Michigan at Ohio State
The Wolverines are not only out of the National Championship picture, but they are also out of the Rose Bowl picture. This is a team that traditionally wins at least eight games per season and plays in a January 1st game. That may not be the case if they lose to the Buckeyes here.
Ohio State is in line to play for all the marbles if they can get by their arch nemesis this weekend. Jim Tressel saved his season a year ago by beating the Wolverines in Ann Arbor. Now he is expected to win and by a margin.
Make no mistake, this is Michigan's bowl game. They know by knocking off the Buckeyes their mediocre season will be saved. Very similar to last year when Ohio State entered this game with just a 6-4 record. Ohio State simply doesn't have enough offensive talent to lay points into a better scoring Michigan unit. Points will be at a premium in such an intense game. The underdog has cashed the last three meetings, winning the past two years outright. Ohio State's season tumbles down at the hands of their biggest rival.
Take Michigan.
USC at UCLA
The Trojans of USC look to be back to where they were a decade ago. They have a stifling defense and a very productive scoring unit. This is by far the best team they have had in years. Pete Carroll has turned this program around and they will be a force for the foreseeable future.
UCLA on the other hand has been a hard team to figure out. They win when little is expected and lose when they should dominate. This is the most important game of the season for the Bruins, but do they have enough talent to pull the upset?
UCLA had a bye last week and have another off day next Saturday. Therefore Bob Toledo should have them fully prepared. The host has cashed 9 of the past 12 meetings, plus the dog is 11-2 in this series. The Bruins are also playing with shutout revenge for a 27-0 white washing last year on the road. That said, UCLA simply doesn't have the talent to derail this USC express. The Trojans may have the best team not getting National Championship recognition. USC runs their winning streak to four straight over UCLA.
Take USC.
Texas Tech at Oklahoma
The Red Raiders are coming off a huge win over rival Texas last week. That broke a three game series losing streak in which they were outscored 139-31!! After three straight home games not sure they will be able to get up vs. the Sooners here.
This is Oklahoma's only home game in a four game span, and their last of the season. While the Sooners have been a money burner in the role of home favorite, they will take no prisoners today. With Texas Tech continually burning a pretty solid Texas defense last week, you can be assured coach Stoops will have a gameplan to slow down Kingsbury. Texas Tech has been held to a combined 26 points the past two years, look for Oklahoma to continue their defensive success.
Take Oklahoma.
Washington at Washington State
The Huskies have come to life!! After being one of the biggest disappointments for most of the year, Washington has pulled off back-to-back upsets of Oregon State and Oregon. Now they take on their in-state rival Washington State for the Apple Cup. Washington has won each of the last four years in this series by at least a touchdown, but this will be the best Cougar team they have faced.
Other than a loss at Ohio State in September, nothing bad can be said about this season in Pullman. With a victory here the Cougars have a great chance to be included in the BCS Bowls. But they still have dangerous trips to Hawaii and UCLA on deck. Washington State enters here off a bye, so they should be well rested.
That said, we must side with the rejuvenated Huskies. Before the season Washington and Washington State were considered the frontrunners for the PAC 10 crown. While the Cougars have lived up to their potential, Washington has struggled. A win here for coach Neuheisel can make his season, and he has performed well when catching points. Look for this to go down to the wire with the team having possession last gaining the victory.
Take Washington.
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| Bryan Leonard |
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Bryan Leonard, the publisher of The Pigskin Report Football
Newsletter will once again join us this season for his College
Football selections, as well as his NCAA Power Ratings. For a
free copy of his football newsletter call Bryan at 1-800-514-
8859, or visit him at www.footballwinners.com
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