Saturday Forecast: Week 11
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by The Beast
(12) USC v. (24) California
This game has lost a lot of luster as both USC and Cal have struggled at times this season. Fortunately, for for the viewers' sake, id the fact that both teams are coming off good wins last weekend and appear to relatively healthy. While Cal's offense was hailed as the Pac Ten's best in September, Nate Longshore and company have struggled over the past four weeks. Against Arizona State, they were shut out in the second half, and against UCLA they were held to just twenty-two points. USC's defense appears to be much improved as they sacked Oregon State quarterback ten times last week. For the first time all season, defensive coordinator Nick Holt had the Trojans play man to man defense instead of the cover two and it led to just three points for the Beavers. If USC's defense plays as well as it did last week, they should have no trouble against the Bears. USC 26-13
(1) Ohio State v. Illinois
The Buckeyes need to be very careful in this one as it is a week before "The Game" and Illinois was one of two teams to give the Buckeyes a close game last year. This year, the Illini are much improved physically and athletically on both sides of the ball. They have a stout defense led by one of the nation's most underrated players in linebacker J. Leman. On offense, they like to pound it out with Rashard Mendenhall, who is one of the nation's leading rushers. If Ohio State comes out lethargic than they could easily lose this game. Despite all that, their defense is too good to allow the one-dimensional Illini offense from making this too close. Ohio State 28-10
Earlier in the year, I thought that Wisconsin would be a serious contender for the Big Ten title but they have already suffered three losses in the conference. Therefore, the Badgers do not appear to be a major threat to the Wolverines. Each week, the Wolverines are playing with a lot of enthusiasm and effort. This senior-led offense knows a Rose Bowl bid is still in their grabs. Michigan 29-14
Has Texas A&M fallen on hard times or what. It seems that the former national power is now struggling to even reach a bowl game. On the other hand, the Missouri Tigers remain in the hunt for a possible BCS Bowl appearance. Their offense is led by their highly efficient quarterback in Chase Daniel. As long as Daniel and company don't turn the ball over, the Tigers should take care of business relatively easily. Missouri 45-17
(14) Texas v. Texas Tech
The Longhorns have been living dangerously on the edge these past couple weeks with fourth-quarter comebacks to beat Nebraska and Oklahoma State. It would seem as if the Red Raiders than have an excellent shot at beating the Longhorns. Sorry guys, but Colt McCoy and company should be okay. Historically Mike Leach's Red Raiders have struggled on the road, especially against top twenty-five teams. Graham Harrell is certainly a solid quarterback but he tends to struggle in the big games while padding his stats against the sisters of the poor. Texas should have much difficulty. Texas 41-21
Georgia appears to be the pick here as they are coming off a big win two weeks ago against Florida and feature freshman sensation Knowshon Moreno at running back. However, the Tigers have one of the country's stingiest defenses (8th in the nation is total defense and 5th in points allowed). Georgia' inexperienced offense led by quarterback Matt Stafford and Moreno have yet to face a defense as good as Auburn's. They will have a much more difficult time against the Tigers than they had against Florida two weeks ago. Since Tommy Tuberville is a big game coach and the defense is as good as ever, the Tigers should pull this one out. Auburn 17-13
Oklahoma State v. (4) Kansas
Kansas's run to number four in the BCS has stunned everyone, myself in particular. The Jayhawks are coming off a huge victory against Nebraska where they totaled 76 points, mostly in three quarters. On the other hand, Oklahoma State is coming off an incredible collapse last week against Texas, and one has to wonder if mentally they will be ready? The Cowboys should be able to put points on the scoreboard as they have scored over 39 points in each home game this season. However, the Jayhawks have been improving each week and play consistently on both sides of the ball. Kansas 45-34
Upset Special
UCLA v. (9) Arizona State
The question here as always with UCLA is what team will show up?Will we see the UCLA that lost in consecutive weeks to Pac Ten cellar dwellers in Washington State and Arizona, or the UCLA that hammered Cal a couple weeks ago? Since the Bruins have their backs against the wall, need one more win to reach bowl eligibility, and are playing a highly ranked opponent, you would think that this is a game Karl Dorrell's Bruins could win. Their defense is pretty good and Arizona State often has turnover problems, especially on the road. If the Bruins can play mistake free football while capitalizing on the Sun Devils' penalties and turnovers, look for UCLA to become eligible today. UCLA 29-24
