Dallas Morning News Volume ll

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Humbling loss to perfect records: How each Texas college football team fared this weekend​

Texas A&M and Baylor were each ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 last week and each lost.​

Takeaways and lookaheads from the past weekend In college football:
-- Texas goes from huge underdog to big favorite in one week, hosting a dangerous Group of Five team in UTSA. For Texas, linebacker Jaylan Ford, a Frisco Lone Star graduate, led a strong defensive effort in a 20-19 loss to Alabama with 10 tackles including a sack.
-- After the humbling loss to Appalachian State, Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher promised “to evaluate everything.” Expect some changes this week before Saturday’s game with No. 13 Miami (Fla.)

Saturday, Oklahoma will face an old rival that has fallen on hard times. Nebraska fired coach Scott Frost (1-2) Sunday after a 45-42 loss to Georgia Southern. Mickey Joseph will serve as the interim coach. A couple of weeks into the college football season, undefeated FBS teams are already an endangered species in Texas.
It wasn’t a great weekend for Texas teams trying to keep perfect seasons alive.

Texas A&M and Baylor were each ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 last week and each lost.


Long after most people in the Central time zone had called it a night, Baylor fell in two overtimes to No. 21 BYU when Blake Shapen’s fourth-down pass sailed incomplete through the end zone.

As for Texas A&M, don’t ask, at least to someone wearing maroon and a shocked look. Yes, the 17-14 loss to Appalachian State left a mark that won’t fade anytime soon, especially with the way the Mountaineers controlled the line of scrimmage. And next up at Kyle Field is resurgent No. 13 Miami (Fla.).The only undefeated teams left, all 2-0, are Texas Tech, TCU and SMU. While not totally unexpected given the early schedule for TCU and SMU, it’s still an interesting distinction.
There are interesting parallels. Each has first-year coaches who have embraced offense and building something different. The two Big 12 schools have already been forced to change quarterbacks because of injury. All three will be hard-pressed to avoid a loss in the next week or two.

At Texas Tech, coach Joey McGuire was still savoring the 33-30 win over then-No. 25 Houston before shifting to a meeting with No. 16 North Carolina State on Sept. 17. It was Tech’s first win over a ranked non-conference opponent in the regular season since Arizona in 1989.
While new starting quarterback Donovan Smith struggled with three interceptions and five sacks, he also delivered the win on a 9-yard run. The defense held Houston to 354 yards total offense and just 20 points in regulation.

In explaining his team’s composure, McGuire revealed one team motto.
“I mean that’s how we win football games. Our team’s No. 1 rule is don’t beat yourself and that’s huge,” McGuire said. “If we stay on that side to where we’re winning the penalty battle and winning the ‘don’t beat yourself’, we’re going to win a lot of those football games.”
At TCU, coach Sonny Dykes has used much of the blueprint that worked well at SMU.
The offense clicked in a 59-17 win over Tarleton State. Replacing injured Chandler Morris, Max Duggan threw five touchdown passes. The win was expected just like the opener against Colorado, one of the worst power conference teams in the country.

Still, Dykes wasn’t apologizing, facing a bye week and then the Battle of the Iron Skillet with SMU. He’s seen enough scores from around the country.

“It’s good to get a win. They’re hard to come by. I think you look around college football and see some of the upsets that happened, the margin of victory is pretty small sometimes,” Dykes said.
SMU coach Rhett Lashlee made a point of saying “the preseason is over,” after a 45-16 win over Lamar and with good reason.

The Mustangs now travel to face undefeated Maryland and then TCU.

“We’re going to try and go in there and definitely show what we can do,” running back T.J. McDaniel said, “because we’ve tried to prove we can be a Power Five team while playing some of the teams that’s we have. Maryland is just another opportunity for us.”

