Northern Illinois 63, Toledo 60
Ohio 35, Temple 31
These two games occurred prior to this entry, but each was a very important game in the MAC conference. NIU now holds the tie breaker for the West, and Ohio widened its lead in the East.
Texas Tech at No. 21 Texas
TTU shocked Oklahoma 2 weeks, and then last week got mollywhopped by conferece-winless Iowa State. This is a rivalry game, but not much is on the line in terms of conference implications is concerned...only position for a better bowl game, pride, and bragging rights. Expect Doege to throw the ball 50+ times, but the key maybe Erik Stephens, who can slow the tempo down if need be for TTU. The Longhorns counter with freshman phenom Malcolm Brown.
Louisville at No. 24 West Virginia
Each team is looking up at Cincy, but WVU has yet to play them whereas UL has already gone down. UL has been just short of dreadful on offense, but has been outstanding on defense. WVU's Geno Smith has been excellent, tossing 20 TD passes and only 5 INT's at a 63% clip. He has come a much more pocket oriented QB this year, and its really paying off.
North Carolina at North Carolina State
Rivalry game. Keep an eye on QB Glennon...he is a heck of QB with little help around him.
Louisiana-Monroe at Louisiana-Lafayette
Rivalry game. ULL is a game behind WKU, whom they lost to 2 weeks ago. They are going to hope that FIU can take them out as well as one other foe, all the while winning out. The offense for the Rajun Cajun's is run by Blaine Guatier, who has really brought this offense alive, scoring over 32 points a game. ULM has some young talent in Browning and Donald (out for the year with injury), who are only sophomores, but should get this team going in the next few years.
Army at Air Force
Rivalry game. Both teams run the option. So if you are into that kinda thing, this is the game for you.
No. 25 Southern Miss at East Carolina
Pivotal game in the CUSA East. Winner could be the team to play the winner of the West. It will be a battle of the Davis' at QB. Dominique will be looking for Lance Lewis, while Austin will be handing off to two very talented young RB's in Woodyard and Hardy. ECU is giving up 32 points a game, but has a potent passing attack, while USM boasts a top 20 scoring defense and a top 20 rushing attack.
Florida International at Western Kentucky
WKU joined FBS only 4 years ago, and they are now leading the Sun Belt conference. On the other side, one would have to question how long it would take a program like FIU to sink into the deep talent pool in Florida. Sitting at 2-2 in conference, they are very much in the race. MSU transfer Welsy Carroll has done a good job running the offense. Of course, having a talent like Kendrick Rhodes in the back field can help ease that pressure. But its WKU's senior RB Rainey that is the show stopper here. Coming off a 15 TD season last year, he has racked up 9 thus far and is over 1000 yds again. The offense goes when he goes.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Cincy is at the top of the Big east, but there are several teams licking their chops trying to kick them off the top of the hill, including The Panthers. Pitt has been a bit disappointing this year, but a win here could relive some of that pressure. And they are going to need Ray Graham to have a big game to get it done. Cincy's defense ranked among the top 20, and they may not be very easy to do.
No. 9 South Carolina at No. 7 Arkansas
A Lattimore-less SC offense, is a very poor offense. A loss here, and they may be out of the race for the SEC East, as they have already lost to UGA. Arkansas recides in West, where an Alabama loss to LSU sets up a bit matchup on Nov. 25th if ARK can win out to that point. Look for Tyer Wilson to do what he does best...everything.
No. 19 Arizona State at UCLA
UCLA is some sort of enigma, who looks atrocious one week, and then comes back to life the next. This was apparent when they got ripped apart by AZ, but bounced back the following week to get over on sinking Cal. Rick is standing on his last toe in terms of a job, but its apparent the players havent stopped playing for him. In fact, if the Bruins can somehow defeat the Sun Devils, they will be leading in the South division. They dont do much particular well on offense, and have a rather poor defense. ASU is going to have to make some mistakes to lose this game, and they are known for having bone-headed penalties called on them.
