Non-BCS Football Week 9 Breakdown
Navy versus Notre Dame
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
Let’s see if Navy can beat Notre Dame again. So far it has been a disappointing season for Navy. They come into this one 2-5 after a three point loss to East Carolina last week. More than that, it was embarrassing for the Navy defense. ECU quarterback Dominique Davis went 26-26 in the first half of the game, and he ended up breaking the consecutive completion record set by Tee Martin of Tennessee in 1998. How does Navy intend to stop Tommy Rees then? Notre Dame lost a scrappy game at the hands of Matt Barkley and USC last weekend. The Trojans battered Rees and forced sloppy play. Navy’s best bet is to do the same thing. Based on their defensivive output last week, this looks more like an opportunity for Notre Dame to get the bad taste out of their mouth from last Saturday. The Irish defense needs to tighten up as well. They allowed 29 first downs and nearly 450 yards to Barkley’s offense. One of these defenses has to show up in this one. Notre Dame just has more playmakers on both sides. They should rebound this week.
BYU versus TCU
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
These are two good teams battling for a W. BYU has only lost to Texas and Utah. TCU has only lost to Baylor and SMU. It’s not like these two teams have lost to any walkover teams. And they can compete with anyone in the land. TCU is ranked 18th nationally in running the ball behind sophomore Waymon James and junior Matthew Tucker. The Horned Frogs walloped New Mexico 69-0 last weekend. This week they go against the newly promoted quarterback for the Cougars, Riley Nelson. He has come in and put up stats since the benching of Jake Heaps during the Utah State game. He will have his hands full against a tough defense that TCU fields. Nelson will have his chances. TCU is not as dominant as it was a year ago. If he keeps throwing to wide receiver Cody Hoffman good things usually happen. This should be a good one.
Western Kentucky versus Louisiana-Monroe
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
To see the once abysmal Western Kentucky Hilltoppers try and grab four straight wins. Prior to this year, the Hilltoppers have had four total wins since 2008, including a winless season in 2009. To even be in a position to go .500 should have this Western Kentucky team ecstatic. After dropping their first four contests, they have rolled off 98 points in their last three games compared to 56 points by their opponents. Led by a defense allowing 25 points per game, the Hilltoppers are creating opportunities for themselves and capitalizing when they need to. Their best asset is the rushing attack behind Bobby Rainey. UL-Monroe on the other hand has lost four of five and is fading from Sun Belt race. They are averaging only 21 points per game. What a win this would be for Western Kentucky. Just a few seasons ago, they couldn’t win a game. Now they are 3rd in the Sun Belt standings. It’s been quite the turnaround.
Louisiana versus Middle Tennessee
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
To see if Middle Tennessee can upset the Ragin’ Cajuns. Middle Tennessee has had a lot of experience playing against better competition at the FBS level in recent years. They have come away with victories in a few of those contests (Vanderbilt in 2005, Maryland in 2008 and 2009). This year they have not beaten anyone notable so this would be a good place to start. The Cajuns are putting up 31 points per game. They will be hungry after a loss to Western Kentucky last weekend, in which they got blown out. Quarterback Blaine Gautier has not turned the ball over much at all this year, only throwing two interceptions. Lack of turnovers has led to success for this team. Middle Tennessee has a chance to beat a good team this weekend to stay relevant in the Sun Belt race. The Cajuns wish to get back on track. Who wants it more?
Ball State versus Western Michigan
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
These are two decent Western Division MAC teams vying for conference position. Western Michigan would leapfrog Ball State in the standings if they win. Ball State would keep pace with Toledo in the West if they are victorious. They faced a tough test last weekend against Central Michigan and came out on top. Quarterback Keith Wenning marched the Cardinals for five scoring drives, including three in the third quarter. Western Michigan is on a two game losing streak and has a tough stretch ahead after this weekend. They face Toledo, Miami (OH) and then Akron to finish conference play. They would validate themselves with a win over Ball State. Alex Carder is their leader. His arm needs to carry them like it has all season. Ball State has found ways to win while Western Michigan hasn’t. That’s important in conference play.
Wyoming versus San Diego State
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
This is a Mountain West matchup that has two talented teams no one really talks about. Brett Smith is a revelation as a freshman quarterback for Wyoming. He’s been throwing to Robert Herron and Dominic Rufran in the passing game. Both put up quality numbers for the Cowboys. Wyoming is fourth in total offense in the Mountain West. With their record they are currently tied for first in the conference. One game behind them is San Diego State. They are led by sophomore running back Ronnie Hillman. He is only 167 yards away from 1,000 for the season. The Aztecs boast 179 yards per game. This is an important game in order to keep pace with Boise State and TCU. Since both still look forward to facing Boise State, stockpiling wins is even more valuable.
