SEC Week 1 Game Previews

Monday, August 26, 2002
 
  • Middle Tennessee at Alabama
  • Mississippi State at Oregon
  • Wyoming at Tennessee
  • UAB at Florida
  • Louisiana-Monroe at Ole Miss
  • Vanderbilt at Georgia Tech
  • New Mexico State at South Carolina
  • Clemson at Georgia
  • LSU at Virginia Tech
  • Kentucky at Louisville
  • Auburn at Southern Cal
  • MIDDLE TENN. ST. BLUE RAIDERS at ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
    11:30 a.m. (C) * JP Sports * Legion Field (83,091) * Birmingham

    MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE (7-5, 5-1 Sun Belt)
    Head Coach: Andy McCollum (Austin Peay, '81)
    Overall/Yrs: 17-16 (.515)/ 4th * MTSU/Yrs: 17-16 (.515)/ 4th
    2002 Schedule:: 8/31-at Alabama; 9/7-at Tennessee; 9/21-at Kentucky; 9/28-SE MISSOURI; 10/5-at Arkansas State; 10/19-LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE;10/26-at Idaho; 11/2-at New Mexico State; 11/16-LOUISIANA-MONROE;11/23-NORTH TEXAS; 11/30-UTAH STATE
    Conference: Sun Belt
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - 3-3 Stack

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. TB Dwone Hicks [191 for 1143 yards; 6.0 avg.; 20 TDs] [25]
    Passing: No returnees with stats
    Receptions: Sr. WR Tyrone Calico [37 for 583 yards; 15.8 avg.; 5 TDs]
    Scoring: Sr. TB Dwone Hicks [24 TDs; 148 points] [2]
    Tackles: Jr. FS Michael Woods [80 TT (44-36); 4 TFL (-7); 2 INTs]

    ALABAMA (7-5, 4-4 SEC)
    Head Coach: Dennis Franchione, Pittsburg (KS) State, '73)
    Overall/Yrs: 145-70-2 (.673)/ 20th * UA/Yrs: 7-5 (.583)/ 2nd
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - I * Defense - Multiple

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. RB Ahmaad Galloway [174 for 919 yards; 5.1 avg.; 6 TDs]
    Passing: Sr. QB Tyler Watts [34-172-3; 54.7 pct.; 1,325 yards; 10 TDs]
    Receptions: Sr. FL Antonio Carter [32 for 428 yards; 13.4 avg.; 1 TD]
    Scoring: Sr. RB Ahmaad Galloway [6 TDs; 36 points]
    Tackles: Jr. LB Brooks Daniels [102 TT (59-43); 1 TFL (-1); 1 Sack (-1)]

    Series History
    Record: First Meeting * Last: First Meeting
    Notes: This is the first meeting between the two schools ... Alabama has not won a season opener since 1999, when they defeated Vanderbilt 28-17 ... The Tide is 83-21-3 (.790) all-time on opening day ... Alabama is 2-0 all-time against the Sun Belt Conference.

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    MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS at OREGON DUCKS
    3 p.m. (P) * Fox Sports * Autzen Stadium (54,000) * Eugene

    MISSISSIPPI STATE (3-8, 2-6 SEC)
    Head Coach: Jackie Sherrill (Alabama, '66)
    Overall/Yrs: 175-101-4 (.634)/ 25th * MSU/Yrs: 70-56-2 (.556)/ 12th
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple I * Defense - 50

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. TB Dontae Walker [132 for 595 yards; 4.0 avg.; 5 TDs]
    Passing: Jr. QB Kevin Fant [94-170-9; 55.3 pct. 1,352 yards; 8 TDs]
    Receptions: Jr. FL Justin Jenkins [42 for 661 yards; 15.7 avg.; 8 TDs]
    Scoring: Jr. FL Justin Jenkins [8 TDs; 1 PAT; 50 points]
    Tackles: Sr. LB Mario Haggan [95 TT (62-33); 12 TFL (-56); 4 sacks (-33)]

