Game of the Week: #4 Florida vs. #1 Alabama

December 6, 2008 * 4:00 * CBS
Georgia Dome (71,500) * Atlanta, Georgia

IT’S NO SURPRISE that the Gators have made it to the Georgia Dome, but the Crimson Tide? No anyone doubted Nick Saban’s abilities, but after a 7-6 opening campaign the Tide’s ETA was expected to be 2010, or even 2011. This was supposed to be the year of the Tiger (LSU or Auburn) in the SEC West. Coming into this contest as a double digit underdog in some quarters, apparently even a perfect regular season has not made everyone Tide believers. This is not lost on Nick Saban and his players, “It's been like that kind of the entire season. It's always been that we haven't done enough,” said Alabama safety Rashad Johnson. The question now is: can they do enough this Saturday?

When the Gators Have the Ball

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE between last year’s Gators and this year’s Gators on offense is the emergence of freshmen tailbacks Chris Rainey and Jeffery Demps. The duo barely outweighs Alabama’s noseman Terrance Cody, but the impact they have made is large. The track stars are known for their speed, which they use to hit the hole in milliseconds. Of course, it all begins with their junior dual threat signal caller. While his individual numbers are down, Tim Tebow believes he’s having a better season this year than he did last year, which can be confirmed not by a second straight Heisman Trophy, but by a trip to the BCS Championship Game. While Tebow continues to develop as a passer, his strength remains in his versatility. He is a powerful runner, reminiscent of an old school fullback. Florida could be without arguably their most dynamic weapon in Percy Harvin, who has lined up at receiver, running back and quarterback. Harvin’s speed and elusiveness allow him to make defenders miss, but will his injured ankle allow him to play a major role? When Tebow looks to go long, senior Louis Murphy provides him with a bigger target who does most of his damage down the field and outside the hash marks. Sophomore tight end Aaron Hernandez is coming on, offering enough size to outmuscle linebackers with the quickness and agility to give most safeties a hard time. The unheralded group from Florida is their powerful offensive line. Led by the Pouncey Twins (mike and Maurkice) on the inside, and left tackle Jason Watkins, this collection of big men is among the best in college football.

THE KEY TO any 34-defense is a stout noseman, one who not only commands a double team at the point of attack, but makes plays despite it. No one does a better job of manning the nose tackle position than junior college transfer Mount Cody, the nucleus of Saban’s ferocious front seven. Making plays behind Cody is sophomore MIKE Rolando McClain, the unquestioned leader of Bama’s defense. He can take on lead blocks and still make the tackle. In addition, McClain is versatile enough to serve as a pass-rushing linebacker. Weakside linebacker Don’ta Hightower is just a freshman, but he looks to lay the wood on the ball carrier, with the speed to catch his man. Junior outside linebacker Brandon Fanney has specialized at getting into the backfield against the run. Defensive ends Bobby Greenwood and Brandon Deadrick are solid run-stuffing specialists, but do not provide much in terms of pass rush. The only thing this defense lacks is a pure sack artist. The showstopper of the defensive backfield is senior free safety Rashad Johnson. The 6’ 0” defensive back has top-notch instincts in anticipating plays, which help him break on the ball early versus the run and the pass. He is always around the ball and has excellent ball skills. Johnson’s 73 tackles are second only to McClain’s team-leading 82 stops. Sophomore cornerback Kareem Jackson is their top coverman while the diminutive Javier Arenas can be an effective blitzer when called upon.

When the Tide Have the Ball

LIKE THEIR DEFENSE, Alabama’s offense is predicated on overpowering the opposition at the point of attack. Their experienced line is a force to be reckoned with, capable of controlling a football game from start to finish. Nick Saban’s crew of big uglies, composed of three juniors and two seniors, is considered to be the most dominant group of run blockers in the nation. Leading the way is arguably the most talented offensive lineman in the nation, Andre Smith. Extremely powerful, Smith is also tenacious and fundamentally sound. The Birmingham native has the raw strength to open gaping holes in the running game and possesses the quickness to shut down the fiercest of pass rushers, keeping John Parker Wilson upright. When he’s not busy calling out plays, stellar center Antoine Caldwell can be seen steamrolling second-level defenders. This massive front five allows power backs Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram to gallop through massive gaps. Coffee, who is one of the most underappreciated players of 2008, possesses the patience to wait for his blocks to develop and dash through them with an amazing burst, which has produced both long scores and tough yards between the tackles. Just a true freshman, Ingram is the other half of this lethal two-headed ground attack. He is a hardnosed back who can pound it inside and break some big plays as well. Both Coffee and Ingram are averaging well over five yards per carry with 20 touchdowns between them. Working off play action and looking to take advantage of eight and sometimes nine men in the box, quarterback John Parker Wilson is capable of hurting the opposition in his own way. JPW makes good use of the weapons around him when given enough time to throw and his first option is the 6’ 4” Julio Jones, another true freshman who plays well beyond his years. The physical receiver is athletic enough to gain separation from defenders, but is also known for making tough catches in traffic. He will need to make one or two game-changing plays if the Tide are to call themselves SEC Champs. Jones has more than four times the receptions of the second most productive wide out, speedy red-shirt freshman Marquis Maze. Tight end Nick Walker is Wilson’s safety valve, deft at working the sidelines.

