Nine former Wildcats figure into significant roles this weekend for their respective major college football programs.

Rex Burkhead, a true sophomore, is expected to have an increased role at running back for No. 9 Nebraska this season. The Cornhuskers host Western Kentucky at 6 p.m. Saturday in an FSN pay-per-view. He is the primary backup to starter Roy Helu Jr.

In other games including teams ranked in the USA Today/Coaches Poll, No. 12 Wisconsin will meet Nevada-Las Vegas and defensive end Beau Brence at 7 p.m. Saturday in a game to be televised on Versus. Utah State and Maxim Dinka will travel to meet No. 8 Oklahoma at 4 p.m. Saturday. Dinka, a hard-hitting safety at Plano, had been moved up to linebacker and now starts at defensive end.

Howard travels to meet Holy Cross and starting inside linebacker C.J. Martin at 2 p.m. Saturday.

A pair of brothers should be among the former Plano products to see playing time in the opening weekend of the college season, as receiver Alex Lott will carry North Texas into a meeting with Clemson at 2:30 p.m. in a game to be televised on ESPNU. Kris Lott could see time at receiver for Stephen F. Austin as they travel to meet Texas A&M at 6 p.m. Saturday. The team has a crowded receiving corps, but Lott was competing for a starting job this spring and summer.

The opening week could also answer a burning question around the Plano fieldhouse. Carson Meger was a hot-button subject this spring, rising from a walk-on deep on the quarterback depth chart at Texas-El Paso to a scholarship player. It remains somewhat unclear whether he will be the No. 2 or 3 quarterback, but performing the way he did this spring if given an opportunity Saturday in a 6 p.m. game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff could solidify the primary backup spot for the redshirt freshman.

The other question is not if, but how much will Matt Nicholson play. The linebacker will start for Houston in a 7 p.m. home game against Texas State, but the team so far has been careful with his touches after knee injuries ended his past two seasons. Houston just missed a top 25 spot in the USA Today poll, coming in at No. 27. Nicholson, a former program walk-on in his final season, has been selected as a defensive captain.

The weekend will end with Blake McJunkin playing for SMU in a 2:30 p.m. Sunday game at Texas Tech on ESPN. McJunkin had been in an offensive line battle that it appeared he had lost at one point, but he will reportedly get the nod at center in the season opener. A noteworthy item concerning McJunkin, the former all-state lineman at Plano plays close enough to home that he was able to take in most of the spring scrimmages and the fall season opener at Plano. See our complete alumni list here.

Following is a glance at the Plano products seeing playing time at their respective colleges.

Beau Brence, Nevada-Las Vegas

Beau Brence saw action in his sixth game of the season as a redshirt freshman, but UNLV (2-4) continued to struggle in a 59-21 loss to BYU. The Rebels have lost their past three games after a 2-1 start to the season. UNLV will attempt to end the streak Saturday as it hosts Utah in a game to be broadcast on The Mountain network.

Rex Burkhead, Nebraska

A tough break has befallen all-everything Rex Burkhead, as the true freshman was injured in practice this week, as noted in this press conference video. The Omaha World-Herald discusses how difficult it will be to replace Burkhead. It could be a committee of backs who will be asked to shoulder Burkhead’s load, including Trinity product Dontrayevous Robinson. Burkhead was noted for being a tough, clutch player as a true freshman.

Maxim Dinka, Utah State

Maxim Dinka saw action last week but was not credited with a tackle in a 20-17 Utah State loss at New Mexico State. Utah State (1-4) meets Nevada on Saturday.

Aric Flowers, Nicholls State

Aric Flowers made his fifth start of the season last week at offensive guard for Nicholls State in a 44-21 loss at Sam Houston State. Nicholls State (1-4) will attempt to snap a three-game losing skid Saturday at Texas State.

Greg Harrell, Austin College

Greg Harrell continues to be Austin College’s most reliable receiver. He caught another touchdown pass last week as part of 65 yards on three receptions as Austin College (3-3) stopped a three-game losing skid in a 31-21 victory over University of the South. Harrell has 354 yards and three touchdowns on 19 receptions this season. He has 229 more yards than the No. 2 receiver on the team. Austin College hosts Birmingham-Southern on Saturday.

Alex Lott, North Texas

Alex Lott pulled down one receptions last week for North Texas in a 38-34 loss at Louisiana-Lafayette. North Texas (1-4) will attept to snap a four-game losing streak when it meets Florida Atlantic on Saturday in Denton. The game will be broadcast on the Sun Belt Network.

