2010 WEEK THREE

IN
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A VIEW FROM THE SIDELINE N HAR
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Manning Bowl II is here! Yay...or not

The general football quarterbacks; life isn’t all that weekend sets up with one of the
bad. most important Big 12 games of
public loves some
the season when Texas travels
sappy story lines and Speaking of the Colts,
they don’t come they’re reeling after getting
sappier than Manning smashed 34-24 by the Eli’s New York Giants
Bowl II Ho u s t o n Te x a n s . T h e
Te x a n s h a d o n e o f t h e were relatively
It’s got to be a tough weekend g r e a te s t g a m e s i n t h e i r
for Archie and Olivia
workmanlike against
history last weekend after
M a n n i n g , they finished off Peyton’s the Carolina Panthers.
watching two of Indianapolis squad. Eli’s
their sons go to Ne w Yo r k G i a n t s w e r e
battle in r e l a t i v e l y w o r k m a n l i ke
against the Carolina Panthers, to Texas Tech. The University
Indianapolis, b e a t i n g Ma t t Mo o r e a n d o f Ho u s t o n h a s a g r e a t
but then company 31-18. opportunity against UCLA this
again, they are the parents of weekend. So, let’s see what
two successful and rich NFL In the college game, this happens, let’s GO!!

Lance and John have joined forces with Catch Lance with John Granato 6-10 am
Orangebloods.com this season, the University CST on 1560 The Game. Listen to John with
of Texas home on the rivals.com network. Sean “the Cablinasian” Pendergast from 3-7
Check out their work at orangebloods.com PM in the afternoon. www.1560thegame.com
 Houston (1 - 0) vs. Washington (1 - 0)
September 19, 2010 - CBS 3:15 PM CST
Vegas Says: Houston -3/44

R 2010 Ranking
257.0 ypg - 1st Run Offense 89.0 ypg - 21st

2010 ATS Record 98.0 ypg - 3rd Pass Offense 161.0 ypg - 24th 2010 ATS Record
1-0-0 1-0-0
355.0 ypg - 10th Total Offense 250.0 ypg - 26th
2010 Over/Under 2010 Over/Under
1-0-0 34.0 ppg - 3rd Scoring Off. 13.0 ppg - 24th 0-1-0

Last 5 games 44.0 ypg - 2nd Run Defense 103.0 ypg - 16th Last 5 games
Sep 13, 2010 W 34-24 Indianapolis Sep 13, 2010 W 13-7 Dallas
Jan 3, 2010 W 34-27 New England 419.0 ypg - 32nd Pass Defense 277.0 ypg - 28th Jan 3, 2010 L 17-0 Dallas
Dec 27, 2009 W 27-20 Miami Dec 21, 2009 L 45-12 NY Giants
Dec 20, 2009 W 16-13 St. Louis 463.0 ypg - 32nd Total Defense 380.0 ypg - 28th Dec 13, 2009 W 34-13 Oakland
Dec 13, 2009 W 34-7 Seattle Dec 6, 2009 L 33-30 New Orleans
24.0 ppg - 25th Scoring Def. 7.0 ppg - 2nd

Last Meeting: Washington - 31 vs. Houston - 15 (9/24/2006)

When the Texans have the ball... The Texans made an overwhelming statement to the rest of the
division as well as the Colts that not only were they going to stick with their running game, but they
planned on imposing their will in the process. The Redskins front 7 is much better suited to slow Arian
Foster and the outside zone and they know they have to get control of the Texans running game or it will
be a long day. The Texans will be looking to build
off of their success last weekend in the running
Fantasy Scoop
game by setting up the play-action pass. LaRon
Fear not, owners of Matt Schaub and Andre
Landry was all over the place against the Dallas
Johnson. While those two fantasy big shots
Cowboys, but the Texans won’t let him get settled
didn’t get much love last weekend, they will
in and will challenge him through the air as well.
bounce back this week while Arian Foster
will come back to earth. Foster is still a start
When the Redskins have the ball...Redskins in all leagues though. Go ahead and start
offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan understands Chris Cooley and consider Santana Moss
that Gary Kubiak is going to have an idea of his as a flex option.
play-calling tendencies thanks to the time the two
of them spent together so he will definitely have
something different planned at different stages of
the game. The Redskins have got to try and improve on the ground, however, the two tight-end sets with
Fred Davis and Chris Cooley will offer some problems for Bernard Pollard and Zach Diles. The
Texans are facing another smart QB this weekend so they have to make sure they don’t blow assignments
badly or Donovan McNabb will capitalize. Santana Moss is getting
The Z Key older, but he still has the quickness to make a difference.
Texans OL interior
vs. Prediction: The Texans did very little with their passing game and
Redskins’ 3-4 NT
Kemoeatu & Haynesworth still buried the Colts convincingly. The Redskins know that they will
be facing a much more disciplined gameplan this week and I think they
can rise to the occasion on that side of the ball, but I don’t think their
offense is ready to take off just yet.

