Archive: 2009 Week Ten NCAA Football Top 25 Previews
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Thursday, November 5th, 2009
# 23 Virginia Tech Hokies (5-3) @ East Carolina Panthers (5-3)
Time: 7:30pm EST
Spread: Virginia Tech - 13
Over/Under:
Preview: In an affair featuring a pair of 5-3 squads the Virginia Tech Hokies will look to bounce back from their week nine loss when they play a Thursday night road game. The Hokies were downed 20-17 last Thursday for their 3rd loss of the season. The loss for Virginia Tech dropped them to third place in the Atlantic Coast Conference - Coastal Division. In the loss to North Carolina, the Hokies were held to just 11 first downs and only 95 rushing yards. Virginia Tech also only converted 6 of 15 third down conversions in the loss. The Panthers are coming in off a two game winning streak. East Carolina picked up a 38-19 win at Memphis on October 27th to put them at the top of the Conference USA - East Division. The Panthers are led by their quarterback Patrick Pinkney who has thrown for over 1500 yards and 8 touchdowns thus far in 2009. All three of the Panthers losses have come on the road this year; at West Virginia, North Carolina and Southern Methodist.
Friday, November 6th, 2009
# 7 Boise State Broncos (8-0) @ Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-5)
Time: 8:00pm EST
Spread: Boise State - 21
Over/Under:
Preview: In an effort to continue to find respect, the Boise State Broncos will head to Louisiana Tech and take on the Bulldogs. The Broncos have won all 8 of their games this season, by an average of 28 points per game. Boise State is led by Kellen Moore, who has completed 153 of 227 passes for 1905 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Broncos have allowed just 16 points in their last two games. Boise State is still battling for the top of the Western Athletic Conference standings, tied with Nevada; both unbeaten. The Bulldogs are coming off, losers of two straight games, and three of their last four. The last two losses for Louisiana Tech have come at Utah State and Idaho. In the loss to Idaho, the Bulldogs led the entire way, until a late touchdown propelled the Vandals to a 35-34 win. Louisiana Tech has yet to lose at home this season.
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
Vanderbilt Commodores (2-7) @ # 1 Florida Gators (8-0)
Time: 7:15 pm EST
Spread: Florida - 33.5
Over/Under:
Preview: The Florida Gators will host the Vanderbilt Commodores in a SEC tilt on Saturday afternoon. Florida continues to sit at the top of the national polls, winners of all eight of their games. Florida is coming off a 41-17 blasting of the Georgia Bulldogs. Tim Tebow rushed for two touchdowns, passing Herschel Walker for the SEC record. The win for Florida was their 18th straight. The Gators have clinched the East Division of the SEC, but still have tilts with Vanderbilt and South Carolina remaining. For Vanderbilt, the Commodores are looking to snap their five game losing streak. Most recently, Vanderbilt went out of conference play, and were defeated by Georgia Tech, giving up 56 points. The last win for the Commodores was on September 26th when they beat Rice 36-17. The Commodores are being out scored 198 - 164 on the season. Vanderbilt, after this game, will have two final chances to win a SEC game; with Kentucky and at Tennessee.
Central Florida Knights (5-3) @ # 2 Texas Longhorns (8-0)
Time: 12:00pm EST
Spread: Texas - 36.5
Over/Under:
Preview: The Central Florida Knights, coming off their thrilling Sunday Night win over conference rival Marshall, will head to Texas to take on the Longhorns. Central Florida used a touchdown with just under :30 remaining to beat Marshall 21-20. The win for the Knights moved them to 3-2 in conference play, just a game behind East Carolina in the East Division of Conference USA. This game for Central Florida is the first of two games against ranked foes; next week the Knights will host conference foe Houston. Texas is coming off their most impressive win of the 2009 season, a 41-14 win over Oklahoma State. The Longhorns used four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns to key in the win. Texas with the win took full control of the South Division of the Big 12 Conference. The Longhorns will play three more games against conference foes; at Baylor, with Kansas and at Texas A+M. The Longhorns are led by quarterback Colt McCoy, and wide receiver Jordan Shipley. McCoy has thrown for just under 2000 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Shipley leads the team with 5 touchdowns.