    OREGON (11-1, 7-1 Pac-10)
    Head Coach: Mike Bellotti, (Cal-Davis, '73)
    Overall/Yrs: 83-48-2 (..634)/ 13th * UO/Yrs: 60-23 (.723)/ 8th
    2002 Schedule:: 8/31-MISSISSIPPI STATE; 9/7-FRESNO STATE; 9/14-IDAHO; 9/21-PORTLAND STATE; 10/5-at Arizona; 10/12-at UCLA; 10/19-ARIZONA STATE; 10/26-SOUTHERN CAL; 11/2-STANFORD; 11/9-at Washington State; 11/16-WASHINGTON; 11/23-at Oregon State
    Conference: Pacific 10
    National Rankings: 15th - ESPN/USA Today; 15th - AP
    Formations: Offense - Pro Set * Defense - 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Jr. RB Onterrio Smith [161 for 1,007 yards; 6.3 avg.; 7 TDs]
    Passing: Jr. QB Jason Fife [6-9-0; 66.7 pct.; 71 yards; 0 TDs]
    Receptions: Sr. FL Keenan Howry [49 for 649 yards; 13.2 ag.; 8 TDs]
    Scoring: So. PK Jared Siegel [7-12 FGs; 51-53 PATs 72 points] and SR Keenan Howry [12 TDs; 72 points]
    Tackles: Jr. LB Kevin Mitchell [99 TT (42-52); 21 TFL (-50); 5 Sacks (-27)]

    Series History
    Record: First Meeting * Last: First Meeting
    Notes: This is the first meeting between these two schools ... Mississippi State is 78-28-2 (.716) in season openers, including winning their last eight ... MSU head coach is 1-0 against Oregon, defeating them 23-22 in 1976 while at Washington State.

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    WYOMING COWBOYS at TENNESSEE VOLUNTEEERS
    4:30 p.m. (C) * ESPN2 * The Coliseum (68,500) * Nashville

    WYOMING (2-9, 0-7 MWC)
    Head Coach: Vic Koenning (Kansas State, '82)
    Overall/Yrs: 3-19 (.136)/ 3rd * UW/Yrs: 3-19 (.136)/ 3rd
    2002 Schedule:: 8/31-at Tennessee; 9/7-at Central Michigan; 9/14-BOISE STATE; 9/21-at Washington; 10/5-THE CITADEL; 10/12-at Colorado State; 10/19-SAN DIEGO STATE; 10/26-AIR FORCE; 11/2-at UNLV; 11/9-at Bringham Young; 11/16-UTAH; 11/30-at New Mexico
    Conference: Mountain West
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - Multiple

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Jr. TB Derek Armah [121 for 396 yards; 3.3 avg.; 4 TDs]
    Passing: Jr. QB Casey Bramlet [225-432-20; 52.1 pct. 3,069 yards; 9 TDs]
    Receptions: Jr. WR Ryan McGuffey [65 for 751 yards; 11.6 avg.; 1 TD]
    Scoring: Sr. PK Jarvis Wallum [20-23 FGs; 17-18 PATs; 77 points]
    Tackles: Jr. R Jacque Finn [79 TT (45-34); 3 TFL (-10)]

    TENNESSEE (11-2, 7-1 SEC)
    Head Coach: Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee, '72)
    Overall/Yrs: 95-20 (.826)/ 11th * UT/Yrs: 95-20 (.826)/ 11th
    National Rankings: 5th - ESPN/USA Today; 5th - AP
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: So. TB Cedric Houston [18 for 107 yards; 5.9 avg.; 1 TD]
    Passing: Jr. QB Casey Clausen [227-354-9; 64.1 pct.; 2,969 yards; 22 TDs]
    Receptions: So. WR Kelley Washington [64 for 1,010 yards; 15.8 avg.; 5 TDs]
    Scoring: Sr. PK Alex Walls [15-20 FGs; 39-39 PATs; 84 points]
    Tackles: Sr. LB Eddie Moore [81 TT (58-23); 7 TFL (-33); 2 Sacks (-12)]

    Series History
    Record: UT leads 1-0 * Last: UT, 42-17 (9/4/1999 at Tennessee)
    Notes: Tennessee is 77-26-6 (.762) in season opening games ... Tennessee won their only other meeting 42-17 in 1999 in Knoxville ... The Volunteers have won their last seven openers ... Tennessee is 12-0 all-time against the Mountain West Conference.

