Despite 23 Top-25 previews for your disposal below (doesn't anyone play each other anymore?), we would be remiss without telling you about possibly the two most exciting games of the weekend - neither of which involve Top 25 teams.
First off -- like you didn't know -- is Colorado at Washington (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ABC regional), where, despite Gary Barnett and Rick Neuheisel's refusal to say so, all hell is gonna break loose. Mad points are going to be scored as well, much like Oklahoma at Louisville (3:30, Fox Sports Net), where both teams run pass-happy offenses. Dead-serious predicted score: 56-52.
Speaking of shootouts, look for a good one when national-title-contender-of-the-hour Florida travels to Lexington to face Kentucky. Wildcats' QB Dusty Bonner is picking up right where predecessor Tim Couch left off - and we all know what Doug Johnson can do.
But shootout will not be the term of choice for this weekend's most prominent matchup, Michigan at Wisconsin. The Badgers are looking to avenge their only Big Ten loss of a year ago, and wash away last week's shocking loss to Cincinnati. Either way, they'll do it slowly and methodically.
| Week 5 Previews |
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| (1) Florida State (3-0) at North Carolina (1-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (ABC regional)
Game Preview |
9.5: Tar Heels' average points scored in last four meetings with FSU. |
| Player to Watch |
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Ron Curry, QB, North Carolina. Versatile sophomore shows flashes of brilliance but still makes too many mistakes . |
| Analysis |
FSU enters its first road game coming off an "unimpressive" 42-11 defeat of a Top 25 team, N.C. State. The Tar Heels once posed FSU's greatest conference challenge, but this year have too many holes -- especially after losing star LB Brandon Spoon to injury. Look for 'Noles WR Peter Warrick to make the most of his first UNC game minus ace cover man Dre Bly.
Trev Alberts' pick: Florida State
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| Indiana (1-2) at (2) Penn State (4-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, Noon (ESPN)
Game Preview |
63.6: Completion percentage by Penn State QB tandem Kevin Thompson and Rashard Casey. |
| Player to Watch |
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Levron Williams, RB, Indiana. Former receiver has emerged as dangerous rusher, averaging 9.3 yards a carry on 25 attempts.
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| Analysis |
Penn State faces a highly athletic QB, IU's Antwaan Randle El, for the second straight week, and Miami's Kenny Kelly did find success. But Indiana's defense, torched by Kentucky last week, is no Miami, and PSU needs just a half-decent day from its running backs to move the ball.
Trev Alberts' pick: Penn State
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| (3) Florida (3-0) at Kentucky (2-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Preview |
1,005.7: Florida and Kentucky's combined average offense. |
| Player to Watch |
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Dusty Bonner, QB, Kentucky. Through three games, sophomore leads nation with 12 TD passes (and only three INTs).
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| Analysis |
Florida must guard heavily against a post-Tennessee letdown, because Bonner will pose a serious challenge. That is, if he is still standing after a few hits from Florida's Alex Brown (five sacks last week). Tim Couch was able to throw on the Gators' secondary last year, and this year it's been shredded by some mid-level QBs. But Doug Johnson and Co. may be able to score at will on the 'Cats.
Trev Alberts' pick: Florida
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| (4) Michigan (3-0) at (20) Wisconsin (2-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 3:30 p.m (ABC regional)
Game Preview |
59: Ron Dayne's rushing yardage in last year's 27-10 loss to Michigan. |
| Player to Watch |
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James Hall, DE, Michigan. Hall will be the man if Wolverines take cue from Cincinnati and blitz Badgers like mad. |
| Analysis |
Both teams come in with a lot to prove: Wisconsin, that last week's Bearcat embarrassment was a fluke; Michigan, that its offense isn't as bad as it looked against Syracuse. It's the kind of game where special teams (advantage: UW) and the crowd (ditto) can make all the difference, but if anyone can slow down Dayne, it's Michigan -- and the Badgers have no passing game in reserve.
