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Home , Bear Bryant, Bobby Bowden, Chuck Fairbanks, Dennis Franchione, Steve Pederson, Torrie Cox

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 3, 2002

Big 12 Conference Football Previews For Sept. 7 Games

DALLAS-Iowa State gets to enjoy the view from the top of football standings for at least three weeks. The Cyclones downed Kansas 45-3 in the second-earliest Big 12 opener in history last week in Ames, Iowa, and there are no more league games until ISU hosts Nebraska on Sept. 28. That’s the only conference contest that weekend until all 12 teams go interleague on Oct. 5. Still, 47 conference games remain, and there are 32 non-conference encounters before Sept. 28, so Big 12 teams will be far from bored. Saturday’s slate and the 11-game menu all outside the loop on Sept. 14 are the most- contested weekends in Big 12 play this season. For the first time in history, non-league games outnumber confer- ence encounters as there are 51 contests outside Big 12 activity in 2002 and 48 intraconference clashes. The Sept. 7 slate features one of the most varied and relatively-unplayed group of series since the founding of the Big 12. The 11 opponents come from eight different conferences (Big East, Gateway, Mid-American, Moun- tain West, Ohio Valley, Southeastern, Sun Belt, Western Athletic), a football independent (Utah State), and three Division I-AA foes (Northern Iowa, Samford and Tennesse Tech). Ten of these teams have combined to play 151 total games previously against Big 12 schools, but four have played five series games or fewer. SMU meets Texas Tech at Stadium in the Mustangs’ 311th tilt with current Big 12 members. Here are the capsule previews for the 11 games involving Big 12 Conference teams Saturday. TEXAS A&M at PITTSBURGH, 11 a.m. (CDT), (65,000), Pittsburgh, Pa., ESPN National Telecast

Records & Rankings Texas A&M Quick Hits Texas A&M Key Individuals Texas A&M -- 1-0, 0-0 Big 12 Conference, 20th in -Aggies’ punter Cody Scates is a recent addition to Jarrod Penright, Sr., Linebacker AP, RV in ESPN/USA TODAY the Ray Guy Award watch list for top collegiate -Highly-touted defender with preseason Butkus and Pittsburgh -- 1-0, 0-0 Big East Conference, unranked punter; he averaged 41.2 yards on six punts last Lombardi awards’ credentials. week. -Was A&M’s fourth-leading tackler last season with The Series -A&M has produced six All-Pro defensive backs 66 stops and team-high 11 sacks. Pittsburgh leads 1-0 since the 1971 season-most All-Pro selections of Derek Farmer, So., Tailback At College Station: 0-0 any school nationally. -Finished 2001 as bowl-bound Aggies’ leading At Neutral Sites: Pittsburgh leads 1-0 -Since 1989 under coach Slocum the Ags have rusher with 110 carries, 503 yards, two TD, and started the year at 2-0 seven times; all seven of 4.6 yards per carry. Last Time Out: Dec. 27, 1989 those squads and nine others advanced to bowl ap- -Opened 2002 with 18 attempts for 39 yards - Pittsburgh 31, Texas A&M 28 pearances. ing and one TD in 31-7 win over UL Lafayette. (John Hancock Bowl) -Texas A&M QB Mark Farris is a former first round Ty Warren, Sr., Defensive Tackle draft choice of the Pittsburgh Pirates. -Played a major role in helping A&M limit 2001 Notes: In only the second meeting of the Big 12 and -In 2001 the school enjoyed its largest average home opponents to 113.4 net yards rushing per game- Big East Conference contenders, the teams play at attendance in history at 82,711 and was ninth in 19th nationally. a campus site for the first time. The Panthers edged NCAA Division I averages. -Picked up similar showing last week when Aggies Texas A&M 31-28 in El Paso, Texas, at the 1989 held UL Lafayette to no rushing scores; A&M al- Sun Bowl-the first of 11 bowl appearances by the Pittsburgh Quick Hits lowed just 13 TD via the run in 2001 regular cam- Aggies under coach R.C. Slocum. A&M faces a Big -The Panthers have a section of nearby Forbes Field paign. East opponent for the first time since the ’89 meet- still remaining on campus where Bill ing with Pittsburgh. The Panthers lost at Texas 38- Mazerowski’s 1960 home run cleared the left field Pittsburgh Key Individuals 27 in 1995 during their last meeting with a Big 12 fence for a walkoff championship for Pittsburgh Gerald Hayes, Sr., Linebacker school. Big 12 teams are 83-101-6 against Big East in the World Series. -All-Big East first team defender last two seasons opponents, and 49 of these contests have come -Fabled Panthers’ coaches and John and 2002 All-America candidate. against Miami, Fla. The Panthers are next on the Majors also were head coaches at Iowa State. -Has 114 total tackles in his last 12 games and hopes list in total number of games vs. Big 12 with 46 and -Pittsburgh Director of Athletics Steve Pederson is to complete career with three consecutive 100-stop a composite 23-19-4 mark against Big 12 members. a former director of football operations and me- years (104 each in 2000 and 2001). A&M returns to College Station for another clash dia relations staff member at Nebraska. Kris Wilson, Jr., Tight End with a Big East team on Sept. 21 vs. Virginia Tech. -In a start similar to A&M, Pittsburgh downed Ohio -Has one of the leading career averages per catch of of the Mid-American Conference 27-14 last Sat- any tight end in the country-15.3-prior to The Coaches urday. Saturday’s telecast. Texas A&M: R.C. Slocum (McNeese State, 1967) -Hopes to make his 19th consecutive start after mak- 118-41-2 (14th season) overall ing 26 catches for 399 yards in his first 18 appear- 118-41-2 (14th season) at Texas A&M ances. 0-1 vs. Pittsburgh Torrie Cox, Sr., 3-8 in bowl games -One of the Big East’s most reliable kickoff return- men had 24 for a 24 yards per runback norm last Pittsburgh: (Pacific, 1968) year. 39-55 (9th season) overall -Team captain who paced Panthers with 11 pass 28-31 (6th season) at Pittsburgh deflections as a junior; expected to raise his previ- 0-0 vs. Texas A&M ous total of one entering the campaign. 1-2 in bowl games The Broadcast Dave South, Kevin Smith and Tom Turbiville on the Texas A&M Radio Network; Mark Jones, Bob Davie and Holly Rowe on ESPN

