Associated Press
The national roundup …
AUBURN, Ala. ó They don’t play games quite like Auburn-LSU at Harvard University or Hutchinson Community College.
Welcome to the big leagues, junior college transfer Chris Todd and former Ivy Leaguer Andrew Hatch. Where 87,000-plus frenzied fans, a few million folks at home and probably some of the SEC and national championship contenders will be tuning into your game Saturday night.
Former Hutchinson quarterback Todd leads No. 10 Auburn (3-0, 1-0) against No. 6 LSU (2-0, 0-0) and Harvard transfer Hatch, though each has a backup who could see action.
They are both facing two of the nation’s top defenses, along with the other big-game trappings.
“This is what you live for. It’s what you dream about,” Todd said. “This will be fun. It’ll be a great atmosphere and I’m just going to go out there and enjoy it.”
Hatch has become acquainted with the rivalry, but knows this will be a new experience.
“It will be a little different for me since it will be my first road environment,” he said. “It will be a hostile environment. I have to be ready for that. We’ll take steps to be ready for that. We’ve had a great history with that team. Auburn has a solid defense that just schemes so well. It will be a great opportunity for our offense.”
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville can look at the statistics and the recent history of the series ó last year’s 30-24 LSU victory notwithstanding ó and predict a low-scoring game. Probably not 3-2, though.
“This is always a defensive battle,” Tuberville said. “Every year you see guys just give all they’ve got and somehow they get back up and go another play after two or three quarters. It’s what college football’s about.”
No. 3 Georgia at Arizona State (2-1)Since October, 2004, Sun Devils are 1-12 vs. ranked foes while Bulldogs are 13-7 over same span.
New test for Road Warrior ‘Dawgs (24-4 in away games under Richt) going to high-energy desert environment. QB Matthew Stafford injured foot late in fourth quarter last week but Richt says he’s OK.
Buffalo at No. 5 Missouri
Bulls need another miracle.Rice at No. 7 Texas
Longhorns have scored 50 against Owls last three meetings.
No. 9 Alabama at ArkansasBobby Petrino vs. Nick Saban. The loser MUST honor his current contract.
Massachusetts at No. 11 Texas TechWhen do Red Raiders start their season?
No. 12 South Florida at Florida InternationalAfter two consecutive dramatic victories, Bulls have an easy outing.
Troy at No. 13 Ohio State
Oh no!! More Trojans.
Wyoming at No. 14 BYUCougars’ nation’s best winning streak at 13 .
Temple at No. 16 Penn StateIf Owls lose this one on last play, they’ll celebrate.
Boise State at No. 17 OregonDucks down to third- and fourth-string QBs, but running game is stellar.
Sam Houston State at No. 19 Kansas
Rock Chalk.
No. 20 Utah at Air ForceFalcons snapped four-game losing streak to Utes last year.
No. 25 Fresno State at Toledo
Can Bulldogs rebounds from tough loss to Wisconsin?
OTHERS
Notre Dame at Mich. StateRoad team has won last six games in rivalry, though Spartans are 8-3 vs. Fighting Irish overall since 1997.
Miami at Texas A&M
Under Randy Shannon, Hurricanes are 1-5 on road losing by average of 35-18.
Arizona at UCLA
Bruins are 11-2-2 vs. Wildcats at home, including 6-1 mark since 1991.
QB Jimmy Clausen was only 10-of-21 for 147 yards (2 TDs, 2 ints.) and his decision-making must get sharper.
Iowa at Pittsburgh
Since October, 2006, Hawkeyes are 1-7 on road while averaging just 15.6 points per game.