Colleges

Scouting reports

By Izzy Gould
Published October 28, 2006

Florida A&M (4-3, 2-2 MEAC) vs. Morgan St. (4-4, 3-2), 3: It's homecoming for the Rattlers, who lead the series 17-3 and have not lost to the Bears since 1994. FAMU is coming off a 36-33 overtime win at Norfolk State where Rattlers QB Albert Chester had his best game this season (14 for 24, 266 yards passing, 59 yards rushing and two touchdowns). He leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in total offense (234.5 yards a game). Morgan State has won three of its past four, but fell last week to Delaware State, 29-7.

Florida Atlantic (2-5, 1-1 Sun Belt) vs. Arkansas St. (5-2, 3-0), 4: The Owls have dropped two of three including 6-0 to Louisiana-Lafayette last week. FAU linebacker Frantz Joseph had 14 tackles and was named Sun Belt defensive player of the week. Arkansas State won last year in Jonesboro, Ark., 3-0 in overtime. The Indians have won four straight, started 3-0 in the Sun Belt for the first time and are ranked 20th nationally in total defense at 281.86 yards per game.

Florida International (0-7) at Alabama (5-3), 3: The Golden Panthers try to put the Miami debacle behind them for their first game in two weeks. The Panthers are struggling in many areas including total offense (114th nationally) at 253.43 yards a game, and a 72.71 rushing average. Alabama has had a number of close losses including 16-13 at Tennessee last week. The Crimson Tide is ranked fourth in the nation in turnover margin, 1.38 per game.

UCF (2-5, 1-2 C-USA) at Houston (5-3, 3-1), 3:30: The Golden Knights try to regain their footing after back-to-back losses including 40-29 loss to Rice last week. They sit fourth in Conference USA East after being picked in the preseason to win the title. One bright spot has been receiver Mike Walker, who leads the nation in receptions (7.71 per game). Golden Knights running back Kevin Smith is ranked 15th in yards per game (104.67). The second-place Cougars are trying to keep pace with frontrunner Tulsa in the C-USA West.

[Last modified October 28, 2006, 02:22:20]