Saturday Forecast: Week 3

(14) Nebraska v. (1) USC
Sam Keller has been waiting to get another shot at the Trojans but he did not expect to aim for revenge in a Nebraska uniform. The Arizona State transfer and his fellow Cornhuskers will get a chance to show the country that they have returned as a national powerhouse. With the number one ranked USC Trojans coming to town, Bill Callaham aims for his signature win that’s been missing. Keller nearly upset the Trojans two years ago as an Arizona State Sun Devil but this is a different Trojans team. Last week against Wake Forest, Keller showed how rusty he truly is, throwing for two interceptions and barely completing fifty percent of his passes. If Keller plays like he did two years ago than the Huskers will have a chance. Unofrunately for Husker fans, Keller has proven over his career than when pressured he makes mistakes. The Trojans are too athletic and strong on the defensive side of the ball to lose this game. USC 31-10

Utah v. (11) UCLA
It is always tough to pick UCLA because you never now which Bruin team will show up. Against Stanford the offense looked unstoppable with over 600 yards of total offense. However, they reverted back to their old form against BYU, registering just over 200 yards of total offense. Ben Olson and company should perform better this week. UCLA 28-13

Michigan v. Notre Dame
With the Irish and the Wolverines both stuck at 0-2, it appears as if they are looking toward the future. Freshmen quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame and Ryan Mallett were heralede high school recruits but were expected to start next year not this year. The game will come down to whichever team’s quarterback makes fewer mistakes and manages the game better. Since Mallett has more offensive weapons that does Notre Dame’s 119th ranked offense, Michigan should win this won fairly convincingly. Michigan 38-13

(19) Oregon v. Fresno State
The Ducks are soaring high after a dominating road victory over the Michigan Wolverines and are looking to avoid a letdown against Fresno State. Dennis Dixon and the Ducks’ offense dominated Michigan’s defense and look to do the same against the Bulldogs. Despite their victory over the Maize and Blue, Fresno State will not be intmindated by the Ducks as they nearly pulled off an upset last week against Texas A&M. Historically, Fresno State has been a giant killer but might suffer a letdown after last week’s heartbreaking loss. Expect Oregon to take care of business but it won’t be as easy as last week. Oregon 32-17

Upset Special

Washington v. (10) Ohio State
Ohio State is searching for its sixteenth straight victory over an unranked opponant but the Huskies are certainly no pushover. Jake Locker and the Huskies have been extremely efficient on offense and rarely turn the ball over. Locker’s mobility has caused teams trouble so far and Big Ten teams tend to have their fair share of trouble against dual-threat quarterbacks. However, it’s Washington’s defense that should make the defense. In their last game against Boise State, the Huskies held Heisman canidate Ian Johnson under one hundred yards rushing. So far the the Buckeyes have had their fair share of offensive difficulties with running back Chris Wells only registering one touchdown this season. Giving the ball away has also been a major problem this season for Ohio State as its turnover margin stands -4. In road games, turnovers must be avoided and the Buckeyes don’t have enough experience to beat a vastly improving Washington in front of 70,000 purple people. Washington 28-14

Last Week: 6-0

This Year: 15-1

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