College Football Insiders’ All-BCS Buster Team

New York, NY—College Football Insiders releases its first annual All-BCS Buster Team comprised of the five non-BCS Bowl Championship Subdivision conferences—Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt and WAC. Twelve players on offense, 11 on defense and four on special teams are honored as first team selections. An additional 25 players received honorable mention honors—10 on offense, 10 on defense and five on special teams.

Utah led all teams with three players selected on the first team. TCU, BYU, Boise State, Fresno State, Houston, Idaho, East Carolina and Hawaii each had two players represented. Boise State’s Kellen Moore is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Offensive Player of the Year and Jerry Hughes of TCU is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Defensive Player of the Year. Boise State's Chris Peterson is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Coach of the Year.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Kellen Moore, Boise State

Defensive Player of the Year: DL Jerry Hughes, TCU

Coach of the Year: Chris Peterson, Boise State

CFI ALL-BCS BUSTER TEAM

Offense
QB-Kellen Moore (Boise State)
OL-John Estes (Hawaii)
OL-Mike Iupati (Idaho)
OL-Colin Madison (Temple)
OL-Zane Beadles (Utah)
OL-Matt Reynolds (BYU)
WR- Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green)
WR-James Cleveland (Houston)
WR-Greg Salas (Hawaii)
RB-Ryan Mathews (Fresno State)
RB- Donald Buckram (UTEP)
TE-Dennis Pitta (BYU)

Defense
DL-Jerry Hughes (TCU)
DL-Brandon Lang (Troy)
DL-Bruce Miller (Central Florida)
DL-Dontay Moch (Nevada)
LB-Daryl Washington (TCU)
LB- Cardia Jackson (Louisiana-Monroe)
LB-Stevenson Sylvester (Utah)
DB-Kyle Wilson (Boise State)
DB-Van Eskridge (East Carolina)
DB-Shiloh Keo (Idaho)
DB- Robert Johnson (Utah)

Special Teams
KR-Tyron Carrier (Houston)
PR-LaVon Brazill (Ohio)
PK-Kevin Goessling (Fresno State)
P-Matt Dodge (East Carolina)

CFI ALL-BCS BUSTER HONORABLE MENTION

Offense: QB Levi Brown (Troy), QB Any Dalton (TCU), QB Case Keenum (Houston), QB Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan), RB Bernard Pierce (Temple), RB Curtis Steele (Memphis), WR Antonio Brown (Central Michigan), WR Emmanuel Sanders (SMU), TE Cody Slate (Marshall), OL Nate Porter (Boise State)

Defense: DL John Fletcher (Wyoming), DL Jarvis Geathers (Central Florida), DL Jan Jorgenson (BYU), DL Linval Joseph (East Carolina), DL Chris McCoy (Middle Tennessee State), DL Adrian Robinson (Temple), DL D’Anthony Smith (Louisiana Tech), LB Boris Lee (Troy), DB Barry Church (Toledo), Duke Ihenacho (San Jose State)

Special Teams: KR Dwayne Harris (East Carolina) KR Titus Young (Boise State), PR Jeremy Kerley (TCU), K Craig Ratanamorn (Marshall), P Adam Miller (New Mexico)

The Conference Breakdown (First Team):
WAC—9
Mountain West—7
Conference USA—6
MAC—3
Sun Belt—2

The Conference Breakdown (First Team & Honorable Mention):
WAC—14
Conference USA—14
Mountain West—11
MAC—8
Sun Belt—5

Dennis Hubbard

Heisman Ballot: Week 14

This Week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the five best players in college football. Here is the Heisman Trophy ballot we would submit if the season ended today.

1. Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford Cardinal

Last Game: 29 rushes for 205 yards and three touchdowns; one reception for 33 yards; 1-of-1 passing for 18 yards and one touchdown in a 45-38 victory over Notre Dame.

Analysis: Gerhart was dominant once again in Stanford’s victory over the Fighting Irish. Gerhart's final touchdown run came when Notre Dame allowed Stanford to score in order to save time. Of course, this play resembled Gerhart’s 28 other rushes when Notre Dame had no answer for his physicality and toughness. Gerhart is now the nation’s rushing leader by more than 100 yards.

2. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 24-of-40 passing for 304 yards and four touchdowns; 18 rushes for 175 yards and one touchdown in a 49-39 victory over Texas A&M.

