By Danny Atkinson
Stanford at USC (+11)- This matchup will play a huge factor in deciding who wins the conference. The Trojans have experienced a tumultuous season, with tough losses to Washington and Oregon. USC’s offense was on fire earlier in the season, but has scored only 34 points the last two weeks. Freshman phenom Matt Barkley’s luster has faded and USC’s passing offense is now eighth in the conference at 221.6 yards per game. Their defense is also allowing an average of 480.7 yards in their last three games. As the Trojan’s play inspires doubt, the Cardinal are reinvigorating their program. Stanford was picked to finish sixth in the Pac-10, but are 6-3 and in the mix to win their first league title this decade. The Cardinal may not be winning games with their defense, which has given up 221 points, but their quick-strike offense is ranked 14th in the country. Quarterback Andrew Luck is a precise passer who has thrown only three interceptions, while running back Toby Gerhart is second in the nation with 1,217 rushing yards. The Cardinal offense has barreled through the Pac-10 and could give USC fits.
The Cardinal will upset USC and win this game. One team is rising and the other is falling off. The Trojans, whose starting defense is banged up, will not be able to stop a loaded Stanford offense. USC’s offense is in flux right now and without a capable field general, I do not see them taking full advantage of Stanford’s holes. If USC’s reign over the Pac-10 is truly ending, then this will be the game to show it. Stanford 35-31
Iowa at Ohio State (+17)- One of the biggest matchups of the Big 10 season. Unfortunately this game has lost some luster with the Hawkeyes first loss of the season and the end of QB Ricki Stanzi’s season due to injury, but it should still be a great matchup nonetheless. Iowa-Ohio State should be a defensive battle, as both teams are ranked in the top 15 nationally in both scoring and total defense. The Buckeyes have been inconsistent on offense all year, primarily due to the inconsistent play of QB Terrell Pryor. Pryor has struggled with his accuracy all season while also having to carry OSU’s rushing offense, but he may be turning a corner after a three-touchdown performance versus Penn State last week. Iowa’s offense is even more mediocre than the Buckeyes. The Hawkeyes are 82nd nationally in total yards and are 94th nationally in rushing. To add insult to injury, Stanzi’s replacement is James Vandenberg, a freshman who had thrown three passes prior to last week. Iowa may have a knack for causing turnovers and pulling out wins, but that may not be enough against OSU.
The Hawkeyes do not have the firepower to upset the Buckeyes. Iowa has a poor offense has it is, and their novice QB will be severely overmatched against OSU’s defense. Terrell Pryor is getting better every game and should make enough big plays for his team’s offense. The Hawkeyes were on a magical run for much of the season, but now they’re coming back to earth. OSU 24-14
