| SEARCH SCS.com |
| SCS.com HOME |
| CONTACT SCS.com |
| SCS.com FORUM |
| THE COLLEGE CORNER |
| CONFERENCE PAGES |
| ACC |
| Big East |
| Big Ten |
| Big XII |
| CUSA |
| MAC |
| Mountain West |
| PAC 10 |
| SEC |
| Sun Belt |
| WAC |
| TUNE THE TUBE!...THE WEEK'S TOP GAMES | |
| Weekend of October 30, 2004 | |
| Jonathan, SCS.com Editor | Contact Jonathan |
GAME OF THE WEEK...
(2) Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
Bedlam. That's what they call these throwdowns between the Sooners and Cowboys. And that's a great word for this rivalry, because to be honest, these teams don't like each other...not one bit.
Though you may not realize it, while Oklahoma has been the team competing for BCS bowls and the national title in recent years, it's the Cowboys of Oklahoma State who have won two of the last three meetings with Bob Stoops' team. Two years ago, OSU knocked off OU in a 38-28 high-scoring affair and knocked the Sooners out of contention for the national title game. The year prior to that, Les Miles' team went into Norman and walked away with a 16-13 win, again giving Oklahoma their second loss of the season and again costing the Sooners' a shot at the national title.
So far this year, Oklahoma has been all but perfect, winning each of their seven games by an average of 22 points. QB Jason White is just a winner and has found new help in the backfield this year with the addition of star RB Adrian Peterson. The true freshman has already rushed for over 1000 yards this season and has scored 7 rushing TDs. WRs Mark Clayton and Travis Wilson give White consistent targets to throw to.
Oklahoma State, meanwhile, hasn't been to shabby itself. The Pokes got off to a 5-0 start before being upset at home by Texas A&M two weeks ago. That loss was quickly forgotten, however, as OSU went on the road and pulled out a come-from-behind win over Missouri just this past Saturday. RB Vernand Morency has run for over 1100 yards already this season and averages nearly 165 rushing yards a game. WR D'Juan Woods is one of the Big XII's best and has a good friend (and brother) Donovan Woods throwing him the ball.
So who's going to get the job done this year? Offensively, the two teams get the job done equally. Both score exactly 35.1 points a game, which ranks them 17th in the nation. Looking at special teams, both average 42 yards per punt, but OU has the always-scary Antonio Perkins returning those punts, which could be a huge factor. Defensively, the Sooners allow just 12.6 points a game, while OSU is allowing over 17 a contest. No one has been able to stop Adrian Peterson, but then again, who has stopped Vernand Morency? The final factor may be Perkins, but more importantly, it could be the senior experience of QB Jason White. He keeps OU in the game and finds a way to win it (just barely) late.
The Editor Says: Oklahoma
THE WEEK'S OTHER TOP MATCHUPS...
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech
Both of these teams have been all over the place this season and are looking for some consistency. This is ESPN's Thursday night matchup of choice, so what better time to get back on the right foot? GT is at home, but it won't be enough to knock off ACC-newcomer Virginia Tech.
The Editor Says: Virginia Tech
(15) Tennessee at South Carolina
The Volunteers have gotten back on track after being thumped at home by Auburn a few weeks back. A big win over rival Alabama has got Coach Phil Fulmer in a good mood, but to win at South Carolina is never easy. UT sees a chance to take control of the SEC East if UF can beat Georgia.
The Editor Says: Tennessee
Florida vs (9) Georgia
The Gators were humiliated last week at Mississippi State, and this bunch of Bulldogs they'll meet in Jacksonville is much more talented. Georgia has fallen to UF the last half-dozen times the teams have met, so it's about time for UGA to break through. David Greene proves he's a winner.
The Editor Says: Georgia
(8) Texas at Colorado
The Buffaloes played better than expected at Texas A&M last week and nearly came away with a win. Though they do return home, the competition this week is even tougher. Mack Brown still has a shot at the Big XII South if he can get some help from Oklahoma State.
The Editor Says: Texas
Arizona State at (6) California
Both teams come into this game with only one loss, and for both, that defeat came at the hands of the USC Trojans. Both teams have recovered nicely since their loss, however. The Trojans outscored UCLA last week, while Cal was busy shutting out Arizona. Homefield does the trick.
The Editor Says: California
COULD BE INTERESTING...
Hawaii at Boise State
Friday night football can be an adventure. Boise State continues to roll towards a WAC title.
The Editor Says: Boise State
Purdue at Northwestern
The Boilers desperately need to get back on track, but the 'Cats are a tough bunch that won't go down easy.
The Editor Says: Purdue
Missouri at Nebraska
Both teams suffered disappointing losses last week, and neither has played up to par. NU has the home field.
The Editor Says: Nebraska
NC State at Clemson
The Pack was never really in the game with Miami. The Tigers are rolling after knocking off the Terps last week.
The Editor Says: Clemson
Iowa at Illinois
The Hawkeyes squeaked past Penn State and now take on another winnable road game. How much fight does Illinois have?
The Editor Says: Iowa
Penn State at Ohio State
JoePa would love to continue the misery of Ohio State, but that won't likely happen in Columbus.
The Editor Says: Ohio State
Connecticut at Syracuse
The Huskies are far and away the better team, but the Carrier Dome can be a tough place to play (ask FSU).
The Editor Says: Connecticut
Minnesota at Indiana
The Gophers got back on track last week against Illinois and should be able to win this one as well.
The Editor Says: Minnesota
Kentucky at Mississippi State
The Bulldogs pulled a shocker over Florida last week and could begin their first winning streak under Sly Croom.
The Editor Says: Mississippi State
New Mexico at Colorado State
Neither of these teams has played as well as expected, but DonTrell Moore is still a tough back to stop.
The Editor Says: New Mexico
Florida State at Maryland
The Terps have lost three in a row, including two at home. Florida State struggled with Wake Forest just last week.
The Editor Says: Florida State
Michigan State at (11) Michigan
The Spartans have played surprisingly well this year, but UM is on its way to a possible Big Ten title.
The Editor Says: Michigan
Stanford at UCLA
The Cardinal could have really used a big home win over Oregon last week. The UCLA offense is tough to stop.
The Editor Says: UCLA
(1) Southern Cal at Washington State
The Trojans are ranked number one in the country, which should motivate the Cougars. However, it won't be nearly enough.
The Editor Says: Southern Cal
(4) Miami at North Carolina
Georgia Tech and NC State have both dropped games at UNC this year. The Hurricanes should not do the same.
The Editor Says: Miami
Texas Tech at Kansas State
The Red Raiders blew a big chance against Texas last week, while KState seems to be getting things together.
The Editor Says: Kansas State
Oregon State at Arizona
The Beavers are trying to rebound from a terrible start. Cal found UA a good place to find some confidence last week.
The Editor Says: Oregon State
(3) Auburn at Mississippi
The Rebels gave Tennessee a scare two weeks ago, but the Auburn Tigers have already proven they're much better than UT.
The Editor Says: Auburn
(5) Utah at San Diego State
This is the next-to-last road game for the Utes this season. Survive this, and they head into November with BCS hopes.
The Editor Says: Utah
The Editor's Records:
Last Week: 19 - 8 (.704)
To Date: 128 - 59 (.684)
Game of the Week: 5 - 2 (.714)
