Week 3 National Games of Interest

Even though it may be a down weekend for marquee match-ups across the nation, save USC-Ohio State, there are still some nice games slated for this weekend. While the Texas - Arkansas barn burner has been delayed a few weeks, California goes coast to coast to visit Maryland, Nevada takes on its second straight Big XII team, UCLA takes on BYU, and Oklahoma returns to the Pacific Northwest to get shafted by more Pac 10 officiating when they take on the Huskies.

Here is a run-down of the weekend battles and my picks:


#13 Kansas Jayhawks at #19 South Florida Bulls
Friday, September 12 -- Tampa, FL -- 8:00 ET -- ESPN2
Spread: South Florida by 4

In an evening normally reserved for recruits, two marquee quarterbacks battle in Tampa in a battle of mediocre teams ranked 11-20. While America was introduced to a rejuvenated Kansas last year, Todd Reesing will attempt to make his name memorable while stating his case as a potential Heisman candidate while the nation watches. Matt Grothe isn't so bad himself, but his name called in NYC will be a stretch. In a game full of offense and some surprising special teams from Kansas, the Jayhawks fly home from Tampa victorious. Kansas 38 - South Florida 24

#23 California Golden Bears at Maryland Terrapins
Saturday, September 13 -- College Park, MD -- 12:00 ET -- ESPN
Spread: California by 10

Props to the ADs from Cal and Maryland for scheduling this match-up, but this weekend might not be all that they thought it could be. This game has lost some luster after Maryland's shaky start (a near-loss to Flacco-less 1-AA Delaware and a loss to Middle Tennessee State), while Cal is at a decent 2-0 and #23 in the nation. The spread may not be as generous as I think it should be, as the Bears travel a billion miles to simply conquer the Terps. Cal 41 - Maryland 13

#18 Brigham Young Cougars vs. UCLA Bruins
Saturday, September 13 -- Provo, UT -- 3:30 ET
Spread: BYU by 9

This is potentially the game of the weekend, other than USC-OSU. These two clashed last year in a Sun Bowl
game that saw BYU upset the Bruins on yes, a blocked kick. Kevin Craft comes in under center for UCLA as an unproven quarterback that could be what seems like the worst QB in the country or the best QB out there. Max Hall for BYU is very proven and a potential draft pick, already amassing 824 yards and 5 TDs. This game could go either way, and I think BYU's overrated ranking inflated this spread. In the end, the Cougars escape a close one at home. BYU 21 - UCLA 20

#16 Oregon Ducks at Purdue Boilermakers
Saturday, September 13 -- West Lafayette, IN -- 3:30 ET -- ABC
Spread: Oregon by 6

Oregon comes in boasting the nation's best offense over the first two weeks, imagine that. Purdue has only played once so far, trouncing 1-AA Northern Colorado 42-10 in the first week. While Purdue lacks a top tier defense, their offense can play with the best. The difference in this game will be the defense that steps up, as a turnover may decide this game. Look for the Ducks to escape this shootout with only a few pellets. Oregon 45 - Purdue 35

#3 Oklahoma Sooners at Washington Huskies
Saturday, September 13 -- Seattle, WA -- 7:45 ET -- ESPN
Spread: OU by 20

Bob Stoops takes his Sooners once again to the Northwest hoping the Pac 10 officials are more welcoming, especially after the scandal that affected the Huskies just last week. This game was surprisingly close a few years ago for a half, but then OU took over and dominated the Huskies. Jake Locker will put a scare on Stoops' defense for a few series, perhaps with a rushing TD, but the Sooners will adapt into the game and shut down the Tebow-like QB. The Sooners get another chance to flex their offensive muscles against an over matched opponent. OU 38 - Washington 17

#10 Wisconsin Badgers at #21 Fresno State Bulldogs
Saturday, September 13 -- Fresno, CA -- 10:30 ET -- ESPN2
Spread: Fresno State by 2

This game, along with the UCLA - BYU battle, has potential to make the off-week more exciting. Pat Hill has instilled a sense of superiority in the Valley, pledging to take on any BCS team no matter the year or where. This time he as a chance to knock of a big boy at home when the tenth-ranked Badgers come to town. The Bulldogs have their best squad in several years with Tom Brandstater under center and Ryan Mathews handling the rock. The potent Bulldogs offense comes with a defense that held Rutgers to only 7 points. On the other side of the ball, Wisconsin is 2-0 behind strong second half performances to put away Akron and Marshall with ease. The offense is secretly explosive with PJ Hill pounding the ball and a passing attack that can strike at any time. This time Vegas gets the line right, as the Bulldogs prove they are a legit BCS team. Fresno State 28 - Wisconsin 23

#1 Southern California Trojans vs. #5 Ohio State Buckeyes
Saturday, September 13 -- Los Angeles, CA -- 8:00 ET -- ABC
Spread: USC by 7.5

Now the game the world has been waiting for, the Collision in the Coliseum, the Fight of the Century, the Battle of the Immortals. The USC never-been-defeated-before Trojans take on the Ohio State all-and-mighty Buckeyes in a clash of gods. Only Mars, the god of war, knows whats in store for this epic intergalactic explosion waiting to happen. In all seriousness, this could be the game of the year. These traditional powers are once again in the top 5 and seeking what seems to be an annual birth in the title game, but the both paths to the championship runs through each other. I can see this game being an outright battle from start to finish, but it could also be pretty sloppy (i.e. OSU last week). While these teams match up so well, there are so many questions. Is Mark Sanchez the answer? Is Beanie Wells really hurt? Is Terrelle Pryor ready for the limelight? Tressel knows how to coach his squad into a marquee away game, a la Texas in 2006, but Carroll isn't so bad himself. There are so many ways this game can go, its a tough call. But based on the Buckeyes' performance last week and the location of the game, I'll take the Trojans to win big. USC 31 - Bucks 17

Top SEC games of the week and predictions to follow