TCU QB Trevone Boykin
(2,680) TCU @ West Va: The nation’s number one offense can be found in Fort Worth Texas and is piloted by quarterback Trevone Boykin. Boykin was a player who the team considered moving to receiver after their offensive scheme change, and the coaching staff has to be happy that they didn’t do it. How good has Boykin been? Through seven games he’s accumulated 2,680 total yards. That’s more than 500 yards ahead of Cam Newton’s pace in 2010, and 20 yards better than Johnny Manziel’s insane pace in 2012. Boykin has 21 touchdowns and 3 ints. Manziel at this point had 14 touchdowns and 6 ints. In their only conference road game thus far, TCU scored 58 points in a loss at Baylor. West Virginia is 3-1 at home, and have split their top 10 matchups against Oklahoma (L) and Baylor (W).
(10.6) Auburn @ Ole Miss: Who is going to get more stops in the Auburn @ Ole Miss game? Ole Miss comes into the game with the best defense in college football allowing just 10.5 points per game this season. Against their five SEC opponents thus far, they’ve only given up 10.6 points per game in going 4-1. The most points they’ve surrender thus far this season was on the road at Texas A&M when they gave up 20 points. Auburn’s offense has been fantastic this season but their defense has struggled in recent weeks. Auburn has averaged 35.3 points a game in their last three SEC games, but has given up 36.5 in their past two. Whichever team’s defense can get a few stops will give their team a decided advantage.
(55.7%) Arizona @ Dallas: The Arizona Cardinals are a tough team that’s very well coached. The Cardinals have won with backup quarterbacks and with injuries and suspensions on defense. The most consistent thing they do is stop the run, as they allow the third fewest rushing yards per game. Dallas is #1 in the league at running the football, and they’ll need to whether Tony Romo starts or not. The most impressive statistic for Dallas is that they’re number one in the NFL at converting third downs…55.7%. Whoever starts will have to ride the run game, if it works vs Arizona, and setup manageable third downs.
(6th) Denver @ New England: When the Denver Broncos matchup with the New England Patriots on Sunday it’ll be another example of how there is only one thing that affects elite quarterbacks: pressure. The biggest difference in this Denver team and last year is that the pass rush has returned with a healthy Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. The Broncos led the NFL in 2012 with 52 sacks, but fell to 13th last year. This year they’re 6th in the NFL. The Patriots get after quarterbacks to, ranking in the top 10 as well. This game for me will be decided by who can create more issues for the opposing quarterback on third down.
(137.6) Ravens @ Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger is hot. Crazy level quarterbacking hot. In his last two games Big Ben has eight touchdowns against zero interceptions and has thrown for nearly 800 yards. His quarterback rating over the past two games is 137.6. INSANE. The Baltimore Ravens are just 22nd in the NFL against the pass. Look for the Steelers to attempt to continue their aerial circus against the Ravens primary weakness.