USC, Iowa and Nebraska Looking To Play BCS Spoilers

Does USC’s defense have the conditioning to slow down Oregon’s offense?

Given recent history, the mere suggestion that the Trojans are major underdogs against the Ducks seems absurd.  The truth is USC will be lucky to keep this game close. 

Oregon’s high-powered, no-huddle, point-per-minute offense literally wears down the opponent’s defense.   USC’s 2004 defense would have trouble defending this attack.  The 2010 version, which is currently ranked 87^th in the FBS, will hang for a half like Stanford did, but in the end the Ducks will get the decisive victory.

Oregon 48-31.

Will Iowa step up and win a big game?

The Hawkeyes are at the crossroads of their season.  A win over the first place Spartans keeps them in the hunt for the Big Ten title.  A loss may send the team into a tailspin. 

Against the Badgers last week, the defense looked vulnerable for the first time all season.  They will have their work cut out for them because Cousins, Baker, Bell and Cunningham are all playing very well. 

Iowa is desperate and needs this win badly.  The Spartans are on a mission, and this game might be their last major hurdle to an undefeated season.  Expect a battle. 

Iowa will play inspired football, but Michigan State will continue its magical run with more last-minute heroics.  It is just that kind of season for the Spartans. 

Michigan State 27-24.

How will Taylor Martinez fare against Missouri’s defense?

Martinez rebounded last week against Oklahoma State, passing for 323 yards and rushing for 112.  Unfortunately for him, the Tigers defense is significantly better than the Cowboys defense. 

After knocking off Oklahoma last week, Missouri will probably have a little hangover at the beginning of this game.  Pelini should get Martinez comfortable quickly with easy passes and runs that will get him into a rhythm to build his confidence.  It will also get the crowd loud and nasty. 

Though he may not have the type of game he had last week, Martinez will show why he is special.  He will keep the Tigers defense off balance all afternoon.  Cornhuskers get the win and likely the Big 12 North title. 

Nebraska 35-28.

Can Baylor continue its surprising run in the Big 12 South by beating Texas in Austin?

The Bears are 6-2, bowl eligible for the first time since 1964, and sit alone in first place in the Big 12 South.  Not too many people expected that to happen.

Robert Griffin III is having a tremendous season.  He has 2400 yards passing with 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions.  His play is the primary reason why the Bears are fifth in total offense in the FBS. 

The Longhorns will give Griffin a stiff test.  They are coming off a monumental loss to Iowa State at home last week, and a second straight home loss would be devastating.  Furthermore, Mack Brown called out his coaches and players earlier in the week, so it is likely they will be playing with better intensity and focus.

Baylor will make this a close game, but Texas has just enough to win grind out the high scoring win.

Texas 41-45.

Who gets their first significant win of the season, Florida or Georgia?

Florida has dominated this series over the past 20 years, and the last two they have outscored Georgia 90-27.  That won’t happen this year. 

The Gators have lost three straight and seriously lack an identity on offense.  Fortunately, their defense is good enough to keep them in most games.

The Bulldogs were lousy in September, but appear to be playing better now.  However, their three straight wins are against teams with a combined record of 8-14, so how improved is still questionable.

With two weeks to prepare for the Bulldogs, it will be interesting to see if Meyer was able solve their offensive woes.  Showing improvement might be difficult because the Bulldog defense is good.  Chris Rainey’s return might help. 

Expect a low scoring game with the defenses being dominant.  The offense that makes the fewest mistakes, e.g. protecting the ball and the QB, will win the game.  Slight edge to the Bulldogs.

Georgia wins 21-17.