# 9 LSU Tigers (7-1) @ # 3 Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0)
Time: 3:30 pm EST
Spread: Alabama - 9
Over/Under:
Preview: In one of the biggest, if not THE biggest games of the weekend, the LSU Tigers will head to Alabama to take on the Crimson Tide. LSU’s lone loss came on October 10th to the nation’s top team; the Florida Gators. LSU with a win, would still have a shot at a national championship, including another meeting in the SEC title game with Florida. LSU trails Alabama by a game in the West Division of the SEC. The Tigers are coming off 31-10 and 42-0 home wins over Auburn and Tulane. Brandon LaFell leads the team with 37 catches, 478 yards and 8 touchdowns. Alabama will be coming in off their bye week. The bye week came at an excellent time, after their 12-10 escape win over Tennessee. The Crimson Tide could seal the deal for the SEC West title with a win. Greg McElroy and Mark Ingram lead the offense for the Crimson Tide. McElroy has tossed for just under 1500 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Ingram has put up Heisman type numbers, with 153 carries, 1004 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Northwestern Wildcats (5-4) @ # 4 Iowa Hawkeyes (9-0)
Time: 12:00pm EST
Spread: Iowa - 16
Over/Under:
Preview: The Wildcats of Northwestern will look to become the first team in 2009 to knock off the Big Ten leading Iowa Hawkeyes. Northwestern has lost two of their last three game, including their most recent; a 34-13 home loss to Penn State. In this game, the Wildcats led Penn State 13-10 at halftime, but were outscored 24-0 in the second half. Northwestern looks to become bowl eligible with a win; followed by a trip to Illinois and a home visit from Wisconsin. The Wildcats are scoring just over 25 points per game, and allowing just over 24 points per game. The Hawkeyes struggled in their 42-24 win over the Indiana Hoosiers. Iowa’s quarterback Ricky Stanzi threw 4 interceptions, but redeemed himself by throwing two fourth quarter touchdowns in the come from behind win. The Hawkeyes have won nine straight games to start 2009, and have Ohio State and Minnesota waiting after this tilt. Iowa’s defense is allowing just under 16 points per game this season.
Connecticut Huskies (4-4) @ # 5 Cincinnati Bearcats (8-0)
Time: 8:00pm EST
Spread: N/A
Over/Under:
Preview: The Connecticut Huskies, fighting for bowl eligibility, will travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats. Connecticut has lost two straight games; both 28-24 defeats at West Virginia, and with Rutgers. The Huskies have just one Big East win; which came on October 17th to Louisville. The Huskies are scoring just under 28 points per game this season. For Cincinnati, it appears starting quarterback Tony Pike will once again miss action. Pike’s replacement Tony Collaros threw for four interceptions in their most recent 28-7 win over Syracuse. The Bearcats are tied at the top of the Big East with the Pittsburgh Panthers. Cincinnati is starting the first of three straight home games; Connecticut, West Virginia and Illinois. Cincinnati is out scoring opponents 313 - 103 on the season.
# 6 TCU Horned Frogs (8-0) @ San Diego State Aztecs (4-4)
Time: 4:00pm EST
Spread: TCU - 24.5
Over/Under:
Preview: The TCU Horned Frogs will look to keep their unbeaten mark when they travel west to take on the San Diego State Aztecs. The Horned Frogs defense once again came to play in their most recent 41-0 win over UNLV. The Horned Frogs on the season have allowed just 89 points in 8 games this season. Texas Christian University remains at the top of the Mountain West Conference; tied with Utah, both at 4-0. Andy Dalton, the Horned Frogs quarterback, has completed 118 of 187 passes for 1642 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season. The Horned Frogs are 54-6 at home since 1999, and won 12 straight games at home. San Diego State has rattled off two straight wins, and gotten back to .500. The Aztecs are now two wins away from being bowl eligible. San Diego State beat Colorado State on the road 42-28 and then most recently won a home affair over New Mexico 23-20. The Aztecs quarterback Ryan Lindley is putting up some of the most impressive numbers, by throwing for over 2000 yards, along with 20 touchdowns.
