Biggest test yet for Ducks
The Trojans will be grumpy. The Ducks will be ready. Oregon travels to USC for what should be the Ducks’ first real challenge of the season. This game looked much shinier in the preseason, but after USC’s loss last week to Arizona, it takes on the feeling of a spoiler for USC. The Trojans expected it would be a showdown to decide a path for the national title for them or the Ducks. Now it only decides Oregon’s path.
A real title decider
LSU, remember it? The Tigers have hung around the title race since blowing out Washington then losing to Florida four weeks later. Now, they host Alabama in … wait for it … the Tide’s stiffest test to date. Only six undefeated teams remain and only four (Alabama, Oregon, Kansas State and Notre Dame) have a legit shot at the title.
The real McCoy?
Losing late at Kansas (Kansas!) last week, Texas coach Mack Brown summoned Case McCoy, right, the younger brother of Colt, to rescue the Longhorns. Case McCoy led a 70-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown throw with 12 seconds left to save Texas and Brown. Yet, Brown is starting David Ash over McCoy again this week against Texas Tech.
Look out for … Kent State?
Last week’s power rankings in the TNT suggested the Golden Flashes (7-1 overall, 4-0 MAC) had a good chance to take down overly ranked Rutgers. They did, 35-23, to come up with their first win in school history against a ranked opponent after being 0-22. The six-game winning streak is their longest since 1940. Flashes should have an easy one this weekend against Akron.
The Full Willingham
The Golden Eagles are 0-8. Luckily for them, they play almost as inept UAB (1-7, 0-4 Conference USA) this weekend. Southern Miss looked like it would have a chance last week against Rice (3-6, 1-4), but, nope. It was blown out, 44-17, after turning the ball over five times. It even outgained Rice, but was still crushed. Sound familiar?
todd.dybas @thenewstribune.com
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