LSU at Florida
No. 5 Florida has eyes on the BCS title game, but it must beat No. 9 LSU to make its showdown at No. 2 Auburn next week mean anything nationally. Funny how LSU and Gators fans grumbled about their quarterbacks. LSU’s JaMarcus Russell is No. 2 in pass efficiency, and Florida’s Chris Leak is No. 9. Now they face savage defenses: LSU leads the nation and Florida is ranked 13th. The Gators might not have running back DeShawn Wynn (sprained knee), but LSU (a two-point favorite) isn’t running well, either.
BIG 12 GAME OF THE WEEK
Oklahoma vs. Texas
Since the conference started in 1996, the winner of this game at the Cotton Bowl has represented the South Division seven times in the Big 12 title game. And in 2001, OU beat Texas but lost two other conference games, and Texas went on to lose to Colorado.
MWC GAME OF THE WEEK
Navy at Air Force
Only nonleague game this week is the best service academy matchup in many years. Navy leads the NCAA in rushing at 357 yards a game, and AFA ranks third at 290 yards. The Falcons have the No. 8 rushing defense. Navy slotback Reggie Campbell, who destroyed CSU in the Poinsettia Bowl with five TDs, has only one this season.
NATIONAL ROUT OF THE WEEK
Bowling Green at Ohio State
Remember Gregg Brandon, the former Colorado assistant? Replaced Urban Meyer in 2003, won two bowl games and is now rebuilding. Finished 6-5 last year and is 3-2 this year. His Falcons are 34 1/2-point underdogs.
BIG 12 ROUT OF THE WEEK
Oklahoma State at Kansas State
Kansas State’s defense is good, but the Cowboys will put up too many points for KSU’s offense to keep up.
MWC ROUT OF THE WEEK
San Diego State at BYU
Cougars senior QB John Beck is taking his place among the BYU legends, while the injury-wracked Aztecs are starting their third QB this season.This game is available nationally on pay-per-view, but it will be worth the $19.95 same-day signup fee for BYU fans only.
COLORADO CONNECTION
Calais Campbell, Miami, DE, Soph., Denver South HS
The starting defensive end is tied for sixth on the team with 10 tackles, including two for a loss, and a sack. Had 35 tackles as a reserve last year after collecting 57 sacks at Denver South.
John Bacon, Oregon, LB, Soph., Lakewood HS
Second string behind senior Blair Phillips, the Pac-10’s leading tackler. Bacon has no tackles in two games after playing in two games last year.
LAST WORD
“I don’t want our fans to boo. But please don’t clap when we come close. I think it sends the wrong message. Our guys thought we’d done something pretty good, when in essence we didn’t do anything but let a game get away that we were in position to win.”
– South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier on his team’s 24-17 loss last Saturday to No. 2 Auburn