FLORIDA’S DEFENSE LACKS a senior starter, but they are an experienced group that has improved by leaps and bounds from last season. In speedy and imposing middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, Florida boasts a crushing tackler who can make plays behind the line of scrimmage and in pass coverage. Beyond his physical skills, the 6’3’, 245-pound ringleader always seems to be in the right position to make a play. Jermaine Cunningham has come on this season as run stopper, capable of wreaking havoc in the offensive backfield against both the run and the pass with his lethal first step. Fellow defensive end Carlos Dunlap is their premier pass rusher, using his freakish closing speed off the edge for a man of his size (6’ 7”, 290-pounds). Strong safety Ahmad Black is a master at reading quarterbacks and he has six interceptions on the season to prove it. Free safety Major Wright is hard-hitting and tenacious. Freshman corner Janoris Jenkins has tremendous anticipatory skills, while sophomore Joe Hayden is better for last year’s growing pains.

Final Analysis

WHILE THE GATORS HAVE racked up more style points than other SEC teams, it was the Crimson Tide that ran the table. In his second season, Coach Saban has a team that believes 100 percent in what he’s selling, which is a physical and technically sound brand of football on both sides of the ball. No one is better at taking advantage of mistakes than Florida, but Alabama does not make many. Alabama’s season started with a surprise upset in the Georgia Dome (over then No. 9 ranked Clemson) and that is how it will end.

Prediction: Alabama 23, Florida 20

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Game of the Week: #1 Alabama @ #15 LSU

By RALPH MANCINI - CFI SENIOR WRITER

A red-hot No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-0, 5-0) will be determined to clinch the SEC West this Saturday. However, in order to do so, they must subdue the No. 15 Bayou Bengals of LSU (6-2, 3-2). Last year’s national champions will also be plenty motivated to claim victory as they will look to keep their hopes for a berth in the SEC Championship game alive. The 72nd meeting between these two conference rivals will take place in front of over 92,000 rabid fans at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. Alabama leads the series 43-23-5, but LSU has won five straight.

When the Tide Have the Ball

SIMPLY SAYING THAT Alabama’s offensive line is a force to be reckoned with wouldn’t be doing it justice. Nick Saban’s crew of big uglies is considered to be the most dominant group of run blockers in the nation. Composed of three juniors and two seniors, this line features one of the nastiest and most talented left tackles in the nation in Andre Smith. Extremely powerful, Smith is also tenacious and funda-mentally sound. In fact, the Birmingham native has both the raw strength to play inside and the quickness to man the perimeter along the line of scrimmage. When he’s not busy calling out plays, center Antoine Caldwell can often be seen steamrolling second-level defenders. This massive front five allows running backs Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram to gallop through gaping holes. Coffee, in particular, is a master at waiting for his blocks to develop and dash through them with an amazing burst, which has produced long scores of 77 and 87 yards this season. Ingram is the other half of this lethal two-headed ground attack. The outstanding freshman is a hardnosed back, who can pound it inside and break some big plays on the outside with his shiftiness and perpetual motion. Both Coffee and Ingram are averaging well over five yards per carry with 15 touchdowns between them. Quarterback John Parker Wilson will never be confused with the likes of Joe Namath or Kenny Stabler, but he makes good use of the weapons around him when given enough time to throw. One of those weapons is the 6’ 4” Julio Jones. The physical receiver is athletic enough to gain separation from defenders, but is also known for making tough catches in traffic. Red-shirt freshman wide out Marquis Maze is an explosive weapon who can line in up a variety of positions while tight end Nick Walker is Wilson’s safety valve.