Analysis: McCoy had his best all-around game of the year as Texas completed an undefeated (12-0) regular season. His 175 rushing yards were a career high. McCoy is peaking at the right time and has put himself square in the middle of the Heisman discussion while others (Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller) have fallen off. He has a great opportunity to claim votes from Gerhart this weekend as Texas plays Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship Game, while Stanford is idle.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Game: 16 rushes for 30 yards; three receptions for 21 yards in a 26-21 victory over Auburn.

Analysis: Ingram struggled to establish himself as Alabama evaded disaster in an exciting Iron Bowl victory over Auburn. True freshman Trent Richardson was actually more effective than Ingram, rushing for 51 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. To add injury to insult, Ingram suffered a hip pointer in the second half.

It was not the first time this season that Ingram has been neutralized by an opponent. He was limited to just 50 and 99 yards against Tennessee and Arkansas respectively. Nonetheless, Ingram has a shot to claim the Heisman Trophy this weekend in the year’s most anticipated match-up, the SEC Championship game against Florida.

4. C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: Nine rushes for 18 yards; three receptions for 19 yards; 2 kick returns for 102 yards and one kick return for touchdown in a 34-17 loss to South Carolina.

Analysis: Spiller exploded out of the gates against the in-state rival Gamecocks, returning the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. With the score, he set a NCAA record with seven career kickoff returns for touchdowns. However, his star faded the rest of the game as Clemson could not keep up with the Gamecocks. Spiller needs a huge performance against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game to catapult himself into the top spot.

5. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 25-of-31 passing for 323 yards and two touchdowns in Houston’s 73-14 victory over Rice.

Analysis: Keenum continued his ridiculous statistical season leading Houston, as the Cougars scored a whopping 73 points over Rice. His stats for the game may look pedestrian compared to the rest of his body of work this year, but one has to remember--Keenum did not play in the second half.

Outside Looking In: DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame), QB Tim Tebow (Florida)

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Heisman Ballot: Week 12

This Week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the five best players in college football. Here is the Heisman Trophy ballot we would submit if the season ended today.

1. C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: 18 rushes for 97 yards, one touchdown; 3 receptions for 48 yards, one touchdown; 1-of-1 passing, 17 yards, 1 touchdown in a 43-22 victory over NC State.

Analysis: Spiller showcased his versatility against the Wolfpack on Saturday. He found the end zone in three different ways: rushing, receiving, and even throwing a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Spiller is the most dynamic running back college football has seen since Reggie Bush.

2. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 33-of-56 passing, 377 yards, three touchdowns, one interception in a 37-32 loss to UCF.

Analysis: Keenum’s Heisman chances took a big hit on Saturday when the Cougars fell to Central Florida. Houston had a 17-3 lead in the second quarter, but Central Florida rallied, building a 37-20 lead in the fourth quarter. If not for two late touchdown throws by Keenum, the game wouldn’t have been close. Despite his incredible statistics, Keenum will likely have to settle for an invitation to New York without actually winning the trophy.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Game: 19 rushes for 149 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-3 victory over Mississippi State

Analysis: Ingram continues to put up great numbers in the country’s best defensive conference. The SEC’s leading rusher is the most consistent and potent offensive weapon on the nation’s second ranked team. Ingram’s 70-yard touchdown run on Saturday was his longest of the season.

4. Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford Cardinal

Last Game: 29 rushes for 178 yards and three touchdowns in Stanford’s 55-21 victory over USC.

Analysis: The newest entry to the ballot could very well be the eventual winner. Gerhart had quietly put together a very solid season before Saturday’s victory over Southern Cal. However Gerhart will no longer lurk behind the scenes. Stanford’s big, physical rusher played a huge role in Stanford’s dominant performance over USC. The Cardinal finished with 55 points, more than any opponent has ever scored on the Trojans in the history of USC football. Gerhart is third in the nation in rushing with 1395 yards.

5. Golden Tate, Receiver, Notre Dame

Last Game: Nine receptions for 113 yards, one touchdown, two punt returns for 101 yards, one touchdown in a 27-22 loss to Pittsburgh.

Analysis: Tate will likely not be a Heisman finalist. Regardless he is one of the nation’s most electrifying and impressive players. Tate continued a season of clutch performances with two fourth quarter touchdowns that almost single-handedly allowed Notre Dame to earn a comback victory over Pittsburgh.