 

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SPORTSTEXAS LONGHORNS

5 things Texas fans should know about UTSA: Jeff Traylor returns to DKR​

The former Texas associate head coach has built something special in San Antonio.​

While Texas brushes itself off after the 20-19 loss to Alabama, UTSA is riding the high of a 41-38 overtime win over Army. The Roadrunners will take the hour drive up the I-35 to face the Longhorns on Saturday. Here are five things Texas fans need to know about UTSA:

Rapid rise​

While the UTSA football program has only been in existence since 2009, the Roadrunners have already made waves in the college football world.

Last season, UTSA won the C-USA title and went 12-2 with a 7-1 conference record. Much of UTSA’s recent success is thanks to head coach Jeff Traylor, who is in his third season in San Antonio.Under Traylor, UTSA was voted into the AP Top 25 Poll for the first time in program history. Even more impressive, the Roadrunners were ranked by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee for the first time ever in 2021.

A familiar face​

Traylor is no stranger to DKR.


His first ever collegiate coaching job was at the University of Texas in 2015. Under Texas head coach Charlie Strong, Traylor was the special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach. He became an associate head coach and wide receivers coach in 2016. Traylor is partially responsible for helping Texas sign the No. 7 recruiting class both years.

Battle-tested​

UTSA has had an interesting start to its season, to say the least.
Its season opener was a heartbreaking 3OT 37-35 loss to Houston at the Alamodome. UTSA’s second game was a 41-38 overtime win over Army at West Point. Although just two weeks into the season, the Roadrunners have already been put into tough situations.

They’ll be ready for just about anything on Saturday.
UTSA starter Frank Harris is one of the most solid G5 quarterbacks in the country. He threw 27 touchdowns last season and averaged 8.0 yards per pass. Harris also ran for six touchdowns and averaged 5.2 yards per carry.

He’s a graduate of Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz, Texas. Prior to signing with UTSA, Harris received offers from schools such as Texas State, Rice and Georgia Tech.Harris has had a good start to his final season with the Roadrunners. He’s already thrown six touchdowns and completed 60 out of 88 pass attempts. Texas will need to keep an eye out for this dual-threat quarterback.

The run game​

Traylor loves to run the ball.
UTSA ran the ball over sixty times in the first two weeks of the season, and much of that is due to Traylor’s play-calling. Prior to UTSA, he served as associate head coach and running backs coach at SMU for the 2017 season. Traylor took the same two positions at Arkansas from 2018-19.

Traylor played a huge role in the development of Sincere McCormick, who is arguably the best running back in Roadrunner history. McCormick rushed for 3,924 yards in his collegiate career and is now a Las Vegas Raiders rookie.

Right now, senior Brenden Brady is listed as UTSA’s first-string running back. He’s proven that he can show up for big moments, so he’ll definitely be someone to watch on Saturday.

 

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SPORTSSMU MUSTANGS

Mustangs ready for the challenge as SMU faces first major test at Maryland​

Though the Terrapins’ competition so far hasn’t exactly been the toughest, the Mustangs see a team with Power Five talent that’s capable of providing quite the challenge.​

SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) looks to pass the ball alongside running back Tre Siggers (4) during the first quarter of a game against UNT at Apogee Stadium in Denton, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.(Elías Valverde II / Staff Photographer)
UNIVERSITY PARK – Fans who have followed sports long enough are at least familiar in the linguistic nature of Coachspeak. It’s a way coaches can say the right thing, even if it’s not the most honest thing. Even the worst of teams have been described as a challenge in Coachspeak.

That’s not to say coaches won’t be candid, however. Take SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons’ word for it.

“To be honest, if every game is the Super Bowl, then the Super Bowl isn’t that important,” Symons said.
Some context: Symons was asked this week about the energy level from the players in the Mustangs’ 45-16 win over Lamar on Saturday. Was there was a teaching point for a team that “sputtered,” according to head coach Rhett Lashlee, in a still-convincing victory over a FCS-level opponent?
“There’s going to be a different level of urgency,” Symons continued, electing not to use Coachspeak. “It’s natural. It’s human nature. It’s our job as a coaching staff to make sure they’re prepared and they’re focused, but you’re going to get up different in different games. Any coach that tells you [differently] is full of it.”