LSU’S SATR-STUDDED defensive line has the horses that can disrupt just about any offense. Defensive end Tyson Jackson is a fierce pass rusher who utilizes his bull-rush to apply pressure on the opposing quarterback, as well as stopping the run. At 6’5”, 292 pounds, Jackson is a physical specimen with a long wingspan, which helps tremendously when pursuing signal callers. Fellow end Rahim Alem adds an extra dosage of speed to the unit. The new starter has already notched six sacks, along with four quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal. Over at defensive tackle, Ricky Jean-Francois is an immensely gifted athlete with a remarkable first step, which enables him to quickly gain penetration. The former track star would be even better if he played with greater consistency. LSU’s lack of discipline at linebacker this year has just received a much-needed shot in the arm with the return of Darry Beckwith. The oft-injured senior is a stabilizing force who isn’t the flashiest middle linebacker, but consistently gets the job done by cleaning up everything his line doesn’t get to. Free safety Curtis Taylor has been the one defensive back to provide any sort of consistency this season. The hulking 6’3” defender hits the opposition with the force of a sledge hammer. The rest of the secondary is somewhat limited, but cornerback Jai Eugene has cheetah-like speed and will eventually turn into a big-time playmaker once he hones his coverage technique.

When the Bayou Bengals Have the Ball

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR GARY Crowton is known for employing a potpourri of trick plays and misdirection plays to throw defenses off kilter, but for LSU to have any chance to win this battle, their offense must continue riding the gravy train. Charles Scott is a 233-pound thumper who has carried the load all season long with his punishing style between the tackles. Blessed with vision, size and an excellent burst, Chuck “The Truck” has powered his way to 889 yards and 11 touchdowns. Keiland Williams may rank second on the depth chart behind Scott, but he’s far from a backup in terms of his skill set. He adds firepower and explosiveness. The unit’s north-south running style is made possible by a mammoth offensive line that averages 316 pounds. Tipping the scales at 355 pounds is the line’s most devastating run blocker Herman Johnson. The 6’ 7” guard combines intim-idating size with quick feet, which allow him to move defenders off the ball with ease. Center Brett Helms and tackle Ciron Black join Johnson to form the core of LSU’s offensive line. The Tigers may choose to expose Alabama’s run-of-the-mill corners with big-play wide outs Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd. The 6’3” LaFell is a fearless competitor with speed and good hands, while Byrd is the “X” receiver who runs precise routes and regularly outruns opposing cornerbacks. Tight end Richard Dickson is a sneaky weapon with 21 receptions on the season. Les Miles’ boys have been hindered by inconsistency at quarter-back. The banged-up Andrew Hatch isn’t starter material and while Jarrett Lee has better overall skills, he can’t seem to get on track in the accuracy department. The passers have 11 interceptions between them.

THE CRIMSON TIDE have perfected the art of neutralizing top-ranked running attacks this season with a defense that’s giving up just 65.6 yards per game. Nose guard Terrence Cody is the nucleus of Saban’s impenetrable three-man front. The 365-pound colossus regularly fights off double and triple-teams on his way to dropping helpless ball carriers for a loss. Although Cody has sat out the last two games with a knee injury, he plans to suit up for this week’s SEC rivalry game. In his absence, the considerably smaller Josh Chapman has done yeoman’s work, filling in by maintaining a solid base, which has enabled him to hold his ground versus the run. Bobby Greenwood and Brandon Deadrick are large 3-4 ends, but don’t look for these run-stuffing specialists to post any gaudy sack numbers. Outside linebackers Cory Reamer and Brandon Fanney often line up across the opposing tight end or tackle to create a five-man front, which frees up space for middle linebacker Rolando McClain and weakside linebacker Don’ta Hightower, who both look to lay the wood on the ball carrier. McClain is the centerpiece and unquestioned leader of Bama’s defense. He can take on lead blocks and still make the tackle. In addition, McClain is versatile enough to serve as a pass-rushing linebacker. The sophomore is responsible for reading the offense and setting up his teammates. The other showstopper on this defense is free safety Rashad Johnson. The 6’ 0” defensive back has top-notch instincts in anticipating plays, which helps him break on the ball early versus the run and the pass. The senior’s prowess as an open-field tackler is second-to-none. It’s no coincidence that McClain and Johnson are tied for the team lead in total tackles with 58.

