After Ohio State destroys Tulane, you may want to turn on FOX and watch the end of the TCU and Texas game. Darius Anderson scored on a 93-yard TD against Ohio State, can he do it against Texas?
The best games this weekend feature teams outside of the Big Ten. During the Ohio State game, you might want to keep tabs on No. 1 Alabama hosting No. 22 Texas A&M. At 4:30, No. 17 TCU will be in Austin taking on Texas. If your college football consumption isn't satisfied, No. 20 Oregon host No. 7 Stanford at 8:00 on ABC.
You will find a host of Big Ten games during the noon slate and some other intriguing match-ups throughout the day. Use the information below to plan another Super Saturday of college football.
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ABC Notre Dame at Wake Forest.......Noon Clemson at Georgia Tech...........3:30 Stanford at Oregon.....................8:00 BTN Minnesota at Maryland...............Noon Tulane at Ohio State...................3:30 Michigan State at Indiana...........7:30 CBS Texas A&M at Alabama...............3:30 CBS Sports Network Nevada at Toledo........................Noon Virginia Tech at Old Dominion.....3:30 NC State at Marshall...................7:00 E. Michigan at San Diego St.......10:30 ESPN Georgia at Missouri.....................Noon Kansas State at West Virginia.....3:30 Florida at Tennessee...................7:00 Arizona State at Washington.......10:30 ESPN2 Boston College at Purdue............Noon Florida International at Miami.......3:30 Mississippi State at Kentucky.......7:00 Air Force at Utah State.................10:15 ESPNews Navy at SMU................................Noon UConn at Syracuse......................4:00 East Carolina at South Florida.....8:00 ESPNU Ohio at Cincinnati.........................Noon Northern Illinois at Florida State...3:30 Louisiana Tech at LSU.................7:00 FOX TCU at Texas................................4:30 Wisconsin at Iowa.........................8:30 FS1 Nebraska at Michigan...................Noon Kansas at Baylor...........................3:30 Texas Tech at Oklahoma State.....7:00 SEC Network Kent State at Mississippi...............Noon South Carolina at Vanderbilt.........3:30 Arkansas at Auburn......................7:30 |
The Marquee Three
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When: 3:30 TV: CBS Series: 8–2 (Alabama) Favorite: Alabama (-26.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Can Texas A&M pull off the upset like they did in 2012? |
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The Storyline
No. 1 Alabama (3–0) hosts No. 22 Texas A&M (2–1) for only the fourth time in Tuscaloosa. The Tide defeated the Aggies, 27-19, last year in College Station and has won the last five in the series. This is the seventh time the teams have faced off with both ranked in the top 25.
Alabama Notes
Nick Saban is 5–1 against Texas A&M and Alabama has won 35 of the last 36 games played in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
This is the 66th time that Alabama has entered a game No. 1 with Saban as head coach. The Crimson Tide have been ranked No. 1 a record 107 times. Ohio State (105) is second.
Alabama also has the longest active AP top-10 streak. The Tide has been in the top-10 for 47 consecutive weeks. 2015 was the last time the team was not ranked 10th or better.
More positive polling numbers. The Crimson Tide has been ranked for 165 consecutive weeks. The team is 111–17 (.867) when ranked and playing for Saban.
Texas A&M Notes
Since joining the SEC in 2012, A&M has been on CBS 12 times and is 6–6 in those contests. One of the six wins was the Aggies' 29-24 victory over No. 1 Alabama in 2012.
Texas A&M is one of three teams in the nation that has a top 15 rushing offense and rushing defense. If you are wondering, Air Force and Mississippi State are the other two schools.
For the first time since 2009, A&M has had three consecutive games of 500 or more yards to start a season. Trayveon Williams, the Aggies' junior running back, leads the SEC averaging 133.0 rushing yards per game.
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When: 4:30 TV: FOX Series: 62–25–1 (Texas) Favorite: TCU (-3) |
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REASON TO WATCH To see if the Horned Frogs can bounce back from a Buckeye beat-down and take care of Herman's Texas squad. |
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The Storyline
Texas (2–1) trampled USC 37-14 in front of a record crowd in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (103,507). Saturday, the Longhorns will host No. 17 TCU (2–1). The Horned Frogs have defeated UT four straight times and are 5–1 against the Burnt and Orange since joining the Big 12 in 2012.
TCU Notes
If the Texas Christian wins on Saturday, it will be a school record five straight against Texas. That is a strong possibility as the Horned Frogs have 38 road wins since 2009. That is the second highest total in the nation. TCU also has the highest winning percentage of any school from Texas since 2001 (.740).
