National Games with Duck Implications

If the Ducks keep winning, it doesn't matter what anyone else does; they're going to Glendale. Cam Newton can be as guilty as a five year old with one hand in the cookie jar or as innocent as Vanzetti and the Ducks are playing for the national championship.

#2 Auburn plays Chattanooga today, and there's not much chance they'll lose, but things are more in doubt November 13 hosting Georgia or November 26 traveling to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl. The allegations have to be a distraction, and it will be a relief for the Tigers to be on the field. Newton is 60% of their offense, and even with him healthy, undistracted and eligible they'll be challenged to win out. Their defense isn't as good as Oregon's, and already they've had several close calls. Should they escape Georgia, Alabama and the NCAA they have to get by South Carolina in the SEC title game. Alabama is deeper and more balanced.

#6 Alabama travels to #10 LSU, kicking off the same time as the Ducks. The Tide won't lose again this season, and they're Oregon's likely opponent for the crystal football, defending national champs, a deep and imposing football team, probably the toughest possible matchup for the Ducks with a balanced offense, a smashmouth downhill runner in Ingram, a capable quarterback, and a swarming, athletic defense. Think USC with three times more depth.

#3 TCU is at #5 Utah, and the winner is the likely non-AQ entrant to the Rose Bowl. The Horned Frogs rank first in the country in scoring defense and total defense, while Utah is third in the country in scoring offense and 6th in defense. The quarterbacks are about even, but the Utes don't have a back with the ground-pounding ability of Ed Wesley. TCU has played a tougher schedule, with a 30-21 win over Oregon State and a 45-10 win over #21 Baylor.

#4 Boise State hosts 7-2 Hawaii. The unranked Warriors are 5-0 in the WAC but much tougher at home. Quarterback Bryant Moniz has thrown for 3247 yards and 25 tds, but Hawaii ranks 112th in rushing. The Broncos have better balance and a much stouter defense.

#15 Arizona goes to #13 Stanford, and even though it's a PAC-10 game, it's listed here because the winner probably inches closer to the national top ten. It would help the Ducks if Stanford wins, as it strengthens Oregon's resume with the conference having a one-loss team rather than two two-loss teams. If Oregon is 12-0, with wins over an 11-1 Stanford and a 9-3 Arizona, they simply can't be denied like 2001. Can they? The PAC-10 is very top heavy this year, with three, possibly four strong teams and a bunch of weak ones.