Gambling has never been my strong point, so I’ve decidedto never put money on games while taking the spread into account.USC and Oklahoma won closer than a lot of people thought, and LSUshould have won by more. The buzz word around the country seems tobe “trap game,” with several teams facing toughopponents after coming off emotional wins. But as usual, collegefootball is getting harder to predict by the week, so who knowswhere the upsets will come from? Let’s get to it.
Last week: 3-2 straight up, 2-3 vs. spread. Season: 24-11straight up, 13-22 vs. spread.
 
No. 19 Arizona State (+11) at No. 1 USC, 2:30 p.m., ABC —As seems to be the case against the Trojans, Arizona State willneed to play a seemingly perfect game to pull the upset. Noturnovers, few penalties and one or two big plays on their side ofthe ball. But Stanford and Cal lacked that one ingredient for theknockout punch in USC’s last two games.
The Sun Devils do not have running back Loren Wade, which meansstopping the running game will be a little easier for USC. If theycan do that, it should free up the secondary to neutralizeASU’s spread offense and limit their point total. Getting theball to Reggie Bush will determine how much success USC can have onoffense.
If the Sun Devils find a way to contain him, this game could beclose. But as always, USC will glide to victory against anoverrated Pac-10 team.
 
Prediction: USC 27, Arizona State 10
 
No. 6 Virginia (+3) at No. 7 Florida State, 6:45 p.m., ESPN— Florida State’s been struggling since Chris Rix wentdown with an injury. FSU has owned UVA in the past, winning 11 of12 in the series, and the Seminoles have won 49 of 50 ACC homegames.
All that smells of an upset and the Cavaliers have the team todo it this year. The Cavs ran all over their first five opponentsand will look to do the same against the ‘Noles. If Virginiacan score early, look for its defense to hold off FSU at theend.
 
Virginia 24, FSU 18
 
No. 12 Wisconsin (+6.5) at No. 5 Purdue, 4:30 p.m., ESPN2— The battle for the Big Ten goes through West Lafayette,Ind. The Boilermakers have the best quarterback east of theMississippi River in Kyle Orton, and the Badgers have been asteady, balanced team. Orton’s talent will be too much thoughfor a team not accustomed to playing an opponent as pass-happy asPurdue.
 
Purdue 34, Wisconsin 21
 
Arkansas (+13) at No. 4 Auburn, 2:30 p.m. CBS — The lasttime Arkansas marched into Auburn, they ran all over the Tigers tothe tune of 42-17. As much as I want that to happen and I feelAuburn is as overrated as it ever is, I don’t think theRazorbacks are the team that’s going to burst theirbubble.
Matt Jones and the offense have been too inconsistent, whileRonnie Brown and Carnell Williams should have solid games as Auburncruises.
 
Auburn 38, Arkansas 14
 
No. 24 Missouri (+14) at No. 11 Texas, 2:30 p.m., ABC (regionalgame) — While the Longhorns are known for blowing it againstOklahoma every year in the Red River Shootout, it’s even moreassured that they’ll bounce back the next week.
Missouri and quarterback Brad Smith have found their way backinto the Top 25 after that embarrassing loss to Troy (take notes,LSU), but playing back in Austin against a lesser opponent willpull Texas through.
 
Texas 35, Missouri 23