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ABC Ohio State at Penn State..............7:30 CBS Tennessee at Georgia.................3:30 ESPN Florida at Miss. State...................7:00 Ole Miss at LSU...........................9:15 ESPN2 West Virginia at Texas Tech.........Noon FOX Michigan at Northwestern.............4:30 BYU at Washington.......................8:30 FS1 Oregon at Cal...............................10:30 NBC Stanford at Notre Dame................7:30 |
Saturday is making up for last week's lackluster slate. There are some Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC appetizers throughout the day to get you ready for Saturday night's main course. Intriguing Big Ten games include Purdue at Nebraska (3:30) and No. 14 Michigan at Northwestern (4:30).
The ACC offers Syracuse at No. 3 Clemson as the Orange try to take down the Tigers for the second straight year. No. 22 Duke hosts Virginia Tech and tries to take down the Hokies in Durham for the first time since 1981.
If you like watching offensive fireworks, the Big 12 provides No. 12 West Virginia at No. 25 Texas Tech at noon. The Red Raiders are trying to defeat top-15 teams in consecutive weeks for the first time in ten years. Later in the day, Baylor travels to Norman to try and defeat No. 6 Oklahoma for only the fourth time.
No. 2 Georgia tries to even the all-time series record against Tennessee at 3:30 on CBS. Later, Dan Mullen and Florida visit his former school Mississippi State. The SEC nightcap features former Ohio State quarterback, Joe Burrow, and LSU hosting Ole Miss in the bayou.
During prime time and after hours, the Pac-12 provides No. 7 Stanford at No. 8 Notre Dame, No. 20 BYU at No. 11 Washington and No. 19 Oregon at No. 24 Cal. The Pac-12 can solidify or destroy its CFP chances Saturday night.
Finally, the best is for last. No. 4 Ohio State at No. 9 Penn State.
The Marquee Three
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When: 7:30 TV: ABC Series: 19–14 (Ohio State) Favorite: Ohio State (-3.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH The last two games in this series have been decided by a total of four points. |
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The Storyline
No. 9 Penn State (4–0) hosts No. 4 Ohio State (4–0) for the 14th time in State College. The last time these teams faced each other with undefeated records was 1998. The last time the Buckeyes beat a Top 10 PSU squad in Beaver Stadium was 1976 (12-7).
Penn State Notes
James Franklin is in his fifth season as the Nittany Lions' head coach. During his tenure, Penn State is 40–17 (.702).
Quarterback Trace McSorley is the face of the 2018 Nittany Lions, but RB Miles Sanders (495 yards, 7.0 ypc) has been the workhorse. Receiver KJ Hamler is a threat and has 3 TD receptions.
On defense, Juwan Johnson leads the team with 24 tackles adn Amani Oruwariye has 1.5 sacks.
Ohio State Notes
The last time the Buckeyes played in Beaver Stadium, the outcome was not to their liking. It will be interesting to see if Urban Meyer continues to trust the arm of Dwayne Haskins in this weekend's premier game.
Haskins currently leads the Big Ten in passing yards (1,194), passing touchdowns (16), completion percentage (.757), points responsible for per game (25.5) and total offense (305.5). He is also the first quarterback in Big Ten history to throw for five touchdowns in two of the first four games of a season.
2018 Against The Spread
Ohio State (3–1, W1) // Penn State (3–1, W3)
For more, check out The Rundown.
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When: 7:30 TV: NBC Series: 19–13 (ND) Favorite: ND (-5.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH A Top 10 match-up on Saturday night. Perfect for watching when Ohio State is on a commercial break. |
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The Storyline
Stanford (4–0) escaped Eugene with an improbable 38-31 OT victory last week. Saturday, the Cardinal heads to South Bend to take on No. 8 Notre Dame (4–0). This is the first time in the series' history that both schools enter the contest ranked in the top-10.
Since 1988, this is the 19th time the schools have played. The last time both schools played each other with perfect records? 93 years ago when Notre Dame defeated Stanford in the 1925 Rose Bowl.
Stanford Notes
The Cardinal have walked off the field with the Legends Trophy for three straight seasons. David Shaw took over Stanford's program in 2011. During that time, the Cardinal have won 77 games (most by any coach in Stanford history) and a Pac-12 leading 9 consecutive bowl appearances.