Outside Looking In: Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Colt McCoy (Texas), Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)

Photo Courtesy of Clemson SID

CFI Heisman Ballot: Week 11

By Mark Zavodnyik

This Week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the five best players in college football. Here is the Heisman Trophy ballot we would submit if the season ended today.

1. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 40-of-60 passing, 522 yards, and three touchdowns in a 46-45 victory over Tulsa.

Analysis: The nation’s leader in completions, yards, and touchdown passes led a miraculous fourth quarter comeback victory over Tulsa. The Cougars appeared finished when they failed on a two-point conversion with 21 seconds remaining in the game. However, a successful on-side kick and a 51-yard field goal later, the Cougars emerged with an amazing victory. Keenum had his second consecutive game with more than 500 passing yards.

2. C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: 22 rushes for 165 yards, one touchdown; three receptions for 68 yards, one touchdown in a 40-24 victory over Florida State.

Analysis: Spiller remains one of the most electric players in college football. His 312 all-purpose yards against Florida State broke the school record of 310 he set two weeks ago. Spiller is fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game with 199.33. This week’s performance included a 45-yard run, a 58-yard touchdown reception and a mini-Heisman pose after his five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Game: 22 rushes for 144 yards; five receptions for 30 yards in a 24-15 victory over LSU.

Analysis: Ingram was stymied by LSU’s defense in the first half and gained just 36 yards. However he came to life in the second half with 106 yards to lead the Crimson Tide to victory in a tough, physical contest in Tuscaloosa. Ingram is sixth in the nation in yards per game at 127.6; pretty impressive considering he plays in the country’s best defensive conference.

4. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 33-of-42 passing, 470 yards, two touchdowns, one interception in a 35-3 victory over Central Florida.

Analysis: McCoy’s production is improving at the right time. While he may have been forcing throws earlier in the season, McCoy has settled in and appears ready for a November Heisman push. With Baylor, Kansas, and Texas A&M left on the schedule, McCoy has ample opportunities to keep putting up big numbers.

5. Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame.

Last Game: 37-of-51 passing, 452 yards, two touchdowns, one interception in a 23-21 loss to Navy.

Analysis: Clausen’s Heisman hopes faded with the disastrous loss to the Midshipmen. Clausen played another great game, setting a school record for completions in a game. However, his fumble on the goal-line at the end of the third quarter was a costly error.

Outside Looking In: Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Golden Tate (Notre Dame), Tim Tebow (Florida)

Photo Courtesy of University of Houston, University of Texas Athletics

Heisman Ballot: Week 10

By MARK ZAVODNYIK

This week’s ballot is undergoing a philosophical change. No longer will it be a projection of how a typical Heisman voter may cast his/her ballot. Instead it will be our determination of the five best players in college football:

1. Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Game: 22-of-27 passing, 268 yards, two touchdowns in a 40-14 victory over Washington State.

Analysis: Clausen continues to be one of the most impressive quarterbacks in college football. He has led his team to multiple fourth-quarter-comeback victories while battling a season-long case of turf toe. Clausen is very accurate, completing 66.9 percent of his passes against just two interceptions. He is second in the nation in passing efficiency and eighth in passing yards per game. Clausen needs another great performance against Navy this week to hold on to the top spot.

2. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 44-of-54 passing, 559 yards, five touchdowns, one interception in a 50-43 victory over Southern Miss.

Analysis: Keenum’s statistics have been so impressive this season that he deserves a spot in the top two despite his perceived disadvantage of playing for a one-loss Conference USA team. Currently Keenum leads the country in completions per game (35.6), passing yards per game (411.63), total offense per game (420.9), points responsible for per game (21.5), touchdown passes (25) and total passing yards (3293).

3. Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida Gators

Last Game: 15-of-21 passing, 164 yards, two touchdowns; 18 rushes, 85 yards, 2 touchdowns in a 41-17 victory over Georgia.

Analysis: Florida fans finally got the Heisman-type game they want from Tebow. The senior from Jacksonville was very impressive with over 200 yards of offense and four total touchdowns as the Gators demolished Georgia. In addition to his passing duties at quarterback, Tebow is Florida’s leading rusher with 551 yards on the season.

4. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 16-of-21 passing, 171 yards, one touchdown; 11 rushes for 34 yards in a 41-14 victory over Oklahoma State.

