California 0-9 at No. 13 Stanford 6-2 (-24)
Why to watch: Stanford has won seven straight "Big Games"
and in a season where nothing has gone right for Cal, an upset win over Stanford will
erase all the bad memories. The Cardinal needs Washington to beat Washington State and
Oregon State to beat Oregon, but it still has a shot at a share of the Pac-10 title.
One reason why California might win: It's possible Cal has been saving
the real playbook and the real defensive game plan for Stanford. After two-and-a-half
months of keeping the plays that work under wraps, now the Bears will unleash the fury.
Stanford's pass defense is a bit suspect and maybe Cal can throw on them.
One reason why Stanford might win: To say Cal's defense is abysmal would
be an insult to the word. The Bears have given up close to 43 points per game, second to
last in the nation, and have no hope of stopping the Cardinal offense.
We think: Stanford hangs up 50+ points and won't take the Bears lightly.
Head coach Tyrone Willingham won't let that happen.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter):
2
Our Prediction: Stanford 55, California 20
Expanded Info: California went winless at home (0-6) for only
the second time in school history. The only other time it happened was 1959, when the
Bears went 0-5. ... Home teams are only 18-16 in Pac-10 contests this season. ... QB Kyle
Boller, who left Saturday's game after taking a hit in the jaw, and TB Terrell Williams,
who sat out for a while with a knee injury, should both be able to start against Stanford.
... Stanford was eliminated from Fiesta Bowl consideration thanks to Washington State's
win over Arizona State. ... Stanford S Colin Branch replaced the injured Simba Hodari and
finished with four tackles. Hodari is out indefinitely with a concussion suffered Nov. 3
at Washington. Willingham raised the ire of UW coaches this week by insinuating that the
hit by Huskies WR Charles Frederick may not have been clean. ... CB Ruben Carter injured
his left wrist, and his status is uncertain.
No. 15 Colorado is idle
Alabama 4-5 at No. 17 Auburn 7-2 (–3)
Why to watch: Auburn wins the SEC West with a win. To the outsider, it would
appear that Auburn should walk all over its hated rival with the better record and playing
at home, but these two teams are closer than many would think. Auburn is still about a
year away from being really strong, yet the Tigers have continued to win with a strong
defense and the play of their great young running backs. Alabama still seems to be trying
to find its identity on offense and even though the Tide's record isn't much better than
last year's, this is a much better team.
One reason why Alabama might win: While he had a good game against Georgia, if
Auburn has to rely on QB Daniel Cobb, they're in trouble. He's at his best when the
running game is rolling and the defense is on its heels. Auburn ran 87 plays and possessed
the ball for 38:58 in last week's victory over Georgia due to the running game. The Tide
needs to control the clock and by stopping the Tigers’ running game, they'll do just
that.
One reason why Auburn might win: The Alabama pass defense was torched by LSU's
Rohan Davey and even Mississippi State's horrible passing game was effective last week. If
Cobb avoids making costly mistakes — he's thrown seven interceptions and six
touchdowns in the four games he's seen significant time in — we're not sold the Tide
can stop RB Carnell Williams and the Tigers’ offense.
