Top 25 Previews For 11-25-2006 - College Football News, Tips And Picks

Top 25 Previews For 11-25-2006
By Tom Hanson
Posted: 3:00 am PDT 2006-11-25

No. 6 Notre Dame (10-1) at No. 3 USC (9-1)
When: Saturday, 8 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: USC -8.5
Storyline: This is USC's chance to impress and leapfrog Michigan in the BCS standings. The Trojans used a strong second half to dispose of Cal last week. Notre Dame still has championship hopes but would need some help. With so much on the line, last year's classic finish has been sort of forgotten. But Notre Dame will use the Reggie Bush push of Matt Leinart as motivation. Irish QB Brady Quinn continues to rack up the TD passes. He had three more last week against Army.
Analysis: The Trojans have won four straight over the Irish. USC's defense has only allowed 19 points per game. USC is 3-2 at home against the spread. Notre Dame is 4-7 against the number this season but 2-2 on the road. USC 27, Notre Dame 24.

No. 4 Florida (10-1) at Florida State (6-5)
When: Saturday, noon
WagerWeb.com line: Florida -9
Storyline: The Gators will try to avoid the hiccup against their in-state rival. Florida could be in line for a shot at Ohio State with wins against Florida State and Arkansas in the SEC Championship Game. Gators linebackers Brandon Siler and Earl Everett and defensive end Jarvis Moss are back after serving one-game suspensions. The Gators are No. 11 in the country in total defense, giving up only 268 yards per game. Florida State's offense got a boost 12 days ago when offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden announced his resignation effective the end of the season. Drew Weatherford has been named the starting QB despite recent struggles.
Analysis: Florida has won the last two in this series. The Gators are 0-3 against the spread on the road this season and 0-6 as a road favorite in the last six. Florida State is 2-5 at home against the number. Florida 31, Florida State 25

South Florida (7-4, 3-3 Big East) at No. 7 West Virginia (9-1, 4-1)
When: Saturday, noon
WagerWeb.com line: West Virginia -21.5
Storyline: The Mountaineers continue march to a BCS berth. Last week, West Virginia exploded in the second half to hammer Pitt, 45-27. RB Steve Slaton had 345 yards of offense -- 215 rushing and 130 receiving -- and four TDs. All but six yards came in the second half. A win would solidify South Florida's bowl chances. Bulls freshman QB Matt Grothe has thrown for 601 yards and three TDs in the last two games.
Analysis: West Virginia beat South Florida last year in the first meeting of the two schools. The Mountaineers are 5-2 against the number this year. The Bulls are a better beat at home team, going 4-1 against the spread while only covering two out of five on the road. West Virginia 42, South Florida 24

No. 8 Louisville (9-1, 4-1 Big East) at Pittsburgh (6-5, 2-4) When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: Louisville -10
Storyline: Louisville can still win the Big East crown if it wins its remaining two games. The Cardinals utilized six sacks to beat up on South Florida last week. QB Brian Brohm threw for 274 yards and two TDs. Pitt is on a four-game losing streak. The Panthers had West Virginia tied last week at halftime and failed to score in the second half.
Analysis: Louisville is only 2-3 on the road against the spread. Pittsburgh is only 2-3 at home against the number. Louisville 38, Pittsburgh 17

No. 12 Boise State (11-0, 7-0 WAC) at Nevada (8-3, 5-2)
When: Saturday, 4:15 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: Boise -3
Storyline: It's being labeled as the biggest game in Boise State history. A win will almost assure the Broncos of a BCS bid and a chance at an undefeated season. They would become only the second non-BCS team to qualify for a big bowl game. Broncos RB Ian Johnson is back after spending five days in the hospital. Johnson has 21 TDs this season and is averaging 146 yards per game. Nevada has won 10 straight home games.
Analysis: The Broncos are a terrible bet on the road, covering only one out of five this season. Nevada has made people money this year, covering 10 out of 11 and a perfect 5-0 at home. UPSET SPECIAL: Nevada 27, Boise State 23

No. 13 Oklahoma (9-2, 6-1 Big 12) at Oklahoma State (6-5, 3-4)
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: Oklahoma -5.5
Storyline: Oklahoma will be playing for a spot in the Big 12 title game since Texas lost Friday to Texas A&M. Sooner have to take care of business here first, but Oklahoma has won three straight against the Cowboys. Sooners are still averaging 199 yards rushing despite the loss of RB Adrian Peterson. Okie State has lost five of its last eight games.
Analysis: Oklahoma is 7-3 against the spread this season and 3-1 on the road. The Cowboys are a good bet at home, covering three out of four this season. Oklahoma 33, Okie State 21

