CKO
11 CALIFORNIA over *Utah
Late CKO Score Forecast:
CALIFORNIA 34 – *Utah 27
NFL scouts are raving about Cal QB Jared Goff (15 TDP, just 4 ints.70% completions), extolling his decision-making, mechanics and poise as reasons he could become the top draft pick. However, the Bears are not a one-dimensional team, by any means. The passing game is supplemented by a reliable running game led by former California prep sprint champ Khalfani Muhammad (350 YR, 9.0 ypc), soph Vic Enwere (257 YR, 5 TDs, 4.8 ypc) and tough-running sr. Daniel Lasco (4.7 ypc). The experienced Bear defense already has 20 sacks (4 more than all of LY), and is holding foes to just 3.8 ypc (college avg. is 4.3). Cal covered all 5 chances as a road dog last season and is poised to take another step up in the Pac-12 pecking order with an upset of 5th-ranked Utah.
10 *TEMPLE over Tulane
Late CKO Score Forecast:
*TEMPLE 38 – Tulane 13
Watch out for Temple! The 4-0 Owls are off to their best start since 1974, and they have a berth in the upcoming first-ever AAC playoff firmly in mind. With a road victory over potent East Division member Cincinnati already safely in their poke, Temple players aren’t likely to let down vs. Tulane, which scored 45 points vs. 2014 AAC tri-champ UCF last week. However, the Green Wave benefited from five giveaways by the disintegrating Golden Knights, who can’t run and were forced to used their backup QB and backup RB due to injury and suspension. Meanwhile, jr. Owl RB Jahad Thomas (503 YR) has blossomed into a solid complement for QB P.J. Walker. Owl defenders are playing like vultures, sporting 10 returning starters with 12 sacks, 7 ints., and 2 fumble recoveries so far.
10 SAN JOSE STATE over *Unlv
Late CKO Score Forecast:
SAN JOSE STATE 30 – *Unlv 17
(Saturday, October 10)
There is reason for UNLV fans to look forward to something other than the opening of basketball practice this October as the Rebel football team appears ready to turn the corner for new HC Tony Sanchez. Especially after last week’s rousing success over Fremont Cannon rival Nevada that suggested UNLV could be a serious threat in the very watered-down Mountain West. But before skipping Donny & Marie at the Flamingo for Sam Boyd Stadium, locals should be sobered by another injury to gunslinger QB Blake Decker (this one to his non-throwing shoulder), which could again summon limited reliever Kurt Palandech from the bullpen. More significant upgrades are happening at San Jose, suddenly with legit offensive balance thanks to galloping RB Tyler Ervin, whose 801 YR to date trails only LSU Heisman favorite Leonard Fournette in national rushing stats! With Ervin and a healthier supporting cast than LY, QB Joe Gray (completing career-best 69%) also reaping benefits.
10 UTAH STATE over *Fresno State
Late CKO Score Forecast:
UTAH ST 34 – *Fresno St 14
At early price, MW scouts say go against meandering 1-4 FSU (10-pt. underdog at presstime), which mustered an alarmingly-low 89 total yards in its dreadful 21-7 setback at struggling San Diego State. Said disgruntled 4th-year mentor Tim DeRuyter, “We have a bunch of younger guys who have got to execute better and who should understand the speed of the game at this point.” He probably won’t witness much needed growth vs. experienced, defensively-stout Utah State (yielding only 3 ypc and 31% on third down), which regained its mojo with a resounding 33-19 victory over Colorado State. The Aggies’ developing soph QB Kent Myers (6-1 as starter)–who amassed 328 yds. (191 YR) vs. the veteran Ram defense–figures to exceed those stats vs. leaky FSU (yielding 40 ppg, 5.2 ypc; only 4 ints.). The slow-starting Bulldogs (outscored 66-17 in 1st Q!) have lost by 10 pts. or more in 13 of their last 14 setbacks.