HOUSTON - 20 VS. WASHINGTON - 16

 Pittsburgh (1 - 0) vs. Tennessee (1 - 0)
September 19, 2010 - CBS 12 PM CST
Vegas Says: Tennessee -5/37

R 2010 Ranking
143.0 ypg - 4th Run Offense 205.0 ypg - 2nd

2010 ATS Record 211.0 ypg - 16th Pass Offense 140.0 ypg - 28th 2010 ATS Record
1-0-0 1-0-0
354.0 ypg - 11th Total Offense 345.0 ypg - 12th
2010 Over/Under 2010 Over/Under
0-1-0 15.0 ppg - 18th Scoring Off. 38.0 ppg - 1st 1-0-0

Last 5 games 58.0 ypg - 6th Run Defense 135.0 ypg - 27th Last 5 games
Sep 12, 2010 W 15-9 Atlanta Sep 12, 2010 W 38-13 Oakland
Jan 3, 2010 W 30-24 Miami 237.0 ypg - 22nd Pass Defense 151.0 ypg - 8th Jan 3, 2010 W 17-13 Seattle
Dec 27, 2009 W 23-30 Baltimore Dec 25, 2009 L 42-17 San Diego
Dec 20, 2009 W 37-36 Green Bay 295.0 ypg - 13th Total Defense 286.0 ypg - 11th Dec 20, 2009 W 27-24 Miami
Dec 10, 2009 L 13-6 Cleveland Dec 13, 2009 W 47-7 St. Louis
9.0 ppg - 5th Scoring Def. 13.0 ppg - 9th

Last Meeting: Pittsburgh - 13 vs. Tennessee - 10 (9/10/2009)

When the Steelers have the ball...The Steelers had a tough time running the ball last weekend.
Don’t’ let the final numbers fool you as Rashard Mendenhall added 50 yards with one run in overtime.
The good news for the Steelers is that Darren McFadden had some success against the Titans and the
Steelers can too if they are able to loosen the Titans up with a couple of shots down the field. The Titans
have some interior linemen who could cause some problems for the Steelers in pass protection so that is
worth keeping an eye on. The Steelers are going to use plenty of bunch formations but the Titans have a
secondary that is aggressive and will hit you so I don’t think running from the bunch will work.

When the Titans have the ball...I’m not sure if

Mike Heimerdinger will be willing to try and take
some shots down the field, but I would. Chris Fantasy Scoop
Johnson can have some success running the ball if Starting Chris Johnson is a must despite the
the Titans stick with it. They will have to stay with defense he is facing, but all other Titans should
the run because eventually something will break, but be on the bench. I would, however, look at the
it won’t be easy for CJ. I expect Troy Polamalu to Titans defense if you have them. Go ahead
live near the line of scrimmage because of the speed and start Rashard Mendenhall, Hines
he brings to the table and his ability to help contain Ward and Mike Wallace but I don’t give
CJ. The Steelers are going to do everything they can Ward or Wallace anything more than a
to take the run away and then confuse Vince Young lukewarm nod.
on passing downs. The Titans should try and take
advantage of trying to hit a long ball down the field
The Z Key against the Steelers cornerbacks.
Titans RB Chris Johnson
vs. Prediction: The Steelers will be the better of the two teams by the
Steelers S Troy Polamalu end of the season, but right now I’m not sure you can say that with
Dennis Dixon at QB. At some point, Vince Young or Chris
Johnson will probably make a big play and I’m not sure the Steelers
will be able to counter with their own big play.

TENNESSEE - 17 VS. PITTSBURGH - 16


Other Key NFL Games
INDIANAPOLIS VS. NEW YORK GIANTS VEGAS SAYS: IND -5.5/48
September 19, 2010 - NBC 7:20 PM CST

The Good: Both teams have offenses whose The Bad: The Giants didn’t rush the passer as
strength coincides with the opponents’ perceived well as they expected last season due to injury and
weakness on the other side of the ball. Lost in the a lack of performance by too many players on their
loss to the Texans is the defensive line. The
fact that the Colts have as d e f e n s e l o o ke d m u c h
deep a group of pass The Money Matchup : The Colts had better last weekend and if
catchers as they have ever better do a better job of protecting Peyton they are back to their old
had at one time and they Manning than they did last week against the selves, they could rip the
should batter the Giants Texans since the Giants will bring even more Colts mediocre offensive
secondary if the Giants pressure. Justin Tuck is looking to round line to shreds. If you’re
‘D’ doesn’t make Peyton back into form this year and his battle against looking for that chink in
Manning get rid of the right tackle Ryan Diem will be the catalyst the Colts armor, the best
ball quickly. The Giants for whether or not Manning with relative place to start is with their
have two running backs peace in the pocket. offensive line. Get past
that can bring the them and get to Peyton
physicality to the Colts Manning and you can win.
just like Arian Foster did last week.

