Virginia Tech at Florida State
The Hokies and Seminoles will meet for the 37th time this Monday night. Florida State leads the all-time series 23-12-1.
Florida State has won 5 of the last 7 meetings against Virginia Tech, with the last meeting happening in 2012, a Florida State 28-22 win on the road.
The series began in 1955, and saw Virginia Tech win the first 2 games. From 1955 through 1980, the Seminoles and Hokies would play every year but two, and Florida State would lead 14-10 during that period. From 1976 through 2005, Florida State ran off 12 straight wins against the Hokies.
The two sides ended their yearly agreement after 1980, and would not meet again until 1988, when they embarked on a 4 year home and home deal. Florida State would win each of the 4 games during that series. After playing in 1991, they would not meet again until 2000. Florida State has a 5-2 record between 2000-2012 in the series.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Miami vs. LSU Match History
Miami vs. LSU
This will mark the 13th all-time meeting between Miami and LSU on Sunday night in Dallas. LSU holds an all-time lead of 9-3 in the series.
This will be the first time the sides have met up since 2005, when LSU drubbed the Hurricanes 40-3 in Atlanta. That was the first meeting since 1988, when Miami handed LSU a 44-3 defeat in Baton Rouge.
Prior to the 1988 meeting, the two had not met since 1969. The series began in 1946, when LSU defeated Miami 20-7 in Miami under head coach Ben H. Moore. The sides would meet up again in 1958 and 1959, which LSU won both of by a combined score of 68-3.
LSU ran off a 7-0 run against Miami from 1946-66, and Miami would not win their first in the series until a 17-15 win in 1967. Miami would win again the following year 30-0 in Miami, but would not see another win over LSU again until 1988. LSU won in 1969 20-0.
The history of this series is rife with blowouts, as 5 of the 12 meetings have ended with a differential of 20 or more points when all was said and done.
This will mark the 13th all-time meeting between Miami and LSU on Sunday night in Dallas. LSU holds an all-time lead of 9-3 in the series.
This will be the first time the sides have met up since 2005, when LSU drubbed the Hurricanes 40-3 in Atlanta. That was the first meeting since 1988, when Miami handed LSU a 44-3 defeat in Baton Rouge.
Prior to the 1988 meeting, the two had not met since 1969. The series began in 1946, when LSU defeated Miami 20-7 in Miami under head coach Ben H. Moore. The sides would meet up again in 1958 and 1959, which LSU won both of by a combined score of 68-3.
LSU ran off a 7-0 run against Miami from 1946-66, and Miami would not win their first in the series until a 17-15 win in 1967. Miami would win again the following year 30-0 in Miami, but would not see another win over LSU again until 1988. LSU won in 1969 20-0.
The history of this series is rife with blowouts, as 5 of the 12 meetings have ended with a differential of 20 or more points when all was said and done.
BYU vs. Arizona Series History
BYU at Arizona
This will mark the 24th all-time meeting between former WAC conference mates Arizona and BYU this Saturday night. Arizona leads the all-time series 12-10-1.
This will be the first meeting between the Cougars and Wildcats since they met in Glendale, AZ in 2016, a game that BYU would win in a defensive battle, 18-16. Over the last 4 meetings, dating back to 2006, the schools have evenly split, 2-2.
BYU and Arizona started their series in 1936, when Arizona would beat the Cougars 32-6. They would not meet again until 1957, which resulted in the only tie in the series at 14-14. BYU would get their first win in the series in 1959, an 18-14 Cougar win in Tucson.
Between 1962 and 1977, the two sides played fairly regularly, with Arizona going 9-7 during that time against the Cougars. Arizona would leave the WAC after the 1978 season to take the PAC-8 to being the PAC-10, along with Arizona State. It would be 28 years before the sides would meet again in 2006, and the teams are 2-2 against each other since that date.
This will mark the 24th all-time meeting between former WAC conference mates Arizona and BYU this Saturday night. Arizona leads the all-time series 12-10-1.
This will be the first meeting between the Cougars and Wildcats since they met in Glendale, AZ in 2016, a game that BYU would win in a defensive battle, 18-16. Over the last 4 meetings, dating back to 2006, the schools have evenly split, 2-2.
BYU and Arizona started their series in 1936, when Arizona would beat the Cougars 32-6. They would not meet again until 1957, which resulted in the only tie in the series at 14-14. BYU would get their first win in the series in 1959, an 18-14 Cougar win in Tucson.
Between 1962 and 1977, the two sides played fairly regularly, with Arizona going 9-7 during that time against the Cougars. Arizona would leave the WAC after the 1978 season to take the PAC-8 to being the PAC-10, along with Arizona State. It would be 28 years before the sides would meet again in 2006, and the teams are 2-2 against each other since that date.
SMU vs. North Texas Match History
SMU at North Texas
This will be the 38th all-time meeting between North Texas and SMU, with the Mustangs leading 31-5-1. This will be the 4th consecutive season that the two sides have met, with SMU winning the previous three contests, including last season, 54-32 in Dallas.
SMU is averaging 38.33 points per game in the last 3 meetings, while UNT is averaging 22 points per game in the last 3 meetings. The average margin of victory for SMU in the last 3 meetings has been 17.67 points per game.
North Texas last beat SMU in 2014, a 43-6 thumping in Denton.
This series dates back to 1922, when SMU won the first 9 games between 1922 and 1932. North Texas won for the first time in the series in 1933, a 7-0 win. SMU would go on to run off another 9 straight wins against North Texas between 1934 and 1942.
After the 1942 Mustang win, the teams would not meet again until 1974, when SMU began a 9-2 run over the Eagles between 1974 and 1992. They would not meet again until 2006. In that current part of the series (2006-17), SMU is 4-2 against UNT.
This will be the 38th all-time meeting between North Texas and SMU, with the Mustangs leading 31-5-1. This will be the 4th consecutive season that the two sides have met, with SMU winning the previous three contests, including last season, 54-32 in Dallas.
SMU is averaging 38.33 points per game in the last 3 meetings, while UNT is averaging 22 points per game in the last 3 meetings. The average margin of victory for SMU in the last 3 meetings has been 17.67 points per game.
North Texas last beat SMU in 2014, a 43-6 thumping in Denton.
This series dates back to 1922, when SMU won the first 9 games between 1922 and 1932. North Texas won for the first time in the series in 1933, a 7-0 win. SMU would go on to run off another 9 straight wins against North Texas between 1934 and 1942.
After the 1942 Mustang win, the teams would not meet again until 1974, when SMU began a 9-2 run over the Eagles between 1974 and 1992. They would not meet again until 2006. In that current part of the series (2006-17), SMU is 4-2 against UNT.
Middle Tennessee vs Vanderbilt Match History
Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt
The Blue Raiders and Commodores meet for the 19th time Saturday, with Vanderbilt holding a 15-3 all-time lead in the series.
This will be the 4th consecutive season that the teams have met, with Vandy on a 3 game winning streak in the current run. Vanderbilt won last season, 28-6, in 2016, 47-24, and in 2015 17-13.
Prior to the current 3 game win streak for the Commodores, Middle Tennessee had been on a 3 game win streak of their own in the series, as they won games in 2001, 2002, and 2005. Those were the only 3 Blue Raiders wins against Vanderbilt all-time.
The series dates back to 1915, a 51-0 Vanderbilt win that started a streak of 12 straight wins from 1915 through 1956. The sides would not meet after 1956 until they restarted the series in 2001.
The Blue Raiders and Commodores meet for the 19th time Saturday, with Vanderbilt holding a 15-3 all-time lead in the series.
This will be the 4th consecutive season that the teams have met, with Vandy on a 3 game winning streak in the current run. Vanderbilt won last season, 28-6, in 2016, 47-24, and in 2015 17-13.
Prior to the current 3 game win streak for the Commodores, Middle Tennessee had been on a 3 game win streak of their own in the series, as they won games in 2001, 2002, and 2005. Those were the only 3 Blue Raiders wins against Vanderbilt all-time.
The series dates back to 1915, a 51-0 Vanderbilt win that started a streak of 12 straight wins from 1915 through 1956. The sides would not meet after 1956 until they restarted the series in 2001.
Michigan at Notre Dame Match History
Michigan at Notre Dame
Michigan and Notre Dame renew their rivalry Saturday, meeting for the first time since 2014. Michigan leads the all-time series 24-16-1, with Michigan winning 6 of the last 9 meetings. Notre Dame has won 2 of the last 3 meetings, however, and won the 2014 battle 31-0 in South bend.
This is one of the oldest series in college football history, with the first meeting taking place in 1887, which started a streak of 8 straight wins for the Wolverines over the Fighting Irish that went from 1887 through 1908. Notre Dame won their first game in the series in 1909, an 11-3 win.
The teams did not play again after that Notre Dame win until 1942, when Michigan won 32-30, before Notre Dame won in 1943, 35-12.
That sparked another hiatus in this series, as the two sides did not play again until 1979, a 28-14 Michigan victory. There was never again a hiatus in the series of more than 3 years, until the current 4 year hiatus that was ended in a phone call between Jim Harbaugh and Brian Kelly to fire it up once again.
Michigan's longest win streak was the one that started it all, an 8 game run. Notre Dame's longest win streak in the series was a 4 game streak from 1987-90.
Michigan and Notre Dame renew their rivalry Saturday, meeting for the first time since 2014. Michigan leads the all-time series 24-16-1, with Michigan winning 6 of the last 9 meetings. Notre Dame has won 2 of the last 3 meetings, however, and won the 2014 battle 31-0 in South bend.
This is one of the oldest series in college football history, with the first meeting taking place in 1887, which started a streak of 8 straight wins for the Wolverines over the Fighting Irish that went from 1887 through 1908. Notre Dame won their first game in the series in 1909, an 11-3 win.
The teams did not play again after that Notre Dame win until 1942, when Michigan won 32-30, before Notre Dame won in 1943, 35-12.
That sparked another hiatus in this series, as the two sides did not play again until 1979, a 28-14 Michigan victory. There was never again a hiatus in the series of more than 3 years, until the current 4 year hiatus that was ended in a phone call between Jim Harbaugh and Brian Kelly to fire it up once again.
Michigan's longest win streak was the one that started it all, an 8 game run. Notre Dame's longest win streak in the series was a 4 game streak from 1987-90.
UNLV vs. USC Match History
UNLV at USC
This will be just the second all-time meeting between UNLV and USC. The teams last met in 1997, a 35-21 Trojan win at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. That win was the 100th of John Robinson's career at USC. USC trailed 21-14 in the game before running off 3 late scores for the win.
USC is currently on a 16 game home winning streak. Clay Helton has never lost a home game as head coach of the Trojans.
USC is 32-1-1 all-time against Mountain West opponents, with 2 of those wins having been vacated by NCAA penalty. They have not lost to a Mountain West opponent since 1992, a loss to Fresno State.
USC is 92-24-8 in openers all-time, and is 64-16-7 all-time in home openers. They have 36 shut out wins in openers all-time.
UNLV is just 23-27 all-time in season openers, 5-18 on the road. This will be the first ranked opponent UNLV ha splayed in an opener since 2011, a loss to Wisconsin. UNLV is just 4-15 all-time vs. the PAC-12.
This will be just the second all-time meeting between UNLV and USC. The teams last met in 1997, a 35-21 Trojan win at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. That win was the 100th of John Robinson's career at USC. USC trailed 21-14 in the game before running off 3 late scores for the win.
USC is currently on a 16 game home winning streak. Clay Helton has never lost a home game as head coach of the Trojans.
USC is 32-1-1 all-time against Mountain West opponents, with 2 of those wins having been vacated by NCAA penalty. They have not lost to a Mountain West opponent since 1992, a loss to Fresno State.