Last week, QB Shawn Robinson suffered his first loss as a starter since 2015, his junior year in high school. He also started his TCU career by throwing 70 straight passes without an interception. RB Darius Anderson's 93-yard touchdown run was the longest in Texas Christian history. He bettered LaDanlian Tomlison's 89-yard run agaisnt UTEP in 2000.
Texas Notes
The Longhorns defeat of USC was the program's 900th victory. Texas now joins Michigan and Ohio State as the only schools to have 900 wins. It was also the 1,300th game played by Texas.
This is the Big 12 opener for both schools. Since joining the conference, Texas is 14–8 in Big 12 home openers. Although the Longhorns have lost four straight to TCU, they are 34–14–1 when playing the Horned Frogs in Austin.
A win on Saturday will make Texas 3–0 at home. Since 2010, the Longhorns have only started 3–0 at home once (2016). A win might quiet some of the voices calling for Tom Herman's head.
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When: 8:00 TV: ABC Series: 48–32–1 (Stanford) Favorite: Stanford (-1.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Since 2011, the winner of this game has won the Pac-12 North five times. |
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The Storyline
Oregon (3–0) and Stanford (3–0) will be the only night game featuring two ranked teams and GameDay is at Eugene for the seventh time. Stanford defeated the Ducks 49-7 last year in Cardinal Stadium. The 42-point margin of victory was the largest by either team in the history of the series.
Oregon Notes
With a win, Oregon will be 4–0 for the first time since 2014. The Ducks currently have a six-game home winning streak and have won four consecutive Pac-12 home openers.
Oregon has averaged 42.9 points per contest in the 18 games that QB Justin Herbert has started. In the 12 quarters that the Ducks have played, 12 different players have scored an offensive touchdown. No other team in the country has had that many different players score.
On the defensive side of the ball, Justin Hollins and Jalen Jelks have combined for 36 tackles for loss over 16 games. This season, Oregon has held its opponents to 1.4 yards per carry. The Ducks' last two opponents were held to under 100 total yards rushing. It will be most impressive if Oregon is able to hold Stanford under the century mark.
Stanford Notes
The Cardinal have won the past two games against Oregon. The last time Stanford won three straight over the Ducks was from 1995-'97. With a win, David Shaw will increase his Stanford record for wins to 77. Since 2011, only Alabama (39) and LSU (26) have more wins against ranked opponents than the Cardinal's 24.
Junior QB K.J. Costello has seven touchdown passes through three games. That number has him tied with Andrew Luck for the most ever during Shaw's tenure after the first three games. The offense has rushed for 200 or more yards in nine of its past 23 games and is undefeated when doing so.
Stanford's defense has only allowed 23 points through three games, the 7.7 points allowed per game is best in the nation.
Thursday's Throwdowns
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When: 7:30 TV: ESPN Series: 2–2 Favorite: Temple (-7) |
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REASONS TO WATCH This is the American Athletic opener for both schools. You don't like watching the NFL on Thursday night. |
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The Storyline
Temple (1–2) stunned Maryland (35-14) last week. The Owls host Tulsa (1–2), a team that has lost two straight games. Temple has won every game of this series when the teams have faced as members of the AAC.
Friday Night Lights
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When: 7:00 TV: ESPN Series: 1–0 (UCF) Favorite: UCF (-13.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH UCF has won 15 consecutive games, can the Knights keep the nation's winning streak alive? |
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The Storyline
Lane Kiffin and Florida Atlantic (2–1) travel to Orlando to take on host UCF (2–0) in Spectrum Stadium. Josh Heupel is undefeated in his inaugural season as a head coach. Central Florida defeated FAU 33-29 in 2003.
From the facts of the weird file, Heupel and the Knights are the highest ranked team in the state of Florida.
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When: 7:00 TV: ESPNU Series: 80–30–2 (Harvard) Favorite: Harvard (-17.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH You want to be able to tell your future boss that you watched him play football on ESPNU. |
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The Storyline
Harvard (1–0) is in its 145th season of football and this will be the 118th the program has played Brown (0–1). The Crimson has a seven-game winning streak against Brown and has won three straight in Brown Stadium.
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When: 9:00 TV: FS1 Series: 18–5 (Penn State) Favorite: Penn State (-28) |
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REASONS TO WATCH This is the Big Ten opener for both schools. |
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The Storyline
This is the first time since 1982 that Penn State (3–0) is playing a regular season game on a Friday. The Nittany Lions won the national championship that season. Last year, PSU defeated Illinois 39-0.
