BCS Busters: Week 5 Preview

By KENNY FRANEK

Game of the Week: Utah State @ BYU
You’ve got to love an in-state rivalry. BYU has won nine-straight against the Aggies since 1994 by an average of 18.8 points. But Utah State is coming off a monster offensive game against Southern Utah where they piled up 53 points and 604 yards of total offense. With that said, BYU is no Southern Utah. They came back after a beat-down by Florida State to pummel Colorado State and now have their sights set on starting up another win streak against the Aggies. Quarterback Max Hall and running back Harvey Unga will need to put on an offensive display to combat the Aggies’ offense. The Cougars’ defense will have their hands full trying to contain running back Robert Turbin and quarterback Diondre Borel. Turbin ran for 104 yards and caught four passes for 116 yards while scoring three touchdowns against Southern Utah. In the same game, Borel went 15-of-21 for 316 yards and three touchdowns. This game will lie heavily on defense; the team that can create the most stops and turnovers should come out the victor. As porous as the BYU defense has been in its last two games, the Aggies have a chances, albeit a slim one. But in the end, there will be too much Hall, Unga, and Dennis Pitta for them to overcome.
Prediction: BYU 42, Utah State 28

Players to Watch
BYU: Max Hall (QB); Harvey Unga (RB); Dennis Pitta (TE); Jan Jorgenson (DL); Brian Logan (CB); Utah State: Robert Turbin (RB); Diondre Borel (QB); James Brindley (S); Paul Igboeli (LB); Bobby Wagner (LB)

Other Games to Watch:

Air Force @ Navy
The Falcons take their solid rush game on the road the play the Midshipmen of Navy. Navy has shown signs of promise, nearly pulling off a monumental upset in their season opener at Ohio State. They will need more from their quarterback Ricky Dobbs if they have a chance at pulling out a win at home.
Prediction: Air Force 26, Navy 17

Southern Methodist @ TCU
The Frogs look to beat the Mustangs for the ninth time in their last 10 meetings. Both teams put up similar numbers in terms of offense, but it is TCU’s defense that will be the difference maker in this one. Not to mention quarterback Andy Dalton has been playing his best ball as of late. The Frogs continue to hop along.
Prediction: TCU 24, Southern Methodist 10

Colorado State @ Idaho
The Rams will try and bounce back after losing to BYU while outgaining them on offense. Quarterback Grant Stucker must protect the ball this week in order to give his team a chance to win. The Vandals escaped with a win at Northern Illinois after nearly blowing an 18 point lead. Vandals’ running back DeMaundray Woolridge will need a repeat performance of last week to keep the modest Rams defense on the field and keep their defense fresh.
Prediction: Colorado State 34, Idaho 23

Arkansas State @ Iowa
The Red Wolves will have their hands full against an amped-up Hawkeye team coming off a huge upset in Happy Valley. Running back Reggie Arnold has been outstanding thus far, averaging 6.3 yards-per-carry with seven touchdowns. They will need to get the ground game going early and limit their turnovers to pull off an incredible upset on the road.
Prediction: Iowa 36, Arkansas State 10

Photos Courtesy of USU Athletic Media Relations

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 29, 1997: At the inaugural Sports Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho, Cincinnati beats Utah State 35-19. Bearcats quarterback Chad Plummer throws for a touchdown and rushes for a touchdown while Cornelius Bonner catches two touchdown passes. It was Cincinnati's first bowl game since the 1951 Sun Bowl.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

BCS Buster Players of the Week - Week Fourteen

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

TE James Casey, Rice
The 24-year old sophomore hauled in 12 passes for 172 yards and three scores in the Owls’ 56-42 win over Houston, giving the Rice product 104 reception for 1,217 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. The versatile talent also ran for a score (sixth of the season) and threw his second touchdown pass of 2008.

Honorable Mention: Andy Schmitt, QB, Eastern Michigan: 58-of-80, 516 yards, five touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DE Ben Calderwood, Utah St.
The senior defensive lineman turned a three-sack performance. Calderwood’s tackles for loss played a major role in the Aggies holding New Mexico St. to minus-seven yards rushing.

Honorable Mention: Gerald McRath, LB, Southern Miss: eight tackles, forced fumble

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

PR Kyle Wilson, Boise St.
Wilson returned three punts for a total of 136 yards, including a 90-yard touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Swayze Waters, PK, UAB: five-for-five on field goals, all 15 points

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Rice University)