USC is 92-24-8 in openers all-time, and is 64-16-7 all-time in home openers. They have 36 shut out wins in openers all-time.
UNLV is just 23-27 all-time in season openers, 5-18 on the road. This will be the first ranked opponent UNLV ha splayed in an opener since 2011, a loss to Wisconsin. UNLV is just 4-15 all-time vs. the PAC-12.
Washington State vs. Wyoming Match History
Wyoming at Washington State
Washington State leads the all-time series against Wyoming 4-2, with the last meeting coming in 2015, when the Cougars beat the Cowboys 31-14. The previous meeting had occurred in 1990, a 34-13 win by Wyoming. The teams met for the first time in 1962, when WSU defeated the Cowboys 21-15. The teams also met in 1964, 1987, and 1989. Wyoming won in 1964, with the Cougars taking the meetings in 87 and 89.
This will be the first time that the Cougars will have traveled to Laramie since 1989. WSU has dropped their last 7 season openers on the road, and have not won a season road opener since 2004, which was a 21-17 win over New Mexico. Washington State is 70-59-5 all-time in season openers.
Wyoming is coming off of a defensive domination on the road last Saturday in a 29-7 win over New Mexico State in Las Cruces, and this will be their home opener. New Mexico State did not score until the game was within the final 2 minutes of the contest. Nico Evans rushed for 190 yards on the night.
Wyoming is 13-2 in their last 15 home openers.
Washington State leads the all-time series against Wyoming 4-2, with the last meeting coming in 2015, when the Cougars beat the Cowboys 31-14. The previous meeting had occurred in 1990, a 34-13 win by Wyoming. The teams met for the first time in 1962, when WSU defeated the Cowboys 21-15. The teams also met in 1964, 1987, and 1989. Wyoming won in 1964, with the Cougars taking the meetings in 87 and 89.
This will be the first time that the Cougars will have traveled to Laramie since 1989. WSU has dropped their last 7 season openers on the road, and have not won a season road opener since 2004, which was a 21-17 win over New Mexico. Washington State is 70-59-5 all-time in season openers.
Wyoming is coming off of a defensive domination on the road last Saturday in a 29-7 win over New Mexico State in Las Cruces, and this will be their home opener. New Mexico State did not score until the game was within the final 2 minutes of the contest. Nico Evans rushed for 190 yards on the night.
Wyoming is 13-2 in their last 15 home openers.
Northern Illinois vs. Iowa Match History
Northern Illinois at Iowa
This will be the first time that NIU and Iowa have met up since 2013, when the Huskies upset the Hawkeyes in Iowa City 30-27. That was the only time that the Huskies have ever beaten Iowa, as the Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 8-1.
This series dates back to 1985, which started Iowa's 8 game winning streak against NIU. Iowa and NIU have met twice on a neutral field (Chicago), but have never met in DeKalb, Illinois. The 6 other meetings have all occurred in Iowa City.
When Iowa wins in this series, the margin of victory on average is 25.63 points per game, but the series has tightened up in recent years, as the last 4 meetings have been decided by 6.75 points per game on average.The last two meetings have been decided by 3 points or less.
Northern Illinois head coach Rod Carey is 4-1 as a head coach against current Big 10 teams.
Kirk Ferentz is 16-3 as Iowa head coach in season openers. Iowa is 95-32-2 all-time in season openers.
This will be the first time that NIU and Iowa have met up since 2013, when the Huskies upset the Hawkeyes in Iowa City 30-27. That was the only time that the Huskies have ever beaten Iowa, as the Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 8-1.
This series dates back to 1985, which started Iowa's 8 game winning streak against NIU. Iowa and NIU have met twice on a neutral field (Chicago), but have never met in DeKalb, Illinois. The 6 other meetings have all occurred in Iowa City.
When Iowa wins in this series, the margin of victory on average is 25.63 points per game, but the series has tightened up in recent years, as the last 4 meetings have been decided by 6.75 points per game on average.The last two meetings have been decided by 3 points or less.
Northern Illinois head coach Rod Carey is 4-1 as a head coach against current Big 10 teams.
Kirk Ferentz is 16-3 as Iowa head coach in season openers. Iowa is 95-32-2 all-time in season openers.
Central Michigan vs. Kentucky Match History
Central Michigan at Kentucky
This will be the first meeting between the Chippewas and Wildcats since 2011, a game that Kentucky won 27-13. Kentucky has won all 6 meetings against Central Michigan in their histories.
CMU and UK first met in 1983, as Kentucky won 31-14. Other meeting include 1988, 1990, 1992, and 2006. Kentucky's average margin of victory has been 10.17 points per game, while they are averaging 28.67 points per game. The Chippewas are averaging 16.83 points per game historically against Kentucky in this series.
CMU last opened the season with a road win in 1996, and has not one a season opening road game with a win since, going 0-7.
Kentucky is 3-2 in season openers under Mark Stoops, and is 86-36-5 all-time in season openers.
This will be the first meeting between the Chippewas and Wildcats since 2011, a game that Kentucky won 27-13. Kentucky has won all 6 meetings against Central Michigan in their histories.
CMU and UK first met in 1983, as Kentucky won 31-14. Other meeting include 1988, 1990, 1992, and 2006. Kentucky's average margin of victory has been 10.17 points per game, while they are averaging 28.67 points per game. The Chippewas are averaging 16.83 points per game historically against Kentucky in this series.
CMU last opened the season with a road win in 1996, and has not one a season opening road game with a win since, going 0-7.
Kentucky is 3-2 in season openers under Mark Stoops, and is 86-36-5 all-time in season openers.
Miami (Ohio) vs. Marshall Match History
Marshall at Miami (Ohio)
One woul be surprised to learn that Miami leads this series 30-13-1. That would because recent history would suggest otherwise, as Marshall has won the last 4 games in the series dating back to 2004, including a 31-26 win by the Thundering Herd in 2017 in Huntington, WV. This series dates back to 1905, when Miami won 35-0.
Miami won the first 5 games in the series, until Marshall finally broke through in 1937, which started a 3 game winning streak for Marshall that saw the Herd outscore Miami 60-0 from 1937-39. It would seem that Miami never got over it, as they then ran off a 19 game winning streak over Marshall that covered 1948-75. Miami won 24 of 25 meetings in a span that covered the 19 game winning streak and continued on through 1980. Marshall's only win in the run came in 1979, a 21-16 win.
The teams did not meet again after 1980 until 1997, when Marshall started to turn their fortunes against Miami completely around. Since 1997, Marshall is 9-2 against the Red Hawks, which is the number that should be focused on when the teams meet again tomorrow. Marshall has not lost to Miami since 2003, and in the last two decades, the Thundering Herd has started to dominate the series.
The Marshall win last season was the season opener for both programs.
One woul be surprised to learn that Miami leads this series 30-13-1. That would because recent history would suggest otherwise, as Marshall has won the last 4 games in the series dating back to 2004, including a 31-26 win by the Thundering Herd in 2017 in Huntington, WV. This series dates back to 1905, when Miami won 35-0.
Miami won the first 5 games in the series, until Marshall finally broke through in 1937, which started a 3 game winning streak for Marshall that saw the Herd outscore Miami 60-0 from 1937-39. It would seem that Miami never got over it, as they then ran off a 19 game winning streak over Marshall that covered 1948-75. Miami won 24 of 25 meetings in a span that covered the 19 game winning streak and continued on through 1980. Marshall's only win in the run came in 1979, a 21-16 win.
The teams did not meet again after 1980 until 1997, when Marshall started to turn their fortunes against Miami completely around. Since 1997, Marshall is 9-2 against the Red Hawks, which is the number that should be focused on when the teams meet again tomorrow. Marshall has not lost to Miami since 2003, and in the last two decades, the Thundering Herd has started to dominate the series.
The Marshall win last season was the season opener for both programs.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Washington vs. Auburn Game Analytics/History
Washington vs. Auburn
This game has serious playoff implications for later this season.If Washington loses, it can honestly be expected that the PAC-12 could get left out of the playoff once again, even if the Huskies win out. For Auburn, a loss is not as detrimental, but could be damaging.
This will be the first ever meeting of the schools, as they meet up in Atlanta this week. This will mark the second ever neutral site non conference (and non bowl) game for Washington, while Auburn will be playing in their 2nd straight non con or bowl game in Atlanta. Auburn is on a current 2 game losing streak in Atlanta dating back to last season. Auburn was beaten by Georgia in the SEC title game, and by UCF in the Peach Bowl. No other team in history has played 3 straight neutral site games in the same venue.
Washington is 87-35-2 in season openers all-time, while they are 17-11 in season openers since 1989. They are 10-1 at home, just 7-9 on the road, and 0-1 in their only other neutral site opener. The Huskies have opened against ranked opponents 12 times since 1994, and are just 5-7 in that run.
This will be Auburn's 3rd appearance in the Chik-Fil-A Kickoff. Auburn is 8-3 all-time vs. the PAC-12, and have a losing record only against USC (1-2). This will be their first contest against a PAC-12 opponent since 2013, a win over Washington State at home. The Tigers are 4-3 in season openers against the PAC-12, but is a perfect 5-0 against the conference in neutral site games.
Auburn is 96-27-2 all-time in conference openers, and have won 10 of their last 12. They are 4-1 in season openers under Gus Malzahn, with the only loss coming to Clemson, who eventually won the national title.
This game has serious playoff implications for later this season.If Washington loses, it can honestly be expected that the PAC-12 could get left out of the playoff once again, even if the Huskies win out. For Auburn, a loss is not as detrimental, but could be damaging.
This will be the first ever meeting of the schools, as they meet up in Atlanta this week. This will mark the second ever neutral site non conference (and non bowl) game for Washington, while Auburn will be playing in their 2nd straight non con or bowl game in Atlanta. Auburn is on a current 2 game losing streak in Atlanta dating back to last season. Auburn was beaten by Georgia in the SEC title game, and by UCF in the Peach Bowl. No other team in history has played 3 straight neutral site games in the same venue.
Washington is 87-35-2 in season openers all-time, while they are 17-11 in season openers since 1989. They are 10-1 at home, just 7-9 on the road, and 0-1 in their only other neutral site opener. The Huskies have opened against ranked opponents 12 times since 1994, and are just 5-7 in that run.
This will be Auburn's 3rd appearance in the Chik-Fil-A Kickoff. Auburn is 8-3 all-time vs. the PAC-12, and have a losing record only against USC (1-2). This will be their first contest against a PAC-12 opponent since 2013, a win over Washington State at home. The Tigers are 4-3 in season openers against the PAC-12, but is a perfect 5-0 against the conference in neutral site games.
Auburn is 96-27-2 all-time in conference openers, and have won 10 of their last 12. They are 4-1 in season openers under Gus Malzahn, with the only loss coming to Clemson, who eventually won the national title.
U Mass at Boston College Game Analytics/History
U Mass vs. Boston College
This is the 27th meeting between the state "rivals", with BC leading the all-time series 21-5-1. U Mass has not beaten the Eagles since 1978, a 27-0 win in Amherst. BC currently has a 5 game winning streak against U Mass dating back to 2004, with the average margin of victory sitting at 22.4 points per game in favor of the Eagles.
This series dates back to 1899, when BC beat the Minutemen 18-0 in Amherst. U Mass has not won in the series since 1978.
U Mass is coming off a 63-15 week zero win over Duquesne last weekend. This is the season opener for Boston College. Legendary head coach Dick MacPherson coached U Mass to a win over Boston College in 1972.