And how about this weekend’s game, against one of the nation’s best offenses, in a place that’s one of the first in Big Ten country to see the run rise? Symons isn’t worried about SMU’s sense of urgency for this one.


The Mustangs have dominated the first two weeks of the Lashlee era, but will get their first major test this weekend when they head to Maryland. The Terrapins can boast the nation’s best yards per play average, and though the competition so far – home against Buffalo and on the road against Charlotte – hasn’t exactly been the toughest, the Mustangs see a team with Power Five talent that’s capable of providing quite the challenge.

“I know they’re playing really well coming off a bowl win – really a bowl blowout win last year,” said Lashlee, referring to Maryland’s 54-10 Pinstripe Bowl win over Virginia Tech. “I know [Maryland head coach Mike Locksley] will have them ready to go.”

Lashlee also knows their offense is more than capable of keeping up with his high-powered attack. Lashlee said he once recruited Taulia Tagovailoa and is familiar with his arm ability and mobility within the pocket. Tagovailoa – right-handed, unlike his left-handed older brother, Tua – is in his third season as Maryland’s starting quarterback.
Tagovailoa also has plenty of weapons around him. The backfield of Roman Hemby and Antwain Littleton II and Colby McDonald has combined for 298 yards rushing and six touchdowns on 30 carries. They have three receivers with over 100 yards receiving so far in Jacob Copeland, Jeshaun Jones and Rakim Jarrett, a consensus former five-star recruit.

SMU freshman edge rusher Isaiah Smith knows Jarrett well. They both went to St. John’s College in Washington D.C.
“I respect him a lot and I respect his game, but we’re going to go at him,” Smith said of Jarrett. “And that’s all I have to say about that.”

Saturday will be a homecoming for Smith, but when asked about it this week he was quick to signal his true focus for this weekend. For example, he was asked if there was a meal he hoped to get while in town.
His answer: “Just the game. 6 p.m. College Park.”
Another example: How many tickets for family do you have to request?
“A lot,” Smith said, “but I’m focused on the game.”

That’s music to a coaching staff’s ears, especially considering the test the Mustangs have on the field come Saturday.

“We’re beat up in some areas. We’re going to go in there and play as hard as we can,” Lashlee said. “It’ll be good to see how we fight and we respond in an environment where there are about 80 people on your side and a few moms and dads in the stands and that’s about it.”
Maryland’s fan turnout has been the topic of discussion since the season opener. A photo of the stadium early in Maryland’s win over Buffalo went viral due to the lack of fans in the stands. The official attendance from that game – a noon start – was 30,223.

Talking to reporters this week, Locksley urged Maryland fans to come out to the game against SMU, which is set to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT.

SMU has been preparing for that, as well. They funneled in loud white noise into the indoor practice center on Wednesday during practice.
“There’s emotion involved in playing on the road,” Lashlee said.

And excitement, which is why the Mustangs coaches are confident there team will be ready for the challenge against Maryland. No Coachspeak necessary.

Briefly: SMU defensive lineman DeVere Levelston’s targeting appeal was denied, meaning he’ll miss the first half against Maryland. For the first time this year the NCAA is allowing schools to appeal second-half targeting calls … SMU wide receiver Jake Bailey has practiced this week and will be a game-time decision, per Lashlee. He injured his shoulder in fall camp and was pulled early in the season opener against UNT. He didn’t play against Lamar.

