| Week Nine |
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West Virginia (2-4)
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7 p.m. EDT
Thursday (ESPN2) |
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No. 1
Miami (5-0)
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• Game preview
• W. Virginia team page
• Miami team page
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| The Setup |
The 'Canes, trying to avoid another BCS slight, will be looking to take care of business against a Mountaineers team that's lost three straight, to Maryland, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame.
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| The Plan |
WVU's defense is stellar against the pass (No. 2 nationally) and ghastly against the run (No. 113), so look for RB Clinton Portis (97.2 ypg, 8 TDs) to carry the load for Miami, opening things up for an occasional Ken Dorsey strike. The Mountaineers rely on workhorse RB Avon Cobourne (124.0 ypg).
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| The Man |
Rick Sherrod, LB, West Virginia
This tackling machine already has 102, along with a fumble recovery and interception.
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| The Call |
Miami, 37-13
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No. 2
Oklahoma (7-0)
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Noon EDT
Saturday
(ABC) |
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No. 3
Nebraska (8-0)
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• Game preview
• Oklahoma team page
• Nebraska team page
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| The Setup |
For the second straight year, these two rivals meet ranked No. 1 and 2 in the BCS standings. Last year in Norman, OU overcame an early 14-0 deficit to win 31-14 on its way to the national title.
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| The Plan |
In a battle of speed vs. speed, OU will try to spread the field with short passes to its speedy receivers, much like Texas Tech did in throwing for 353 yards on NU. The Huskers counter with speedy rushers Eric Crouch (97.1 ypg) -- whom OU would like to force to pass -- and Dahrran Diedrick (108.9 ypg).
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| The Man |
Jason White, QB, Oklahoma
Has excelled in three games (68-of-100, 631 yards), but this will be his first start in a hostile atmosphere.
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| The Call |
Oklahoma, 30-24
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No. 4
UCLA (6-0)
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3:30 p.m. EDT
Saturday (ABC) |
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No. 20
Stanford (4-1)
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• Game preview
• UCLA team page
• Stanford team page
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| The Setup |
The Cardinal, coming off a stunning 49-42 upset of Oregon, represent the first of three straight major tests for the Bruins, who follow with No. 14 Washington State and the 11th-ranked Ducks.
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| The Plan |
Stanford rolled up 330 passing yards last week but lost QB Randy Fasani (sprained knee). Backup Chris Lewis, who led three fourth-quarter TD drives, will face a defense allowing only 40.9 percent completions. UCLA RB DeShaun Foster will be tested by the Cardinal's 16th-ranked rush defense (100.6 ypg allowed).
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| The Man |
Marques Anderson, S, UCLA
Senior flourishing as a free safety, breaking up nine passes and notching 33 tackles. |
| The Call |
UCLA, 33-20
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Syracuse (6-2)
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3:30 p.m. EDT
Saturday (ABC) |
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No. 5
Virginia Tech (6-0)
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• Game preview
• Virginia Tech page
• Syracuse team page
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| The Setup |
The Orangemen are riding a six-game winning streak headed into this showdown with the Hokies, who will be playing their last home game until Dec. 1. Both teams are 3-0 in Big East play.
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| The Plan |
The Hokies' top-rated defense (185.7 ypg) is going against a mediocre Syracuse offense, though QB R.J. Anderson is coming off a 308-yard day against Temple. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech QB Grant Noel (10 TDs, 3 INTs) faces a substantial test from Syracuse DE Dwight Freeney (13.5 sacks).
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| The Man |
James Mungro, RB, Syracuse
Underrated threat (94.6 ypg, 8 TDs) needs to find the holes for Orange to have a shot.
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| The Call |
Virginia Tech, 26-17
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No. 15
Georgia (5-1)
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3:30 p.m. EDT
Saturday (CBS)
at Jacksonville, Fla.
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No. 6
Florida (5-1)
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• Game preview
• Georgia team page
• Florida team page
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| The Setup |
This is the fourth consecutive season the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party has pitted two one-loss clubs. The Gators have won 10 of their last 11 meetings with the Bulldogs.
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| The Plan |
Under the direction of first-year coach Mark Richt -- former Gator nemesis at Florida State -- QB David Greene (64.2 percent, 1,360 yards) has exploded. He'll need to put up big numbers yet again, as Georgia's 101st-rated pass defense (262.2 ypg) is unlikely to contain stud Florida QB Rex Grossman (371.5 ypg).
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| The Man |
Verron Haynes, RB, Georgia
Racked up 159 total yards in first game at tailback, and Musa Smith (89.4 ypg) is doubtful again.
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| The Call |
Florida, 45-27
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No. 7
Texas (6-1)
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2 p.m. EDT
Saturday |
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Missouri (3-3)
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• Game preview
• Texas team page
• Missouri team page
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| The Setup |
The Tigers, coming off an emotional 38-34 victory over rival Kansas, hope to ruin the Longhorns' bid back into the BCS mix. Likely wins over Baylor and the Jayhawks are just down the road for UT.