Ticket Availability Some tickets remain; go online for ticket informa- tion at www.Aggieathletics.com. ALABAMA at OKLAHOMA, 2:30 p.m. (CDT), Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (72,762), Norman, Okla., ABC Regional Telecast

Records & Rankings Oklahoma Quick Hits Oklahoma Key Individuals Oklahoma -- 1-0, 0-0 Big 12 Conference, 2nd in -The Sooners won their 82nd opening football game Kory Klein, Jr., Defensive Tackle AP, 3rd in ESPN/USA TODAY in 108 seasons last week 37-0 at Tulsa. -Sometimes overlooked standout in the Sooners’ Alabama -- 1-0, 0-0 , RV -Coach ’ 32 victories place him in the rugged defensive interior. in AP, ESPN/USA TODAY Top 10 among active coaches at their current as- -Had 14 hurries as a sophomore and signments. intercepted a critical pass in team’s Big 12 win at The Series -Oklahoma was coached by Chuck Fairbanks when Texas Tech in 2001. Alabama leads 1-0-1 it tangled with the legendary Bryant in 1970; one Antwone Savage, Sr., Wide Receiver At Neutral Sites: Alabama leads 1-0-1 year later ‘Bama switched to the wishbone of- -Moving on up Big 12 career in receiving with 115 fense after knotting the Sooners 24-24. (eighth on the all-time individual list) catches for Last Time Out: Dec. 31, 1970 -OU has captured four consecutive home openers, 1,477 yards. Oklahoma 24, Alabama 24 three under Stoops, and began the season on the -Great foil for Sooners’ tight end Trent Smith, and (Bluebonnet Bowl, ) road last week for the first time since the 1997 that duo combined for 94 catches in 2001. season against Northwestern in Chicago. Brandon Everage, Jr., Free Safety Notes: It’s the first meeting between the longtime -Second team All-Big 12 as a sophomore defensive football powers during the regular season. Two pre- Alabama Quick Hits back with 76 total tackles last year. vious bowls match Alabama as a 17-0 winner over -Franchione’s only other appearance as a -Started 2002 with a bang after making an intercep- OU in the 1962 and a 24-24 tie in the against the Sooners was a 10-9 loss in 1998 at Fort tion in ’01 against Nebraska and tying for the team 1970 Bluebonnet Bowl at the Reliant Astrodome. Worth, Texas, while he was guiding TCU. lead in forced with three. The ’62 meeting matched National Football Foun- -The current ‘Bama coach is a former assistant at dation and AFCA Hall of Fame coaches Bud Kansas State from 1978-80. Alabama Key Individuals Wilkinson of Oklahoma and Paul (Bear) Bryant of -Alabama edged Iowa State 14-13 in the 2001 Ahmaad Galloway, Sr., Running Back Alabama. This is just the fifth meeting of a Big 12 MainStay Independence Bowl in its last bout with -One of the SEC’s Top 10 rushers as a junior with team and SEC team outside bowls since the Big 12 a Big 12 foe. 174 carries for 919 yards and six to began grid competition in 1996. The SEC has a 8-6 -The Crimson Tide is No. 5 in all-time NCAA Divi- lead ‘Bama. lead in all games vs. this league since ’96 and the sion I-A victories with 745 while the Sooners are -Rushed 15 times for 77 yards in Tide’s 39-34 tri- teams are tied 296-296-22 in 614 total games down ninth with 714 all-time wins in football; Alabama umph over Middle Tennessee State last Saturday through the years. Arkansas is the most-played SEC downed Middle Tennessee State 39-34 last Satur- in Birmingham, Ala. team by Big 12 entries and has a 154-150-6 edge day. Brooks Daniels, Jr., Defensive End over Big 12 Conference foes. Oklahoma is 17-8-3 -Top returning tackler from Alabama’s 2001 squad in previous encounters with Southeastern Confer- with 102 stops (59 unassisted). ence opponents and downed Arkansas 10-3 in the -Helped the improved Crimson Tide defense hold 2002 SBC Cotton Bowl most recently in these its four of its last five opponents to two TDs or intraconference affairs. Alabama is 13-12-2 vs. Big less as the team mounted a five-game winning 12 all-time opposition. streak. Triandos Luke, Jr., Split End The Coaches -Made numerous key catches (nine for 85 yards) in Oklahoma: Bob Stoops (Iowa, 1983) triumph over MTSU. 32-7 (4th season) overall -Assisted new multiple Alabama offense to 430 net 32-7 (4th season) at Oklahoma yards in key hookups with QB Tyler Watts, who 0-0 vs. Alabama was 16-for-22 passing for 232 yards. 2-1 in bowl games The Broadcast Alabama: (Pittsburg State, 1973) Bob Barry, Sr., Marv Johnson and Mark Rodgers 146-70-2 (20th season) overall on the Oklahoma Radio Network; Brent Musburger, 8-5 (2nd season) at Alabama Gary Danielson and Jack Arute on ABC. 0-1 vs. Oklahoma 2-2 in bowl games Ticket Availability Sellout SAN DIEGO STATE at COLORADO, 5 p.m. (MDT)/ 6 p.m. (CDT), (50,942), Boulder, Colo., Fox Sports Net National Telecast Records & Rankings Colorado Quick Hits Colorado Key Individuals Colorado -- 0-1, 0-0 Big 12 Conference, 17th in -The Buffaloes opened their 113th season against Mark Mariscal, Sr., Punter AP and ESPN/USA TODAY Colorado State and slipped to 70-38-5 (.642) in -Making a strong bid for the Ray Guy Award as top San Diego State -- 0-1, 0-0 Mountain West Confer- first outings since 1890. national collegiate punter. ence, Unranked -CU has played against a pair of -Averaged 45 yards per try on five kicks against winners -- Nebraska’s Eric Crouch in 2001 and Colorado State with a long effort of 60 yards. The Series ’s Charles Woodson in 1997 -- over the Chris Brown, Jr., Tailback First Meeting last six seasons. -Passed the 1,000-yard career mark in his 13th game -Colorado won five consecutive contests after fall- with the Buffaloes after rushing 22 times for 93 Notes: SDSU and the Buffaloes meet for the first ing 24-22 in its 2001 opener to Fresno State on yards and one TD; raised his 13-game totals to time in football as the Buffaloes face their consecu- ESPN2. 212 carries for 1,039 yards and 17 TD. tive MWC opponents within Colorado. CU has a -After Jeremy Bloom’s 75-yard punt return for a Jeremy Bloom, Fr., Wide Receiver solid lead against Mountain West opponents at 133- TD against CSU last Saturday, the Buffs have re- -Had a 75-yard punt return for a in his 54-7, and the Aztecs are the seventh different MWC turned three punts for scores since 2001-two for college debut for one of four punt runbacks last Colorado has faced. The Buffs have played Colo- 75-plus yards and a pair by Roman Hollowell last week by Big 12 standouts. rado State most often from that league and have a year. -World-class skier who took time off in 2000 and 77-21-4 win in that series. San Diego State is 5-3 in 2001 to prepare for Winter Olympics and interna- eight previous meetings with Big 12 foes and last San Diego State Quick Hits tional competition. downed Kansas 41-13 in 1999 at Lawrence, Kan. -Soph safety Josh Dean is the son of longtime Wash- Colorado also faces rugged Pacific-10 Conference ington Redskins’ defensive back standout Vernon San Diego State Key Individuals opponents Southern California and UCLA before Dean. J.R. Tolver, Sr., Wide Receiver taking on eight Big 12 contestants from Oct. 5-Nov. -SDSU hopes for better balance on offense after -Made 10 catches as Aztecs almost came from be- 29. passing for 240 and rushing for 38 net yards vs. hind to upend Fresno State on Aug. 30 at Fresno, Fresno State in close 16-14 setback Calif. The Coaches -Freshman QB Adam Hall heated up to go 11-for- -Paced the 2001 SDSU squad with 63 catches for Colorado: (Missouri, 1969) 14 passing in the fourth quarter of the opener. 878 yards, two TDs, and 13.9 yards per catch. 63-73-2 (13th season) overall -New Aztecs’ coach Tom Craft was team captain Matt McCoy, Fr., Linebacker 20-17 (3rd season) at Colorado and quarterback of the 1976 San Diego State team -Notched one of the top debuts in school history 0-0 vs. San Diego State which finished with a 10-1 overall mark. while helping limit Fresno State to three points on 1-3 in bowl games drives that started outside SDSU territory. -Good pass rusher and defender who hopes to push San Diego State: Tom Craft (San Diego State, 1977) Aztecs past their total of 26 sacks, which led the 0-1 (1st season) overall MWC as a team in 2001. 0-1 (1st season) at SDSU Jeff Shoate, Sr., Defensive Back 0-0 vs. Colorado -One of the principals in team’s limitation of FSU 0-0 in bowl games to 16 points last week. -Made 48 tackles and three to pace a young secondary during the ’01 campaign.

