Texas A&M at Nebraska

GAME TIME:	3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ABC
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Texas A&M 28, Nebraska 21
SERIES:	Nebraska leads 6-2

Over the last couple of weeks, Nebraska has had a problem trying to dominate the line of scrimmage and to run the football with its option attack. Not only this week against the Aggies, but for the remainder of the season, Frank Solich has to understand that Nebraska must throw the ball more to Bobby Newcombe to open up the running lanes for their option attack.

A&M has a dominating defense, especially against the run. Teams that are one-dimensional on offense will be in for some trouble against the Aggies. Nebraska must be able to throw on first down, getting tight end Tracey Wistrom and Newcombe more involved and stretching the field to open running lanes for Eric Crouch, Dan Alexander and Correll Buckhalter.

The Aggies have had a hard time finding offensive consistency this season. Over the years they have always played great defense and have been able to run the ball. They need to get Dante Hall going this week. If they can't, the emotional leadership of quarterback Randy McCown will be needed for the Aggies to succeed on the road in a tough environment. The team that throws the ball with better consistency will win the game.   BACK TO TOP

Notre Dame at Tennessee

GAME TIME:	7:30 p.m. ET Saturday
LAST MEETING:	1991 -- Tennessee 35, Notre Dame 34
SERIES:	Tied 2-2

Tennessee has done a superb job of regrouping since the disappointing loss to Florida. The Vols had an emotional letdown the following week against Memphis. Since then, however, they haven't looked back, staying focused and showing great maturity.

I have been most impressed with Tennessee's ability to avoid complacency. The Vols lost a lot of great leadership from last year's national championship team, someone like Al Wilson. After losing the Florida game, it could have been easy for them to give up since their chance at repeating would be blown. But Phil Fulmer and his staff have done a great job of keeping the team hungry and playing with great desire. Their defense is as quick and as fast as any in the country. Physically, it's the best-looking defense I've ever seen in college football.

People can easily say Notre Dame was lucky to beat Oklahoma, USC and Navy. Some may think the Irish will get blown out Saturday, but I'm not one of them. I think Notre Dame was looking past Navy and ahead to Tennessee. Be careful: Any time something seems obvious, it doesn't necessarily turn out as expected.

For the Irish to have any chance against Tennessee, they need the best of quarterback Jarious Jackson. When they have stayed in games and played well, Jackson has made good decisions with the football. He has to do the same this week or the Irish will be in trouble.

Neyland Stadium will have a great atmosphere. There will be a lot of energy, with two teams playing in front of a prime-time, national TV audience. Don't be surprised to see Notre Dame keep it competitive. I think the Volunteers will win, but I think Notre Dame has a chance because of Jackson and his ability to improvise and make plays. The pride of Notre Dame will keep it close.   BACK TO TOP

Wisconsin at Purdue

GAME TIME:	3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ABC
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Wisconsin 31, Purdue 24
SERIES:	Wisconsin leads 35-27-8

Since Brooks Bollinger has taken over at quarterback, he has provided Wisconsin with more athleticism and versatility. He can scramble and throw the ball effectively. Along with Bollinger, there's Ron Dayne's punishing ability to run the ball. The Badgers will pose a mighty challenge for Purdue's undersized, outmanned defense.

One advantage for the Boilermakers is that they will be playing at home, where they have won four of five games and where their defense tends to play inspired and emotional football. I expect them to minimize Dayne's production. Purdue's defense does a nice job of taking away a team's strength and making them to another source for big plays.

Drew Brees and the Purdue receivers are capable of racking up big passing numbers against Wisconsin. But will the Boilermakers' offensive line give Brees enough time to throw the football? That is the key to the game. Wisconsin will allow Purdue to move the ball between the 20-yard lines. But once they gets inside the red zone, how many points will the Boilermakers be able to produce? I believe Purdue will generate enough points to win the game.   BACK TO TOP