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Take-7 for Ohio State & USC:

USC: 1. Homefield Advantage – L.A. Coliseum is tough venue for any road team. 2. Speed on Defense will frustrate Terrelle Pryor & WR’s. 3. Week of Rest for extra Game planning. 4. Pete Carroll is their Head Coach. 5. Joe McKnight’s playmaking ability and versatility both as a receiver and runner. 6. 2 LB veterans who are 1st round material. 7. When was the last time OSU beat a good team outside the Big-Ten?

OSU: 1. Us against the World, No Respect Rallying Cry adds for extra motivation (Underdog role). 2. Whenever Terrelle Pryor is on the field that opens up the option run and for other pass catchers to get open. 3. Defense is up for the task and knows they have to carry the load – expect lots of turnovers. 4. Seniors didn’t come back for nothing else but for this reason alone – to win a National Championship and beat an elite top-ranked team outside of the Big-Ten. 5. Is this game reminiscent of the showdown @ Texas in ’06? 6. USC’s lack of #1 WR will allow them to pressure QB more and play more man-to-man coverage. 7. Chris Wells will suit up and play.

Picks 2 Click – Think Teams With Week of Rest

Pac-10 on the Road = Success:

1. CALIFORNIA OVER @Maryland: Count me in on the latest to join the “Jahvid Best for Heisman” Bandwagon. Best is the best playmaker not only in the Pac-10 but in all the land. The 5-foot 10, 193-pound sophomore is averaging more than eight yards per carry and 155.5 rushing yards a game. Astounding numbers, though against porous defenses (Mich St, Wash St.). Expect Best to pile on to his 4-touchdown total and to exploit the Terrapin defense. Golden Bears have #15 Arizona State on the radar – both teams will be ranked come October 4th.

2. UCLA OVER @BYU: Bruins will capitalize off the Cougars crazy last-second win last week at Washington to catch ‘em off-balanced and off-guard. Remember UCLA is coming off of a week of rest and BYU is emotionally spent. This game is going to be sloppy, ugly, and a turnover-fest because of the UCLA defense. I choose Rich Neuheisel’s to improve to 2-0 as they catapult their way into the Top 25 with a victory over BYU. UCLA has the team to win an ugly, low-scoring battle – BYU does not. This is a statement game – UCLA football is back on the map.

3. FRESNO STATE OVER Wisconsin: Bulldogs will be another team that plays off the week of rest to their advantage and liking. The Badgers aerial attack is non-existent and will go AWOL in the West Coast. Wisconsin traveling all the way out west will not play well for ‘em and will hurt their chances to stay unbeaten. Plus, I am a big fan of how Fresno is buying into their own hype and believes they are destined to go undefeated in the WAC. Fresno’s offensive firepower and aggressive defense will be enough to unseat an overrated 10th ranked Brett Bielema squad. Fresno to win by more than two scores in home opener.

4. UPSET ALERT: WASHINGTON OVER Oklahoma: Tyrone Willingham’s Huskies will take down the Sooners because QB sensation Jake Locker is poised to overcome last week’s heartbreaking defeat – and also figure that they are starving for a victory at 0-2. Washington played both USC and OSU tough at home last season and I expect more of the same in this match-up. Washington can hang with OU’s explosive offense and I believe they will use their speed on offense to avoid the Sooner’s strength up the middle. This has “Colorado 27-24″ of last year written all over it! Willingham & Locker will shock the world at beat #3 ranked OU. Look for OU to have a 1st half lead and give it away in the 2nd half because of a lack of urgency – Washington has a sense of urgency – they will be hungrier.

5. USC OVER OSU: Southern Cal at home is a LOCK. I believe Chris Wells will play, though not at even 85% – more close to 70%. He will bring a tremendous boost just suiting up to encourage his teammates but it won’t be enough against the most talented team in the nation. The #1 ranked Trojans will take chances and risks early and will have the edge in the turnover battle to obtain a two-score halftime lead. Then in the 2nd half I look for USC to slam the door shut on any OSU opportunity to get back into the game, as they will hold a punch-less Buckeye offense for the win. USC will never trail, Joe McKnight will go for over 225 total yards of offense, and Pete Carroll’s world-beaters will control th lines of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Tressel has the defense in order to keep it semi-close, but USC has too much weaponry and the home crowd in their favor.

Final Thoughts: Love the way USF Bulls are playing – that game last nite against Kansas will be an instant ESPN CLASSIC! Both teams showed resilience and toughness to make it into a close, down-to-the-wire exciting finish. Keep an eye on Georgia - the Bulldogs feel they are the best team, not USC. Knowshon Moreno is the #1 Heisman Contender and the best RB in the nation. Another Pac-10 team to win on the road – this time by a lot – OREGON OVER Purdue. Ducks offense is at its very best and will steam roll all over the Boilermakers.