PREDICTION: INDIANAPOLIS - 31 VS. NEW YORK GIANTS - 21

NEW ENGLAND VS. NEW YORK JETS VEGAS SAYS: NE -1.5/38

September 19, 2010 - CBS 3:15 PM CST

The Good: The matchup between Tom Brady, The Bad: It is hard to talk about the Jets and
the Patriot wide receivers and the Jets secondary is gloss over the offensive difficulties they had against
going to be a thing of the Ravens. I understand
beauty. Brady and the that the Ravens offer any
Patriots have been the The Money Matchup : I could sit offense one of the
best in the league over the here and try and get cute with this one but the toughest matchups they
last few years at spreading money matchup is easily Randy Moss against will see all year, but there
defenses out with multiple Darrelle Revis. Last year, Revis referred to should be a ver y real
WR packages and putting Moss as a “slouch” and Moss claims that he has concern about whether
pressuring the secondary. used those comments to fuel him this Ma r k S a n c h e z i s a s
The Patriots obviously offseason and he has promised to bring it to impro ved a s e ver yone
have terrific targets with Revis in this battle. expected after last
Randy Moss and Wes season’s game against the
Welker, and their battle Colts or if he is still going
against the trio of cornerbacks from the Jets will to play like the inconsistent QB who we saw for
almost certainly determine the winner and loser in most of last year.
this one.

PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND - 20 VS. NEW YORK JETS - 17


Fantasy News and Notes
Quarterbacks
The big news is that Matthew Stafford
will miss as little as one week and as many as six
weeks with a shoulder injury.  We'll find out if
it is separated or just bruised later this week. 
While he will only be a backup for most of you,
his injury could very well hurt the fantasy status
of Calvin Johnson.  I would like to say that
it should help the fantasy value of Jahvid
Best, but the Lions couldn't hardly run the ball
even againt the Bears 7 man front (Best still got
in for two 1-yard TDs though).
Kevin Kolb looks like he'll miss this week's
matchup against the Detroit Lions thanks to
the concussion he sustained last week which is
a shame since the Lions secondary is there for
the taking.  Michael Vick is worth a short-
term pickup, but I'm still not sold on Andy
Reid trusting him as the starter long-term.
Dennis Dixon really struggled with some
simple throws early in the game against the
Falcons which has to be disturbing if you have
Hines Ward, Heath Mi l ler or Mi ke
Wallace.  The good news for Ward owners is
that he was targeted frequently while Wallace
was almost an afterthought with Dixon at QB.
Running Backs
Laurence Maroney was dealt from the
Patriots to the Broncos but I don't really see it
adding much fantasy value to Maroney.  In
D e n v e r, Ma r o n e y w i l l c o m p e t e w i t h
Buchalter for backup carries to Knowshon
Moreno, but Moreno's productivity probably
won't be effected by Maroney's arrival.  The
Patriots, on the other hand, just got rid of a
couple of carries per game so this will
strengthen Fred Taylor's position as their top
back, but don't go overboard with him since
the Pats never settle in with their RB rotation  Jones had 11 carries for 39 yards while Jamaal
Lost in the Raiders thumping at the hands of
the Ti t a n s was D a r re n
McFadden's performance at running back. 
McFadden showed not only his speed, but
increased toughness as a runner.  We all know
that Al Davis loves the size and speed of
McFadden so if he is performing well, there will
be pressure from above to keep rolling with
McFadden while Michael Bush just gets
leftover carries.
I've been saying all along that you shouldn't
panic over Shonn Greene's matchup against
the Ravens because he was probably going to
get shut down.  I'm telling you now that you
might want to worry a little bit because Jets
head coach, Rex Ryan, said that as the Jets
move forward, they would like to try and split
the carries between Greene and LaDainian
Tomlinson.  LT looks like he has a renewed
quickness to his game so Greene's status will go
down while LT's will go up.
Ryan Grant from the Packers is going to
miss the rest of the year due to injury so that
means that for those of you lucky enough to
have the first pick on the waiver wire this week
will get your hands on his backup, Brandon
Jackson.  Jackson, in that offense, becomes a
must-start RB1/2 in every league.  If you don't
need a RB, either trade the waiver pick for a
player you do need or take him as trade bait in
the future.
C.J. Spiller looked like a scared child on
the field against the Dolphins.  He stutter-
stepped and danced worse than anything I've
seen.  The film will not be kind to him and the
coaches may decide that 3rd down is where he
belongs which will mean Fred Jackson or
Marshawn Lynch will become bigger factors. 
My money would be on Jackson.
It always amazes me when the explosive guys
are limited to the same amount of carries that
the plodders get.  It happened again in Dallas
as Marion Barber and Felix Jones both had
8 carries apiece while in Kansas City, Thomas
Charles had 11 for 92.  Sooner or later, these
coaches will figure it out and owners of Jones
and Charles can rejoice.
Fantasy News and Notes
Wide Receivers
 
