Virginia Tech at Nebraska
When 8 p.m.
Where Memorial Stadium; Lincoln, Neb.
TV WVEC
Radio 790 AM
Records Tech 3-1, Nebraska 3-0
About Tech Do the Hokies have another thriller in them? Last week's 20-17 come-from-behind win at North Carolina was their second straight comeback victory by the same score. The young Hokies may be facing their toughest test of the season. The only other time these two teams have met was the 1996 Orange Bowl, which Nebraska pulled away to win 41-27. Neither of these two teams are likely as good as they were that year, though. The Hokies have been offensively challenged, ranking 112th in total yards (271.8 ypg) and 114th in passing (99 ypg), but do have a serious ground threat with mobile QB Tyrod Taylor (221 yards rushing) and TB Darren Evans (4.7 ypc, 4 TDs). The Hokies' defense also isn't up to its usual standards, ranking 53rd in total defense, but allows only 17 points a game and is 10th nationally in turnover margin. The Hokies are plus-6 in turnover margin.
About Nebraska After going 42 years without a losing record, the Cornhuskers have twice finished below .500 in the past four seasons. Last year's 5-7 mark ousted coach Bill Callahan and ushered in the Bo Pelini era. The former LSU defensive coordinator has quickly brought back a top-notch defense. The Huskers are 18th nationally in run defense (77.7 ypg) and 22nd in points allowed (14.2 ppg). And while they're allowing 270 passing yards a game, they've also intercepted five passes. The offense is led by QB Joe Ganz, who in six career starts - dating to last season - has thrown for 2,118 yards, run for 171 yards and accounted for 24 TDs. The Huskers rank 16th in scoring (40 ppg) and 20th in yards (450.3 ypg). Of course, they have yet to play formidable opponent. Nebraska will pack its 81,000-seat stadium for a record 293rd consecutive sellout and is planning a "blackout" - turning the usual sea of red shirts into a sea of black.
Favorite Nebraska by 7
Virginia at Duke
When Noon
Where Wallace Wade Stadium; Durham, N.C.
Records Virginia 1-2, 0-0 ACC; Duke 2-1, 0-0
Radio 850 AM
TV ESPNU
About Virginia Coach Al Groh has had two weeks to devise a bailout plan for his failing team. Congress may have an easier time with the financial crisis. The Cavs can't move the ball (118th in total offense) and can't stop anyone (98th in defense). With QB Peter Lalich off the team and apparently off to Oregon State, it's now sophomore Marc Verica's team. Verica didn't make any big mistakes in a 45-10 loss to UConn, but he didn't get the team in the end zone either. Perhaps Virginia can exploit Duke's vulnerable run defense? Cedric Peerman ran for 137 yards vs. Duke last year, but neither he nor TB Mikell Simpson have found much daylight behind a rebuilt O-line. Groh has done some tinkering on defense, moving S Corey Mosley and NT Nick Jenkins into the starting lineup. As badly as things have gone, a win would make Virginia 2-2 with three consecutive home games waiting. A loss, though, would turn an ugly season even uglier.
About Duke Guard the goalposts, because the Blue Devils, who have dropped 25 straight ACC games, seem poised to finally win one. At least they are favored to - a notion that seemed unthinkable a year ago. Credit new coach David Cutcliffe, who has delivered on his promise that Duke would be better immediately. QB Thaddeus Lewis (5 TDs, 0 INTs) has blossomed into one of the ACC's top passers, leading an air attack that averages 252 yards per game and features big-play threats in WRs Erron Riley and Johnny Williams. Duke's defense ranks a respectable 37th in the nation, though the Blue Devils' wins were over I-AA James Madison and a one-dimensional Navy team. Neither team throws the ball much, so as anemic as Virginia's passing game has been, it will still represent Duke's stiffest test. There's also the question of whether the Blue Devils can handle the "pressure" of higher expectations. If they can, the sky - or at least a four-or five-win season - could be the limit.
Favorite Duke by 7
Norfolk State at Bethune-Cookman
When 4 p.m.
Where Municipal Stadium; Daytona Beach, Fla.