The Broadcast Larry Zimmer, Jay Leeuwenburg and Bobby Ander- son on the Colorado Radio Network; Joel Meyers, Dave Lapham and Eric Clemons on Fox Sports Net.

Ticket Availability Some tickets remain by contacting www.CUBuffs.com; or by calling 303-492-8337. SAMFORD at BAYLOR, 6 p.m. (CDT), Floyd Casey Stadium (50,000), Waco, Texas

Records & Ranings Baylor Quick Hits Baylor Key Individuals Baylor -- 0-1, 0-0 Big 12 Conference, Unranked -This is the second State of Alabama-Big 12 Reggie Newhouse, Sr., Wide Receiver Samford -- 1-0, Division I-AA Independent, matchup along with Oklahoma hosting Alabama -Has made five-plus catches in his last four games Unranked at Norman Saturday. with eight receptions for 164 yards and one TD -BU has a history of tough tests in home openers against California. The Series with Arkansas State in 2001, Minnesota in 2000, -Owns 33 catches since Nov. 1, 2001, vs. Missouri First Meeting UNLV in 1999, North Carolina State in 1998, and and is averaging 14 yards per reception since that Miami (Fla.) in 1997. time. Notes: Two football-tradition-rich universities with -The Bears continue to have one of the best foot- Jonathan Golden, Jr., Running Back affiliations to the Southern Baptist Church tangle ball-track and field relationships in Division I-A; -Led Bears with 12 carries for 47 yards against an for the first time in Waco. Baylor goes back 101 WR Robert Quiroga was an All-America member improved Cal defense last Saturday. seasons with 16 bowl berths while Samford (for- of BU’s 2002 NCAA Outdoor 4x400 meters’ re- -Shook off some injuries in 2001 to have a best con- merly Howard College) was the breeding ground lay crew. test of 42 rushing yards on eight tries vs. Texas. for State future National Football Founda- -Baylor had 107 Texas residents on its 2002 pre- Greg Wade, Sr., Linebacker tion Hall of Fame member , who season roster for 85 percent of the squad; the team -Credited with four solo tackles and a sack in played and coached there and his son, sports student-athletes from 14 different states. Baylor’s 2002 opener. (now with ABC and ESPN). The Bears have been -Came on strongly after transferring to the Waco consistent against non-DIA opponents in such re- Samford Quick Hits university in ’01 with 66 total tackles (34 solos), cent wins as 28-13 over South Florida in 2000, 56- -The Bulldogs were one of the first teams in the five TFL and a recovery as a junior. 14 over Southern Illinois in 2001 and Sam Houston Southeast to play most of their home games on State 13-9 in 1990. The Bulldogs downed Division local and regional television in the early 1960s Samford Key Individuals II power North Alabama 24-21 in on Aug. under head coach Bobby Bowden. Chip Walters, Jr., Kicker 29 and then faced a solid Division I-AA slate over -Bears’ head coach Kevin Steele has several Cen- -Hit game-winning kick from 26 yards as the Bull- the next nine games after tackling I-A Baylor. tral Alabama connections when his father coached dogs captured their opener in double overtime. and was an administrator in Gordo (the hometown -Made three field goals in the triumph from 29, 27 The Coaches of Auburn Director of Athletics David Housel) and and 26 yards as Samford overcame a 14-10 deficit Baylor: Kevin Steele (Tennessee, 1981) Prattville, Ala. to win. 6-28 (4th season) overall -Samford’s offensive line coach is Doug Meacham Ramon Nelson, Sr., Quarterback 6-28 (4th season) at Baylor wss a 1984, 86-87 lineman at Oklahoma State -Went 24-for-44 passing for 260 yards as a return- 0-0 vs. Samford -SU is named for insurance executive Frank Park ing starter; also a sturdy option quarterback with 0-0 in bowl games Samford, who endowed the university for several 13 rushing attempts for 19 net yards against UNA. years and into perpetuity after World War II. -Seems suited for coach Gary’s and Samford: Bill Gray (Mississippi College, 1983) led Bulldogs to a 5-5 record last year; is 5-1 in six 1-0 (1st season) overall most starts going back to 45-24 triumph over 1-0 (1st season) at Samford Charleston Southern in ‘01. 0-0 vs. Baylor Robert Evans, Sr., Safety 0-0 in bowl games -Made a crucial interception and had nine-yard re- turn to stymie a Lions’ drive in Aug. 29 victory. -Had 10 tackles (two primaries, eight assists) in Bulldogs’ first contest and is rated as one of the top athletes in the secondary.