 

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SPORTSSMU MUSTANGS

SMU prediction: Can Mustangs show they belong in matchup vs. P5 opponent Maryland?​

SMU will be put to the test against Maryland as both the Mustangs and Terrapins look to improve to 3-0 this season.​

SMU quarterback Preston Stone (2) celebrates after scoring on an 8-yard touchdown run past Lamar defensive backs Damian Alexander (5), Antorius Hambric Jr. (12) and defensive back Seth Johnson (left) as SMU wide receivers Roderick Daniels Jr. (13) and Austin Upshaw (23) join the celebration during the second half of an NCAA football game at Ford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

SMU vs. Maryland​

When: 6:30 p.m. at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, MD.

Records: SMU (2-0, 0-0 in AAC), Maryland (2-0, 0-0 in Big Ten)

When SMU has the ball​

All offseason, the talk about SMU was about senior receiver Rashee Rice and his intention of becoming the next great Mustangs receiver. He bulked up, acted like a professional and dominated in practice. Through two weeks, he’s backing it up. He has 17 receptions so far and is third in the nation in receiving yards (298). So, if SMU is going to have success, it starts and ends with Rice getting open or drawing double teams to get other SMU receivers schemed open.
Another thing that’ll help get receivers open: a good running game. SMU has four starting-caliber running backs and potentially five – with the most tantalizing in five-star recruit Camar Wheaton, who has the chance to take the next step in his development on Saturday.

Quarterback Tanner Mordecai will also have the chance to add a signature performance with a good game against the Terrapins.

When Maryland has the ball​

Taulia Tagovailoa – the right-handed younger brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa – is a quarterback the Mustangs certainly respect. Tagovailoa is graded in the top-10, according to Pro Football Focus’ national grades. He also has plenty of weapons at his disposal, as well, led by former five-star recruit Rakim Jarrett.

The key for SMU’s defense this game is unlocking an area of their game that they haven’t utilized in their dominant start so far: the pass rush. The Mustangs have four sacks through two games and have done so without a ton of effort, in terms of blitz scheme. The Mustangs might have to ramp up the pressure against Tagovailoa. More importantly, if they get there, they have to ensure they can bring him down.

Prediction​

On paper, this is a game between two very even teams. Two talented quarterbacks with a ton of weapons versus two defenses that have shown potential, but have yet to be truly tested.

So what could be the difference? Takeaways. SMU has five so far in two games. Maryland, on the other hand, has yet to record a turnover on defense.
SMU true freshman kicker Collin Rogers has been perfect so far. The Mustangs could use him in this game, as well.

Prediction: SMU 34, Maryland 31

 

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SPORTSTEXAS LONGHORNS

Texas prediction: Without Quinn Ewers, can Longhorns bounce back vs. UTSA?​

The uncertainty surrounding Texas’ offense could make Saturday’s game a close one.​

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) is tended to after he took a hard hit from the Alabama Crimson Tide on a first quarter pass play at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, September 10, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

No. 21 Texas vs. UTSA​

When: 7:00 p.m. Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin

Records: Texas (1-1 overall, 0-0 Big 12); UT-San Antonio (1-1 overall, 0-0 Conference USA)

What’s at stake?​

Texas is looking to bounce back after the Alabama loss and the slew of injuries that accompanied it. Saturday’s game against UTSA is the next opportunity for Texas to prove that it can survive, even without its starting quarterback.


For UTSA, this game is the last regular season opportunity to take a shot at a Power Five school. If UTSA wants to disprove the idea that it is not as competitive as Power Five programs, then a statement win over Texas in Austin would do just that.

When Texas has the ball​

The way Texas’ offense may look on Saturday is still up in the air.
Although he was also injured against Alabama, second-string quarterback Hudson Card could still be the starter on Saturday. Texas fans should maybe even prepare themselves for Charles Wright, Texas’ third-string freshman quarterback.

Wright was reportedly getting more reps in at practice, in case he’s needed on Saturday.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the quarterbacks, there are a few offensive keys that Texas will probably have to rely on.

Running back Roschon Johnson will most likely see a lot of playing time on Saturday, especially in the wildcat formation.