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    UAB BLAZERS at FLORIDA GATORS
    6 p.m. (E) * Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field (83,000) Gainesville * Saturday, Aug. 31

    UAB (6-5, 5-3 C-USA)
    Head Coach: Watson Brown (Vanderbilt, '72)
    Overall/Yrs: 69-117-1 (.371)/ 4th * UAB/Yrs: 37-40 (.481)/ 8th
    2002 Schedule:: 8/31-at Florida; 9/7-TROY STATE; 9/14 PITTSBURGH;9/21-at Louisiana-Lafayette; 9/28-MEMPHIS; 10/12-HOUSTON; 10/19 at Tulane; 10/26-at Army; 11/9-SOUTHERN MISS; 11/16-EAST CAROLINA; 11/23-at Louisville; 11/30-at Cincinnati
    Conference: Conference USA
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - Multiple

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. QB Thomas Cox [101 for 445 yards; 4.4 avg.; 5 TDs]
    Passing: Sr. QB Thomas Cox [50-111-5; 43.5 pct.; 727 yards; 4 TDs]
    Receptions: Sr. WR Willie Quinnie [36 for 460 yards; 12.8 avg.; 3 TDs]
    Scoring: So. PK Nick Hayes [10-15 FGs; 17-17 PATs; 47 points]
    Tackles: Sr. FS Chris Brown [51 TT (40-11); 2 INTs]

    FLORIDA (10-2, 6-2 SEC)
    Head Coach: Ron Zook (Miami (OH), '76)
    Overall/Yrs: First Year * UF/Yrs: First Year
    National Rankings: 7th - ESPN/USA Today; 6th - AP
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - Multiple, 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. RB Earnest Graham [125 for 665 yards; 5.2 avg.; 9 TDs]
    Passing: Jr. QB Rex Grossman [259-395-12; 65.6 pct.; 3,896 yards; 34 TDs] [1]
    Receptions: Sr. WR Taylor Jacobs [38 for 712 yards; 18.7 avg.; 7 TDs]
    Scoring: Sr. RB Earnest Graham [9 TDs; 54 points]
    Tackles: Jr. SS Guss Scott [75 TT (49-26); 7.5 TFL (-25); 3.5 Sacks (-16)]

    Series History
    Record: First Meeting * Last: First Meeting
    Notes: This game marks the Florida head coaching debut of Ron Zook ... This is the first meeting between the two schools ... Florida is 68-27 (.716) in season openers ... The Gators have won their last 12 openers, dating back to 1990 ... Florida is 26-10-2 against current members of Conference-USA.

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    LOUISIANA-MONROE INDIANS at OLE MISS REBELS
    6 p.m. (C) * Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (60,580) * Oxford

    LOUISIANA-MONROE (2-9)
    Head Coach: Bobby Keasler (Louisiana-Monroe, '70)
    Overall/Yrs: 86-57-2 (.601)/ 13th * ULM/Yrs: 8-25 (.242)/ 4th
    2002 Schedule:: 8/31-at Ole Miss; 9/7-at Kansas State; 9/14-McNEESE STATE; 9/21-ARKANSAS STATE; 10/5-TULANE; 10/12-IDAHO; 10/19- at New Mexico State; 10/26-UTAH STATE; 11/2-at North Texas; 11/9-at Auburn; 11/16-at Middle Tennessee; 11/23-LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
    Conference: Sun Belt
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - 4-2-5

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. RB Bryant Jacobs [103 for 305 yards; 3.0 avg.; 1 TD]
    Passing: No returnees with stats
    Receptions: Jr. WR Mack Vincent [47 for 619 yards; 13.2 avg.; 2 TDs]
    Scoring: Jr. PK Tyler Kuecker [5-5 FGs; 7-8 PATs; 22 points]
    Tackles: Jr. LB Maurice Sonnier [76 TT (32-44); 8.5 TFL (-39); 5 Sacks (-36)]

    OLE MISS (7-4, 4-4 SEC)
    Head Coach: David Cutcliffe (Alabama, '76)
    Overall/Yrs: 23-13 (.639)/ 5th * UM/Yrs: 23-13 (.639)/ 5th
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple Pro * Defense - 4-2-5

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. RB Robert Williams [42 for 205 yards; 4.8 avg.; 1 TD]
    Passing: Jr. QB Eli Manning [259-408-9; 144.84 pct.; 2,948 yards; 31 TDs] [17]
    Receptions: Jr. WR Chris Collins [54 for 692 yards; 12.8 avg.; 6 TDs]
    Scoring: So. PK Jonathan Nichols [3-6 FGs; 47-49 PATs; 56 points]
    Tackles: Jr. DB Von Hutchins [88 TT (54-34); 1 TFL (-4); 1 INT]

    Series History
    Record: First Meeting * Last: First Meeting
    Notes: This is first meeting between these two schools ... Ole Miss is 79-23-5 (.762) in season openers ... The Rebels have won their last six openers ... Ole Miss is 18-1-2 against current Sun Belt Conference foes.