The Broadcast John Morris, Walter Abercrombie and Ricky Th- ompson on the Baylor Radio Network

Ticket Availability Available by calling 254-710-1000 or going online for ticket information at www.BaylorBears.com TENNESSEE TECH at IOWA STATE, 6 p.m. (CDT), Jack Trice Stadium (45,814), Ames, Iowa Records & Rankings Iowa State Quick Hits Iowa State Key Individuals Iowa State -- 1-1, 1-0 Big 12 Conference, RV in AP, -The Cyclones held Kansas to 150 net yards of Hiawatha Rutland, Jr., Running Back ESPN/USA TODAY total offense-fewest by a conference foe against -Has eclipsed his career rushing total of 158 yards Tennessee Tech -- 0-1, 0-0 Ohio Valley Conference, the ISU since the 1977 season. (5.5 average per carry) in two seasons during his RV in NCAA I-AA football poll -ISU defensive tackle Jordan Carstens enjoyed one first two games in ‘02. of his top career games vs. KU with nine total tack- -Had 20 carries for 122 yards and one TD in win The Series les, one sack and four quarterback hurries. over Kansas after gaining 93 yards against rugged First meeting -Balanced Iowa State is No. 20 nationally in pass- Florida State; No. 37 rusher nationally. ing offense with 273 yards per game and 20th in Seneca Wallace, Sr., Quarterback Notes: No stranger to postseason play or top-cali- total offense with 477 yards each outing. -Has paced the Cyclones to composite 8-6 record ber opposition, Tennessee Tech comes to Ames with -Over the last 10 non-conference games, the Cy- and 2001 MainStay Independence Bowl berth as a an eye on its first Big 12 foe. The Golden Eagles clones are 8-2 with the only losses to Florida State starter over two seasons. went 7-3 last year and faced a I-A Bowling Green and Alabama. -Big 12 passing efficiency leader with 151.8 rating on Aug. 29 to start the season. This is ISU’s initial on 38-for-57 passing for 547 yards, two TD, 66.7 meeting with an Ohio Valley Conference, based in Tennessee Tech Quick Hits percent completion rate, and 273.5 yards per game. Brentwood, Tenn., near Nashville, team since ex- -Tech is located east of Nashville, and Cookeville Jeremy Loyd, Sr., Linebacker actly 11 years ago on Sept. 7, 1991. The Cyclones is the hometown of Texas head coach . -Joins DT Jordan Carstens as two of the ringleaders downed Eastern Illinois 42-13 in that encounter. A -Coach Mike Hennigan was one of top performers for an ISU defense, which is No. 44 nationally in Big 12 entry hosts its second OVC team since 1996, on early 1970s’ Tennessee Tech teams which con- total defense with 299.5 yards allowed per game. and the Cyclones have faced their I-AA opponents tended for several NCAA Division I-AA title years -Had 68 total tackles, seven TFL, two pass inter- primarily from the Gateway Conference with North- in that era. ceptions with 58 yards in returns, and two QB sacks ern Iowa as the most-played GC entry. Tech meets -Bowling Green of the Mid-American Conference as 2001 Cyclones co-Defensive MVP. its third I-A school since dropping a 42-0 tilt to Air defeated the Golden Eagles 41-7 in the 2002 sea- Force on Sept. 8 at Colorado Springs, Colo. son opener for both teams. Tennessee Tech Key Individuals -The Golden Eagles returned 13 starters (six defense, J.D. Bleisath, Sr., Defensive Lineman The Coaches seven offense) from last fall’s near-playoff squad. -Finalist for 2001 NCAA Division I-AA Player of Iowa State: Dan McCarney (Iowa, 1975) the Year (Buck Buchanan Award) after leading the 30-51 (8th season) overall nation with 24 TFL for -123 yards. 30-51 (8th season) at Iowa State -Neutralized somewhat by Bowling Green last week, 0-0 vs. Tennessee Tech but one of the toughest down linemen to block in 1-1 in bowl games the college game. Robert Craft, So., Quarterback Tennessee Tech: Mike Hennigan -Enjoyed his top career game with 23-for-31 pass- (Tennessee Tech, 1973) ing, 74.2 percent success on his attempts, 256 34-30 (7th season) overall yards, and no interceptions. 34-30 (7th season) at Tennessee Tech -Replaced two-year starting QB Grant Swallow af- 0-0 vs. Iowa State ter seeing limited activity (18-for-37 passing for 0-0 in bowl games 190 yards in parts of seven games last autumn). Derek Lee, Jr., Wide Receiver -Made nine catches for 132 yards in 2002 opener as Tech outdistanced BGSU 332-328 with second half passing momentum. -Paced Tennessee Tech with 39 receptions for 624 yards, six TD, and 16 yards per catch.