When UTSA has the ball​

UTSA redshirt senior Frank Harris is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the game.
This season, he’s thrown for 696 yards and six touchdowns in two games, but what’s most important about Harris is the experience that he carries with him.

He’s already been put in tough situations this season, with both of UTSA’s games so far going into overtime. Harris can be expected to do just about anything to get the Roadrunners’ offense going, whether that means passing or rushing. His game experience will do him well as he prepares for Saturday.

Prediction​

There is a very real possibility that Saturday’s game gets a lot closer than most people would think. UTSA is an admirable team for its effort and unwavering confidence in close games. Although Texas has an advantage being at home, there’s going to be some uncertainty in how the offense will look without Quinn Ewers.

While it’ll be a challenge, the Texas defense should be more than capable of containing Harris. The offense just has to make sure that it takes advantage of every single opportunity.
Score: Texas 28, UTSA 21

 

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SPORTSOKLAHOMA SOONERS

Oklahoma prediction: Will Sooners come out on top in Big 12 reunion vs. Nebraska?​

Oklahoma returns to Nebraska’s stomping grounds for the first time since 2009.​

Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) brings down Kent State quarterback Collin Schlee (19) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022,

Nebraska vs. No. 6 Oklahoma​

When: 11 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb.

Records: Oklahoma (2-0, 0-0); Nebraska (1-2, 0-1)

What’s at stake​

Pride and bragging rights for the foreseeable future are quite the value. The reunion of the two big-red programs doesn’t quite have the same buzz as the 2000′s, but the fan bases have plenty of bitterness toward each other.


Saturday’s game will be the 78th installment of the rivalry with Oklahoma having a 46-38-3 all-time edge over the Cornhuskers. The Sooners have had the upper hand over the past 22 years, winning seven of the last nine, including last year’s 23-16 game in Norman.

Scott Frost’s job will not be on the line with his firing on Sunday. Mickey Joseph will be the interim head coach and has the duty of facing the No. 6 team in America in Lincoln.

Although the Cornhuskers’ season has not gone to plan with losses to Northwestern and Georgia Southern, a win over their rival can create some energy.
Apart from the first half against Kent State, Oklahoma has gone through its first two games with relatively little stress.

The Sooners have not lost a regular season non-conference game since 2016 and a true road non-conference since 2009, when they fell 21-20 to Miami.

When Oklahoma has the ball​

There was worry around Gaylord Oklahoma Memorial Stadium when Kent State was ahead 3-0 with two minutes left in the first half.

The offense had been stagnant and quarterback Dillon Gabriel had yet to find go-to wide receiver Marvin Mims.
A five-play, 76-yard drive drew the crowd to a cheer with Gabriel finding Mims for a 36-yard score. The Sooner faithful were in for more offense with 24 third-quarter points, en route to a 33-3 win.
Through two games, Gabriel has thrown for 529 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions. In the running game, senior Eric Gray has gotten the bulk of carries, but junior Marcus Major is expected to get significant playing time.
Mims and senior Drake Stoops have been the expected top two receivers on the team. However, the depth of the position doesn’t question talent, but consistent targets.

Junior Theo Wease caught three balls in each of his first games. Sophomore Jalil Farooq was expected to see a lot of playing time but has yet to make an impact.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is going to get his tight end Brayden Willis involved early and often. He had two touchdowns in the Sooners’ Week 1 game vs. UTEP.

When Nebraska has the ball​

Although the record isn’t great, it doesn’t reflect the Cornhuskers’ offensive production.

Through a half in Dublin, Ireland, vs. Northwestern, quarterback Casey Thompson was garnering buzz from everyone in college football.
Two games later, his coach is fired and Thompson’s got an old foe in town.

He’s off to a blistering start, with over 800 passing yards. One of his passing targets from Texas, Marcus Washington, has been his most effective target, posting 10 catches for 181 yards so far this season. Fellow wide receiver transfer Trey Palmer is also expected to make an impact.
Running back Anthony Grant has been the lead back and is off to an efficient start, averaging 6.2 yards per play on 69 carries, and has found the end zone five times.