Blake McJunkin, SMU

Blake McJunkin continues to make the most of his opportunities in a reserve role. He saw action for the fifth straight game this season and 15^th straight overall game as SMU defeated East Carolina, 28-21, last week. SMU (3-2) meets Navy on Saturday at Ford Stadium in Dallas.

Kenny Watkins, North Dakota

Kenny Watkins saw action last week but was not credited with a tackle for North Dakota in a 31-24 win over Stony Brook in the Potato Bowl. North Dakota (3-2) will meet Sioux Falls on Saturday as it aims for its third straight victory.

Among the others standing out at smaller schools this season are Greg Harrell at Austin College and LaRon Kelly at Cisco Junior College, both with team-high statistical totals.

Following is a glance at players expected to see time in collegiate games this week.

Beau Brence, Nevada-Las Vegas

Beau Brence has been credited for one tackle while appearing in five games this season on special teams as a redshirt freshman. UNLV (2-3) will attempt to snap a two-game losing streak Saturday as it hosts BYU. The game will be broadcast on The Mountain network.

Rex Burkhead, Nebraska

Rex Burkhead has compiled 232 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in his true freshman season at Nebraska as the primary backup at halfback to Roy Helu Jr. The Nebraska record for all-purpose yards by a freshman is 1,259 held by Ahman Green. Burkhead has 84 yards rushing and 62 yards receiving with a touchdown both rushing and receiving. He has averaged 24.3 yards on three punt returns. No. 21 Nebraska (3-1) was idle last week and meets No. 24 Missouri (4-0) at 8 p.m. Thursday in a nationally-televised game on ESPN.

Maxim Dinka, Utah State

Maxim Dinka has appeared in all four games this season for Utah State and has been credited with a pair of tackles. He faces a reunion of sorts Saturday as Utah State (1-3) travels to New Mexico State, which features freshman kicker Jordan Davenport of Plano West on its roster. Of course, Dinka and Davenport never played against each other in high school.

Aric Flowers, Nicholls State

Nicholls State (1-3) opens conference play Saturday at Sam Houston State in one of two games Nicholls State will play in Texas this season. Flowers, a starting offensive guard, has appeared in every game this season for Nicholls State.

Greg Harrell, Austin College

Greg Harrell has 259 yards on 12 receptions, an average of 21.6 yards per catch, and two touchdowns this season for Austin College. He leads the team in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, receiving yards per game and yards per catch among receivers with two or more receptions. Austin College (2-3) will attempt to break a three-game losing streak Saturday when it travels to University of the South.

LaRon Kelly, Cisco JC

LaRon Kelly’s two interceptions for Cisco Junior College is tied for the conference lead. Cisco is scheduled to play the Air Force junior varsity Friday.

Alex Lott, North Texas

Alex Lott has 10 catches for 77 yards, having appeared in all four games this season for North Texas. After picking up a win in its opener, North Texas (1-3) has lost three straight games. North Texas will attempt to even it’s record in conference play Saturday as it travels to Louisiana-Lafayette. The game will be broadcast on the Sun Belt Network.

C.J. Martin, Holy Cross

C.J. Martin has appeared in all four games this season for Holy Cross and has been credited for three tackles. Holy Cross (4-0) will attempt to remain unbeaten as it travels Saturday to Brown.

Blake McJunkin, SMU

Blake McJunkin has appeared in all four games this season for SMU, running his streak of consecutive games played to 14. SMU (2-2) hosts East Carolina on Saturday.

Matt Nicholson, Houston

The Houston Chronicle has reported that Matt Nicholson will be eligible for a medical redshirt. The senior was lost for the season in Houston’s third game. Because his injury came early enough in the season, he would qualify for a medical redshirt and could play the 2010 season.

Kenny Watkins, North Dakota

Kenny Watkins has appeared in two games this season for North Dakota and has been credited for three tackles. North Dakota (2-2) won its homecoming over South Dakota last week and will meet Stony Brook on Saturday.

Here’s a glance at some of the happenings for former Wildcats in last week’s games and a look at the games they’ll be playing in Saturday.

Beau Brence, UNLV

Beau Brence played in his fourth straight game last week for UNLV, but the Rebels (2-2) lost to Wyoming, 30-27. UNLV travels to Nevada-Reno this week before playing in seven straight televised games to close the season.