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    VANDERBILT COMMODORES at GA. TECH YELLOW JACKETS
    6 p.m. (E) * Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,000) * Atlanta

    VANDERBILT (2-9, 0-8 SEC)
    Head Coach: Bobby Johnson (Clemson, '72)
    Overall/Yrs: 60-36 (..625)/ 9th * VU/Yrs: First Year
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense -2-Back Set * Defense - 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: So. RB Norval McKenzie [13 for 85 yards; 6.2 avg.; 0 TDs]
    Passing: Jr. QB Benji Walker [2-6-1; 33.3 pct.; 48 yards; 0 TDs]
    Receptions: Sr. WR Dan Stricker [65 for 1,079 yards; 16.6 avg.; 8 TDs] [12]
    Scoring: Sr. WR Dan Stricker [8 TDs; 48 points]
    Tackles: Sr. LB Hunter Hillenmeyer [72 TT (44-28); 4 TFL (-22); 2.5 Sacks (-20)]

    GEORGIA TECH (8-5, 4-4 ACC)
    Head Coach: Chan Gailey (Florida, '74)
    Overall/Yrs: 24-11 (.686) / 4th * GT/Yrs: First Year
    2002 Schedule:: 8/31-VANDERBILT; 9/7-at Connecticut; 9/14-at Clemson; 9/21-BRINGHAM YOUNG; 9/28-at North Carolina; 10/5-WAKE FOREST; 10/17-at Maryland; 10/26-VIRGINIA; 11/2-at North Carolina State; 11/9-FLORIDA STATE; 11/16-DUKE; 11/30-at Georgia
    Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - Multiple

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. RB Sidney Ford [69 for 306 yards; 4.2 avg.; 1 TD]
    Passing: RSFr. QB Damarius Bilbo [0-1-0; 0.0 pct.; 0 yards; 0 TDs]
    Receptions: Jr. WR Jonathan Smith [53 for 590 yards; 11.1 avg.; 4 TDs]
    Scoring: Sr. PK Luke Manget [19-28 FGs; 40-40 PATs; 97 points] [30]
    Tackles: Jr. LB Keyaron Fox [96 TT (60-36); 8 TFL (-38); 2 Sacks (-20)]

    Series History
    Record: GT leads 16-15-3 * Last: GT, 17-10 (9/23/1967 at Vanderbilt)
    Notes: The series continues for the first time since 1967 ... The game marks the Vanderbilt head coaching debut of Bobby Johnson ... Vanderbilt is 63-31-4 in season openers, and have lost their last four ... The Commodores open the season on the road for the first time since 1998, when they traveled to Mississippi State.

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    NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES at SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
    7 p.m. (E) * Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) * Columbia

    NEW MEXICO STATE (5-7, 4-2 Sun Belt)
    Head Coach: Tony Samuel (Nebraska, '79)
    Overall/Yrs: 19-37 (.339)/ 6th * NMSU/Yrs: 19-37 (.339)/ 6th
    2002 Schedule:: 8/31-at South Carolina; 9/7-at California; 9/21-NEW MEXICO; 9/28-at Georgia; 10/5-UTEP; 10/12-LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE; 10/19-LOUISIANA MONROE; 10/26-at Arkansas State;11/2-MIDDLE TENNESSEE; 11/9-at Utah State; 11/16-at North Texas; 11/23-at Idaho
    Conference: Sun Belt
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Power I * Defense - Multiple 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: So. QB Buck Pierce [30 for 180 yards; 4.9 avg.; 1 TD]
    Passing: So. QB Buck Pierce [20-37-0; 54.1 pct.; 215 yards; 1 TD]
    Receptions: Sr. WR P.J. Winston [46 for 570 yards; 12.4 avg.; 1 TD]
    Scoring: Jr. PK Dario Aguiniga [8-11 FGs; 28-30 PATs; 72 points]
    Tackles: Jr. FS Shiddeeq Shabazz [107 TT (58-49); 2 INTs]