The offensive line has been a bright spot for the Huskers, but Oklahoma’s defensive line is the toughest they’ve played yet. I expect them to establish the run early and set up play-action for Thompson.

Prediction​

The two will collide as part of Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff and be one of the premiere games of the weekend.

Running back Anthony Grant has been the lead back and is off to an efficient start, averaging 6.2 yards Prediction
The two will collide as part of Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff and be one of the premiere games of the weekend.

It’s also Brent Venables’ first time on the road as a head coach and not many environments can get louder than Memorial Stadium in Lincoln when a rival comes into town.
Both Gabriel and Thompson should be able to find success and both secondaries will be tested all day.
Even if Oklahoma is a double-digit favorite over the former Big 12 member, I would expect the atmosphere and the energy of this game to create a close game for the entire 60 minutes.

Final Score: Oklahoma 34, Nebraska 27

 

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Guerin Emig: One player, one problem, one preposterous prediction and one pick for OU-Nebraska​

• Guerin Emig
• Sep 15, 2022 Updated
  

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) scrambles in the pocket during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and UTEP at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World

One player, one problem, one preposterous prediction and one pick for Oklahoma’s 11 a.m. game at Nebraska Saturday…
ONE PLAYER
OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel
The only FBS teams with statistically worse defenses than Nebraska’s: South Florida, Ball State, Central Michigan, Ohio U, Hawaii, Bowling Green and Charlotte. That makes the Huskers the worst Power 5 defense in college football.
Georgia Southern quarterback Kyle Vantrease threw for 409 yards in the Eagles’ 45-42 upset in Lincoln last week. Northwestern QB Ryan Hilinski threw for 314 yards and a pair of touchdown in the Wildcats’ 31-28 season-opening win over Nebraska Aug. 27.

Seeing as how the Huskers have changed head coaches, not defensive coordinators, Gabriel should expect to hang a number between 409 and 314 Saturday afternoon. He should be able to outplay Nebraska counterpart Casey Thompson.What Gabriel must do is find a rhythm earlier than he did in last week’s 33-3 win over Kent State. He didn’t get going until right before halftime, when three straight completions to Marvin Mims produced 63 yards, a touchdown and a 7-3 lead.
ONE PROBLEM

The Nebraska faithful won’t care about the Huskers’ 3-9 2021 record or the 1-2 start to this season, at least at kickoff. Memorial Stadium will be full and it will be juiced come 11 a.m. If there was any doubt about that, Nebraska AD Trev Alberts erased it by firing the beleaguered Scott Frost. The famed Sea of Red is sure to rally around interim head coach Mickey Joseph.

OU, with nearly half its roster turned over from last year, has banded together impressively under Brent Venables. But we don’t know how the Sooners will respond facing true hostility for the first time.
Defensive tone-setters Reggie Grimes and Danny Stutsman are still growing into their roles. The offense is still figuring how to mesh in Jeff Lebby’s fast-break system. If that system blows a first-quarter spark plug? If Nebraska takes advantage and jumps ahead? If the Huskers build confidence and their fans build on their wall of sound?
That’s a lot of questions for a double-digit favorite. Here’s one more: If Nebraska competes like it always does and the margin is a touchdown or field goal, can OU rely on first-year kicker Zach Schmit?

 

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SPORTSTEXAS A&M AGGIES

Texas A&M prediction: How will Aggies respond vs. Miami following upset loss?​

The Aggies look to improve to 2-1 after a disappointing 17-14 loss to Appalachian State on Sep. 10.​

No. 24 Texas A&M vs. No. 13 Miami Hurricanes​

When: 8 p.m. Saturday at Kyle Field in College Station

Records: Texas A&M (1-1 overall, 0-0 SEC); Miami (2-0, 0-0 ACC)

What’s at stake?​

This game will mean a whole lot more for A&M than it will for Miami.