Congrats if you grabbed Roddy White
because if the first game is any indication of
what is in store for him, White will have a huge
season.  While the Steelers were shutting
down Michael Turner, Matt Ryan was
looking time and time again in White's
direction.  Look for White to lead the league
in receptions this year.
Is it too early to downgrade Braylon
Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery?  I know it
is just one game, but Mark Sanchez still looks
like a lost puppy and Brian Schottenheimer,
the OC, had very little confidence in him.  expected him to play (25).  With the Texans
Granted, the Jets were playing the Ravens, but
this is going to be a running team regardless so
look for them to shorten the leash on Sanchez
which will hurt the WR corps.
The Rams Mark Clayton becomes a
priority pickup this week after nabbing 10
passes for 119 yards.  The Rams will likely be
playing from behind for much of the year
which helps Clayton's cause.  Another thing
that helps his cause is that Steven Jackson is
already having knee inflammation issues after
just one week.
 
Tight Ends
 
Owen Daniels did very little against the
Colts, but fear not because he played over 40
snaps which is much more than Kubiak
leaning so heavily on the run, Daniels and
Andre Johnson became non-factors, but both
player will have bounce-back games this week
against the Redskins.

I really liked what I saw from Mike
Williams of Tampa Bay. I was wildly
unimpressed with Josh Freeman, his QB, but
I assume Freeman will improve has his thumb
heals.  Williams got separation, caught the ball
well and played like a veteran out there and it
was clear that Freeman was looking for him
throughout the game.
Time to upgrade your Austin Collie
portfolio as the Colts third wide receiver gets a
bump thanks to the predictable injury to
Anthony Gonzalez.  The fewer the WRs the
better and now Garcon, Collie and Wayne
should all be starts each week.  Back to that
cheesy hyperbaric chamber, Gonzalez.
As expected, Chris Cooley was a friendly
face for Donovan McNabb grabbing 6
catches for 80 yards.  To me, Cooley is a must-
start each week.
Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis had two TD
catches against the Broncos and while I don't
want to jump the gun and expect some monster
year from him, it is worth noting that we've all
been waiting for him to become a productive
fantasy tight end for a couple of years now and
maybe this will be the year.
 

Any more questions about how the Cowboys

pecking order will play out this season? 
Miles Austin had 10 catches, Dez Bryant
had 8 and Roy Williams had 3.  While Miles
and Dez might fight for the team lead from
game to game, it is clear that Roy is NOT in
the mix as one of the top two WRs and it is
equally clear that Dez is going to be a major
factor this year. 

NFL News and Notes
Did we really expect Redskins castoff attack is that both backs run with the same
Jason Campbell to make the Raiders a better pace and tempo.  If you watch, the styles and
team?  Did we?  I think I did, but I'm trying speed of Brown and Williams are very similar
to remember why.  I can tell you that after so the offensive line doesn't really have to make
watching his play against the Tennessee Titans, any type of adjustments based upon the rushing
I have very little confidence in him moving style of one back versus the other.
for ward.  Sure Campbell was wildly
inaccurate, but on more than one occasion he Keep an eye on what is going on in
pulled up short of the first down on 3rd down St.Louis with Rams rookie QB Sam
scrambles because he didn't want to get hit.  Bradford.  Last weekend, the Rams allowed
For a guy who is trying to establish himself as a Bradford to throw the ball 55 times in a loss to
leader, he failed miserably in week 1. the Arizona Cardinals and overall he played
okay.  Bradford missed some very easy throws
My friend Chris Solis brought this to that he will have to make on a consistent basis
my attention and if you think about it, the if he wants to be a successful starter in the
similarities are obvious.  Donovan McNabb NFL, but I expect that to improve.  What
is Warren Moon and Kevin Kolb is Cody does worry me, however, is that with RB
Carlson.  Moon was a reasonably successful Steven Jackson nursing a bum knee that the
quarterback who never really seemed to have Rams will begin to get comfortable with
the hometown fans completely sold on his Bradford trying to lead the offense with his
leadership ability or his ability to get the team right arm and that is bound to get him hit a ton
to a higher level.  The same can be said for of times as teams attack him with multiple blitz
McNabb (although he had more success in packages just like the Cardinals did.
Philly than Moon did with Houston).  Cody
Carlson was the backup QB who fans thought
could take over for Moon based on some strong
performances as his backup. Kolb seems to fit
nicely into the Carlson category as well. 
Carlson got hurt and was never a factor moving
forward.  Fast forward to 2010 and Kolb was
knocked out of last week's game and will miss
this week's as well.  Surely it can't be playing
out again.