The Broadcast Pete Taylor, Eric Heft and John Quinn on the Iowa State Radio Network

Ticket Availability Some tickets remain by calling (toll free) 888-ISU- CYCLONE (478-2925); go online for ticket infor- mation at www.Cyclones.com UTAH STATE at NEBRASKA, 6 p.m. (CDT), Memorial Stadium/ Field (73,918), Lincoln, Neb. Records & Rankings Nebraska Quick Hits Nebraska Key Individuals Nebraska -- 2-0, 0-0 Big 12 Conference, 9th in AP, -NU is off to a 2-0 start for the sixth straight year DeJuan Groce, Sr., Cornerback 8th in ESPN/USA TODAY and 16th time in the last 17 seasons. -Made a bid for Bronko Nagurski National Defen- Utah State -- 0-1, Division I-A Independent, -Nebraska reaches a pinnacle with its 250th con- sive Player of the Week last week with two punt Unranked secutive home sellout (NCAA record) since the returns for 155 yards and two TD and a pair of 1962 season; the Huskers made their 40th bowl pass interceptions against Troy State The Series appearance after the 2001 season (second in the -Brought his career pass pilfer total to six and now Nebraska leads 1-0 ) for fourth place among all collegiate has 41 all-time punt returns for 671 yards, three At Lincoln: 6-0 programs. TD, and a 16.4 average -In its first two contests Nebraska special teams have Jammal Lord, Jr., Quarterback Last Time Out: Sept. 7, 1991 produced three outright touchdowns (two punt re- -Showed continued resiliency as an option runner At Nebraska 59, Utah State 28 turns for TD by DeJuan Groce and a blocked punt with 92 net yards rushing vs. TSU last Saturday returned for a score) and set up another with a -Entered 2002 as one of two first-time starters (along Notes: The seventh meeting of these teams have a fumble recovery at the Arizona State six-yard with Missouri redshirt freshman Brad Smith) familiar site-the seventh consecutive trip by Utah stripe. among Big 12 ; has 195 net yards State to Lincoln since 1966. NU captured the most -The Huskers plays the second of their rushing on 40 tries for 97.5 yards per game-50th recent contest between the two in 1991 in a game FoxSports.com and HuskerNside.com webcast in NCAA Division I-A filled with 87 points 59-28. This marks the sixth package on Saturday. Josh Brown, Sr., Kicker time in seven meeting that the Huskers have been -Sometimes overlooked cog in the Huskers’ “wheel” ranked among the Top Five nationally at kickoff with Utah State Quick Hits and the No. 9 career scorer in Big 12 annals-needs the Aggies. The last three high-scoring encounters -The Aggies are a member of the Big West Confer- four points to pass Martin Gramatica of KSU with between Nebraska and USU have resulted in 231 ence in all women’s and women’s sponsored sports 249 markers from 1996-98 points and an average Huskers’ advantage of 59- except football as a DIA independent. -Scheduled to make his 34th career start Saturday- 18. The Aggies are Nebraska’s second Division I-A -Utah State makes no bones about its desire to throw tops among NU regulars; opened the year by go- independent foe after Troy State, and NU has a com- the ball out of multiple sets-the school has aver- ing 13-for-13 on PAT (10-10) and (3-3) posite series mark of 17-7-1 against the current six aged 39 passes attempted per game since Sept., tries, DIA “indies.” Sixteen of those matches have been 2001. against Notre Dame, and the Huskers have a 8-7-1 -USU dropped a 23-3 verdict to rival Utah of the Utah State Key Individuals lead in the series. Utah State, formerly coached by Mountain West Conference last week before Kevin Curtis, Sr., Wide Receiver Kansas QB Jonas Weatherbie’s father, Charlie 30,757-the fourth-largest crowd in those teams’ -Led nation in receptions per game as a junior with Weatherbie, is 9-37-1 in 47 previous outings against series. 100 for 1,531 yards, 10 TD and 9.1 catches per Big 12 schools. -Utah limited the Aggies to -9 yards rushing as a contest 22-yard field goal by Dane Kidman produced -Started the 2002 season with six catches for 98 The Coaches USU’s points in the loss. yards and a couple of key plays in the 60-yard scor- Nebraska: (Nebraska, 1966) ing drive for a field goal 44-9 (5th season) overall Jesse Busta, Sr., Linebacker 44-9 (5th season) at Nebraska -Notched 12 total tackles in his opening game 0-0 vs. Utah State against Utah to raise his two-year total to 112 2-2 in bowl games -Bidding to be the Aggies’ leading candidate for defensive All-America laurels this year after mak- Utah State: Mick Dennehy (Montana, 1973) ing 13 TFL in ‘01 58-39 (10th season) overall Steve Mullins, Sr., Punter 9-14 (3rd season) at Utah State -No. 4 punter in country last season with a 44.8 av- 0-0 vs. Nebraska erage on 50 boots 0-0 in bowl games -Had an outstanding night against Utah with 10 punts for 42.3 average and a long kick of 70 yards

The Broadcast Jim Rose, Adrian Fiala and Gary Sharp on the Ne- braska Radio Network

