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OSU-USC pick!
Coach Talk — Week #3
By JON CACCHIONE
Week 3 of the college football season usually represents the first week of the true excitement of what is fast becoming the country’s favorite sport to watch. Yes, there have been some very good week one and two games, (Appy St. over Michigan last year comes to mind)
however, there are far too many cupcake games in those two weeks for me. The approval a few years back by the NCAA to allow Division IA teams to play I-AA teams (I will never call these divisions anything else) ruins week one and two for me. The elimination of that one rule would force more conference games, and better independent games by the big conferences. And yes, I know, its all about money, but I think it could be done without the loss of home games for the elite, and without the loss of money for the not-so-elite.
This week ushers in some real dandies, starting Thursday night with Rutgers visiting North Carolina. The game of the week, however, is undoubtedly taking place Saturday night in Los Angeles. The less than impressive Buckeyes of the Ohio State University travel to Southern California to take on the dynasty we know as the Trojans of USC. The line on this game is around 10 points. After the awful performance the Bucks showed last week against below-average Ohio University, this one seems to shape up as a one-sided affair. I, too, love the Trojans in this one. They are one of the best teams in the country in big games, not to mention, at home. This one will show the disparity in athletic ability between these two teams. I don’t think its even close. With that said, let’s take a look at this week’s top ten, and some more highlight games in week #3. I had a tough time last week, putting up an embarrassing 5-10 mark with my predictions with the line. I’ll try to do better this week.
#1 Oklahoma (2-0) Beat Cincinnati last week 52-26. The Sooner offense may be the best in the country. They visit Washington (0-2) this week who lost to Brigham Young last week, 28-27, on a very controversial call for excessive celebration. The line on this game is 20 1/2, and I ‘m going to go with the Huskies keeping it a little closer than that.
My pick: Washington +20 1/2
#2 USC (1-0) The Trojans were off last week. I don’t particularly like teams coming off an open week, however, they needed some time to heal up their two top linebackers that were a little banged-up. Right now, the Trojans appear to be much better in all phases than their opponent this week, Ohio State. I like the Trojans to cover the 10 1/2 point spread.
My pick: USC -10 1/2
#3 Missouri (2-0) The Tigers beat 1-AA SE Missouri St. last 52-3. This week they are 26 1/2 point favorites over Nevada-Reno (1-1). The Tigers will cover this week. They won’t be challenged until their Big 12 schedule kicks in.
My pick: Missouri –26 1/2
#4 Georgia (2-0) The Bulldogs beat up on Central Michigan, 56-17, last week. I thought the Chippewas would play them tougher. This week the ‘Dogs travel to South Carolina, who looked just awful last week in a loss to Vanderbilt, 24-17. The Bulldogs are a 7 point favorite, and I like them cover.
My pick: Georgia –7
#5 Florida (2-0) The Gators had some trouble last week offensively. However, I think it was more a reflection of the solid defense that Miami, FL plays. Florida kicked a last second field goal to cover last week, 26-3. This week, they are off and will begin their preparation for a trip next week to Knoxville.
OPEN
#6 Ohio State (2-0) I dropped the Buckeyes 3 spots from last week because of their dreadful performance against the Ohio Bobcats. (0-2) The Buckeyes seem to be better on paper than in reality. I am not a believer, yet. This week’s performance will give everyone a true indicator of this Buckeye team. I wouldn’t bet them, even with the 10 1/2 points.
My pick: USC -10 1/2
#7 LSU (1-0) The Tigers’ game at home vs. Troy was postponed due to damage from hurricane Gustav. The game will be made up in November. This week, the Tigers are a 42 point favorite at home vs. North Texas. I cannot bet any game with a line like that. They will probably cover, but your crazy to bet a game like that.
NO LINE, here
#8 Wisconsin (2-0) The Badgers struggled in the first half last week against an improved Marshall team. In the second half, however, Wiscy destroyed the Thundering Herd. They showed why many think they have enough to win the Big 10. They take a big step up in competition this week as they travel to Fresno St. They are a 2 point favorite, and I like them to cover.
My pick: Wisconsin -2
#9 Auburn (2-0) I was not very impressed by how the Tigers played last week against a rebuilding Southern Miss. Team. The Tigers outlasted the Golden Eagles, 27-13, and did not cover the 17 1/2 point spread. This week Auburn travels to Starkville, Miss., to play Mississippi State. (1-1) The Bulldogs lost their opener this year at home to Louisiana Tech. The Tigers are a 10 1/2 point favorite, and I like them to cover.
My pick: Auburn –10 1/2
#10 Texas (2-0) The Longhorns enter the top 10 by replacing West Virginia who was embarrassed by East Carolina. The ‘Horns won last at UTEP by a score of 42-13. This week Texas is at home vs. Arkansas, and they are a 23 1/2 point favorite. Arkansas has struggled in the early going under new coach Bobby Petrino. I think the line is too high.
My pick: Arkansas +23 1/2
Dropped Out of Top Ten: West Virginia (1-1)
Other games of note:
Thursday
Rutgers (-5) at North Carolina My pick: North Carolina +5
Friday
Kansas at South Florida (-3) My pick: Kansas +3
Saturday
UCLA at BYU (-8 1/2) My pick: BYU -8 1/2
Penn State (-28) at Syracuse My pick: Penn State –28
Michigan (-2) at Notre Dame My pick: Michigan -2
Iowa St. at Iowa (-131/2) My pick: Iowa St. +13 1/2
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech (-6 1/2) My pick: Georgia Tech +6 1/2
California (-15) at Maryland My pick: Cal -15
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