The Miami Dolphins have two talented

running back in Ricky Williams and Ronnie
Brown and the offensive line does a nice job of
blocking for both of them.  One of the
reasons the offensive line and the running
backs work so well together within the rushing
 A View from the Sideline’s
Sweetheart Parlay of the Week

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 Texas (2 - 0) vs. Texas Tech (2 - 0)
September 18, 2010 - ABC 7 PM CST
Vegas Says: Texas -3/55

Keys to the Game

R 2010 Ranking
Sep 4, 2010 W, Rice 34-17 182.0 ypg - 44th Run Offense 112.0 ypg - 93rd Sep 6, 2010 W, SMU 35-27
Sep 11, 2010 W, Wyoming 34-7 197.0 ypg - 72nd Pass Offense 334.5 ypg - 11th Sep 11, 2010 W, New Mex. 52-17
Sep 18, 2010 @ Texas Tech 379.0 ypg - 64th Total Offense 446.5 ypg - 29th Sep 18, 2010 Texas
Sep 25, 2010 UCLA 34.0 ppg - T-39th Scoring Offense 43.5 ppg - T-17th Sep 25, 2010 BYE
73.0 ypg - 13th Run Defense 103.0 ypg - 41st
Oct 2, 2010 @ OU (Dallas) Oct 2, 2010 @ Iowa State
165.0 ypg - 34th Pass Defense 277.0 ypg - 105th
Oct 9, 2010 BYE Oct 9, 2010 Baylor
238.0 ypg - 15th Total Defense 380.0 ypg - T-80th
Oct 16, 2010 @ Nebraska 12.0 ppg - 17th Scoring Defense 22.0 ppg - 62nd Oct 16, 2010 Oklahoma State
Oct 23, 2010 Iowa State Oct 23, 2010 @ Colorado
Oct 30, 2010 Baylor Duncan’s making the Donuts - When Texas Tech Oct 30, 2010 @ Texas A&M
Nov 6, 2010 @ Kansas State released its first 2010 depth chart, one thing stood out Nov 6, 2010 Missouri
Nov 13, 2010 Oklahoma State more th an anyt hing else - DE Bri an Dunca n. Nov 13, 2010 @ Oklahoma
Nov 20, 2010 Florida Atlantic Immediately, it was evident that Tommy Tuberville was Nov 20, 2010 Weber State
Nov 25, 2010 Texas A&M putting his stamp on this team, taking the team’s best Nov 27, 2010 Houston
interior linebacker out of the middle and asking him to
rush the quarterback. Bold move, but it was one Tubs
Proj. Offensive Starters had done many times before at Auburn. The move has Proj. Offensive Starters
QB 7 Garrett Gilbert So. seemingly paid off. Duncan is fourth in the nation with QB 12 Taylor Potts Jr.
RB 23 Tre Newton Jr. four sacks and leads the Big 12 in that category. Three RB 25 Baron Batch Jr.
FB 30 Patrick Hill Sr. of those sacks came against SMU and NFL prospect X 19 Lyle Leong Sr.
Kelvin Beachum. Duncan has more than proved that he
WR 5 John Chiles Jr. H 11 Tramain Swindall Jr.
can rush the quarterback from the edge, but what Texas
