Friday, Sept. 18
No. 10 Boise State (2-0) vs. Fresno State (1-1), 9 p.m. (ESPN)

Line: Boise State by 7 1/2.
Series Record: Boise State leads 7-4.
Last meeting: 2008, Boise State 61-10.
What’s at Stake
The Broncos must win to keep their hopes alive for another BCS berth. The Bulldogs know if they want to win a share of their first WAC title since 1999 they likely must start with a win over Boise State.
Key Matchup
Boise State CB Kyle Wilson vs. Fresno State WR Seyi Ajirotutu. Ajirotutu has yet to make it into the end zone in two meetings with the Broncos and will have one of the nation’s top cornerbacks in his way this week in Wilson.
Players to Watch
Boise State: WR Titus Young. Young had six catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns last week against Miami of Ohio. Young was suspended for 10 games last season for undisclosed reasons. His speed gives the Broncos the ability to stretch opposing defenses out.
Fresno State: QB Ryan Colburn. Colburn makes his third career start against one of the nation’s stingiest defense. He completed 22 of 36 passes for 289 yards last week against Wisconsin, but also threw three interceptions.
Facts & Figures
Boise State outscored Fresno State 48-0 in the second half last year on their way to their third straight win in the series. ... The Bulldogs have beaten the Broncos only once in eight tries since Boise State joined the WAC, a 27-7 home win in 2005. ... Fresno State is coming off a double overtime loss at Wisconsin with one less day to recover than normal. ... Boise State has allowed fewer than 200 total yards in each of their first two games. They did that only once last year. ... With last week’s win, Boise State joined Oklahoma as the only FBS teams with 100 victories this decade. Oklahoma has 103. ... This marks the earliest point in a season when Boise State has been ranked in the top 10. The previous two times the Broncos made it that high, it took until November to do it.
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Saturday, Sept. 19
No. 1 Florida (2-0) vs. Tennessee (1-1), 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Line: 29 1/2.
Series Record: Tied 19-19.
Last Meeting: 2008, Florida 30-6.
What’s at Stake
A leg up in the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division and maybe Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin’s pride. The top-ranked Gators have been gearing up for this game since Kiffin’s first day, when he vowed to sing “Rocky Top” all night long after beating Florida. The Gators found even more ammunition when Kiffin falsely accused coach Urban Meyer of a recruiting violation in February.
Key Matchup
Florida QB Tim Tebow vs. Tennessee S Eric Berry. Tebow and Berry might be two of the best players in SEC history, and their final collegiate matchup could be more intriguing than anything said before, during or after the game. Tebow plans to keep an eye on Berry, who intercepted a pass from the eventual Heisman Trophy winner in 2007 and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown. Tebow missed the tackle, which irks him way more than the pick.
Players to Watch
Tennessee: WRs Marsalis Teague and NuKeese Richardson. The freshmen had been longtime Florida commitments before signing with the Vols in February. Teague and Richardson have a combined nine catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, but they might be public enemies No. 2 and 3 in The Swamp on Saturday. Kiffin surely will be No. 1.
Florida: Return man Brandon James. The shifty little dude has 410 return yards in three games against Tennessee, including two punt returns for touchdown. The Vols practiced kicking out of bounds this week in hopes of taking him out of the game.
Facts & Figures
The Volunteers have lost four in a row in the series, with the last two coming in lopsided fashion. ... Kiffin’s wife, Layla Reaves, is the daughter of former Florida quarterback John Reaves. ... Tennessee is 2-5 all time against teams ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, including two losses against Florida. ... Berry’s 487 return yards on 12 interceptions is 15 yards shy of Terrell Buckley’s NCAA record set at Florida State. ... The winner of this game has represented the East in the SEC title game 10 times in 17 years. ... Florida’s 12-game winning streak is tied for the longest in school history. ... The Gators lead the nation in total offense after blowout wins against Charleston Southern and Troy. ... Florida has never led the all-time series against Tennessee. It’s 19-all now, with the Gators winning 17 of the last 23 games. Florida has won nine of 11 in Gainesville.
