Top Five Pac-12 Matchups of the Week
Week 3 of the NCAA football season kicks off with three games on Thursday, another on Friday and the bulk of the schedule Saturday. In the Pac-12, there are five good early season matchups to watch for.
UCLA vs. Nebraska
The UCLA Bruins visit the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a matchup of No. 16 vs. No. 23.
Last season the Bruins, behind then freshman Brett Hundley at quarterback defeated the Cornhuskers at home 36-30. Hundley has a full year of experience under his belt, is a long shot for the Heisman and his play on Saturday will set the stage for his team’s season and his shot at the trophy.
Last week the Cornhuskers struggled versus Brett Smith the quarterback at Wyoming who is similar to Hundley. The Cowboys racked up 472 total yards in the Huskers defense and UCLA could do the same.
Lest we forget, that Taylor Martinez is still playing quarterback for Nebraska.
Prediction: UCLA 42-35
Stanford vs. Army
The Stanford Cardinal might be favored by 30 points over Army, but this will still be a hard fought game from start to finish. For Stanford it is all about stopping the triple option of Army’s offense, which is not easy, especially when it is a short week.
However, Army has their own hands full trying to block the multi-talented defense front seven of the Cardinal. Stanford has the size advantage as well as their linebackers weigh more than the offensive linemen of Army do. Nevertheless, crazier things have happened.
Prediction: Stanford 33-7
Boston College vs. USC
The USC Trojans are amidst weekly turmoil, while the Boston College Eagles have had new life pumped into them. Boston is 2-0 to start the season coming off a very impressive win in the ACC conference. The Trojans however, are just 1-1 on the season after losing last weekend.
The large 17.5-point spread is another example of what is true reality versus perception in college football. Do not forget, USC scored just one touchdown last week in their loss to Washington State and now are favored by two touchdowns and a field goal.
Cody Kessler will get the full quarterback duties for the Trojans, which could help generate some points.
The USC defense is amongst the best there is and should not have problems stopping the Eagles offense. USC is 0-2 ATS this season.
Prediction: USC 24-10
Tennessee vs. Oregon
The Oregon Ducks host the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday. Oregon has scored 125 points in two games this season, but has played just Nicholls State and Virginia.
Tennessee has a strong defense with A.J. Johnson and Daniel McCullers, but the Ducks have so many options that conditioning for the Volunteers will be key in this game.
The Ducks will easily win this, as Tennessee will fade quickly.
Prediction: Oregon 54-14
Wisconsin vs. Arizona State
Arizona State has made a name for itself early this season and wants to knock of the Big Ten representative for the past three years at the Rose Bowl, the Wisconsin Badgers.
ASU loves to play home games at night at Sun Devil Stadium. The place will be hostile territory for the Badgers the moment they walk on the field.
Arizona State must stop the strong running game of Wisconsin to win this game. Last season the Sun Devils front seven was not good against the run.
Look for the Arizona State offense to go to Marion Grice and Taylor Kelly for their big plays.
Prediction: Arizona State 21-17