This is the 27th meeting between the state "rivals", with BC leading the all-time series 21-5-1. U Mass has not beaten the Eagles since 1978, a 27-0 win in Amherst. BC currently has a 5 game winning streak against U Mass dating back to 2004, with the average margin of victory sitting at 22.4 points per game in favor of the Eagles.
This series dates back to 1899, when BC beat the Minutemen 18-0 in Amherst. U Mass has not won in the series since 1978.
U Mass is coming off a 63-15 week zero win over Duquesne last weekend. This is the season opener for Boston College. Legendary head coach Dick MacPherson coached U Mass to a win over Boston College in 1972.
Houston at Rice Game Analytics/History
Rice vs. Houston
This is the 42 all-time meeting between the two Houston area schools, with Houston leading the series 30-11 overall. Houston has won 11 of the last 16 meetings, including the last 4. Houston beat Rice 38-3 last season, which was the first meeting between the 2 since 2013, a 31-26 Cougars win over the Owls. This series dates back to 1971, a Houston 23-21 win. They played every season from 1971-1993.
Houston longest winning streak all-time against Rice is 6 games, with a 64-0 win in 1989 coming as their largest margin of victory against the Owls.
Rice is already 1-0 in 2018 after beating Prairie View on a late FG last weekend, 31-28.
This is the 42 all-time meeting between the two Houston area schools, with Houston leading the series 30-11 overall. Houston has won 11 of the last 16 meetings, including the last 4. Houston beat Rice 38-3 last season, which was the first meeting between the 2 since 2013, a 31-26 Cougars win over the Owls. This series dates back to 1971, a Houston 23-21 win. They played every season from 1971-1993.
Houston longest winning streak all-time against Rice is 6 games, with a 64-0 win in 1989 coming as their largest margin of victory against the Owls.
Rice is already 1-0 in 2018 after beating Prairie View on a late FG last weekend, 31-28.
Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech Game Analytics/History
Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech
Ole Miss currently holds a 3-2 lead in the all-time series, with the last meeting occurring in 2009, which ended in an Ole Miss win (47-34). Texas Tech won both meetings in 2002-03, and averaged 40.5 points per game in those wins.
Ole miss won an Independence Bowl over Texas Tech in 1998 (35-18), and won the first ever meeting between the schools in 1986, which was also an Independence Bowl win for the Rebels (20-17).
This will be the first neutral site game for Texas Tech since 1959, when Tech played in Dallas against Texas A&M. Texas Tech played Oklahoma State in 1958 in Oklahoma City.
Texas Tech has outscored their season opener opponents by 28.7 points per game dating back to 2000. This is the first season opener against the SEC for the Red Raiders since 1997, when they took on Tennessee. This is the first Power Five season opener for Tech since 2002.
Ole Miss is 18-3 in their last 21 openers, and has an overall record of 91-27-5 in season openers all-time. Ole Miss is 14-12 all-time against current Big 12 members.
Ole Miss currently holds a 3-2 lead in the all-time series, with the last meeting occurring in 2009, which ended in an Ole Miss win (47-34). Texas Tech won both meetings in 2002-03, and averaged 40.5 points per game in those wins.
Ole miss won an Independence Bowl over Texas Tech in 1998 (35-18), and won the first ever meeting between the schools in 1986, which was also an Independence Bowl win for the Rebels (20-17).
This will be the first neutral site game for Texas Tech since 1959, when Tech played in Dallas against Texas A&M. Texas Tech played Oklahoma State in 1958 in Oklahoma City.
Texas Tech has outscored their season opener opponents by 28.7 points per game dating back to 2000. This is the first season opener against the SEC for the Red Raiders since 1997, when they took on Tennessee. This is the first Power Five season opener for Tech since 2002.
Ole Miss is 18-3 in their last 21 openers, and has an overall record of 91-27-5 in season openers all-time. Ole Miss is 14-12 all-time against current Big 12 members.
Coastal Carolina at South Carolina Game Analytics/History
Coastal Carolina at South Carolina
This will be the second ever meeting between the 2 teams, with South Carolina winning 70-10 in 2013.
Coastal Carolina is 10-5 all-time in season openers, and has won 7 straight. They are 6-4 in road openers.
South Carolina is 15-1 all-time against Sun belt schools, with the lone loss coming against Appalachian State. South Carolina is 8-1 against App State all-time. This will be their first Sun Belt opponent since 2014, when South Carolina defeated South Alabama 37-12. The Gamecocks are currently 17-1 in their last 18 openers. They have not lost an opener since 2014, a loss to Texas A&M.
This will be the second ever meeting between the 2 teams, with South Carolina winning 70-10 in 2013.
Coastal Carolina is 10-5 all-time in season openers, and has won 7 straight. They are 6-4 in road openers.
South Carolina is 15-1 all-time against Sun belt schools, with the lone loss coming against Appalachian State. South Carolina is 8-1 against App State all-time. This will be their first Sun Belt opponent since 2014, when South Carolina defeated South Alabama 37-12. The Gamecocks are currently 17-1 in their last 18 openers. They have not lost an opener since 2014, a loss to Texas A&M.
Texas State at Rutgers Analytics/History
Rutgers at Texas State
This will be the first ever meeting between the schools. Rutgers has won 7 of their last 8 home openers, and has averaged 31.5 points per game in that span. This will be just the second time that Rutgers has opened the season with a home Saturday game since 2004, when they beat Norfolk State.
Texas State has won 2 straight season openers, and is 63-45-3 all-time in season openers. This will be the 3rd meeting between Texas State and a Big 10 opponents, and will be the 3rd road trip opener in 4 years.
This will be the first ever meeting between the schools. Rutgers has won 7 of their last 8 home openers, and has averaged 31.5 points per game in that span. This will be just the second time that Rutgers has opened the season with a home Saturday game since 2004, when they beat Norfolk State.
Texas State has won 2 straight season openers, and is 63-45-3 all-time in season openers. This will be the 3rd meeting between Texas State and a Big 10 opponents, and will be the 3rd road trip opener in 4 years.
Kent State at Illinois Analytics/History
Kent State at Illinois
This will be the second ever meeting between Illinois and Kent State. Illinois won the only meeting 52-3 in 2015. Illinois is 90-33-5 all-time in season openers, and has won 20 straight season openers, one of the 5 best marks in the nation. Illinois is 58-27-4 all-time in home openers.
Illinois last lost a season opener in 2010 against Missouri, and have won 7 straight home openers. They are 25-5 when in August games.
Kent State is just 32-37-3 all-time in season openers, and is just 15-29-2 in season opening road trips. Kent State has not won a season opening game on the road since 2007, a 23-14 win over Iowa State. This will mark the 4th straight road opener for Kent State. Kent State is just 1-16 all-time against current Big 10 members.
This will be the second ever meeting between Illinois and Kent State. Illinois won the only meeting 52-3 in 2015. Illinois is 90-33-5 all-time in season openers, and has won 20 straight season openers, one of the 5 best marks in the nation. Illinois is 58-27-4 all-time in home openers.
Illinois last lost a season opener in 2010 against Missouri, and have won 7 straight home openers. They are 25-5 when in August games.
Kent State is just 32-37-3 all-time in season openers, and is just 15-29-2 in season opening road trips. Kent State has not won a season opening game on the road since 2007, a 23-14 win over Iowa State. This will mark the 4th straight road opener for Kent State. Kent State is just 1-16 all-time against current Big 10 members.
Maryland vs. Texas Analytics
Maryland won their first game in this series in 2017, a 51-41 shocker in Austin, but they still trail Texas 3-1 in the overall series. 2017 was the first meeting in this series since a 1978 Sun Bowl, which ended in a 42-0 Texas win. That was also the last time that Texas has beaten Maryland. Texas won both ends of a home and home in 1959 and 1960.
Texas has never allowed a point when they have beaten the Terrapins. Texas' wins have come by 26-0, 34-0, and 42-0. Texas averages 35.75 points per game all-time vs. Maryland, while Maryland averages 12.75 points per game against Texas, despite putting up 51 on the Longhorns in 2017.
Texas wins against Maryland have a margin of victory averaging 37.33 points per win. Maryland won their lone victory by 10 last season.
Texas, like Ohio State, is 2 wins away from their 900th program win of all-time. Texas is 109-19-3 all-time in season openers. This will be just the 3rd time in 18 years that Texas opens away from Austin. Texas has only opened away from home 17 times in the last 50 years, and are just 9-8 in those road trips. This will be the first of 11 Power 5 opponents for Texas in 2018.
Maryland has won their last 8 season openers, and 12 of the last 13. Maryland has scored at least 50 points in the last 4 season openers, and have won those 12 season openers by an average of 21 points per game. Maryland, however, is just 1-7 when opening against ranked opponents, and Texas is ranked an average of 23rd nationally.
Maryland returns 97% of their total rushing output of last season.
Texas has never allowed a point when they have beaten the Terrapins. Texas' wins have come by 26-0, 34-0, and 42-0. Texas averages 35.75 points per game all-time vs. Maryland, while Maryland averages 12.75 points per game against Texas, despite putting up 51 on the Longhorns in 2017.
Texas wins against Maryland have a margin of victory averaging 37.33 points per win. Maryland won their lone victory by 10 last season.
Texas, like Ohio State, is 2 wins away from their 900th program win of all-time. Texas is 109-19-3 all-time in season openers. This will be just the 3rd time in 18 years that Texas opens away from Austin. Texas has only opened away from home 17 times in the last 50 years, and are just 9-8 in those road trips. This will be the first of 11 Power 5 opponents for Texas in 2018.
Maryland has won their last 8 season openers, and 12 of the last 13. Maryland has scored at least 50 points in the last 4 season openers, and have won those 12 season openers by an average of 21 points per game. Maryland, however, is just 1-7 when opening against ranked opponents, and Texas is ranked an average of 23rd nationally.
Maryland returns 97% of their total rushing output of last season.
FAU vs. Oklahoma Analytics
Saturday will mark the first ever meeting between FAU and Oklahoma. FAU has never beaten a Power 5 opponent.
Oklahoma is 94-23-6 all-time in season openers, and are 76-15-4 all-time in home openers. The last time Oklahoma lost a home opener was in 2005, a 17-10 loss to TCU.
Oklahoma has a seven game win streak when ranked as the #7 team in the nation, their current ranking. They are 23-2 all-time when ranked 7th nationally. They have not lost as the 7th ranked team since 2007.
FAU is on a 10 game winning streak, the 2nd best win streak in the nation currently.
Oklahoma has cored 30 points or more in 23 of their last 24 games, and are 22-2 when doing so during that streak.
Oklahoma is 94-23-6 all-time in season openers, and are 76-15-4 all-time in home openers. The last time Oklahoma lost a home opener was in 2005, a 17-10 loss to TCU.
Oklahoma has a seven game win streak when ranked as the #7 team in the nation, their current ranking. They are 23-2 all-time when ranked 7th nationally. They have not lost as the 7th ranked team since 2007.
FAU is on a 10 game winning streak, the 2nd best win streak in the nation currently.
Oklahoma has cored 30 points or more in 23 of their last 24 games, and are 22-2 when doing so during that streak.
Oregon State vs. Ohio State Analytics
Oregon State and Ohio State will meet for just the 3rd time ever this Saturday afternoon in Columbus. Ohio State holds a 2-0 lead in the series, and has never played in Corvallis, with both meeting occurring in Columbus. This is the first meeting of the programs since 1984, a 22-14 Buckeyes win. The first meeting occurred in 1974, a 51-10 Ohio State win.
Ohio State averages 36.5 points per game against Oregon State, while the Beavers average just 12 points per game against the Buckeyes. The average margin of victory has been 24.5 points per game over 2 games for Ohio State. They are 36 point favorites this weekend.
