NCAA College Football Preview

Charlie Boccanegra | Updated Oct 04, 2017

Zac Lee Nebraska

A look, now, at some of the big games on the slate this weekend, complete with all the requisite college football betting information. All lines are courtesy of Sports Interaction’s online sportsbook.   No. 19 Nebraska (2-0) at No. 13 Virginia Tech (1-1) Hokies -5.0, Over/Under 50.0   This will be the ‘Huskers first real challenge of the season – in victories over Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State, Nebraska outscored its opponents 87-12. As such, expect ‘Huskers first-year starting QB Zac Lee to face a lot more pressure than he’s seen in previous weeks. Tech loves to get after the quarterback, paced by explosive DE Jason Worilds and the dynamic schemes of defensive coordinator Bud Foster.   When the Hokies have the ball, the gameplan is simple – run, run and run some more. The three-headed RB monster of Ryan Williams, Josh Oglesby and David Wilson ran wild last week against Marshall, combining for a ridiculous 389 rushing yards and four scores along the ground. But that trio isn’t the only thing Nebraska will have to focus on – shutting down Tech’s ultra-athletic QB Tyrod Taylor is of the utmost importance. After a disastrous opening loss to Alabama where he rushed 10 times for minus 26 yards, Taylor bounced back big time last week, carrying seven times for 58 yards – a gaudy 8.3 yards per carry average. Most of the run-stopping focus will center on Nebraska’s standout defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh; if Suh can deal with the double-teams Tech likely throws his way, he can disrupt the Tech offense and keep the ‘Huskers in it.   Texas Tech (2-0) at No. 2 Texas (2-0) Longhorns -17.5, Over/Under 66.0   Lone Star State bragging rights are up for grabs in this one, although the lines might not indicate it with the Longhorns coming in as massive favourites. Of course, nobody has forgotten last year’s upset, when the Red Raiders stunned the Longhorns on Michael Crabtree’s last-second touchdown, essentially killing Texas’ national title hopes.   Much has changed for the Red Raiders since last season – gone are the aforementioned Crabtree and QB Graham Harrell – but some capable replacements have kept Texas Tech’s offense scoring big points. New QB Taylor Potts has thrown nine TDs in two games while wideout Lyle Leong already has 13 receptions for 172 yards and three scores. Of course, Texas can counter with offensive stars of its own. Heisman candidate Colt McCoy has once again been lights-out in the passing game while RB Vondrell McGee has averaged 5.0 yards per carry despite playing on a sore ankle. The big question for Saturday will be if Texas Tech’s gunning offense can put up points against the Texas defense – Longhorns DE Sergio Kindle is arguably the best pass-rusher in the nation and will be in Harrell’s face all afternoon.   Tennessee (1-1) at No. 2 Florida (2-0) Florida -30.0, Over/Under 53.0 You’re not reading that incorrectly – what was once a classic SEC grudge-match now has Florida favoured by a whopping 30 points. A possible reason for that is the edge Florida will undoubtedly play with after Vols coach Lane Kiffin, uh, “accused” Gators head coach Urban Meyer of cheating this offseason. Florida has showed no mercy through two weeks running up scores against inferior opponents – 62-3 over Charleston Southern, 56-6 over Troy – so the chances are high they’ll be gunning for a blowout win over Tennessee.

SportsInteraction