Go Beavs: An Oregon State Dynasty

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Week 11[/size]

[size=+2](4)Florida State falls to (3)Clemson 27-3 in flat effort[/size]

[size=-5]Clem WR TJ Chuch high steps through a tackle for a 54-yard touchdown reception.[/size]

Highlight​

Tallahassee, FL - This was supposed to be a heavy weight ACC matchup but the Tigers were the only ones that showed up. Florida State looked flat from the opening kickoff. This will be a game that FSU QB Joe Finnerty will want to forget as he threw five interceptions on the day and only threw for a total of 99 yards. His very first pass was intercepted by the talented Clem SS Carlton Lewis, who took it back for a pick-six right out of the opening gate to put Clemson up 7-0. Clem QB Kyle Parker looked as good as ever as he hooked up with WR TJ Church for two touchdowns. The first one came late in the 2nd quarter when Church high stepped through a tackle for a 54-yard touchdown to put Clemson ahead 14-0. For the most part, it was a battle of field position and FSU QB Joe Finnerty turning over the ball as Clemson put on a dominating performance to win 27-3.

Clemson 27
QB Parker: 23-33, 210 yds, 2 td
HB Thomas: 28 car, 75 yds
WR Church: 7 rec, 88 yds, 2 td
SS Lewis: 8 tkl, 2 int, ff, td

Florida State 3
QB Finnerty: 12-25, 99 yds, 5 int
HB Horn: 23 car, 73 yds
WR Williams: rec, 32 yds
OLB Lucas: 12 tkl, defl

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/size][/b]

#25 Pittsburgh 21
Connecticut 20

Eastern Michigan 6
#19 Ball State 13

#11 Nebraska 24
Texas A&M 21

[b]#18 Arizona State 33
#9 Oregon State 24[/b]

[color=red]#21 Texas Tech 30
#1 Oklahoma 24[/color]

#2 USC 27
Stanford 21

[color=blue]#3 Clemson 27
#4 Florida State 3[/color]

#20 Alabama 31
#15 LSU 48

#17 Virginia 10
#24 Georgia Tech 41

[b][size=+2]BCS Rankings[/size][/b]

1 Clemson 10-0
2 USC 9-0
3 Virginia Tech 10-0
4 Wisconsin 9-1
5 Texas 9-1
6 Oklahoma 9-1
7 Penn State 8-1
8 Ohio State 9-1
9 Nebraska 9-1
10 Florida State 9-1
15 Arizona State 7-2
[b]18 Oregon State 7-2[/b]

[b][size=+2]Heisman Watch[/size][/b]

WR DJ Grant SR(RS) (Texas)
HB Scott Thomas SR (Clemson)
HB Will Pittman SR (Wisconsin)
QB Jaybo Shaw SR(RS) (Georgia Tech)
QB James Minor SR (Texas)

 

[Emac78]

That sucks. Dropped two in a row...

Yep, we might make three in a row with UCLA coming up next.

i went wit Florida State

Oops, you can't get them all right.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Game of the Week[/size]

[size=+2]#12 BYU (9-0) at #19 Utah (8-0)[/size]

Chris: That's right. We are coming to you live from Salt Lake City. [crowd cheers] People might remember when TCU was undefeated and had that crazy win streak. Well, now both teams here in Utah are undefeated and the winner here today could very well finish undefeated. I'm not saying they will play for a national championship. [crowd boos] But there is a very good chance they could be in a BCS bowl. [crowd cheers] We didn't know up to the very last minute whether we were going to be here for this one or in Ann Arbor or Blacksbug as there are some important games taking place in the Big Ten and the ACC. We'll get to those games and more when we come back.

[size=+1]Picks of the Week[/size]

#4 Wisconsin at #25 Michigan
Kirk: Wisc Lee: Mich

#23 Virginia at #3 Virginia Tech
Kirk: VT Lee: VT​

Chris: Welcome back. It's time for Kirk and Lee to make their picks for this showdown in the Mountain West.