Stanford and Notre Dame have split the last 14 games in the series with the Cardinal outscoring Notre Dame 348-330. Each of the last three games in South Bend have been decided by seven points or less.
Notre Dame Notes
QB Ian Book was the spark that ignited the Irish offense to 566 total yards in the 56-27 beat-down of Wake Forest last week. Book's 13.0 yards per completion was the highest by a Notre Dame QB since Jimmy Clausen averaged 13.44 ypc against Michigan in 2009.
At 265 games, Notre Dame currently has the second-longest sellout streak in NCAA history. The sell-out crowd will witness the 35th game played in Notre Dame Stadium between top-10 teams. The Irish are 21–11–1 (.662) in the previous 24 games.
2018 Against The Spread
Stanford (3–1, W1) // Notre Dame (2–2, W1)
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When: 8:30 TV: FOX Series: 5–4 (Washington) Favorite: Washington (-17.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH BYU takes aim at evening the series and destroying the Huskies' CFP hopes. |
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The Storyline
Washington (3–1) hosts BYU (3–1) in a non-conference tilt. The Huskies defeated Utah last week 21-7 in their Pac-12 opener. BYU shocked Wisconsin two weeks ago in Madison and plans to do the same to Washington Saturday night in Seattle.
BYU Notes
The Cougars have four Pac-12 opponents on their schedule. BYU defeated Arizona Week 1 and fell to Cal in Week 2. This is the first time a ranked BYU team has faced a ranked opponent since losing to UCLA in 2015.
Washington Notes
The last time UW played BYU was in the 2013 Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco, the Huskies won 31-16. Chris Peterson took over as Washington's head coach following that game.
Since 1981, Washington has a 68–13 record when playing non-conference opponents in Husky Stadium. UW has a 17-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents.
2018 Against The Spread
BYU (3–1, W2) // Washington (1–3, L1)
Thursday's Throwdown
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When: 8:00 TV: ESPN Series: 11–10 (NC) Favorite: Miami (-18) |
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REASON TO WATCH Can North Carolina take a two-game lead in the all-time series? |
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The Storyline
North Carolina (1–2) has had a slow start to the season, but is undefeated in the ACC. The Tar Heels look to improve to 2–0 in conference play. Miami (3–1) has won three consecutive games after dropping the season opener to Jeaux Burreaux and LSU on September 2. However, the three wins were against powerhouses Savannah State, Toledo and Florida International. Can North Carolina take a two-game lead in the all-time series?
2018 Against The Spread
North Carolina (1–2, W1) // Miami (2–2, L1)
Friday Night Lights
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When: 8:00 TV: ESPN2 Series: 21–11–1 (UM) Favorite: UM (-13.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH To see which team will earn its first conference win. |
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The Storyline
Tulane (1–3) got spanked around by Ohio State last week. Friday night, the Green Wave welcomes Memphis (3–1) and the start of American Athletic play. Since 2002, the Tigers have won 11 straight in the series.
2018 Against The Spread
Tulane (2–2, L1) // Washington (2–2, L2)
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When: 10:00 TV: FS1 Series: 10–3 (UCLA) Favorite: Colorado (-9.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Colorado is 0–4 in Pac-12 home openers. Will that streak end Friday night? |
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The Storyline
Colorado (3–0) takes on UCLA (0–3) in the conference opener for both teams. The Buffaloes are 3–0 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since doing it in 1994 and 1995. On the other end of the spectrum, this is on the seventh time in 100 years that UCLA has started a season 0–3.
Fun Fact: Colorado has scored on all three of its opening possessions and all three of its first drives to start the second half.
2018 Against The Spread
UCLA (1–2, L1) // Colorado (2–1, L1)
Saturday's High Noon Showdowns
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When: Noon TV: FS1 Series: 7–3 (MSU) Favorite: MSU (-28) |
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REASONS TO WATCH MSU's defense ranks 1st in the FBS allowing 32.7 rushing yards per game (98 total rushing yds). |
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The Storyline
Surprisingly, CMU (1–3) won the first two games in this series (1991-92). However, the Spartans (2–1) have won seven of the last eight, with the Chippewas' last win coming in 2009 (29-27). The last time these teams met was 2012 and Michigan State won 41-7.