Ohio State will be coached by Ryan Day as this is the first of 3 games that Urban Meyer will have been suspended.
Ohio State is 2 games shy of their 900th program victory. They would become the second program in college football with 900 wins.
Ohio State has won every season opener since 2000, and has won 37 of the last 39 season openers. The Buckeyes average 49.6 points per game in season openers since 2012, and has scored 34 points or more in each of those games. Ohio State has won 31 consecutive season openers in Columbus.
Oregon State coach Jonathon Smith is in his first season as head coach with the Beavers. He finished 3-1 against Big 10 teams as OC at Washington.
This is the 16th time that Oregon State will open against a top 25 team.
Ohio State averages 36.5 points per game against Oregon State, while the Beavers average just 12 points per game against the Buckeyes. The average margin of victory has been 24.5 points per game over 2 games for Ohio State. They are 36 point favorites this weekend.
Ohio State will be coached by Ryan Day as this is the first of 3 games that Urban Meyer will have been suspended.
Ohio State is 2 games shy of their 900th program victory. They would become the second program in college football with 900 wins.
Ohio State has won every season opener since 2000, and has won 37 of the last 39 season openers. The Buckeyes average 49.6 points per game in season openers since 2012, and has scored 34 points or more in each of those games. Ohio State has won 31 consecutive season openers in Columbus.
Oregon State coach Jonathon Smith is in his first season as head coach with the Beavers. He finished 3-1 against Big 10 teams as OC at Washington.
This is the 16th time that Oregon State will open against a top 25 team.
Colorado vs. Colorado State Analytics
Friday night marks the 90th meeting between Colorado and Colorado State, a tilt that will take place once again in Denver. Colorado leads the all-time series 65-22-2, with the Buffs winning the last 3 games in the series, including a 17-3 win in 2017.
The two sides did not meet between 1958 and 1982, did not meet in 1984, and had two other hiatus periods, but have played now every season since 1995. During the current run (1995-2017), Colorado has won 15 times, with CSU winning 9 times. CSU last won a game in the series in 2014, a 31-17 win for the Rams.
Colorado has won 11 of the 17 meetings between the schools at Mile High Stadium in Denver.
In 2020, the schools will go back to a home and home format, and will be playing these games in Boulder and Fort Collins.
Colorado is 3-3-1 in games played in August all-time. The series is tied at 2 in games played in August.
Colorado is just 19-21-1 all-time playing in NFL venues.
Colorado State is coming off a 43-34 loss to Hawaii in zero week, a game in which the Rams were favored to win by double digits. They were down 37-7 before starting a rally that fell well short.
This will be just the 2nd time in CSU history that the Rams will have played twice in August, the first time coming in 2002, when CSU defeated Virginia and Colorado. The Rams are 8-3 all-time in the month of August.
The two sides did not meet between 1958 and 1982, did not meet in 1984, and had two other hiatus periods, but have played now every season since 1995. During the current run (1995-2017), Colorado has won 15 times, with CSU winning 9 times. CSU last won a game in the series in 2014, a 31-17 win for the Rams.
Colorado has won 11 of the 17 meetings between the schools at Mile High Stadium in Denver.
In 2020, the schools will go back to a home and home format, and will be playing these games in Boulder and Fort Collins.
Colorado is 3-3-1 in games played in August all-time. The series is tied at 2 in games played in August.
Colorado is just 19-21-1 all-time playing in NFL venues.
Colorado State is coming off a 43-34 loss to Hawaii in zero week, a game in which the Rams were favored to win by double digits. They were down 37-7 before starting a rally that fell well short.
This will be just the 2nd time in CSU history that the Rams will have played twice in August, the first time coming in 2002, when CSU defeated Virginia and Colorado. The Rams are 8-3 all-time in the month of August.
San Diego State vs. Stanford Analytics
Stanford leads the all-time series 3-2, but SDSU is coming off of their second win in the series in 2017, a 20-17 chippy contest in San Diego.
Rashaad Penny is gone for San Diego State at RB, but Juwan Washington should be the next in a line of great backs at SDSU, and is fully capable of having a huge game against the Cardinal.
Bryce Love is the player to watch for Stanford Friday night, as he begins what should be a Heisman campaign for the 2018 season as a senior.
Last season was the first meeting in this series since 1988, which capped off a 3 year run in the series that saw Stanford take 3 straight from the Aztecs under then head coach Jack Elway. San Diego State won the series opener in 1985, a 41-22 Aztec win.
Both football teams will try to establish run games early, and this will likely turn into a defensive dog fight. Stanford was burning after the loss to the Aztecs last season, and revenge is on the mind. Still, SDSU is highly capable of pulling the upset once again with a sound rushing attack and a defense that is severely underrated nationally.
Rashaad Penny is gone for San Diego State at RB, but Juwan Washington should be the next in a line of great backs at SDSU, and is fully capable of having a huge game against the Cardinal.
Bryce Love is the player to watch for Stanford Friday night, as he begins what should be a Heisman campaign for the 2018 season as a senior.
Last season was the first meeting in this series since 1988, which capped off a 3 year run in the series that saw Stanford take 3 straight from the Aztecs under then head coach Jack Elway. San Diego State won the series opener in 1985, a 41-22 Aztec win.
Both football teams will try to establish run games early, and this will likely turn into a defensive dog fight. Stanford was burning after the loss to the Aztecs last season, and revenge is on the mind. Still, SDSU is highly capable of pulling the upset once again with a sound rushing attack and a defense that is severely underrated nationally.
Wisconsin vs. Western Kentucky Analytics
There is not a lot of information in this series, as the teams met only one time, a Wisconsin 24-6 win in 2001, when Barry Alvarez and Jack Harbaugh were still coaching these respective programs.
Wisconsin is a legitimate Big 10 title contender, and has a real shot of making the college football playoff if they can win out in 2018. Western Kentucky is not nearly in as fortunate a position, as the needle is trending down on the WKU program under Mike Sanford, who scrapped the highly successful spread offense for a more traditional approach, and that has slowed down production at WKU immensely.
Wisconsin likely rolls at home Friday night, as this should not be much of a battle.
Wisconsin is a legitimate Big 10 title contender, and has a real shot of making the college football playoff if they can win out in 2018. Western Kentucky is not nearly in as fortunate a position, as the needle is trending down on the WKU program under Mike Sanford, who scrapped the highly successful spread offense for a more traditional approach, and that has slowed down production at WKU immensely.
Wisconsin likely rolls at home Friday night, as this should not be much of a battle.
Army vs. Duke Analytics
Army and Duke meet for the 26th time on Friday night, with Duke leading the series 13-11-1.
This is the 4th straight year that Army and Duke will face off, with Duke winning 2 of the 3 meetings in the current run. Army won last season, 21-16 in West Point, with Duke winning 3 of the prior 4 meetings. The series dates back to 1944, when Army won 27-7. The Black Knights won the first 6 games in this series from 1944 through 1959. The lone tie in the series occurred in 1979.
Duke is averaging just 24.33 points per game in the current 3 game series, while Army is averaging just 10 points per game against Duke over the same time frame.
Duke is 9-3 over the last 12 meetings against Army.
Army is coming off of their first 10 win season since 1995, while Duke won just 5 games a year ago.
This is the 4th straight year that Army and Duke will face off, with Duke winning 2 of the 3 meetings in the current run. Army won last season, 21-16 in West Point, with Duke winning 3 of the prior 4 meetings. The series dates back to 1944, when Army won 27-7. The Black Knights won the first 6 games in this series from 1944 through 1959. The lone tie in the series occurred in 1979.
Duke is averaging just 24.33 points per game in the current 3 game series, while Army is averaging just 10 points per game against Duke over the same time frame.
Duke is 9-3 over the last 12 meetings against Army.
Army is coming off of their first 10 win season since 1995, while Duke won just 5 games a year ago.
Utah State vs. Michigan State Analytics
This will be the first ever meeting between Utah State and Michigan State on Friday night.
For the Aggies, this will be their 7th road opener in the last 10 seasons, and will be the 61st road opener in school history. It will be the second straight Big 10 road opener for the Aggies, as they lost to Wisconsin in Madison last season after possessing a 10-0 lead at one point.
Utah State returns 18 total starters this season, but Michigan State returns 19 starters of their own. USU returns 26 players who have starting experience overall. USU finished 6th in the nation with 29 forced fumbles last season, and finished second nationally with 16 fumble recoveries.
Michigan State is 10-1 in season openers under Mark Dantonio, and have won 19 straight home openers, and they are 100-21 all-time in season openers.
The Spartans are trying for their 6th double digit win total season in 8 years.
For the Aggies, this will be their 7th road opener in the last 10 seasons, and will be the 61st road opener in school history. It will be the second straight Big 10 road opener for the Aggies, as they lost to Wisconsin in Madison last season after possessing a 10-0 lead at one point.
Utah State returns 18 total starters this season, but Michigan State returns 19 starters of their own. USU returns 26 players who have starting experience overall. USU finished 6th in the nation with 29 forced fumbles last season, and finished second nationally with 16 fumble recoveries.
Michigan State is 10-1 in season openers under Mark Dantonio, and have won 19 straight home openers, and they are 100-21 all-time in season openers.
The Spartans are trying for their 6th double digit win total season in 8 years.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Syracuse vs. Western Michigan Analytics
This will be the first ever meeting between Syracuse and Western Michigan on Friday night. This will be the first game of a home and home, with WMU heading to Syracuse in 2019.
Syracuse has won 4 straight season openers dating to 2014, and they are 82-42-4 in season openers all-time. The current win streak has included all home games for the Orange, and all 4 wins came against FCS opponents.
Syracuse's last season opening defeat came away from the Carrier Dome, a 2013 loss to Penn State on a neutral field. Syracuse has not played a true road opener since 2010, a win over Akron. Syracuse is 6-4 in their last 10 season openers, but have won 6 of their last 8.
This is the 7th time since 2000 that Syracuse will have played in the month of August, and the Orange have performed poorly in that stretch, going just 1-5.
Syracuse has won their last 4 season openers against MAC opponents, and are 4-2 in season openers against the MAC all-time, with losses to Bowling Green in 1973 and 1976.
Syracuse is 11-21 all-time in true road openers, and 12-24 in total road openers.
Western Michigan has opened against a Power 5 school every season since 2005, and this is the second time in 4 years the Broncos will have hosted a P5 team in their opener. They last hosted Michigan State in 2015.
Despite a rough start, WMU won 4 of their final 6 games last season to finish 6-6.
The Broncos are just 1-6 all-time against ACC schools, beating Virginia in their lone win against the conference in 2006.
Jon Wassink returns at QB after a knee injury ended a promising season early in 2017. Tim Lester will be calling his own plays this season.
Syracuse has won 4 straight season openers dating to 2014, and they are 82-42-4 in season openers all-time. The current win streak has included all home games for the Orange, and all 4 wins came against FCS opponents.
Syracuse's last season opening defeat came away from the Carrier Dome, a 2013 loss to Penn State on a neutral field. Syracuse has not played a true road opener since 2010, a win over Akron. Syracuse is 6-4 in their last 10 season openers, but have won 6 of their last 8.
This is the 7th time since 2000 that Syracuse will have played in the month of August, and the Orange have performed poorly in that stretch, going just 1-5.
Syracuse has won their last 4 season openers against MAC opponents, and are 4-2 in season openers against the MAC all-time, with losses to Bowling Green in 1973 and 1976.
Syracuse is 11-21 all-time in true road openers, and 12-24 in total road openers.
Western Michigan has opened against a Power 5 school every season since 2005, and this is the second time in 4 years the Broncos will have hosted a P5 team in their opener. They last hosted Michigan State in 2015.
