Connecticut @ Temple:
Tyler Lorenzen QB (6’5 226 pounds) It goes without saying
that Connecticut must get better production out of their senior QB if
they are going to make any noise in the Big East this season. Lorenzen
was picked off three times in the opener against Hofstra; including two
in the red zone. Against Temple last season Lorenzen was an efficient
19-29 for 222 yards; he will need to provide that kind of mistake free
outing again this Saturday to help keep an improved Temple defense from
loading the box to stop running back Donald Brown.
Tennessee Tech @ Louisville:
Hunter Cantwell QB (6’4 236 pounds)
The Cardinal offense was abysmal against Kentucky in their opener and
their senior QB was one of the reasons why. Cantwell and his mates will
have a chance to work out some of the kinks when D-1AA Tennessee Tech
visits Papa Johns Stadium. The Golden Eagles defense gave up an average
of 227 yards through the air last season. Cantwell and his new cast of
receivers need to take this opportunity to get the offense going before
the team heads into a bye week to prepare for Kansas State on September
17th.
Akron @ Syracuse:
Curtis Brinkley RB (5’9 203 pounds) It
appeared that Brinkley was going to have a big day against Northwestern
early as he broke off a 28 yard run in the Oranges first drive of the
season. Brinkley and the Orange running attack disappeared for the rest
of the day as Syracuse rushed for only 122 yards as a team (4.1 yards
per carry). Akron pays the Carrier Dome a visit coming off a 38-17
setback against Wisconsin. Akron’s defense was toasted for 407 yards on
the ground against the Badgers; no one is mistaking Wisconsin’s running
game for the Oranges but Brinkley and fellow running back Delone Carter
should get plenty of opportunities.
Cincinnati @ Oklahoma:
Mike Mickens CB (6’0 170 pounds)
Cincinnati’s defense is talented at just about every position on the
field but its cornerbacks lead by Mickens are the oil that runs the
machine. Oklahoma is as balanced an offense as you will find in the
country making this match-up with the Bearcats one of the most
intriguing games of the weekend. Mickens and fellow cornerback DeAngelo
Smith will be asked to cover the Sooner wide receivers with little
support as the safeties and linebackers attempt to pressure Oklahoma QB
Sam Bradford. No question the defense will be asked to shoulder the
load in this one and create turnovers to help QB Dustin Grutza and the
Bearcat offense with field positioning.
West Virginia @ East Carolina:
Mortty Ivy LB (6’2 236 pounds) Ivy
is the emerging star for an inexperienced Mountaineer defense in 2008.
In the opener against Villanova the senior LB was everywhere accounting
for five tackles, one sack, an interception returned for a TD and a
fumble recovery he returned 30 yards. With Reed Williams playing status
still in question Ivy becomes the leader of the defensive unit. East
Carolina QB Patrick Pinkney was completely shut down in last seasons
48-7 WVU victory tossing for only 43 yards passing and was intercepted
by Ivy. The Pirates appear to be a much improved football season after
knocking Virginia Tech in their opener. In WVU’s last visit to
Greenville, North Carolina they defeated the Pirates 27-10 and lead the
all-time series 17-2.
Buffalo @ Pittsburgh:
Scott McKillop LB (6’2 240 pounds) Pitt’s
defense played reasonably well in the season opening lose to Bowling
Green and with the offense appearing to be a work in progress McKillop
and the defense will again need to shoulder the load against a much
improved Buffalo squad. Bison QB Drew Willy has a streak of 254 pass
attempts without an interception; the Panthers need to pressure Willy
and force some turnovers in order to give their offense some short
fields to work with. McKillop will also be keying on Buffalo RB James
Starks who ran for 179 yards against UTEP.
South Florida @ Central
Florida: Mike Ford RB (6’2 225 pounds)
Ford is the work horse on the ground for the Bulls and while his
play during his freshman campaign was hot and cold Jim Leavitt knows he
needs Ford in a big way to help shoulder the load with QB Matt Grothe.
UCF has nine starters back on the defensive side of the ball and pitched
a shut out in their opener against South Carolina State. The Golden
Knights strength is in their secondary and that bolds well for Ford who
carried the ball eight times for 39 yards in last years 64-12 thrashing
of UCF. South Florida leads the all time series 3-0 which will come to
end after this years game.
Rutgers: Off