We think: We see a slugfest with both defenses dominating. The biggest puzzler to
us this season is why Alabama doesn't put the ball in WR Freddie Milons' hands 10+ times a
game and now's the time to turn him loose. We think the game will be in the hands of Cobb
as we see the Tide slowing down, but not stopping Williams. We don't think Cobb will have
a huge game, but he'll be good enough for the Tigers to win at home.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 5
Our Prediction: Auburn 17, Alabama 13
Expanded info: When Auburn takes on Alabama this weekend, the Tigers will be
trying for consecutive Iron Bowl wins for the first time since the 1988 and ’89
seasons. Of the five games in this series played at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare stadium,
Auburn is 4-1, with its only loss coming in 1999 (28-17). … If the Tigers win their
28th Iron Bowl, they will ensure themselves a second consecutive trip to the
SEC Championship game and become the second team to have consecutive trips since Alabama
in 1992, ’93 and ’94. …The Tigers have the third-ranked rushing offense
(166.4 yards per game), and the third-ranked rushing defense (105.6 yards per game) in the
SEC. … Expect to see RB Carnell Williams running the ball extensively against
Alabama. The Tide’s run defense is solid, but Williams has shown himself to be a
special talent. ... The Crimson Tide leads the series 37-27-1. … Alabama will be
bringing the Southeastern Conference’s top-ranked ground attack (215.7 ypg.), and the
fifth-ranked run defense (123.3 ypg.). Along with that, the Crimson Tide sports the league
top-ranked, red-zone offense (scoring on 89.2 percent of possessions inside the 20-yard
line) and second-ranked, red-zone defense (allowing 69 percent scores on possessions
inside their 20-yard line). … Coach Dennis Franchione is considering giving RB
Santonio Beard the start against Auburn. If Beard doesn’t start, expect to see him
early and often. … If the Tide hopes to keep their slim bowl hopes alive, they will
need to do three things against Auburn: Run the ball, run the ball, and run the ball. Of
course, a pass now and then wouldn’t hurt, considering Auburn sports the SEC’s
third-ranked run defense.
No. 18 Virginia Tech 7-2 (-14.5) at Virginia 4-6
Why to watch: These two teams and programs hate each other and Virginia will be
extremely fired up for its rival. Virginia Tech needs to prove it can beat a decent team
on the road.
One reason why Virginia Tech might win: Virginia has found its passing game with
Bryson Spinner emerging as a strong quarterback and WR Billy McMullen one of the
underrated talents in college football, but with RB Antwoine Womack just about 100
percent, they'll be tempted to run the ball. The Hokies’ run defense will shut him
down while the Cavaliers don't have any prayer of stopping RB Kevin Jones and the
Hokies’ running game.
One reason why Virginia might win: We're still not sold on the Virginia Tech
offense. Sure they run wild on the average teams, but when teams have forced QB Grant Noel
to throw by stacking the line, he hasn't been able to produce. Yes, he had a good game
against Temple, but if he's a decent quarterback, he should be able to beat the bad
Virginia pass defense and we don't think he can.
We think: Virginia is a really tough team to figure out. It'll stay close on
emotion, but the Hokies’ defense is too good to lose to an offense that's so average.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 4
Our Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, Virginia 17
Expanded News: Virginia's late win over Georgia Tech has energized the program.
They're looking to the Virginia Tech game as a chance to build on the success for next
year. ... LB Angelo Crowell needs to make 15 tackles for the Virginia single-season
record. ... After the play against Tech, Spinner has the starting QB job all to himself.
... Head coach Frank Beamer revitalized the Virginia Tech defense by inserting six new
starters into the lineup last week. Not only did VT shut out Temple, the team played with
a spirit that has been lacking for the past two games. They will need the defense to play
well at Charlottesville against a Virginia team that put up 39 points last week. CB
DeAngelo Hall replaced suspended CB Ronyell Whitaker. CB Garnell Wilds replaced injured DB
Larry Austin. Most notably, DE Jim Davis replaced last year’s All-Big East DE
Nathaniel Adibi. Adibi has not played to coach’s expectations this season. Freshman
RB sensation Kevin Jones (613 yards) is now the starter based on his 155-yard performance
last week.
No. 19 Louisville 9-1 at East Carolina 6-3 (-2)
Why to watch: For those of you desperate for a playoff, this is as good as it
gets with one game, one shot at the Conference USA title and a berth in the Liberty Bowl.
East Carolina is trying to buck Louisville out of the king's chair and finally break
through as conference champions. Two of the nation's best quarterbacks, Dave Ragone and
David Garrard, will be on display.