Rex Burkhead, Nebraska

Rex Burkhead turned in his best performance to date with 112 total yards and a touchdown last week as Nebraska defeated Louisiana-Lafayette, 55-0. Burkhead had 59 return yards to go with 27 yards rushing on 6 carries and 26 yards receiving on 4 catches, including a touchdown grab. Nebraska is idle this week. Burkhead is said to be relishing opportunities as the backup halfback and the first impression he has made has been noted. Omaha.com weighs in on Burkhead in a two-deep return scheme.

Aric Flowers, Nicholls State

Aric Flowers made another start at right guard last week, but Nicholls State failed to contain Jacksonville State in a 60-10 loss. Nicholls State (1-3) is idle this week.

Greg Harrell, Austin College

Greg Harrell turned in another big touchdown catch to go along with 42 yards on three receptions, but Austin College fell, 34-27, to Centre College. Austin College (2-2, 0-2) has lost consecutive games to open conference play. Harrell’s 30-yard touchdown catch tied the game at 27-27 with 4:05 left in the fourth quarter, but Centre College responded.

Alex Lott, North Texas

Alex Lott caught a pair of passes last week for North Texas, but Middle Tennessee proved to be too much in a 37-21 loss. Lott has 10 catches this season. North Texas (1-3) is idle this week before meeting Louisiana-Lafayette Oct. 10.

C.J. Martin, Holy Cross

C.J. Martin, who has played in all three games this season, and Holy Cross will return to action this week at Northeastern. Holy Cross (3-0) puts its unbeaten record on the line following an off week.

Blake McJunkin, SMU

Blake McJunkin, who has played in all three games this season, will get an opportunity to see action Saturday for SMU (2-1) against TCU (3-0). SMU makes the trip to Fort Worth. McJunkin has appeared in 13 straight games for SMU. It will be the first major test for SMU, as TCU enters as the No. 11 team in the nation. SMU’s lone loss came two weeks ago in overtime to Washington State.

Matt Nicholson, Houston

Matt Nicholson collected what seemed to be a drive-ending interception last week and then suffered what is expected to be a season-ending injury later during the drive, but Houston defeated Texas Tech, 29-28, and has risen to the No. 12 team in the country. Nicholson was a team captain. The Houston Chronicle notes the play of Nicholson and that the linebacker promises on Facebook that fans haven’t seen the last of him.

Kenny Watkins, North Dakota

Kenny Watkins recovered a fumble for his first takeaway this season, but North Dakota fell, 65-31, last week to Stephen F. Austin. North Dakota (1-2) meets South Dakota this week.

Have you noted the play of a Plano Wildcat in college that we missed or have photos of a alumni player to share? E-mail editor@planofootball.com.

He had one of the best performances among Plano alumni Saturday. Lott matched a single-game career high with seven receptions against Ohio and turned in his second-highest single-game receiving yards total.

Other Plano products who stood out Saturday included Nebraska’s Rex Burkhead in more limited action than last week and Austin College’s Greg Harrell with another three receptions.

Following is a glance at the performances of Plano Wildcat products on college gridirons last week: 

Abilene Christian 20, A&M-Commerce 14 (OT)

Dan DeVega continued his streak of consecutive games played as he saw action as the deep snapper Saturday for A&M-Commerce in a 20-14 overtime loss to Abilene Christian at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl.

A&M-Commerce (0-3) will attempt to pick up its first win of the season Saturday at Eastern New Mexico.

Austin College 30, McMurry State 27

Greg Harrell caught three passes and assisted on a tackle Saturday as Austin College defeated McMurry State, 30-27. With the win, Austin College (2-0) remained unbeaten.

Harrell has three receptions in each game this season. He has six receptions for 114 yards.

Holy Cross 52, Sacred Heart 21

C.J. Martin played but was not credited for a tackle Saturday as Holy Cross defeated Sacred Heart, 52-21, in the second game of a three-game homestand to open Holy Cross’ season.

Holy Cross hosts Harvard at noon Saturday in a game of significance for Plano. Ryan Burkhead starts on defense for Harvard, while Martin plays linebacker for Holy Cross. Martin played as a sophomore for Plano in 2005, while Burkhead was a starter at defensive end. The game will be Harvard’s season opener.

Houston 45, Oklahoma State 35

Matt Nicholson recorded two tackles Saturday in one of the biggest upsets of the college football season thus far.

Houston vaulted to a 24-7 halftime lead and held on to defeat then No. 5 Oklahoma State. It was Houston’s first win over a top 25 team in 25 years.

Nicholson has three solo tackles and three assists this season.