Trev Alberts' pick: Michigan
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| Southern Miss (2-1) at (5) Texas A&M (2-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (ABC regional)
Game Preview |
538.5: Aggies' average total offense against Louisiana Tech and Tulsa. |
| Player to Watch |
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Todd Pinkston, WR, Southern Miss. Counterpart Sherrod Gideon gets the press but Pinkston is getting the catches -- 20 for 362 yards. |
| Analysis |
After taking another Big 12 power, Nebraska, to the wire last week, the Eagles will likely find the Aggies to be a bigger challenge. While QB Jeff Kelly will pose the biggest test to date for this year's Wrecking Crew, it will be hard to slow down the suddenly high-powered A&M offense. QB Randy McCown has a slew of talented targets now, led by Chris Taylor. (26.1 yards per catch).
Trev Alberts' pick: Texas A&M
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| (6) Nebraska (3-0) at Missouri (2-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 7 p.m. (Fox Sports Net)
Game Preview |
minus-20: Tulsa's rushing yards in last week's 41-8 loss to Oklahoma State. |
| Player to Watch |
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DeVaughn Black, RB, Missouri. Senior has filled void left by Devin West, rushing for 205 yards last week.
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| Analysis |
The pressure is on Nebraska's offense after managing just one TD against Southern Miss, and Mizzou, led by stud DE Justin Smith, has a formidable front seven. But, first-year QB tandem Kirk Farmer and Jim Dougherty might struggle against a steep rise in competition from UAB and Western Michigan.
Trev Alberts' pick: Nebraska
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| Memphis (1-2) at (7) Tennessee (1-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 4 p.m.
Game Preview |
16-of-39, 0 TDs: Tee Martin's line against Florida, by far his worst game as a starter. |
| Player to Watch |
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Ryan White, K, Memphis. Lone Memphis star may come in handy seeing as Tigers won't be reaching end zone often.
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| Analysis |
No doubt, Memphis' shocking 1996 upset of Tennessee will come up in pregame discussion. But that's the only way "Memphis" and "upset" will find their way into the same sentence this year. The Vols are steamed after seeing their 14-game win streak end at the hands of the hated Gators. Memphis hung with the SEC's Ole Miss and Miss. State, but won't be able to move on the Tennessee defense.
Trev Alberts' pick: Tennessee
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| (9) Miami (2-1) vs. East Carolina (3-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 6 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game Preview |
15: Tackles by Miami LB Dan Morgan against Penn State. |
| Player to Watch |
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Jamie Wilson, RB, East Carolina. Nation's ninth-leading rusher averaging 7.1 yards a carry (on 57 attempts). |
| Analysis |
The torrid Pirates had every reason to be excited about this one, until Hurricane Floyd wiped out their home-field (game will be in Raleigh) and seriously impinged on preparation (as of this article, they're still in South Carolina). Both teams will bank on impressive runners -- Miami's James Jackson last week was the first player to notch 100 yards (129) on Penn State in 15 games.
Trev Alberts' pick: Miami
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| Central Florida (0-3) at (11) Georgia (2-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, Noon.
Game Preview |
48.7: Average points allowed by UCF, against Purdue, Florida and Georgia Tech. |
| Player to Watch |
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Charles Grant, DE/FB, Georgia. Bulldogs' super frosh will put the pressure on UCF QB Vic Penn -- and he is practicing with the offense. |
| Analysis |
Next week's date with Eastern Illinois (a.k.a the team Hawaii beat) can't come soon enough for reeling UCF, whose schedule-maker may have been a bit overzealous. Quincy Carter and the 'Dawgs offense looks to fine tune after blowing several scoring opportunities in first two games.
Trev Alberts' pick: Georgia
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| Cincinnati (2-1) at (12) Ohio State (2-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, Noon
Game Preview |
68: (In a continuing theme from last week.) Years since these two schools, separated by less than 90 miles on I-71, have met. |
| Player to Watch |
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Ken-Yon Rambo , WR, Ohio State. Latest in the line of superstar Buckeyes receivers, Rambo had 181 yards vs. Ohio.
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| Analysis |
The Bearcats should savor last week's stunner against Wisconsin literally until the second before they take the field Saturday, because lightning doesn't strike twice. OSU played a sluggish first half in last week's 40-16 defeat of Ohio and will come out fired up against another inferior in-state opponent.
