College & Pro News & Notes 9/20, 9/21
LSU @ Auburn- 11 of last 18 decided by 7 points or less…Auburn 30-7 SU since ‘03 at Jordan-Hare Stadium…LSU has demolished Appalachain St and North Texas at home…big step up for young players (QB, DB’s) making first road start on SEC road…
Florida @ Tennessee- monster revenge for Vols who were blasted 59-20 last year in Swamp…Tennessee 4-0 as home dog since ‘06
Wake Forest @ Florida State- Sems have handled Western Carolina and Chattanooga so far…awaiting arrival of Demon Deacons who have won last 2 meetings, incl 30-0 at Doak Campbell in ‘06
Cincinnati @ NY Giants- G-Men might be this year’s spread killer, registering a +25 (away from spread) thru 2 games…always tough to lay double digits in the NFL, but the Bengals are one of the 5 worst teams in the league…they have not had the lead yet in either of their first two games…Big Blue 8 straight covers dating from last year
Oakland @ Buffalo- Big number for young Bills, but they own significant edge at QB, and Head Coach…Raider rushing attack all banged up with Fargas definitely out and McFadden and Bush both nicked…Buffalo counterpart Lynch emerging as top-tier RB…game starts at 10 am on Oakland body clock…Buffalo 11-3 ATS last 14 in Orchard Park
Kansas City @ Atlanta- Chiefs in for long season…LJ not happy, major issues at QB, probably the worst O-Line in the league, and a defense that can’t get stops…does Herm Edwards last the season? Falcons may feature Norwood with Turner banged up…WR’s White and Jenkins could be huge on Sunday, as KC will start two rookie CB’s
Carolina @ Minnesota- two major personnel notes in this contest- Gus Frerotte replaces Jackson at QB for Purples, will likely upgrade passing attack…Steve Smith returns to Carolina lineup after suspension, providing lift for Delhomme…Panthers 2-0, but can’t continue to play from behind all season if they’re going to be successful long-term…
Houston @ Tennessee- Texans off unscheduled, Ike-induced bye…although they practiced, focus was on non-football related issues (personal, family priorities)…Tennessee still underrated despit perfect start…Haynesworth & Vanden Bosch dominating line of scrimmage…rookie RB Chris Johnson might be fastest guy in league
Arizona @ Washington- Underrated ‘Zona D has allowed just 23 points so far…now facing “iffy” ‘Skins offense…Warner rates solid edge over Campbell, and Fitz and Boldin are matchup nightmare for any secondary…but always tough for western time zone team to make east coast trip, which Cards will do next week (Jets) and 3 more times after that (Car, Phil, NEP)
San Francisco @ Detroit- Mad Scientist Martz returns to Motor City with chip on shoulder…he’ll certainly turn the aerial attack loose against his former team, and he’s got a major weapon in Frank Gore at RB…Lions looking for continued dominance of Calvin Johnson, while waiting for ground game to emerge…Kitna has thrown 4 picks and been sacked 8 times already