    SOUTH CAROLINA (9-3, 5-3 SEC)
    Head Coach: Lou Holtz (Kent State, '59)
    Overall/Yrs: 233-113-7 (.673) / 31st * USC/Yrs: 17-18 (.486) / 4th
    National Rankings: 22nd - ESPN/USA Today; 22nd - AP
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - Multiple

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. RB Andrew Pinnock [115 for 622 yards; 5.4 avg.; 12 TDs]
    Passing: Sr. QB Corey Jenkins [11-24-1; 45.8 pct.; 194 yards; 0 TDs]
    Receptions: Sr. RB Ryan Brewer [37 for 352 yards; 9.5 avg.; 2 TDs]
    Scoring: Sr. RB Andrew Pinnock [12 TDs; 72 points] and Jr. PK Daniel Weaver [13-17 FGs; 33-36 PATs; 72 points]
    Tackles: Sr. DB Rashad Faison [104 TT (79-25); 9.5 TFL (-33); 2 Sacks (-8)]

    Series History
    Record: USC leads series 1-0 * Last: USC, 31-0 (9/2/2000 at South Carolina)
    Notes: South Carolina is 69-35-4 (.657) is season openers ... The Gamecocks have won their last five home season openers ... South Carolina won the only other meeting, defeating New Mexico State 31-0 in 2000 ... Lou Holtz is 2-0 against New Mexico State.

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    CLEMSON TIGERS at GEORGIA BULLDOGS
    7:45 p.m. (E) * ESPN * Sanford Stadium (86,520) * Athens

    CLEMSON (7-5, 4-4 ACC)
    Head Coach: Tommy Bowden (West Virginia, '77)
    Overall/Yrs: 40-18 (.690)/ 6th * CU/Yrs: 22-14 (.611)/ 4th
    2002 Schedule:: 8/31- at Georgia; 9/7-LOUISIANA TECH; 9/14-GEORGIA TECH; 9/21-BALL STATE; 10/5-at Florida State; 10/12-at Virginia; 10/19-WAKE FOREST; 10/26-NORTH CAROLINA STATE; 11/2-at Duke; 11/9-at North Carolina; 11/16-MARYLAND;11/23-SOUTH CAROLINA
    Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - Multiple

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. TB Bernard Rambert [75 for 385 yards; 5.1 avg.; 3 TDs]
    Passing: Sr. QB Willie Simmons [20-55-3; 36.4 pct.; 2 TDs]
    Receptions: So. WR Derrick Hamilton [53 for 684 yards; 12.9 avg.; 4 TDs]
    Scoring: Jr. PK Aaron Hunt [10-12 FGs; 44-45 PATs; 74 points]
    Tackles: Jr. LB John Leake [137 TT (77-60); 5 TFL (-30); 4 INTs (-28)]

    GEORGIA (8-3, 5-3 SEC)
    Head Coach: Mike Richt (Miami, '82)
    Overall/Yrs: 8-4 (.667)/ 2nd * UG/Yrs: 8-4 (.667)/ 2nd
    National Rankings: 11th - ESPN/USA Today; 8th - AP
    Formations: Offense - Pro Style * Defense - Multiple 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Jr. RB Musa Smith [119 for 578 yards; 5.5 avg.; 7 TDs]
    Passing: So. QB David Greene [192-324-9; 59.3 pct.; 2,789 yards; 17 TDs]
    Receptions: Sr. SE Terrence Edwards [39 for 613 yards; 15.7 avg.; 6 TDs]
    Scoring: Jr. PK Billy Bennett [17-25 FGs; 34-34 PATs; 85 points]
    Tackles: Sr. MLB Tony Gilbert [99 TT (59-40); 6 TFL (-18); 2 sacks (-12)]

    Series History
    Record: UG leads, 39-17-4 * Last: UG, 19-17 (10/17/1995 at Clemson)
    Notes: Georgia is 81-24-3 (.764) in season opening games ... The Bulldogs have won their last five season openers ... Georgia and Clemson meet for the first time since 1995, when Georgia defeated the Tigers 19-17 in Clemson ... Georgia has won the last three meetings ... Kevin Butler kicked the longest field goal in Georgia history, a 60-yarder in 1984 to win the game, 26-23.