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| The Plan |
Texas has quietly put together a first-rate defense, one ranked fifth nationally (261.3 ypg). That doesn't bode well for an average Mizzou offense, led by RB Zach Abron (123.5 ypg past two games). The Longhorns counter with the running of Cedric Benson (115.5 ypg past two games) and the arm of QB Chris Simms.
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| The Man |
Derrick Johnson, LB, Texas
One of the most impressive freshmen in the country is his team's leader with 51 tackles, eight for loss.
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| The Call |
Texas, 37-10
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No. 8
Michigan (5-1)
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3:30 p.m. EDT
Saturday (ABC) |
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Iowa (4-2)
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• Game preview
• Michigan team page
• Iowa team page
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| The Setup |
Michigan sits in the driver's seat of the Big Ten race, but this game begins a stretch of three road trips in four weeks for the Wolverines. Iowa already has its most wins in four years.
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| The Plan |
Two sound defenses will collide. The Wolverines, led by LB Larry Foote (14 tackles for loss) will look to bottle up efficient Iowa QB Kyle McCann (65.3 percent completions), while the Hawkeyes' defensive backs will be challenged by multi-threat Michigan WR Marquise Walker (121.7 all-purpose ypg).
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| The Man |
Ladell Betts, RB, Iowa
Four-year staple in the Iowa backfield has 488 yards this season and is up to 3,114 on his career.
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| The Call |
Iowa, 27-26
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No. 12
South Carolina (6-1)
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6 p.m. EDT
Saturday (ESPN2) |
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No. 9
Tennessee (4-1)
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• Game preview
• South Carolina page
• Tennessee team page
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| The Setup |
This is essentially an elimination game in the SEC East. South Carolina still controls its own destiny, while the Vols must win this one and beat Florida, plus hope Georgia stumbles along the way.
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| The Plan |
As even as it gets. Tennessee has standout RB Travis Stephens (150 ypg), but QB Casey Clausen (233.8 ypg) can also hurt you. The Gamecocks did a little bit of everything in amassing 656 yards against Vanderbilt. UT's defense is higher ranked (ninth vs. 26th), but S.C. creates more turnovers.
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| The Man |
Kelley Washington, WR, Tennessee
Continues to be the difference-maker for the Vols, with 24 catches for 457 yards the past three games.
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| The Call |
Tennessee, 28-25
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No. 10
Maryland (7-0)
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3:30 p.m. EDT
Saturday (ABC) |
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No. 19
Florida State (4-2)
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• Game preview
• Maryland team page
• Florida State team page
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| The Setup |
The upstart Terps are undefeated, yet the Seminoles remain a decided favorite in their first home game since the 49-27 Miami loss. FSU got back on track last week, beating Virginia 43-7.
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| The Plan |
Maryland's offense is balanced between the talents of RB Bruce Perry (135.6 ypg) and QB Shaun Hill (232.6 ypg), while FSU is getting improved play from RB Greg Jones (99 ypg past two games). Both teams rely on big plays from their defenses (combined 46 defensive points).
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| The Man |
Chris Rix, QB, Florida State
Needs to cut down on mistakes (six turnovers past two games), or Terps will pounce.
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| The Call |
Florida State, 35-31
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No. 11
Oregon (6-1)
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7 p.m. EDT
Saturday (ABC) |
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No. 14
Washington St. (7-0)
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• Game preview
• Oregon team page
• Washington St. page
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| The Setup |
This remains a crucial Pac-10 game, despite Oregon's loss last week. The Cougars will be facing their stiffest test to date, looking to remain unbeaten with UCLA looming next week.
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| The Plan |
The Ducks' 110th-rated pass defense (295.9 ypg) could get shredded once again when it goes against Cougar QB Jason Gesser (19 TDs, 6 INTs), plus WSU expects back RB Dave Minnich (84.1 ypg). Wazzu will score points, but its defense has yet to face anyone the caliber of Joey Harrington or Oregon's running backs.
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| The Man |
Nakoa McElrath, WR, Washington State
The nation's eighth-leading receiver (112.4 ypg) teams with Mike Bush (86.7 ypg) to form a dangerous tandem.
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| The Call |
Oregon, 30-26
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No. 13
Washington (5-1)
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9 p.m. EDT
Saturday |
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Arizona State (4-2)
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• Game preview
• Washington team page
• Arizona State page
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| The Setup |
The Sun Devils have a monstrous remaining schedule and likely need this one for bowl contention. Washington continues to pull out fourth-quarter miracles, most recently last week against Arizona.
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| The Plan |
ASU got a 226-yard effort from tailback Delvon Flowers last week against Oregon State. He will seek another big day against Washington's 70th-ranked rush defense (167 ypg). The Huskies counter with impressive QB Cody Pickett (60.1 percent), going against a shaky ASU pass defense (No. 92 nationally).