After losing to Appalachian State there are a lot of questions surrounding the whole team and the idea of the College Football Playoffs seems far-fetched at this point in the season. The Aggies took a massive fall in the AP rankings fromNo. 6 to No. 24.

This game could be a massive boost for the team if it can manage to defeat another top-25 team. If the Aggies do pull off the victory, it will certainly mean a rise in the rankings and a slim shot at the playoffs. However, if Miami dominates and goes home with the win, it’ll be a severe blow to what should have been one of the most successful seasons in a long time.

When Texas A&M has the ball​

It’s obvious at this point that quarterback Haynes King might not be the answer for the Aggies. After his lackluster performance last Saturday, backup Max Johnson could be pulled up and set to start for the team. King threw for a mere 97 yards last Saturday and not a single touchdown. If he hopes to remain the starter, he’s going to have to be a lot more productive than that.


Running back Devon Achane has been the Aggies’ saving grace and put up 66 yards and a touchdown against App State. Achane is unstoppable for opponents’ defenses if the offensive line does its job. Surprisingly, King is second on the team in rushing. He’s compiled 52 yards on the season as a dual-style quarterback.

In the air, wide receiver Ainias Smith leads the pack. Despite the loss, he was still able to add some yardage this season and currently has 185 yards and two touchdowns.


The main problem with the offense doesn’t lie in the offense itself. Last weekend, the Aggies only managed to have possession of the ball for around 18 minutes. When the defense isn’t able to get opponents off the field, it’s virtually impossible for the offense to be of any use or get anything done. This will have to change against a team like Miami.

When Miami has the ball​

Miami’s offense has been highly productive so far and the team has outscored its opponents 100-20 in the past two weeks alone.
Behind star quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who’s put up 456 yards and three touchdowns, and new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, who comes from Michigan, the Hurricanes have a solid chance at beating down A&M’s defense if it plays the way it did against App State.

The Hurricanes’ main weapon lies in wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. He totaled a career-best 100 yards in five receptions and a touchdown in the team’s season opener against Bethune-Cookman on Sep. 3. Overall, he’s managed to haul in 11 receptions for 172 yards on the season. Receiver Key’Shawn Smith has also been a weapon for the offense. He caught three passes for 49 yards and a touchdown last Saturday against Southern Miss and will definitely be used more as the season progresses.
“You’ve got to get guys in the box, tackle well in space and get them in third and long” A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said to the media on Monday. “Their quarterback is very dynamic, their tight ends are very dynamic and their receivers can play. You’re going to have to play a complete football game and get off the field.”

If A&M’s defense manages to fix its issues within a week since playing App State, Miami shouldn’t be too difficult of a team to hold off. However, the Hurricanes can put many points on the board, and the Aggies should take caution in this.

Prediction​

The loss against App State should have been a wake-up call for Fisher as well as the whole team. With that defeat and the dropping in the AP rankings, the Aggies might have a lot more motivation to win than Miami, which is currently undefeated.
There are still a lot of issues that need to be fixed throughout the season, but if A&M is able to limit mistakes such as turnovers or penalties this Saturday, it should be able to pull off the win and get back to playing football the way they should.

Prediction: Texas A&M 28, Miami 17

 

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Jacksonville State at Tulsa: Top storyline, key matchup, player to watch in the Hurricane's Week 3 matchup.​

FOUR DOWNS​

1. TOP STORYLINE

How will Tulsa react as favorite?​

Despite being an FCS (Football Championship Series) school, Jacksonville State should not be overlooked, as it has piled up three victories already, all by margins of at least 18 points. The Gamecocks have averaged 37 points and 456 yards per contest and rank sixth in in the FCS with an average of 277 rushing yards per game. They have also scored nine touchdowns on 12 trips into the red zone.
Those numbers are impressive, but the Gamecocks are still an FCS school for one more season, playing in the ASUN (formerly Atlantic Sun) Conference, before moving up to the FBS and Conference USA next year. TU should beat them, but the Golden Hurricane has had a habit in recent years of playing down (or up) to its opponent's level, so nothing should be taken for granted.