Illinois (2–1) has defeated Penn State three times since 2007. The last time the Illini took a game in this series was 2014 (16-14), which is the last time PSU has played in Champaign. Fun fact, Illinois has forced a turnover in 17 straight games.
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When: 10:30 TV: ESPN Series: 59–10–4 (USC) Last Meeting: 30-27 (WSU) Favorite: USC (-3.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Can Washington State defeat USC in consecutive seasons? This is the first Friday home game for USC since 1999. |
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The Storyline
Washington State (3–0) has won two of the last three games played against USC (1–2). The Cougars defeated USC 30-27 last year in Pullman. 2013 was the last time WSU played in the Coliseum and the Cougars left L.A. with a 10-7 victory.
If Washington State wins, it will be the first time the program has defeated USC in consecutive games since the team did it in 2000 and 2002. The Trojans have won their past 17 games in the Coliseum and 41 of the last 48 overall against the Cougars.
Saturday's High Noon Showdowns
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When: Noon TV: FS1 Series: 4–4–1 Favorite: Michigan (-18) |
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REASONS TO WATCH To see if Scott Frost gets his first win, or watch UM lose again. |
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The Storyline
Nebraska (0–2) travels to Ann Arbor to play Michigan (2–1). This is the first game between the schools since the Cornhuskers visited Michigan Stadium and won 17-13 in 2013. It might be tough, the Wolverines have won 11 of their last 12 Big Ten openers.
These programs rank in the top five for all-time victories, have combined to play in 99 bowl games and claim 88 conference titles. Living in past glory is another common factor for the fan bases of these two struggling schools.
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When: Noon TV: BTN Series: 2–1 (Maryland) Favorite: Maryland (-2.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Minnesota can start 4–0 for the first time since 2013. |
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The Storyline
Minnesota (3–0) plays on the road for the first time this season. Maryland (2–1) is coming off its first loss and DJ Durkin's group should be focused. The Terrapins defeated the Gophers 31-24 in TCF Bank Stadium last year.
History lesson, P.J. Fleck became the first Minnesota coach to start his first two seasons 3–0 since Alexander Jerrems did it 1896 and 1897.
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When: Noon TV: ESPN2 Series: 0–0 Favorite: BC (-6.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH The first time these schools have played on the gridiron. Boston College is ranked for the first time since 2008. |
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The Storyline
Boston College (3–0) travels to a Big Ten opponent for the first time since 2012. The Eagles are 38–42–2 against current members of the Big Ten. Boston College has scored 40 or more points in its first three games for the first time in school history.
This is not the start that Jeff Brohm and Purdue (0–3) anticipated. The last time the Boilermakers started a season 0–3? 1996. The last time Purdue began a season 0–4? A positive sign for Purdue is that team is 6–1–1 when playing on September 22.
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When: Noon TV: BTN Series: 5–1 (Rutgers) Favorite: Buffalo (-6) |
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REASON TO WATCH Rutgers is playing a football game for the 1,341 time, more than any other college team. |
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The Storyline
Rutgers (1–2) is taking on Buffalo (3–0) for the seventh time. The series began in 2000 and the last game was won by the Scarlet Knights (38-3) in 2007.
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When: Noon TV: ESPN Series: 6–1 (Georgia) Favorite: Georgia (-14.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Missouri will have a tough task to keep its nine-game regular season winning streak alive. |
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The Storyline
Missouri (3–0) is undefeated after three games for the first time since 2015. The Tigers have not fared well against Georgia (3–0). The only victory for Missouri in this series was in 2013 when the Tigers won 41-26 in Athens. Missouri has never defeated the Bulldogs in Columbia.
Georgia's high-powered offense is guided by quarterback Jake Fromm. The sophomore signal caller leads the nation in completion percentage. From looks to junior WR Mecole Hardman who has 12 receptions for 187 yards and 3 TDs through three games.
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When: Noon TV: ABC Series: 4–0 (ND) Favorite: Notre Dame (-8) |
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REASON TO WATCH Notre Dame's defense has not allowed a rush of more than 20 yards this year. |
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The Storyline
Jim Tressel had to be smiling last week when Tyler Newsome averaged 59.6 yards per punt for No. 8 Notre Dame (3–0) against Vanderbilt last week. Newsome's effort etched his name in the ND record book.