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Texas Tech (2-0) at No. 2 Texas (2-0), 8 p.m.
Line: Texas by 16 1/2.
Series Record: Texas leads 43-15.
Last Meeting: 2008, Texas Tech 39, Texas 33
What’s at Stake
For Texas, it’s all about revenge. Last season’s loss essentially knocked Texas out the national title chase. For Texas Tech, a win would be another stick in the eye of the Longhorns and make them front-runners in the Big 12 South. It would also surely get them ranked in the Top 25.
Key Matchup
Texas Tech QB Taylor Potts vs. Texas safeties Blake Gideon and Earl Thomas. Potts, a junior, is the latest gunslinger for Tech and has 861 yards and nine TDs already in just two games. Gideon dropped what could have been a game-winning INT against Tech last season and Thomas got beat on Tech’s winning touchdown.
Players to Watch
Texas: LB Sergio Kindle. Texas’ best pass rusher doesn’t have a sack yet and could be used more as a linebacker this week as tackling in the open field is key to stopping Red Raiders.
Texas Tech: Potts. Everyone expects Tech QBs to put up big numbers and Potts will be on the big stage for the first time. There will 101,000 fans and a national TV audience watching to see what he’s got.
Facts & Figures
Earliest Big 12 game for Texas since 1998 and the earliest Texas and Texas Tech have played each other since 1955. Game was moved from Nov. 7 to fit a prime-time television slot ... Potts threw seven TD passes last week against Rice, one shy of a school record ... Last week against Wyoming, Texas special teams had a punt blocked and failed to convert a fake punt and a fake field goal.
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No. 3 Southern California (2-0) at Washington (1-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: USC by 19 1/2.
Series Record: USC 49-26-4.
Last Meeting: 2008, USC 56-0.
What’s at Stake
USC, off its dramatic win at Ohio State, starts its quest for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Pac-10 title. The Trojans may not have freshman phenom QB Matt Barkley (questionable, bruised shoulder) — and may not need him. They beat Washington 56-0 last year, the biggest margin of victory in series history. But these are far different Huskies. Those Dawgs had just fired coach Tyrone Willingham before limping into Los Angeles without injured quarterback Jake Locker. They ultimately went 0-12. These Huskies are led by energetic former USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who spent seven years with Carroll there, and fiery former Trojans defensive coordinator Nick Holt, who recruited Barkley to ’SC and says he knows the QB as well as anyone. Washington has beaten Idaho, after sternly testing LSU. A huge upset here would legitimize Sarkisian’s new regime.
Key Matchup
Washington’s defensive front vs. USC RB Joe McKnight. The Trojans have one of the nation’s most dynamic runners in McKnight, who could control this game by himself. Holt knows his old team’s offense, but says bluntly of his new defense “there are some deficiencies there with personnel.”
Players to watch
USC: McKnight. USC coach Pete Carroll says he was “exhilarating” while gaining 53 of the 86 yards on the epic, final drive that beat Ohio State last week. Whether Barkley or backup Aaron Corp starts at QB won’t matter much if McKnight continues his surge into fulfilling what made him the nation’s top recruit a few years ago.
Washington: QB Jake Locker. Carroll says Locker is the one of the best players he’s ever seen in this conference. Sarkisian has the speedy, strong junior throwing more than he did with Willingham, and he’s leading the Pac-10 in passing and total offense. If Locker continues his newfound accuracy against a USC defense that might be without banged up All-American safety Taylor Mays, the Huskies could stay in the game.
Facts & Figures
The week after USC beat Ohio State 12 months ago, the Trojans lost at Oregon State. That’s their last Pac-10 defeat. ... USC has won the last seven games in the series. Last time these teams met in Seattle, in 2007, then-No. 1 USC escaped 27-24 — while trying to knock Locker out of the game with a vicious hit at the sideline early. He stayed in, and he expects more of the same this time. ... Washington RB Chris Polk originally committed to USC, then backed out when the Trojans wanted to make him a WR.
