 "Photo: Eric Gay / The Associated Press")
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The battle for the BCS championship is really starting to heat up as the 2005 campaign enters the final stretch of the regular season. Several top-ranked teams head into the weekend vying for a conference championship and a potential national title game invitation.
1) Southern California: The Trojans have now won 30 straight games. There are kids approaching their third birthday and Southern Cal has yet to lose in their lifetime. The Trojans won an epic game on the road against Notre Dame and have taken care of business against everyone else on the schedule. All eyes are now focusing on the season-ending rivalry game against UCLA. The only real question with this team is how many of their players will be invited to New York for the Heisman ceremony.
2) Texas: The Longhorns were able to get the monkey off their backs by finally defeating Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout. The Big 12 is extremely weak this year. UT's key wins this season came against Ohio State and Texas Tech. Quarterback Vince Young continues to gain momentum in the Heisman Trophy race, especially after racking up 267 rushing yards - 239 passing - against Oklahoma State last week.
3) Virginia Tech: Boston College decided to take away Hokie quarterback Marcus Vick's ability to run in last week's Thursday night contest. They challenged Vick to beat them with his arm, something most analysts were not sure he could do. Vick responded by completing 22 of 28 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown in the 30-10 win. Virginia Tech might be the most balanced team in the country. They have a very good offense, a great defense and great special teams play.
4) UCLA: This team is the real Cinderella story of 2005. UCLA has remained unbeaten by winning two overtime games. The Bruins trailed Cal big before unleashing an offensive firestorm against the Bears. They also spotted Washington State 21 points before rallying to win. Quarterback Drew Olson and running back Maurice Drew are a formidable tandem. Crosstown rivals Southern Cal have become celebrities in Los Angeles. If the Bruins can remain undefeated, the final game of the year against the Trojans will give them a chance earn all the respect they deserve.
The SEC: Alabama has turned quite a few heads by starting off 8-0. Losing star wide receiver Tyrone Prothro devastated the Tide's offensive capabilities. Luckily for Bama, they have one of the best defenses in the nation. The SEC West might as well be called the SEC Wild West this year, because even with Alabama undefeated, the division is still up for grabs. LSU can win it by beating Alabama and winning the rest of its games. Auburn can win the West if Alabama defeats LSU by winning out and defeating Alabama in the Iron Bowl. In the East, where Georgia once had a commanding lead, Florida has since charged back. Florida beat Georgia last week, and if Georgia slips up against Auburn, Florida would get the nod.
The ACC: Florida State's arrival into the ACC sent waves of fear into the rest of the conference's member teams. FSU has dominated league play nearly every year since joining the ACC in 1992. The traditional ACC schools are reeling once again with the addition of Boston College, Miami, and Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech won the ACC last year, and is undefeated in 2005. Miami and Florida State remain dominant powers, and even Boston College has been whipping up on the older ACC schools, losing only to FSU and Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech and Florida State are on a collision course for Jacksonville and the inaugural ACC championship game. Before that happens the Hokies will have to survive a battle with the Hurricanes on Saturday.
The Big Ten: Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State stand at 5-1 in the conference. The champion from this conference will likely come from the winner of the Penn State-Wisconsin game Saturday.
The Big 12: This conference is way down this year. Texas has a cakewalk into the Big 12 title game and will destroy its northern division opponent.
The Big East: This conference does not even merit discussion.
The Pac-10: UCLA vs. Southern Cal, and I cannot wait to watch this game.
Week 10 predictions:
Virginia Tech vs. Miami: Virginia Tech is a very well-coached team. Miami's weaknesses will be exposed.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27 Miami 10
Oregon vs. California: This is a battle between two ranked Pac-10 teams. Expect the points to come from all over the field as Oregon edges Cal.
Prediction:
Oregon 35 Cal 28
Penn State vs. Wisconsin: Joe Pa's return to prominence continues with a Big Ten title within his grasp.
Prediction: Penn State 28 Wisconsin 21
Notre Dame vs. Tennessee: Tennessee offensive coordinator Randy Sanders resigned after the USC game. The Vols are near the bottom of every offensive category in the country.
Prediction:
Notre Dame 38 Tennessee 12
Southern Cal vs. Stanford: Stanford nearly knocked off USC last year before the Trojans made a fourth-quarter comeback. This game is in L.A. Expect a close game early, but Southern Cal pulls away in the third quarter.
Prediction:
USC 67 Stanford 30
Last Week: 2-3
Season: 28-13
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