Kirk: I don't think either defense will play well today. Offenses will rule the field today. It should really be an exciting shootout. Turnovers will play a crucial factor today and it really is anybody's guess as to who wins today so I've got to go with the home team. I'm picking Utah.

Lee: That's as good as any reason Kirk. I still can't believe we're out here by the Great Salt Lake. What a spectacular sight it is. But for this game, BYU has a wonderful QB by the name of Matt Nelson. He's thrown 31 touchdowns and only three interceptions, but it won't matter. This is the best team he has gone up against with the exception of maybe TCU. Utah has the advantage in the trenches. I'm going with the Utes. [Lee puts on the Ute headgear as the crowd goes wild]

 

[Fox1994]

MWC showdown, go Utah!

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]#18 Oregon State (7-2) at UCLA (8-1)[/size]

Pasadena, CA - The Beavers looked very upbeat for a team that has lost two games back-to-back. That is proably because the players would get to experience some nice weather for a change as it was another beautiful day in Southern California. Though UCLA is the unranked team, the Bruins came in as the favorites and rightly so the way Oregon State has looked. The Beavers no find themselves out of the conference championship, but UCLA controls its own destiny. Starting with a win today over the Beavers, if the Bruins were able to win out, then they would make the Rose Bowl. However, they still need to beat the Trojans. The Bruins have looked like a terrific team this season with the exception of their blowout loss at Autzen against the Ducks, losing 50-13. It is coming down to the wire now in the Pac-10. It is now between USC, Arizona State, UCLA, and Oregon is still in it but will likely fall out of the race today since they play USC. The best the Beavers can hope for is a trip to San Diego in the Holiday Bowl.

Utter disaster occured for the Beavers on the opening play from scrimmage, when UCLA QB Nick Crissman threw to WR Robert Vincent, who broke took tackles, and was gone for a 67-yard touchdown right out of the opening gates to spot UCLA a 7-0 lead.

[size=-5]UCLA WR Robert Vincent breaks two tackles and is gone for a 67-yard touchdown.[/size]

Highlight​

As well as UCLA looked on offense on their opening possession, the Beavers looked as equally bad. OSU QB Bryan Rossner was sacked on the first two plays from scrimmage, leading to a three and out. The Rose Bowl was electrified by the play of their Bruins. It looked like the Bruins were about to make this one a laugher as everything was going their way. That is when UCLA QB Nick Crissman threw into the flat where there was nobody there but OSU CB Mike Mayes, who made the easiest interception of his career. Then just as easily ran it in for a pick-six to tie the game 7-7. Just like that, Oregon State was back in the game. It looked as if UCLA WR Robert Vincent and Crissman were not on the same page, and they continued to talk it over on the sideline.

[size=-5]Who was Crissman throwing to? OSU CB Mike Mayes with an easy pick-six.[/size]​

Although their talk must not have helped that much because the Bruins were forced to punt on their next possession. The Beavers would try to capture the momentum by being aggressive. Rossner would throw deep over the middle to WR Brian Herring but UCLA FS Parker Blumenthal was there in coverage where he leaped up to make the interception in front of Herring. Then Blumenthal made a fantastic return and was able to take it all the way back for a Bruin pick-six. Now, UCLA was back in front 14-7.

[size=-5]UCLA FS Parker Blumenthal leaps up to intercept the ball, and then returns it all the way back for six.[/size]​

The Beavers would settle down and gather their composure for their next possession. They did what they do best on offense, and that is a balanced attack. Rossner found the open receivers and HB Jacquizz Rodgers took what he could get on the ground. To finish off the drive, Rossner hooked up with WR Alex Whitehead in front of the end zone, where he was upended across the goal line for a 3-yard touchdown to tie the game 14-14.

[size=-5]OSU WR Alex Whitehead upended across the goal line for a 3-yard touchdown reception.[/size]​

On the ensuing kickoff, UCLA HB Jonathan Franklin found a seam and took it to the hose, but wait. There was a flag down. Holding on the Bruins. That would end an entertaining 1st quarter.