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No. 4 Alabama (2-0) vs. North Texas (1-1), 12:21 p.m.
Line: Alabama by 38.
Series Record: Alabama leads 2-0.
Last meeting: Alabama won 33-7 in 2002.
What’s at Stake
Alabama coach Nick Saban has stressed repeatedly this week that he wants his team to “start strong and finish fast.” It’s a tuneup for the Southeastern Conference opener against Arkansas. For North Texas, an upset win would be huge for a program that used to dominate the Sun Belt but won three games the past two seasons and is coming off a double-overtime loss to Ohio.
Key Matchup
Ability of North Texas blockers to keep Alabama’s relentless pass rushers away from first-time starting QB Nathan Tune. The Tide leads the SEC with 10 sacks in two games, including a league-high 3.5 by DE Marcell Dareus in his first two career starts. The Mean Green have allowed only two sacks, though.
Players to watch
North Texas: QB Nathan Tune. The junior is starting for injured Riley Dodge. He had his most extensive playing time last week against Ohio after Dodge’s injury and threw for a career-high 69 yards on 9-of-15 passing. This will be his first college start, but he did lead Celina (Texas) High School to a 16-0 record and state title in 2005.
Alabama: RB Trent Richardson. If Alabama opts to lighten starter Mark Ingram’s load ahead of SEC play, the talented freshman could get plenty of carries. Backup Roy Upchurch is questionable with a high ankle sprain. Richardson gained 118 yards last week.
Facts & Figures
North Texas coach Todd Dodge mentored Tide quarterback Greg McElroy at Texas powerhouse Southlake Carroll High School. ... Alabama’s 1,014 total yards is the most in back-to-back games since racking up 1,104 against South Carolina and UTEP in 2001. ... North Texas is 4-31 against Southeastern Conference teams. ... Tide has scored on six of seven first quarter possessions, but only produced one touchdown.
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Southeastern Louisiana (2-0) at No. 5 Mississippi (1-0), 7:35 p.m. (CSS)
Line: No line.
Series Record: First meeting.
What’s at Stake
Think of this as a one-game tuneup for Ole Miss. The Rebels have a quick turnaround with a game at South Carolina five days later and Ole Miss needs to work a few things out. The team struggled some against Memphis, then was hit with the flu on an early open date. The Rebels need an easy romp against the FBS team to get their spirits up and their game on.
Key Matchup
SE Louisiana QB Brian Babin vs. the Ole Miss secondary. Babin has completed 72 percent of his passes for 665 yards and eight TDs in less than six quarters so far this season. The Ole Miss secondary bailed out the Rebels in a win over Memphis and will get a beefy assist from a dominant defensive line that’s missing DE Greg Hardy (ankle). Ole Miss has an interception in 6 straight games and has returned one for a score in 2 straight.
Players to watch
Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead must have a sharp game to shake the chatter around his so-so start. Expect Ole Miss’ trio of TBs — Brandon Bolden, Cordera Eason and Enrique Davis — to have big games. Mississippi native Simmie Yarborough has 16 catches and four TDs for the Lions.
Facts & Figures
Ole Miss allowed SE Louisiana to work out on its Oxford campus last year when Hurricane Gustav hit Louisiana. Guessing the hospitality won’t be as nice this time around. ... Ole Miss is going for its 8th straight win, the most since 10 straight in 1971-72 ... The Rebels haven’t been 2-0 since 2002.
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Temple (0-1) vs. No. 5 Penn State (2-0), noon, (Big Ten Network)
Line: Penn State by 29 1/2.
Series record: Penn State leads 34-3-1.
Last meeting: 2008, Penn State 45-3.
What’s at Stake
Temple had a bye week to stew about a disappointing season-opening loss to FCS school Villanova. Now the Owls must travel to Happy Valley, where chances for victory are steep. A respectable showing on offense would help. The Nittany Lions want to get a sputtering rushing attack going and stay healthy for the Big Ten.