Final Analysis
FOR ALL THE talent along LSU’s defensive line, it simply has not been able to stop any ranked teams lately. The reigning national champions have surrendered 51 and 52 points respectively to Florida and Georgia, which leads you to believe that Bama should have no problems putting at least 27 points on the board. Look for the Tide to control the game with its vaunted arsenal of running backs. LSU’s only hope in this contest is to get off to an early lead with one or two sustained drives and a helping hand from big-play return specialist Trindon Holliday. Unless one or both of those things take place, it’ll be a long afternoon for the home team on the Bayou.

Prediction: Alabama 27 LSU 17

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Game of the Week: Penn St. @ Ohio St.

By RALPH MANCINI -
CFI SENIOR WRITER

IN A MUCH-ANTIICIPATED showdown that could determine who ultimately wins the Big Ten conference title, the Nittany Lions of Penn State (8-0, 4-0) face off against the Buckeyes of Ohio State (7-1, 4-0) at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Coach Joe Paterno and his high-flying offense are out to prove that they’re the elite team of their conference, and what better way to accomplish that feat than by ousting the team that’s won two straight undisputed titles? In the year preceding their two-year run as conference champs, the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions actually shared the rights to the coveted honor in 2005. While Penn State may be the more prolific team on paper, the blue and white have yet to beat Ohio State in their seven trips to Columbus since joining the Big Ten in 1993. The Buckeyes lead the series 12-11 going in to their 24th matchup on Saturday.

When the Cats Have the Ball

RUNNING BACK EVAN Royster is the unsung hero of this offense, and has increasingly grown into being the focal point of Penn State’s attack despite the presence of a plethora of playmakers at wide receiver. The sophomore tailback is a disciplined runner who waits for his blockers to set up the play and always keeps his legs churning. The 212-lb. workhorse shows exceptional burst once he gets past the first level of defenders and his second gear has enabled him to record 10 carries of over 20 yards. Penn State’s ability to beat teams in a variety of ways is due in large part to quarterback Darryl Clark. As the ringleader of the team’s new “Spread HD” offense, the Youngstown, Ohio native not only utilizes his athleticism to run the option, but is also quite capable of reading defenses from the pocket. Clark’s weekly improvement as a passer has manifested itself in his ability to spread the ball to a multitude of receiving weapons. Seniors Derrick Williams, Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler form a lethal trio of downfield threats. Williams is the most explosive of the three, as evidenced by his quickness off the line and the way he instantly reaches top speed, allowing him to make plays as a runner, receiver and return man. Norwood is Clark’s go-to guy on shorter routes and has tremendous leaping ability, but must avoid dropping catchable passes. Butler is a quick and crafty route runner with soft hands. Center A.Q. Shipley is a force in the running game along with left tackle Gerald Cadogan, who does an excellent job of pulling on counter plays. Kicker Kevin Kelly is a Lou Groza Award candidate, who is three field goals away from becoming the Big Ten’s all-time leader.

WHILE OHIO STATE’S defense faces a tall task in stopping the Nittany Lion running attack, JoePa’s big uglies aren’t as formidable in pass protection. To that end, the scarlet and gray must utilize linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman to get to the quarterback due to a lack of explosive edge rushers, such as defensive end Lawrence Wilson, who suffered a season-ending injury. Laurinaitis has great instincts, which he puts to good use with his sideline-to-sideline speed. Fellow senior Freeman is a 6’2, 236-lb. strongside linebacker, who’s an athletic open-field tackler and coverage man. Coming off a Michigan State victory in which star runner Javon Ringer was held to 67 rushing yards, defensive tackles Cameron Heyward, Doug Worthington and Nader Abdallah hope to duplicate their success by generating interior pressure to keep Royster in check. Earlier in the season Ironhead’s boy was moved inside to shore up the team’s run defense. Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins headlines a talented secondary. The fourth-year starter usually lines up all over the field to match-up with the opponent’s best receiver. His instincts, speed and quickness make him a natural in man-to-man coverage. Against Penn State’s big three, Jenkins will occasionally be shifted to a center-field position on passing downs with Donald Washington entering the game. The 6’0” Washington is an intelligent player with big-play potential in both man-to-man and zone packages. The 188-lb. Chimdi Chekwa isn’t as physically imposing as Jenkins, but he makes up for that with his sound coverage technique. Chewka suffered an injured shoulder versus the Spartans last week, but is said to be healthy enough to suit up this Saturday. At safety, Kurt Coleman is a heat-seeking torpedo, but is prone to the missed tackle when looking to make the big hit. His partner, Anderson Russell, is a much-more disciplined player with cornerback skills. The energetic safety is typically among the team leaders in tackles, and also has a penchant for forcing the key fumble and notching the important sack.