Despite a rough start, WMU won 4 of their final 6 games last season to finish 6-6.
The Broncos are just 1-6 all-time against ACC schools, beating Virginia in their lone win against the conference in 2006.
Jon Wassink returns at QB after a knee injury ended a promising season early in 2017. Tim Lester will be calling his own plays this season.
Wake Forest vs. Tulane Analytics
Wake Forest and Tulane meet for just the 4th time Thursday, with Tulane leading the series at 2-1. Wake Forest is coming off of their first win in the series in 2017, a 7-3 snorefest at home.
Last season was the first meeting between the two since 1995, which was a Tulane 35-9 win in New Orleans. The first ever meeting came in 1959, a 6-0 Tulane win, also in New Orleans.
Obviously, Tulane is 2-0 at home against Wake Forest all-time, while Wake Forest won the only game in Winston-Salem last season.
With the exception of the 1995 game, these games have been low scoring and close, with only the '95 game ending with a double digit differential. All other games came in at 10 total points or lower.
Sam Hartman, a freshman, gets the nod at QB for Wake Forest this week. Jonathon Banks is under center for Tulane.
Last season was the first meeting between the two since 1995, which was a Tulane 35-9 win in New Orleans. The first ever meeting came in 1959, a 6-0 Tulane win, also in New Orleans.
Obviously, Tulane is 2-0 at home against Wake Forest all-time, while Wake Forest won the only game in Winston-Salem last season.
With the exception of the 1995 game, these games have been low scoring and close, with only the '95 game ending with a double digit differential. All other games came in at 10 total points or lower.
Sam Hartman, a freshman, gets the nod at QB for Wake Forest this week. Jonathon Banks is under center for Tulane.
Northwestern vs. Purdue Analytics
Northwestern and Purdue will be meeting for the 82nd time Thursday night in Indiana, with Purdue leading the all-time series with a record of 50-31-1. Northwestern currently holds a 4 game winning streak against the Boilermakers dating back to 2014 season. Northwestern won in '14 38-14, in '15 21-14, in '16 45-17, and last season 23-13.
Prior to this 4 game run, the teams had not played since 2010, when Purdue beat Northwestern 20-17. Northwestern has won 8 of the last 11 meetings against Purdue, but prior to that, Purdue had won 22 of 25 meetings between 1967 and 1991. Prior to 1967, the teams had not met since 1958.
The first meeting between the schools came in 1895, which Northwestern won 24-6.
The current 4 game win streak is the longest that the Wildcats have held in the series. Purdue once won 12 straight in this series, from 1976-1987.
Northwestern's average victory total per game in the current streak has been 17.25 points per win differential.
Clayton Thorson is healthy for this opener after ending 2017 with an injury, but has not been named the clear starter as of yet at QB for Northwestern.
Elijah Sindelar and David Blough are still neck and neck for Purdue in their QB race.
Prior to this 4 game run, the teams had not played since 2010, when Purdue beat Northwestern 20-17. Northwestern has won 8 of the last 11 meetings against Purdue, but prior to that, Purdue had won 22 of 25 meetings between 1967 and 1991. Prior to 1967, the teams had not met since 1958.
The first meeting between the schools came in 1895, which Northwestern won 24-6.
The current 4 game win streak is the longest that the Wildcats have held in the series. Purdue once won 12 straight in this series, from 1976-1987.
Northwestern's average victory total per game in the current streak has been 17.25 points per win differential.
Clayton Thorson is healthy for this opener after ending 2017 with an injury, but has not been named the clear starter as of yet at QB for Northwestern.
Elijah Sindelar and David Blough are still neck and neck for Purdue in their QB race.
New Mexico State vs. Minnesota Analytics
New Mexico State and Minnesota have played just 2 times prior to their Thursday meeting, with the series tied at 1-1. The first ever meeting occurred in 2011, with New Mexico State winning on the road 28-21. Minnesota traveled to Las Cruces in 2013, and came away with a 44-21 win over the Aggies.
Obviously, neither team has won in the home of the other, with both teams scoring road wins in this series.
NMSU is coming off a 29-7 week zero loss to Wyoming, while Minnesota will be playing their season opener.
Minnesota will be starting a freshman walk on at QB, while New Mexico State heads into week 2 with new starters at QB, RB, and WR who all saw action last week.
The Gophers finished 5-7 last season in year one under PJ Fleck, while NMSU finished 7-6 with a win over Utah State in the New Mexico Bowl.
Obviously, neither team has won in the home of the other, with both teams scoring road wins in this series.
NMSU is coming off a 29-7 week zero loss to Wyoming, while Minnesota will be playing their season opener.
Minnesota will be starting a freshman walk on at QB, while New Mexico State heads into week 2 with new starters at QB, RB, and WR who all saw action last week.
The Gophers finished 5-7 last season in year one under PJ Fleck, while NMSU finished 7-6 with a win over Utah State in the New Mexico Bowl.
UCF vs. U Conn Analytics
Here is some baseline info on the series played between UCF and U Conn, as they meet up again tomorrow night in Storrs, CT:
UCF leads the all-time series at just 3-2, with the Knights winning the last two games, including a 49-24 win in Orlando last season. UCF beat U Conn in Storrs in 2016 24-16. U Conn had won the previous 2 meetings before that, with UCF taking the series opener 62-17 in 2013.
UCF is coming off of their unbeaten season in 2017 at 13-0, while U Conn finished 3-9.
UCF is 1-1 all-time in Storrs against U Conn, and is 2-1 against U Conn in Orlando.
UCF leads the all-time series at just 3-2, with the Knights winning the last two games, including a 49-24 win in Orlando last season. UCF beat U Conn in Storrs in 2016 24-16. U Conn had won the previous 2 meetings before that, with UCF taking the series opener 62-17 in 2013.
UCF is coming off of their unbeaten season in 2017 at 13-0, while U Conn finished 3-9.
UCF is 1-1 all-time in Storrs against U Conn, and is 2-1 against U Conn in Orlando.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Alabama vs. Louisville Depth Charts
Here are your depth charts for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Louisville Cardinals:
Louisville Cardinals
http://collegepressbox.com/media/acc/louisville/18gameday/180901louisville_dc.pdf
Alabama Crimson Tide
http://collegepressbox.com/media/sec/alabama/18gameday/180901alabama_dc.pdf
Louisville Cardinals
http://collegepressbox.com/media/acc/louisville/18gameday/180901louisville_dc.pdf
Alabama Crimson Tide
http://collegepressbox.com/media/sec/alabama/18gameday/180901alabama_dc.pdf
Clemson vs. Furman Depth Charts
Here are your depth charts for the game between the Clemson Tigers and the Furman Paladins this week:
Clemson Tigers
http://collegepressbox.com/media/acc/clemson/18gameday/180901clemson_dc.pdf
Furman Paladins
http://collegepressbox.com/media/fcs/furman/18gameday/180901furman_dc.pdf
Clemson is 42-10-4 all-time against Furman.
Clemson Tigers
http://collegepressbox.com/media/acc/clemson/18gameday/180901clemson_dc.pdf
Furman Paladins
http://collegepressbox.com/media/fcs/furman/18gameday/180901furman_dc.pdf
Clemson is 42-10-4 all-time against Furman.
Tulane vs. Wake Forest Depth Charts
Here are your game depth charts for Tulane vs. Wake Forest:
Tulane Green Wave
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/tulane/18gameday/180830tulane_dc.pdf
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
http://collegepressbox.com/media/acc/wakeforest/18gameday/180830wfu_dc.pdf
Tulane Green Wave
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/tulane/18gameday/180830tulane_dc.pdf
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
http://collegepressbox.com/media/acc/wakeforest/18gameday/180830wfu_dc.pdf
SMU vs. North Texas Depth Charts
Here are your depth charts for SMU vs. North Texas this week:
SMU Mustangs
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/smu/18gameday/180901smu_dc.pdf
North Texas Eagles
http://collegepressbox.com/media/cusa/northtexas/18gameday/180901unt_dc.pdf
SMU Mustangs
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/smu/18gameday/180901smu_dc.pdf
North Texas Eagles
http://collegepressbox.com/media/cusa/northtexas/18gameday/180901unt_dc.pdf
Navy vs. Hawaii Depth Charts
Here are your updated depth charts for Navy vs. Hawaii Saturday night:
Navy Midshipmen Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/navy/18gameday/180901navy_dc.pdf
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/hawaii/18gameday/180901hawaii_dc.pdf
Navy Midshipmen Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/navy/18gameday/180901navy_dc.pdf
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/hawaii/18gameday/180901hawaii_dc.pdf
East Carolina vs, North Carolina A&T Depth Charts
Here are your depth charts for East Carolina vs. North Carolina A&T. This is the first ever meeting between the schools:
East Carolina Pirates Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/eastcarolina/18gameday/180901ecu_dc.pdf
North Carolina A&T Aggies Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/fcs/ncat/18gameday/180901ncat_dc.pdf
East Carolina Pirates Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/eastcarolina/18gameday/180901ecu_dc.pdf
North Carolina A&T Aggies Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/fcs/ncat/18gameday/180901ncat_dc.pdf
UCF vs. U Conn Depth Charts
Here are your season opening depth charts for UCF vs. U Conn:
U Conn Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/connecticut/18gameday/180830uconn_dc.pdf
UCF Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/ucf/18gameday/180830ucf_dc.pdf
U Conn Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/connecticut/18gameday/180830uconn_dc.pdf
UCF Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/american/ucf/18gameday/180830ucf_dc.pdf
Monday, August 27, 2018
College Football New Head Coaches Preview: Billy Napier, Louisiana
Billy Napier, Louisiana
Napier is young, and at 39, is taking on his first head coaching gig. Although he is young, he has some experience working with the top coaches in the game, including Nick Saban at Alabama. He worked for Todd Graham as OC/QB coach at Arizona State last season, and was the WR coach for Saban at Alabama from 2013-16, and also served as an analyst under Jim McElwain at Alabama in 2011 before following McElwain from Alabama to Colorado State to work as Assistant Head Coach/QB coach at Colorado State in 2012. From 2006-08, he worked at Clemson as TE coach and recruiting coordinator, and then moved up to OC/QB coach in 2009-10. He served as QB coach at South Carolina State in 2005 after serving 2003-04 as a GA, also at Clemson.
Napier has a solid resume working with some of the best in the game. He now gets a shot to show what he has learned in that time in his first shot at being a head coach at Louisiana, which has had some success over the years, but fell stagnant recently. With his mental approach to offense, and his overall program experience, he should do well here before moving on to a higher profile job in a couple of years.
Louisiana opens the season against Grambling this Saturday. A win should be in order.
Napier is young, and at 39, is taking on his first head coaching gig. Although he is young, he has some experience working with the top coaches in the game, including Nick Saban at Alabama. He worked for Todd Graham as OC/QB coach at Arizona State last season, and was the WR coach for Saban at Alabama from 2013-16, and also served as an analyst under Jim McElwain at Alabama in 2011 before following McElwain from Alabama to Colorado State to work as Assistant Head Coach/QB coach at Colorado State in 2012. From 2006-08, he worked at Clemson as TE coach and recruiting coordinator, and then moved up to OC/QB coach in 2009-10. He served as QB coach at South Carolina State in 2005 after serving 2003-04 as a GA, also at Clemson.
Napier has a solid resume working with some of the best in the game. He now gets a shot to show what he has learned in that time in his first shot at being a head coach at Louisiana, which has had some success over the years, but fell stagnant recently. With his mental approach to offense, and his overall program experience, he should do well here before moving on to a higher profile job in a couple of years.
Louisiana opens the season against Grambling this Saturday. A win should be in order.
