Derrick Morgan — The junior ranks third in the ACC in sacks (5.5) and will be key to disrupting QB Christian Ponder.

B-back Jonathan Dwyer — The junior has run for 241 yards the past two weeks after a slow start. He'll face a stout FSU rush defense. Dwyer ranks ninth on Tech's all-time rushing list (2,240 yards) and is 35 yards shy of overtaking David Sims for eighth place.

LB Brad Jefferson — With Tech's young linebackers struggling, the junior must continue his stellar play. He tied a career high with eight tackles, seven unassisted, in the win over Mississippi State and also forced two fumbles. He ranks second on the team with 27 tackles.

INJURY WATCH:

Seminoles:

CB Patrick Robinson, a senior, suffered a slight sprain to his left ankle against Boston College, and his status is uncertain for the Georgia Tech game.

FB Daniel Gard (knee), a walk-on, did not play last week, but he could be available this week. He is viewed as one of the team's best short-yardage blockers.

Yellow Jackets:

Chris Tanner will continue to handle placekicking, while Scott Blair kicks off. Coach Paul Johnson instituted that arrangement last week following Blair's two missed field goals against North Carolina.

DE Robert Hall (knee) is out, while S Dominique Reese (shoulder) and A-back Marcus Wright (shoulder) are questionable.

LB Kyle Jackson (foot surgery) is out for the season.

Michigan at Iowa

KICKOFF: Saturday, 8 ET

SERIES: Michigan leads 40-10-4 (last meeting, 2006, 20-6, Michigan)

POLLS: Iowa (12 AP, 14 coaches)

PREDICTION: Iowa 24-20

KEYS TO THE GAME: Michigan is still much improved over last season, but has regressed the last two weeks in barely beating Indiana and losing to Michigan State in overtime. Iowa RBs Brandon Wegher and Adam Robinson were each held to less than 50 yards against an Arkansas State defense that sold out to stop the run. Iowa must run the ball more effectively against a Michigan defense allowing 4.2 yards per carry. The defense must do a better job of getting off the field on third downs.

The Wolverines' inability to run the ball was their downfall at Michigan State — 28 yards in 28 carries. That makes it easy to figure out the average, but it also illustrates how inept the rushing game was. Iowa has a reputation for lining up and daring you to try and run the ball on the Hawkeyes, so Michigan needs to come up with a solution in short order.

One of the drawbacks of that ultra-cushy first month schedule was that after opening with four straight home games, the Wolverines would have to go on the road for two straight. Those two would be rugged tests for this very young team, with rival Michigan State now followed by an always stubborn and physical Iowa.

FAST FACTS:
Hawkeyes: Iowa is ranked 12th in the AP poll and 14th in the coaches poll, its highest ranking since it was eighth in the AP poll on Sept. 6, 2005. ... Iowa's nine-game winning streak is the second-longest in the nation, behind Florida.

Wolverines: Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez is just 3-7 through his first 10 games against Big Ten competition. ... The Wolverines have leaned hard on youth this season, playing 10 true freshmen through the first five games. Eighty-four of the 122 players on Michigan's roster are either freshmen or sophomores. ... The Michigan defense is third in the Big Ten in stopping opponents inside the red zone. Michigan has allowed 11 scores in the 15 trips opponents have made inside the 20 yardline — six touchdowns and five field goals.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hawkeyes:

WR Marvin McNutt — The converted quarterback turned in his best game against Arkansas State with 121 yards and two touchdown catches.

LB Pat Angerer — Brilliant at stopping the run last week with 11 tackles, but has been suspect in passing situations.

S Tyler Sash — The leader of the secondary has five interceptions in as many games this season. Sash is a ballhawk with tremendous hands.

Wolverines:

LB Stevie Brown — The Wolverines made a change before the season started, moving Brown from safety to a hybrid linebacker position. Brown has settled in at the new spot, and is second on the team with 38 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.

WR Kelvin Grady — After two seasons as a point guard on the Michigan basketball team, Grady joined his brother Kevin on the football team. Through five games, Kelvin Grady has caught eight passes for 54 yards.

LB Jonas Mouton — Mouton had a take-away in each of the first two games with an interception against Western Michigan and a fumble recovery against Notre Dame. He had 110 career tackles and has made 14 straight starts.

WR/KR Darryl Stonum — This versatile Wolverine is second in the Big Ten and 15th in the nation in kick returns with a 30.1 yards per return average. Stonum led Michigan with 97 receiving yards on five catches in the overtime loss at Michigan State.

INJURY WATCH:

Hawkeyes:

Coach Kirk Ferentz was hopeful of getting TE Tony Moeaki back on the practice field Oct. 6, which would go a long way in allowing him to return. Moeaki has dressed the last two games, but has not played while recovering from an ankle injury the last three weeks.

CB Shaun Prater is back on the depth chart this week and apparently ready to play after missing last week's game with a knee injury sustained in practice.

WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos has been in and out of the lineup sporadically over the first half of the season. Coach Kirk Ferentz said he isn't in the coach's doghouse, but he "slips on a banana peel" sometimes.

Wolverines:

None.

BYU at UNLV

KICKOFF: Saturday, 10 ET

SERIES: BYU leads UNLV, 13-3 (last meeting, 2008, 42-35 BYU).

POLLS: BYU (18 AP, 20 coaches)

PREDICTION: BYU 36-17

KEYS TO THE GAME: UNLV coach Mike Sanford would not tip his hand on who his starting quarterback would be this week. Backup Mike Clausen, a sophomore left-hander, got the nod in last week's loss at Nevada and was solid, completing 26-of-50 passes for 276 yards and touchdown. Normal starter Omar Clayton sat out with a bruised throwing shoulder and sore knee. He ranks 30th in the nation in passing with an average of 245.8 yards per game and is closing in on John Beck's Mountain West Conference record of 15 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Clayton has thrown a TD in each of his past 13 games.

After allowing 559 yards rushing to Nevada in a 63-28 loss, the Rebels must now contend with the top rusher in the Mountain West Conference in powerful Harvey Unga (345 yards on 56 attempts, 6.2 avg.). Unga had a career-high 177 yards on 25 carries against the Rebels as a freshman two years ago at Sam Boyd Stadium in leading the Cougars to a 31-14 victory. The Rebels must find a way to contain Unga while also putting pressure on BYU quarterback Max Hall.

Hall has to play under control and not give UNLV anything easy. He has 11 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. The second number is wholly unacceptable. Teams seem to figure out new ways each week to rattle him a couple of times, though Hall has also shredded most defenses with long and short drives alike.

FAST FACTS:
Rebels: QB Omar Clayton, who sat out the Nevada loss with a sore shoulder and knee, has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 13 straight games, dating to Aug. 30, 2008. ... UNLV is 5-23 all-time against ranked opponents, including just 1-12 at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Cougars: BYU has 15 turnovers this season, including 10 Max Hall interceptions. ... The Cougars are 152-45 when nationally ranked in the Top 25. A ranked BYU team has won 21 of its last 25 games dating back to 2006. ... Mackey Award candidate Dennis Pitta has caught a pass in 35 consecutive games dating back to Oct. 23, 2004 (at Air Force), prior to his mission.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Rebels:

DEs Preston Brooks and Malo Tuamua — Both struggled against the run at Nevada after playing well going into that game. Look for BYU to follow suit and attack both with a steady dose of Harvey Unga.

DTs Martin Tevaseu and Isaako Aaitui — You might assume these two 300-pounders struggled last week against Nevada, which rushed for 559 yards. But they actually anchored the middle well and both have a chance to be playing on Sundays when they are done.

QB Omar Clayton — Missed last week's loss at Nevada with a sore knee and sore shoulder but is expected to be back this week. He threw for 321 yards and a touchdown against BYU a year ago in Provo.

Cougars:

WR Luke Ashworth — Was a pre-game fill-in for the Oct. 2 win against Utah State, as McKay Jacobson cited a strained hamstring during warm-ups — one that apparently could keep him out 4-6 weeks, head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced Monday. Ashworth filled in admirably and knows routes and his role in offense, although his timing with QB Max Hall could use some work. Freshman Brett Thompson is the next in line to add receiver depth. Jacobson has 11 caches for 280 yards this year.

WR O'Neill Chambers — He will take over as BYU's primary punt returner while McKay Jacobson is out with a hamstring injury. Chambers and J.J. DiLuigi will be the kickoff return tandem.

NT Russell Tialavea — Missed the past two games after spraining an MCL early against Florida State on Sept. 19. He's expected back this week, and his return would greatly bolster a defensive line that showed marked improvement in its last game. Tialavea offers a good push in the middle of the line, which was lacking early in the year.

INJURY WATCH:

Rebels:

WR Rodelin Anthony (concussion), who has missed the last two games, is expected to return to the starting lineup against BYU.

OLB Starr Fuimaono, the team's top defensive player this season, is questionable with a sprained ankle.

QB Omar Clayton (sore knee and shoulder) suited up at Nevada but did not play. He is expected back this week but might not start.

Cougars:

DE Vic So'oto broke a finger against Florida State (Sept. 19) and sported a cast in the following game. He missed the Utah State contest to have surgery, and should return for the trip to UNLV. The junior's talent has been strangled by injuries since he arrived on campus in 2005 as one of the country's most highly touted tight ends. This is his third position, and coaches believe he's finally found his calling — if he can avoid getting hurt.

WR McKay Jacobson is out possibly 4-6 weeks with a strained hamstring. He did it while warming up for the Oct. 2 night game against Utah State. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall said it happened while stretching, and the high muscle pull was uncovered in an MRI to be more significant than it first appeared.