When the Buckeyes Have the Ball

DYNAMIC FRESHMAN QUARTERBACK Terrelle Pryor adds a new dimension to a run-oriented attack with his ability to run bootlegs out of the pocket or faking oncoming defensive ends to buy himself enough time for his receivers to get open. What’s most impressive in Pryor’s development is his improvement in recognizing defensive alignments. The electric 19 year-old was masterful last week in directing four scoring drives in the game’s first 25 minutes. The Buckeyes hope to get another strong performance out of their offensive line this week that would allow the Buckeyes to establish long, slow drives behind their meal ticket Chris “Beanie” Wells. The immensely gifted back got off to a slow start this season with a well-chronicled toe injury, but has bounced back in grand fashion and shown no visible signs of wearing down. In fact, Wells carried the ball a season-high 31 times last week for 140 yards and two scores. The 6’1” 237-lb. bruiser is a sustaining back, who has the added zip to break free on long runs. The aforementioned offensive line is led by outspoken senior left tackle Alex Boone, who specializes in blowing defenders off the ball on running plays. Jim Tressel’s group hopes to expose Penn State’s back seven in pass coverage by allowing Pryor to buy extra time with his feet and hook up with receivers Brian Robiskie, Brian Hartline and Ray Small. While none of the three is a speed merchant, they certainly have enough in their bag of tricks. Following the return of Wells, the Buckeyes’ passing game has become an afterthought for the most part—leading receiver Robiskie has only two receptions in each of his last three games. Look for the 6’3” senior to be a factor in short-yardage and red zone situations if the home team is forced to pass more than they normally would. Hartline, who leads the team in receiving yards, is more of a deep threat who typically gets open on sideline throws or crossing routes over the middle. Rory Nicol and Jake Ballard are the tight ends who may be used on play action and goal line scenarios.

PENN STATE’S SUCCESS in pass defense can be attributed to their ability to consistently generate a pass rush. No one defender has been more of a difference maker in that department than defensive end Aaron Maybin. Fourth in the nation with 10 sacks, the 6’4, 236-lb. hellraiser has been unstoppable. His tremendous burst and hand skills make him one tough nut to crack. Fellow end Josh Gaines shows good quickness, which helps him gain penetration and stop running backs dead in their tracks, often behind the line of scrimmage. PSU’s defensive line has been fortified by the return of their standout lineman Maurice Evans (previously suspended). The Brooklyn boy is a complete player that can get to the quarterback with his combination of moves, in addition to his pure speed. Against the run, Evans is capable of holding his edge and powerful enough to push tackles back when necessary. Sophomore linebacker Navarro Bowman has led the team in tackles six times this season, and is among the leaders in the Big Ten. Outside linebacker Tyrell Sales has the tools to be tackling machine himself, provided he gets the support of his two defensive tackles Jared Odrick and Ollie Ogbu. Bani Gbadyu and Michael Mauti add speed to the linebacker corps. Safety Anthony Scirrotto is a limited, yet an instinctive competitor who’ll make his share of big plays in pass coverage. Mark Rubin covers the other half of the field, while cornerbacks Tony Davis and A.J. Wallace bring good size to the table.

Final analysis
PENN STATE’S BALANCED attack will be too much for the Buckeyes. Expect Penn State to jump out to an early lead and watch Evan Royster punish Ohio State’s defense on the ground behind the blocking of fullback Dan Lawlor and tight end Mickey Shuler, Jr., who’ll both be called upon to fend off linebackers Laurinaitis and Freeman. On the other side of the ball, Ohio State will put up decent yardage, but be limited to settling for field goals against a Nittany Lion defense giving up a paltry 11.8 points per game.

Prediction: Penn State 35 Ohio State 19

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Game of the Week: Missouri @ Texas

By RALPH MANCINI - CFI SENIOR WRITER

THE 11TH RANKED Missouri Tigers (5-1, 1-1) look to reestablish themselves as one of the nation’s top teams after a devastating 28-23 loss to Oklahoma State. What better way to bounce back than to lock horns with top ranked and unbeaten Texas (6-0, 2-0) only a week after Mack Brown’s boys staged a resounding comeback in last week’s showdown with Oklahoma. This 21st meeting between the two Big 12 powerhouses takes place at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Texas has won five of the six games between both squads since the birth of the Big 12 conference in 1996. One has to go way back to 1896 for the last time Mizzou actually won in Austin.