Wake Forest (2–1) host Notre Dame for only the second time on Saturday and are coming off of a 41-34 loss to Boston College. Cade Carney has rushed for over 100 yards in consecutive games.
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When: Noon TV: ESPNU Series: 23–23–4 Favorite: UC (-8) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Frank Solich is two wins away from No. 100 with Ohio. |
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The Storyline
Luke Fickell and Cincinnati (3–0) are on the verge of winning the first four games of the season for the first time since 2012. Standing in the way is Frank Solich's 1–1 Ohio team. OU's Papi White has at least 100 receiving yards in three consecutive games.
The winner of this game in Nippert Stadium will take a one-game edge in the series.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| NOON | AKRON at IOWA STATE | FSN |
| NOON | KENT STATE at OLE MISS | SEC NET |
| NOON | NAVY at SMU | ESPN NEWS |
| NOON | NEVADA at TOLEDO | CBSSN |
Saturday's Tweeners
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When: 12:20 TV: ESPN EXTRA Series: 9–4 (UNC) Favorite: Pitt (-3.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH If the noon games turn out to be unwatchable total. |
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The Storyline
Since 2013, North Carolina (0–2) is the only team in the ACC Coastal that Pitt (2–1) has not defeated. The last seven games between the Panthers and Tar Heels have been decided by a total of 28 points. The 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl was the last time Pitt defeated North Carolina
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When: 12:30 TV: ESPN EXTRA Series: 4–2 (UL) Favorite: Virginia (-4.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH This is the ACC opener for both teams. |
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The Storyline
Both teams enter this game with 2–1 records. The last time these programs played, Louisville defeated the Cavaliers 38-21 in Cardinal Stadium. Since joining the ACC, Louisville is 3–1 in conference openers.
For the fifth time in 13 years, Virginia opens ACC play at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers are 25–39 all-time in conference openers.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 3:00 | ILLINOIS STATE at COLORADO STATE | ATTRM |
| 3:00 | SACRAMENTO STATE at MONTANA | RSNW |
| 3:00 | ESPN GOALLINE | ESPNGL |
The Dirty 3:30
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When: 3:30 TV: BTN Series: 0–0 Favorite: Ohio State (-36.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Urban Meyer returns. It's Ohio State football. |
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The Storyline
Ohio State (3–0) should get a breather before traveling east to take on Penn State. In the past, the Buckeyes have played uninspired football against teams with less talent. Will Urban Meyer's return be enough to keep the team focused against Tulane (1–2)? 36.5 points is a lot to cover, but the Buckeyes have 20 plays of 20 yards or more this season. The Green Wave's porous defense should all Ohio State to increase that number and beat the spread.
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When: 3:30 TV: ESPN Series: 5–3 (Kansas State) Favorite: West Virginia (-16.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH The Big 12 opener for both teams. |
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The Storyline
Kansas State (2–1) will play its season opening Big 12 game away from home for the 18th time in the 23 years it has been a member of the conference. The Wildcats are 4–2 against the Mountaineers in conference play.
West Virginia (2–0) had to cancel its game against NC State last week because of Hurrican Florence. QB Will Grier is 46-of-60 for 761 yards and 9 touchdowns this year.
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When: 3:30 TV: ABC Series: 51–30–2 (GT) Favorite: Clemson (-17) |
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REASON TO WATCH Clemson is trying to win back-to-back road games at Georgia Tech for the first time since 2001 and 2003. |
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The Storyline
This is the seventh consecutive year that Clemson (3–0) has opened ACC play as the road team. The Tigers are attempting to start 4–0 for the fourth consecutive season. Georgia Tech (1–2) lost to Pitt last week, 24-19, in its ACC opener. If the Yellow Jackets lose, it will be the first time since 2003 that they started a season 1–3.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 3:30 | KANSAS at BAYLOR | FS1 |
| 3:30 | VIRGINIA TECH at OLD DOMINION | CBSSN |
| 3:30 | NORTHERN ILLINOIS at FLORIDA STATE | ESPN2 or ESPNU |
| 3:30 | FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL at MIAMI, FL | ESPN or ESPN2 |
Afternoon Siesta
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When: 7:00 TV: SEC NETWORK Series: 15–11–1 (Auburn) Favorite: Auburn (-30) |
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REASON TO WATCH To see if Karma is still on the side of Arkansas. |
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The Storyline
Auburn (2–1) faces Arkansas (1–2) for the 28th time on Saturday. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 52-20 last year in Fayetteville. If Vegas is right, it will be a rough introduction to this series for new Arkansas coach, Chad Morris.