Key Matchup
Penn State OL vs. Temple DL. Much of Penn State’s rushing woes can be pinned on the guards on the rebuilt line. Coach Joe Paterno hinted this week he might make some changes. They could gain confidence by overwhelming the Owls and their standout nose tackle, Andre Neblett.
Players to Watch
Temple: QB Vaughn Charlton. He threw for 317 yards and two TDs against Villanova, but also tossed three interceptions. The Owls have been held to just three points against Penn State over the teams’ previous three meetings combined, so just getting into the end zone would be an accomplishment.
Penn State: RB Evan Royster. Just 102 rushing yards combined over two games isn’t what fans expected out of the Big Ten’s top returning tailback. Penn State ran for 303 yards last year against Temple, so Royster and his offensive line could be primed for a big afternoon.
Facts & Figures
Paterno remains two wins ahead of Florida State coach Bobby Bowden on the career victory list for major college coaches (385-383). ... The Nittany Lions have never lost to Temple at home, going 20-0-1. The 7-7 tie came in 1950 — in the first of Paterno’s 16 years as an assistant before being promoted. ... Temple head coach Al Golden is one of three Owl coaches who played at Penn State.
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Florida State (1-1) at No. 7 BYU (2-0) 7 p.m. (VS)
Line: BYU by 7 1/2
Series Record: Florida State leads 2-0.
Last Meeting: 2000, Florida State 29-3.
What’s at Stake
BYU’s Bowl Championship Series hopes ride on another game against a school from a BCS conference. The Cougars’ upset of Oklahoma in the season opener vaulted them into the Top 10 and a 54-3 win over Tulane last week bumped BYU up two more spots. A win over the Seminoles would keep BYU as the frontrunner among this year’s potential BCS busters. Florida State is trying to avoid a 1-2 start after opening the season with a heartbreaking loss to Miami, then rallying to beat lower-division Jacksonville State.
Key Matchup
BYU’s offense vs. Florida State defense. The Cougars note they have already beaten one fast team, gaining 357 yards on Oklahoma, but Florida State’s speed might be a notch or two higher. LB Dekoda Watson has 4› sacks already. BYU receivers have been running shorter routes to allow the young offensive line a better chance to protect QB Max Hall, who will still throw deep when he has a chance.
Players to watch
FLORIDA STATE: RB Ty Jones. The Seminoles need to revive their rushing game and ease the load on QB Christian Ponder, who is Florida State’s second-leading rusher with a total of 30 yards. Jones has run for 99 yards on 22 carries with two TDs.
BYU: QB Max Hall. With RB Harvey Unga recovering from a pulled hamstring, the Cougars are relying more than ever on their QB. Hall is 50-for-70 for 638 yards and four TDs.
Facts & Figures
Saturday is the 50th anniversary of Florida State coach Bobby Bowden’s first career win — Howard College (now Samford) 14, Maryville 0. He has added 382 more victories since. ... BYU has won 19 straight at home. ... The Seminoles have five turnovers in two games, including four fumbles.
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No. 8 California (2-0) at Minnesota (2-0), noon
Line: Cal by 14.
Series Record: California leads 3-2.
Last Meeting: 2006, California 42, Minnesota 17
What’s at Stake
For Cal, it’s the first legitimate test of the season after opening the year with easy victories over Maryland and Eastern Washington at home. The Golden Bears have to prove they can win on the road after going 1-4 away from home last year. Minnesota is hoping for upset in their second game at new TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers haven’t played a non-conference opponent ranked in the top 10 since No. 8 Nebraska in 1990.
Key Matchup
Cal RB Jahvid Best vs. Minnesota LBs Nate Triplett, Lee Campbell and Simoni Lawrence. Best has rushed for 281 yards and three scores in the first two weeks. Campbell and Triplett have each won a Big Ten defensive player of the week award already. Triplett had 17 tackles and returned a fumble for a score vs. Air Force last week.