Nebraska 38, Arkansas State 9

There was a reduced workload for Rex Burkhead in his second game as a true freshman, but the Nebraska halfback continued to make the most of his opportunities in a 38-9 victory Saturday over Arkansas State.

Burkhead had three carries for 18 yards rushing. He also had a pass reception for 11 yards and returned one punt for 14 yards. He has 91 total yards this season.

The freshman will play as the primary backup to Roy Helu Jr. this week in his first nationally-televised game on ABC as No. 19 Nebraska meets No. 13 Virginia Tech at 2:30 p.m.

Nicholls State 14, Duquesne 7

Aric Flowers started his 12^th career game Saturday at right guard as Nicholls State responded from a loss in its season opener with a 14-7 victory in its home opener over Duquesne.

Nicholls State travels Saturday to Louisiana State.

Ohio 31, North Texas 30 (2 OT)

Alex Lott matched a career-high with 7 receptions for 61 yards Saturday as North Texas lost, 31-30, to Ohio in its home opener.

Ohio rallied from a 17-6 deficit and North Texas forced overtime with a field goal with 46 seconds left. A two-point conversion pass in the second overtime lifted Ohio to victory.

Lott now ranks second for North Texas this season in receptions with eight. He has 74 yards receiving on the season. North Texas meets No. 4 Alabama at 11:20 a.m. Saturday.

Oregon State 23, Nevada-Las Vegas 21

Beau Brence saw action in consecutive games to start the season, but was not credited with a tackle Saturday as UNLV fell, 23-21, to Oregon State.

UNLV plays host Saturday to Hawaii.

SMU 35, Alabama-Birmingham 33

Blake McJunkin saw action in his second game this season as SMU held on to defeat Alabama-Birmingham, 35-33, Saturday.

SMU led 28-7 at halftime, but UAB scored 20 unanswered points in the third quarter before SMU put the game away in the fourth quarter.

McJunkin started at center in the final 10 games last season, but is currently playing behind Mitch Enright.

Southern Miss 26, Central Florida 19

Justin Jordan did not see action Saturday in his second game with Southern Miss. The junior college All-American wide receiver became eligible to practice with the team less than two weeks ago and head coach Larry Fedora has said Jordan could expect to see playing time as soon as the team can catch him up on their system. But, Jordan’s teammates already know about his game-breaking speed.

Southern Miss hosts Virginia this week in a game televised on CBS. It might be possible that Jordan could play in the game.

Dan DeVega will make his closest appearance to home in some time Saturday as A&M-Commerce (0-2) meets Abilene Christian at 5 p.m. in the Harvey Martin Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

He will appear in the game as a deep snapper, though it is unclear if he will play on offense. He is entrenched as the snapper on punts and kicks.

Arkansas State at Nebraska

Rex Burkhead, the all-time leading rusher at Plano, made an immediate impact in his first game as a true freshman.

Rex Burkhead, left, is pictured with former Wildcat player Ryan Campbell after last week's Nebraska victory.

He earned 11 touches in a reserve role for Nebraska (1-0) behind starting halfback Roy Helu Jr. The true freshman had nine carries for 39 yards and a reception for nine yards.

Nebraska will play consecutive home games to open the season, as it hosts Arkansas State at 1 p.m. Saturday. Burkhead’s first appearance in a nationally-televised game will be next week at Virginia Tech.

Central Florida at Southern Miss

Justin Jordan was cleared to begin practicing just three days before Southern Miss’ season opener last week, and so couldn’t be acclimated in time to see action.

Southern Miss (1-0) plays its second of three straight home games to open the season at 6 p.m. Saturday against Central Florida. It is still unclear whether Jordan will be ready to go for the game.

Jordan was a junior college All-American wide receiver last season and figured into a prominent role in the offense this season.

Duquesne at Nicholls State

Aric Flowers will start Saturday for Nicholls State in the team’s home opener. Nicholls State (0-1) will attempt to respond from a 72-0 loss at Air Force in the season opener. Nicholls State meets Duquesne at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Flowers is in his senior season as the returning right tackle. He made eight starts at right tackle last season.

Houston at Oklahoma State

Matt Nicholson had four tackles last week as Houston got the season started with a 55-7 victory over Northwestern State.

Houston (1-0) travels to Oklahoma State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net. It is the first of two games on Houston’s schedule against a Big 12 opponent. After a bye week Houston will host Texas Tech.

North Dakota at Northwestern State

Kenny Watkins opened the season with three tackles last week as North Dakota lost, 38-13, at Texas Tech.