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| The Man |
Reggie Williams, WR, Washington
Standout freshman (28 catches, 86 ypg) has at least 61 yards in every game.
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| The Call |
Washington, 29-28
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No. 16
BYU (7-0)
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12:30 p.m. EDT
Saturday |
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San Diego State (2-5)
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• Game preview
• BYU team page
• San Diego St. page
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| The Setup |
The Cougars' quest for perfection continues after a stunning 63-33 rout of Air Force. SDSU hung around early before five straight turnovers spelled a 27-12 loss to Ohio State.
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| The Plan |
The Cougars' remarkable offense, led by QB Brandon Doman (317.7 ypg) and RB Luke Staley (121.8 ypg), ranks first nationally in scoring (48.9 ppg) and second in yardage (543.8 ypg). On the other side, standout RB Larry Ned (132.7 ypg) paces a talented but erratic Aztecs offense.
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| The Man |
Brian Simnjanovski, P, San Diego State
The top punter in the Mountain West, averaging 44.6 yards on 38 kicks, 12 downed within the 20.
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| The Call |
BYU, 45-14
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No. 17
Auburn (6-1)
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12:30 p.m. EDT
Saturday |
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Arkansas (3-3)
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• Game preview
• Auburn team page
• Arkansas team page
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| The Setup |
The Razorbacks got their season back on track two weeks ago, upsetting South Carolina 10-7. Now they look to do the same to the torrid Tigers, who escaped Louisiana Tech in overtime last week.
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| The Plan |
Arkansas' anemic offense (248.8 ypg), ranked 114th nationally, could be in for a long day against defensive-minded Auburn. With Brandon Holmes suspended, the Hogs will again go with RB Fred Talley (123 ypg past two games). On the other side, QB Daniel Cobb (266.5 ypg) has ignited Auburn's offense the past two games.
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| The Man |
Dontarrious Thomas, LB, Auburn
Star of the Tigers defense (78 tackles) had the game-sealing catch in overtime last week.
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| The Call |
Auburn, 19-13
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No. 18
Fresno State (6-1)
|
10 p.m. EDT
Saturday (ESPN) |
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Hawaii (4-2)
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• Game preview
• Fresno State team page
• Hawaii team page
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| The Setup |
Its hopes of a BCS berth now vanished with the loss to Boise State, Fresno State must regroup and focus on a possible run at the WAC title. Hawaii has won three straight.
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| The Plan |
The Bulldogs may have tried to force the run too much against Boise. They need to go to their rock, QB David Carr (17 TDs, 3 INTs), against the Warriors. Hawaii counters with June Jones' West Coast offense. The Warriors, led by Q Nick Rolovich, throw for 350.3 yards per game (No. 2 nationally).
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| The Man |
Ashley Lelie, WR, Hawaii
The nation's sixth-leading receiver (116.5 ypg) is the first option in Hawaii's aerial plan.
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| The Call |
Fresno State, 42-39
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Northwestern (4-2)
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Noon EDT
Saturday (ESPN2) |
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No. 24
Purdue (4-1)
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• Game preview
• Northwestern team page
• Purdue team page
|
| The Setup |
The Wildcats -- preseason Big Ten favorites -- are slipping back toward the pack after a disturbing loss to Penn State. They have not beaten the Boilermakers during Joe Tiller's four seasons.
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| The Plan |
In the past, Purdue would shred Northwestern's 85th-ranked defense (407.2 ypg), but the Boilers' spread attack has been somewhat average under first-year QB Brandon Hance (236.6 ypg). Wildcats QB Zak Kustok has been lethal (16 TDs), but RB Damien Anderson has gone four weeks without 100 yards.
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| The Man |
Akin Ayodele, DE, Purdue
All-America candidate (four sacks, 13 tackles for loss) will figure prominently in defending Kustok.
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| The Call |
Northwestern, 31-28
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No. 25
Colorado (5-2)
|
7 p.m. EDT
Saturday
(Fox Sports) |
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Oklahoma State (2-5)
|
• Colorado team page
• Oklahoma St. page
|
| The Setup |
After falling 41-7 to Texas, the Buffs likely need to win out for a shot at the Big 12 championship. They catch a break this week facing a team that's been outscored 135-76 in league play. |
| The Plan |
Colorado should regain the services of QB Craig Ochs (60 percent completions), who sat out last week with a concussion. He and the Buffs' running backs aren't guaranteed success against OSU's defense, but it's a near guarantee the Cowboys' 103rd-rated offense (289.3) will struggle against CU's defense.
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| The Man |
Jeremy Flores, K, Colorado
Has been a boon for the Buffaloes, making 11 of his 13 field-goal attempts.
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| The Call |
Colorado, 32-7
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