Players to Watch
Cal: QB Kevin Riley. Riley has performed very well in two blowouts. If Minnesota can contain Best, Riley will have to give the offense balance in his first start on the road.
Minnesota: WR Eric Decker. One of the few athletes on offense for Minnesota that can take over a game. Has 19 catches for 296 yards in two games.
Facts & Figures
It will feel like a 9 a.m. Pacific time kickoff for the Golden Bears, though Cal is 4-1 in road games that started before noon Pacific under coach Jeff Tedford. ... Cal ranks third nationally in scoring at 55.0 points per game. ... Minnesota is 24-22-2 all-time against the Pac-10. ... Decker has a catch in 28 straight games, sixth-longest streak in the nation. He needs three catches to set Minnesota career record.
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Louisiana-Lafayette (2-0) at No. 9 LSU (2-0), 7 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: LSU by 26 1/2.
Series Record: LSU leads 21-0.
Last Meeting: 2006, LSU 45-3.
What’s at Stake
After sloppy performances that were still good enough to win in its first two games, LSU needs to remain undefeated to keep its top-10 ranking and sharpen up to prepare for a slate of four straight Southeastern Conference games during the next month. Louisiana-Lafayette is coming off a gratifying home victory over Kansas State, but that would pale in comparison to a first-ever win over state-rival LSU, in Tiger Stadium no less.
Key Matchup
LSU’s running game of Keiland Williams, Charles Scott and freshman reserve QB Russell Shepard (out of the wildcat) against the Ragin’ Cajuns’ defense. ULL has allowed fewer than 20 points in each of its first two games, but might not have the size and strength to deal with LSU’s power running game. If the Cajuns can slow down LSU rushers, then it will be up to sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson to stretch the field with explosive receivers Terrance Toliver and Brandon LaFell.
Players to watch
La.-Lafayette: RB Undrea Sails. Working behind a veteran offensive line, Sails has emerged in his senior season after backing up all-time Cajuns rusher Tyrell Fenroy. Sails has rushed for 192 yards in the Cajuns’ first two games.
LSU: Reserve QB Russell Shepard. The highly touted freshman saw his first college action against Vanderbilt last week, averaging 9 yards on three carries out of the wildcat formation. Coach Les Miles said afterward he must make better use of Shepard’s explosiveness, and a matchup against a longshot underdog could be just the time to try.
Facts & Figures
Although LSU is 21-0 against the Ragin’ Cajuns, the teams have played only twice since 1938. ... La.-Lafayette is a member of the Sun Belt Conference, and LSU is 32-0 all-time against current Sun Belt members. ... LSU has won 31 straight Saturday night games in Tiger Stadium and 11 straight games played anywhere, at any time, in September. ... LSU has 20-straight non-conference victories. ... This is the Ragin’ Cajuns’ first game of the season outside of Lafayette. ... Cajuns QB Chris Masson will be making his third career start, while LSU QB Jefferson will be making his fifth.
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No. 11 Ohio State (1-1) vs. Toledo (1-1), noon
At Cleveland Browns Stadium
Line: Ohio State by 20 1/2.
Series Record: Ohio State 1-0.
Last Meeting: 1998, Ohio State 49-0.
What’s at Stak
The Buckeyes probably need a clinical dispatching of the Rockets after losing 18-15 contest at home to No. 3 Southern California on a physical, late touchdown drive. That near-flawless, 14-play, 86-yard march that ended with Stafon Johnson’s 2-yard TD run with 1:05 left prevented the Buckeyes from coming into this game ranked in the top handful of teams in the nation. On the other sideline, the Rockets can add to their takedowns of big name after an upset of Michigan a year ago and a demolition of Colorado last week.
Key Matchup
Rockets QB Aaron Opelt vs. Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes played exceptionally well for all but that one, pivotal drive by the Trojans. Opelt leads a air-oriented attack that obliterated Colorado’s defense last Thursday in a 54-38 victory. If Opelt can find the time (or the nerve) to throw in the face of Ohio State’s furious rush, this could be a wild game.
