Dallas morning news volume l

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OK the beat writers finally published game analysis. I copy and paste read them later and look for nuggets. You see anything chime in.

Are No. 10 Bears ready to meet expectations, dominate UAlbany?​

This is the first time Baylor will face an FCS opponent since its 56-17 defeat over SFA in 2019.​

What’s at stake?​

All eyes are on No. 10 Baylor this year, and that won’t let up just because UAlbany is on the schedule. Head coach Dave Aranda is starting his third year, Blake Shapen is the new man under center and the Bears are coming off a program-best 12-win season.


That target also won’t come off Baylor’s back all year due to the green and gold coming into 2022 as preseason favorites to win the Big 12 again. There’s all this hype in Waco right now, and it’ll finally get put to the test Saturday.

Although not a powerhouse opponent, Aranda noted his group will “really be challenged to be at our best” by the Great Danes. He’s not downplaying the opponent for the home opener, and he said the squad expects UAlbany to run the ball a lot and even use more than one quarterback.The Bears finally announced their starting running back Monday morning, as Taye McWilliams won the job. McWilliams played directly under standouts Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner, so be on the lookout for splash plays from the junior. Don’t forget, he posted a 100-yard rushing game in the home opener last season playing as the third string RB.
This game will most likely be a blowout, but don’t be surprised to see some growing pains from the Bears with lots of new faces all around the field. If Baylor wants to continue its trend of becoming a national powerhouse, it can’t afford a silly non-conference loss like this.

When Baylor has the ball​

Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes will keep a reserved playbook for this game, but this is the time when Baylor should dominate. There is no reason as to why UAlbany should slow down the Bears’ offense, especially when they should be able to run the ball all day long.
Baylor has one of the best offensive lines in the country, so expect the group to run early and often. Get ready for lots of of wide zone “RVO” looks and not a lot of Shapen bombs over the top. Although I guarantee you we’ll see a few of those opportunities when the moment arises.

When UAlbany has the ball​

Looking at Baylor’s defensive depth chart is just terrifying. One has to feel so sorry for the Great Danes offense, as the Bears are legitimately three deep at multiple spots, including D-line and linebacker.UAlbany is supposed to be a run-heavy group, which is really unfortunate for them because Baylor’s strength is stopping the run. With the game being in McLane Stadium, it’ll be a struggle for the Great Danes all Saturday evening.

 

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Texas Tech prediction: Joey McGuire looks to begin Red Raider career with a win​

As TTU enters with new expectations, the Red Raiders first need to take care of business against an FCS foe.​

What’s at stake?​

From 2010-19, Texas Tech defeated FCS opponents by an average of 40 points. But the last two wins for the Red Raiders against FCS teams have been by a combined eight points. They’ve been nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat football games. That’s not what you want to see in a buy game.


As Joey McGuire looks to begin his collegiate head coaching career with a win, it wouldn’t hurt to shake off some of the bad FCS juju that Texas Tech has developed the past two years. There’s a lot of excitement around the new offense the Red Raiders will put on the field under Zach Kittley. Now it’s time for the Red Raiders to meet that excitement with a statement performance.

When Texas Tech has the ball​

The deepest position on this team is quarterback. That’s a luxury for Kittley, especially in his Air Raid offense. The veteran Tyler Shough has been tabbed the starter, but the staff has made it clear that both Donovan Smith and Behren Morton will play as well. Look for the younger quarterbacks to see action in special packages, while Shough looks to regain confidence on the field.The running back room is deep, with both Tahj Brooks and SaRodorick Thompson in the backfield. The position to watch in this game will be wide receiver. Texas Tech is looking for someone to break out, and there’s a number of likely candidates. Jerand Bradley, Myles Price, Xaiver White, Loic Fouonji and Brady Boyd are all going to be asked to step up. Whoever does will be poised for a monster season.

When Murray State has the ball​

The versatile and dangerous quarterback DJ Williams is going to be a headache for a Texas Tech defense trying to find its identity. Williams’ numbers in the air were less than impressive last season, throwing for 1,020 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions on a 55% completion rate. But where Williams really makes opposing defenses hurt is on the ground. He tallied 532 rushing yards and six touchdowns last season.

The Murray State rushing offense is even more dangerous with running back Damonta Witherspoon joining Williams in the backfield. Witherspoon finished his campaign with 912 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. As the Racers try to pound the ball on the ground, the Red Raider defensive front will have an opportunity to make a big statement.

 

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Oklahoma prediction: What will the Brent Venables-led Sooners look like?​

The Sooners will search for their first win under Venables at the helm this weekend.​

What’s at stake?​

The Sooners memo throughout the offseason has been “Team #128.” It’s also Team No.1 for Brent Venables as a head coach.


Oklahoma takes the field on Saturday for the first time in a long time with a head coach that was not internal to the program.