# 8 Oregon Ducks (7-1) @ Stanford Cardinals (5-3)
Time: 3:30 pm EST
Spread: Oregon - 5
Over/Under:
Preview: Arguably the hottest team in the nation, the Oregon Ducks will head on the road and play a huge Pac-Ten Conference affair. Oregon, coming off the 47-20 dismantling of USC will look to move one step closer to a Rose Bowl appearance when they play at Stanford. The Ducks have scored 90 points in their last two games. Oregon leads the Pac Ten with their 5-0 mark, ahead of Arizona at 3-1, and Stanford at 4-2. Oregon picked up 613 total yards of offense in the win over the Trojans. That stat was the most allowed by a Pete Carroll led defense. For Stanford, the Cardinals are one win shy of bowl eligibility. Just getting to a bowl game is not enough for this group of Cardinals. Stanford is looking to dethrone an upstart Ducks team. Stanford is coming off a bye weekend, after snapping their two game losing streak on October 24th over Arizona State. The Cardinals are 4-0 when playing at home this season.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-5) @ # 10 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-1)
Time: 3:30pm EST
Spread: Georgia Tech - 15
Over/Under:
Preview: At 4-5, the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest have found themselves in a “must win” situation. Wake Forest has dropped three straight games, including a 28-27 loss to Miami on Saturday. In the loss, the Demon Deacons led 27-14 late, before Jacory Harris led the Hurricanes back from a deficit and Jimmy Newman’s 60 yard field goal attempt came up short. The two losses before that, came at Clemson and at Navy. Wake Forest is 2-3 in conference play, trailing leaders Boston College and Clemson, who are both 3-2. Riley Skinner, Wake Forest’s quarterback has completed 184 of 281 passes for 2290 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Yellow Jackets are looking to continue their assault on the rest of college football. Georgia Tech, since their lone loss have won six straight, and have not scored under 28 points in a single game. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a 56 point explosion over Vanderbilt, in which running back Johnathan Dwyer rushed for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. Georgia Tech leads Duke(5-1 to 3-1) at the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference - Coastal Division. The Yellow Jackets and Blue Devils will meet on November 14th.
# 16 Ohio State Buckeyes (7-2) @ # 11 Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1)
Time: 3:30 pm EST
Spread: Penn State - 4
Over/Under:
Preview: In a huge Big Ten affair, the Ohio State Buckeyes will travel to Happy Valley to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. Both teams are trailing unbeaten Iowa at the top of the conference. Penn State already took a defeat at the hands of Iowa in September, but the Buckeyes get their shot November 14th. For Penn State, their 34-13 win over Northwestern was marred by their poor first half, which saw them trailing 13-10. The Nittany Lions Evan Royster rushed for 118 yards, and on the season has compiled just under 900. The Buckeyes played outside of the Big Ten last weekend, and blasted New Mexico State 45-0. Ohio State allowed the Aggies to garner just 62 yards of total offense. Had it not been for a 26-18 loss to Purdue, the Buckeyes would not only be in the Big Ten picture, but also the national title chance. Ohio State’s final three games, include this affair with the Nittany Lions, followed by a home game with Iowa and road game at Michigan. Ohio State’s defense is allowing just under 12 points per game.
# 12 USC Trojans (6-2) @ Arizona State Sun Devils (4-4)
Time: 7:05pm EST
Spread: USC - 11
Over/Under:
Preview: For the second straight week, the USC Trojans will head on the road for a conference game. The Trojans are coming off their disappointing 47-20 loss at the hands of the Oregon Ducks. The loss for USC all but eliminated them from Pac-Ten title chances. The Trojans trail Oregon by two full games, with just four remaining. USC’s defense, who through the first five games had allowed just 8 points per game, have allowed over 36 points per game in their last three. In the loss to Oregon, the Trojans allowed the Ducks 613 total yards of offense. The Sun Devils come into this conference tilt with a 4-4 record, and losses in their last two games. Arizona State started the season with a 2-0 record, and then later 4-2, but fell at Stanford and with California. The Sun Devils most recent loss was a 23-21 loss to California. In that loss, California quarterback Kevin Riley threw for 351 yards. Arizona State ends the season with three out of their last four opponents being ranked. After the Trojans leave town, the Sun Devils travel to Oregon and UCLA, and then finish the season at home against Arizona.
Syracuse Orange (3-5) @ # 13 Pittsburgh Panthers (7-1)
Time: 12:00pm EST
Spread: Pittsburgh - 21
Over/Under:
Preview: The Syracuse Orange would love nothing more than to knock long-time rival Pittsburgh out of the lead within the Big East Conference. Syracuse, coming off a 28-7 loss to Cincinnati, is 0-3 in conference play. The Orange have wins over Northwestern, Maine and Akron. Greg Paulus, who played four years of basketball at Duke, came to Syracuse to become quarterback, has completed 132 of 203 passes for 1377 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Orange have struggled defensively, allowing just under 28 points per game. The Panthers are looking for their fifth straight win overall. Following this game for Pittsburgh, they will host Notre Dame, travel to West Virginia and finish the season at home with the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Panthers offense is led by quarterback Bill Stull and running back Dion Lewis. Stull has thrown for 16 touchdowns and Lewis has rushed for 11.
