UCLA (3-3) vs. #2 Oregon (6-0)
Vs.
9:00 ET ESPN, Thur. Oct. 21, Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
UCLA: The Bruins have been an interesting team this season. They have been embarrassed by the likes of California and Stanford but also put on impressive performances against both Texas and Houston. The bad news for UCLA is that starting quarterback Kevin Prince is still sidelined with a knee injury, leaving the starting duties to Richard Brehaut. This Bruins team still has phenomenal players on the defensive side of the ball, including linebacker Akeem Ayers and safety Raheem Moore, but as a unit their play hasn’t been there. PLAYER TO WATCH: Jonathan Franklin, So. RB
Oregon: It goes without saying right now; the Ducks are the counties most explosive team. Starting quarterback Darron Thomas has been better than expected and run the fast paced Ducks offense to perfection this season. Running back LaMichael James certainly doesn’t hurt to have in a backfield as well. The defense has been disruptive with corner Cliff Harris and defensive tackle Brandon Bair forcing turnover and disrupting plays regularly. PLAYER TO WATCH: Jeff Maehl, Sr. WR
The Pick: The Ducks are crazy 27 point favorites with the Bruins coming to town, which should say something about what Oregon is capable of putting on a scoreboard. Both teams are heading off of bye weeks, but the Ducks may have benefited more from it, because their quarterback came out healthy, while the Bruins didn’t. If UCLA wants to have a chance here, Jonathan Franklin will need to find yards on the ground keeping the Ducks offense on the sidelines, while the Bruins control the clock. Something easier said than done, however. Oregon 47 – UCLA 13
(Friday Game)
South Florida (3-3) vs. Cincinnati (3-3)
Vs.
8:00 PM ET, ESPN 2, Fri. Oct. 22, Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
South Florida: The Bulls play in a weekly showcase game on the road for the second week in a row. Things have not started well for the Bulls in Big East play, though. In their last two games, the Bulls have failed to score in double digits against Syracuse and West Virginia. Quarterback B.J. Daniels has struggled this season, relying on his speed and legs far less this season. The rushing game has been decent at times and gets a boast this week with the return of running back Demetris Murray. PLAYER TO WATCH: Craig Marshall, Sr. DE
Cincinnati: The Bearcats have come across some tough luck this season. Their schedule has been rough for one. Losses came against Fresno State, NC State and Oklahoma, a game they nearly won. The last two weeks the offense has looked on track, however. Quarterback Zach Collaros has tossed 17 touchdowns to three interceptions this season as wideouts Armon Binns and DJ Woods continue to impress. The defense struggles to keep teams at bay, but as long as the offense continues to score, the defense shouldn’t be a concern against weak Big East competition. PLAYER TO WATCH: Isaiah Pead, Jr. RB
The Pick: The records don’t really speak volumes as to how the two of these teams play. South Florida is a cooling team, while the Bearcats have been getting better each week. B.J. Daniels looks uncomfortable in new head coach Skip Holtz offense and has yet to hit a grove this season. South Florida has good speed in it secondary and brings along the nation’s No. 15 ranked pass defense but Cincinnati has enough offense to overpower that. Cincinnati 27 – South Florida 13
Last Week: 6-6 – Overall Season: 65-21 – Upset Pick: 5-1
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