When the Tigers Have the Ball

SUPER SENIOR Chase Daniel is the signal caller of the Tigers’ quick-strike attack, which ranks third in the nation in total offense (549.7 YPG) despite the fact that it’s only 117th in time of possession (26:01). Generously listed at 6’0”, Daniel has both a strong and accurate arm, which combined with his mobility make him tough to defend. Overall, Daniel has completed 76 percent of his throws for 2,055 yards and 16 touchdowns. His primary targets in the passing game are speedster Jeremy Maclin at wide out and the ridiculously athletic tight end Chase Coffman. Maclin may be the most dangerous receiver in football with the ball in his hands. His ability to make would-be tacklers miss in the open field has led to several catch-and-run scores on offense, as well as a number of highlight-reel plays as a return man. The sophomore is especially lethal on crossing patterns. Coffman’s size (6’6”, 255 lbs.) belies his physical gifts, including his ability to hurdle oncoming defenders. While he may not possess breakaway speed, Coffman has outstanding hands and has often been compared to Todd Heap in the way he can out-jump opponents. Tailback Derrick Washington leads a rushing attack averaging 171.7 yards per game. The 5’11, 220 lb. sophomore has more than made up for the departure of Tony Temple by utilizing a tantalizing cocktail of power, speed and elusiveness in breaking tackles inside and also getting around the edge for big-yardage plays. In addition to averaging 6.8 yards per run, Washington has also scored 11 of Missouri’s 16 touchdowns on the ground. Many questioned the Tiger offensive line going into the season, but the strong play of this unheralded group has allowed Daniel to stay out of harm’s way. This unit is led by senior right tackle Colin Brown, a master at reading defenses, recognizing blitzes and transmitting his knowledge to his fellow linemen. Jeff Wolfert is Missouri’s ultra-reliable kicker with an 82.5 percent success rate on field goals over the past three seasons.

THE TIGERS will be looking to exploit a shaky Texas secondary that surrendered 387 yards passing to Oklahoma last week. The bright side was the Longhorn run defense, which shut down the Sooner ground game (48 yards). Nose tackle Roy Miller is a key cog in this impenetrable wall. Along with effectively holding the point of attack, the 6’1”, 300 lb. Miller can also get into the opponent’s backfield and take down running backs behind the line of scrimmage or pressure quarterbacks. Weakside linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy is the beneficiary of the exceptional play up front, which has helped him become the leading tackler on the squad with 56. His tenacity and determination make him an emotional leader that others feed off of. Defensive end Brian Orakpo is the unit’s top pass rusher. With two sacks in last week’s contest, the fifth-year senior further cemented his status as an unstoppable force that won’t be denied. Under the tutelage of coordinator Will Muschamp, “Rak” has developed a “speed-to-power” move in which he appears to be planning on going around a blocker only to smash into his blocker and drive him back. Strong side linebacker Sergio Kindle is a versatile defender that can wreak havoc by pressuring the quarterback off the edge. Ryan Palmer is a do-it-all corner back.

When the ‘Horns Have the Ball

QUARTERBACK COLT McCoy showed he’s a money player that not only steps up in big games, but also has a knack for bringing his team back from a deficit. The junior field general is a physically strong player that makes sound decisions from the pocket. His improved mobility is helping him do a better job of eluding the pass rush this season. The chemistry between McCoy and wide out Jordan Shipley will be key in this game. Shipley is much more than a reliable possession type—he’s an athletic and decisive runner after the catch and a factor as a kick returner. The fifth-year senior was in rhythm last week and commanded the ball throughout. Tag-team partner Quan Cosby can also be a handful to contain. This former baseball prospect has authored a myriad of acrobatic plays thanks to his superb body control. Cosby and Shipley are both averaging over 80 yards a game with 11 receiving touchdowns between them. Running back Chris Ogbonnaya has morphed into a true difference maker of late by showcasing an impressive mix of power and speed. Ogbonnaya has suddenly become a big-play threat that defenses must account for. The all-purpose back has made three plays of 50 yards or more both as a runner and receiver in his past two games. Guard Cedric Dockery is a physical and athletic presence along the offensive line.