2018 Against The Spread
Central Michigan (3–1, W2) // Michigan State (1–2, W1)
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When: Noon TV: BTN Series: 2–2 Favorite: Indiana (-17) |
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REASONS TO WATCH September 29, 2007 was the last time Indiana won its Big Ten road opener. That drought should end. |
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The Storyline
Indiana (3–1) and Rutgers (1–3) are seeking their first conference wins of the season. If Chris Ash loses to the Hoosiers and Illinois, he might not be with the Scarlet Knights when they face Maryland in two weeks. Indiana RB Stevie Scott is averaging 5.1 ypc and might be a key factor in the Hoosiers claiming their third straight win in this series. Indiana won 41-0 last year.
2018 Against The Spread
Indiana (1–3, L1) // Rutgers (1–3, L3)
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When: Noon TV: ESPN Series: 41–30–3 (Arkansas) Favorite: A&M (-21) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Three of the last four games in this series have gone to OT and five of the last eight have been decided by 7 points or less. |
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The Storyline
The Razorbacks (1–3) travel to Jerry World to take on the Aggies (2–2). Texas A&M has a six-game winning streak against Arkansas. A win on Saturday will mark the first time the Aggies have a seven straight against the Razorbacks.
Chad Morris, Arkansas' new coach, graduated from Texas A&M in 1992. However, he did not play football for the Aggies and is one of only five FBS coaches who never played college football.
2018 Against The Spread
Arkansas (0–1–1, L3) // Texas A&M (4–0, W4)
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When: Noon TV: SEC NET Series: 8–0 (Alabama) Favorite: Alabama (-48.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH You like watching the underdog get pummeled. |
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The Storyline
The last time Alabama (4–0) played Louisiana (1–2) was 1990. The Tide defeated the Ragin' Cajuns 25-6 in the only game in this series to be played Lafayette, LA. Back then, the Rajin' Cajuns were know as Southwest Louisiana before switching to Louisiana-Lafayette and now just Louisiana. No matter the name, the Rajin Cajuns are in for a beating.
2018 Against The Spread
Louisiana (1–2, L2) // Alabama (3–1, L1)
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When: Noon TV: ABC Series: 4–2 (Clemson) Favorite: Clemson (-25) |
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REASON TO WATCH To see if Syracuse can pull off the upset in back-to-back years. |
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The Storyline
Surprisingly both teams enter this contest with undefeated records. Clemson (4–0) was expected to be perfect, but not Syracuse (4–0). The Orange defeated Florida State two weeks ago, but the Tigers are a different animal.
Syracuse did shock Clemson, and the college football world, by defeating the Tigers 27-24 last year. Clemson lost QB Kelly Bryant to injury during the game. This year, Bryant left Dabo Swinney's team three days before kickoff. However, the reason he left is because of the talented freshman QB Trevor Lawrence. Clemson should make up for last year's loss.
2018 Against The Spread
Syracuse (3–1, L1) // Clemson (1–3, W1)
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When: Noon TV: ESPN2 Series: 5–2 (WV) Favorite: WV (-3.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Texas Tech is trying to beat top-15 opponents in consecutive weeks for the fist time since 2008. |
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The Storyline
Texas Tech (3–1) has a 3-game winning streak and defeated No. 15 Oklahoma State 41-17 in Stillwater last week. The 24-point margin of victory was the largest in Texas Tech's history against a top-15 foe on the road.
West Virginia (3–0) will face their first Top-25 opponent of the season when they take on Texas Tech in Lubbock. Under the guidance of Dana Holgorsen, the Mountaineers are 23–5 in the month of September. WVU also has a guy named Will Grier taking snaps.
2018 Against The Spread
West Virginia (3–0, W3) // Texas Tech (3–1, W3)
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| NOON | OKLAHOMA STATE at KANSAS | FSN |
| NOON | TEMPLE AT BOSTON COLLEGE | ESPNU |
| NOON | ARMY at BUFFALO | CBSSN |
| NOON | BOWLING GREEN at GEORGIA TECH | ESPN EXTRA |
Saturday's Tweeners
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When: 12:20 TV: ACC NET Series: 34–22–1 (NC State) Favorite: NC State (-5.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH This is the first time these schools have played since 2012.. |
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The Storyline
Virginia (3–1) and NC State (3–0) played every year between 1960 and 2003. Since then, this is only the fifth time the schools have played. The Wolfpack leads the ACC and is ranked fourth in the FBS in passing offense. Virginia's quarterback, Ryan Finley, averages 352.0 passing yards per game. Junior WR Kelvin Harmon is the ACC's top receiver averaging 104.0 yards per game.