Players to watch
Ohio State: QB Terrelle Pryor played just OK against USC. He needs to start showing he’s been in charge of the offense for an entire year. Also, CBs Andre Amos and Chimdi Chekwa might be busy all day thanks to Opelt.
Toledo: Opelt set a school record with 67 passes in a season-opening loss to Purdue, completing 41 for 423 yards. The senior has thrown seven TD passes in two games. Barry Church might be Rockets’ best overall player.
Facts and Figures
Toledo is the home team despite being about 115 miles from campus. ... Coach Tim Beckman got his first win as a college head coach when the Rockets rolled up 624 yards of offense in a 54-38 win over Big 12 foe Colorado on Friday night. ... Beckman’s father played football at Baldwin-Wallace under Lee Tressel, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel’s dad, and at one time he babysat the younger Tressel. ... Tim Beckman was an assistant at Ohio State under Tressel for two years. ... Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor has 417 yards of total offense in two games. Opelt is averaging 437 yards per game. ... The teams meet again in Columbus next year. ... Toledo is 5-13 vs. the Big Ten, but all five of those wins have come in the last 11 games against the conference. The Rockets have defeated Purdue (twice, 1992 and 1997), Penn State (2000), Minnesota (2001) and Michigan (2008). ... Ohio State is 24-1 against schools from the Mid-American Conference, its only loss coming to Akron in 1894, long before the MAC was formed.
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Tulsa (2-0) at No. 12 Oklahoma (1-1), 3:30 p.m.
Line: Oklahoma by 15 1/2.
Series Record: Oklahoma leads, 15-7-1
Last Meeting: 2007, Oklahoma 62-21
What’s at Stake
Oklahoma can prove it has bounced back from an opening loss to BYU as it faces some stiff competition from the Tulsa offense that led the nation in total yardage the past two seasons. The Sooners also have a shot at setting a school record with a 26th straight home victory, while Tulsa can vault itself into position to be a potential BCS buster with a win.
Key Matchup
WR Damaris Johnson vs. Oklahoma’s defense and special teams. The 5-foot-8 receiver is not Tulsa’s go-to guy in the passing game, but on kickoffs and punts. He’s also second on the team in rushing. Stop the speedy Johnson, who had a punt return TD against Tulane, and the Sooners go a long way toward slowing Tulsa’s fast-paced offense.
Players to watch
Tulsa: LB Mike Bryan. Bryan returns to the site where his late father, former Oklahoma defensive lineman Ricky Bryan, was a college star. He’s also the leading tackler for the Golden Hurricane and has an interception.
Oklahoma: WR Ryan Broyles. The only experienced receiver for the Sooners set career highs with seven catches, 155 yards and three touchdowns last week against Idaho State.
Facts & Figures
Oklahoma (27) and Tulsa (23) are the top two teams in the nation in tackles for loss. Tulsa is also tied for the most sacks, with 10. ... QB G.J. Kinne transferred to Tulsa from Texas, where he was stuck behind Colt McCoy on the depth chart. ... The Sooners have won four straight and nine of the last 10 in the series, with the lone loss coming in 1996.
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No. 19 Nebraska (2-0) at No. 13 Virginia Tech (1-1), 3:36 p.m.
Line: Virginia Tech by 5.
Series Record: Tied 1-1.
Last Meeting: 2008, Virginia Tech 35, Nebraska 30
What’s at Stake
The Cornhuskers desperately need a road win over a ranked opponent for credibility’s sake. Virginia Tech’s national title hopes might have died with its opening loss to Alabama. If the Hokies don’t win here, probably the only way they get to a BCS game is by winning the ACC.
Key Matchup
Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor vs. Nebraska defense. Nebraska found out last year that he can hurt them with the pass, too. If the Huskers’ young linebackers aren’t up to the task, it could be a long night.