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When: 7:00 TV: ESPN or ESPN2 Series: 27–20 (FLorida) Favorite: Florida (-4.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH The series is currently tied 12–12 when played in Knoxville. |
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The Storyline
Last year, Gator WR Tyrie Cleveland caught a 63-yard TD pass with zeroes on the clock to give Florida a 26-20 win. The last time these teams played in Knoxville, the Volunteers snapped an 11-game losing streak to Florida.
This is only the second time in this series' history that Tennessee (2–1) and Florida (2–1) both have new coaches. The first time this happened was Oct. 24, 1970, when Bill Battle led No. 11 Tennessee over Doug Dickey’s Gators, 38-7, in Knoxville.
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When: 7:00 TV: FS1 Series: 21–21–3 Favorite: OSU (-13) |
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REASON TO WATCH Texas Tech's Alan Bowman threw for a Big 12 freshman record 605 yards last week. |
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The Storyline
Oklahoma State (3–0) is on a nine-game winning streak against Texas Tech (2–1). The scoreboard operator should get a workout in this game. The Cowboys have put up at least 30 points in the last eight games against the Red Raiders. The teams have also combined for at least 70 points in the last seven games.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 4:00 | ARIZONA at OREGON STATE | PAC-12 NET |
| 4:00 | SOUTH CAROLINA at VANDERBILT | SEC NET |
| 4:00 | UCONN at SYRACUSE | ESPN NEWS |
| 6:00 | McNEESE at BYU | BYUtv |
| 7:00 | ARMY at OKLAHOMA | PPV |
| 7:00 | IDAHO at UC DAVIS | ELVN |
| 7:00 | LOUISIANA TECH at No. // LSU | ESPN2 // U |
| 7:00 | MISSISSIPPI STATE at KENTUCKY | ESPN / 2/ U |
| 7:00 | NC STATE at MARSHALL | CBSSN |
Prime Time Players
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When: 7:30 TV: BTN Series: 46–16–2 Favorite: MSU (-5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Indiana is trying to start 4–0 for only the 7th time in school history. |
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The Storyline
Michgan State (1–1) and Indiana (3–0) face off for the 65th time on Saturday. The Spartans are 24–10–1 when playing the Hoosiers in Bloomington and defeated Indiana 17-9 last year.
Spartan quarterback Brian Lewerke currently averages 300.5 passing yards per game, which leads the Big Ten. Indiana's defense will have to slow him down if the Hoosiers want to win the Old Brass Spittoon for only the second time since 2006.
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When: 8:30 TV: FOX Series: 46–43–2 (UW) Favorite: UW (-3) |
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REASON TO WATCH The winner will have the edge for Big Ten West title. |
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The Storyline
Wisconsin (2–1) lost a shocker to BYU last week. The Badgers travel to Kinnick Stadium where they have won four straight times.
Iowa (3–0) and its fans know that the winner of this game has gone on to win the Big Ten West the last four seasons. They also know that the teams are playing for the Heartland Trophy.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 8:00 | EAST CAROLINA at SOUTH FLORIDA | ESPN NEWS |
Games After Dark
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When: 10:15 TV: ESPN2 Series: 4–2 (Air Force) Favorite: Utah State (-11) |
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REASON TO WATCH Troy Calhoun is on the verge of his 50th Mountain West win with Air Force. |
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The Storyline
Air Force (1–1) has won the last three games against Utah State (2–1). If the last two games are an indicator, this game should be close. Last year, the Falcons needed a come-from-behind victory to take down the Aggies 38-35. Two years ago, Air Force beat Utah State 27-20.
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When: 10:30 TV: ESPN Series: 20–15 (ASU) Favorite: UW (-17) |
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REASON TO WATCH Arizona State running backs have 593 consecutive carries without a fumble, will the streak end against Washington? |
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The Storyline
No. 10 Washington (2–1) has had difficulty with Arizona State (2–1) since 2002. The Huskies have lost 11 of the 12 to the Sun Devils, the win was in Husky Stadium in 2016.
With the running of Myles Gaskin (UW's all-time leading rusher 4,326 yards) and QB Jake Browning, Washington should dispatch of ASU for the second straight time at home.
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 10:30 | EASTERN MICHIGAN at SAN DIEGO STATE | CBSSN |
| MIDNIGHT | SACRAMENTO STATE at MONTANA | STADIUM APP |
Have a great weekend of viewing. Looking forward to next week and a certain game in Pennsylvania that might make the Marquee Three.
