BCS Buster: Week Three Preview

By KENNY FRANEK

Game of the Week: Florida State @ BYU

BYU gets their first home game of the season against a Florida State team that survived a scare against Jacksonville St. Max Hall will attempt to add his name to the short list of Heisman Trophy candidates by beating a second storied program in three weeks. He has thrown for more than 300 yards in his first two games of the season and will look to continue that streak against an inexperienced Seminoles’ secondary that has given up more than 200 yards passing in both of their games this season. It will be running backs Bryan Kariya, J.J. Di Luigi and hopefully Harvey Unga who will need to get the ground game going to control the clock and wear down the solid run defense of the 'Noles, who have yet to allow either team they have faced to rush for more than 100 yards. Although the Seminoles looked rusty in their second game, they are not a team to be taken lightly. They have enough offensive firepower to put points on the board with veteran quarterback Christian Ponder and wide receiver Richard Goodman breaking out of his shell. The Cougars will also have to contain Florida State’s explosive return man Greg Reid, who can be a Devin Hester-like game changer. If the Cougs’ defense can be as strong as they have shown in their first two games, then the offense will do the rest. If they fail to contain the Seminoles’ offense, this could turn into a shoot-out. I believe the defense will come through again.

Players to Watch - BYU: QB Max Hall, TE Dennis Pitta, RB Bryan Kariya, RB J.J. Di Luigi

Players to Watch - FSU: QB Christian Ponder, WR Richard Goodman, CB/KR Greg Reid

Prediction: BYU 26, FSU 19

Other Games to Watch:

Boise State @ Fresno State:

Kellen Moore leads the Blue Turf Darlings to Fresno for their first road game of the season. He has turned into the leader of this team in the season’s early going and will be the key to a Boise St. victory. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs look to get back on track after letting a 14-point lead slip away and losing in overtime at Camp Randall against the Badgers. This will be a fun match-up to watch as the high-powered Bulldog offense looks to put a dent in the physical Broncos’ defense.
Prediction: Boise State 34, Fresno State 24

Tulsa @ Oklahoma:

In-state rivals collide as the Sooners look to make it two straight wins after the injury to Sam Bradford. Red-shirt freshman quarterback Landry Jones will try to repeat his performance of last week where he was 18-of-32 for 286 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The Sooners’ defense will have its hands full against the high-powered Tulsa offense, which has led the nation in total offense the past two seasons. They have averaged 450 yards in their first two games this season and this battle will come down to the Golden Hurricane offense versus the Oklahoma defense.
Prediction: Oklahoma 45, Tulsa 31

TCU vs. Texas State:

The Frogs’ defense looked sharp in their season opener in Virginia and will hope to build on that momentum. Their offense looked stagnant at times and will try and get it together against a Texas State defense that allowed 28 points to Angelo State in their season opener.
Prediction: TCU 30, Texas State 10

Utah @ Oregon:

The Utes will take the nation’s longest current winning streak to Eugene to take on the Ducks. Quarterback Terrance Cain and running back Matt Asiata look to get the offense back on track after a mediocre performance last week against San Jose St. The task will not be easy, though, as the Ducks are 5-0 against ranked opponents at Autzen Stadium since 1995.
Prediction: Utah 27, Oregon 23

Photos Courtesy of Jaren Wilkey/BYU, Boise St. University

GMAC Bowl: Ball St. vs. Tulsa

January 6, 2009 * 8:00 * ESPN

You can call this one the redemption bowl. After a perfect regular season – 12-0 – it appeared the Ball St. Cardinals going bowling undefeated was a mere formality. Winners of the MAC West – think the Big 12 South of the BCS Buster schools – they were expected to roll over the East representative, Buffalo…until headman Turner Gill’s Bulls played spoiler. Ball State’s junior signal caller Nate Davis completed 31-of-48 passes for 351 yards but couldn’t overcome five Cardinal turnovers. Davis, who says he will return for his senior campaign, saw his completion rate leap by 10 percent from his sophomore season (56.4 percent to 55.9). He’s always had the arm and he really put it all together in 2008. The junior has benefited from a more balanced offense with the emergence of tailback MiQuale Lewis, who rumbled for a school-record 1,701 yards and 22 touchdowns. Donte Love, whose football career was ended early this year, will be up in the coach’s box for the game. Also keep an eye on freshman free safety Sean Baker, who is the most talented defender on either side.