The Bruins' offense was sputtering since the opening play of the game, and the Beavers held them to another three and out. Oregon State, on the other hand was able to get right back into the red zone on another impressive drive. However, Rossner would be sacked on third down to force a 27-yard field goal. The Beavers went up 17-14 as the ball sailed through the uprights.

UCLA continued to struggle, and was again forced punt after a three and out. On the ensuing possession for Oregon State, UCLA brought a huge massive blitz. It was clear Rossner could see it coming as he made the adjustments and then threw deep over the top to WR Brian Herring. The standout wideout beat his man and caught the ball in stride and took it to the house for a 71-yard touchdown to stun the Rose Bowl. The Beavers had just gone ahead 24-14.

[size=-5]OSU WR Brian Herring catches the perfectly thrown ball by QB Bryan Rossner for a 71-yard touchdown.[/size]

Highlight​

After another UCLA punt, Oregon State would attempt a last-minute drive that would fail when Rossner was sacked for the 4th time of the half to bring the 1st half to an end.

As the 2nd half got underway, neither team looked very sharp on offense. Finally, UCLA HB Jonathan Franklin would break a 30-yard run to get the Bruins inside the OSU 19-yard line. It was the first time UCLA had been in the red zone in the game. But the Bruins would be held a the 5-yard line and settled for a 20-yard chipshot to make it a one possession game. Oregon State's lead had been cut to 24-17 as the 3rd quarter came to an end.

The Beavers put together a good drive. HB Jacquizz Rodgers has really struggle the last couple games but today he was very effective. Rossner would move the team into the red zone when he hooked up with Herring over the middle. But Herring was drilled on the play and left with a strained shoulder. So the Beavers would be without arguably their best receiver for the remainder of the game.

[size=-5]OSU WR Brian Herring is drilled, straining his shoulder, and would be out the remainder of the game.[/size]​

Also, the Beavers would be unable to punch it in the end zone, and would settle for a 24-yard field goal to take a ten point lead, 27-17.

UCLA would look good on their next possession as they had something going. Oregon State's defense was looking tired as the Bruins were back in the red zone. It would come down to fourth-and-1 at the OSU 8-yard line. UCLA head coach would decide to go for it rather than kick a field goal. It proved a fatal decision for the Bruins when HB Jonathan Franklin was tackled in the backfield, short of the first down line by OSU MLB Paul Jones.

[size=-5]OSU MLB Paul Jones brings down UCLA HB Jonathan Franklin in the backfield on fourth down.[/size]​

Oregon State got the ball back on downs and the Beavers were able to run out the clock behind an impressive effort by HB Jacquizz Rodgers to seal this one shut. Oregon State gets their most impressive win of the season against a very good UCLA team at the Rose Bowl 27-17.

Oregon State 27
QB Rosssner: 23-26, 277 yds, 2 td, int
HB Rodgers: 27 car, 95 yds
WR Herring: 4 rec, 110 yds, td
CB Mayes: 6 tkl, tfl, int, 3 defl, td

UCLA 17
QB Crissman: 12-19, 160 yds, td, int
HB Dean: 16 car, 37 yds
HB Franklin: 5 car, 49 yds
WR Vincent: 6 rec, 125 yds, td
DT Barber: 7 tkl, 3 tfl, 3 sk

 

[Fox1994]

Good job against CLA.

 

[Emac78]

Quinn won't be able to play until maybe the bowl game.

UCLA was No. 26, just about ready to get into the rankings. I think when they got blown out by Oregon 50-13, they dropped out.

