Football Fan's Four-Pack - Week Ten

By JOHN GARRETT

Northwestern at Minnesota (November 1, 12:00, ESPN2): Two things were lost last week for the Wildcats: a 21-19 decision at Indiana and their top offensive player—senior running back Tyrell Sutton—who is out for the season. The No. 20 Golden Gophers come into homecoming riding a three-game winning streak. The Minnesota defense has been instrumental in the past three victories, allowing just six points and 109 passing yards in last Saturday’s win over Purdue. Both teams have bounced back from disappointing 2007 seasons due largely to their defensive improvements. Through eight games, the Gopher defense has allowed 137 points, while the Wildcats have allowed 146.

Super Senior: William VanDeSteeg, DE, UM

Star of Tomorrow: Vince Browne, DE, NU

Nebraska at Oklahoma (November 1, 8:00, ESPN): The No. 4 Sooners and Cornhuskers will meet for the 84th time in the history of the series Saturday at Owen Field. One thing that Nebraska will do to try to match the speed of the Sooners is line up redshirt freshman Marcus Mendoza at wide receiver. Coach Bo Pelini hopes the speedster from Texas is able to create some mismatches against the OU defense. On the injury front, senior running back Marlon Lucky should be able to go on Saturday after suffering a minor ankle injury in the Huskers’ victory over Baylor last weekend.

Super Senior: Joe Ganz, QB, Nebraska

Star of Tomorrow: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Tennessee @ South Carolina (November 1, 7:00, ESPN2): Coming off a bye-week and having won four of their previous five contests, the Gamecocks will host the Volunteers at Williams-Brice Stadium. But keep in mind that South Carolina hasn’t defeated Tennessee at home since a win on Halloween in 1992. The Volunteers lead the all-time series 21-3-2 dating back to 1903.

Super Senior: Carlos Thomas, CB, USC

Star of Tomorrow: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee

Wisconsin @ Michigan St. (November 1, 12:00, ESPN): The Badgers have won seven of the last 10 meetings between the schools, but fell 49-14 in their last trip to Spartan Stadium in 2004. Wisconsin’s defense will get to know the senior running back for the No. 22 Spartans, Javon Ringer, before the day is through. Ringer currently leads the country in touchdowns (16) and ranks second in the nation in rushing (1,373), as well as all-purpose yardage (1,717).

Super Senior: Otis Wiley, S, Michigan State

Star of Tomorrow: David Gilreath, WR, UW

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department