Tulsa saw their chance at perfection rubbed away much earlier in the season when they went into Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks of the SEC. The Golden Hurricane lost the next one as well at Houston, but recovered to win their next two and advance to the Conference USA Championship, which they played host to. Like Ball St., Tulsa was a prohibitive favorite – after all, they were 6-0 on their home field, where they averaged 60 points per game. That explosive offense was shutdown by the East Carolina Pirates and, like the Cards, the ‘Canes fell short of their goal. They will look to bounce back behind the big right arm of senior quarterback Doug Johnson. Johnson had to wait his turn behind Paul Smith, but made the most of his lone season at the helm, throwing 43 touchdown passes this season. He may not have the fastball Davis has, but not many in college football throw a prettier deep ball. When they look to stretch the field, the go-to man has been Brennan Marion who averaged an eye-popping 25.9 yards per catch on his 43 receptions. Tulsa also has balance as Tarrion Adams turned in his second straight 1,000-yard season.

Conference USA is 3-2 thus far in the bowl season, while the MAC needs Ball St. to come though. If they don’t, the mid-major conference out of the Midwest will be winless this bowl season – not exactly the way to garner national respect. Not only will the Cardinals represent the MAC, they will bring home the first ever bowl victory in the program’s history behind the arm of Davis and an improved defense.

CFI Prediction: Ball St. 38, Tulsa 28

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Ball St.)

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 30, 1991: No. 23 Tulsa beats San Diego State 28-17 at the Freedom Bowl in Anaheim, Calif. The Golden Hurricane turns to back up tailback Ron Jackson, who out shines Aztec's tailback Marshall Faulk, rushing 46 times for 211 yards and a Freedom bowl record four touchdowns. It was the first time in almost 30 years that Tulsa won a bowl game.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

TULSA'S HOLLOWAY WINS 2008 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL COURAGE AWARD

DALLAS (FWAA) - Tulsa's Wilson Holloway is the winner of the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. Holloway, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman from Oklahoma City, has battled cancer since last spring, when a softball-sized mass was discovered in his chest.

Holloway will be presented the award at the BCS Championship Game on Jan. 8 in Miami. He will also be honored that day at the Football Writers Association of America's annual awards breakfast.

"I don't think anyone sets their goal at the beginning of the year that, 'Boy, I hope I win the Courage Award,'" said Tulsa co-offensive coordinator Herb Hand. "But ... I can't think of a better guy to get it. On top of that, once he whips this cancer, he'll be a tremendous player for us and he'll be an inspiration to a bunch of people."

After Holloway was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, he underwent chemotherapy treatment throughout the spring and returned to play for the Golden Hurricane this season on special teams and in a reserve role.

Last October, however, tests on a swollen lymph node showed the cancer had returned. He began a treatment cycle that included two rounds of chemotherapy with three-week breaks between, followed by five straight days of treatment during which he was sequestered in the hospital.

Despite the cancer, Holloway played in six games - including one game (Oct. 26 vs. Central Florida) after he had begun treatment. When he began losing his hair, his fellow offensive linemen shaved their heads. Hand did, as well.

His coaches and teammates say through it all, Holloway has remained optimistic and determined.

"The natural thing a person asks in that situation is, 'Why me?'" Hand said. "Whether Wilson has ever asked himself that or not, you'd never know just because of the way he's handled it. He's shown an unbelievable courage and a great spirit and attitude."

"There's a light on the other side," Holloway told the Tulsa World. "I'm keeping an upbeat, positive spirit about it. God doesn't put anything on us that we can't handle. That's the one reason that I've been so calm about it."

"We're extremely proud of Wilson's courage and his faith," Tulsa coach Todd Graham said. "His example to our team has been absolutely outstanding. We're so excited for him to be honored this way with the Courage Award. It's an unbelievable reflection on such a great human being. He's been a tremendous example to everyone on how to face adversity and that's with an unbelievable faith and determination. He's got a spirit that is extremely unique and has been an inspiration to our team."

For the third straight year, the Football Writers Association of America and the FedEx Orange Bowl announced a weekly nominee during the season. A blue-ribbon panel determined the winner from all of the nominees.

The Courage Award was created by ESPN The Magazine's senior writer Gene Wojciechowski, also a FWAA member. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship.

Previous winners of the FWAA's Courage Award are Navy's Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis' Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State's Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo's William Bratton (2002).

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Orange Bowl Committee is a not-for-profit, 333-member, primarily-volunteer organization. It is a self-sustaining, independent organization that supports and produces activities and events that enhance the image, economy and culture of South Florida. In addition to the 75th edition of the Orange Bowl Festival, which features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the FedEx Orange Bowl on January 1, the Orange Bowl Committee will host the 2009 FedEx BCS Championship Game on January 8. For more information on the 2008-09 Orange Bowl Festival and its events, including promotional and volunteer opportunities, visit orangebowl.org.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,000 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America team.

