No. 5 USC at No. 10 Oregon, 8:00PM ET ABC
The game of the week is in Eugene this Saturday, as the Ducks host the Trojans in a battle for Pac-10 supremacy. The last time the Trojans traveled to Eugene, they were beaten 24-17 and if they don’t want to suffer defeat again this year, they better sure up their defense. Oregon ranks 14th in the nation in rushing and could take advantage of an aggressive USC front four that doesn’t always play disciplined. Running back LaMichael James has enough burst to bounce runs outside if the Trojans’ defensive ends are too quick to crash inside in efforts to take away runs between the tackles. On the flip side, Oregon’s O-line must protect quarterback Jeremiah Masoli better or else the Ducks’ passing game could be non-existent. Although the Trojans’ offense is starting to take shape under freshman Matt Barkley, Oregon has the sixth best pass efficiency defense in the country and are holding opponents to less than 17 points a game. I like the home team getting points in this matchup and am calling the outright upset.
Odds: USC –3.5.
Prediction: Oregon 27, USC 24.

No. 3 Texas at No. 14 Oklahoma State, 8:00PM ET
When I first looked at the point spread for this game, I was surprised to see that a good Oklahoma State team was getting nine points at home. But history doesn’t favor the Cowboys in this matchup and the Longhorns definitely have the overall edge. Although OK State has had its opportunities over the years, Texas has won the last 11 games in this matchup and Colt McCoy has owned the Cowboy defense. He has completed 79.4 percent of his passes for 1,019 yards and is 3-0 lifetime against OK State, including owning a 38-35 win in Stillwater in 2007. The Cowboys have won five straight, but they’ve feasted on teams like Rice, Grambling State, Baylor and inconsistent squads like Texas A&M and Missouri. This is a game that should be close throughout, but I actually like Texas to earn a sound victory. No. 2 Alabama is idle this week and the Longhorns will take this opportunity to thump a quality opponent in order to prove to the voters that they deserved to be ranked higher.
Odds: Texas –9.
Prediction: Texas 35, Oklahoma State 20.

Georgia vs. No. 1 Florida, 3:30PM ET
The Gators have lacked explosion on offense all season, but it’s high time they lay a beating on an opponent and it comes this Saturday at “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” Tim Tebow and company need to prove that they deserve the top spot in the polls and although the Bulldogs should be well rested coming off their bye, I expect Urban Meyer to open things up and breathe some life into Florida’s passing game. Georgia hasn’t played well defensively this season and was lit up by a Tennessee team that also lacks offensive explosion. UGA has one of the least productive pass defenses in the country and while Florida’s passing game has been stagnant, I think it’ll have some success this Saturday in Jacksonville. I expect the Gator defense to play inspired and cause a few turnovers, which will lead to points and instill confidence in UF’s offense. Opponents have played Florida close for most of the season, but the Gators roll in this one. It’s time for Tebow and the rest of the UF offense to wake up.
Odds: Florida –15.
Prediction: Florida 33, Georgia 13.

No. 19 Miami at Wake Forest, 3:30PM ET
The Hurricanes need to bounce back after losing to Clemson at home last week, but they might not find things much easier this Saturday in Winston-Salem. Miami has won five straight against Wake, but the Demon Deacons are tough to beat at home and should keep things close. I don’t expect Wake to pull off an outright upset, but I like them getting 7.5 points at home and think they’ll cover. Miami just suffered an emotional loss at home last week and now has to go on the road to play in a tough environment. Canes win, but Deacons cover.
Odds: Miami –7.5.
Prediction: Miami 24, Wake Forest 20.