ON DEFENSE, Mizzou’s defensive end combo of Stryker Sulak and Tommy Chavis provide the heat off the edges. In six games, the duo has produced seven sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. The 6’2”, 265 lb. Chavis has the speed to knife his way into the opponent’s backfield and force turnovers. Sulak’s non-stop motor also allows him to be the ultimate disruptor and forces the offense into committing costly errors. Defensive tackle Ziggy Hood is a rock on the inside. His aggressiveness and mean streak help make him an impact player that’s always capable of making important stops in crucial moments. The 300-pounder can also bring it as an interior pass rusher with 12.5 career sacks. This formidable cast of defensive players is led by the unit’s ultimate playmaker, Sean Weatherspoon. Whether it’s ripping the ball out of an offensive player’s hands, making clutch fourth quarter interceptions or laying the smackdown on a helpless running back, this weakside linebacker is an omnipresent force who can take it to the house with the ball in his hands. Middle linebacker Brock Christopher is an under-the-radar performer who has improved his lateral movement, which puts him in better position to make tackles. As arguably the top safety in the country, William Moore is the ultimate ballhawk, who possesses great size at 6’1”, 230 lbs. and isn’t shy about getting his nose dirty when it comes to stopping the run. His physical style and ball skills mask the fact that he’s a very disciplined defender who knows his assignments and diligently fills the gaps. Carl Gettis is Mizzou’s top cover corner. The versatile Gettis doesn’t hesitate to deliver a bone-jarring hit when necessary.

Final analysis

EXPECT ANOTHER barnburner between two offenses that should have no problem scoring 30 plus points. In the end, the Orangeblood aerial attack will be too much for a Missouri secondary giving up 271 yards per game. The Tigers won’t have enough to contain both Cosby and Shipley.

Prediction: Texas 38, Missouri 31

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations, University of Texas Athletics

Game of the Week: Ohio St. @ Wisconsin

WHEN: 8:00 PM * TV: ABC
WHERE: CAMP RANDALL STADIUM

PLAY-BY-PLAY: MIKE PATRICK
ANALYST: TODD BLACKLEDGE

THE 73RD MEETING between Ohio State (4-1) and Wisconsin (3-1) will mark the first time the Buckeyes visit Camp Randall Stadium since October, 2003. This promises to be a highly-contested battle between Big Ten powerhouses that both feature run-based offenses. Wisconsin has won its last 16 games at home, the second-longest home winning streak in the nation. This rivalry dates back to 1913 with Ohio State holding a 51-17-5 lead in the series.

When the Buckeyes Have the Ball

FRESHMAN QUARTERBACK TERRELLE PRYOR has a daunting task ahead of him, matching up with a Wisconsin defense that limited Michigan to 268 total yards last week and only 21 in the entire first half. Pryor’s speed and mobility should come in handy versus a defensive unit that only has five sacks in four games. The centerpiece of this offense, however, isn’t the quarterback. All-world running back Chris “Beanie” Wells is the one with the “S” on his chest. He’ll be counted on to carry the Buckeye attack on his back by moving the chains and making the occasional game-breaking run into the open field. Wells returned to the lineup last week after missing three games with a nagging toe injury that may hamper him for the rest of the season. To avoid further compli-cations, the junior phenom has been instructed to wear high-top lineman cleats that may compromise his lateral movement. Wells’ size, vision and tackle-breaking prowess always make him a threat to score--—high cleats and all. The offensive line is a deep group, which features 6’8” senior left tackle Alex Boone. Despite the line’s issues in the early part of the season, Boone remains a ferocious run blocker, who isn’t shy about getting downfield and running over players in the secondary. After a slow start out of the gates, wide receiver Brian Robiskie broke out with eight catches and two touchdowns last week. Son of NFL assistant coach Terry Robiskie, Brian is a big wide out with soft hands, good route-running skills and a fierce competitive spirit, which often comes out in his downfield blocking. At 6’3”, Brian Hartline is a tall receiver with deceptive speed.