Syracuse (4-7, 1-5 ACC) at No. 15 Rutgers (9-1, 4-1)
When: Saturday, noon.
WagerWeb.com line: Rutgers -15
Storyline: Rutgers' dream season came to an end last week with a loss to Cincinnati. Scarlet Knights QB Mike Teel had four interceptions. Rutgers also could only muster 50 yards on the ground. Rutgers beat Syracuse last season but has never beat the Orange in consecutive years. Syracuse has won only one once in the last 10 road games.
Analysis: Away from the Carrier Dome, the Orange have been blue. They are 1-4 straight up and 3-2 against the number. Rutgers is a perfect 5-0 straight up in New Jersey. Rutgers 27, Syracuse 8

No. 16 Georgia Tech (9-2) at Georgia (7-4)
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: Georgia -3
Storyline: Georgia Tech has already clinched a spot in the ACC Championship Game and last week pulled its starters against Duke. This game is for bragging and recruiting advantages. The Bulldogs were off last week and have to be on a high after stunning Auburn on the road two weeks ago.
Analysis: Georgia is a miserable 1-4 at home this season against the spread. Georgia Tech is better at home, but this an in-state game. The Yellow Jackets are 2-2 on the road against the number. Georgia 17, Georgia Tech 10

Virginia (5-6) at No. 17 Virginia Tech (9-2)
When: Saturday, noon
WagerWeb.com line: Virginia Tech -17
Storyline: Virginia Tech will try to wrap a 10-win season but will have to do so without its star running back. Brandon Ore, who has 1,095 yards rushing and 14 TDs, is doubtful with a high-ankle sprain. Virginia is hoping to qualify for a bowl berth. The Cavaliers kept their hopes alive with a win over Miami last week. Freshman QB Jameel Sewell completed 23-of-33 passes for 217 yards and added two rushing TDs.
Analysis: The Cavaliers are 1-4 against the spread on the road this season. The Hokies are only 3-3 at home against the number. Virginia Tech 24, Virginia 10.

Kentucky (7-4, 4-3 ACC) at No. 19 Tennessee (8-3, 4-3)
When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: Tennessee -20
Storyline: Tennessee has won 21 straight against Kentucky. The Wildcats are bowl-eligible for the first time in seven years. The Vols have only won once in the last four games. RB LaMarcus Coker had 126 yards and two TDs against Vanderbilt last week.
Analysis: The Volunteers are 3-6 against the number at home over the past two years. Kentucky is only 1-3 straight up on the road. Tennessee 21, Kentucky 20

No. 20 Wake Forest (9-2, 5-2 ACC) at Maryland (8-3, 5-2)
When: Saturday, 7:45 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: Maryland -1.5
Storyline: The winner faces Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game. Wake Forest is undefeated on the road. But Deamon Deacons head coach Jim Grobe is 0-5 against the Terrapins.
Analysis: Maryland is 2-10 against the number as a home favorite. Wake Forest is 4-0-1 on the road against the spread this season. Wake Forest 22, Maryland 21

No. 21 BYU (8-2, 6-0 MWC) at Utah (7-4, 5-2)
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: BYU -10.5
Storyline: BYU has already clinched the Mountain West Conference title, its first in five years. The Cougars are averaging 37 points a game. BYU QB John Beck is second in the nation in passing with 3,456 yards and 27 TDs. Utah has won four straight against BYU. The Utes needed a time-expiring field goal to win last week over Air Force.
Analysis: BYU is 7-1 as a favorite. The Cougars are 10-1 against the spread this season with its only non-cover coming on the road. Utah is 3-1 at home against the number. BYU 31, Utah 24

South Carolina at No. 24 Clemson (8-3, 5-3)
When: Saturday, noon
WagerWeb.com line: Clemson -5.5
Storyline: The Steve-Spurrier-to-Miami rumors filled the weeks. But the 'Ol Ball Coach says he's staying at South Carolina. Clemson snuck past North Carolina State, 20-14 last week. Freshman RB C.J. Spiller had a career-best 154 yards and a TD. The Tigers have won the last four against South Carolina.
Analysis: The Gamecocks are 4-0 on the road against the number. Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden owns a 6-1 record against South Carolina. Clemson is 4-2 at home against the spread this season. Clemson 35, South Carolina 14

Purdue (8-4) at No. 25 Hawaii (9-2)
When: Saturday, 11 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: Hawaii -18
Storyline: Hawaii has won eight straight thanks to the nation's best passing attack. QB Colt Brennan threw for 402 yards and five TDs last week against San Jose State. For the Boilermakers, at least they can get a good tan on their Thanksgiving weekend vacation.
Analysis: Hawaii is 7-1 against the number after a win. Purdue is 4-1 on the road against the spread. Hawaii 52, Sun-burnt Purdue 17

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