2. KEY MATCHUP

TU defense vs. Jacksonville State running game​

Jacksonville State boasts a potent ground attack, rushing for 388 yards in its last game, a 34-3 win over Murray State, in which sophomore running back Anwar Lewis gained a career-high 184 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. On the season, Lewis has 300 yards on 35 rushes, for an average of 8.6 yards per carry. Lewis is also tied for the team lead with eight receptions, totaling 79 yards.
The Gamecocks’ second RB option, Matt LaRoche, has 208 yards on 32 carries, along with one touchdown. And quarterback Zion Webb is a dual threat, rushing for 127 yards and six TDs on the season so far. So stopping, or at least limiting, the damage that Jacksonville State causes on the ground will be crucial to the Hurricane’s success.


3. PLAYER TO WATCH

TU QB Davis Brin​

After two games, he is leading the nation in passing (391 yard per game), so all eyes will be on Brin to see what he can do against a supposedly lesser opponent. If Jacksonville State goes all out to defend the pass, will Brin try to force passes like he might have last season or will he stay patient and help guide the running game to success?
Brin has seven touchdowns and just one interception on the season. His ability to remain poised in the pocket and deliver clutch throws under difficult circumstances has been crucial to the Tulsa offense so far, along with the play of the outstanding receiving corp.



4. WHO WINS AND WHY
From columnist Guerin Emig: Jacksonville State is an interesting story, having started 3-0 under new coach Rich Rodriguez. Tulsa is a step up in class from the Gamecocks' first three opponents — Stephen F. Austin, Davidson and Murray State. Too big a step in this case.
TU 33, Jax State 19

 

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I’m 4-4 YTD Spinning my wheels thus far.


One player, one problem, Oklahoma’s 11 a.m. game at Nebraska Saturday…
ONE PLAYER
OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel
The only FBS teams with statistically worse defenses than Nebraska’s: South Florida, Ball State, Central Michigan, Ohio U, Hawaii, Bowling Green and Charlotte. That makes the Huskers the worst Power 5 defense in college football.
I’m a little bias Daniel Gabriel from my hometown but he’s a stud Sooners have a chip on their shoulders with coach and QB bolting.

OKLAHOMA-11

 

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MINNESOTA GOPHERS -28

Coach has run up the score first two why stop now.

 

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Kansas State -13 1/2

 

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Kansas @ Huston OVER 58

Kansas beat West Virginia last week 55-42 l decided on the over in this game when l saw that W. Va. Put up 45 already first half today.

 

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Texas Tech @ North Carolina OVER 56

I’m crossing my fingers Tech can keep offensively charged as they have shown YTD.

The honeymoon optimism around Texas Tech has ended. The Red Raiders generated an impressive 468 yards of offense against Houston, but three turnovers and questionable play-calling kept the Cougars in a game the Red Raiders should’ve ran away with. The Texas Tech offense -- especially

Even with only three men at the line, NC State has held opponents to only 3.6 yards per carry this season. The Red Raiders will need to pick up yards via the air, which is music to offensive coordinator Zach Kittley’s ears

 

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Miami at Texas A&M


Theproblem with the offense doesn’t lie in the offense itself. Last weekend, the Aggies only managed to have possession of the ball for around 18 minutes. When the defense isn’t able to get opponents off the field, it’s virtually impossible for the offense to be of any use or get anything done. This will have to change against a team like Miami.



Miami’s offense has been highly productive so far and the team has outscored its opponents 100-20 in the past two weeks alone.
Behind star quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who’s put up 456 yards and three touchdowns, and new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, who comes from Michigan, the Hurricanes have a solid chance at beating down A&M’s defense if it plays the way it did against App State.


Miami hurricanes +6 1/2