 

[packersfan4eva]

that sucks

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Week 12[/size]

[size=+2](12)BYU Outscores (19)Utah 42-35 in Holy War[/size]

[size=-5]BYU WR James Shelby with a final 16-yard touchdown reception, his 4th touchdown of the game to put the Cougars ahead with 3:33 left in regulation.[/size]

Highlight​

Salt Lake City, UT - We got the shootout we all thought we were going to get in the "Holy War" between BYU and Utah. Neither defense seemed to have an answer to stop the opposing offense. About the only way that either defense could make a stop was for the opposing QB to throw an interception. The score went back and forth throughout the entire game. However, the connection between BYU QB Matt Nelson and WR James Shelby proved to be the difference as the two hooked up for three touchdowns. Shelby als ran one in himself. The game was all tied up when Utah QB DeVonte Christopher led a drive finished off with a nice touchdown pass in the back of the end zone. But BYU QB Matt Nelson hooked up with Shelby with 3:33 left in the game for a 16-yard touchdown. Christopher would get the Utes all the way to the red zone where they were forced to give up the ball on downs as BYU has a very real chance at finishing undefeated.

BYU 42
QB Nelson: 28-35, 345 yds, 4 td, 3 int
HB Vaughn: 14 car, 44 yds
WR Shelby: 8 rec, 158 yds, 3 td, rush td
CB Copeland: 13 tkl, 2 tfl

Utah 35
QB Christopher: 20-32, 321 yds, 4 td, 2 int
HB Copeland: 20 car, 64 yds, 7 rec, 119 yds, rec td
MLB Mosley: 8 tkl, tfl, int

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/size][/b]

[color=red]#4 Wisconsin 16
#25 Michigan 24[/color]

[color=blue]#12 BYU 42
#19 Utah 35[/color]

[color=red]#8 Florida State 14
West Virginia 31[/color]

Oregon 7
#2 USC 35

#23 Virginia 17
#3 Virginia Tech 38

#22 Florida 35
Fresno State 30

[b][size=+2]BCS Rankings[/size][/b]

1 Clemson 11-0
2 USC 10-0
3 Virginia Tech 11-0
4 Oklahoma 10-1
5 Texas 9-1
6 Ohio State 10-1
7 Penn State 9-1
8 BYU 10-0
9 Nebraska 9-1
10 Wisconsin 9-2
14 Arizona State 8-2
[b]19 Oregon State 8-2[/b]

[b][size=+2]Heisman Watch[/size][/b]

WR DJ Grant SR(RS) (Texas)
HB Scott Thomas SR (Clemson)
QB Kyle Parker SR(RS) (Clemson)
HB Will Pittman SR (Wisconsin)
QB Jaybo Shaw SR(RS) (Georgia Tech)

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]CAPs Report[/size]​

HB AJ Butler 5* #1 (LegendCreator)
Corvallis, OR
Top Choices: Florida State (wk 14), LSU (wk 10), Florida (wk 11)

LSU has gained a lot of ground with Butler after a visit to the LSU campus and the Tigers blowing out Tulane 44-10. It is no longer certain that Butler will be going to Florida State but he will be in Talahassee in a couple weeks. Then we can likely expect a decision.

HB Kevin Fox 5* #2 (Fox1994)
Las Vegas, NV
Committed: Michigan

This came as no surprise as Michigan seemed his destination of choice during the entire process. Now Fox will be fighting for a starting role.

WR Courageous Campbell 4* #5 (jayroddog6)
South Bend, IN
Top Choices: Texas A&M (wk 5), Michigan (wk 10), Penn State

Campbell still looks like he is going to Texas A&M but a visit to Ann Arbor went well.

WR Chris Jackson 5* #2 (Icefist)
Hilo, HI
Top Choices: Miami (wk 7), Penn State (wk 13), Hawaii (wk 10)

It looks like Jackson will be leaving the islands. He now has Miami on the top of his list but he will be on the Penn State campus this weekend as the Nittany Lions will play Michigan State for a chance to clinch the Big Ten.

DT Dexter Lee 4* #4 (aGONZO)
Portland, OR
Committed: Oregon

Oregon lands a huge prospect on the defensive line. It came as a surprise as Lee chose the Ducks over the Trojans, which it was presumed he would choose USC. A visit to Eugene apparently did the trick as he never even set foot on in the state of California. He had made a visit to Corvallis to see the highly anticipated Oregon State-USC but was not impressed with either.