They loaded up during the offseason, acquiring key hires to the coaching staff, poaches from the transfer portal and a handful of freshmen that are expected to play immediately.

The Sooners and Miners have met four times and all four have been convincing Oklahoma wins. The most recent was a 329-yard, three touchdown performance from quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2017.

When Oklahoma has the ball​

Jeff Lebby makes his return to Big 12 play for the first time since his 2008-16 tenure at Baylor. His offense will be headed by a reunion with quarterback Dillon Gabriel as his signal caller. They were together at UCF in 2019.

Gabriel is coming off three years starting with the Knights, throwing for over 8,000+ total yards and 70 passing touchdowns. Before his season-ending injury last year, he threw for 814 yards and nine touchdowns in three games.
The Sooners’ running attack will be led by senior Eric Gray. After transferring from Tennessee last year, Gray expected to make a leap in production, but was overshadowed by Kennedy Brooks.
His pass catching ability makes him one of the most versatile backs in the conference and he should get quite a few touches in this game.

Oklahoma normally uses 2-3 running backs a game, so expect fellow veteran Marcus Major to get carries, alongside highly touted freshman duo Gavin Sawchuk and Jovantae Barnes in the second half.
Marvin Mims and Drake Stoops are the lone consistent players out wide, and Stoops is the back-up on the Sooners depth chart that was released Monday. Theo Wease is in his fourth season at Oklahoma but has struggled to find the field and when he did, lacked consistency in production.

Sophomore Jahlil Farooq is expected to be a playmaker and could get a lot of looks against the Miners. Freshman Jaydon Gibson will be another name to keep an eye on, as he stands 6-5 and had a 95-yard touchdown in the spring game.

When UTEP has the ball​

In their Week 1 matchup against North Texas, the Miners struggled severely at running the football, with 107 yards on 30 carries.
They went away from the ground game in the second half in an attempt to get back in the game, with junior quarterback Gavin Hardison finishing with 48 pass attempts. It didn’t result in many end zone throws, as he finished with one touchdown and a 43.7% completion percentage.

The gunslinger had two main targets in their season-opener, with sophomore wide receiver Tyrin Smith and senior Reynaldo Flores combining for 15 catches, 249 yards and a touchdown.I would expect UTEP to not abandon the run game so quickly and rely on its running backs, sophomore Deion Hankins and senior Ronald Awatt, to lead the rushing attack.

 

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Texas A&M prediction: How will the Aggies’ talent show this weekend?​

Jimbo Fisher’s sixth-ranked squad takes the field with several familiar faces and new talents across the board.​

What’s at stake?​

This game doesn’t really hold much stake for either team considering it’s a nonconference matchup and a season opener. However, the Aggies finally get a chance to back up all the talk that’s been going on throughout the offseason and fall camp with their recruiting class.
Not to mention, redshirt sophomore Haynes King will take the field as the starting quarterback for A&M. Depending on how well this game goes for him could decide whether or not he’ll be the starter for the next couple of weeks.

Besides the obvious potential to be seen during this late morning matchup, the Aggies have the chance to increase its win streak against the Bearkats to 13 dating back to 1919.

When Texas A&M has the ball​

A&M will have to establish a clear game plan with its offense quickly in the season to ensure its success. Behind King and veterans like running back Devon Achane and wide receiver Ainias Smith, A&M and head coach Jimbo Fisher should be able to make things work, but time will tell.

Sam Houston has one of the nation’s best run defenses and this will certainly test the Aggies in Week 1. With this challenge, the squad will have a chance to show that they can overcome defensive efforts and move forward in their run game.
While Achane, Smith and others have shown their capabilities in past seasons, King has yet to play in more than two games per season during his time at A&M. It’ll be interesting to see how his rehab and training pays off when it’s game time.

When Sam Houston has the ball​

The Bearkats had a solid offense the past few seasons, but key losses including quarterback Eric Schmid and wide receiver Jequez Ezzard will make a difference on the field.
Sam Houston’s quarterback is now Lafayette-transfer Keegan Shoemaker. Prior to joining the team in Huntsville, Texas, he made 60% of his passes and threw 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as a freshman. Since becoming a Bearkat, he has thrown only 42 passes for three touchdowns and an interception.The team has made its preparations for playing in Kyle Field by playing recordings of the 12th Man.Despite this, the Aggie defense will be most likely be a brick wall for the Bearkats and they’ll have to work overtime to make their mark on the scoreboard.

 

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I’m looking at this game only because following Baylor last year (amongst all big 12 teams) QB Bohanan transferred to South Fla.

