The Alexander City Outlook

Top teams to face trap games

It was not long ago that LSU head coach Les Miles made the comment that he wished that LSU had the same road to the BCS National Championship game as USC.

Translation – easier schedule. It is appearing that Miles was incorrect with his assumption and way off the mark.

Heading into this weekend, four Pac-10 schools are unbeaten and three have a good chance to beat the Trojans. Oregon (No. 11), Cal (No.6) and Arizona State (No.23) – now coached by Dennis Erickson – are all going to get better before they meet USC.

The Pac-10 pecking order will start to take shape this weekend when the Ducks host Cal at noisy Autzen Stadium. Both teams have terrific offenses, and Oregon has one of the most improved quarterbacks in the nation in Dennis Dixon. The Cal Bears have the most explosive player in the nation in receiver/kick-returner DeSean Jackson.

Everyone must play on the road, but for USC this year, they must play all three of these opponents away from the friendly Coliseum.

There will always be a bias towards the Pac-10 from the staunch SEC fans, but truth be known, the Pac-10 can play with anyone, just ask Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn and Alabama. There is no doubt that the two conferences should play each other more often.

If I had a vote for the Heisman, I would have Kentucky quarterback Andre’ Woodson in my top five. I believe he will give both South Carolina and LSU fits.

Probation Department – Alabama will be playing Florida State (prison) this weekend. Florida State has at least 23 scholarship athletes under investigation for cheating on tests. Do you think any are from the football team?

Alabama will rebound and defeat FSU on Saturday. Nick Saban will outcoach the fading Bobby Bowden. Alabama native Bowden will be facing the Crimson Tide for the first time in his coaching career.

Additional note on FSU: As I stated last season, Bobby Bowden should step down and retire. He has absolutely no control over his football program.

Rather than suspend linebacker Geno Hayes for at least one game for his recent arrest, he demotes him to the second-team.

A total lack of discipline for a head coach!

Finger on the Pulse – Coach Tommy Tuberville’s team may be struggling on the field right now, but the players all know where the coach stands when it comes to integrity and character. Just ask Tray Blackmon or Brad Lester.

Kudos to coach Tuberville for teaching these young athletes about life beyond the playing field. Don’t be surprised if you see Auburn give Florida all they can handle on Saturday. If they can control the line of scrimmage, this game is much closer than you think. The return of Tristan Davis could give Auburn a shot in the arm.

Here are a few games that will change the complexion of the BCS race.

I believe the USC vs. Washington game as well as the Auburn vs. Florida contest could very well be trap games. Auburn is steadily improving and Washington’s quarterback, Jake Locker has been compared to Florida’s Tim Tebow.

The best game of the weekend should be Friday evening. I really like West Virginia’s Pat White and Steve Slaton. The Big East Conference is turning out to be the most intriguing conference so far. The Mountaineers are 23-6 on the road under Rich Rodriguez.

Friday -

West Virginia (No.5) at South Florida (No.18), 7 p.m. on ESPN2

Saturday -

Cal (No.6) at Oregon (No.11), 2:30 p.m. on ABC

Michigan State (No.23) at Wisconsin (No.9), 2:30 p.m. on ABC

Alabama (No. 22) at Florida State, 2:30 p.m. on CBS

USC (No.1) at Washington, 7 p.m. on ABC

Auburn at Florida (No.3), 7:00 p.m. on ESPN