National title contenders face road tests in Pac-10, Big Ten
No. 1 Oregon at Southern California
USC’s effort to slow the high-flying Ducks begins up front. DE Nick Perry and NT DaJohn Harris must get through the veteran Oregon line, featuring C Jordan Holmes and LT Bo Thran, to stop TB LaMichael James and QB Darron Thomas before they find open field. The Trojans have firepower themselves, with QB Matt Barkley rounding into form and TBs Allen Bradford and Marc Tyler providing inside punch. There are yards to be had on the Ducks’ defense, but there are also takeaway threats such as CB Cliff Harris and DE Kenny Rowe that must be avoided.
No. 5 Michigan State at No. 19 Iowa
Last week’s fateful final drive notwithstanding, Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi is still among the Big Ten’s top performers in the clutch — as the Spartans remember all too well from a season ago. MSU LB Greg Jones will at least try to limit TB Adam Robinson from the Hawkeyes’ ground and short passing game. Spartans’ QB Kirk Cousins must beware of Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn and SS Tyler Sash as he looks for favorite WRs Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham.
usatoday.com
10/29/10
