Nebraska Cornhuskers 2011 Non-Conference update: Week 9

Nebraska's non-conference opponents went 2-1 this past weekend. Tennessee-Chattanooga laid an egg versus Furman for the only loss. This week bring Oregon to Seattle and TCU to Laramie.

Tennessee-Chattanooga - Last week - Furman (L, 7-14). This week @Samford.

Small errors doom UTC in loss | timesfreepress.com

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's offensive numbers in Saturday's 14-7 loss to Furman were the Mocs' worst of the season by a wide margin. UTC's passing game was almost nonexistent, while the running game struggled to break free for big yardage. In the end the Mocs (4-5, 2-4 Southern Conference) finished with a season-low 169 yards of offense -- 61 yards less than the 230 they managed at Nebraska in the season opener.

UTC offensive line ‘a sieve’ | timesfreepress.com

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offensive line had been playing well since Terrell Robinson took over at quarterback against Georgia Southern on Oct. 8. But the problems that plagued the line before B.J. Coleman’s shoulder injury — poor pass protection and little room to run — showed up again Saturday in the Mocs’ 14-7 loss to Furman.

Fresno State - Last week - Bye. This week vs. Louisiana Tech.

Bulldogs come off bye ready to go - Fresno State Bulldogs - fresnobee.com

There are several ways to define the word "break," as in taking a break, time off, vacation or a full-on, get-away-from-everything escape. So in one sense, the Fresno State Bulldogs got one toward the end of last week, finally getting a bye following fall camp and playing games eight consecutive weeks. But for safety Terrance Dennis and some of his teammates, the three days off weren't exactly downtime -- physically, yes, but not mentally -- not after the way they had played in a loss at Nevada and not with Louisiana Tech coming up next on the schedule.

Fresno State will need a little help if they are going to win the WAC this year. The loss to Nevada stings, but they are hoping to get back on track this week.

Washington - Last week - Arizona (W, 42-31). This week vs. Oregon.

Huskies bowl eligible again | Tri-City Herald - The News Tribune

After three hours and 20 minutes, a combined 913 yards, seven turnovers, and three laborious replay reviews, the Washington Huskies finally accomplished one big goal Saturday night -- getting bowl eligible.

Washington ready for challenge of No. 6 Ducks - seattlepi.com

Saturday night is the final game at Husky Stadium prior to an 18-month, $250 million renovation project. Along with acknowledging the history of the stadium, the school is also honoring the 20th anniversary of the 1991 Huskies that shared the national title with Miami. Washington has played two ranked teams this season. Both times, at Nebraska and at Stanford, it was blown out, allowing 116 points in the two games. Saturday will also be a chance for Washington to end a streak. The Huskies have lost seven consecutive games against Oregon, all by at least 20 points.

Washington has a tough game this week that will probably be used to compare Oregon and Stanford for their game against each other the following week. Maybe the Huskies can pull out a shocker.

Wyoming - Last week - San Diego State (W, 30-27). This week vs. TCU.

Cowboys defense steps up against San Diego

Wyoming’s defense took the field knowing exactly what was at stake. If the Cowboys forced one more stop, they’d leave Qualcomm Stadium as stunning victors for the second time in three years. With that in mind, senior defensive end Josh Biezuns sacked San Diego State Ryan Lindley on one play, hurried Lindley to force an errant throw on the second and then senior cornerback Tashaun Gipson held Marcus Russell to a short gain on third down. On fourth, junior safety Luke Anderson broke up a pass intended for Gavin Escobar, preserving a 30-27 victory over the Aztecs.

Been there before - Wyoming Tribune Eagle Online

In 2009, the University of Wyoming football team won at San Diego State 30-27 for its fifth victory of the season. The Cowboys won their final game at Colorado State two weeks later to become bowl eligible, and then defeated Fresno State 35-28 in double overtime in the New Mexico Bowl. Last Saturday night, the Cowboys won their fifth game of the 2011 season with a 30-27 win at San Diego State.

Seven regular season wins is very possible for Wyoming (Colorado State, New Mexico) and there's a chance for an eighth with vs. Air Force.