THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2007
SPORTS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
3B
Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel brings his No. 1 ranked Buckeyes against Penn State this weekend in Happy Valley, Penn.
Big 12 'mismatches' top defenses border rivalries weekend focus
BY CASE KEEFER ckeefer@kansan.com
COLORADO (4-4) AT TEXAS TECH (6-2)
The slate of games in the Big 12 Conference this weekend contains so many mismatches that Lubbock, Tex. has turned into the site with the most focus.
The Buffalooes enter on a two-game skid and another loss would put coach Dan Hawkins' bowl game aspirations in serious jeopardy. Luckily for Colorado, it seems to be catching the Red Raiders at the right time.
Texas Tech junior quarterback Graham Harrell threw four interceptions in an embarrassing 30-point loss to Missouri last week. Harrell's sensational freshman wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who leads the nation in receiving, was held to less than 100 yards for the first time in his collegiate career in the defeat.
NO. 9 FLORIDA (5-2) VS.
NO. 20 GEORGIA (5-2) (IN
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.)
Crabtree should prepare for an even tougher task this weekend because Colorado cornerback Terrence Wheatley has proven to be one of the big 12's best.
The Gators and Bulldogs enter in a four-way tie for first place. The series has been a source of agony for Bulldog fans lately as the Gators have won 15 of the last 17.
Arguably college football's most bitter border rivalry, "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," will play a significant role in sorting out the chaos in Southeastern Conference east division.
But a few new factors give Georgia faithful hope in 2007. In 14 of the last 15 years, Florida came into the rivalry game off of a bye week. Georgia hasn't had the open-week luxury before the Florida game in 16 years. Florida sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow was limited in practice this week because of a shoulder injury, but coach Urban Meyer called it a minor contusion.
Georgia's depth in the backfield has been obliterated by injuries. Many wonder if it will force coach Mark Richt to ruin highly-touted freshman running back Caleb King's redshirt.
NO. 9 USC (6-1) AT NO. 5
OREGON (6-1)
The Trojans' trip to Eugene, Ore. was pointed to as the team's first test before the season began. But now, USC is merely trying to leave Autzen Stadium with a victory to keep its National Championship hopes alive.
Last year, the Trojans defeated the Ducks behind then-junior running back Chauncy Washington's three touchdowns. This year, Washington has fought his way to become the Trojan's top threat out of the backfield.
USC backup quarterback Mark Sanchez excelled and threw four touchdowns last week. But Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Allotti finds pride in figuring out ways for his players to rush the quarterback.
NO. 1 OHIO STATE (8-0) AT NO. 24 PENN STATE (6-2)
Buckeye and Nittany Lion players might leave Beaver Stadium covered with bruises and looking like they just lost a street fight.
Both of these teams are big, physical and unrelenting. Two of the nation's top candidates for the Butkus Award, given to the nation's
best linebacker, lead their respective teams.
For Ohio State, it's junior James Laurinaitis, who hunts down opposing running backs ferociously. For Penn State, it's senior Dan Connor, who can detect plays from their inception.
Both defenses rank in the top 10 in nearly every major statistical category. The pressure will fall on Buckeye running back Chris Wells and Nittany Lion running back Rodney Kinlaw to give their offenses breathing room.
NO. 6 WEST VIRGINIA (6-1)
AT NO. 24 RUTGINS (5-2)
Last year's triple-overtime shootout between the Moutaineers and Scarlet Knights was one of the most memorable games of the season. This year, both offenses have gotten even better.
Scarlet Knight quarterback Mike Teel shook off a rough 2006 campaign, in which he threw 10 interceptions and only two touchdowns, to become the nation's eighth most efficient passer. It helps that he can hand the ball off to senior running back Ray Rice, who averages 140 yards per game.
West Virginia added freshman running back Noel Devein to its arsenal of highlight-reel playmakers. And senior wide receiver Darius Reynaud transformed into a top-tier receiver with eight touchdowns and 450 yards.
OTHER GAMES:
IOWA STATE (1-7) AT NO.
13 MISSouri (6-1)
Mizzou senior strong safety Cornelius "Pig" Brown earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after last week's 14 tackles and three broken up passes.
NEBRASKA (4-4) AT NO. 17
TEXAS (6-2)
The Cornhuskers and Longhorns are two of the nation's top ten all-time winning programs but both have had a tough 2007 season.
Josh Freeman threw for a career-high 404 yards last week and could continue his tear against the Bears' 94th ranked passing defense.
BAYLOR (3-5) AT KANSAS STATE (4-3)
Standing in the way of Wildcat
MISSISSIPPI STATE (4-4)
AT NO. 14 KENTUCKY (6-2)
quarterback Andre Woodson's ability to boost his Heisman status this weekend is Buldog junior safety Derrick Pegues.
NO. 18 CALIFORNIA (5-2)
AT NO. 7 ARIZONA STATE
(7-9)
Scoring nearly 38 points per game, the Sundevils have dominated all their opponents so far. But only one of those teams has a winning record.
Huskie sophomore linebacker Lawrence Wilson averages more than 10 tackles per game and must slow the Bulls' 25th ranked rushing offense.