CB Kyle Garvella 5* #1 (raiderfan7)
Los Angeles, CA
Top Choices: Cal (wk 11), Nebraska (wk 13), UCLA (wk 14)

After a trip up-state to Berkeley, Cal has now become his favorite choice. However, Garvella will be in Lincoln this weekend and should make a local visit to UCLA the following week for the big rivalry game with USC. Either one of these schools could land him.

FS Trent Rome 5* #1 (nfcsouth25)
Charlotte, NC
Committed: Nebraska

Nebraska lands the top prospect in the nation. With Rome in the secondary, the Black Shirts will be back to their former glory.

 

[Fox1994]

I guess Michigan is better than... a bad school. I still wish he'd gone somewhere else. Oh well... Also, sucks that Utah lost.

 

[Emac78]

I guess Michigan is better than... a bad school. I still wish he'd gone somewhere else. Oh well... Also, sucks that Utah lost.

The worst thing about going to Michigan is the competition at RB is pretty tough but your guy is a beast. The Wolverines already signed another 5-star RB too. I made the CAPs way too good. They're all going to be beasts.

 

[Fox1994]

lol. Ya, we're all in the top ten at our position.

 

[Fox1994]

Btw, how does one go about watching a game without playing it?
Edit: NVM, I found it. Just like I thought it was.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Game of the Week[/size]

[size=+2]#12 Notre Dame (8-1) at #2 USC (10-0)[/size]

Chris: We are coming to you live from the campus of USC again. It seems like we are here every week but it is the annual Notre Dame-USC rivalry game and there is as usual a lot on the line, especially for USC. The situation is similar to last year in South Bend. The Irish again lost an early game, this time to Purdue in the opening game. USC has cruised threw the Pac-10 unscathed and is likely looking at a championship birth with a win today if they can get past UCLA next week. USC has clinched the Pac-10 but the Big East will be decided today between West Virginia and Pittsburgh. Penn State can clinch the Big Ten today with a win over Michigan State. And Michigan will try to beat heavily favored Ohio State in one of the more anticipated games between these two in a while.

[size=+1]Weekly Preview[/size]

#22 Michigan at #5 Ohio State
Kirk: OSU Lee: OSU

#20 Georgia Tech at #13 Ball State
Kirk: GT Lee: GT

#25 West Virginia at #24 Pittsburgh
Kirk: Pitt Lee: Pitt​

Chris: Welcome back. It's time to get this show on the road. But first. Erin Andrews has an injury report for the Trojans.

Erin: That's right Chris. It looks like USC ROLB#50 still might be forced to sit out this one today because of his dislocated elbow. ROLB#50 is their best LB and they have really missed him. Of course, MLB Michael Hall is still out with a broken jaw also, so the Trojans will likely be without their top LBs today. Guys, back to you.

Chris: Thanks Erin. Well, that could play a factor today against a prolific Notre Dame offense.

Kirk: It sure could. I believe it will. The Irish have one of the most young, promising QBs in the nation in sophomore Joe Davis. He's only thrown six interceptions to go a long with his 21 touchdowns. With HB David Olsen in the backfield and burner WR Ethan Burns (99spd,99acc), Notre Dame is tough to stop on offense. And I think that the Irish receivers pose a problem to USC's CBs. I say the Irish walk away with an easy one today. [crowd boos]

Lee: I don't know Kirk. USC is tough to beat in that stadium. Plus they have HB Curtis McNeal who has been one of the most electrifying backs this year. He's already go nearly 1400 rushing yards and with the offensive line the Trojans got, it is too easy. That's why I'm going with...[Lee pulls out the Trojan helmet and armor and then gives it to Kirk, and puts on a Leprechaun hat to a chorus of boos.] Go Irish! Go Notre Dame!

 

[-Ray27Rice-]

I hope Notre Dame wins. Should be a good game.

 

[-Ray27Rice-]

I hope Notre Dame's team bus crashes and they all burn a slow painful death.

Rofl, thats just mean.

