![]() Oregon has the top offense in the country, rolling up 569 yards per game and accounting for 55 points on average. When the roles get reversed is when USC will have their biggest trouble. They must find a way to put pressure on Barkley, while still accounting for all of his weapons. With receivers as talented as Robert Woods and Ronald Johnson, not to mention a running back as explosive as Allen Bradford, Oregon will be up until their necks. USC is coming off a bye, but the last time they were on the field they played their best game of the season, dismantling California 48-14 in a game where Matt Barkley threw a school-record 5 touchdowns. ![]() With the caliber of offenses we'll see at the Coliseum on Saturday, It's safe to say this game will be decided by whichever defense plays best. Standing in their way this week is an old friend, the USC Trojans. Their team controls their own destiny for the BCS national title. #2 Oregon USC: Duck Nation is in an absolute frenzy right now. Will that streak continue this week? – I think so… Prediction: Nebraska They've lost 15 games in a row against ranked teams on the road. This will be another barometer to see if Missouri is ready for the big time. Martinez and the 'Huskers must find ways to score touchdowns and not settle for field goals. Despite allowing teams to move the ball on them, especially with the pass, Missouri does do an excellent job of clamping down in the red zone and keeping opponents out of the end zone. Can he get free and go off against this Missouri defense? – It'll be tough, that's for sure. He's a dual-threat quarterback who really terrorizes defenses with his legs. The biggest thing to watch is how Taylor Martinez performs against the Tigers defense. Needless to say they can't afford to do that against a unit as good as this Missouri offense. The 'Huskers defense has gotten lazy and let its guard down numerous times this season. And they better be able to apply pressure on Gabbert to limit his time in the pocket – something the Sooners failed at last week. He loves to pass the ball deep – Nebraska must be ready for that. The Tigers have a tremendous offense led by quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The answers to those questions will go an awful long ways towards deciding this game. Also, which Taylor Martinez will we see? – The one who looked lost a few weeks back against Texas, or the one who regained his dominant form last Saturday against Oklahoma State? #6 Missouri #14 Nebraska: As I look at this game, two obvious questions arise… How will Missouri follow up their win over then #1 ranked Oklahoma last week? – Will they come out that same intensity this time around?. Wisconsin got the best of them last Saturday, but I don't think we'll see a repeat of that scene this week… Prediction: Iowa Kinnick Stadium is a very tough place to play, especially if you're a Big 10 team coming in for a big game. The final factor that puts Iowa over the top in my mind is home field advantage. Iowa always plays with 110% effort for 60 minutes, and they'll need that tenacity and resiliency this week.Īs I said, this is sure to be a close game that goes down to the final possession. ![]() Yes, they'll be going up against an explosive dual-threat quarterback in Kirk Cousins, as well as a dangerous running game featuring Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell – but I think they're smart enough, athletic enough and instinctive enough to contain the Spartan attack and limit their damage. On the other side of the ball is where the Hawkeyes will shine the brightest. If/when State lets their guard down receivers Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos will kill them over the top. If Robinson's able to run with success, which I think he will be, it will make Ricky Stanzi and the passing game extra dangerous. While the Spartans defense is certainly legit, I think Kirk Ferentz and Iowa will look to establish Adam Robinson and the run game early on. This is sure to be a close, tight game that goes down to the final minute – I have no doubts about that. Go down the line on both teams and you'll find mirror images at every single position. Both clubs are led by very balanced offenses and tough, nasty defenses. It's hard to find two teams that are more evenly matched than these two. It's clear that the Big 10 is the finest conference in the nation and here we are with another classic showdown. #5 Michigan State #18 Iowa: This is the best game of the weekend.
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