College Football New Head Coaches Preview: Sean Lewis, Kent State
Sean Lewis, Kent State
In my opinion, this may have been one of the worst hires of the 2018 carousel season. Lewis is coming off of a stint as Co-OC at Syracuse, where he has coached under Dino Babers for the last 2 seasons. He worked with Babers as Co-OC with Babers at Bowling Green as well for one season, and worked on the same staff as WR coach in 2014. He also worked with Babers as WR/TE coach at Eastern Illinois in 2012-13.
The only time that Lewis was an actual full OC was at Richards High School in 2007-09, and he was in his early 20s then. He is just 32 years old, and has never been a head coach before, and has never had a full coordinators post in the college game.
Kent State is simply too damaged a program to hand over to someone with no head coaching experience, and to someone who has had limited experience overall. My hopes are with him that he can shock everyone and get this done, but if Paul Haynes couldn't do it, that could spell disaster here. Kent State has long been a head coaching graveyard, so good luck.
Kent State opens at Illinois this week.
In my opinion, this may have been one of the worst hires of the 2018 carousel season. Lewis is coming off of a stint as Co-OC at Syracuse, where he has coached under Dino Babers for the last 2 seasons. He worked with Babers as Co-OC with Babers at Bowling Green as well for one season, and worked on the same staff as WR coach in 2014. He also worked with Babers as WR/TE coach at Eastern Illinois in 2012-13.
The only time that Lewis was an actual full OC was at Richards High School in 2007-09, and he was in his early 20s then. He is just 32 years old, and has never been a head coach before, and has never had a full coordinators post in the college game.
Kent State is simply too damaged a program to hand over to someone with no head coaching experience, and to someone who has had limited experience overall. My hopes are with him that he can shock everyone and get this done, but if Paul Haynes couldn't do it, that could spell disaster here. Kent State has long been a head coaching graveyard, so good luck.
Kent State opens at Illinois this week.
College Football New Head Coaches Preview: Chad Lunsford, Georgia Southern
Chad Lunsford, Georgia Southern
Lunsford was promoted as interim head coach half way through the 2017 football season when Tyson Summers was fired from a job that, in hindsight, he never really was qualified for. The Eagles were winless when Lunsford was promoted, and he finished the season 2-4, which was respectable, being what the Eagles had been to that point.
He had the support from his players, and from the administration, and so the expectations are that he will have what it takes to get the job done, even though he was part of the staff that could not get it done before.
This is his first head coaching job, as he has been a college assistant with stops at Appalchian State, Griffin High School, Georgia Military, and Georgia Southern.
Currently, this is his second stop at GSU, as he was an assistant there from 2003-2005 as a slot back coach. His current stint began in 2013.
Georgia Southern opens the season at home this week against South Carolina State.
Lunsford was promoted as interim head coach half way through the 2017 football season when Tyson Summers was fired from a job that, in hindsight, he never really was qualified for. The Eagles were winless when Lunsford was promoted, and he finished the season 2-4, which was respectable, being what the Eagles had been to that point.
He had the support from his players, and from the administration, and so the expectations are that he will have what it takes to get the job done, even though he was part of the staff that could not get it done before.
This is his first head coaching job, as he has been a college assistant with stops at Appalchian State, Griffin High School, Georgia Military, and Georgia Southern.
Currently, this is his second stop at GSU, as he was an assistant there from 2003-2005 as a slot back coach. His current stint began in 2013.
Georgia Southern opens the season at home this week against South Carolina State.
College Football New Head Coaches Preview: Willie Taggart, Florida State
Willie Taggart, Florida State
The proverbial son returns, as Taggart gets his dream job with FSU. A lifelong fan, Taggart could not say no to the Seminoles, despite only having been at Oregon for one season when the call came. The Bradenton native is known as a program builder. He has taken over jobs where he found programs in the sewer (Western Kentucky, USF) and turned them into big time winners inside of 5 years. Florida State has a better cupboard than he found those jobs to have had, so this should not be as much a stretch.
Taggart took WKU from a 2-10 team in his first season, to a 7 win team in years 2 and 3, with a bowl trip in year 3. He took USF from a 2 win team in his first year in Tampa, to a 4 win team in year 2, and an 8 win team in year 3. USF won 10 games in his final season there.
Oregon had won 4 games the year before Taggart arrived in Eugene, and the took them to 7 wins and a bowl game in his lone season with the Ducks.
His overall record is just 46-50, but when you look at the ability to program build, which he has had to do at 2 of 3 previous jobs, he is the master at taking a team from being a dumpster fire to becoming a model of consistency and improvement.
There is absolutely zero reason to believe that Taggart cannot compete and win big with the resources he will have at FSU.
The Seminoles open September 8th against Samford, and a win is in order.
The proverbial son returns, as Taggart gets his dream job with FSU. A lifelong fan, Taggart could not say no to the Seminoles, despite only having been at Oregon for one season when the call came. The Bradenton native is known as a program builder. He has taken over jobs where he found programs in the sewer (Western Kentucky, USF) and turned them into big time winners inside of 5 years. Florida State has a better cupboard than he found those jobs to have had, so this should not be as much a stretch.
Taggart took WKU from a 2-10 team in his first season, to a 7 win team in years 2 and 3, with a bowl trip in year 3. He took USF from a 2 win team in his first year in Tampa, to a 4 win team in year 2, and an 8 win team in year 3. USF won 10 games in his final season there.
Oregon had won 4 games the year before Taggart arrived in Eugene, and the took them to 7 wins and a bowl game in his lone season with the Ducks.
His overall record is just 46-50, but when you look at the ability to program build, which he has had to do at 2 of 3 previous jobs, he is the master at taking a team from being a dumpster fire to becoming a model of consistency and improvement.
There is absolutely zero reason to believe that Taggart cannot compete and win big with the resources he will have at FSU.
The Seminoles open September 8th against Samford, and a win is in order.
College Football New Head Coaches Preview: Dan Mullen, Florida
Dan Mullen, Florida
Mullen is no stranger to Florida football, as he was the OC/QB coach when Tim Tebow was running the game at QB for the Gators. Mullen also worked under Urban Meyer at Utah and Bowling Green as QB coach, and spent time as a grad assistant at both Syracuse and Notre Dame before that. He also coached receivers at both Wagner and Columbia.
What you have to look at is bowl records when it comes to Mullen. He is 6-2 in bowls while head coach at Mississippi State, and had an overall mark of 69-46 in Starkville, and that is not an easy thing to do.
Mullen knows the culture at Florida well, and he understands the expectations. Don't be shocked to see him pushing for SEC East titles inside of 2 seasons, and some expect that this season, which I think is overkill.
Florida opens the season at home against Charleston Southern, which is just another example of putrid SEC scheduling.
Mullen is no stranger to Florida football, as he was the OC/QB coach when Tim Tebow was running the game at QB for the Gators. Mullen also worked under Urban Meyer at Utah and Bowling Green as QB coach, and spent time as a grad assistant at both Syracuse and Notre Dame before that. He also coached receivers at both Wagner and Columbia.
What you have to look at is bowl records when it comes to Mullen. He is 6-2 in bowls while head coach at Mississippi State, and had an overall mark of 69-46 in Starkville, and that is not an easy thing to do.
Mullen knows the culture at Florida well, and he understands the expectations. Don't be shocked to see him pushing for SEC East titles inside of 2 seasons, and some expect that this season, which I think is overkill.
Florida opens the season at home against Charleston Southern, which is just another example of putrid SEC scheduling.
College Football New Head Coaches Preview: Chad Morris, Arkansas
Chad Morris, Arkansas
Give Morris some credit for getting SMU back to respectability, but he did not blow the roof off the joint, and never got close to winning a divisional title or conference title in the AAC.
Morris was hired away from Clemson when he was the OC for the Tigers to get SMU football rolling, but his overall college coaching record of just 14-22 does not get the job done at a school desperate to become competitive in the SEC West, as they have watched the upper level schools in their division (Alabama, Auburn) run away from the pack.
Morris was a high school coaching legend when hired by Tulsa to be their OC, and had some credible successes as a coordinator. He needs to show now that he can be who people believe him to be at Arkansas, or else his head coaching career could come to an abrupt full stop.
Arkansas opens with Eastern Illinois at home this week.
Give Morris some credit for getting SMU back to respectability, but he did not blow the roof off the joint, and never got close to winning a divisional title or conference title in the AAC.
Morris was hired away from Clemson when he was the OC for the Tigers to get SMU football rolling, but his overall college coaching record of just 14-22 does not get the job done at a school desperate to become competitive in the SEC West, as they have watched the upper level schools in their division (Alabama, Auburn) run away from the pack.
Morris was a high school coaching legend when hired by Tulsa to be their OC, and had some credible successes as a coordinator. He needs to show now that he can be who people believe him to be at Arkansas, or else his head coaching career could come to an abrupt full stop.
Arkansas opens with Eastern Illinois at home this week.
College Football New Head Coaches Preview: Herm Edwards, Arizona State
Herm Edwards, Arizona State
This begins only the second ever appearance as a college coach for Edwards, who last coached in the college game at San Jose State as a DB coach in 1989. He has 8 seasons experience as a head coach in the NFL, where he was fired twice, both by the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs, and he has not coached since 2008.
This was a highly scoffed at hire for a school of the stature of ASU, and they could have had Sumlin in the weeks moving up to this hiring. His record as an NFL head coach is 56-78.
Arizona State hosts UTSA Saturday night in Tempe, and the Roadrunners will be upset minded.
This begins only the second ever appearance as a college coach for Edwards, who last coached in the college game at San Jose State as a DB coach in 1989. He has 8 seasons experience as a head coach in the NFL, where he was fired twice, both by the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs, and he has not coached since 2008.
This was a highly scoffed at hire for a school of the stature of ASU, and they could have had Sumlin in the weeks moving up to this hiring. His record as an NFL head coach is 56-78.
Arizona State hosts UTSA Saturday night in Tempe, and the Roadrunners will be upset minded.
College Football New Head Coaches Preview: Kevin Sumlin, Arizona
Kevin Sumlin, Arizona
This marks Sumlin's 3rd stop as a head coach in FBS football, as he has worked at both Houston and Texas A&M on his way to Arizona. Sumlin was highly successful at Houston, but fell short of expectations at Texas A&M, and had his share of issues while in College Station, which led to the departures of several players via transfer.
He won 10 or more games twice in 4 years with Houston, and finished with a 35-17 record. He won 12 games in his first year at A&M, and 9 games in year 2, but never again won more than 8 games, and lost 5 games in each of his final 4 seasons, never winning more than 8. At some programs, that would work, but not at A&M, and not in the upper echelon of the SEC, which is where the Aggies want to be.
Sumlin should be a breath of fresh air at Arizona, after the off-field shenanigans of Rich Rodriguez, who in hindsight, never should have ever left West Virginia.
Arizona opens Saturday against BYU.
This marks Sumlin's 3rd stop as a head coach in FBS football, as he has worked at both Houston and Texas A&M on his way to Arizona. Sumlin was highly successful at Houston, but fell short of expectations at Texas A&M, and had his share of issues while in College Station, which led to the departures of several players via transfer.
He won 10 or more games twice in 4 years with Houston, and finished with a 35-17 record. He won 12 games in his first year at A&M, and 9 games in year 2, but never again won more than 8 games, and lost 5 games in each of his final 4 seasons, never winning more than 8. At some programs, that would work, but not at A&M, and not in the upper echelon of the SEC, which is where the Aggies want to be.
Sumlin should be a breath of fresh air at Arizona, after the off-field shenanigans of Rich Rodriguez, who in hindsight, never should have ever left West Virginia.
