Welcome to our Week 2 Sunday Night "Early Looks" report! Each play is rated at 1/2 UNIT with an emphasis at beating potential line moves during the week.
*All lines current as of Sunday 9/04/05 at 8:35pm PST. Five plays this week:
Clemson at Maryland (pick) - Game #313-314
Maryland showed more heart than they did at any point last season in their come from behind win over Navy on Saturday. They also showed flashes of potential talent that should get them back to a winning record this year. It should be noted that it was a partisan Navy crowd, and the Midshipmen, who are very well coached, played much better than anyone could have anticipated. Maryland still was able to pull out a narrow win despite trailing 14-6 at halftime and by 5 with under 4 minutes to play. First year starting QB Sam Hollenbach showed great leadership and command of the offense. RB's Ball & Merrills had solid games. Maryland will definitely put up better passing numbers this season, return to a truly balanced attack, and improve on their dismal 17.7ppg scoring average of last year. Clemson is coming off a huge win over Texas A&M on a last second field goal. I didn't feel that Texas A&M played particularly well and Clemson benefited from a early punt return for a TD that got them going. The Tigers are breaking in new coordinators on both sides of the ball and have some young players in key positions. I look for them to struggle at times in their first road game in a letdown situation. The Terps are 17-7 ATS at home and 21-11 ATS in conference play under Friedgen. Terps go to 2-0.
Early Look: Maryland (pick) 1/2 UNIT
Northern Illinois at Northwestern (-3) - Game #333-334
The Wildcats may be a surprise team in the Big 10 this year. They have been overlooked in most preseason polls and are not getting much respect from oddsmakers in this spot. Senior QB Brett Basanez has 35 career starts heading into this game. He looked sharp in season opener and has a deep cast of talented receivers to throw to. Defensively, Northwestern may have one of the best LB corps in the country led by Tim McGarigle who led the nation in tackles last year. The strong LB's will bode well against an offense like NIU who relies on short passes and running the ball. This years Northwestern defense has gotten a boost from the return of CB Marquice Cole, their best cover corner, and good LB Adam Kadela from injuries last season. Northwestern was dominant in season opening win over Ohio. It was the first time in years that they were able to give second string players significant playing time. The Wildcats led 38-7 into the 4th quarter, and Ohio's only score at that point came on a long fumble return. I have respect for the NIU program but they graduated 21 lettermen which was tied for 2nd most in the MAC and 10 three year starters, including QB and leading tackler. Head coach Novak says this is one of his youngest teams. Playing a second straight road game vs Big 10 opponent will be a tough task for NIU.
Early Look: Northwestern (-3) 1/2 UNIT
Cal at Washington (+10.5) - Game #341-342
As written above I was very surprised by the play of Washington QB Isaiah Stanback in the season opener. After completing just 33.8% in limited time as a sophomore last year, and just being named the starter four days before the game, Stanback completed 19-of-27 for 242 yards and zero interceptions. He has always been mobile with a strong arm, but never has he displayed as much accuracy as he did on Saturday. His numbers would have been even better and the Huskies would be 1-0 if not for some key dropped passes. Cal was already having a hard time trying to replace QB Aaron Rodgers and four very good receivers. Now they are already down a starting QB after losing Nathan Longshore for 6 weeks due to a broken bone suffered in opener. Second string QB JC transfer Joseph Ayoob went 0-for-10 in backup duty and third stringer Steve Levy went just 2-for-7. This was against I-AA Sacramento State! On the road at Washington will be a much tougher task. Defensively, Cal lost 7 of its top 9 tacklers and only returns 3 starters from last year. They are relying heavily on JC transfers but it could take a few weeks for them to come together. Cal's question marks on both sides of the ball could give the Huskies the confidence they need to believe they can win. Washington is a very hungry football team and I give them an outside chance at an upset here. Take the points.
Early Look: Washington (+10.5) 1/2 UNIT
San Diego State at Air Force (-5.5) - Game #361-362
I remain high on this Air Force team. As mentioned last week they have one of their most experienced teams in years. They also have two very good quarterbacks. They were able to just get by Washington in Seattle by 3 in season opener thanks to two long fourth quarter touchdown drives. The Falcons were able to overcome two first half fumbles, a 17-6 fourth quarter deficit, and far better than expected QB play from Washington. SDSU's defense graduated 8 of their top 9 tacklers from last season. Only 4 starters are back and they were torched by UCLA in the season opener. The Bruins only punted once in the entire game and scored 38 points in the first 2 1/2 quarters before shutting it down. The Aztecs offense will be improved somewhat this year but not enough to overcome their defensive shortcomings. SDSU was really high for its nationally televised home opener (sixth largest crowd in school history) and it will be difficult for them to bounce back from the embarrassing loss. All three of SDSU's linebackers made their first career start vs UCLA and the inexperienced group will have their hands full against the Air Force triple option. The Falcons will be looking to avenge a 6 point loss to the Aztecs here last season in which they committed six turnovers. SDSU is 2-5 ATS in last 7 conference road games. Give the points.
Early Look: Air Force (-5.5) 1/2 UNIT
New Mexico State at Colorado (-24) - Game #379-380
Despite shooting themselves in the foot with penalties (9 for 87 yards), dropped passes, and three turnovers (2 fumbles) for most of the game, Colorado was able to make plays when it counted for a big come from behind win over instate rival Colorado. The Buffs are improved on both sides of the ball from last year and the opening win is a solid building block for the season. Meanwhile, NMSU couldn't have looked any worse in their 34-17 loss vs UTEP. First year Aggie head coach Hal Mumme is attempting to install his "air raid" offense with highly suspect QB, offensive line, and receiver talent. Only 3 of New Mexico State's first 13 drives lasted more than 5 plays. Meanwhile, UTEP scored with ease, getting in the end zone 4 times in their first 24 snaps en route to a 31-0 half-time lead. UTEP was clearly on cruise control from that point forward. NMSU gave up 32.3ppg last year and do not look to be improved defensively at all. Mumme may have his offense in better shape for conference play come October, but for now this team is a definite go against. CU's offense is in need of a solid tune up and they have a BYE week following this game so starters should get plenty of work even when the score gets out of hand. Give the points.
Early Look: Colorado (-24) 1/2 UNIT
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