Last week we saw an epic game between California and Oregon that showed Cal actually does have a defense that can shut down a good offense (for the first half, at least). Take a big red marker and circle November 10th on your calendar boys and girls. That's the day that USC comes up to Memorial Stadium to take on California.
Stanford at #2 USC (7:00pm EST)
So USC is finally not the top team in the country anymore. This is probably of little comfort to a Stanford team that is 0-3 in the Pac 10 and 1-3 overall. Just like UCLA in the later game, look for USC to put up some big numbers. What I like about Stanford games is that there is always a reasonable probability of a drunken mascot fight. However, I don't think that would be wise for the Tree to take on the Trojan... seeing as he has a sword and all.
Notre Dame at UCLA (8:00pm EST)
It's a good thing that Charlie Weis has a long term contract, because the Irish look terrible and are 0-5 this season. They are coming to California to play a UCLA team that has some definite talent and will put some points on the board. Look for UCLA to have big numbers and possibly get themselves back into the Top 25 this week. Look for Notre Dame to be 0-6 after the game is over. Also, things aren't looking good for the Irish in the following two weeks either (#7 BC and #2 USC), so wthey could wind up 0-8 before this is all over with.
Other Games
Arizona St at Wash St (4:00pm EST)
Arizona at Oregon St. (4:00pm EST)
--Steve
This is it! This is the week I prove I'm not a biased, Alabama homer. How am I going to prove this? By not giving in-depth analysis of the Alabama/Houston game this week.
I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong. I'm not boycotting this game because Alabama has lost two games in a row, nor is it because I've started a hunger strike until struggling QB John "Sarah Jessica" Parker Wilson is benched. I'm not going to waste our time on this game because it doesn't even merit being mentioned. Alabama gets no points for winning this and should perhaps be disbanded if they lose. It's really not worth mentioning. I'm glad we've settled this.
The big game this week is obviously Florida/LSU. This one doesn't have the same cache it would have thanks to the Gators choking against a fairly putrid Auburn team last week. If this isn't LSU's first test, it is their strongest. The only thing that can stop the Tigers from playing for the contrived National Championship game is themselves. The Gators are good, the Tigers are better. It really is that simple. Tim Tebow should have a tough time doing much of anything against a fierce Tigers defense, led by unmovable object DT Glenn Dorsey. Thank God my Raiders should still be drafting high enough to land Dorsey or Arkansas RB Darren McFadden!
Article comments
1 - Pico
Josh:
Two things to look for with LSU/Fla. Number one will Tiger QB Matt Flynn be close enough to 100%? If not, that's where LSU will lose the game with turnovers, much as they did last year in the Swamp. Number two, can mlb Ali Highsmith and the rest of the Tiger front seven be effective at stopping Tebow's qb draws? Since Florida doesn't seem to be a running threat with their running backs, stopping Tebow will be crucial to stopping their running game. I expect the Gators to get a few big pass plays on LSU's man coverage but if they can't run, they can't win. Oh, and rain could be a factor, too.
BTW, one of this week's best SEC matchups was already played: #8 Kentucky losing at #11 S. Carolina 38-23. Woodson looked very mortal out there.