For more information in the FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award visit the FWAA website at footballwriters.com.

The O'Brien completes on-the-road Fan Vote campaign in week thirteen

FORT WORTH, Texas (November 17, 2008) - On Saturday, November 22, the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) will wrap-up its on-the-road campaign visiting its 13 Semifinalists' campuses. The O'Brien will travel to the state of Oklahoma to visit Semifinalists Sam Bradford and David Johnson, the final two stops on this year's on-the-road tour. College football enthusiasts and fans alike are encouraged to stop by The O'Brien displays and cast their vote for their favorite Semifinalist. Fans who vote will also have the opportunity to be entered into the "Defend Your Pride. Vote The O'Brien Sweepstakes," for a chance to win a trip to the 2009 O'Brien Awards Dinner. The display will open prior to kickoff and continue through the first quarter of each game.

The O'Brien on-the-road tour has collected votes throughout the Semifinalist period which concludes after this weekend's visits when The O'Brien announces its three Finalists on November 24. Finalists will be selected by The O'Brien Selection Committee, comprised of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners, with 5% of the overall voting tally coming directly from the Fan Vote. Fans who are not able to cast a vote in person are encouraged to register and vote at www.VoteOBrien.org.

Saturday, November 22 (Week 13 Visits)
Alphabetical by last name

* Sam Bradford
Texas Tech at Oklahoma

* David Johnson
Tulane at Tulsa

About The O'Brien Fan Vote
Fans can now register and vote for The O'Brien Fan Vote online at www.VoteOBrien.org to show their support for their favorite Semifinalist. The Fan Vote will count as 5% in determining the Finalists and Winner. The 2008 Winner will be announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show airing December 11 on ESPN. The recipient will be honored February 16, 2009, at the 32nd Annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Fans can download an interactive "widget" featuring a voting link and the ability to post and share on Web sites, social networks and blogs by clicking here.

Fans can also show their support by adding The O'Brien Facebook application to their Facebook Profile. The new application can be found by searching O'Brien Fan Vote and clicking the applications tab or by clicking here.

BCS Busters - Players of the Week

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WR Jimmy Young, TCU
The sophomore wide out broke out for the Horned Frogs last Saturday with five receptions for 226 yards and three touchdowns. All three touchdowns went for at least 39 yards, with his longest reception of the day (65 yards) setting up yet another score. Young’s 226 yards set a school record and is the best receiving performance by a Mountain West player this season.

Honorable Mention: Levi Brown, QB, Troy:
40-of-50 passing, 391 yards, two touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

S James Lockett, Tulsa
Whether he was blitzing or dropping back in coverage, Lockett was making plays in Tulsa’s 49-19 win over Central Florida. The junior recorded three of the Golden Hurricane’s nine sacks and a pair of forced fumbles, each of which led to a Tulsa touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Jorrick Calvin, DB, Troy: nine tackles, two TFLs, interception in end zone

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

K Kevin Goessling, Fresno St.
Goessling’s 58-yard field goal as time expired won the game for the Bulldogs 30-28 over Utah St. It was the freshman’s third field goal of the day.

Honorable Mention: Mike Salerno, K, Northern Illinois: game-tying & game-winning FGs

Photo Credit: TCU Athletics Media Relations

BCS Buster Watch - Week Nine

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 8-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 9
Associated Press: 10
Last Week: BYE
The Utes begin a difficult November stretch that includes visits from TCU and BYU, a pair of ranked, one-loss Mountain West foes.
Up Next: 11/1: @ New Mexico; 11/6: vs. TCU

2. TCU Horned Frogs (4)
Record: 7-1 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 12
Associated Press: 12
Last Week: Won vs. Wyoming 54-7
What separates TCU from the rest of the BCS Busters is their ability to play defense, led by linebacker Jason Phillips (9.5 tackles for a loss) and defensive end Jerry Hughes (12 sacks).
Next: 11/1: @ UNLV; 11/6: @ Utah

3. Boise St. Broncos (2)
Record: 7-0 (3-0)
Coaches Poll: 11
Associated Press: 11
Last Week: Won @ San Jose St. 33-16
In freshman quarterback Kellen Moore, senior tailback Ian Johnson and sophomore tailback Jeremy Avery, the Broncos possess one of the most balanced offenses, regardless of conference.
Next: 11/1: @ New Mexico St.; 11/8: Utah St.