WR 11 James Kirkendoll must do is expose him as a linebacker at defensive end. Y 17 Detron Lewis Sr.
TE 89 Barrett Matthews In other words run right at him. The two Texas tackles Z 8 Jacoby Franks Jr.
LT 64 Kyle Hix Sr. are better run blockers anyway, so wear down the former LT 65 LaAdrian Waddle So.
LG 63 Michael Huey Jr. linebacker and run his way as much as possible. And, LG 78 Lonnie Edwards Jr.
C 78 David Snow Jr. hope that’s enough to slow Duncan down. C 73 Justin Keown Jr.
RG 67 Mason Walters Fr. RG 66 Deveric Gallington So.
RT 72 Britt Mitchell Sr. Catching on - Texas WR Mike Davis is becoming a RT 70 Chris Olson Sr.
special talent for the Longhorns and he may end up
Proj. Defensive Starters being the most difficult matchup for Texas Tech’s Proj. Defensive Starters
DE 81 Sam Acho Sr. secondary on Saturday night. After a seven catch, 104 DE 94 Scott Smith Jr.
DT 91 Kheeston Randall Sr. yard night against Wyoming, Davis appears ready to DT 98 Donald Langley Jr.
DT 93 Tyrell Higgins take over as The Man in the receiving corps. But, what DT 93 Colby Whitlock Sr.
makes him so dangerous is his ability to hit top speed
DE 32 Eddie Jones Sr. DE 57 Brian Duncan Sr.
after the catch. Against an experienced and speedy
LB 1 Keenan Robinson Jr. Wyoming CB, Davis caught a simple in route for about LB 41 Sam Fehoko Jr.
LB 18 Emmanuel Acho Sr. 12 yards, hit the boosters and turned it into a 45 yard LB 20 Bront Bird Sr.
CB 8 Chykie Brown Sr. catch and run TD. With Tech’s safeties banged up, it’s LB 13 Julius Howard Sr.
NB 4 Aaron Williams Jr. important to let Davis get his hands on the ball in the CB 7 Will Ford So.
S 21 Blake Gideon Jr. middle of the field and let him make more plays. S 16 Cody Davis So.
S 6 Christian Scott Jr. S 26 Franklin Mitchem* Sr.
CB 3 Curtis Brown Sr. Twice as Nice - Keep an eye on the playbook CB 12 D.J Johnson So.
adjustments each team makes this weekend. One item
that’ll make life difficult for the Texas Tech OL is DE
Eddie Jones and Sam Acho lining up on the same side.
The possibilities are endless and the headaches are too.
Conclusion - I don’t think either team has played up to its capabilities in the first two weeks at all. But, I feel that the ceiling for
the Texas Longhorns is a bit higher, due in large part to the physical defense it possesses. The offense isn’t there yet, but it’ll do
enough in this game as long as it can get 75+ yards on the ground from two of its three backs. It will and Texas gets a tough win.

