College football Week 10 games to watch
By: Kevin Dunleavy
Examiner Staff Writer
November 6, 2009
GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 6 LSU at No. 3 Alabama
Players to watch
Terrelle Pryor
For the first time in his college career, the quarterback for No. 16 Ohio State (7-2) returns to his home state in what promises to be a hostile reception at No. 11 Penn State (8-1). The Lions won last year in Columbus, 13-6, en route to the Big Ten title.
Toby Gerhart
The Stanford running back has the size (6-1, 235) and skin color for comparison to former Cardinal star Tommy Vardell. Gerhart (994 yards, 13 TD) leads Stanford (5-3) against visiting No. 8 Oregon (7-1), a possible trap game for the Ducks after their win over USC.
Steve Anderson
Leading the Army defense at linebacker, the Damascus graduate (67 tackles) will be focused on Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson. After losing 18 of the last 20 meetings, the visiting Cadets (3-5) have a legitimate shot at ending the domination of the Falcons (5-4).
Zach Collaros
Does it really matter who plays quarterback for No. 5 Cincinnati (8-0)? Tony Pike was getting Heisman buzz before he was injured (forearm). His replacement, Collaros, has thrown nine touchdown passes in 63 attempts and will start against visiting UConn (4-4).
Zac Lee
It's not what it used to be, but it's still Oklahoma-Nebraska and there's a lot at stake for the Huskers (5-3) and their senior quarterback, who are alive for the Big 12 North and a berth in the conference title game. No. 21 Oklahoma (4-3) has won four straight.
Where » Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa
When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
TV » CBS
After scoring two touchdowns in the last three games, the search for the Alabama offense continues Saturday against the No. 7 scoring defense in nation. Much is at stake. With a win, Alabama (8-0) would clinch a berth in the SEC title game vs. No. 1 Florida. LSU (7-1), however, has the same goal and can take a major step toward winning the SEC West. With his win last year in Baton Rouge, Tide coach Nick Saban ended his school's five-game losing streak against the school he used to coach.
LOCAL GAMES
Maryland at N.C. State
Where » Carter Finley Stadium, Raleigh
When » Saturday, 1 p.m.
TV » ESPN360; Radio » 106.7 FM
Something has to give here. While the Terps (2-6) try to avoid their first four-game losing streak in nine years under Ralph Friedgen, the Wolfpack (3-4) hope to break their four-game skid since upsetting No. 13 Pitt, 38-31, in September. QB Russell Wilson has an ACC-high 21 touchdown passes, leading an offense that ranks 20th in the nation in scoring (33.1 ppg). Maryland has won the last three meetings, including last year in the rain when Obi Egekeze kicked a 20-yard field goal with 6 seconds left.
Virginia at No. 19 Miami
Where » Land Shark Stadium, Miami
When » Saturday, noon
TV » FOX; Radio » 570 AM
This game begins a difficult November for the Cavaliers (3-5) who also face Boston College (6-3), Clemson (5-3), and Virginia Tech (5-3). Virginia senior DL Nate Collins has been spectacular over the last three games -- 35 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT return for a touchdown. Miami (6-2) will try to keep Collins off QB Jacory Harris, who leads the ACC in pass efficiency (151.5). Last year at Virginia, Harris came off the bench to throw TD passes in the final minute and in OT in a 24-17 win.
S.C. State at Howard
Where » Greene Stadium, NW D.C.
When » Saturday, 1 p.m.
Howard (2-6) looks for its first MEAC victory against the league-leading Bulldogs (7-1), who rank No. 1 in the conference in scoring offense (30.5 ppg) and defense (16.4 ppg), and have beaten every MEAC foe by double-digit margins. Junior QB Malcolm Long tops the MEAC in completion percentage (67.2) and pass efficiency (151.2).