Arizona opens Saturday against BYU.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
College Football Week Zero: What We Learned
On the surface, we did not learn a lot. There were no active Power 5 programs for the first time in 3 years, and so we were left with an even split between Group of 5 games and FCS opponents. Here were my brief observations from the weekend that opened (officially, anyway) the college football season:
Duquesne has no good reason to take on FBS opponents.
The Dukes played just their second all-time game against FBS competition, and looked completely lost against U Mass in Amherst. The Minutemen broke loose for a 21-3 lead before the game was even clicking minutes off the clock in the 2nd quarter, and Andy Isabella, the best receiver you have never heard of, had already scored twice.
Duquesne plays in the Northeast Conference, and it is not the cream of the crop of the FCS ranks. This kind of game did nothing but to demolish the confidence of the Dukes.
For U Mass, on the other hand, it propped up a fast start for a team that is coming off a strong ending to 2017. U Mass rarely gets the ability to start fast, so this game was massively important for them to get off to a great start. Mission accomplished.
Mike Bloomgren won't fix Rice overnight.
Bloomgren ran a pro offense at Stanford, but he has an empty cupboard at Rice after the administration there held onto former coach David Bailiff 2 years too long. Rice barely escaped with their lives in a last second win over Prairie View A&M of the worst conference in FCS football, the SWAC.
Rice trailed this game by 9 in the 3rd quarter before rallying for the win, but it never should have gotten to that point. Rice is still bad...for now.
Maybe Hawaii is better than all of us thought, or maybe Colorado State is just that bad.
I understand that Mike Bobo was in the hospital all week, and was coaching from the press box, but Colorado State, who I already had seriously low expectations for, looked abysmal for 3 quarters against a Hawaii team that came out of nowhere with their new Run and Shoot offense, and torched the Rams.
Cole McDonald, out of La Mirada, California, wrecked the Rams secondary for 418 yards passing and 3 scores, and ran for another 92 yards and 2 more scores.
I still think that Hawaii is going to hit some bumps along the way this season, but the Rams looked worse than my minimal expectations had them at. That's a terrible look for a constant underachieving program.
Wyoming is a more focused football team without Josh Allen.
The Cowboys looked as focused as I have seen them on both sides of the football in some time. Last season, Allen always had one foot out the door for the NFL, and he mailed it in all year. They don't have to worry about that anymore.
The defense for the Cowboys is one of the best in the nation, and they did not allow a point until less than 2 minutes remained on the road last night.
Wyoming was not respected walking into their game against New Mexico State last night, and that chip on the shoulder showed. Wyoming at -3.5 against NMSU was probably the easiest bet I will make all season. Also Wyoming on the ML, and the under. All gifts.
New Mexico State got too much respect heading into their date with Wyoming.
The Aggies win one bowl game in 65 years and everyone gets delusions of grandeur. The stadium was full, for about 2.5 quarters anyway, and the Cowboys were completely dissed by the spread, as NMSU entered the game at +3.5.
The Aggies had to replace their star at QB, their star at RB, and their star at WR. Talent does not grow on trees in Las Cruces, and it was too much to expect more than what we saw last night. If you all had read my preview on the Aggies, you would have known that.
Jacksonville State has some issues on offense to resolve. Carolina A&T will win the MEAC.
The Gamecocks will be fine in Ohio Valley Conference play. This was just one game, but the run offense was putrid against a top flight defense in North Carolina A&T.
JSU needs to iron out their blocking, and play more disciplined football. There were defensive personal fouls aplenty, missed blocking assignments, and bad special teams play. Of course, those issues plagued North Carolina A&T as well, but the worst part was the turnovers. You cannot turn it over 5 times and expect to win.
The Aggies played defense with abandon, although their pass D got lit up in the second half, but overall, when they needed to make a play, they did. That defense alone should help North Carolina A&T cruise to a MEAC title.
Duquesne has no good reason to take on FBS opponents.
The Dukes played just their second all-time game against FBS competition, and looked completely lost against U Mass in Amherst. The Minutemen broke loose for a 21-3 lead before the game was even clicking minutes off the clock in the 2nd quarter, and Andy Isabella, the best receiver you have never heard of, had already scored twice.
Duquesne plays in the Northeast Conference, and it is not the cream of the crop of the FCS ranks. This kind of game did nothing but to demolish the confidence of the Dukes.
For U Mass, on the other hand, it propped up a fast start for a team that is coming off a strong ending to 2017. U Mass rarely gets the ability to start fast, so this game was massively important for them to get off to a great start. Mission accomplished.
Mike Bloomgren won't fix Rice overnight.
Bloomgren ran a pro offense at Stanford, but he has an empty cupboard at Rice after the administration there held onto former coach David Bailiff 2 years too long. Rice barely escaped with their lives in a last second win over Prairie View A&M of the worst conference in FCS football, the SWAC.
Rice trailed this game by 9 in the 3rd quarter before rallying for the win, but it never should have gotten to that point. Rice is still bad...for now.
Maybe Hawaii is better than all of us thought, or maybe Colorado State is just that bad.
I understand that Mike Bobo was in the hospital all week, and was coaching from the press box, but Colorado State, who I already had seriously low expectations for, looked abysmal for 3 quarters against a Hawaii team that came out of nowhere with their new Run and Shoot offense, and torched the Rams.
Cole McDonald, out of La Mirada, California, wrecked the Rams secondary for 418 yards passing and 3 scores, and ran for another 92 yards and 2 more scores.
I still think that Hawaii is going to hit some bumps along the way this season, but the Rams looked worse than my minimal expectations had them at. That's a terrible look for a constant underachieving program.
Wyoming is a more focused football team without Josh Allen.
The Cowboys looked as focused as I have seen them on both sides of the football in some time. Last season, Allen always had one foot out the door for the NFL, and he mailed it in all year. They don't have to worry about that anymore.
The defense for the Cowboys is one of the best in the nation, and they did not allow a point until less than 2 minutes remained on the road last night.
Wyoming was not respected walking into their game against New Mexico State last night, and that chip on the shoulder showed. Wyoming at -3.5 against NMSU was probably the easiest bet I will make all season. Also Wyoming on the ML, and the under. All gifts.
New Mexico State got too much respect heading into their date with Wyoming.
The Aggies win one bowl game in 65 years and everyone gets delusions of grandeur. The stadium was full, for about 2.5 quarters anyway, and the Cowboys were completely dissed by the spread, as NMSU entered the game at +3.5.
The Aggies had to replace their star at QB, their star at RB, and their star at WR. Talent does not grow on trees in Las Cruces, and it was too much to expect more than what we saw last night. If you all had read my preview on the Aggies, you would have known that.
Jacksonville State has some issues on offense to resolve. Carolina A&T will win the MEAC.
The Gamecocks will be fine in Ohio Valley Conference play. This was just one game, but the run offense was putrid against a top flight defense in North Carolina A&T.
JSU needs to iron out their blocking, and play more disciplined football. There were defensive personal fouls aplenty, missed blocking assignments, and bad special teams play. Of course, those issues plagued North Carolina A&T as well, but the worst part was the turnovers. You cannot turn it over 5 times and expect to win.
The Aggies played defense with abandon, although their pass D got lit up in the second half, but overall, when they needed to make a play, they did. That defense alone should help North Carolina A&T cruise to a MEAC title.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Depth Chart vs. Colorado State
Hawaii has finally released their game day depth chart. Find it at the link below:
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/hawaii/18gameday/180825hawaii_dc.pdf
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/hawaii/18gameday/180825hawaii_dc.pdf
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Rice vs. Prairie View Team Depth Charts
Here are your depth charts for both Rice and Prairie View A&M, as they clash for the first time since 2016 this Saturday in Houston:
Rice Depth Chart:
http://collegepressbox.com/media/cusa/rice/18gameday/180825rice_dc.pdf
Prairie View A&M Depth Chart:
http://collegepressbox.com/media/fcs/prairieview/18gameday/180825pv_dc.pdf
Rice Depth Chart:
http://collegepressbox.com/media/cusa/rice/18gameday/180825rice_dc.pdf
Prairie View A&M Depth Chart:
http://collegepressbox.com/media/fcs/prairieview/18gameday/180825pv_dc.pdf
U Mass vs. Duquesne Depth Charts
Here is your season opening depth chart for U Mass football, as the Minutemen open the 2018 season this Saturday, August 25th, against the Duquesne Dukes of the FCS Northeast Conference. Player of note: Kyle Horn starts at TE replacing Adam Breneman, who graduated after record breaking numbers.
U Mass Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/independents/umass/18gameday/180825umass_dc.pdf
Duquesne Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/fcs/duquesne/18gameday/180825duquesne_dc.pdf
U Mass Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/independents/umass/18gameday/180825umass_dc.pdf
Duquesne Depth Chart
http://collegepressbox.com/media/fcs/duquesne/18gameday/180825duquesne_dc.pdf
Wyoming Cowboys Depth Chart Vs. New Mexico State August 25th
With the College Football Zero week openers just a few days away, here is your Wyoming Cowboys depth chart. Tyler Vander Wall, a RS freshman, will start at QB for the Cowboys, officially replacing Josh Allen.
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/wyoming/18gameday/180825wyoming_dc.pdf
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/wyoming/18gameday/180825wyoming_dc.pdf
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Alliance of American Football Adds 205 players
The AAF, which launches this February, has announced the signings of 205 total players for the upcoming season. Follow the links below for the lists of players signed:
https://aaf.com/news/2018/8/17/the-alliance-of-american-football-adds-105-players
https://aaf.com/news/2018/8/6/the-alliance-of-american-football-signs-first-100-players
https://aaf.com/news/2018/8/17/the-alliance-of-american-football-adds-105-players
https://aaf.com/news/2018/8/6/the-alliance-of-american-football-signs-first-100-players
Colorado State Rams Depth Chart Vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Please follow the link below for your Colorado State Rams as they open the season against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors:
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/csu/18gameday/180825csu_dc.pdf
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/csu/18gameday/180825csu_dc.pdf
Hawaii Football Game Notes Vs. Colorado State
Please follow the link below for all of the game notes that you need for your Hawaii Rainbow Warriors as they open the 2018 season at Colorado State on Saturday, August 25th!
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/hawaii/18gameday/180825hawaii_notes.pdf
http://collegepressbox.com/media/mwc/hawaii/18gameday/180825hawaii_notes.pdf
New Mexico State Opening Game Depth Chart
Please follow the link for the season opening depth chart for the New Mexico State Aggies, as they take on the Wyoming Cowboys in Las Cruces this Saturday! Wyoming's depth chart will be posted once available.
http://collegepressbox.com/media/independents/nmsu/18gameday/180825nmsu_dc.pdf
http://collegepressbox.com/media/independents/nmsu/18gameday/180825nmsu_dc.pdf
College Football Week One Preview and Viewing Guide (Week Zero, Week One Thursday and Friday)
College Football's 2018 season begins this weekend with a slate of, well, less than impressing games. Week zero has not been a huge hit since being introduced, simply because of the early start and the hesitance of larger programs to take on the early start date.
That said, week one, one week from Thursday, starts a weekend full of some better than usual tilts that will take up our attention for all of Labor Day weekend. Here is my top viewing guide for both weeks:
Grades and their meanings
A: Must watch TV. Get in front of your TV and stay there.
B: Solid TV watch or match up. Make sure you set the DVR, at the very least.
C: Pay attention, but don't schedule your life around it.
D: Maybe give it a look on a ticker, but don't go out of your way looking for it.
F: If you had to get a root canal, or wash a farm animal, those are better uses of your time.