Radio 91.1 FM
Records NSU 2-2, 1-0 MEAC, BCC 2-1, 0-1
About NSU The Spartans want to rebound from their 42-12 loss to William and Mary. To do so, though, they will have to clean up their play: they committed five turnovers in Williamsburg. QB Dennis Brown led the team in rushing last week with 62 yards on 11 carries, but completed just 13 of his 32 passes for 94 yards with three INTs. The Spartans rank last in the MEAC in total offense, averaging 279 ypg. A year ago, Norfolk State ended a nine-game losing streak to Bethune with a 38-31 victory. NSU, playing the second of a four-game road swing, is 0-6 in Daytona Beach.
About the Wildcats Bethune-Cookman defeated Savannah State 34-9 last week behind 412 yards rushing in wet conditions. True freshman quarterback Maurice Francois had 121 of those, and the Wildcats' defense limited Savannah State to 43 yards on the ground. The Wildcats opened MEAC play with a 28-19 loss to South Carolina State on Sept. 13. Bethune-Cookman beat Alabama State in its opener.
Navy at No. 16 Wake Forest
When 3:45 p.m.
Where Groves Stadium; Winston-Salem, N.C.
Records Navy 2-2, Wake Forest 3-0
Radio 102.1 FM, 1490 AM
TV ESPNU
Outlook While Clemson got most of the preseason attention, the Deacons have established themselves as the ACC's team to beat after last week's win at Florida State. Wake's offensive line has yet to jell, but its defense allows just 276 ypg. The Deacons also lead the nation in turnover margin. Navy tops the nation in rushing and is coming off a win over Rutgers. Navy's pass defense has been generous, though, presenting an opportunity for Wake's Riley Skinner, who completes 70.4 percent of his throws.
Favorite Wake Forest by 16
Houston at No. 23 East Carolina
Where Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium; Greenville, N.C.
When 3:30 p.m.
Records Houston 1-3, 0-0 Conference USA; ECU 3-1, 0-0
Outlook With all that talk of a BCS bowl game out of the way, the Pirates can focus on a more realistic goal: winning Conference USA. Last week's loss to N.C. State exposed holes in the previously stout Pirate defense, which is still adjusting to life without star LB Quentin Cotton. One thing Houston can do is move the ball. The Cougars average 526 ypg and have the nation's total offense leader in QB Case Keenum. But that defense? Houston is last in C-USA and 115th in the nation vs. the run. ECU runners could have the breakout day they've been looking for, taking some of the heat off QB James Pinkney.
Favorite ECU by 101/2
James Madison at Maine
When 6 p.m.
Where Alfond Stadium; Orono, Maine
Records JMU 3-1, 1-0 CAA; Maine 2-2, 0-1
Radio 1310 AM
Outlook The Dukes must battle against the letdown that could follow an emotional, energy-charged comeback that netted a 35-32 victory over three-time defending I-AA champ Appalachian State last week. A trip to Maine after something like that is tough. The win vaulted JMU into the No. 1 spot in the coaches' poll and No. 2 behind Richmond in the Sports' Network's media poll. The Black Bears lost 44-17 at Richmond last weekend. JMU QB Rodney Landers (Virginia Beach) continues his assault on the JMU record book: His 113-yard rushing performance last week was his ninth career 100-yard day, a JMU record.
Richmond at Villanova
When 3:30 p.m.
Where Villanova Stadium; Villanova, Pa.
Records Richmond 3-1, 2-0 CAA; Villanova 2-1, 0-0
Radio 950 AM
Outlook The Spiders are ranked No. 1 in Division I-AA (media poll) for the first time in 23 years and the reward is a trip to No. 19 Villanova. QB Eric Ward is coming off a career-best 273 yards passing against Maine in a 44-17 victory last weekend.
Christopher Newport at Wilkes
When 1 p.m.
Where Ralston Field; Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Records CNU 0-1; Wilkes 0-2
Radio 99.1 FM
Outlook Someone's coming out of this one with their first win of the season. The Captains opened their 2008 campaign last week with a 38-21 loss at Salisbury. Because their season opener with Wesley was canceled due to weather, CNU is starting the season with three road games.
- Compiled by Rich Radford, Ed Miller, Vicki L. Friedman and Kyle Tucker
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