No. 14 Kansas State at No. 3 Oklahoma State
OSu has quietly marched into the top 3 with its 27 year old QB and phenom sophomore WR. They are the 2nd highest scoring team in the nation, and are passing for over 373 yards a game. KSU's coach finally turned into a pumpkin last week against Oklahoma, but all is not lost with OSU and OU still having to play the Bedlam Game at the end of the season. If Collin Klein & Gang can find a way to temper Weeden, things could get interesting at the top of the Big 12.
No. 8 Oregon at Washington
This is a good ol; fashion hate game. And i mean HATE. These two fan bases do NOT like one another, but near decade of futility on UW's part has tempered the expectations of this game for Dawg fans. However, UW is making strides and is 6-2 this year. Oregon, who has gone with Thomas for most the year at QB, has appeared to look towards young Bryan Bennett the last few games, even pulling Thomas in the 2nd Q last week against WSU. The other Thomas, DeAnthony, is only a frosh, but leads the team in receptions and has 11 TD'a already: he is electric. Keith Price for UW has shocked everyone, being in the top 10 in the nation for passing efficiency, while throwing 23 TD's so far. But Chris Polk is the center piece of this offense, and he went over 1000 yds last week for the season for the 3rd time in his career. He holds several UW rushing records and will looking for more this weekend, which is the last game in Husky Stadium before they remodel and re-opening in 2013.
GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama
What more can you say about this? These two teams look to be the best teams in CFB this year, and they are also eerily similar in terms of talent and they way they go about business. Lee has come in and done masterfully for LSU, while McCarron has done enough to keep them winning. Trent Richardson is a Heisman candidate, and they guy behind him is pretty darn good too (Eddie Lacy). These two teams rank 1st and 2nd in scoring defense, with Alabama only giving up a measly touchdown a game. If LSU and Arkansas win out, their game on the 25th could determine who wins the East. However, is Alabama wins out, they will play the winner in the West.
Ohio 35, Temple 31
These two games occurred prior to this entry, but each was a very important game in the MAC conference. NIU now holds the tie breaker for the West, and Ohio widened its lead in the East.
Texas Tech at No. 21 Texas
TTU shocked Oklahoma 2 weeks, and then last week got mollywhopped by conferece-winless Iowa State. This is a rivalry game, but not much is on the line in terms of conference implications is concerned...only position for a better bowl game, pride, and bragging rights. Expect Doege to throw the ball 50+ times, but the key maybe Erik Stephens, who can slow the tempo down if need be for TTU. The Longhorns counter with freshman phenom Malcolm Brown.
Louisville at No. 24 West Virginia
Each team is looking up at Cincy, but WVU has yet to play them whereas UL has already gone down. UL has been just short of dreadful on offense, but has been outstanding on defense. WVU's Geno Smith has been excellent, tossing 20 TD passes and only 5 INT's at a 63% clip. He has come a much more pocket oriented QB this year, and its really paying off.
North Carolina at North Carolina State
Rivalry game. Keep an eye on QB Glennon...he is a heck of QB with little help around him.
Louisiana-Monroe at Louisiana-Lafayette
Rivalry game. ULL is a game behind WKU, whom they lost to 2 weeks ago. They are going to hope that FIU can take them out as well as one other foe, all the while winning out. The offense for the Rajun Cajun's is run by Blaine Guatier, who has really brought this offense alive, scoring over 32 points a game. ULM has some young talent in Browning and Donald (out for the year with injury), who are only sophomores, but should get this team going in the next few years.
Army at Air Force
Rivalry game. Both teams run the option. So if you are into that kinda thing, this is the game for you.
No. 25 Southern Miss at East Carolina
Pivotal game in the CUSA East. Winner could be the team to play the winner of the West. It will be a battle of the Davis' at QB. Dominique will be looking for Lance Lewis, while Austin will be handing off to two very talented young RB's in Woodyard and Hardy. ECU is giving up 32 points a game, but has a potent passing attack, while USM boasts a top 20 scoring defense and a top 20 rushing attack.