Ticket Availability Sellout BALL STATE at MISSOURI, 6 p.m. (CDT), Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field (68,349), Columbia, Mo. Records & Rankings Missouri Quick Hits Missouri Key Individuals Missouri – 1-0, 0-0 Big 12, unranked -Missouri opened the 2002 season with a 33-20 Brad Smith, Fr., Quarterback Ball State – 0-0, 0-0 Mid-American West, unranked win against Illinois in St. Louis last weekend. -A redshirt freshman who rushed for 138 yards and -MU rushed for 285 yards and passed for 152 against passed for 152 in the season opener against Illi- The Series Illinois for 437 yards total offense. Last year the nois. First Meeting Tigers averaged 167.1 yards rushing per game and -First freshman to start at QB in a season opener at 339 yards total offense. Missouri. Notes: This is Missouri’s second first meeting op- -The win was Missouri’s fifth in the last six season Justin Gage, Sr., Wide Receiver ponent in football this season. The Tigers will also openers. -Caught seven passes for 63 yards in the season face Troy State for the first time in football. Mis- -MU head coach Gary Pinkel went 5-5-1 against opener versus Illinois. souri has only played three Mid-American Confer- Ball State in his previous stint at Toledo from 1991- -Ranks third on the MU career receptions list with ence opponents in football – Bowling Green, East- 2000. The first five games Pinkel faced Ball State 125. Gage had 74 catches in 2001. ern Michigan, and Western Michigan. The Tigers were decided by a total of 11 points with one tie in Sean Doyle, Sr. Linebacker are 3-2 vs. the MAC and have played four of those 1994. -Registered his first career interception and his sev- five games in the Big 12 era (1996-present). Last enth career sack in the season opener against Illi- year Bowling Green defeated Missouri 20-13 in the Ball State Quick Hits nois. debut of Tigers’ head coach Gary Pinkel. Ball State -This is the season opener for Ball State. The Car- -Recorded six tackles in the season opener includ- is 0-5 against Big 12 competition. dinals went 5-6 in 2001 and tied Northern Illinois ing four solo and has 251 career tackles at MU. and Toledo for first in the MAC West at 4-1. The Coaches -In the last eight seasons the Cardinals have won Ball State Key Individuals Missouri: Gary Pinkel (Kent State, 1975) two MAC championships and shared one MAC Marcus Merriweather, Sr., Tailback 78-44-2 (12th season) overall West Division title. -Fifth year senior who rushed for a school-records 5-7 (2nd season) at Missouri -Ball State returns 15 starters from last season with 1,244 yards in 2001. Merriweather also scored 12 5-5-1 vs. Ball State eight on offense and seven on defense. TDs last year. 1-0 in bowl games -BSU lost four of its games last year by a total of 23 -A 2002 Doak Walker Award candidate who needs points. The four losses were by eight points or less. 1,100 yards to become the BSU career rushing Ball State: Bill Lynch (Butler, 1977) leader (Bernie Parmalee at 3,483 from 1987-90). 67-59-3 (13th season) overall Talmadge Hill, Jr., Quarterback 31-47 (8th season) at Ball State -His 1,953 yards passing last season rank third on 0-0 vs. Missouri the BSU single-season list. Hill threw 13 TDs in 0-1 in bowl games 2001. -2000 MAC Freshman of the Year. Justin Beriault, So., Inside Linebacker -Was second on the BSU team with 117 tackles last season which included 77 solo stops. -Named to The Sporting News Freshman All- America team last year.

The Broadcast Mike Kelly, John Kadlec and Chris Gervino on the Missouri Radio Network.

Ticket Availability Tickets are available via the Missouri ticket office at 800-228-7297 NORTHERN IOWA at OKLAHOMA STATE, 6 p.m. (CDT), Lewis Field (48,000), Stillwater, Okla. Records & Rankings Oklahoma State Quick Hits Oklahoma State Key Individuals Oklahoma State – 0-1, 0-0 Big 12 Conference, -Oklahoma State lost to Louisiana Tech 39-36 in Rashuan Woods, Sr., Wide Receiver unranked the final minute of the game in Shreveport, La., -Caught 10 passes for 126 yards and three TDs in Northern Iowa – 1-0, 0-0 Gateway Conference, to open the 2002 season. the season opener against Louisiana Tech. 2nd in I-AA poll -OSU gained 158 yards rushing on 37 carries against -A Biletnekof Award watch list member who has at La. Tech for an average of 5.3 yards per carry. Last least two receptions in his last 19 games. The Series year the Cowboys averaged 93.6 yards rushing per Greg Richmond, Jr., Defensive End Oklahoma State leads 1-0 game and an average of 2.7 yards per rush. -Led OSU with 10 tackles in the season opener At Stillwater: 1-0 -Oklahoma State held an 18-point lead against the against Louisiana Tech. Bulldogs. -Started seven of 11 games played in 2001 with 36 Last Time Out: September 15, 1990 -OSU QB Josh Fields completed passes to 10 dif- total tackles. At Oklahoma State 33, Northern Iowa 23 ferent Cowboys in the Louisiana Tech game. Ad- Chris Massey, Sr., DB/KR ditionally, six different Cowboys were credited -Posted nine tackles, one forced fumble and three Notes: In their only meeting in football OSU de- with a rush. PBUs against Louisiana Tech in the opener. feated Northern Iowa 33-23 in game three of the -Had two kick off returns for 59 yards against La. 1990 season. The Cowboys went on to finish the Northern Iowa Quick Hits Tech as well. 1990 season with a 4-7 record. Oklahoma State is -Northern Iowa posted its first shut out for second 8-0 against the Gateway Conference which is NCAA year head coach Mark Farley with a 34-0 win Northern Iowa Key Individuals Division I-AA. The Cowboys last faced a Gateway against Wayne State in Cedar Falls, Iowa, August Adam Benge, Sr., Running Back team in 1996 with a 23-20 overtime win against 29. -Rushed for 170 yards in the season opener against Southwest Missouri State. Last year Northern Iowa -The Panthers rolled up 521 yards of total offense Wayne State on Aug. 29. lost at Big 12 foe Iowa State 45-0 in its second game in the season opener and allowed 174 for Wayne -A second team All-Gateway Conference selection of the season. The Panthers went on to finish the State. in 2001 who rushed for 1,066 yards and 9 TDs. year 11-3. -Last year Northern Iowa won the Gateway Con- Griff Jurgens, Sr., Quarterback ference with an 11-3 overall (6-1 league) record -Threw for 193 yards and three TDs in the season The Coaches and reached the NCAA I-AA semifinals. UNI is opener against Wayne State. All three TD passes Oklahoma State: (Michigan, 1976) the preseason pick to win the Gateway Conference went to Marlus Mays. 4-7 (2nd season) overall in 2002. -Completed 63.9 percent of his passes in a back-up 4-7 (2nd season) at Oklahoma State -UNI has eight former players in the NFL with the role last season (46 comp, 72 att, 444 yards, 2 TDs). 1-0 vs. Louisiana Tech most famous being NFL MVP Kurt Warner of the Casey Tierney, Jr., Linebacker 0-0 in bowl games Saint Louis Rams. -Led UNI with eight tackles including one TFL -Head coach Mark Farley – Gateway Conference against Wayne State. Northern Iowa: Mark Farley (Northern Iowa, 1986) Coach of the Year in 2001 – was an assistant coach -Leading returning tackler for UNI who had 111 12-3 (2nd season) overall at Kansas prior to taking over at Northern Iowa. stops in 2001 which included 69 solo. 12-3 (2nd season) at Northern Iowa 0-0 vs. Oklahoma State The Broadcast 0-0 in bowl games Dave Hunziker, Tom Dirato and Robert Allen on the Cowboy Network.

