this weekend in college football

[smazza]

ATLANTIC COAST

Wake Forest's game at North Carolina State offers a study in psychological contrasts. The Demon Deacons must get off the deck after a devastating loss, while the Wolfpack must avoid letting down following back-to-back thrilling victories. QB Riley Skinner must engineer a successful drive early to steady Wake's ship. The ground game can be productive behind RBs Kevin Harris and De'Angelo Bryant, but the unit has lost nine fumbles. N.C. State has only five takeaways but has been coming up with them at key moments. QB Daniel Evans, already being hailed as the savior of the Wolfpack's season, still has room to improve. He's getting solid support from RB Andre Brown. The Deacons might be wise to deploy an extra safety to a certain corner of the Wolfpack end zone frequented by WR John Dunlap.

BIG EAST

At last, the clubs expected to battle for the crown begin league play on home turf. No. 4 West Virginia takes on Syracuse, which has shown signs of improvement in 2006 but was effectively shut down last week by Pittsburgh. Most Mountaineers opponents to date have tried concentrating their defensive effort on RB Steve Slaton, though he remains the nation's No. 3 rusher. QB Pat White is hitting enough big plays through the air, primarily to WR Darius Reynaud, but the Orange blitz led by DE Jameel McClain could make that more difficult. Syracuse QB Perry Patterson is making few mistakes but still has little big-play potential in his offensive arsenal. The Orange need big yardage from RBs Curtis Brinkley and Delone Carter to keep the WVU offense off the field.

No. 7 Louisville starts its Big East campaign against Cincinnati in the annual battle for the Keg of Nails. Cardinals fans will be eager to welcome back QB Brian Brohm from a thumb injury, but coach Bobby Petrino might try to ease him into the offense. Hunter Cantwell has managed the offense well in Brohm's absence, learning quickly that throwing in WR Mario Urrutia's direction is often a good idea. The Bearcats rely heavily on QB Dustin Grutza, whose scrambling ability enables him to improvise. LB Nate Harris and the Louisville defense figure to have him on the move a lot.

BIG TEN

After taking a break from the Big Ten grind, No. 1 Ohio State re-enters the fray at Michigan State, a team in desperate need of a season-salvaging victory. Buckeyes QB Troy Smith, efficient if unspectacular in a workmanlike triumph against Bowling Green last week, will try to make something happen early to eliminate any home-field advantage for the Spartans. WRs Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez are the most likely candidates to start the fireworks, but Smith could also find RB Antonio Pittman in open space. MSU QB Drew Stanton must be a stabilizing force from the outset. The absence of WR Matt Trannon (ankle) won't help, so principal target Kerry Reed must be ready for more throws.

No. 5 Michigan heads into its prime-time tilt at Penn State without one of its hottest weapons, WR Mario Manningham (arthroscopic knee surgery). Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said the news following the procedure was encouraging. Meanwhile QB Chad Henne will have to make more use of WR Adrian Arrington, not necessarily a bad option. Penn State RB Tony Hunt has helped ease the pressure on first-year starting QB Anthony Morelli, but real estate will be hard to find against Michigan's rushing defense, which leads the nation.

BIG 12

No. 6 Texas has won the Red River showdown but still doesn't own the Big 12 South lead alone. The Longhorns hope to change that as they host Saturday's battle for first place with â€â€Baylor? Indeed the Bears, after surviving in three overtimes at Colorado last week, have won three consecutive conference games dating to last season for the first time since 1992. Recent series history, in which Texas has won the last eight meetings including 62-0 last year, indicates Baylor's winning streak will end in Austin. But the Bears are getting strong leadership from QB Shawn Bell, and the defense has 19 takeaways led by CB C.J. Wilson's four picks. Longhorns QB Colt McCoy looks to build on the first signature win of his career. WR Limas Sweed should again figure in the game plan. Texas CB Aaron Ross also looks to follow up a spectacular three-takeaway game against the Sooners.