4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3)
Record: 8-0 (5-0)
Coaches Poll: 18
Associated Press: 19
Last Week: Won vs. UCF 49-19
The defense stepped up after giving up 19 second quarter points, pitching a shutout after halftime (held UCF to 38 total yards in the second half).
Next: 11/1: @ Arkansas; 11/8: BYE

5. BYU Cougars (2)
Record: 7-1 (3-1)
Coaches Poll: 17
Associated Press: 17
Last Week: Won vs. UNLV 42-35
After allowing just 61 points through six games, the BYU defense has given up 67 points in the last two games. They need to buckle down.
Up Next: 11/1: @ Colorado St.; 11/8: San Diego St.

Photo Credit: TCU Athletics Media Relations

BCS Buster Watch - Week Eight

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 8-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 12
Associated Press: 12
Last Week: Won vs. Colorado St. 49-16
Brian Johnson tossed two first half touchdowns, while his backup Corbin Louks put his ability to run the ball on display (five carries, 109 yards).
Up Next: 10/25: BYE; 11/1: @ New Mexico

2. Boise St. Broncos (3)
Record: 6-0 (2-0)
Coaches Poll: 13
Associated Press: 13
Last Week: Won vs. Hawaii 27-7
The Broncos intercepted five Hawaii passes on the day, led by sophomore cornerback Brandyn Thompson who had three of them. It couldn’t just be the blue turf at Bronco Stadium, could it?
Next: 10/24: @ San Jose St.; 11/1: @ NM St.

3. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4)
Record: 7-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 19
Associated Press: 22
Last Week: Won vs. UTEP 77-35
The combination of David Johnson (434 yards, five touchdowns) to Brennan Marion (233 yards, three touchdowns) is the best you’ve never seen.
Next: 10/26: vs. UCF; 11/1: @ Arkansas

4. TCU Horned Frogs (NR)
Record: 7-1 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 15
Associated Press: 15
Last Week: Won @ BYU 32-7
The Horned Frogs defense was nothing short of brilliant, stifling the BYU attack (297 yards of total offense). For the first time all year BYU’s Max Hall did not throw a touchdown pass.
Next: 10/25: vs. Wyoming; 11/1: @ UNLV

5. BYU Cougars (2)
Record: 6-1 (2-1)
Coaches Poll: 17
Associated Press: 18
Last Week: Lost @ TCU 32-7
The Cougars gained just 28 yards on 23 carries (0.8 yards per carry), while their defense couldn’t slow down TCU’s attack (240 yards, 4.7 YPC).
Up Next: 10/25: vs. UNLV; 11/1: @ Colorado St.

Photo Credit: Walt Beazley, The University of Tulsa

BCS Buster Players of the Week - Week Eight

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

RB Dennis Kennedy, Akron
Kennedy’s 277 yards on 25 carries were the most by a Zip since Akron joined the FBS (formerly I-A) and the second highest in school history. Kennedy had three touchdowns on the day, including a career best 73-yard scoring scamper and the game-winning touchdown with 14 seconds left in Akron’s 42-35 win at EMU.

Honorable Mention: Brennan Marion, WR, Tulsa: six catches, 233 yards, three touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DE Jerry Hughes, TCU
The Bronko Nagurski Player of the Week spearheaded the Horned Frogs upset over previously undefeated BYU. Hughes recorded four sacks of the Cougars’ Max Hall, including three in the first half as TCU built a 23-0 lead.

Honorable Mention: Brandyn Thompson, CB, Boise St.: three interceptions, five tackles

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

KR Damaris Johnson, Tulsa
The C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week set a school record with 211 yards on six returns. His biggest blow came after UTEP took a 28-21 lead—the freshman took the ensuing kickoff 94 yards to tie the game and Tulsa never looked back.

Honorable Mention: Kyle Brotzman, K/P, Boise St.: 2-for-2 on FGs, 60 yards per punt (three)

Photo Credit: TCU Athletics Media Relations

BCS Buster Watch - Week Seven

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 7-0 (3-0)
Coaches Poll: 13
Associated Press: 14
Last Week: Won @ Wyoming 40-7
The Utes defense forced five turnovers with junior defensive back Sean Smith picking off two passes, including one he returned to pay-dirt four minutes into the game to set the tone.
Up Next: 10/18: vs. Colorado St.; 10/25: BYE

2. BYU Cougars (2)
Record: 6-0 (2-0)
Coaches Poll: 8
Associated Press: 9
Last Week: Won vs. New Mexico 21-3
It will be a quick turnaround this week for the Cougars as they travel to Fort Worth, Texas to face their toughest opponent to date.
Up Next: 10/16: @ TCU; 10/25: vs. UNLV

3. Boise St. Broncos (3)
Record: 5-0 (1-0)
Coaches Poll: 16
Associated Press: 15
Last Week: Won @ Southern Miss 24-7
Boise St. plays host to WAC rival Hawaii, as the Warriors visit the mainland. Hawaii has won two in a row, including an upset at Fresno St.
Next: 10/17: vs. Hawaii; 10/24: @ San Jose St.

