OGS Spotlight Game Of The Week: Oregon At USC

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Remove Oregon from the list of unbeaten teams in jeopardy of suffering an upset loss in Week 9.

That's the storyline in college football, that six of the sport's seven perfect squads are on the road this weekend.

For two weeks I've looked toward Oct. 30 as a possible night of redemption for USC, out to avenge last year's blowout loss at Oregon. But the more I read up on this game, the less I think the Trojans, even on their home field, will pull it off.

Nothing against coach Lane Kiffin and his star sophomore quarterback Matt Barkley. And it's

Click to read more ...

OGS Spotlight Game Of The Week: Ohio State At Wisconsin

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Terrelle Pryor as an X factor?

Yes, that's exactly what he'll be in Ohio State's first road test this season at Wisconsin Saturday night.

Usually, the X factor is a lesser-known player or an inconsistent element about a particular team, not a high-profile Heisman candidate.

For example, you might hear something as specific as "Their kickoff coverage will be the X factor" to describe a squad that's allowed too many big plays on special teams as it prepares to face an opponent whose roster boasts some dangerous return specialists.

Click to read more ...

OGS Spotlight Game Of The Week: Michigan State At Michigan

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Sure Alabama's game at South Carolina looks like a dandy, but Michigan State-Michigan appears, on paper at least, to be more evenly matched.

Sparty and Big Blue are both 5-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten, but neither squad plays exceptional defense. In fact, Michigan's pass defense is ranked last in the FBS, allowing 308 yards per game through the air.

The Wolverines, however, have perfected the ever-baffling formula to overcome a porous D, and it's called Denard Robinson. As long as he stays healthy, which will become an increasingly larger if as the Big Ten season wears on, Michigan has a chance to win every game it plays. Every game.

Click to read more ...

OGS Spotlight Game Of The Week: Stanford At Oregon

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

For those who might not follow PAC-10 football all too closely, it's important to note that Stanford can follow a very simple formula to win at Oregon Saturday night.

The Cardinal can neutralize the Ducks' defensive speed by, not running around them or away from them, but running right at them. Maintaining possession and keeping the ball away from Oregon's big-play, quick-strike offense will be critical, especially at hostile Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

Stanford's offense hasn't only avoided a drop-off since the departure of 2009 Heisman Trophy finalist Toby Gerhart. It's gotten better. Much better.

Click to read more ...

OGS Spotlight Game Of The Week: Alabama at Arkansas

Mallett Won't Be Enough
To Save No. 10 Razorbacks

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Is this the week Ryan Mallett asserts himself as the Heisman front-runner with a signature victory?

Or will Saturday's showdown between No. 1 Alabama and No. 10 Arkansas bring Razorback Nation back to reality?

The Tide begin a three-game stretch against SEC foes all currently ranked among the OGS Top 15. After Saturday's tilt in Fayetteville, 'Bama returns home to play No. 8 Florida next week and then hits the road again to face No. 14 South Carolina on Oct. 9.

Click to read more ...

OGS Spotlight Game Of The Week: Iowa At Arizona

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Just a couple weeks ago, I thought the Georgia Tech-North Carolina game would be the one to watch on the third weekend of the college football season. But it might be a minute before an ACC matchup again hogs the headlines.

Instead, I think the Iowa at Arizona tilt deserves the spotlight this week.

Offseason storylines about these squads included Adrian Clayborn and the stingy Hawkeyes' defense, as well as Nick Foles being one of many exciting PAC 10 quarterbacks to follow in 2010.

And that's exactly what will make this game a good one. Can Iowa pressure Foles? Can Arizona make some big plays?

Click to read more ...