Week 13 Previews

Even with a dearth of games, this is a big weekend for the Pac-10. USC takes on Notre Dame on Saturday and watches their other two out of conference opponents, Nebraska and Arkansas, play tomorrow. In Corvallis we have the Civil War and in Tucson, it's a battle for the territorial cup. I don't have a lot of time, so this will be quick.

The Civil War
Oregon vs Oregon State (-3)
The Ducks have been brutal lately, so I'm surprised to see them only being dogged by 3, on the road no less. I guess the oddsmakers think Oregon will show up for their rivalry game. I think they've got too many issues at quarterback and Oregon State wants this game a lot more.

Brian's Pick: OSU (-3)

The Territorial Cup
Arizona State vs Arizona (-3)
This is more or less the same situation as the Civil War. ASU was the more highly regarded team to start the season, who have since fallen on their faces, while Arizona has been much improved to end the year. The Sun Devils can't really salvage their season, but they could possibly save coach Dirk Koetter's job with a rivalry win. I think Arizona has a little more to play for, as in a bowl bid, plus they get to play at home.

Brian's Pick: Arizona (-3)

The Jeweled Shillelagh
Notre Dame vs USC (-7)
No team has ever beaten Notre Dame football five times in a row. As it currently stands, USC has taken the last four from the Fighting Irish. There are big implications surrounding this game. Pride for both schools, a #2 BCS ranking, and of course the prettiest of all the rivalry trophies. Nationally, this is probably the second biggest game of the season, behind last weeks OSU-UM classic. A win for the Tojans and they head to Glendale. A blowout for the Irish and they may hop Michigan and get a shot at OSU. Notre Dame is a lot like Cal. Excellent offense with playmakers at all the skill positions and good special teams. The defense is athletic, but isn't quite as good as it should be given their individual players. USC's offense is comparable, but the defense is what makes the biggest differnce. They covered last week and I thought it would be close. Given what this game means to Pete Carroll and the boys, I won't pick against them again.

Brian's Pick: USC (-7)