Why South Florida could be tough out for BYU​

The Bulls have added more than a dozen transfers to their roster, including former Baylor QB Gerry Bohanon​

By Dick Harmon
| Aug 31, 2022 10:58 a.m. MDTKalani Sitake just put his troops through a full week of prep for the trip to Tampa, Florida, to play the Bulls of the University of South Florida on Saturday. It will be the opening of the season for both teams. Kickoff is 2 p.m. MDT.


Jay Drew: From the moment this game appeared on BYU’s schedule, I predicted it would be a difficult, hot, humid game for the Cougars. I still think that way, even though some early weather prognostications in Tampa call for morning rain showers and slightly cooler, less humid conditions in the afternoon. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. local (EDT) time.

South Florida has plenty of returning starters, and outstanding athletes, to make this game very competitive. In the end, I think Jaren Hall is the difference — in a close one.

Prediction: BYU 28, South Florida 24.
Dick Harmon: I think BYU is underranked at No. 25 and USF is not even ranked. But it is a road game through two time zones and that has always been a challenge for the Cougars. USF has brought in more than a dozen transfers, most from P5 schools, including the QB from Baylor. I think they will be very tough.

BYU’s offense should be able to move the football, especially if Puka Nacua and Gunner Romney are cleared to play. I expect the offensive line to wear down USF in the second half. BYU’s defense is improved and it would be very disappointing if Ilaisa Tuiaki’s side of the ball doesn’t make more plays and get more stops.

Prediction: BYU 27, USF 21.


With these two teams coming off vastly different 2021 seasons, it’s not a surprise that the line here is almost two touchdowns. However, can South Florida keep this game close at home with some new faces?

BYU opened this non-conference matchup as 12-point favorites at most books. The line originally moved to 12.5 before ducking down to as low as 11.5 in some places, as South Florida seems to be getting more of the recent money. The total opened at 57.5 and has moved towards the Over at a new line as high as 58.5.
Last season, BYU defeated South Florida 35-27 in Provo. BYU jumped to an early lead and held off a USF comeback in the second half. Baylor Romney threw for 305 yards and three touchdowns in the game. USF was led by QB Timmy McClain who threw for 186 yards while adding 55 yards on the ground, as well as RB Jaren Mangham who ran for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

 

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Texas prediction: What will a Quinn Ewers-led Longhorns offense look like?​

Saturday’s season opener against ULM is the first chance to see Ewers as Texas’ starting QB.​

What’s at stake?​

These two teams do not have a long history. The 2009 game between Texas and ULM was actually the first time that the two teams played against each other. The bigger story here is that Saturday’s matchup will be Quinn Ewers’ debut as Texas’ starting quarterback.While Ewers has shown flashes of his talent in preseason appearances, the college football world will get to see how Ewers reacts in real-game scenarios.
North Texas football fans are already well-acquainted with Ewers. He led Southlake Carroll to a 12-2 record and an appearance in the 2020 6A Division I state championship game.

When Texas has the ball​

While it is probably more than obvious at this point, expect projected Heisman contender Bijan Robinson to play a huge role in Texas’ offense. The junior running back broke multiple school records last year and is projected to be even better in 2022. ULM’s defense ranked 112 out of 130 teams last season, so expect Robinson to have some amazing runs.Sophomore wide receiver Xavier Worthy is also poised to have another strong season. As a freshman, Worthy started in all 12 regular season games and set multiple Texas freshman records. Expect the California native to have some pretty impressive catches on Saturday.

When ULM has the ball​

ULM’s starting quarterback against Texas is Chandler Rogers. He was responsible for 1,678 yards of offense and had 10 touchdowns last season. Rogers, another local product, is an alumnus of Mansfield Lake Ridge High School and played for Blinn College before landing at ULM. While the odds are stacked against him, don’t expect Rogers to go down without a fight.Another ULM player to watch is wide receiver Tyrone Howell. A transfer from Kansas State, Howell could have a solid impact on the Warhawks. Back in November 2021, Howell caught a touchdown at DKR in Kansas State’s 22-17 loss to Texas.

Prediction​

If ULM’s defense looks similar to the one that it had last year, then Texas will have absolutely no problem scoring. While Ewers may make mistakes as a freshman quarterback, there’s more than enough depth in the Texas offense to bail him out.
Robinson, Worthy and Jordan Whittington are just a few of the offensive weapons that will play a huge factor in scoring on Saturday.

ULM has not had a winning season since 2012 and is not projected to make a big jump anytime soon. The Warhawks are also 0-12 against the current Big 12 Conference.
Score: Texas 49, ULM 7

 

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222 - College/Football - Arkansas Spread -6½-108 for Game
Note: (ESPN)
Game Time: Sep 03, 2022 12:30 pm PST

216 - College/Football - Oklahoma Spread-19½ -110 for 1st Half
Note: (FOX)
Game Time: Sep 03, 2022 12:30 pm PST

 

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Lot of information. Thanks