2018 Against The Spread
Virginia (4–0, W4) // NC State (2–1, W2)
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 1:30 | PENN at DARTMOUTH | NESN |
| 2:00 | NORTH DAKOTA at NORTHERN COLORADO | BIG SKY |
| 3:00 | ESPN GOALLINE | ESPNGL |
The Dirty 3:30
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When: 3:30 TV: BTN Series: 4–1 (Nebraska) Favorite: Purdue (-3.5) |
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REASONS TO WATCH Will Scott Frost get his first win at Nebraska? |
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The Storyline
These teams enter this game with one victory between them. Purdue (1–3) earned its first win last week by defeating Boston College 30-13. QB David Blough set three school records in the Boilermakers' 40-37 loss to Missouri two weeks ago. He had 590 yards of total offense, threw for 572 yards and completed 70.9 percent of his passes.
Nebraska has had a horrible start to the season, but WR Stanley Morgan Jr. has caught at least three passes in 15 consecutive games. If he snags receptions on Saturday, he will be in the top five on Nebraska's career receptions list.
2018 Against The Spread
Purdue (2–2, W2) // Nebraska (0–3, L3)
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When: 3:30 TV: CBS Series: 23–22–2 (Tennessee) Favorite: Georgia (-31.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH With a victory, Georgia will tie the all-time series and take a 12–11–1 advantage in Athens. |
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The Storyline
Georgia (4–0) is current on pace to set the school record for scoring average. The Bulldogs currently score 44.5 points per game and are chasing the 2012 team's record of 37.8. QB Jake Fromm is a big contributor to the scoring explosion. Fromm is 50-of-69 passing for 739 yards and 9 TDs and has completed 72.5 percent of his passes. For his career he is 16–2 as a starter.
The last time these teams played in Athens, Tennessee (2–2) defeated Georgia 34-31 when WR Juanan Jennings came down with a 43-yard Hail Mary as time expired.
2018 Against The Spread
Tennessee (0–3, L3) // Georgia (2–2, L1)
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When: 3:30 TV: ABC Series: 24–3 (OU) Favorite: Oklahoma (-23.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH If you like points, both of these teams light up the scoreboard when they play each other. |
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The Storyline
Baylor (3–1) trails the all-time series by 21 games, but the Bears have had success in recent history against Oklahoma (4–0). All three of Baylor's wins against OU came between 2011 and 2014. Behind the play of QB Charlie Brewer and RB JaMycal Hasty, Baylor is averaging over seven yards per play. The Bears should be able to score more than the 21 points Army was able to muster in the OT loss to the Sooners. The question is whether the Bears defense can stop Oklahoma.
2018 Against The Spread
Baylor (1–2–1, W1) // Oklahoma (1–3, L3)
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 3:30 | TEXAS at KANSAS STATE | FS1 |
| 3:30 | CINCINNATI at UCONN | CBSSN |
| 3:30 | FLORIDA STATE at LOUISVILLE | ESPN2 |
| 3:30 | PITTSBURGH at UCF | ESPNU |
| 3:30 | RICE at WAKE FOREST | ESPN EXTRA |
Afternoon Siesta
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When: 4:30 TV: FOX Series: 57–15–2 (Michigan) Favorite: Michigan (-14.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH This is the 75th time Michigan and Northwestern have played. |
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The Storyline
Three of the last four games in this series have been decided by less than a score, including a pair of overtime games. When the game is played in Evanston, Michigan (3–1) is 22–7 and has won six straight. Since 1965, Northwestern (1–2) has only has two wins against the Wolverines when playing at Ryan Field.
2018 Against The Spread
Michigan (2–2, W1) // Northwestern (1–2, L2)
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When: 6:00 TV: ESPN Series: 33–19–2 (Florida) Favorite: Miss. St. (-7.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH Florida coach, Dan Mullen, was the head man of Miss. State last year. |
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The Storyline
Mississippi State and Florida have more in common with each other besides Dan Mullen. Both teams enter with 3–1 records and both teams lost to Kentucky. The Gators went down 26-17 in Week 2 and the Bulldogs lost to Kentucky last week, 28-7.