One reason why Louisville might win: East Carolina's pass defense is lousy at best
and if Ragone gets rolling, the Pirates won't be able to stop him. With WRs Deion Branch,
Zek Parker and Ronnie Ghent all relatively healthy and at Ragone's disposal, he'll put on
a show.
One reason why East Carolina might win: While the Cards have played decent run
defense, we're not sold they can stop ECU RB Leonard Henry. Henry is one of the nation's
best-kept secrets, averaging more than 141 yards per game and he should run wild with the
national spotlight on him. The more he keeps rolling, the longer Ragone and the UL offense
stays off the field.
We think: The Louisville defensive ends will make all the difference. Dewayne White
will contain Garrard and pressure him all night. We know this might come back to bite us,
but we're still waiting for the Pirates to win a big game with everything on the line.
Sure Cincinnati was a nice win, but now they'll be sorely tested and as fired up as the
Pirates will be, we're going with the Cards because of Ragone.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 5
Our Prediction: Louisville 31, East Carolina 27
Expanded News: Look for Ragone to be extra fired up after being knocked out of
last year's game against the Pirates. ... Look for the Pirates to blitz more than usual.
ECU uses a 3-4 defense utilizing the speed at linebacker. ... UL S Anthony Floyd has been
amazing at returning punts in place of Branch. Floyd was named the conference's Special
Teams Player of the Week. ... East Carolina holds a 4-2 edge in the series. ... ECU P
Jarad Preston has been brilliant, leading Conference USA with a 44.6 yard average.
No. 20 UCLA 6-3 (–4) at USC 5-5
Why to watch: After starting the season 2-5, USC has won three straight and will
be eligible for a bowl game with a win. UCLA is trying to snap a three-game losing streak.
USC is going for a third straight win over the Bruins after losing eight in a row.
One reason why UCLA might win: If the Bruins don't turn the ball over, they'll be
impossible to beat. Against Stanford, the Bruins gave away two interceptions and lost two
fumbles. Against Washington State, five interceptions and two lost fumbles and against
Oregon, QB Cory Paus threw two interceptions. UCLA didn't turn the ball over in wins
against Alabama and California, but lost 11 fumbles in its other four wins. The Trojans
have forced 29 turnovers on the year and with an offense that sputters like theirs does,
they need the Bruins to give them the ball and field position.
One reason why USC might win: It's looking more and more like RB DeShaun Foster
won't play. Akil Harris will be a good one, but he's not Foster and while the Trojans
don't have the linebackers to stop a back like Foster, they do have the secondary to shut
down a mediocre Bruins receiving corps, even with DB Matt Ware seeing more playing time on
offense. UCLA WR Tab Perry is out with a rib injury and Paus is hurting with a bad
thumb.
We think: The UCLA defense will regain its good name with a dominating performance
against a punchless Trojans offense. USC hasn't really beaten anyone of note, destroying
the miserable Cal Bears, barely surviving against Oregon State and capitalizing on
mistakes to beat Arizona. Unless the Bruins screw up, we just don't think the Trojans can
penetrate the Bruins’ D.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 5
Our Prediction: UCLA 27, USC 17
Expanded Info: Expanded Info: USC has won four of its past five games to climb
to fifth place in the Pac-10 ahead of crosstown rival UCLA. The Trojans can earn a winning
season and a likely bowl game if they can beat the Bruins on Saturday. If the Trojans had
held on to late leads against Oregon or Washington, they already would have a winning
season and a bowl game wrapped up ... WR Keary Colbert remains sore from ankle injuries
suffered at Cal and Arizona. WR Grant Mattos ran well on his injured knee Monday but OT
Jacob Rogers has yet to show he can return from a hyperextended elbow. Carroll challenged
freshman TB Darryl Poston, slowed by a sore knee, to return to practice. Poston, however,
said he is still experiencing pain. ... Foster's chances of playing this weekend are
getting slimmer and slimmer. ... Thin at wide receiver, UCLA CB Matt Ware was used as a
wideout and also as a quarterback in a few situations against Oregon. Ware had four
carries for 22 yards on option plays and also caught a 49-yard pass from Paus in the
second quarter.