Analysis: McCoy was efficient in a game where the Texas defense suffocated the Oklahoma State offense. Nonetheless, “efficient” is not a word that McCoy needs to describe his performances if he going to stay on the ballot. McCoy has the opportunity to be spectacular with a home game against UCF coming this week. He could be in line for big day as his best statistical performances of the year have come against non-Big 12 opponents

5. Golden Tate, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Game: Four receptions for 80 yards, one touchdown; 4 rushes for 61 yards, 1 touchdown in a 40-14 victory over Washington State.

Analysis: Tate is a dynamic threat in the passing game as well as in Notre Dame’s wildcat offense. His acrobatic catches have become a common occurrence. In this week’s victory over Washington State, Tate made an incredible catch on a Hail Mary pass over three Cougar defenders as the first half expired. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis was impressed, “It was probably one of the most phenomenal catches I've seen anyone make, ever," Weis said after the game.

Outside Looking In: RB Mark Ingram (Alabama), RB CJ Spiller (Clemson), RB Ryan Matthews (Fresno State), QB Kellen Moore (Boise State), DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)

BCS Buster: Week 10 Preview

Game of the Week - Virginia Tech @ East Carolina

The Hokies are looking to rebound after losing two-straight and having their national title hopes dashed. They haven’t lost three in a row since dropping their final two regular-season games and then losing to Cal in the 2003 Insight Bowl. One must remember that the Hokies were 5-3 at this point last year, but went on to end the season 10-4 and win the ACC Championship. East Carolina upset Virginia Tech last season on its home turf and will look to do it again.

Both quarterbacks have been struggling of late and have leaned on their ground game for success. The Hokies average 190 yards rushing per game thanks in part to running back Ryan Williams, who has 930 yards and 10 touchdowns on 163 attempts (5.7 yards-per-carry). The Pirates have a solid ball-carrier as well, Dominique Lindsay, who has rushed for 570 yards and three scores on 99 attempts this season despite missing two games (5.8 yards-per-carry). Look for both teams to focus on their run games come Thursday.

Tyrod Taylor and Patrick Pinkney are both trying to turn their seasons around with solid performances. Taylor has completed just 56 percent of his passes to date, but does have a silver lining as he’s only thrown three interceptions. Pinkney, on the other hand, has thrown nine interceptions and only eight touchdowns, a ratio no quarterback wants to see. With the game being nationally televised and both teams trying to make a statement, this should be an exciting game to watch.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 24; East Carolina 13

Players to Watch: ECU: QB Patrick Pinkney; RB Dominique Lindsay; WR Dwayne Harris; DB Van Eskridge; DL Linval Joseph; Virginia Tech: QB Tyrod Taylor; RB Ryan Williams; WR Jarrett Boykin; DB Rashad Carmichael; DL Jason Worilds

Other Games to Watch

Western Michigan @ Michigan State
In-state battles are always fun to watch and this game will be no different, especially with the Spartans having already lost at home to a non-BCS school in the state of Michigan (Central Michigan). Prediction: Michigan State 20; Western Michigan 10

BYU @ Wyoming
With the Cougars coming off of a bye, look for quarterback Max Hall and the offense to come out with guns blazing in this conference match-up. Prediction: BYU 40; Wyoming 23

Houston @ Tulsa
Both teams can score in bunches and have porous defenses, so there should be points a-plenty. We know Houston quarterback Case Keenum will come to play, but will Tulsa’s G.J. Kinne show up to the party? Prediction: Houston 41; Tulsa 28

Fresno State @ Idaho
With both teams trying to keep their conference championship hopes alive, this is an intriguing contest. Idaho is still trying to find their identity after giving up 70 points to Nevada two weeks ago and squeaking out a win at home against Louisiana Tech this past week. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs seemed to have found their swagger, winning four straight games after dropping their previous three. Prediction: Idaho 23; Fresno State 20

Photos Courtesy of East Carolina University Athletic Media Relations, University of Wyoming Photo Service

BCS Buster: Week 9 Preview

By KENNY FRANEK

Game of the Week - Central Michigan @ Boston College

Chippewa quarterback Dan LeFevour is coming off a huge game and will take his show on the road to play the Eagles. Boston College is coming off a disappointing loss at Notre Dame and will be hungry for a win. They have had trouble containing dual-threat quarterbacks, as shown in the 48-14 loss to Tyrod Taylor and the Hokies of Virginia Tech. The problem for them is that LeFevour is an even better run/pass quarterback than Taylor and is harder to defend.