The North leaders face potential stumbling blocks on the road. No. 20 Nebraska heads to Kansas State for a key divisional contest. Cornhuskers QB Zac Taylor has the nation's third-best passer rating and is now getting help from a deep RB group. Cody Glenn and Brandon Jackson have the hot feet after each surpassing the century mark at Iowa State. The Wildcats hope to ride the momentum of last week's comeback victory against Oklahoma State, which was sparked by a pair of freshmen. QB Josh Freeman hit his last six passes, and RB Leon Patton began the rally with a 95-yard kickoff return.

Unbeaten and 21st-ranked Missouri seeks a second consecutive triumph in the Lone Star State, this time at Texas A&M. Tigers QB Chase Daniel will look to continue his solid campaign with RB Tony Temple balancing the backfield. Aggies QB Stephen McGee showed he could deliver in the clutch last week at Kansas, while RB Jorvorskie Lane remains a force near the goal line. Defensive stalwarts include Missouri DE Brian Smith and A&M LB Justin Warren.

CONFERENCE USA

Two contenders from the West Division visit strong teams in the East in Saturday's headliners. Houston hopes to set up a key three-game home stand with a big win at Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles were shut down at Tulsa in their last outing but are still in good shape in their division. The Cougars suffered a demoralizing defeat to Louisiana-Lafayette last week after squandering a 21-0 lead. They must shore up their rushing defense in a hurry to contend with USM RB Damian Fletcher. The Golden Eagles need more consistency from QB Jeremy Young. QB Kevin Kolb continues to rewrite the Houston record book, but the Cougars need more ground production from RB Jackie Battle to rest their defense.

Tulsa continues its quest to repeat as C-USA champion at confident East Carolina. The Pirates are 1-1 in the league but are coming off a big non-conference victory against Virginia. Golden Hurricane QB Paul Smith directs an efficient attack, with RB Courtney Tennial and converted WR Cauvey Jackson providing depth to an injury-depleted running game. ECU QB James Pinkney is getting key contributions from WR Bobby Good and RB Brandon Fractious to overcome the absence of top WR Aundrae Allison (ankle) and RB Chris Johnson (turf toe). Both could play this week, though Allison might not have all his speed.

INDEPENDENTS

A series that generated little interest in recent years has become one of the week's marquee matchups as Navy hosts No. 24 Rutgers. The two teams have only a single one-point loss between them and hope to use this game to show their early success is legitimate. Adding to the intrigue is the clash between two top-10 rushing attacks. The Midshipmen lead the nation, with QB Brian Hampton and FB Adam Ballard keeping the sticks moving while SB Reggie Campbell provides a constant breakaway threat. The Scarlet Knights' two-back offense, No. 10 in rushing, is also something of a throwback with TB Ray Rice gaining big chunks behind the lead blocking and occasional carries of FB Brian Leonard. Leonard and TE Clark Harris will figure prominently in the Rutgers passing game, which QB Mike Teel must execute better to keep Mids LBs Rob Caldwell and David Mahoney from crowding the line. Likewise, Navy's Hampton might need to look SE Jason Tomlinson's way periodically to occupy Knights safeties Ron Girault and Courtney Greene.

MID-AMERICAN

A chaotic first half of the MAC season has produced a pair of unexpected division leaders. Setting the pace in the East is Kent State, seeking its first ever 4-0 MAC start. The Golden Flashes' homecoming opponent is Toledo, which is accustomed to competing for the West crown but off to an 0-2 start. QB Julian Edelman has sparked the Golden Flashes' early success, making use of WR Najah Pruden and his own scrambling ability. First-string RB Eugene Jarvis, held out of the win at Temple with a twisted ankle, is expected back to pose another challenge for LB Matt Alston and the Rockets' defense. Toledo is again likely to start freshman Aaron Opelt at QB, though coach Tom Amstutz says Clint Cochran is back at practice. Kent State DE Danny Muir could make life difficult for whomever calls signals for the Rockets.

Central Michigan, coming off its convincing win at Toledo, is now alone atop the West. Ball State visits Mount Pleasant looking to gain a share of first place. The all-freshman battery of QB Dan LeFevour and WR Bryan Anderson drives the Chippewas' attack. RB Ontario Sneed could be ready for a breakout game after battling injuries during the first month. The Cardinals have their own freshman sensation in QB Nate Davis. He will be without top rusher MiQuale Lewis (shoulder), but B.J. Hill was productive in relief at Buffalo last week.

