Well, the SEC’s reign among the Top 4 (#1 Florida, #3 Alabama and #4 Ole Miss) didn’t last long. The South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Rebels in Columbia 16-10.
That’s only the first of many great games this weekend. Here’s a few that will have a big impact on the BCS Bowl Games, conference titles and National Championship picture.
Washington at Stanford: See if this story sounds familiar. Pac-10 team (USC) wins a big game (Ohio State) and then loses to a conference opponent (Washington). Could this happen to the Huskies after last week’s victory against the Trojans? Not with QB Jake Locker leading the way. Washington 24, Stanford 21.
UNC at Georgia Tech: Two questions will be answered early on in this contest. Can North Carolina and their quick defensive line bottle up the Jackets running attack? Secondly, can Jonathan Dwyer make enough plays to open up the passing game? In a close one, Georgia Tech 27, North Carolina 20.
Alabama at Arkansas: With Bobby Petrino and Nick Saban leading these programs, this will be a great chess match. I think this game is about a year away from really becoming interesting. Alabama 34, Arkansas 21
Penn State at Iowa: If the Hawkeyes are going to contend for the Big Ten Championship, now is the time to weigh in. JoePa and the Nittany Lions are too strong for Iowa. Penn State 31, Iowa 17.
Cal at Oregon. Both teams are coming off big wins and performances last week. The Bears won at Minnesota while Oregon defeated Utah, ending the nation’s longest winning streak. Will Cal get caught looking ahead to next week’s home game against Southern California? If they do, the Ducks will run them out of Autzen. Look for Cal RB and Heisman favorite Jahvid Best to do all the running on Saturday. Cal 30, Oregon 20.
TCU at Clemson: Can the Horned Frogs crash the BCS party? If they want to, they’ll need a signature win. This is it. TCU 27, Clemson 24.
Texas Tech at Houston: Taylor Potts and the Red Raiders Air Raid offense come rolling into Houston on Saturday. This is one of there last opportunities to make a big statement to the voters. This is the biggest home game for the Cougars in nearly 20 years. I don’t think it will leave the home fans smiling. Texas Tech 35, Houston 31.
South Florida at Florida State: If USF QB Matt Grothe were healthy, I’d believe the Bulls could contend with the Seminoles. FSU looks like they are starting to get it all together. FSU 41, South Florida 13.