The Chippewa defense will have their problems to deal with as well. Boston College running back Montel Harris currently has 794 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards-per-carry. Wide receiver Colin Larmond is averaging 21.5 yards-per-reception and stands at 6’ 3”, which will make it tough for the Chippewa secondary to cover him man-to-man.

This will be the Chippewas’ toughest match-up since its season opener at Arizona, their only loss this season. The Eagles, on the other hand, have played the likes of Virginia Tech, Florida State, Clemson, and Notre Dame so they have experience playing in tougher games. The Chippewas already have one big road win against a BCS school (Michigan State) and will look to make it two for their eighth-straight win. Regardless of outcome it should be a wicked awesome game in Boston.
Prediction: Boston College 23; Central Michigan 17

Players to Watch: Central Michigan: QB Dan LeFevour; WR Antonio Brown; LB Nick Bellore; DB Josh Gordy; Boston College: QB Dave Shinskie; WR Rich Gunnell; WR Colin Larmond; LB Luke Kuechly; DL Alex Albright

Other Games to Watch

Sothern Miss @ Houston
Southern Miss has given up 30 or more points three times this season and no one has been as explosive as Case Keenum and the Cougars. Projection: Houston 48; Southern Miss 24

Wyoming @ Utah
If Wyoming wants to stay in the MWC race with TCU and BYU, they need to win this game. But scoring 19.4 points-per-game and giving up 23.6 won’t allow you to win many games, especially when you are playing an opponent of Utah’s caliber on the road. Prediction: Utah 30; Wyoming 14

UNLV @ TCU
Who doesn’t love a match-up between acronyms? Oh, and the TCU defense might just win the game by themselves. Prediction: TCU 23; UNLV 9

Photos Courtesy of Robert Barclay Central Michigan, University of Houston

BCS Buster: Week 8 Preview

By KENNY FRANEK

Game of the Week - TCU @ BYU

The top defense in the MWC heads to Provo to clash with the top scoring offense. The Frogs give up a meager 13.7 points per game, while the Cougars average 38.6 points-per-game on offense. One has to give, but which will it be? For the record, BYU is giving up 22.7 points-per-game and TCU is averaging 33.8 points-per-game, so both are solid on both sides of the ball. The key match-up here will be TCU’s defensive line, starred by defensive end Jerry Hughes, versus the Cougar offensive line. BYU quarterback Max Hall has thrown 10 interceptions to date and can be forced into throwing errant passes when pressured. Hughes has eight sacks this season and is one of the best in the country at getting to the quarterback. If the Cougar offensive line can keep Hughes and Co. at bay, then he will have time to pick away at the TCU secondary, which is the weakest area for them on defense. If they cannot succeed in doing this, then it will be a long day for Hall and the Cougars.
Prediction: TCU 23; BYU 17

Other Games to Watch

Air Force @ Utah
Quarterback Terrance Cain and running back Eddie Wide will need to have big games against a good Falcons defense. Prediction: Utah 27; Air Force 14

Southern Methodist @ Houston
The only question here is: How many yards will Cougar quarterback Case Keenum throw for? Prediction: Houston 45; Southern Methodist 24

Idaho @ Nevada
Vandal running back DeMaundray Woolridge versus the Wolf Pack rushing attack of Luke Lippincott and Vai Taua is enough to make this an entertaining game. Throw in the fact that both are fighting for a share of first-place in the WAC and you got yourself a winning combination. Prediction: Idaho 30; Nevada 20

Central Michigan @ Bowling Green
The Dan LeFevour show is about to start, so in the words of T.O. “Get your popcorn ready”. Prediction: Central Michigan 33; Bowling Green 17