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    LSU TIGERS at VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES
    2:30 p.m. (E) * ABC Sports * Lane Stadium/Worsham Field (65,115) Blacksburg * Sunday, Sept. 1

    LSU (10-3, 5-3 SEC)
    Head Coach: Nick Saban (Kent State, '73)
    Overall/Yrs: 61-33-1 (.649)/ 9th * LSU/Yrs: 18-7 (.720)/ 3rd
    National Rankings: 13th - ESPN/USA Today; 14th - AP
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Jr. TB LaBrandon Toefield [230 for 992 yards; 4.3 avg.; 19 TDs] [49]
    Passing: So QB Matt Mauck [18-41-2; 43.9 pct. 224 yards; 0 TDs]
    Receptions: So. WR Michael Clayton [47 for 754 yards; 16.0 avg.; 6 TDs]
    Scoring: Jr. TB LaBrandon Toefield [19 TDs; 114 points] [12]
    Tackles: Sr. LB Bradie James [113 TT (78-35); 8 TFL (-14); 3 Sacks (-4)]

    VIRGINIA TECH (8-4, 4-3 Big East)
    Head Coach: Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech, '69)
    Overall/Yrs: 149-88-4 (.629)/ 22nd * VT/Yrs: 107-65-2 (.622)/ 16th
    2002 Schedule:: 8/25-ARKANSAS STATE; 9/1-LSU; 9/12-MARSHALL; 9/21-at Texas A&M; 9/28-at Western Michigan; 10/10-at Boston College; 10/19-RUTGERS; 10/26-TEMPLE; 11/2-PITTSBURGH; 11/9-at Syracuse;11/20-WEST VIRGINIA; 11/30-VIRGINIA; 12/7-at Miami, Fla.
    Conference: Big East
    National Rankings: 16th - ESPN/USA Today; 16th - AP
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: So. TB Kevin Jones [175 for 957 yards; 5.5 avg.; 5 TDs] [48]
    Passing: Sr. QB Grant Noel [146-254-11; 57.5 pct.; 1,826 yards; 16 TDs]
    Receptions: Sr. FL Shawn Witten [16 for 161 yards; 10.1 ag.; 1 TD]
    Scoring: Jr. PK Carter Warley [11-21 FGs; 44-44 PATs; 77 points]
    Tackles: Sr. FS Willie Pile [94 TT (53-41); 2 TFL (-3); 4 INTs]

    Series History
    Record: First Meeting * Last: First Meeting
    Notes: LSU opens the season as defending SEC Champions for the first time since 1988 ... The Tigers are 76-27-5 (.727) in season openers and have won their last six ... LSU opens the season on the road for the first time since 1995 when they traveled to College Station to play Texas A&M ... It was also the last time LSU opened the year against a ranked opponent ... These two teams meet each other for the first time ... LSU is 11-5 all-time against current Big East teams.

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    KENTUCKY WILDCATS at LOUISVILLE CARDINALS
    6 p.m. (E) * ESPN2 * Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium (42,000) * Louisville * Sunday, Sept. 1

    KENTUCKY (2-9, 1-7 SEC)
    Head Coach: Guy Morriss (TCU '73)
    Overall/Yrs: 2-9 (.182)/ 2nd * UK/Yrs: 2-9 (.182)/ 2nd
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - 4-2

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. RB Artose Pinner [100 for 441 yards; 4.4 avg.; 4 TDs]
    Passing: Jr. QB Jared Lorenzen [167-292-7; 57.2 pct. 2,179 yards; 19 TDs]
    Receptions: Jr. WR Derek Abney [66 for 741 yards; 11.2 avg.; 6 TDs]
    Scoring: Jr. WR Derek Abney [7 TDs; 42 points]
    Tackles: Sr. FS Quentus Cumby [54 TT (35-19)]

    LOUISVILLE (11-2, 6-1 C-USA)
    Head Coach: John L. Smith (Weber State, '71)
    Overall/Yrs: 103-54 (.656)/ 14th * UL/Yrs: 34-15 (.694)/ 5th
    2002 Schedule:: 9/1-KENTUCKY; 9/7-at Duke; 9/14-at Colorado State; 9/21-at Army; 9/26-FLORIDA STATE; 10/8-at Memphis; 10/19-TCU; 10/26-EAST CAROLINA; 11/9-CINCINNATI; 11/14-at Southern Miss; 11/23-UAB; 11/30-at Houston
    Conference: Conference-USA
    National Rankings: 17th - ESPN/USA Today; 17th - AP
    Formations: Offense - One Back * Defense - 4-3 Flex