The first three games on North Dakota’s schedule are on the road and all as close as possible to home games for Watkins. North Dakota (0-1) travels to Northwestern State (0-1) at 6 p.m. Saturday and then plays at Stephen F. Austin State the following week.

Ohio at North Texas

Alex Lott figures to have more of a role on offense this week as North Texas (1-0) hosts Ohio at 6 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on TXA-21.

Lott opened the season with one catch for 13 yards in an upset over Ball State last week. But, Lott was the top returning receiver from last season for North Texas.

Sacred Heart at Holy Cross

C.J. Martin made a tackle in a reserve linebacking role last week as Holy Cross (1-0) picked up a win over Georgetown.

Holy Cross hosts Sacred Heart at 2 p.m. Saturday. Harvard and Plano alum Ryan Burkhead open the season the following week at Holy Cross.

SMU at Alabama-Birmingham

Blake McJunkin saw time in a reserve role for SMU last week after starting the final 10 games of last season as the starter at center.

SMU (1-0) travels to face Alabama-Birmingham at 3 p.m. It is the first of a three-game road stretch for SMU.

Share photos with us of Plano alumni playing college football. E-mail editor@planofootball.com or photoed@planofootball.com.

Two other former Wildcats are awaiting their first action of the season. That could come next week for Justin Jordan as Southern Miss takes on Central Florida. Ryan Burkhead won’t see action at Harvard until the season opener Sept. 19.

Following is a glance at the performances and media coverage of former Wildcats on the opening weekend of the football season:

AUSTIN COLLEGE

Greg Harrell scored the season’s first touchdown Saturday as Austin College defeated Southwest Assemblies of God, 34-7.

Harrell had a 59-yard touchdown reception to put Austin College up, 7-0, late in the first quarter. He finished the game with three receptions for 92 yards.

HOLY CROSS

C.J. Martin recorded a tackle in a reserve role at linebacker for Holy Cross, which defeated Georgetown 20-7 in its season opener.

HOUSTON

Matt Nicholson made a solo tackle and had three assists Saturday as Houston defeated Northwestern State, 55-7, in its season opener. Nicholson was the starter at strongside linebacker and figures into a prominent role with the Cougars this season.

NEBRASKA

Rex Burkhead made the most of his opportunities Saturday as Nebraska opened the season with a 49-3 victory over Florida Atlantic.

The true freshman is the backup to starter Roy Helu Jr. and saw a good dose of action. He carried 9 times for 39 yards and a touchdown. He also had a 9-yard reception.

Burkhead and Cody Green seem to be the future backfield for Nebraska and some observed Burkhead looked like a veteran in his first game. Helu and Burkhead were each noted for their play by Nebraska coach Bo Pelini.

Burkhead had one touchdown and was close to a second pictured here. He was noted for looking a lot like Helu and maybe even inspiring the veteran.

And with the Plano ISD posting an 0-5 record on the gridiron in the first two weeks, Matthew Haag asks where’s Burkhead?

NICHOLLS STATE

Aric Flowers and Nicholls State took a tough loss to open the season as Air Force defeated the Colonels, 72-0, Saturday.

NORTH DAKOTA

Kenny Watkins had three solo tackles Saturday in his first game back in Texas since high school, but North Dakota lost, 38-13, to Texas Tech in its season opener.

But Watkins and Plano East’s Kris Ankenbauer figured to have a large cheering section at the game.

NORTH TEXAS

Alex Lott caught one pass for 13 yards in his first game Thursday as a scholarship player at North Texas, as his team got off to a 1-0 start with a 20-10 victory at Ball State. He’s the leading returning receiver from last season.

SMU

Blake McJunkin’s streak of consecutive starts ended Saturday as Mitch Enright started at center for SMU in a 31-23 victory over Stephen F. Austin State in the season opener. McJunkin saw time as a reserve. He started the final 10 games last season as a true freshman.

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Justin Jordan was cleared Wednesday by the NCAA to begin practicing with Southern Miss, but didn’t dress in a 52-0 win Saturday over Alcorn State. A junior college All-American last season, Jordan figures into a prominent role with Southern Miss.

UTAH STATE

Maxim Dinka saw action as a reserve in Utah State’s season opener, a 35-17 loss to Utah. He has moved from linebacker to safety.

It all gets going Thursday with three nationally televised games and many more through the weekend. If depth chart projections hold true, the opening weekend of the college football season could hold plenty of opportunity to catch a glimpse of former Plano football standouts.

Thursday Games

 Saturday Games

 Noteworthy