Tough stretch of games ahead for No. 1 Buckeyes
It isn't quite the gauntlet the SEC provides, but Ohio State's closing stretch will certainly be an adequate test for a national title contender.
If the top-ranked Buckeyes survive a four-game sequence that begins today at 24th-ranked Penn State (7 p.m., Ch. 7), they deserve a spot in New Orleans.
Big Ten haters will point to a league that, like many of us, is too heavy in its midsection. Michigan might be playing like a BCS-worthy team, but two September losses are permanent stains. Wisconsin and Penn State both spent time in the top 10 but since have been hindered by injuries, play-calling or substandard quarterback play.
But in a league saturated with bowl-eligible and near bowl-eligible teams but short on elite ones, it's difficult to find a more challenging stretch run than the one facing Ohio State. All four of the Buckeyes remaining opponents - Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan - have been ranked in the top 20. All four boast top-30 rushing offenses.
Make no mistake, the SEC is the nation's best conference by far. The Big East and Pac-10 aren't far behind. LSU remains my national championship pick, and Florida deserves its No. 9 ranking despite two losses.
But it's difficult to get giddy about two 1-loss teams or a 2-loss team appearing in the national title game.
College football is unique in its stinginess for second chances. Drop a game early, and you might get another shot. Lose late or lose two, and forget it.
That's why it will be fun watching unbeaten teams like Ohio State, Boston College, Arizona State and Kansas in the final few weeks. All four teams have their toughest games ahead of them.
Arizona State faces Cal, Oregon, UCLA and USC while Kansas takes on Texas A&M and Oklahoma State before hosting Missouri on Nov. 24.
If any of the teams lose, the national championship game - and possibly a BCS berth - is out the door. Ohio State has the best shot to survive, though it won't be easy.
Quarterback Todd Boeckman's touchdown-generating turnovers last week are unsettling. Penn State leads the nation in sacks (4.38 spg) and ranks ninth in rushing defense (79.8 ypg), putting pressure on Boeckman to look downfield.
Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli will have his own headaches, so the game likely comes down to turnovers.
The Buckeyes and Lions kick off the picks after another perfect week (I should start charging for these).
The picks
Ohio State at Penn State, 7 p.m., Channel 7
The skinny: Which quarterback cracks first? Morelli’s 6 interceptions in the last four games can't be ignored.
The pick: OSU 17, PSU 10
USC at Oregon, 2 p.m., Fox Sports Net
The skinny: Best game of the day, but barely anyone can watch it. Will the Pac-10 ever get a real TV deal?
The pick: Oregon 37, USC 34
Florida at Georgia, 2:30 p.m., Channel 2
The skinny: Georgia comes off a bye week and has the home-field edge, but Florida won't lose until the SEC title game.
The pick: Florida 24, UG 14
Kansas at Texas A&M, 6 p.m., ESPN2
The skinny: Kansas is proven on the road, and A&M has lost two home games. Start the Dennis Franchione death march.
The pick: Kansas 35, A&M 31