Week 3 Preview

Georgia Tech (1-1) at North Carolina (0-1)

   This is a game featuring two teams who are both looking to get back on track.  Tech lost last week at Kansas and the Heels are trying to get back to their winning ways after suffering a heart-breaking loss to LSU in Week One.  The Jackets feature a nice 1-2 running punch in Josh Nesbitt and Anthony Allen.  The two spearhead an attack that is second in the nation in rushing yards per game with 332 yards per game.  Nesbitt leads the team with 163 yards and five touchdowns, while Allen averages nearly seven yards per carry.  North Carolina is led by quarterback T.J. Yates, who threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns.  Jheranie Boyd leads the team with six catches for 221 yards.  He had 12 catches for 214 yards as a freshman last season. 

   Georgia Tech wins if...it can control the time of possession and play its stingy defense while running their attack to perfection.

   North Carolina wins if...it can continue to overcome the loss of six defensive starters.  Al Groh, GT's new defensive coordinator, has been known to shut down the Heels so how they respond will be something to look for.


Arizona State (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0)

   This will be the first true test for the Sun Devils, as they travel to the always-tough Camp Randall Stadium.  Their offense is led by the quarterback-running back combo of Steven Threet and Cameron Marshall.  Threet, a Michigan transfer, has completed 47-of-70 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns, but has also thrown three interceptions.  Marshall has 14 carries for 132 yards and four touchdowns.

   The Badgers come into the game after defeated UNLV and San Jose State in their first two games.  Despite being known for their running game, quarterback Scott Tolzien has put up some impressive passing stats, completing 30-of-42 passes for 388 yards and one touchdown.  The team already has two players, John Clay and Montee Ball, who have rushed for over 100 yards.  Clay leads the team with 260 yards and four touchdowns, while Ball has 110 yards and two scores.

   ASU wins if...it can continue to throw the ball around.  The Wisconsin defense is tougher than the Devils' first two opponents, but if Threet is on the same page with his receivers, they may be able to pull the surprise.

   Wisconsin wins if...it rushes the ball like it has been.  The Sun Devils have given up 149 rushing yards per game to two FCS schools, so if the Badgers are on their game, it might be a long day for the ASU defense.


Clemson (2-0) at Auburn (2-0)

   The game at Auburn not only marks the first true test for the Tigers, but also starts a rough stretch of games, where four of five teams played in bowls and either are or have been ranked this year.  The offense has been pretty balanced between the passing game and the running game.  Quarterback Kyle Parker has thrown for 283 yards and four touchdowns.  The rushing load has been split amongst Jamie Harper, Andre Ellington, Roderick McDowell and Daniel Barnes.  Ellington leads the way with 133 yards and three scores.

   Cameron Newton has come in and run this offense in perfection.  The quarterback has thrown for 322 yards and five touchdowns, while rushing for 241 and two more.  His rushing total is almost 100 more yards than the next leading rusher.

   Clemson wins if...it contains the Auburn rushing game and gets a balanced game from all their players.  Shut Newton down and you have a good shot at the win.

   Auburn wins if...they shut down the Clemson rushing game, which averages nearly 230 yards per game.  If Auburn's own rushing attack is on, it might also be a long day for their opponents.  Either way, look for a shootout.


Iowa (2-0) at Arizona (2-0)

   The Hawkeyes are coming off of a big win against in-state rival Iowa State and are only giving up seven points per game.  Ricky Stanzi seems to be on a mission, completing 71 percent of his passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns.  He has been aided by a running game anchored by Adam Robinson.  Robinson has 265 yards and four touchdowns on the year, while averaging seven yards per carry.

   The Wildcats come into the game undefeated as well, and have one of the most prolific defenses and offenses in the country.  The team is second in points allowed per game, with four per game and is averaging 47 points per game good for 12th nationally.  The team is led by quarterback Nick Foles, who has completed 83 percent of his passes for 579\4 yards and three touchdowns.

   Iowa wins if...their defense is able to shut down the Arizona passing game, which is eighth nationally.The Wildcat defense hasn't really been tested, so it's up to the Hawkeyes to give them a good battle.

   Arizona wins if...Foles continues to sling the ball around.  The defense, ones of the best in the nation, will have to stop the balanced attack of Iowa