Did you know?
- Florida's defense leads the nation with 14 forced turnovers. Last year the Gators finished 17 takeaways.
- Florida has cored in an NCAA record 376 consecutive games.
- This is also the first time Mississippi State and Florida have played since 2010.
2018 Against The Spread
Florida (3–1, W2) // Miss. State (3–1, L1)
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When: 7:00 TV: FS1 Series: 16–9 (VT) Favorite: Duke (-4.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH 1981 is the last time Duke defeated VT in Durham. |
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The Storyline
Duke (3–0) is playing in its ACC opener against Virginia Tech (2–1) at home in Wallace Wade Stadium. The Blue Devils are undefeated after four games for the second straight season. 1994 was the last time Duke started a season 5–0.
21. Since, 2015, Virginia Tech has won 21 straight games when holding its opponent to 21 points or less.
2018 Against The Spread
Virginia Tech (2–1, L1) // Duke (3–1, L1)
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 4:00 | SOUTHERN MISS at AUBURN | SEC NET |
| 4:00 | NEVADA at AIR FORCE | ESPN NEWS |
| 4:00 | TENNESSEE STATE at VANDERBILT | SEC NET |
| 4:00 | EASTERN WASHINGTON at MONTANA STATE | AUD / ATTSW |
| 6:00 | UTAH at WASHINGTON STATE | PAC-12 |
| 7:00 | IOWA STATE at TCU | ESPNU |
| 7:00 | BOISE STATE at WYOMING | CBSSN |
| 7:00 | MONTANA at CAL POLY | ELVN |
Prime Time Players
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When: 7:30 TV: SEC NET Series: 17–11–1 (USC) Favorite: UK (-1) |
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REASON TO WATCH Westerville Central's, Benny Snell, is UK's running back. |
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The Storyline
Last year, Kentucky defeated the Gamecocks 29-13 behind the Benny Snell's 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns. This is the first time since 2007 that South Carolina (2–1) will face Kentucky (4–0) when the Wildcats are undefeated and ranked.
2018 Against The Spread
South Carolina (2–1, W1) // Kentucky (2–2, W1)
Games After Dark
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When: 9:15 TV: ESPN Series: 61–41–4 (LSU) Favorite: LSU (-10.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH LSU is trying to win five games in the month of September for the second time in school history (2012). |
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The Storyline
LSU (4–0) is undefeated after Week 4 for the first time since 2015. If Joe Burrow and the Tigers' offense can score early, Ole Miss (3–1) should find itself down early. LSU's defense has not allowed first quarter touchdown in eight consecutive games. Another fun fact in the Tigers' favor is that the home team has won five of the last six games in this series.
2018 Against The Spread
Ole Miss (2–2, L2) // LSU (2–2, L1)
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When: 10:30 TV: FS1 Series: 40–38–2 (Cal) Favorite: Oregon (-2.5) |
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REASON TO WATCH 26K could be ours as this is the second game in this week's 11W Community Power Parlay. |
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The Storyline
Oregon (3–1) is coming off of a very tough OT loss to Stanford last week. Junior WR Dillon Mitchell hauled in 14 passes for 239 yards against the Cardinal. Amazingly, the Ducks are looking for their first Pac-12 road opening win since 2015. Oregon is typically know for its offense, but the defense has held three straight opponents to under 100 yards rushing for the first time since 2003.
Cal (3–0) has won seven of its last nine home games in California Memorial Stadium. Jaylinn Hawkins leads the team with three interceptions and the Bears' defense already has an impressive seven this season. The ball-hawking Hawkins also spent this summer as a peer advisor, helping new Cal student-athletes learn the ropes at the university.
2018 Against The Spread
Oregon (1–3, L3) // Cal (2–1, L1)
| TIME | GAME | CHANNEL |
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| 10:00 | OREGON STATE at ARIZONA STATE | PAC-12 |
| 10:30 | TOLEDO at FRESNO STATE | ESPNU |
| 10:30 | USC at ARIZONA | ESPN2 |
There are some great games this weekend, especially the night games. Have fun spending many hours in front of the golden glow of your tv.