4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4)
Record: 6-0 (3-0)
Coaches Poll: 26
Associated Press: 26
Last Week: Won @ SMU 37-31
Trailing for the first time in the second half all season, Tulsa entered the fourth quarter down 31-24 and they responded to remain undefeated.
Next: 10/18: vs. UTEP; 10/26: vs. UCF

5. Ball St. Cardinals (5)
Record: 6-0 (3-0)
Coaches Poll: 25
Associated Press: 24
Last Week: Won @ Western Kentucky 24-7
While Nate Davis failed to throw for 200 yards for the first time in almost a year, the defense held the Hilltoppers scoreless for three quarters.
Next: 10/18: BYE; 10/25: vs. Eastern Michigan

CFI Players of the Week

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

QB Chase Holbrook, New Mexico St.
The senior signal caller completed 28-of-47 passes for 409 yards and three scoring strikes. Holbrook also crossed the goal line on the ground. The Aggies needed every bit of Holbrook’s heroics in their thrilling 48-45 victory over Nevada.

Honorable Mention: Nick Moore, WR, Toledo: MAC record 20 receptions, 162 yards

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

FS Tyrell Herbert, Toledo
The Pittsburgh native led Toledo to their upset over Michigan in the Big House. Herbert returned the first of his two interceptions 100 yards for the Rockets’ lone touchdown. His second take-away set up a field goal in Toledo’s 13-10 win.

Honorable Mention: Phillip Hunt, DE, Houston: three sacks, eight tackles

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

K/P Swayze Waters, UAB
The senior was on his game, making both of his field goal attempts, including a 50-yarder. Waters was even better as a punter averaging 50.6 yards on his eight punts, with a NET of 51.8 yards.

Honorable Mention: Alex Steigerwald, K, Toledo: game-tying and game-winning FGs

Photo Credit: NMSU Media Relations

BCS Buster Watch - Week Six

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 6-0 (2-0)
Coaches Poll: 13
Associated Press: 14
Last Week: Won vs. Oregon St. 31-28
Despite struggling most of the game, quarterback Brian Johnson connected on seven of eight passes for 91 yards in the final 2:11 to lead the way.
Up Next: 10/11: @ Wyoming; 10/18: vs. CSU

2. BYU Cougars (2)
Record: 5-0 (1-0)
Coaches Poll: 8
Associated Press: 9
Last Week: Won @ Utah St. 34-14
Max Hall threw for 300 yards but his two interceptions were a season high and his two touchdown passes a season low.
Up Next: 10/11: vs. New Mexico; 10/16: @ TCU

3. Boise St. Broncos (3)
Record: 4-0 (1-0)
Coaches Poll: 16
Associated Press: 15
Last Week: Won vs. Louisiana Tech 38-3
Safety Jeron Johnson and linebacker Kyle Gingg each had eight tackles to lead the Broncos. Cornerback Kyle Wilson broke up three passes.
Next: 10/11: @ Southern Miss; 10/17: vs. Hawaii

4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (5)
Record: 5-0 (2-0)
Coaches Poll: 28
Associated Press: 27
Last Week: Won vs. Rice 63-28
After starting the season by scoring 45 points, the Golden Hurricane scored 56 points in their next two contests. Over the last two games, they scored 62 and 63 points. Is 70 points reachable?
Next: 10/11: @ SMU; 10/18: UTEP

5. Ball St. Cardinals (NR)
Record: 6-0 (3-0)
Coaches Poll: 29
Associated Press: 25
Last Week: Won @ Toledo 31-0
The Cardinals’ offense has topped 30 points in each game and their defense shutout a Toledo team that put up 54 points against Fresno St.
Next: 10/11: vs. Idaho; 10/18: BYE

TULSA'S HOLLOWAY NOMINATED FOR FEDEX ORANGE BOWL COURAGE AWARD

DALLAS (FWAA) - Tulsa's Wilson Holloway is this week's nominee for the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award, to be announced at the end of the season. Holloway, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman from Oklahoma City, was diagnosed with cancer last spring, underwent chemotherapy treatment throughout the spring and summer, and is playing on special teams and in a reserve role for the Golden Hurricane.

