Kansas State at Nebraska

GAME TIME:	3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ABC
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Kansas State 40, Nebraska 30
SERIES:	Nebraska leads 70-11-2

Kansas State was able to snap a 29-game losing streak to Nebraska last season in Manhattan. It was a hostile environment and an excitable one for the K-State fans. Now, with their defense playing well and their offense adequately, the Wildcats have an opportunity to prove that there has been a shift in powers in the Big 12. To be considered a legitimate Big 12 power, they have to prove that they can win in Lincoln, Neb., where they haven't won since 1968.

Physically, the two teams look pretty similar. They have both been dominating defensively. Both have been tough against the run. Both offenses at times have sputtered, but they show big-play potential -- the key to the game. Which offense will provide enough of a threat to sustain drives and score points against two dominating defenses?

Kansas State quarterback Jonathan Beasley has been fighting through a roller-coaster first year as the starter. Some weeks he looks outstanding; others he looks confused. How will he play against one of the best defenses in the country? Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch also has had a lot of success running the option and throwing play-action passes at times. How will he respond when the opportunity arises to avenge last year's loss, when he was the quarterback?

My feeling is that this will be a low-scoring game, with Nebraska winning at home. I like the 'Huskers to avenge last year's loss and keep themselves alive in the Bowl Championship Series. The difference in the game could be Nebraska's play-action passing to Bobby Newcombe or Tracey Wistrom.

Last week Nebraska was able to get its running game back in order, running for 335 yards against Texas A&M, which had the 11th-ranked rushing defense in the country. Will that trend continue against a more physical Kansas State defense?   BACK TO TOP


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Miami (Fla.) at Virginia Tech

GAME TIME:	7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Virginia Tech 27, Miami 20 (OT)
SERIES:	Miami leads 12-4

Virginia Tech must be excited about returning home to Blacksburg. The last two weeks, at Pitt and at West Virginia, the Hokies defense proved to be mortal, allowing an average of 310 yards through the air. Now it faces an even more talented receiving corps from Miami. The good news for the Hokies is that it will be a night game in Blacksburg, where their defense seems to dominate.

As much as Virginia Tech is upset about their position in the BCS standings, don't think Miami will roll into Blacksburg and lay down for the Hokies. Miami is undefeated in the Big East and is playing for the conference title and potential BCS bowl game. How the Hurricanes handle the intimidating Hokie crowd and defense will determine the football game. The 'Canes must survive early because they will be facing a wild scene in Blacksburg.

When the 'Canes are on defense, can they slow down Michael Vick? He is still a young quarterback who continues to prove he is more than capable of leading the Hokies to a potential undefeated season. He has plenty of weapons around him. The Miami defense will have to contain Vick to have any chance of winning the game. I think Virginia Tech, after two tough road games, will find the friendly confines to its liking and beat the Hurricanes.   BACK TO TOP

Mississippi State at Alabama

GAME TIME:	3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, CBS
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Mississippi State 26, Alabama 14
SERIES:	Alabama leads 65-15-3

Alabama's M.A.S.H. unit has gotten results while some key players recover from injuries. Not only have quarterback Andrew Zow and running back Shaun Alexander been sidelined, but so have five defensive starters -- three (defensive tackle Kenny Smith, defensive end Canary Knight, linebacker Marvin Constant) are gone for the season, one (cornerback Kecalf Bailey) remains doubtful, and one (safety Tony Dixon) is questionable. How the young untested players step up against the undefeated Bulldogs will be an interesting factor in this game.

Mississippi State, still the nation's top-ranked defense, has had its problems offensively. Last week it took backup quarterback Matt Wyatt to come off the bench for the second time this season and save the Bulldogs from being upset by Kentucky. With starter Wayne Madkin nursing an injured middle finger on his throwing hand, you have to wonder how the quarterback situation will be handled against Alabama. Mississippi State must be able to run the football with a committee of running backs, led by freshman Dontae Walker.

For Alabama, Zow and Alexander are both expected to play. After trying to come back last week and throwing an interception, the focus will be on how effective Zow will play. Alabama must be able to throw the ball to the talented Freddie Milons to set up Alexander and the 'Bama ground attack.

Playing at home with all the adversity from injuries will pull the Tide closer together. They will play an emotional game and hand the Bulldogs their first loss.   BACK TO TOP

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