Trev Alberts' pick: Ohio State
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| Northwestern (2-1) at (13) Purdue (3-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, Noon (ESPN2).
Game Preview |
2.74: Wildcats' average yards per rush. |
| Player to Watch |
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Sam Simmons, WR, Northwestern. Sophomore speedster had 87-yard punt return against TCU and game-winning TD catch last week against Duke. |
| Analysis |
Don't let the record fool you -- Randy Walker's NU squad is anemic. Specifically, it can't score touchdowns, which won't help against the point-per-minute Boilermakers. The Wildcats' defense is respectable, with hard-hitting Mycal Jones lurking in the secondary, but Drew Brees did throw for 368 yards and six TDs on that same unit last year.
Trev Alberts' pick: Purdue
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| (14) Arkansas (3-0) at Alabama (2-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Game Preview
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33.1: Yards per catch, on eight receptions, by Arkansas WR Anthony Lucas .
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| Players to Watch |
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Shaun Alexander, RB, Alabama. Alabama's heart and soul averaging 216 all-purpose yards, No. 2 nationally.
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| Analysis |
Alabama's loss to Louisiana Tech prevented this from being a Top 25 showdown -- and forewarned of possible problems for the Tide this week. Like the Bulldogs, Arkansas has explosiveness all over the offense. But if Hogs QB Clint Stoerner's shoulder injury proves serious, the Tide could squeeze in that upset so desperately needed amongst this week's whirlwind of controversy.
Trev Alberts' pick: Arkansas
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| (15) Kansas State (2-0) at Iowa State (3-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
2 p.m.
Game Preview |
47: Kansas State's average rushing yards allowed. |
| Player to Watch |
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Darren Davis, RB, Iowa State. 104 yards on five catches against the Rainbows -- not bad for a freshman. |
| Analysis |
The Before the "Break up the Cyclones" calls get going, keep in mind their 3-0 start came against the likes of Indiana State, UNLV and Iowa. They will, however, be the first true test for the Wildcats, who pride themselves on their run defense. Should provide a decent gauge of both teams.
Trev Alberts' pick: Kansas State
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| (16) USC (2-0) at Oregon (2-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 10:15 p.m. (Fox Sports Net)
Game Preview |
7:1 Touchdown-to-interception ratio of Oregon QB A.J. Feeley. |
| Player to Watch |
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Kareem Kelly, WR, USC With 101-yard receiving average, freshman the talk of the Pac-10.
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| Analysis |
In the bust that is the early Pac-10 season, these teams have been two of the better performers. The Ducks' attack has hardly missed a beat without former QB Akili Smith, putting up 72 points on Nevada, thanks largely to the return of star RB Reuben Droughns. USC has a potent offense as well, plus the kind of athletic linebackers that might stand a chance of slowing down Droughns.
Trev Alberts' pick: USC
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| Virginia (2-1) at (17) BYU (2-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game Preview |
67-of-96: Passing line of BYU's Kevin Feterik (69.8 percent). |
| Player to Watch |
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Thomas Jones, RB, Virginia. Tailback has quietly emerged as one of the nation's most consistent runners (136 ypg). |
| Analysis |
After getting torched 33-14 two weeks ago by Clemson, the sight of high-flying BYU on the schedule couldn't be pleasing for the Cavs. George Welsh's crew will give the ball to Jones in hopes of hogging the clock, because the possibilities are endless once Feterik gets on the field.
Trev Alberts' pick: BYU
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| (18) UCLA (2-1) at Stanford (2-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 5 p.m.
Game Preview |
52: Stanford's average points in first two Pac-10 games. |
| Player to Watch |
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Drew Bennett, QB, UCLA. Bruins' on-again, off-again starter on again. |
| Analysis |
Stanford has been the Pac-10's surprise of the season, but which was more surprising: beating Arizona 50-22 or losing 69-17 to Texas? Cardinal QB Todd Husak will try to keep the aerial assault rolling against an inexperienced Bruins secondary. UCLA RBs DeShaun Foster and Jermaine Lewis will be up for big days.