Holloway was considered to have a bright future, but Tulsa coaches were concerned when he had trouble during offseason workouts last winter. He struggled to breathe after sprints.

"I just thought I was out of shape," Holloway told the Tulsa World.

But tests revealed a softball-sized tumor, which was diagnosed as Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Holloway had difficulty breathing because the tumor was pressing against his lungs.

Holloway began undergoing biweekly chemo treatments March 21. Though he initially lost 20 pounds, he's regained that and added 20 more, up to 275.

Holloway did not participate in spring practice, but continued with conditioning workouts. He returned to practice for preseason camp and underwent his last chemo treatment on Aug. 22, eight days before the Golden Hurricane opened the season.

"He's just so tough and courageous," Tulsa coach Todd Graham told the newspaper. "He's always had a positive mindset and a game plan. He has done a good job of whipping (cancer) so far."

For the third straight year, the Football Writers Association of America and the FedEx Orange Bowl will announce a weekly nominee each Wednesday during the season. A blue-ribbon panel will determine the winner from all of the nominees. The winner of the FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award will be announced in December and be presented with the trophy.

The Courage Award was created by ESPN The Magazine's senior writer Gene Wojciechowski, also a FWAA member. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship.

CFI PREVIEW: CONFERENCE USA

BY NEIL BISMAN
C-USA INSIDER

With the exception of idle Marshall and Rice, every team will have at least one conference game under their belt after this weekend. And with all due respect to the Thundering Herd and Owls, it’s not as though we need to wait for the two winless squads to start the party. Without further ado, here is your Conference USA Weekend Preview…

LSU at Tulane: If you have never heard of Matt Forte before, don’t feel bad because you are not alone. The Tulane running back ran for five touchdowns and 303 yards on 40 carries in the Green Wave’s victory over Southeastern Louisiana and was named this week’s Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week for the entire nation. Is this a sign of things to come for the Slidell, Louisiana product? Forte averaged an impressive 5.3 yards per carry last year before going down with a left knee injury. This game won’t be close so the only thing to keep an eye out for is how Forte does in a true test, such as going against the LSU defense.
Prediction: LSU 59 – Tulane 14

UTEP at Southern Methodist: It may have been against Texas Southern, but the UTEP offense did show signs of life last week in their 52-12 rout over the Tigers. Southern Methodist put up just seven points a week ago in their loss to TCU but they too showed signs of life on offense. SMU was a dreadful 0-for-3 on fourth down inside the TCU 25 and are going to have to start converting those types of opportunities if they want to make any noise in conference play. In a game like this – where both offenses are question marks, its usually safest to side with the home squad but UTEP has a little bit more talent so now may be a good time to buck that trend.
Prediction: UTEP 24 – SMU 20

Louisiana-Lafayette at UCF: Louisiana-Lafayette has had an extremely tough time stopping the opposition from scoring this season, allowing powers such as Ohio, McNeese State and Troy to put up 31, 38, and 48 points, respectively. In other words, it’s a pretty safe assumption that UCF running back Kevin Smith is going to have a field day.
Prediction: UCF 49 – Louisiana-Lafayette 10

UAB at Tulsa: Plain and simple, Tulsa was just outclassed in their blowout loss to Oklahoma a week ago. The Golden Hurricane offense has yet to find a replacement for running back Courtney Tennial and until they do, the offense will have a giant hole in it. Running backs Tarrion Adams and Jamad Williams get another chance to claim the job all to themselves against a UAB team that appears to be getting better and better with each passing week. Tulsa has way too much talent though for the Blazers to pick up their first conference win of the season on Saturday.
Prediction: Tulsa 37 – UAB 17

East Carolina at Houston: Without question the best game of the week, East Carolina travels to Houston in what could be a possible Conference USA Championship Game preview. Both teams do have their hurdles in the way to make it a reality but it is certainly possible. East Carolina’s brutal stretch of games continues and while they may be just as good as Houston, the losses are going to catch up to them mentally eventually. The Cougars have looked impressive since their season-opening loss to Oregon but that was a game in which they did not have star running back Anthony Aldridge. Expect Aldridge to have a big day and propel Houston to their third straight victory while East Carolina wonders if they will ever see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Prediction: Houston 31 – East Carolina 20