Ticket Availability Tickets are available via the Oklahoma State ticket office at 877-255-4678 or online at www.okstate.com LOUISIANA-MONROE at KANSAS STATE, 6:10 p.m. (CDT), KSU Stadium (50,000), Manhattan, Kan. Records & Rankings Kansas State Quick Hits Kansas State Key Individuals Kansas State – 1-0, 0-0 Big 12 Conference, receiv- -Kansas State opened the 2002 season with a 48-3 Darren Sproles, So., Running Back ing votes in both polls win against Western Kentucky in Manhattan. The -Rushed for a career high 135 yards against West- Louisiana-Monroe – 0-1, 0-0 , Wildcats outgained the Hilltoppers 412 to 183 in ern Kentucky, which included 131 in the first half. unranked total offense. -Became the fourth Wildcat in the last five seasons -Dating back to 1990, the Western Kentucky win to rush for 100-plus yards in a season opener. The Series was K-State’s 13th straight season opening vic- Terence Newman, Sr., DB/KR Kansas State leads 1-0 tory, all under head coach . -Posted his sixth career interception in the season At Manhattan: KSU leads 1-0 -After scoring only three points in the first quarter opener against Western Kentucky. KSU exploded for 31 second quarter points against -Had a 35-yard punt return against the Hilltoppers Last Time Out: September 26, 1998 Western Kentucky. which was the longest in his career. At Kansas State 62, UL Monroe 7 -Kansas State has won 35 straight games against Joe Rheem, So., Kicker non-conference opponents at home. -Has connected on six consecutive field goals dat- Notes: This single game series was dominated by ing back to last season. Kansas State in 1998 with a 62-7 win in Manhat- Louisiana-Monroe Quick Hits -Has also made 21 straight PATs after his four tan. UL Monroe is 2-10 against members of the Big -Louisiana-Monroe lost at Mississippi 31-3 in the against Western Kentucky. 12. season opener last Saturday. The Indians took a 3- 0 lead into the second quarter against the Rebels. Louisiana-Monroe Key Individuals The Coaches -Ole Miss outgained ULM 378 to 228 in the game. Bryant Jacobs, Sr., Tailback Kansas State: Bill Snyder (William Jewel, 1962) -UL Monroe went 2-9 last season. The Indians de- -Rushed for 103 yards on 23 carries against Missis- 105-49-1 (14th season) overall feated champ North Texas sippi. 105-49-1 (14th season) at Kansas State and Arkansas State last year. -Rushed for 305 yards and one TD last season and 1-0 vs. UL Monroe -Louisiana-Monroe head coach Bobby Keasler is ULM’s leading returning rusher from 2001. 5-4 in bowl games posted a 78-34-2 record in nine seasons at Mack Vincent, Jr., Wide Receiver McNeese State before taking the ULM job in 1999. -Had four receptions for 84 yards against Missis- Bobby Keasler (Florida State, 1969) sippi in the opener. 86-60-2 (13th season) overall -Led ULM in receptions in 2001 with 47 for 619 8-26 (4th season) at UL Monroe yards. 0-0 vs. Kansas State Chris Harris, So., Free Safety 0-0 in bowl games -Had five total tackles with one fumble recovered and one interception against Mississippi last Sat- urday. -Was third on the team last year with 74 tackles which included 37 solo stops.

The Broadcast Wyatt Thompson, Stan Weber, and Chris Allison on the Mid America Sports Network, official network carrier for Kansas State.

Ticket Availability Tickets are available via the Kansas State ticket of- fice at 800-221-CATS. TEXAS TECH at SMU, 7 p.m. (CDT), Gerald J. Ford Stadium (32,000), Dallas, Texas

