The Ducks don't play today but they could gain some ground. While they're going through their normal Monday workout in preparation for Thursday night's home game versus UCLA, there are three games in the PAC-10 and several national games that could tighten their hold on number two in the country and first place in the conference.
#1 Ohio State (6-0) at #18 Wisconsin (5-1), ESPN, 4 p.m. Pacific
This is by far the sternest test the Buckeyes have faced this year, only the second time in seven games that they've gone on the road. Wisconsin is 40-4 at home since 2004, and 25 of 28 at night. The Buckeyes have feasted on a mediocre schedule so far, with wins over Marshall, Miami (Jacory Harris threw four picks), Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. They didn't leave the friendly confines of the Horseshoe for the entire month of September, and struggled to put away a middling Illinois team in their only road game prior to this one.
The Buckeyes are a 4-point favorite, chiefly because the Wisconsin secondary has struggled against the pass. They rank 54th in the country overall, giving up just over 200 yards a game, but they've only picked off 4 passes while allowing 10 touchdowns. Opponents are completing 57.4% against the Badgers, for nearly 13 yards a completion. Expect Terrelle Pryor to toss some scuds to Sanzenbacher, Posey and Saine.
Wisconsin will try to counter with the inside running of power back John Clay and a ball control, play action passing attack. Their style is similar to the Stanford Cardinal, tough and physical. Backed by a raucous home crowd, the Badgers need an early takeaway or two to get the Buckeyes in the uncomfortable and unfamiliar position of playing from behind. Jim Tressel normally likes to play it close to the sweatervest in big games, relying on field position, special teams and defense to win, and an early push could be the Badgers best chance for a victory. Pryor and the Buckeyes have rarely been out of their comfort zone this year, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to an energized and hostile environment.
#12 Arkansas (5-1) at #7 Auburn (6-0), 12:30 p.m., CBS
Two Heisman trophy candidates square off in a key SEC clash. Auburn's quarterback Cam Newton is the #2 rated passer in the country behind Kellen Moore, who racks up impressive stats scrimmaging the junior varsity week after week, while Ryan Mallett of Arkansas is number seven in the NCAA's pass efficiency stats. The loser's Heisman and National Championship hopes will take a big hit. Newton, a junior, is one of the most imposing dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. He's thrown for 1138 yards and 12 tds, and run for 672 yards and 9 tds in his first year as a starter.
Also a junior, the 6-6 Mallett is a NFL prototype with a rocket arm. He's thrown for 300 yards or more in every game this year, 1748 total, for 13 tds and 6 interceptions, completing 69%. last year he threw for 30 tds. He's a complete contrast to Newton, no threat to run at all, carrying the ball for a net -24 yards on the year, strictly a pocket passer.
Newton has a stronger supporting cast, a better running game, and home field advantage. The Tigers are four point favorites at home, but Steven Garcia showed what a passer with a hot hand can do to an undefeated favorite. If Auburn passes this test, they host #9 LSU next week, and travel to arch rival and #8 Alabama on November 26th.
Other games involving the Top Ten:
#3 Boise State at San Jose State (1-5)
BYU (2-4) at #4 TCU
Texas (3-2) at #5 Nebraska
Iowa State (3-3) at #6 Oklahoma
Mississippi (3-2) at #8 Alabama
McNeese State (2-3) at #9 LSU
#10 South Carolina at Kentucky (3-3)
In the PAC-10 today:
Oregon State at Washington
Cal at USC
Arizona at Washington State
The Beavers, playing in their second straight conference road game, are the PAC-10's only other undefeated team. SC already has two conference losses, and Washington, Arizona, and Cal each have one. Washington needs a win to keep bowl hopes alive, and Cal, which has struggled against the Trojans, particularly in Los Angeles, needs a win to stay relevant in the conference.
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