Players to Watch
Virginia Tech: Are RBs Ryan Williams and David Wilson the real deal? There were questions about the Hokies’ running game after Darren Evans went out with a season-ending knee injury in August. Williams and Wilson combined for 329 yards and 4 TDs last week against Marshall. But the yards won’t come as easily against Nebraska.
Nebraska: QB Zac Lee. It’s the first road start for Lee, and it comes at one of the most hostile venues for visiting teams. Lee has been fantastic through two games, but those were against Sun Belt Conference teams. If Lee survives and thrives in Blacksburg, Nebraska affirms its status as Big 12 North favorite.
Facts & Figures
Nebraska hasn’t beaten a top-15 team on the road in nine games since winning at Washington in 1997. The Huskers are 1-20 against top-20 foes since beating Oklahoma in 2001. ... Lee is completing 74 percent of his passes and has thrown for six TDs ... Williams’ five touchdowns are the most by a Tech freshman over the first two games since Tommie Edwards scored six in the first two games in 1993 ... Virginia Tech has won 31 straight nonconference home games.
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Texas State (1-0) at No. 15 TCU (1-0), 7 p.m.
Line: No line.
Series Record: First meeting.
What’s at Stake
TCU opens its home schedule with its fourth FBS opponent since 2001. The Horned Frogs hope to remain unbeaten heading into their toughest non-conference game of the season against Clemson next weekend. Texas State’s last victory over an FCS team came in 2000 against Louisiana-Monroe.
Key Matchup
Texas State’s offense vs. TCU DE Jerry Hughes. The Bobcats gained 463 yards in their 48-28 victory over Angelo State on Sept. 5. Hughes, who led the nation with 15 sacks a year ago, made a career-high 11 tackles and recorded 1› sacks in TCU’s 30-14 victory over Virginia.
Players to Watch
Texas State: QB Bradley George threw for 328 yards and three TDs against Angelo State. The three-year starter has passed for 7,085 yards and 58 TDs in his career.
TCU: WR Jimmy Young is QB Andy Dalton’s favorite target. Young, who caught a 31-yard TD against Virginia, had 988 receiving yards last season.
Facts & Figures
A victory would give Gary Patterson 75 with TCU, second-most in school history. ... This is the third straight year Texas State has played an in-state FCS team. The Bobcats lost to Baylor in 2007 and SMU last season. ... The Horned Frogs have won 50 of their past 56 at home since 1999. ... Dalton completed his final 10 passes against Virginia, including all nine in the second half. .... Former President Lyndon B. Johnson graduated from Texas State in 1930. The school was known as Southwest Texas State Teachers College back then.
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Rice (0-2) at No. 16 Oklahoma State (1-1), 7 p.m.
Line: Oklahoma State by 32
Series Record: Oklahoma State leads, 2-0-1
Last Meeting: 1923, Oklahoma State, 13-0
What’s at Stake
Oklahoma State tries to bounce back from a deflating upset loss against Houston as Conference USA’s other team from the city rolls into town. After a strong opener, OSU’s defense gave up 512 yards to Houston and will face another spread offense this week. Rice is seeking to avoid an 0-3 start, all on the road.
Key Matchup
Cowboys QB Zac Robinson vs. the Rice defense. The Owls bring in the worst pass defense in the country after facing Texas Tech last week, but Robinson hasn’t started the season up to his standards. All three of OSU’s turnovers last week could be blamed on Robinson, who fumbled a snap, threw an interception and botched a handoff.
Players to Watch
Rice: FS Andrew Sendejo. One of only two senior starters on the Owls’ defense, Sendejo is the NCAA’s career leader with 187 solo tackles.
Oklahoma State: RBs Keith Toston and Beau Johnson. The duo combined for 148 yards and two touchdowns last week after starter Kendall Hunter left with an injury. Coach Mike Gundy has said it’s “doubtful” Hunter will play against Rice.
