The College View 2006 WK 13

Yesterday was a day to be thankful. I reflected on those things that I was thankful for: my wife, family, friends and of course college football. I couldn’t help but smile when thinking about Ohio State and the spectacular way in which the regular season ended.

While relaxing on the couch, stuffed with turkey, I started thinking about Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame and USC. All of those teams should be thankful for the BCS system and that they have a shot at playing Ohio State in the title game. Will these teams, and their fans, still be grateful about the BCS system if their team wins out and is not playing in Glendale?

Then my mind wandered to Boise State. If the Broncos defeat Nevada Saturday they will be undefeated and won’t have a chance to play Ohio State.

Friday, Arkansas will have their chance to sway votes their direction when the play LSU. Saturday will be Florida’s, Notre Dame’s and USC’s opportunity to present their arguments. I do prefer a playoff, but I am thankful that Ohio State will play the No. 2 ranked team. Whichever team that turns out to be.

No. 9 LSU at No. 5 Arkansas (pick)
The History
LSU has won four out of the last five games against Arkansas. The Razorbacks have played 12 of their 13 home games against the Tigers in Little Rock. 1992 was the only year they played in Fayetteville because of construction in Little Rock. LSU leads the series 30-17-2.

The View
Arkansas (10-1) and Florida are getting all of the attention in the SEC because of their BCS Championship aspirations. If Arkansas defeats LSU and Florida, combined with a USC loss, the Hogs could be headed to the desert.

Don’t forget about LSU (9-2). By the numbers the Tigers own the SEC. LSU leads the nation in total defense. They are ranked first in the SEC in scoring and pass defense, sacks (37), scoring offense and total offense. JaMarcus Russell and his talented trio of receivers will pull off the “upset”.

LSU- 21, Arkansas- 20


No. 4 Florida at Florida State (plus 9.5)
The History
Bobby Bowden is 16-2-1 against Florida. Before Bowden arrived at Florida State in 1976 the Seminoles were 2-15-1 against the Gators.

The View
This game showcases two of the nation’s stingiest defenses. Florida (10-1) is giving up less than 72 yards rushing and are holding opponents to less than 12 points each game. Florida State (6-5) leads the nation with 95 tackles for loss.

Florida wants to impress pollsters by blowing out Florida State. Urban Meyers’ Gators will have to settle for a closer than expected victory.

Florida- 17, Florida State- 14


No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 3 USC (minus 7.5)
The Players
The revolving door in USC's backfield continues. C.J. Gable is now the Trojans' running back after Chauncey Washington sprained his knee last week in the victory over Cal. Wide receivers Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett have combined for 103 receptions, 1,484 yards and 15 touchdowns. John David Booty has thrown for 2,417 yards and 22 touchdowns this season.

Brady Quinn is responsible for 3,004 of Notre Dame's 3,011 passing yards this season. Quinn has also thrown for 32 touchdowns. Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight have accounted for 1,655 of the receiving yards and 75 % of Quinn's touchdown passes.

The View
USC (9-1) defeated Notre Dame (10-1) in last year’s 34-31 thriller in South Bend. Pete Carroll has won four in a row against the Irish and is looking to tie USC’s record of five straight.

More than that is on the line for the Trojans. USC will play Ohio State in the title game if the Trojans win out. Much will be asked of freshman tailback C.J. Gable if John David Booty can’t get the ball to receivers Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett.

For Notre Dame to play the Buckeyes they need to win big on Saturday, have Arkansas lose ugly to LSU and then defeat Florida. If all of that comes to fruition, Notre Dame will still have to use all of its pull surpass Michigan in the human polls.

USC- 36, Notre Dame- 20


No. 12 Boise State at Nevada (plus 2.5)
The Players
Boise State running back Ian Johnson will play this week. Quarterback Jared Zabransky beats defenses with his arm and his legs. Linebacker Korey Hall has a team best six interceptions and 98 tackles.

Nevada's J.J. Milan leads the WAC with 9.5 sacks and is second in the conference with 12.5 tackles for loss. DeAngelo Wilson is ranked 6th in the country with a punt return average of 15.21. Tailback Robert Hubbard has rushed for 914 yards this season.

The View
Why should you watch this game? Two reasons, Boise State (11-0) has Ian Johnson and Nevada (8-3) has the “pistol” formation. Both of which are fun to watch.

The Broncos will become the second non-BCS conference school (Utah 2004) to play in a BCS bowl game if they win. Boise State has won six straight games against Nevada by an average score of 51-12.

Boise State- 38, Nevada- 31

The View's Record
Last Two Weeks: 6-0, 3-3 against the spread
Season: 43-16, 29-30 against the spread

(Matt Gutridge is a freelance writer for the Eagle-Gazette. Contact him by e-mail at TheCollegeView@hotmail.com.)