Texas - 27 vs. Texas Tech - 17

 Iowa (2 - 0) vs. Arizona (2 - 0)
September 11, 2010 - ESPN 9:30 PM CST
Vegas Says: Iowa -1.5/44

Keys to the Game

R 2010 Ranking
Sep 4, 2010 W, Eastern Ill. 37-7 227.0 ypg - 25th Run Offense 159.5 ypg - 63rd Sep 3, 2010 W, Toledo 41-2
Sep 11, 2010 W, Iowa St. 35-7 230.0 ypg - 54th Pass Offense 344.0 ypg - 10th Sep 11, 2010 The Citadel 52-6
Sep 18, 2010 Arizona 457.0 ypg - 25th Total Offense 503.5 ypg - 12th Sep 18, 2010 Iowa
36.0 ppg - 33rd Scoring Offense 46.5 ppg - 12th Sep 25, 2010 Cal
Sep 25, 2010 Ball State
71.5 ypg - 11th Run Defense 115.0 ypg - 47th Oct 2, 2010 BYE
Oct 2, 2010 Penn State 144.5 ypg - 26th Pass Defense 62.0 ypg - 4th Oct 9, 2010 Oregon State
Oct 9, 2010 BYE 216.0 ypg - 9th Total Defense 177.0 ypg - 3rd Oct 16, 2010 @ Washington St.
Oct 16, 2010 @ Michigan 7.0 ppg - 8th Scoring Defense 4.0 ppg - 2nd Oct 23, 2010 Washington
Oct 23, 2010 Wisconsin Oct 30, 2010 @ UCLA
Hit ‘em where it hurts - Arizona has faced Toledo and
Oct 30, 2010 Michigan State Nov 6, 2010 @ Stanford
The Citadel, two teams that, well, aren’t good enough to
Nov 6, 2010 @ Indiana even push the Wildcats on either side of the ball. Nov 13, 2010 USC
Nov 13, 2010 @ Northwestern Furthermore, what those two teams couldn’t do was Nov 20, 2010 BYE
Nov 20, 2010 Ohio State expose a relatively inexperienced middle of the defense. Nov 26, 2010 @ Oregon
Nov 27, 2010 @ Minnesota Current Houston Texan DT Earl Mitchell ruled the Dec 2, 2010 Arizona State
middle of the defense for the Wildcats in past years, but
Proj. Offensive Starters his absence could be a major problem against the Proj. Offensive Starters
QB 12 Ricky Stanzi Sr. Hawkeyes. The one thing we do know about this Iowa QB 8 Nick Foles Jr.
RB 32 Adam Robinson So. squad is that it’ll hit you in the mouth and the last team RB 5 Nic Grigsby Sr.
FB 36 Brett Morse Sr. to do that to the Wildcats went home with a 33-0 FB 31 Taimi Tutogi So.
Holiday Bowl win. Iowa has experience from guard to
WR 15 D. Johnson-Koulianos Sr. WR 85 David Roberts Jr.
guard and Adam Robinson is one of the more
WR 7 Marvin McNutt Jr. unheralded backs in the nation. As such, if the WR 82 Juron Criner Jr.
TE 82 Allen Reisner Sr. Hawkeyes are going to win this game, the Hawkeyes TE 88 A.J. Simmons Sr.
LT 77 Riley Reiff So. must mitigate Arizona’s defensive team speed and LT 78 Adam Grant Sr.
LG 63 Julian Vandervelde Sr. unleash Robinson in the middle throughout the game. LG 55 Conan Amituanai Sr.
C 53 James Ferentz So. C 64 Colin Baxter Sr.
RG 76 Nolan McMillan Fr. Wade-ing into trouble - If the Hawkeye offense gets RG 57 Jovon Hayes Sr.
RT 56 Markus Zusevics Jr. itself in second and third and long repeatedly, this game RT 67 Phillip Garcia Sr.
will not go in their favor. That’s because Arizona’s CB
Proj. Defensive Starters Trevin Wade might be the best cornerback west of Proj. Defensive Starters
DE 94 Adrian Clayborn Sr. Austin. He’s a no doubt NFL talent who’s tough, DE 44 Ricky Elmore Sr.
DT 95 Karl Klug Sr. competitive, long and will fight for the ball every time DT 43 Justin Washington Fr.
DT 46 Christian Ballard Sr. teams throw at him. Therein lies the rub - teams don’t DT 94 Lolomana Mikaele Sr.
test him often, but the Hawkeyes have a talented
DE 91 Broderick Binns Jr. DE 42 Brooks Reed Sr.
receiving corps that can matchup with him from a size
LB 45 Tyler Nielsen Jr. and physicality standpoint. Regardless, Wade will win LB 33 Jake Fischer So.
LB 33 Jeff Tarpinian Sr. his fair share on Saturday, the Hawks just can’t let him LB 40 Derek Earls Jr.
LB 42 Jeremiha Hunter Sr. take over the game. LB 41 Paul Vassallo Jr.
CB 28 Shaun Prater Jr. CB 24 Trevin Wade Jr.
FS 30 Brett Greenwood Sr. Yo, Adrian - After two solid, if not unspectacular FS 9 Joseph Perkins Sr.
SS 9 Tyler Sash Jr. outings, Iowa All-American defensive end Adrian SS 3 Anthony Wilcox Sr.
CB 18 Micah Hyde So. Clayborn is ready to burst on the scene. Last year, he CB 1 Robert Golden Jr.
found a way in big games to make plays, whether on
defense or special teams. In this one though, he’ll get to
chase a pocket passer. Arizona QB Nick Foles isn’t a
statue by any means, but he’d better get rid of the ball
before Clayborn introduces himself on Saturday night.

Conclusion - At home in Tucson, I really think Arizona is a live ‘dog, but I’m still concerned that the last time they faced a tough,
physical team - Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl - the Wildcats got thumped. Badly. Iowa will run the ball better than any team
Arizona has faced since it lost to Oregon at home last season. Adam Robinson will pound for 125+ yards in a hard-fought Iowa win.
Iowa - 24 vs. Arizona - 21