Clemson 5-4 at No. 22 South Carolina 7-3 (–4)
Why to watch: Both teams come in reeling in this hated rivalry as Clemson went
from ACC contender to fighting for bowl eligibility while South Carolina has to shake off
its embarrassing loss to Florida to close its regular season out on a high note. Who'll be
able to get off the mat and gear it up emotionally? These teams have been through the
ringer over the last few weeks, but the winner can right the ship.
One reason why Clemson might win: The Gamecocks win with a conservative running
attack and a fierce defense. With QB Woody Dantzler playing in his last game in the
rivalry, he should have a huge game. If the Tigers can slow down RBs Derek Watson, Andrew
Pinnock and Corey Jenkins, and if South Carolina needs to win through the air, we don't
think they can do it.
One reason why South Carolina might win: The Clemson supporting cast is shut down.
Sort of like a basketball game where the superstar gets 40 points, but the rest of the
team stands around and watches, Dantzler is going to get his rushing yards and have his
magical moments. USC can't stop that. The Gamecocks can stop RB Travis Zachery and the
solid, young Tigers receiving corps and if they can keep him from making big passing plays
when he's scrambling and make him run, the fast Gamecocks secondary should be able to keep
him from running too wild once he gets past the line.
We think: We're not so sure Clemson is all that great. The Tigers are extremely
young and when Dantzler isn't going wild, they don't have a chance. South Carolina must
get over the loss of LB Kalimba Edwards, who is out with a sprained knee, putting more
pressure on the linebackers to contain Dantzler. While we think they'll slow him down,
they won't stop him and won't force him to have the lousy game he had at Maryland last
week. Charles Hafley and the Clemson linebackers are good enough to play the USC running
game tough, but we think the emotion of the home crowd and the South Carolina defense will
be the difference.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 4
Our Prediction: South Carolina 27, Clemson 20
Expanded News: Clemson is relatively healthy going into the South Carolina
clash. LB Charles Hafley's pulled hamstring should be fine. On the flip side, South
Carolina is hurting big time and got Monday off to rest. ... For those who watched the
televised version of the Maryland game, the announcers gave the impression that Jovon Bush
and Nick Eason were fighting before the game. Actually, the two were just firing each
other up and there's no animosity. ... Freshman Derrick Hamilton will return more kickoffs
and should see more time returning punts. ... The South Carolina Gamecocks will limp into
their rivalry game against Clemson this weekend missing their defensive leader, likely
missing their offensive leader, and with other important personnel listed as questionable.
LB Kalimba Edwards has a knee sprain and will miss the Clemson game, and possibly
USC’s bowl game. QB Phil Petty has a shoulder sprain and is listed as doubtful
against Clemson. Coach Lou Holtz has left room for Petty to make a comeback against
Clemson. …This will mark the 99th meeting in the series, tied for 13th most-played in
NCAA history, and, at 93 games, the fourth-longest uninterrupted rivalry in NCAA Division
I-A. USC has lost four straight to the Tigers, and has not beaten Clemson in Columbia
since a 20-7 victory in 1987. … If Petty does not start, look for Corey Jenkins to
take over the signal-calling. Jenkins is an exceptional runner/athlete, but is still
working to fully grasp USC’s offensive system.
No. 23 Georgia 5-3 at Mississippi 6-2 (–2)
Why to watch: Two of the SEC's most amazing young quarterbacks square off as
Georgia's David Greene and Ole Miss' Eli Manning should put on a show. Both teams are
coming off tough losses as Georgia lost to Auburn helped by a brain-cramp while the Rebels
have had two weeks to stew over their classic, seven-overtime loss to Arkansas.
One reason why Georgia might win: Ole Miss can't stop the run. RB Musa Smith is
back from injury and, after being held in check by Auburn last week, he's due to break
out.