NO.11 SOUTH FLORIDA (6-1) AT CONNECTICUT (6-1)
NO. 15 SOUTH CAROLINA (6-2) AT TENNESSEE (4-3)
Gamecock coach Steve Spurrier is the only coach to win at Neyland Stadium with three different teams. But Spurrier had also never lost to Vanderbilt before last week's 17-6 defeat.
NEW MEXICO STATE (4-4)
AT NO.16 HAWAII (7-0)
Aggie junior receiver Chris Williams, the nation's 14th-leading receiver, will try to ruin the Warriors perfect season.
The Golden Gophers rank dead last nationally in total defense, which is good news for Wolverine quarterback Chad Henne, who returned from an injury last week.
MINNESOTA (1-7) AT NO.
19 MICHIGAN (6-2)
The Cavaliers go into Raleigh, N.C. seeking their eighth consecutive victory, which would set a school record for most straight wins in a season.
NO. 21 VIRGINIA (7-1) AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (2-5)
Emotionally decimated after last week's final second loss to LSU, Auburn receives a chance to get back on track against the SEC's only winless team in conference games.
COMMENTARY
MISSISSIPPI (2-6) AT NO.
23 AUBURN (5-3)
Edited by Meghan Murphy
Surprising names make up week eight's do-not-play list
This weekend's games will showcase some interesting match-ups. Here are the players who will shine and fade on Sunday.
Traditionally good players and teams have tough match-ups
SHINERS
QB Jon Kita, Detroit Lions — Kitna has struggled a little in the past two games, not being able to generate many yards in Mike Martz's pass offense. Kitna guaranteed a 10-victory sea son before the Lions even played
a game. If he gets the passing game back up and running, they may make a run for a decent record. Playing
against a lackluster Bears' secondary should help get the Lions passing offense back up to speed. Detroit's wide receivers will create a lot of opportunities for Kitna on Sunday.
RB Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants — Jacobs has slowly been integrated back into the Giants' offense since coming back from his injury. He has performed well, and he should explode on Sunday considering the Giants are playing one of the two remaining winless teams in Miami. Jacobs should run over Miami's porous defense, the 31st ranked rushing defense in the NFL.
WR Jerricho
Cotchery, New
Jacobs
York Jets — Cotchery has been the more consistent option at wide receiver for the jets this year. Laveranues Coles has been the number one receiver in the past for the Jets, but Cotchery is starting to shine in the Jets' offense.
secondary will focus on him more. The Buffalo pass defense though, is the 31st ranked passing defense in the NFL. This should open up the passing
After a big week by Coles, Buffalo's
Cotchery
game for the Jets and Cotchery.
New York Giants defense — The Miami Dolphins are terrible. The Giants should have no problem manhandling the Dolphins, especially without their number one offensive option in Ronnie Brown who is out for the season. The Giants have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and have racked up the sacks after losing the first two games of the season. Rookie cornerback Aaron Ross has boosted the secondary since getting a chance to play, and the whole team is starting to look like the second best team in the NFC. The Giants will ring up a lot of fantasy points against a terrible Miami team on Sunday.
BY KELLY BRECKUNITCH
KANSAN SPORTS COLUMNIST
KBRECKUNITCH@kansan.COM
FADERS
QB Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints — Brees has had some success in the past couple of games reminiscent of last year, but this weekend he faces a San Francisco team whose defense is the only thing they have going for them. The additions of Nate Clements and Patrick Willis have bolstered the defense and been able to help keep them in games, even if their
offense can generate any points. The strength of the San Francisco defense could give Bree problems and keep the match-up a low-scoring game.
RB Adrian Peterson,
Brees
players
Shiners
Shiners
Brandon Jacobs
23 carries
131 rushing yards
2 touchdowns
Jerricho Cotchery
9 catches
124 receiving yards
1 touchdown
Jon Kitma
28/33
329 passing yards
3 touchdowns
Faders
Adrian Peterson
14 carries
42 rushing yards
1 fumble
Donald Driver
4 catches
19 receiving yards
Drew Brees
19/27
197 passing yards
1 interception
Peterson
Minnesota Vikings — Peterson has been the one shining point of Minnesota's offense so far this season. Last Sunday, though, the Vikings did not use him enough. That fact could haunt the Vikings this Sunday as they take on a tough
Philadelphia defense that has the eighth rated rushing defense in the NFL. The lack of carries may hurt Peterson going into the game on Sunday, and he may be slow
to gain any momentum on the field.
WR Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers — The Packers have to face the Broncos on the road this Monday. That alone is cause for concern for Green Bay. Add in that the Broncos have the second best pass defense in the NFL and arguably the best corner in the league as well, and it could be a long day for the Packer offense. The Packers have little running game to speak of, so they rely on Brett Favre and the passing game for most of their offense. Driver, the Packers
number one receiver, will be matched up against Champ Bailey. Bailey may be the only shutdown corner back in the NFL and will give Driver
problems throughout the game
Washington defense — Washington has the fifth ranked defense in the NFL. Why would I choose them to be one of the worst performers this weekend then? Well, they draw the unfavorable match-up of the New England Patriots on Sunday. The Patriots have the best offense in the NFL, and they have too many weapons on offense for the Redskins to keep up with. The Redskins will be one of the best defenses in the NFL, but they are no match for the Patriots.
Edited by Jeff Briscoe