Other Key Games
ARKANSAS VS. GEORGIA
September 11, 2010 - ESPN 11 am CST
Last year in Fayetteville, these two put up points in
bunches, but I don’t expect that to be quite the case
this year. Well, on second thought...maybe that will
be the case. Regardless, over the years, I’ve gotten
to the point where I dislike road favorites, but lucky
for me, the line setters think Georgia is still the
chalk, after one of the worst tackling performances
I’ve seen for a BCS power when UGA missed
dozens of key tackles in a 17-6 loss at South Carolina
NEBRASKA VS. WASHINGTON
September 18, 2010 - ABC 2:30 PM CST
This is it. This is the biggest test for Washington
QB Jake Locker and his Heisman campaign. After
taking a shot to the chin in Provo in week one,
Locker found his footing in a three touchdown win
over Syracuse. But, BYU and Syracuse are middle
school defenses in comparison to the Blackshirt’s
defense that’ll arrive on Saturday afternoon. Locker
showed last week that he can be accurate,
completing 22 of 33, 67% for 289 yards and four
TDs. Fortunately, that’ll eventually be the key in
this game - Locker has to be extremely accurate to
AIR FORCE VS. OKLAHOMA
September 18, 2010 - FSN 2:30 PM CST
On the surface, facing a non-BCS team on your
home turf doesn’t sound like a recipe for disaster
but...think again. First of all, the Air Force Falcons
are coming off of a convincing win over a solid BYU
team, moving their record to 2-0 on the season.
Secondly, Air Force has absolutely nothing to lose
going to Oklahoma. Nothing and that’s scary.
Third, Air Force doesn’t have guys that’ll play in the
NFL but it does have some players with NFL talent.
Last but not least, the Falcons run the option out of
CLEMSON VS. AUBURN
September 18, 2010 - ESPN 6 PM CST
I love tradition. I love Southern football tradition and
something about Clemson playing Auburn on the
Plains has me giddy. Plus, I think both teams are
capable of doing great things in the ACC and SEC,
respectively. Considering how poorly the ACC
performed last week in key games - Miami, Florida
State, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech all losing -
Clemson carries a ton of pressure, in some sense, for
the entire conference. Plus, going on the road against
Auburn, though, isn’t the easiest way to make hay on a
Vegas says: Georgia -2.5/54.5
The Razorbacks present a completely different
challenge for the home team, though. QB Ryan
Mallett lit up the two patsies he faced and is licking
his chops to face a secondary he torched last season.
Georgia’s offense, presumably without AJ Green,
was idle for much of the visit to Columbia and even
though Arkansas’ defense is a sieve, it’ll still be
another long day for Aaron Murray and company.
PREDICTION: Arkansas - 34 vs. Georgia - 27
Vegas says: Nebraska -3.5/53.5
keep drives alive and keep his defense off the field.
He didn’t run the ball much last week and that
might be the best thing for this offense. Nebraska
is going to be concerned with his scrambling and
perhaps use a spy on him. But, if Locker can be
accurate and find open receivers, they’ll compete.
Unfortunately, the defense is eventually going to
have stop Taylor Martinez and Roy Helu, Jr. That’s
asking a bit much.
PREDICTION: Nebraska - 31 vs. U of W - 21
Vegas says: Oklahoma -17/54
a myriad of formations and personnel combinations
- and OU has only a week to prepare. Oh and by
the way, the Sooners have been told all week long
that they’re the best team in the Big 12 after they
smashed Florida State into tiny little bits. But, the
game is in Norman where the Sooners haven’t lost
since 2005. The Sooners passing game won’t have a
walk in the park against the Falcons’ secondary, but
the Falcons may not stop DeMarco Murray at all.
PREDICTION: OU - 35 vs. Air Force - 23
Vegas says: Auburn -7/54.5
Saturday. Furthermore, Auburn has Camzilla, as Cam
Newton has been dubbed. The Auburn quarterback
may be the best running quarterback in the nation not
named Denard Robinson. Against Mississippi State
on the road, Newton was unstoppable running the
football and DT Nick Fairley was dominant on the
other side of the football. Clemson has a talented
defense that’ll frustrate Newton, but not enough to
turn this into a Clemson Tiger win.
PREDICTION: Auburn - 27 vs. Clemson - 21
 Random CFB Thoughts

by John Harris
Florida RB Chris Rainey is out for this weekend’s game (and potentially longer) against Tennessee
for being one of the dumbest athletes in the nation.

ESPN’s number-crunching Heisman predictor has Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett number one this week -
glad to see the “cruncher” took into account the stellar opponents Arkansas has trashed the last two
weeks...or not.

Billy Liucci told us this week that Damontre Moore is one of the best young defensive players
Texas A&M has seen in quite some time.

I said this on Orangebloods.com this week - Auburn QB Cam Newton is no worse than the fifth
best running back in the SEC.

The Miami Hurricanes have plenty of talent to be a top ten team, but I don’t know if Randy
Shannon is truly the guy to get it out of them - I hope I’m wrong.

Even with Denard Robinson’s performance against Notre Dame, had Dayne Crist been healthy
the entire game, ND would’ve won last week’s game.

That being said, Robinson accounted for 94% of his team’s total yardage with 502 or 532 yards -
that’s not human.

The ACC desperately needs Clemson to go to Auburn and at least compete and be in the game in
the fourth quarter, at a minimum.

Everyone wants to think that Boise State is 1-0 and the honest truth is the Broncos beat Virginia
Tech twice.

The tackling in week two was as bad as any week I’ve ever seen in college football, starting with
Georgia and continuing all day long until the Stanford-UCLA game - horrid.