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Jr. RB T.J. Patterson [118 for 576 yards; 4.9 avg.; 7 TDs]
    Passing: Sr. QB Dave Ragone [231-383-23; 60.3 pct.; 3,056 yards; 23 TDs] [20]
    Receptions: Sr. TE Ronnie Ghent [34 for 330 yards; 9.7 avg.; 5 TDs]
    Scoring: Jr. PK Nathan Smith [13-18 FGs; 39-40 PATs 78 points]
    Tackles: Sr. SS Curry Burns [107 TT (56-51); 4 INTs]

    Series History
    Record: UK leads 9-5 * Last: UL, 36-10 (9/1/2001 at Kentucky)
    Notes: Kentucky is 77-29-5 (.716) in season openers, but have lost their last three ... Kentucky opens the season against Louisville for the eigth consecutive season ... Kentucky is 3-5 in those games ... The Wildcats are 48-22-3 against current Conference-USA opponents.

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    AUBURN TIGERS at SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TROJANS
    5 p.m. (P) * ABC Sports * Los Angeles Coliseum (92,000) * Los Angeles * Monday, Sept. 2

    AUBURN (7-4, 5-3 SEC)
    Head Coach: Tommy Tuberville (Southern Arkansas, '76)
    Overall/Yrs: 46-35 (.568)/ 8th * AU/Yrs: 21-15 (.583)/ 4th
    National Rankings: N/A
    Formations: Offense - Pro Style * Defense - 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: So. TB Carnell Williams [120 for 614 yards; 5.1 avg.; 6 TDs]
    Passing: Sr. QB Daniel Cobb [89-158-7; 56.3 pct.; 1,165 yards; 7 TDs]
    Receptions: Jr. TE Robert Johnson [17 for 225 yards; 13.2 avg.; 3 TDs]
    Scoring: Sr. PK Damon Duval [16-26 FGs; 28-28 PATs; 76 points]
    Tackles: Jr. LB Dontarrious Thomas [122 TT (60-62); 9 TFL (-25); 1.5 Sacks]

    SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (6-6, 5-3 Pac-10)
    Head Coach: Pete Carroll (Pacific, '73)
    Overall/Yrs: 6-6 (.500)/ 2nd * USC/Yrs: 6-6 (.500)/ 2nd
    2002 Schedule:: 9/2-AUBURN; 9/14-at Colorado; 9/21-at Kansas State; 9/28-OREGON STATE; 10/5-at Washington State; 10/12-CALIFORNIA; 10/19-WASHINGTON; 10/26-at Oregon; 11/9-at Stanford; 11/16-ARIZONA STATE; 11/23-at UCLA; 11/30-NOTRE DAME
    Conference: Pacific 10
    National Rankings: 19th - ESPN/USA Today; 20th - AP
    Formations: Offense - Multiple * Defense - 4-3

    Returning Individual Statistical Leaders
    Rushing: Sr. TB Sultan McCullough [115 for 410 yards; 3.6 avg.; 5 TDs]
    Passing: Sr. QB Carson Palmer [221-377-12; 58.6 pct.; 2,717 yards; 13 TDs] [32]
    Receptions: Sr. WR Kareem Kelly [49 for 801 yards; 16.3 avg.; 3 TDs]
    Scoring: Sr. PK David Davis [15-18 FGs; 31-34 PATs; 82 points] [44]
    Tackles: Sr. S Troy Polamalu [118 TT (79-39); 13 TFL (-24); 1 Sack (-2)]

    Series History
    Record: AU leads 1-0 * Last: AU, 16-7 (1/1/1986 at Citrus Bowl)
    Notes: Auburn is 85-22-2 (.789) in season opening games ... The Tigers have won 14 of their last 16 season openers, including their last three ... Auburn opens the season on the road for the first time since 1997 when they defeated Virginia 28-17 in Charlottesville ... Auburn defeated Southern California in their only other meeting, 16-7 in the 1986 Citrus Bowl ... The Tigers are 4-1 all-time against the Pac-10.