New Mexico Lobos (0-8) @ # 14 Utah Utes (7-1)
Time: 6:00 pm EST
Spread: Utah - 27.5
Over/Under:
Preview: Lobos head coach Mike Locksley would love nothing more than to knock Utah out of the Mountain West Conference lead. Unfortunately for him, his first year at the helm has seen nothing but losses. The Lobos have lost eight straight games, including a 23-20 defeat at the hands of San Diego State on Saturday. The Lobos have been torched defensively, allowing 284 points in 8 games. In six of the Lobo’s eight losses, they have allowed 34 points or more. The Utes were far from impressive in their latest 22-10 win over Wyoming, but the facts are - they moved on, unbeaten in conference play. The Utes lone loss on the season came at Oregon; 31-24. The Utes are tied with Texas Christian University at the top of the Mountain West Conference. Utah and TCU will meet next week in Texas. Quarterback Terrance Cain was replaced in the win over Wyoming. Freshman Jordan Wynn came into the game and threw for 82 yards and led the Utes back from a 10-9 deficit.
# 15 Houston Cougars (7-1) @ Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (4-4)
Time: 7:30 pm EST
Spread: Houston - 1.5
Over/Under:
Preview: In what appears to be a high scoring affair, the Houston Cougars will play at Tulsa. The Cougars have been one of the pleasant surprises in collegiate football, winning seven of their first eight games. Houston’s lone loss came on October 3rd to conference foe UTEP. The Cougars Case Keenum is putting up record numbers, completing 285 of 398 yards for 3293 yards and 25 touchdowns. The Cougars are scoring 41.6 points per game. Houston controls their own destiny in Conference USA - West Division play. The Cougars are tied with Southern Methodist with 3-1 records. The Cougars defeated Southern Methodist 38-15 on October 24th. The Golden Hurricanes have lost three straight games, including home games with Boise State and Southern Methodist and a road game at UTEP. The Golden Hurricanes, a team that usually lights up the scoreboard are averaging 27.8 points per game. Tulsa trails Houston and Southern Methodist in conference play, with their 2-2 record.
Virginia Cavaliers (3-5) @ # 17 Miami Hurricanes (6-2)
Time: 12:00pm EST
Spread: Miami - 13.5
Over/Under:
Preview: The Virginia Cavaliers will look to snap their two game losing streak when they travel south to take on the Miami Hurricanes. Virginia is coming off their 28-17 loss to Duke, following the 34-9 blow-out loss to Georgia Tech. The Cavaliers three wins on the season came at North Carolina, at home over Indiana, and at Maryland. The Cavaliers are 2-2 in ACC play, with Georgia Tech and Duke coming in with one loss. Virginia is scoring 21.4 points per game, while the defense is allowing 21.8 points per game. Miami will come in, after their 28-27 come from behind win over Wake Forest. Quarterback Jacory Harris led a drive that ended in a touchdown with just over 1:00 to play to put the Hurricanes ahead 28-27. Wake Forest attempted a 60 yard field goal as the time expired, but it fell short. Miami, with the win, stayed in the hunt for the Atlantic Coast Conference - Coastal Division title. The Hurricanes trail Georgia Tech and Duke, also. Harris has had a solid freshmen season, completing 144 of 232 passes for 2104 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season.
Washington State Cougars (1-7) @ # 18 Arizona Wildcats (5-2)
Time: 3:30pm EST
Spread: Arizona - 31
Over/Under:
Preview: The Washington State Cougars were unable to make a San Antonio match-up with Notre Dame competitive last weekend. This time, the Cougars will look to compete with another ranked team; the Arizona Wildcats. Washington State has won just one game on the season. That win was a 30-27 victory over Southern Methodist. Since that win, the Cougars have been outscored 195 - 57. The Cougars are tied with UCLA at the bottom of the Pac-Ten, both winless. Washington State and UCLA will meet next week. Arizona has been a surprise near the top of the Pac-Ten this season. The Wildcats are still in the hunt for a Rose Bowl appearance, as they trail Oregon by just a game (5-0 to 3-1). The Wildcats would have to win out to win the Pac-Ten. Arizona after this game will play at California and host Oregon in back-to-back weeks, before heading to Arizona State and USC to finish the season. Arizona’s two losses this season came at Iowa, and at Washington. The Wildcats are 4-0 when playing at home.
# 19 Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-2) @ Iowa State Cyclones (5-4)
Time: 3:30pm EST
Spread: Oklahoma State - 7.5
Over/Under:
Preview: The Cowboys of Oklahoma State will look to rebound after their disappointing 41-14 loss to Texas. In the loss, quarterback Zach Robinson threw four interceptions, with two of them being returned for touchdowns. Robinson has thrown for just under 1700 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. Oklahoma State is tied with Oklahoma, in second place, a game behind Texas within the Big 12 - South Division. The Cowboys and Sooners will square off on November 28th, in Norman. The Cowboys other loss this season came on September 12th to the Houston Cougars. Iowa State has been one of the more surprising teams in 2009. Already with five wins, the Cyclones are not only looking to become bowl elgible, but also sneak in with a Big 12 - North title. The Cyclones are just a game behind Kansas State (3-2) and ½ game behind Nebraska (2-2) in conference action. Iowa State is coming off a 35-10 blowout loss to Texas A+M.