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

BCS Busters: Week 6 Preview

Game of the Week

Houston @ Mississippi State

After getting tripped up by UTEP last week, the Cougars now have everyone wondering how good they really are. They get the Bulldogs this week, which should be a good indicator to see if they put last weeks’ tough loss behind them. Mississippi State has already hung tough in their games against LSU and Georgia Tech and could pose problems on both offense and defense for the Cougars. Everyone knows that quarterback Case Keenum is the motor that makes this offense go, but as we saw last week, he can’t win games all by himself. The Cougars’ run game has been overlooked, or at times forgotten, thus far as they are relying on Keenum’s arm to win every game for them. In the first three games for the Cougars this appeared to be a plan that was working. But as we saw last week, it can be a major issue. If the Cougars had gone to the ground game early and controlled the clock and momentum of the game, the outcome would have likely been different. Running back Bryce Beal is a talented back who had 1,247 yards rushing (6.3 yards-per-carry) and 13 touchdowns in 2008. To date, he has only 60 rushing attempts for 279 yards (4.7 yards-per-carry) and three touchdowns, which makes him on pace for only 180 carries and 837 yards rushing. He will need to get back into the offensive mix if Houston wants to maintain leads, which they were unable to do against UTEP. They average 127 yards-per-game rushing, but that number should increase after this game. The defense will have to regroup as well, giving up a whopping 58 points to a mediocre, at best, UTEP offense last week. The Bulldogs come in averaging 28 points-per-game, which happens to be a higher average than what the Miners boasted coming into their game against Houston. The Cougars will win this game if they have a better balance on offense and if their defense can play better than the 32 points-per-game they are allowing. If not, then the Cougars’ dream season turns into a nightmare.
Prediction: Mississippi State 31, Houston 30

Players to Watch: Houston: Case Keenum (QB); Bryce Beall (RB); James Cleveland (WR); Tyron Carrier (WR); Mississippi State: Tyson Lee (QB); Chad Bumphis (WR); K.J. Wright (LB); Pernell McPhee (DL); Leon Berry (KR)

Other Game to Watch

Utah @ Colorado State: The first conference test comes on the road for the Utes where Colorado State is 2-0 this season. Quarterback Terrance Cain and running back Matt Asiata will look to score early to give their defense a chance to go after Rams quarterback Grant Stucker who has 10 touchdown passes this season.
Prediction: Utah 27, Colorado State 21

TCU @ Air Force: Quarterback Andy Dalton will have to be on his game against a fast Falcons' defense. Two years ago his costly interception allowed the Falcons to take the game to overtime and eventually the win.
Prediction: TCU 20, Air Force 10

BYU @ UNLV: The Cougars look to go 2-0 in MWC conference play. Quarterback Max Hall will need to protect the football to give his team a chance to win on the road. The Cougs will likely focus on the Rebels passing attack which is averaging 270 yards-per-game through the air this season.
Prediction: BYU 33, UNLV 14

Florida A&M @ Miami: The undefeated Rattlers head into Landshark Stadium for their biggest test of the season. Dual-threat quarterback Curtis Pulley will need to have an outstanding showing against the swarming hurricanes defense if they want to pull off a major upset. Their defense, which is giving up only 11 points-per-game this season, will try and put pressure on quarterback Jacory Harris and make him get outside of the pocket to make plays.
Prediction: Miami 34, Florida A&M 14

Photos Courtesy of College Press Box, University of Houston

BCS Busters Week Three Preview

By KENNY FRANEK

Game of the Week: Texas Tech at Houston

Both teams are coming off big time games and have offenses that can put a ton of points on the board. Houston ranks fifth in the nation in total yards-per-game (525) and third in points-per-game (50). Both quarterbacks are playing extremely well; Taylor Potts has already thrown for 1,281 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions while Case Keenum is playing as well as anybody right now with 725 yards passing, seven touchdowns and only one interception. He’s putting up these great numbers while completing 72.4 percent of his passes. This game should produce fireworks as the Cougars look to make it two straight against Big XII opponents and prove their win over Oklahoma State was no fluke.
Prediction: Houston 37, Texas Tech 33

Others to Watch

Louisville at Utah: The longest winning-streak in the country was snapped at 16 games, and now the Utes look to start another one up against a formidable Louisville team. If they allow the Cardinals to run all over them like the Oregon Ducks did, they could be starting a losing-streak instead.
Prediction: Utah 24, Louisville 13

Colorado State at BYU: This should be a fun one. Fans will get to see if Colorado State is for real and if BYU is going to collapse completely after getting walloped by Florida State. I’m sure if they drop this one, their biggest upset in school history against Oklahoma in the first game of the season will be a distant memory for Cougar fans.
Prediction: BYU 30, Colorado State 14