WISCONSIN’S FORMIDABLE FRONT seven make this unit one tough nut to crack for opposing offenses, and it all starts with a senior-laden defensive line. Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy is a long and lean pass rusher (6’6” 253 lbs.) with excellent hand skills. Though sackless to this point, the disruptive lineman leads the team in quarterback hurries and pass break-ups. Junior O’Brien Schofield is the lone underclassman along the line, which collectively boasts 98 starts. Linebacker DeAndre Levy is a standout whose great range enables him cover tight ends and make plays all over the field. Middle Linebacker Jaevery McFadden is a tackling machine, who ranks among the top defenders in the Big Ten in that category. Impact player Jonathan Casillas mans the weakside. After missing the first two games due to injury, the New Jersey native has come on like gangbusters. In addition to making a game-saving tackle versus Fresno State, Casillas was a Big Ten top performer last week by recording eight tackles and an interception, which was returned for 49 yards. Free safety Shane Carter headlines Wisconsin’s backfield. Carter is a ball hawk, who gets his hands on lots of passes, but can be temperamental and take stupid penalties. A bit more consistency can truly make Carter a special player.

When the Badgers Have the Ball

NEW YORK’S P.J. HILL is the marquee player among a triumvirate of standout running backs. At 5’11 236 lbs., Hill may physically resemble one-time Badger Ron Dayne, but the junior back is blessed with breakaway speed and superb hands as a receiver out of the backfield. Coach Bret Bielema has advised the jumbo halfback to take on less tacklers this season in order to save his body from added wear and tear. Hill leads the team with 449 yards on 92 carries and four touchdowns. John Clay and Zach Brown are his backfield mates. Brown is a much smaller player at 207 lbs., but has proven that he can carry the load with a 250-yard, two-touchdown performance in place of Hill last season versus Minnesota. The 6’2” 237 lb. Clay, on the other hand, is a big-play freshman who has already hit pay dirt four times. All three backs run behind an experienced offensive line made up of five behemoths that average 6’6” 319 lbs. Third-year sophomore Ben Moffitt is the man snapping the ball at center. The athletic and physical Connecticut native is the only member of the line who came into the 2008 season with less than 10 starts. The fact that Wisconsin ranks fourth in the country in both scoring (31.8 ppg) and yardage (413.5 ypg) is a testament to their big uglies up front. Although star tight end Travis Beckum has been fighting a hamstring injury this season, he is undoubtedly the team’s top weapon in their aerial attack. The senior playmaker is part of the new breed of tight ends that are more big slot receiver than traditional in-line blocker—receiving hybrids. At his best, this former linebacker is a match-up nightmare with his combination of speed and athleticism. Due to Beckum’s inability to stay on the field this year, quarterback Allen Evridge has had to spread it around. In fact, twelve different Badgers have caught the ball this season, led by tight end Garrett Graham and wide receiver David Gilreath, who are tied with 11 receptions each. Evridge likes targeting his tight ends off play-action fakes.

OHIO STATE’S DEFENSIVE unit better bring their A game to this battle considering the fact that it has struggled mightily in defending the run, particularly in their games versus Ohio University and USC, who rushed for 145 and 164 yards respectively. Defensive ends Lawrence Wilson and Thaddeus Gibson are both strong and fast. The 6’4” 274 lb. Wilson is a feared pass rusher, who missed most of the 2007 season due to a broken leg. The junior end is one of this unit’s vocal leaders. On the other side, Gibson replaces Cameron Heyward, who’s been moved inside to tackle in order to shore up the team’s aforementioned porous run defense. Gibson is a defensive playmaker with speed that can drop into coverage in the “Leo” position made famous by current Saint Will Smith. Seniors James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman anchor the linebacker corps. Winner of the 2006 Nagurski Trophy and the 2007 Butkus Award given to the top college linebacker, Laurinaitis’ ability to pursue ballcarriers from sideline to sideline is second to none, as are his pass-coverage skills. The future first round pick specializes in reading opposing quarterbacks. Freeman is the other pro-bound linebacker and is a terrific athlete with superior open-field tackling skills from the strong side. Over in the secondary, Malcolm Jenkins has everything you could want from a cover corner. His quick feet, fluid hips and unique anticipatory skills allow him to routinely blanket and nullify receivers. Fellow corner Chimdi Chekwa is also impressive in man-to-man coverage. The sophomore’s athletic prowess was on grand display earlier when making a torso-twisting interception in mid-air off USC’s Mark Sanchez. Free safety Anderson Russell is a high-effort competitor coming off an outstanding showing last week versus Minnesota with seven tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Final analysis

THE BADGERS INABILITY to score touchdowns will force them to kick field goals and prevent them from keeping pace with Ohio State’s offensive arsenal. The Buckeyes will win the time of possession battle, and ultimately the game, in a very physical grudge match.

Final Score: Ohio State 27 Wisconsin 19

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images