Facts & Figures
OSU freshman Quinn Sharp leads the nation in punting average at 49.8 yards. ... Quarterback Zac Robinson needs one touchdown pass to tie Josh Fields’ Oklahoma State record of 55 in a career. ... Rice has the second-longest drought without a kickoff return touchdown (274 games) and the third-longest stretch without a punt return TD (132). OSU has one apiece in its first two games.
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No. 17 Cincinnati at Oregon State, 6:58 p.m.
Line: Pick.
Series record: Cincinnati leads 1-0.
Last meeting: 2007, Cincinnati 34-3
What’s at Stake
Cincinnati would like to solidify its national standing with a victory over Oregon State, which has been hovering just outside of the Top 25. While the Bearcats’ offense is clicking with 117 combined points in the first two games, the defense — with only one returning starter from last year — hasn’t faced a real test. A win could propel the Beavers into the AP Top 25.
Key Matchup
The Rodgers brothers, against Cincinnati’s defense. Tailback Jacquizz Rodgers, last year’s Pac-10 offensive player of the year as a freshman, is averaging 134.5 yards rushing a game and has four touchdowns. He also has four catches for 97 yards. Older brother James, a flanker, has eight catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns in two games.
Players to Watch
Oregon State: Jacquizz Rodgers. He’s tricky to defend even by the best. Last season he ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns against USC, considered at the time to be one of the top rush defenses in the nation. Rodgers said he dinged his ankle last week against UNLV, but should be OK for the Bearcats. That’s a key for Oregon State.
Cincinnati: Mardy Gilyard. The Big East’s special teams player of the week. Against SE Missouri State he returned a punt for a touchdown for first time in career, ran for another TD and caught two TD passes, becoming the first player since 2005 to score on a punt return, reception and run.
Facts & Figures
Oregon State has won all of its last five games against AP-ranked teams, including the Beavers’ toppling of No. 1 USC last season. The game marks the first time a nationally ranked nonconference opponent has visited Corvallis since No. 13 BYU in 1977. Cincinnati is playing in the state of Oregon for the first time. Oregon State has a 26-game winning streak over nonconference foes at Reser Stadium.
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No. 18 Utah (2-0) at Oregon (1-1), 3:30 p.m.
Line: Oregon by 4 1/2
Series record: Oregon leads 17
Last Meeting: 2003, Utah 17-13
What’s at Stake
Utah has a 16-game winning streak, the longest in the nation. The run dates back to a victory over Navy in the 2007 Poinsettia Bowl. Utah has also won nine straight on the road coming into Autzen Stadium. The Utes are 2-5 in Eugene.
Key Matchup
Utah’s offense against Oregon’s defense. The Utes struggled in the red zone last week against San Jose State and didn’t go ahead until the fourth quarter. Oregon’s defense scored twice, blocked a PAT attempt and stopped a two-point conversion attempt last weekend against Purdue, but still allowed the Boilermakers 36 points and 451 total yards offense.
Players to watch
Oregon: Senior tight end Ed Dickson, who has only had three catches in the first two games. Dickson, who is third on the Ducks career receiving list among tight ends with 1,057 yards, appears poised to have a breakout game.
Utah: Quarterback Terrance Cain, a junior college transfer who has thrown for more than 200 yards in each of his first two games, and is averaging 45.5 yards rushing as well. Cain was named starter a few days before the opener after a heated competition freshman Jordan Wynn.
Facts & Figures
Oregon leads the all-time series against Utah 17-8. Oregon Senior quarterback Walter Thurmond III had an interception for a touchdown last weekend. The Ducks are 4-0 when he scores. Utah senior running back Matt Asiata is questionable for Saturday with a shoulder injury. Utah is 6-2 against the Pac-10 since 2003.
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No. 22 Kansas (2-0) vs. Duke (1-1), noon
Line: Kansas by 22.
Series Record: First meeting.
What’s at Stake
Kansas will soon run out of easy wins. After Duke, the Jayhawks host Southern Mississippi before diving into the Big 12 with hopes of their first North Division title. Th