 

[Emac78]

Sorry about the delay guys. I've been preoccupied with the VFL lately. I'll try and get an update up tonight.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]#18 Oregon State (8-2) at Stanford (3-7)[/size]

Palo Alto, CA - Oregon State is coming off of its best win of the season after beating a one-loss UCLA team. Now, the Beavers would look to keep it rolling against another struggling Pac-10 team, Stanford. Though the Cardinal did take USC all the way to the wire, only to lose 27-21 so this is a team that can not be taken lightly. Stanford is still without their starting HB#25 and QB Andrew Luck has been out with a broken foot. However, Luck was listed as probable and would end up starting for the Cardinal.

With Luck under center for the Cardinal, Stanford looked decent on offense on their opening drive. But the drive would come to a halt when freshman DE Brandon Webb came up with a big sack in the red zone to force a Stanford 35-yard field goal as the Cardinal were on top early 3-0. The Beavers would counter back quickly, looking as good as ever when QB Bryan Rossner threw to WR Alex Whitehead, running a slant in the end zone. Whitehead made the catch for a 14-yard touchdown to give Oregon State a 7-3 lead.

[size=-5]OSU QB Bryan Rossner throws to WR Alex Whitehead for a 14-yard touchdown.[/size]​

However, Stanford continued not looking like a 3-7 squad as QB Andrew Luck would hit WR Devin Williams in the red zone for a 3-yard touchdown to regain the lead for Stanford, 10-7.

[size=-5]Stan QB Andrew Luck hits WR Devin Williams for a 3-yard touchdown.[/size]​

As the 2nd quarter got underway, OSU HB Jacquiz Rodgers was unable to make a first down in Stanford territory as the run game for Oregon State seemed to really miss HB Marvin Quinn. As a result the Beavers were forced to punt. Stanford would now find themselves deep on their own side of the field where Luck threw one of his worst passes of his career. The ball was lobbed up over the middle of the field where a host of OSU defensive backs had their opportunity to make the interception. FS Matt Arnold came down with the pick to set the Beavers up with great field position.

[size=-5]OSU FS Matt Arnold comes down with the interception off of the ill-advised pass by Stan QB Andrew Luck.[/size]​

It would not take Rossner very long to capitalize off the turnover when he found TE Adam Banks over the middle of the field. Banks made the catch, broke a tackle, and fought his way in for a 17-yard touchdown to put the Beavers up 14-10.

[size=-5]OSU TE Adam Banks fights his way in for a 17-yard touchdown.[/size]​

On the next possession for the Cardinal, the Beavers' defense stopped them to a three and out. A methodical drive by Oregon State would be held at the Stan 5-yard line where OSU kicker Reggie Smith kicked a 21-yard chip-shot to give the Beavers a 17-10 lead at halftime.

The Beavers looked like they were in good shape to start the 2nd half as they would get the ball first. However, OSU returner Alex Whitehead got the ball jarred loose and Stanford recovered it for a huge turnover to start the half. The Stanford crowd came to life but the OSU defense came up with a major three and out to force a Cardinal 50-yard field goal attempt which came up no good. The Beavers had dodged a bullet. However, Oregon State was also not so sharp on offense either, leading to a punt. Finally, Stanford HB Jason Garrett broke loose to the outside for a 43-yard gain where OSU OLB Carlos Matthews was able to run him down to prevent a touchdown. But the Cardinal were in business at the OSU 37-yard line.

[size=-5]Stan HB Jason Garrett breaks loose for a 43-yard gain.[/size]​

It looked like Stanford was about to score when Luck threw to a receiver on a slant, where OSU SS Courtney Smith jumped the route to make a huge interception. Then took off, taking it all the way back for a pick-six, stunning the Stanford faithful who were hoping the Cardinal would tie. Instead, Oregon State was now further ahead 24-10 with the interception return.

[size=-5]OSU SS Courtney Smith with a game-changing pick-six.[/size]​

Stanford QB Andrew Luck would dust himself off and get back to work where he led his team into the red zone. But OSU DE Brandon Webb came up with another big sack to force a 37-yard field goal to cut the lead to 24-13 as the 3rd quarter came to an end.