One reason why Mississippi might win: The Rebels don't get much credit, but their
pass defense has been nothing short of amazing. They lead the SEC by allowing only 141
yards per game. Sure the Rebels can't stop the run, but the Georgia passing game is more
lethal than its running attack.
We think: Georgia is a really, really good team, but Mississippi will be strong
after two weeks off. Both teams seem raring to get back out on the field to put their
losses behind them and maybe this is wishful thinking, but we're thinking this could be
another SEC classic.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 4.5
Our Prediction: Mississippi 27, Georgia 24
Expanded News: Georgia has won four straight over Ole Miss. The last seven
meetings have been decided by a total of 50 points, with the largest margin during that
time being last season's 32-14 UGA win. … Greene needs only 206 yards over his last
three games to surpass Quincy Carter’s UGA freshman passing record. … While the
Bulldogs’ air attack faces the SEC’s toughest pass defense, the Rebels will also
carry the league’s worst rushing defense, allowing 221.2 ypg. The prospect of RBs
Musa Smith and Jasper Sanks getting good yardage, combined with Greene’s passing,
could spell a long day for the Rebels’ defense. … Ole Miss will be the third
straight opponent the Bulldogs have faced this season that will have had two weeks to
prepare for them. ... A win Saturday would give Ole Miss five straight seasons with at
least seven wins for the first time since having 12 consecutive seasons with at least
seven victories from 1952-63. Ole Miss is off to a 6-2 start for the fourth straight year.
… Manning ranks fourth on the Ole Miss single-season list for passing yards with
2,216. He is 451 yards shy of Stewart Partridge's 1997 record of 2,667. Manning also
trails Partridge’s single-season record for total offense (2,559 yards) by 336 yards.
… The Rebels are outscoring their opponents 149-55 in the first and fourth quarters,
but only hold a 122-116 advantage in the second and third quarters. … Ole Miss will
counter UGA’s third-ranked passing attack (301.9 ypg) with the conference’s best
pass defense (141.5 ypg).
Ohio 1-8 at No. 24 Marshall 8-1 (–25)
Why to watch: Marshall is already set to go to the MAC title game, but QB Byron
Leftwich and the Thundering Herd won't let up now wanting revenge for last year's loss to
the Bobcats. Marshall also wants to stay in the Top 25 polls and maybe even move up.
One reason why Ohio might win: Ohio has nothing to lose and after weeks of playing
miserably bad football, maybe the Herd and their average running game will take the
Bobcats too lightly.
One reason why Marshall might win: No one is stopping Leftwich and the Herd’s
passing attack. With the way Ohio isn't scoring — they haven't scored in the last 10
quarters — Marshall could score the winning points on its first drive.
We think: This will be over by the end of the first half if Marshall takes this
game seriously. The Herd has a habit of phoning in games against lousy teams, but they'll
win this one without breathing hard.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 for the kids, get in line for Harry Potter): 2
Our Prediction: Marshall 42, Ohio 13
Expanded News: Leftwich usually does most of the throwing for Marshall, but he
was on the receiving end of an 11-yard toss from Brandon Carey against Miami last week.
Carey, a running back, threw two passes, both for touchdowns. ... Conference USA officials
have put off a decision to expand, meaning Marshall will remain in the MAC for at least
another season. ... Death, taxes and Marshall in the MAC title game. The school is already
taking orders for tickets even though the Herd doesn't know who it'll play yet. ... The
Bobcats have now gone 150 minutes without a score as disaster has befallen Athens. The
backbreaker was a fourth-quarter, 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Kent
State’s Shannon Davis as Ohio appeared to be in position to at least tie that game.
Since then, it appears the best option for the Bobcats’ triple-option attack has been
to punt on first down. … Ohio passed for a total of two yards against Buffalo. …
It only gets worse as trips to Marshall and a rescheduled journey to ACC contender North
Carolina State still lurk on the horizon.
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