Zero Week
Duquesne at U Mass: Duquesne has only ever played one FBS opponent, and lost. U Mass gets a rare early win here. Grade: F
Prairie View at Rice: Rice won the last meeting 65-44. Maybe we see the same offensive fireworks? Rice wins. Grade: F
Hawaii at Colorado State: I would stay away from this one at the book, as Mike Bobo is still in the hospital for the Rams. CSU has the talent to win big, however, in the earliest Mountain West start in school history. Grade: D
Wyoming at New Mexico State: The Cowboys are only favored by 4, but that is simply being overly cautious. The Cowboys cruise to the win, as they have a top 10 defense nationally. Grade: D
North Carolina A&T at Jacksonville State: The Aggies of A&T may be the class of the MEAC, but Jacksonville State should be a top 5 team in FCS football. It won't be a run away win, but the Gamecocks should pull it out. Grade: A-
Week One
August 30th
UCF at U Conn: U Conn is not nearly in class with the UCF Knights in this AAC opener. UCF cruises to an easy season opening win. Grade: D
New Mexico State at Minnesota: The Aggies should be coming off of a loss to Wyoming 5 days earlier, and their rebuilt offense is up against a Gophers offense that will be starting a walk-on freshman QB. Grade: F
Central Connecticut State at Ball State: CCSU should be one of the better teams in the FCS Northeast Conference, but even with Ball State being as bad as they currently are, the Cardinals should still roll here. Grade: F
Kennesaw State at Georgia State: GSU lost their season and stadium opener last season to Tennessee State, and Kennesaw State is leaps and bounds better than the Tigers were a year ago. Look for the Owls to put the GSU Panthers on upset watch. Grade: C
SE Louisiana at UL-Monroe: SELU should not be much of a challenge for a ULM team looking to make a push in Sun Belt play. Grade: D
Northwestern at Purdue: This is a huge early game for hierarchy in the Big 10 West. The winner could coast to second place depending on how the rest of the season pans out. Probably one of the most fascinating early games of the season. Grade: A
Wake Forest at Tulane: We are looking to see how far Willie Fritz can push Tulane in 2018, and they could be a team to watch in the AAC West. Wake Forest has some holes to fill, and they don't normally fill those spots quickly. Grade: C
Savannah State at UAB: The Tigers of SSU keep on scheduling beat downs just to stay alive in the football realm a program on a financial level. UAB will be glad to provide said beat down. Grade: F
Missouri State at Oklahoma State: The Cowboys should rack up around 60 in this complete and utter mismatch against the Bears from the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Grade: F
Weber State at Utah: The Wildcats of the Big Sky could be tough enough to push Utah, at least for a half. The Utes can be slow starters under Kyle Whittingham. Grade: C
Northwestern State at Texas A&M: Nobody can defend SEC non con scheduling with games like these. The Aggies should be embarrassed with this clunker on their schedule. Grade: F
UC Davis at San Jose State: Make it official, and place the Spartans on FCS upset alert this week, as Dan Hawkins brings his Aggies in with a chance to win. Grade: F
FCS Lineup
Bowie State at Wagner...Grade: D...Bowie State can hang for about a half here, but all Wagner after.
Tennessee Tech at Chattanooga...Grade: C...Interesting OVC/SoCon tilt to start the year.
Morehead State at E. Kentucky...Grade: D...EKU should get early easy win here.
Rhode Island at Delaware...Grade: C...Any Colonial game is strong, but URI is a basement dweller.
New Hampshire at Maine...Grade: A...Early CAA conference game has playoff implications later.
Chowan at Campbell...Grade: F...Campbell cruises against D2 foe in opener.
Quincy at Indiana State...Grade: F...Indiana State may pick up their only win all year in this one.
S. Illinois at Murray State...Grade: B...Both teams trying to climb ladders in MVC, OVC.
Mississippi Valley St. at North Dakota...Grade: D...UND plays as Independent for one season.
Shorter at Samford...Grade: F...Samford should score 70 in this complete dumpster fire game.
W. Illinois at Montana State...Grade: B...Bobcats trying to climb back up in Big Sky, WIU is tough.
August 31st FBS
Syracuse at Western Michigan: Broncos should be improved in year 2 under Tim Lester, and Syracuse cannot afford to lose this opener, or else Dino Babers' seat really starts scorching early. This is not a guaranteed win for the Orange. Grade: B
Monmouth at Eastern Michigan: EMU has to get wins somewhere, I guess, and Chris Creighton needs all he can get. Should be a fairly easy Eagles win over Monmouth. Grade: F
Utah State at Michigan State: The Spartans are a borderline top 10 team to start the season. USU is not close to that. Spartans win walking away. Grade: F
Army at Duke: Duke should show some improvement this season, but Army is as good as they have been in 70 years. Duke may be a home favorite here, but Army will have something to say about that. Grade: B
Western Kentucky at Wisconsin: The success that WKU has had in recent years appears to be over with now. Wisconsin is a popular back room pick to pull an upset and win the Big 10. Do the math.
Grade: C
San Diego State at Stanford: Remember back to last year when SDSU beat the Cardinal? Guess what? It can happen again. The Aztecs are rock solid in this match up, even without Rashaad Penny coming back. Grade: A
Portland State at Nevada: The Vikings will be hard pressed to finish outside of the basement in Big Sky play, so this is one that Nevada can grab for an easy early win at home. Grade: F
Colorado at Colorado State (Denver): These two schools hate each other. That much is clear. Colorado may not be great this season, but they should be able to role up a solid win in this intense rivalry series in the Rockies. Grade: B
FCS Lineup
Western State at Idaho State...Grade: F...The Bengals of the Big Sky get a much needed early win, and wins will be hard to come by in 2018.
That said, week one, one week from Thursday, starts a weekend full of some better than usual tilts that will take up our attention for all of Labor Day weekend. Here is my top viewing guide for both weeks:
Grades and their meanings
A: Must watch TV. Get in front of your TV and stay there.
B: Solid TV watch or match up. Make sure you set the DVR, at the very least.
C: Pay attention, but don't schedule your life around it.
D: Maybe give it a look on a ticker, but don't go out of your way looking for it.
F: If you had to get a root canal, or wash a farm animal, those are better uses of your time.
Zero Week
Duquesne at U Mass: Duquesne has only ever played one FBS opponent, and lost. U Mass gets a rare early win here. Grade: F
Prairie View at Rice: Rice won the last meeting 65-44. Maybe we see the same offensive fireworks? Rice wins. Grade: F
Hawaii at Colorado State: I would stay away from this one at the book, as Mike Bobo is still in the hospital for the Rams. CSU has the talent to win big, however, in the earliest Mountain West start in school history. Grade: D
Wyoming at New Mexico State: The Cowboys are only favored by 4, but that is simply being overly cautious. The Cowboys cruise to the win, as they have a top 10 defense nationally. Grade: D
North Carolina A&T at Jacksonville State: The Aggies of A&T may be the class of the MEAC, but Jacksonville State should be a top 5 team in FCS football. It won't be a run away win, but the Gamecocks should pull it out. Grade: A-
Week One
August 30th
UCF at U Conn: U Conn is not nearly in class with the UCF Knights in this AAC opener. UCF cruises to an easy season opening win. Grade: D
New Mexico State at Minnesota: The Aggies should be coming off of a loss to Wyoming 5 days earlier, and their rebuilt offense is up against a Gophers offense that will be starting a walk-on freshman QB. Grade: F
Central Connecticut State at Ball State: CCSU should be one of the better teams in the FCS Northeast Conference, but even with Ball State being as bad as they currently are, the Cardinals should still roll here. Grade: F
Kennesaw State at Georgia State: GSU lost their season and stadium opener last season to Tennessee State, and Kennesaw State is leaps and bounds better than the Tigers were a year ago. Look for the Owls to put the GSU Panthers on upset watch. Grade: C
SE Louisiana at UL-Monroe: SELU should not be much of a challenge for a ULM team looking to make a push in Sun Belt play. Grade: D
Northwestern at Purdue: This is a huge early game for hierarchy in the Big 10 West. The winner could coast to second place depending on how the rest of the season pans out. Probably one of the most fascinating early games of the season. Grade: A
Wake Forest at Tulane: We are looking to see how far Willie Fritz can push Tulane in 2018, and they could be a team to watch in the AAC West. Wake Forest has some holes to fill, and they don't normally fill those spots quickly. Grade: C
Savannah State at UAB: The Tigers of SSU keep on scheduling beat downs just to stay alive in the football realm a program on a financial level. UAB will be glad to provide said beat down. Grade: F
Missouri State at Oklahoma State: The Cowboys should rack up around 60 in this complete and utter mismatch against the Bears from the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Grade: F
Weber State at Utah: The Wildcats of the Big Sky could be tough enough to push Utah, at least for a half. The Utes can be slow starters under Kyle Whittingham. Grade: C
Northwestern State at Texas A&M: Nobody can defend SEC non con scheduling with games like these. The Aggies should be embarrassed with this clunker on their schedule. Grade: F
UC Davis at San Jose State: Make it official, and place the Spartans on FCS upset alert this week, as Dan Hawkins brings his Aggies in with a chance to win. Grade: F
FCS Lineup
Bowie State at Wagner...Grade: D...Bowie State can hang for about a half here, but all Wagner after.
Tennessee Tech at Chattanooga...Grade: C...Interesting OVC/SoCon tilt to start the year.
Morehead State at E. Kentucky...Grade: D...EKU should get early easy win here.
Rhode Island at Delaware...Grade: C...Any Colonial game is strong, but URI is a basement dweller.
New Hampshire at Maine...Grade: A...Early CAA conference game has playoff implications later.
Chowan at Campbell...Grade: F...Campbell cruises against D2 foe in opener.
Quincy at Indiana State...Grade: F...Indiana State may pick up their only win all year in this one.
S. Illinois at Murray State...Grade: B...Both teams trying to climb ladders in MVC, OVC.
Mississippi Valley St. at North Dakota...Grade: D...UND plays as Independent for one season.
Shorter at Samford...Grade: F...Samford should score 70 in this complete dumpster fire game.
W. Illinois at Montana State...Grade: B...Bobcats trying to climb back up in Big Sky, WIU is tough.
August 31st FBS
Syracuse at Western Michigan: Broncos should be improved in year 2 under Tim Lester, and Syracuse cannot afford to lose this opener, or else Dino Babers' seat really starts scorching early. This is not a guaranteed win for the Orange. Grade: B
Monmouth at Eastern Michigan: EMU has to get wins somewhere, I guess, and Chris Creighton needs all he can get. Should be a fairly easy Eagles win over Monmouth. Grade: F
Utah State at Michigan State: The Spartans are a borderline top 10 team to start the season. USU is not close to that. Spartans win walking away. Grade: F
Army at Duke: Duke should show some improvement this season, but Army is as good as they have been in 70 years. Duke may be a home favorite here, but Army will have something to say about that. Grade: B
Western Kentucky at Wisconsin: The success that WKU has had in recent years appears to be over with now. Wisconsin is a popular back room pick to pull an upset and win the Big 10. Do the math.
Grade: C
San Diego State at Stanford: Remember back to last year when SDSU beat the Cardinal? Guess what? It can happen again. The Aztecs are rock solid in this match up, even without Rashaad Penny coming back. Grade: A
Portland State at Nevada: The Vikings will be hard pressed to finish outside of the basement in Big Sky play, so this is one that Nevada can grab for an easy early win at home. Grade: F
Colorado at Colorado State (Denver): These two schools hate each other. That much is clear. Colorado may not be great this season, but they should be able to role up a solid win in this intense rivalry series in the Rockies. Grade: B
FCS Lineup
Western State at Idaho State...Grade: F...The Bengals of the Big Sky get a much needed early win, and wins will be hard to come by in 2018.
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