Florida International at Western Kentucky
WKU joined FBS only 4 years ago, and they are now leading the Sun Belt conference. On the other side, one would have to question how long it would take a program like FIU to sink into the deep talent pool in Florida. Sitting at 2-2 in conference, they are very much in the race. MSU transfer Welsy Carroll has done a good job running the offense. Of course, having a talent like Kendrick Rhodes in the back field can help ease that pressure. But its WKU's senior RB Rainey that is the show stopper here. Coming off a 15 TD season last year, he has racked up 9 thus far and is over 1000 yds again. The offense goes when he goes.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Cincy is at the top of the Big east, but there are several teams licking their chops trying to kick them off the top of the hill, including The Panthers. Pitt has been a bit disappointing this year, but a win here could relive some of that pressure. And they are going to need Ray Graham to have a big game to get it done. Cincy's defense ranked among the top 20, and they may not be very easy to do.
No. 9 South Carolina at No. 7 Arkansas
A Lattimore-less SC offense, is a very poor offense. A loss here, and they may be out of the race for the SEC East, as they have already lost to UGA. Arkansas recides in West, where an Alabama loss to LSU sets up a bit matchup on Nov. 25th if ARK can win out to that point. Look for Tyer Wilson to do what he does best...everything.
No. 19 Arizona State at UCLA
UCLA is some sort of enigma, who looks atrocious one week, and then comes back to life the next. This was apparent when they got ripped apart by AZ, but bounced back the following week to get over on sinking Cal. Rick is standing on his last toe in terms of a job, but its apparent the players havent stopped playing for him. In fact, if the Bruins can somehow defeat the Sun Devils, they will be leading in the South division. They dont do much particular well on offense, and have a rather poor defense. ASU is going to have to make some mistakes to lose this game, and they are known for having bone-headed penalties called on them.
No. 14 Kansas State at No. 3 Oklahoma State
OSu has quietly marched into the top 3 with its 27 year old QB and phenom sophomore WR. They are the 2nd highest scoring team in the nation, and are passing for over 373 yards a game. KSU's coach finally turned into a pumpkin last week against Oklahoma, but all is not lost with OSU and OU still having to play the Bedlam Game at the end of the season. If Collin Klein & Gang can find a way to temper Weeden, things could get interesting at the top of the Big 12.
No. 8 Oregon at Washington
This is a good ol; fashion hate game. And i mean HATE. These two fan bases do NOT like one another, but near decade of futility on UW's part has tempered the expectations of this game for Dawg fans. However, UW is making strides and is 6-2 this year. Oregon, who has gone with Thomas for most the year at QB, has appeared to look towards young Bryan Bennett the last few games, even pulling Thomas in the 2nd Q last week against WSU. The other Thomas, DeAnthony, is only a frosh, but leads the team in receptions and has 11 TD'a already: he is electric. Keith Price for UW has shocked everyone, being in the top 10 in the nation for passing efficiency, while throwing 23 TD's so far. But Chris Polk is the center piece of this offense, and he went over 1000 yds last week for the season for the 3rd time in his career. He holds several UW rushing records and will looking for more this weekend, which is the last game in Husky Stadium before they remodel and re-opening in 2013.
GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama
What more can you say about this? These two teams look to be the best teams in CFB this year, and they are also eerily similar in terms of talent and they way they go about business. Lee has come in and done masterfully for LSU, while McCarron has done enough to keep them winning. Trent Richardson is a Heisman candidate, and they guy behind him is pretty darn good too (Eddie Lacy). These two teams rank 1st and 2nd in scoring defense, with Alabama only giving up a measly touchdown a game. If LSU and Arkansas win out, their game on the 25th could determine who wins the East. However, is Alabama wins out, they will play the winner in the West.