The Beavers would look to close out the game by trying to run the clock out. However, OSU HB Jacquiz Rodgers was unable to pick up a first down. But Stanford would have another drive cut short because of an OSU sack, leading to a Stanford 48-yard field goal attempt which fell short of the crossbar. That would essentially put this one in the books as Oregon State took care of business against a team that they should beat with a 24-13 win.

Oregon State 24
QB Rossner: 18-23, 170 yds, 2 td
HB Rodgers: 17 car, 73 yds
WR Whitehead: 5 rec, 59 yds, td, fl
FS Arnold: 11 tkl, int

Stanford 13
QB Luck: 26-34, 259 yds, td, 2 int
HB Garrett: 17 car, 72 yds
WR Williams: 10 rec, 91 yds, td
MLB Nichols: 7 tkl, 2 tfl

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Week 13[/size]

[size=+2](2)USC Defeats (12)Notre Dame 49-35[/size]

[size=-5]USC HB Curtis McNeal celebrates his 3rd touchdown.[/size]​

Los Angeles, CA - This was supposed to be a low scoring affair between two of the top defenses in the nation. It did not turn out that way at all. The game started out disastrously for the Irish as they found themselves down 14-0 after USC QB Xavier Miller threw a touchdown and then ND QB Joe Davis followed it up with a pick-six. However, the Irish stormed back as HB David Olsen led the way with a 52-yard touchdown run in which he trucked over a Trojan defender. Olsen would follow it up with a 10-yard touchdown run to tie the game up. But then USC HB Curtis McNeal took over the game, scoring three touchdowns to put USC in front comfortably. It would be 42-21 USC at the end of the 3rd quarter. Somebody needs to figure out why McNeal is not on the Heisman watch list. Maybe he is being slighted because he runs behind the best offensive line in the country. However, despite McNeal's great three touchdown, 200 yard performance, he was outshined by ND HB David Olsen's five touchdowns in a futile effort. USC was clearly the best team on the field and has put themselves in place to play for a national title if they can beat UCLA next week.

Notre Dame 35
QB Davis: 14-22, 159 yds, td, int
HB Olsen: 16 car, 136 yds, 3 td, 5 rec, 42 yds, 2 rec td
WR Burns: 6 rec, 89 yds
CB Singletary: 11 tkl, tfl, defl, ff

USC 49
QB Miller: 30-43, 3 td, int
HB McNeal: 33 car, 200 yds, 2 td, 4 rec, 45 yds, rec td
SS Edwards: 2 tkl, 2 int, 2 defl, td

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/size][/b]

[color=red]North Texas 35
#3 Virginia Tech 21[/color]

TCU 28
#23 Utah 31

#22 Michigan 32
#5 Ohio State 33

#20 Georgia Tech 49
#13 Ball State 16

#19 Texas Tech 21
Navy 18

[color=blue]#12 Notre Dame 35
#2 USC 49[/color]

UCLA 48
#16 Arizona State 28 (This opens up the Holiday Bowl as a possibility.)

#25 West Virginia 20
#24 Pittsburgh 15

[b][size=+2]BCS Rankings[/size][/b]

1 Clemson 11-0
2 USC 11-0
3 BYU 10-0
4 Oklahoma 10-1
5 Ohio State 11-1
6 Texas 10-1
7 Penn State 10-1
8 Nebraska 10-1
9 Wisconsin 10-2
10 Tennessee 11-1
[b]18 Oregon State 9-2[/b]
23 UCLA 9-2
24 Arizona State 8-3

[b][size=+2]Heisman Watch[/size][/b]

WR DJ Grant SR(RS) (Texas)
HB Will Pittman SR (Wisconsin)
QB Jaybo Shaw SR(RS) (Georgia Tech)
HB Scott Thomas SR (Clemson)
QB Kyle Parker SR(RS) (Clemson)