Trev Alberts' pick: Stanford
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| (19) Michigan State (3-0) at Illinois (3-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Game Preview
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9:0: Touchdown-to-interception ratio of surprising Illini QB Kurt Kittner.
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| Player to Watch |
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T.J. Duckett, LB/FB, Michigan State. Much-hyped true frosh already has first touchdown and seven tackles. |
| Analysis |
The upstart Illini turned heads by beating Chris Redman and Louisville, but the Spartans would be a much bigger conquest. They're success is based largely on Kittner, their most reliable QB in several years. MSU's defense was solid against Notre Dame, and continued productivity by RB Lloyd Clemons will prove valuable against a Big Ten defense.
Trev Alberts' pick: Michigan State
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| Temple (0-3) at (21) Marshall (3-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Game Preview
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461-205: Difference in teams' average total offense, in favor of the Herd. |
| Player to Watch |
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Chad Pennington, QB, Marshall. With borderline hopes of entering Heisman race, Pennington could put up ludicrous numbers on Owls. |
| Analysis |
This could get ugly. Plagued by injuries on offense, Temple fell 23-15 last week to Akron, one of the MAC's worst teams. Against its best - and a Top 25 team no less -- expect a return to form of Temple's first two games against Maryland and Kansas State -- when it got shut out of both.
Trev Alberts' pick: Marshall
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| (22) Texas (3-1) at Baylor (0-3) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Game Preview
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455: Longhorns' yardage against Rice last week in a game they scored only 18 points.
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| Player to Watch |
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Hodges Mitchell, RB, Texas. Swifty back had only shown flashes before busting out with 188 yards vs. Rice. |
| Analysis |
First-year Baylor coach Kevin Steele has had about as disastrous an opening as anyone could imagine. Turning the ship against an inconsistent Texas team isn't inconceivable, but it may have trouble slowing down Longhorns QB Major Applewhite and WR Kwame Cavil.
Trev Alberts' pick: Texas
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| South Carolina (0-3) at (23) Mississippi State (3-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Game Preview
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12 Gamecocks points, in three games.
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| Player to Watch |
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Donate Walker, RB, Mississippi State. Last week, became first Bulldog freshman to run for over 100 yards (120) since 1989. |
| Analysis |
Pollsters were apparently impressed with the Bulldogs' 29-11 win over Oklahoma State, because their first two showings were hardly Top 25 material. But their quick development of a solid running game has been impressive, and they won't do anything to merit losing the ranking against a bumbling South Carolina team that has even Lou Holtz ripping on it.
Trev Alberts' pick: Mississippi State
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| Wyoming (1-1) at (24) Air Force (2-0) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Game Preview
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11: Consecutive Air Force wins, longest in the nation following Tennessee's loss to Wyoming.
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| Player to Watch |
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Cale Bonds, QB, Air Force. Hasn't thrown a TD pass yet - but run for three. |
| Analysis |
The Falcons looked good in knocking off Washington last week. Wyoming looked good for about a half against Tennessee in the Vols' first game post-title. There's a pretty fierce rivalry between these two, so expect some helmets to go flying. Also expect Wyoming QB Jay Stoner fly to the ground -- Cowboys' QBs have been sacked 17 times.
Trev Alberts' pick: Air Force
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| (25) N.C. State (3-1) at Wake Forest (1-1) |
| Preview |
Key Stat |
Saturday, Noon
Game Preview
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1: Touchdown passes, through four games, by Wolfpack QB Jamie Barnette, who threw 18 a year ago.
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| Player to Watch |
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Morgan Kane, RB, Wake Forest. Underrated and unknown outside the state of North Carolina, Kane averaging 138 yards. |
| Analysis |
It's put-up-or-shut-up time for the Wolfpack, perhaps the most mediocre-looking 3-1 team outside of their phenomenal punt-blocking skills. The Deacons shouldn't pose much of a problem, but then again everyone's posed a problem for Barnette this year without main man Torry Holt.
Trev Alberts' pick: N.C. State
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