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Sports

Week 3 local college football preview

By Kevin Dunleavy
Published September 17, 2009 4:00am ET
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Middle Tennessee State at Maryland

Players to watchJarrett BrownPlaying at Auburn (2-0), this is the first big test for the West Virginia senior quarterback who has shown his ability to pass (43-of-57, 577 yards, 4 TD) and run (19 carries, 142 yards) in leading the offensive-minded Mountaineers to a 2-0 start.Jahvid BestThe Heisman Trophy candidate from No. 7 California (2-0) has had it easy so far in a pair of lopsided wins (52-13 over Maryland, 59-7 over Eastern Washington), but may have to extend himself into the fourth quarter at Minnesota (2-0), which has won ugly over Syracuse and Air Force.Tony PikeThe Cincinnati quarterback, who ranks No. 4 in passing efficiency (195.5), has led No. 20 Bearcats (2-0) to an impressive start. With his defense unproven, the 6-6 senior could find himself in a shootout Saturday at Oregon State (2-0).Nic GrigsbyThe Arizona running back ranks No. 2 in the nation in rushing (162.5 yards per game), leading the Wildcats to a 2-0 start. This week at Iowa (2-0), the compactly-built junior will be the focus of the Hawkeyes’ defense in a battle of BCS conference unbeatens.Max HallThe Brigham Young quarterback was cool under fire in a season-opening upset of No. 2 Oklahoma. Now he and the No. 8 Cougars (2-0) face the speed of visiting Florida State (1-1) and the Seminoles standout dual-threat quarterback Christian Ponder.

Where » Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium

When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

TV » ESPN360; Radio » 106.7 FM

After surrendering 87 points in its first two games, the Maryland (1-1) defense will try to solve the spread offense of the Blue Raiders (1-1) and their appropriately-named QB Dwight Dasher (435 yards passing, 150 yards rushing). The Terps, 24-14 losers last year in Mufreesboro, will be down three starters, including two in the secondary. Middle Tennessee’s win over Maryland was its first ever against a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference and only the second time a team from the Sun Belt Conference was successful against a team from a BCS league.

Nebraska at No. 13 Virginia Tech

Where » Lane Stadium

When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

TV » ABC; Radio » 980 AM

Virginia Tech (1-1) will try to corral the No. 7 passer in the nation in Zac Lee (186.4 rating), also a strong runner. The scenario is the same as last year, when the Huskers (2-0), undefeated and untested, lost in Lincoln, 35-30, to the Hokies. In the absence of RB Darren Evans (ACL) Tech has quickly developed a potent RB tandem in true freshman David Wilson and redshirt freshman Ryan Williams (Stonewall Jackson). The duo combined for 329 yards rushing last week against Marshall.

Virginia at Southern Miss

Where » Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium

When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

TV » CBS College Sports; Radio » 570 AM

The Cavaliers (0-2), shut out for the first 54 minutes in last week’s hideous 30-14 loss to TCU, will try to get off the schneid against the Golden Eagles (2-0), who rank No. 9 in the NCAA in total defense (182.5 yards per game). Southern Mississippi is led on offense by RB Damion Fletcher, who has 309 yards rushing and receiving.

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