CFI PREVIEW: CONFERENCE USA

BY NEIL BISMAN
CONFERENCE USA INSIDER

State bragging rights are on the line…It’s just that Tulsa doesn’t stand much of a chance. Oklahoma has come out smoking in the early part of the season, blowing out North Texas, Miami and Utah State. Things appear to be working on both sides of the ball for the Sooners, as the defense has given up just 26 points on the season and the offense has scored no less than 51 in any contest. Tulsa’s offense appears to be off and running after a slow first half the first week against Louisiana-Monroe, but the defense has been shaky at times. Shaky will not do it Friday night under the lights at Skelly Stadium. Home field advantage or not, Tulsa just doesn’t have enough to take down the big boys from Norman.
Prediction: Oklahoma 56 – Tulsa 24

Why isn’t Rice on the schedule…Thing’s never seem easy for East Carolina. After opening the season at Virginia Tech, they have had to play North Carolina, Southern Miss and now perhaps their toughest test, a trip to Morgantown to take on West Virginia. There isn’t any light on the other side of the tunnel as after this one they have to travel to Houston and then get UCF at home. At that point, ECU may be the best 1-5 team in America. As you can guess, ECU doesn’t stand much of a chance this week. The Pirates will go out and play hard as they always do, but Steve Slaton, Pat White and freshman sensation Noel Devine are just way too fast and way too talented for the Pirate defense to contain.
Prediction: West Virgnia 44 – East Carolina 21

Second time is a charm…Central Florida gets its second shot at winning its first ever home game at Bright House Networks Stadium but should have a much easier time this week as they take on Memphis. The Tigers were able to right the ship a little bit last week in their win over Jacksonville State but the running game, on both sides of the ball, is still an issue for Memphis. With all due respect to Jacksonville State running back and one time second-stringer Cedric Johnson, UCF running back Kevin Smith is just a little bit better and should have a field day against the Tigers’ defense.
Prediction: Central Florida 31- Memphis 13

Battle of the underrateds…Don’t let the records fool you when Colorado State travels to Houston to take on the Cougars. Both teams have had tough early slates. As a matter of fact – look for the Rams to steal one on the road.
Prediction: Colorado State 27 – Houston 24

It’s kind of like a bye week…Rice gets rewarded for its brutal early season start by winning a trip to Austin to take on Texas. Yes, the Longhorns haven’t looked that strong thus far but that should not be an issue on Saturday. Rice wide receiver Jarrett Dillard deserves better than this.
Prediction: Texas 56 – Rice 7

If you can’t beat New Hampshire…Following last week’s embarrassing loss to New Hampshire, Marshall has to shake the cobwebs and play a red-hot Cincinnati Bearcats squad. Don’t expect Cincy to cool off this week, either.
Prediction: Cincinnati 38 – Marshall 14

Somebody in the conference has to win, right?...Tulane and UTEP both represent the conference’s best chance at avoiding an unacceptable winless week for the conference. The Green Wave and Miners get Football Champion Subdivision teams Southeastern Louisiana and Texas Southern, respectively.
Prediction: Tulane 34 – Southeastern Louisiana 14
UTEP 31 – Texas Southern 10

DFW Duel Sponsored By Statefarm…Don’t look at me, that’s what they call it when TCU takes on SMU.
Prediction: TCU 41 – SMU 13

O'Brien Quarterback Award Marquee Match-up for Week Four

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 17, 2007) - The 2007 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) Marquee Match-Up for week 4 will feature top talent at the play caller position. Fan voting on The O'Brien's website, www.DaveyOBrien.com, is a new component to the award's voting procedures for 2007. This week's Marquee Match-up should encourage record votes from fans.

Marquee Match-up - Oklahoma at Tulsa
Friday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. on ESPN

Two quarterbacks who have already made ripples this season are Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and O'Brien aspirant Paul Smith of Tulsa. Bradford has been key in Oklahoma's early season success, completing more than 79% of his passes and accounting for 11 total touchdowns while bolstering a passer rating of nearly 220. Smith has completed more than 65% of his passes and earned a passer rating of nearly 196 this season.

Fans looking to get Bradford onto the O'Brien semifinalist list should take advantage of The O'Brien's new Fan Vote to challenge Tulsa with a "Boomer Sooner" that will be heard across the state.

Head-to-Head O'Brien Match-ups (All games listed in CST)

These O'Brien Watch List contenders will face off in our highlighted quarterback battles of the week.