Boise State at Bowling Green: Another good match-up of a pass-happy offense versus a solid pass defense. Bowling Green averages 50 passes a game, so look for them to try and get the ground game going first to open up the passing against the Broncos strong secondary. Oh, and watch for Kellen Moore to keep doing what he does best, winning ball games.
Prediction: Boise State 40, Bowling Green 20


TCU at Clemson: TCU plays its second ACC opponent in three games. They already beat Virginia handily and aim their sights on a much tougher Clemson team in Death Valley. The Frogs are averaging 244.5 yards rushing this season and will need to continue to run the ball well this week if they have a shot at winning this game.
Prediction: Clemson 23, TCU 17

Photo Courtesy of University of Houston

Armed Forces Bowl: Houston vs. Air Force

By ANDREW GARDA

For a 7-5 team, Houston has some eye-popping stats. They are first in the nation in total yards per game (590.7), first in passing yards per game (429.7) and tenth in points scored (41.2 per game). Cougar quarterback Case Keenum has thrown for a phenomenal 4,768 yards and 43 touchdowns — that’s only five less than Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford. That’s some rarified air and he’s only a sophomore. Needless to say, if a quarterback is putting those kind of numbers up, you know he has weapons. For Keenum, that would be Tyrone Carrier and Mark Hafner, each of which has more than 70 catches to their credit this season. Add to that a thousand-yard back in freshman Bryce Beall and you should have a formula for winning. Air Force goes about scoring a different way. It relies on its fifth ranked run game and a spread offense to get the job done. They have three different backs with over 100 carries this season and two of those – senior Todd Newell and freshman Asher Clark – have topped 500 yards rushing on the season. Overall, the Falcons are a very young team, and they have yet to round out their offensive attack. Their 81.2 passing yards per game makes them vulnerable – if they fall behind by more than a touchdown, it could be incredibly difficult for them to come back.

Inside the Numbers – Pass, Run & Catch

Houston Cougars (7-5, 6-2)
Pass: Case Keenum – 4,768 yards, 43 TDs
Run: Bryce Beall – 1,112 yards, 12 TDs
Catch: Tyron Carrier – 75-977-9 TDs

Air Force Falcons (8-4, 5-3)
Pass: Tim Jefferson – 557 yards, 5 TDs
Run: Todd Newell – 594 yards, 4 TDs
Catch: Kyle Halderman – 11-256-3 TDs

Photo Credit: University of Houston

BCS Buster Players of the Week - Week Thirteen

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

QB Brian Johnson, Utah
He may not have put up the most impressive numbers last week, but Johnson gets the nod for leading his Utes to their 12th win, a Mountain West Conference title and a BCS birth. The numbers weren’t too shabby either – 30-of-36 passing for 303 yards and four touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Case Keenum, QB, Houston: 41-of-51, 480 yards, three touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DE Larry English, Northern Illinois
English recorded two sacks and forced a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah: six tackles, fumble recovery, interception (two PDs)

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

KR Chris Garrett, Ohio
The Ohio return man returned three kicks for 180 yards, including a 97-yard return for a score.

Honorable Mention: Keith Brown, DB, Louisiana Tech: blocked punt, two tackles

Photo Credit: College Press Box (University of Houston)

BCS Buster Players of the Week - Week 12

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK


QB Case Keenum, Houston
Earlier in the season it was Tulsa putting up 70 points in a game, but last Saturday it was Houston that turned the trick as their sophomore quarterback led them to a 70-30 win over the Golden Hurricane. Keenum, who has thrown for over 300 yards in every game this season, aired it out for 402 yards and six touchdowns and added 43 yards on the ground, including a touchdown run.
Honorable Mention: Max Hall, QB, BYU: 28-of-37, 354 yards, two touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

CB Loyce Means, Houston
While the Cougars’ offense was putting on a show, the Means-led defense did an excellent job of slowing Tulsa down. Means intercepted three passes on the day, returning one for a touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Deshawn Richard, DB, Utah: two interceptions, two touchdowns

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

K A.J. Principle, Buffalo
The sophomore kicker tied the game in the second overtime versus Akron and won it in the fourth overtime. In all, Principle drilled three field goals in the Bulls’ 43-40 victory.

Honorable Mention: Tyron Carrier, KR, Houston: 142 return yards, touchdown

Photo Credit: University of Houston