Records & Rankings Texas Tech Quick Hits Texas Tech Key Individuals Texas Tech – 0-1, 0-0 Big 12 Conference, receiv- -Texas Tech was idle last week after falling at Ohio Carlos Francis, Jr., Wide Receiver ing votes in both polls State 45-21 in the NACDA Pigskin Classic on Au- -Caught five passes for 67 yards and one TD at SMU – 0-1, 0-0 Western Athletic Conference, gust 24. Ohio State in the season opener. unranked -The Red Raiders’ first two games are on the road -Has 96 career receptions to rank 10th on the TT in 2002 and they play five of the first seven away career chart. The Series from Jones Stadium. Aaron Hunt, Sr., Defensive End Texas Tech leads 24-15 -Texas Tech registered 372 yards total offense (341 -Had six tackles, two TFLs, and one sack at Ohio At Lubbock: TT leads 12-8 pass and 31 rush) at Ohio State yet yielded 477 in State in the opener. At Dallas: TT leads 12-7 the season opener. -Became Texas Tech’s all-time sack leader with his -Last year Texas Tech led the Big 12 and was fifth 26th career sack. Last Time Out: November 18, 1995 in the nation in pass offense with a 337.3 yards Wes Welker, Jr., Running Back Texas Tech 45, at SMU 14 per game average. -Caught five passes for 117 yards and two TDs at Ohio State in the season opener. Notes: This is the first meeting of these two South- SMU Quick Hits -Has seven career TD receptions and ranks 10th on west Conference schools since the 1995 season. In -Lost to Navy 38-7 in the debut of head coach Phil the Tech career TD list. that game Texas Tech scored 21 first half points en Bennett in the at SMU last Saturday. route to a 45-14 win over SMU at the Cotton Bowl -SMU committed five turnovers which included four SMU Key Individuals in Dallas. Texas Tech has won its last seven meet- in the first half of the Navy game. Keylon Kincade, Jr., Running Back ings with SMU which dates back to the 1989 sea- -The 31 point loss by the Mustangs was the second -Posted his second straight 100 yard rushing game son. That win in 1989 broke a SMU six-game win- largest in school history in an opener. SMU lost to with 101 in the season opener against Navy. ning streak against the Red Raiders from 1981 to TCU 43-0 in 1915. -Appeared in nine games as a sophomore and was 1985. Texas Tech is 72-54-2 against the current -SMU first year head coach Phil Bennett is no second on the team with 421 rushing yards in 2001. WAC membership while SMU is 127-162-21 ver- stranger to the Big 12. He came to SMU from Kan- John Hampton, Sr., Tight End sus Big 12 members. sas State where he was defensive coordinator. The -Caught three passes for 43 yards and one TD against Texas A&M graduate also has coaching stints at Navy in the opener last weekend. The Coaches A&M, Iowa State, and Oklahoma. -Moved into 15th place on the school career recep- Texas Tech: Mike Leach (Brigham Young, 1983) tions list with 84. Hampton’s 1,067 career receiv- 14-12 (3rd season) overall ing yards are 16th on the SMU list. 14-12 (3rd season) at Tech Allen Adami, So., Defensive Tackle 0-0 vs. SMU -Led SMU with 13 tackles which included one TFL 0-2 in bowl games in the season opener against Navy. -A redshirt freshman who saw action in eight games SMU: Phil Bennett (Texas A&M, 1978) in 2001. 0-1 (1st season) overall 0-1 (1st season) at SMU The Broadcast 0-0 vs. Texas Tech Brian Jensen, John Harris and Mark Finkner on the 0-0 in bowl games Texas Tech Radio Network.

Ticket Availability Tickets are available via Texas Tech web site at texastech.com or 888-462-4412 KANSAS at UNLV, 9 p.m. (CDT), Sam Boyd Stadium (36,800), Las Vegas, Nevada

Records & Rankings Kansas Quick Hits Kansas Key Individuals Kansas – 0-1, 0-1 Big 12 Conference, unranked -Kansas lost its season and opener at Iowa State Brandon Rideau, So., Wicde Receiver UNLV – 0-1, 0-0 Mountain West Conference, 45-3 in Ames last weekend. KU has lost four of its -Was KU’s leading receiver against Iowa State with unranked last five season openers. four receptions for 30 yards. -Kansas had 11 players make their first season start -Had two receptions for 55 yards in 2001 which The Series at Iowa State last Saturday and a total of 18 new- included a 46 TD catch against Wyoming. First Meeting comers saw action in the game. Remuise Johnson, Jr., Cornerback -Kansas is now 57-49-7 in season openers. -Recorded his first career interception against Iowa Notes: Kansas is meeting two non-conference foes -KU head coach is no stranger to State in the season opener. for the first time in football this season – UNLV the Big 12 as he had stints at Kansas State and -A transfer from Garden City (Kan.) CC who was a and Bowling Green on Sept. 21. Kansas has faced Oklahoma prior to taking the post at Kansas. redshirt last fall due to injury. six teams from the Mountain West Conference in Johnny Beck, So., Kicker football and has a 12-5-1 record against the confer- UNLV Quick Hits -Hit a 28 yard field goal for KU in the season opener ence. The last time KU faced a Mountain West team -UNLV lost to Wisconsin 27-7 in a shortened game. at Iowa State. was last year with a 27-24 win against Wyoming in The lights at Sam Boyd Stadium went out with -A Lou Groza Award candidate in 2002 who made the season finale. UNLV is 1-8 against members of seven minutes to play due to a power outage. 14 field goals and 16 PATs last season. the Big 12 with the one win against Baylor in 1999 -UNLV’s crowd of 42,075 for the Wisconsin game (27-24). was the largest in the state of Nevada to see a team UNLV Key Individuals sports event. Jason Thomas, Sr., Quarterback The Coaches -UNLV returns 14 starters from last year’s 4-7 team -Was UNLV’s leading rushing against Wisconsin Kansas: Mark Mangino (Youngstown State, 1987) which tied for fifth in the Mountain West Confer- going for 83 yards on 10 carries. 0-1 (1st season) overall ence. -Ranks in the Top 10 on UNLV’s career passing 0-1 (1st season) at Kansas -UNLV head coach John Robinson is the only Divi- charts with 3,199 yards. 0-0 vs. Iowa State sion I-A coach to currently wear two hats of head Joe Haro, Sr., Running Back 0-0 in bowl games coach and . Robinson has taken -Rushed for 34 yards on seven carries and one TD two different schools – Southern California and in the opener against Wisconsin. UNLV: John Robinson (Oregon, 1958) UNLV – to bowl appearances and is 8-1 in bowl -Rushed for 1,107 yards last year to become the first 119-55-4 (16th season) overall games as a head coach. Rebel to accomplish the feat since 1985 (Kirk 15-20 (4th season) at UNLV Jones). 0-0 vs. Kansas Ahmad Briggs, Sr., Defensive End 8-1 in bowl games -Blocked a field goal and had one TFL against Wis- consin in the season opener. -Is UNLV’s active sack leader with 6.5 and is the lone returning starter along the defensive line from 2001.

The Broadcast Bob Davis, Max Falkenstien and David Lawrence on the Kansas Radio Network;

Ticket Availability Tickets are available via the Kansas ticket office at 800-34-HAWKS or online at www.kuathletics.com.