· Clement, Chase (Rice) at McCoy, Colt (Texas); Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. on FSN

· Leonard, Corey (Arkansas State) at Ainge, Erik (Tennessee); Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. on ESPN GamePlan

The 2007 season marks the first time in The O'Brien's history that fans have a say in the voting. Fans are able to vote for the starting quarterback from any of the 119 Division I-A football programs, leaving room for the possibility of a quarterback who is not on the Watch List to win the award. Fans can vote once daily on The O'Brien's Web site in hopes of moving their pick to the final round.

The top three quarterbacks who garner the most votes will be added to The O'Brien semifinalist list, and the Fan Vote will count as 5% in determining the finalists and winner. The 2007 O'Brien winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN Dec. 6

THE C-USA REPORT

BY NEIL BISMAN
CONFERENCE USA INSIDER

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains. Those aren’t just the words of Tim Robbins’ character in the movie “Bull Durham,” it’s a perfect summary for the conference this week. There were good wins, there were bad losses and a game was canceled due to unplayable weather conditions.

Team of the Week- East Carolina: The Pirates were able to improve to 1-1 against ACC foes this season with a 34-31 victory at home against the University of North Carolina. East Carolina gave Virginia Tech quite the scare last week but was able to walk away with a victory following a game-winning 39-yard field goal off the foot of Ben Hartman as time expired. East Carolina quarterback Patrick Pinkney turned in a monster game in his first career start, throwing for 406-yards and three touchdowns. East Carolina gets one more shot against the ACC on October 20th when they get a visit from North Carolina State.

Team of the Weak- Rice: There are two things you never want to do as a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision and they are A) lose to a team that plays in the Division formerly known as 1-AA and B) get blown out by Baylor. The season is only two weeks old and Rice has already “accomplished” both.

Player of the Week- (tie) Patrick Pinkney (ECU) and Justin Willis (SMU): This one was too close to call as Justin Willis racked up 435 yards in total offense and three touchdowns in SMU’s victory over North Texas while Patrick Pinkney had 428 yards total offense and three touchdowns in the Pirates’ “upset” of North Carolina. Pinkney, a former third-string quarterback, was making his first career start while Willis set a career high with his efforts.

Player of the Weak- Sam Hunt (UAB): For the second week in a row Sam Hunt was extremely inefficient in a loss for Alabama-Birmingham, completing only 17 of his 35 passes for 226 yards. The Blazers did a great job of putting their blowout loss at the hands of Michigan State behind them and led for most of the day in Tallahassee. Florida State seemed ripe for an upset but UAB just could not put them away. If Hunt cannot right the ship against Alcorn State this coming Saturday, Coach Calloway may want to contemplate other options for the conference opener at Tulsa.

If only…sophomore stud running back Damion Fletcher (pictured above) of Southern Miss were at full strength for their game at Tennessee. Fletcher was plagued by cramps and forced to sit out most of the second half, which coincidentally is when the Southern Miss offense went flat.

At least they didn’t lose…Hopefully Memphis enjoyed their stay in Jonesboro, Arkansas because they get to do it again on September 27th when they will make up their game against Arkansas State. The game was canceled due to lightning in the area.

If only they stopped the game at halftime…West Virginia played at Marshall for the first time since 1915 and for a while it appeared as though the Mountaineers may not want to return for another 92 years. The Thundering Herd defense kept the two-headed monster of Pat White and Steve Slaton in check early on, leading 13-6 at the half, but was unable to contain them after the half as West Virginia exploded for 42 second-half points.

Will the real Miners please stand up? UTEP followed last week’s 10-6 pitcher’s duel of a victory over New Mexico with a 45-31 loss to Texas Tech. The Miners allowed a ton of yardage by the opposition, which was not much of a change from last week, but were able to finally gain some yards themselves. What we do know is that New Mexico State is up next for the Miners, what we don’t know is which offense will show up…

Maybe they should have taken this week off as well…Tulane opened their regular season a week later than most schools and apparently forgot that the NCAA requires that teams play two halves of football. Tulane entered the locker room tied at 17 with Mississippi State but was outscored 21-0 en route to a 38-17 loss. The running game was non-existent and it showed as the Bulldogs held the ball for nearly two-thirds of the game. If new head coach Bob Toledo cannot figure out something with the Green Wave running game, it is going to be an awfully long season in New Orleans.

Houston, Tulsa and UCF all had off this past weekend and there were quite a few teams in the conference who wish that they had off as well. With Texas traveling to UCF on Saturday, Conference USA gets a chance to knock off a BCS foe for the third week in a row. Also on the slate are BYU traveling to Tulsa and Southern Miss at East Carolina. It should be a great weekend and we’ll have more on those games and then some later this week.