This is the Super Bowl, BCS Title game and so much more for the Trojans. USC knows it will not be going to a bowl game which makes this game all the more meaningful. The Trojans are coming off a bye week and it could not have come at a better time with the high powered Oregon Ducks coming to the Coliseum. Unfortunately for Matt Barkley not only are the Trojans on probation they have two losses or he would be right at the top of the list for the Heisman Trophy. Barkley on the season has thrown for nearly 267 yards per game with 20 TDs and only 4 INT. Barkley is by far the best pure pro style QB in a pro style offense in the country. Obviously the weak part of this team is the defense as they have struggled all season. Not only have the players struggled but I believe Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin has as well adjusting to the wide spread attacks in College Football compared to the NFL. But never forget that Kiffin was one of the most respected coordinators in the NFL and he has two weeks to get his players ready for the running attack of the Ducks. The Ducks on the road are a totally different team giving up nearly 24 points a game to only 11 at home. Also, for as explosive as their offense may be they did punt 11 times on the road at Arizona State.
My Prediction: If you have not noticed yet I like the Trojans in this game. They are undervalued and forgetton this season because of the probation they are under. The Trojans will have two weeks to prepare and the Coliseum will be rocking for the only time this season. The Ducks will struggle to contain Barkley and the Trojans will use their surplus of running backs to maintain the football. Trojans win their Bowl Game 48-41.
#5 Michigan State @ #18 Iowa
We all keep waiting for the Spartans to slip up like we all have come to expect. Could this finally be the week after slipping by Northwestern last week in Chicago? The key to this game will be the Michigan State's offensive line vs the Iowa defensive line. Iowa's defensive line is regarded as one of the best in the country and they performed very well last week vs the Badgers. The Badgers have on the best lines in the country, while MSU does not. MSU wants to run the ball with Baker and Bell, sprinkle in some timely play action pass with QB Kirk Cousins. Iowa knows they can not lose again and still have hopes of a quality bowl game with OSU coming to town in a couple of weeks.
My Prediction: I keep waiting for MSU to lose and I believe this will be the week Sparty does. This will be back to back road games for the Spartans, with this one being a much tougher atmosphere than Northwestern. Iowa is desperate they need this win to stay in the hunt in the Big Ten. Look for the Iowa defensive line led by Clayborn to slow the MSU running attack, Hawkeyes 24-21.
#6 Missouri @ #14 Nebraska
How will the Tigers handle success after knocking off #1 Oklahoma last week? This has to be the question that Coach Pinkel must prepare his team for this week. The Missouri Tigers are right in the hunt for a National Championship and this may be the last hurdle until the Big 12 Title Game. Nebraska comes into the game controlling their own destiny to head back to the Big 12 title game this season. The Cornhuskers bounced back last week scoing 51 points on Oklahoma State. Taylor Martinez has re-established himself as the QB of the Huskers. The key will be the Nebraska defensive secondary. Missouri loves to spread the ball around with quick short passes similar to Texas and we all remember the Longhorns going to Lincoln and winning two weeks ago.
My Prediction: This will be the first time all season that Mizzou has to bounce back emotionally for two consecutive weeks. The Tigers walk into an extremely difficult situation in Lincoln. The Huskers will be back in front of the home fans with a chance to position themselves for a shot at a Big 12 South Division Championsip. I like the Huskers to prove they are one of the best teams in the country, Huskers 41-31.
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