Northern Illinois visits Western Michigan is another key West Division tilt with both teams needing to avoid a second league loss. Huskies RB Garrett Wolfe continues to lead the nation in rushing. Broncos QB Ryan Cubit will try to keep up.

MOUNTAIN WEST

Utah's impressive bounce-back win against defending MWC champion TCU keep it in good position to compete for the league title. The Utes head to Wyoming, which finally got over the hump to win a close game last week at New Mexico after losing four in a row by no more than a touchdown. Utah QB Brett Ratliff enjoys the protection of the only line in the nation that has yet to allow a sack. WR Brian Hernandez, back at full speed after being slowed by a quadriceps injury, also help. Cowboys' QB Karsten Sween's first career start was a success thanks to a pair of second-half scoring throws. He must beware of S Eric Weddle, the Utes' walking takeaway machine, as he looks for WR Michael Ford. Keep an eye on Cowboys S John Wendling, a top tackler who occasionally runs with snaps from punt formation.

SOUTHEASTERN

Just one top-10 showdown in the SEC this week? That's more than enough for No. 10 Auburn, trying to get off the deck after being run over by Arkansas. The Tigers host No. 3 Florida, which is now in the thick of the national title discussion but must negotiate the rest of a brutal October schedule. The Gators' offense is not constructed to exploit the vulnerability of the Tigers' rushing defense exposed last week, RB DeShawn Wynn's availability notwithstanding. But Florida does have WRs Dallas Baker and Andre Caldwell, who will be counted on to improve the Gators' third-down efficiency. QB Chris Leak remains the driving force of the attack, but Auburn LB Will Herring and his front-seven mates must be alert to the changeup flashy QB Tim Tebow provides near the goal line. The Tigers' offense is designed for ball control. But with RB Kenny Irons struggling to find room, QB Brandon Cox might need to change that and get WR Courtney Taylor to stretch the field. S Reggie Nelson anchors the Gators' secondary that has made its share of takeaways.

SUN BELT

After a grueling September road schedule and a needed bye week, Troy finally gets to come home for its league opener against Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks, already 0-2 in the conference, must reverse their fortunes. QB Omar Haugabook directs a new-look Trojans attack that hasn't crossed the goal line in its last two outings. His best option to change that is WR Gary Banks. UL-Monroe QB Kinsmon Lancaster has shown flashes but must cut down on his interceptions. S Kevin Payne, the Warhawks' defensive leader, moonlights as the punter averaging more than 42 yards a kick.

WESTERN ATHLETIC

Fresno State, the program with a well-earned reputation for pushing  and occasionally beating  top teams, is developing a more troubling habit of playing down  and sometimes losing  to average opponents. That reality hit home for the Bulldogs last week when they couldn't escape previously winless Utah State, and they now find themselves in a nearly must-win situation against red-hot Hawaii. The Warriors, who held off a late rally by Nevada, are now in a strong position for a runner-up finish in the WAC if they can win on the mainland. RB Dwayne Wright has been the Bulldogs' most consistent producer. The key to his success could be the trench battle between C Kyle Young and Hawaii DT Michael Lafaele. Fresno QB Tom Brandstater needs to start hitting on some deep balls. After nearly letting a big lead get away, don't expect QB Colt Brennan to throttle back if the Warriors jump in front again. WRs Davone Bess and Ian Sample are the big-play threats. LB Dwayne Andrews and the Bulldogs' defense must also account for RB Nate Ilaoa, averaging 9.3 yards per touch as a rusher and pass catcher.

And suddenly, Utah State's game at San Jose State looks very interesting. The Aggies hope their first win of the season translates into momentum. The Spartans, who have already equaled last year's three wins, are the last team to make their WAC debut. Utah State freshman QB Riley Nelson led a game-winning drive to conclude his first start but will depend mainly on RB Marcus Cross. SJSU is getting solid play from QB Adam Tafralis, with WR James Jones providing the spark