Game of the Week

Florida State at BYU

Saturday, September 19th (7:00 PM EST)

When Florida State has the ball:

QB Max Hall; AP Tony Gutierrez

Despite a narrow escape last week to Jacksonville State, the Seminoles bring a high-octane offense into Provo. They are led by QB Christian Ponder, who has limited his turnovers this season, but has thrown only two touchdowns through their first two games. The 'Noles have several playmakers at wide receiver including Fortson who, at 6-3 and 231 pounds, is a load to bring down in the open field. The Cougars have been solid on defense, but have played only a wounded Oklahoma and Tulane. It's fair to say this will be the first true test of the BYU defense against a team with a talented offensive line, and a full arsenal of playmakers. CB Brandon Bradley, who currently leads the team in tackles, could play a huge role in determining how well the Cougars stand up to Florida State's aerial attack.

When BYU has the ball: By now, it's clear what to expect from BYU. Veteran QB Max Hall leads an offense that is consistently one of the top passing offenses in the nation, and is continuing that trend this season. Not to be overlooked, however, is the importance of their ground game. RB Harvey Unga, who was used sparingly last week against Tulane, is a terrific runner between the tackles with his 240 pound frame. If he is able to break a few runs against the 'Noles, it will really open the passing lanes for Hall, and will spell trouble for a Florida State defense that has given up nearly 300 yards per game through the air. The key for Florida State will be in the front seven, where they must continue to put pressure on the quarterbackâFSU is currently 10th in the nation in sacks, averaging 4 per game.

Intangibles: Right now, BYU is the talk of the sports nation as they're currently ranked in the Top 10 and contending for a BCS bowl bid. But can they handle the pressure that comes with such national attention? Last season they had a chance to bust the BCS, but completely crumbled against TCU in a primetime matchup.

Prediction: After an embarrassing near-defeat last week against an FCS opponent, Florida State is going to be hungry for some redemption. Nothing would taste sweeter than knocking off a top ten team in their own house, but it certainly won't be easy this Saturday. Still, I give the nod to the 'Noles, who are simply more talented on both sides of the football. It will be close...but...

My pick: Florida State

Keep an eye on: Senior LB Dekoda Watson is the Seminoles most talented linebacker, and has been terrific through the first two games (15 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks). The 'Noles will need Watson to be a field general on Saturday, directing their defensive forces to stand strong against the flashy Cougars' assault.

Upset Alert

Utah at Oregon

Look, I know I picked the Utes to fall in last week's upset alert...and I was wrong. I don't have anything against the Utes. I'm just not convinced that this team is anywhere NEAR as good as last year's 13-0 squad. They have the longest winning streak in the nation, currently at 16 games, but it's only a matter of time before that streak is over. Autzen Stadium is a tough place to play, and Oregon isn't as bad as they looked in their first game against Boise State. This is a Ducks team that was an offensive juggernaut a season ago, and they still have the offensive weapons to resume that form. A win this weekend would go a long way toward redeeming a season that had such an ugly start...and the Oregon players know it.

About to go Nuclear

QB Andy Dalton; AP Donna McWilliam

TCU QB Andy Dalton

Dalton, now a junior, has never been a statistical giant. Last season, he finished with 432 yards rushing and passed for 2242 yards and 11 touchdowns. Not very impressive for a team that finished 11-2 and scored 437 points. But Dalton is poised for a solid year with an experienced offensive line and several playmakers around him. He should go nuclear Saturday when the Frogs face FCS Texas State.

Numerical analysis

11-6

Combined record for Mountain West teams against non-conference opponents, a better win percentage than the ACC, Big Ten, and Pac-10.

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