Oregon State Beavers (5-3) @ # 20 California Bears (6-2)
Time: 7:00 pm EST
Spread: California - 7
Over/Under:
Preview: The Oregon State Beavers will head to California and take on the Golden Bears. Oregon State is coming off a 26-19 win over the UCLA Bruins. Oregon State is just one win away from being bowl eligible. Jacquizz Rodgers has carried the load offensively for the Beavers. Rodgers leads the team with 172 carries, 922 yards and 14 touchdowns. Oregon State is averaging just below 30 points per game, while the defense has yielded just under 25 points per game. The Beavers are 3-2 in Pac-Ten play. California narrowly escaped a 23-21 decision over Arizona State last weekend. Despite not getting a great performance from top offensive performer Jahvid Best, the Bears picked up 351 passing yards from Kevin Riley. Riley and Best have carried the offensive load all season, as Riley has tossed for 1805 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Best has rushed 132 times, for 11 touchdowns. The Golden Bears are tied in third place in the Pac-Ten with their 3-2 record.
# 21 Wisconsin Badgers (6-2) @ Indiana Hoosiers (4-5)
Time: 12:00 pm EST
Spread: Wisconsin - 11
Over/Under:
Preview: The Wisconsin Badgers moved back into the Top 25 with their 37-0 win over the Purdue Boilermakers. The Badgers snapped their two game losing streak; losses at Ohio State and at home to Iowa. Wisconsin is 3-2, in fourth place in the Big Ten, with a home game with Michigan, and trips to Northwestern and Hawaii remaining. John Clay leads the Badgers offense, rushing the ball for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. Wisconsin is out scoring opponents 235 - 174 on the year. For Indiana, the 21-7 halftime lead went down the drain, when they allowed Iowa to score 28 fourth quarter points. Indiana has lost five of their last six games, after starting the season 3-0. Indiana is tied with Michigan and Illinois with just one Big Ten win. After this game, the Hoosiers will travel to Penn State, and then host the Purdue Boilermakers. Indiana will have to find a way to win two of their last three to have any shot at a bowl game.
Navy Midshipmen (6-3) @ # 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-2)
Time: 2:30 pm EST
Spread: N/A
Over/Under:
Preview: At 6-3, Navy, has the attention of many college football followers. Their opponent this week, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a BCS bowl game in the back of their minds. The Midshipmen let one slip last weekend, 27-24 to Temple. Navy led late in the game, before an Owl touchdown put them over the top. Navy will host Delaware, travel to Hawaii and host Army in their final three games; all seem winnable. The Midshipmen two other losses this season came at Ohio State and at Pittsburgh. The Midshipmen are scoring just under 30 points per game this season. For Notre Dame, their 40-14 win over Washington State moved them up in both the Associated Press polls and the BCS standings. The Irish feel, if they can win out, they still have a shot to slip into a big time bowl. The Fighting Irish will play at Pittsburgh, host Connecticut and play at Stanford in their final three games. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen has had a sensational year, completing 172 of 257 passes for 2318 yards and 18 touchdowns. Wide Receiver Golden Tate leads the team with 9 touchdown receptions.
# 24 Oklahoma Sooners (5-3) @ Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3)
Time: 8:00 pm EST
Spread: Oklahoma - 5.5
Over/Under:
Preview: A pair of 5-3 Big 12 teams will get together in Lincoln Nebraska on Saturday. The Sooners, are 3-1 in Big 12 play, with their lone loss to Texas. Oklahoma’s quarterback Landry Jones has completed 143 of 229 passes for 1657 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Sooners have won their last two games; at Kansas and with Kansas State. Oklahoma is averaging 33.1 points per game, while allowing just 12.6 points per game. The Cornhuskers are trying to win the Big 12 North, but are in a dog fight to do so. Currently, Kansas State leads the division with a 3-2 mark, followed by the Cornhuskers at 2-2 and Iowa State at 2-3. The Cornhuskers have had difficulties scoring this season, scoring 20 points or less in four of their eight games. Nebraska’s Zach Lee has tossed for 1461 yards and 10 touchdowns through the first 8 games.
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