Thursday, October 12, 2006

Seattle Post Intelligencer: Elbows Starting to Fly with BCS Rankings Due

Here is the link.

Ted Miller

Excerpts:

“What does it all mean? It means Auburn and USC don't always play their best. Just as California's implosion at Tennessee doesn't mean the Bears aren't one of the nation's elite teams. The point is twofold: 1) Very good college football teams can look very bad on any given weekend; 2) the Transitive Property of College Football (if Team A beats Team B and Team C beats Team A, then Team C is clearly the best of the three) is an overrated, though necessary barometer.”

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BEARING UP: It's fair to say California is back.

The offense is on fire after scoring 40 or more points in five consecutive games for the first time in school history. The Bears are fifth in the nation in scoring (39.5 points per game). They average 167 yards rushing and 280 yards passing.  Quarterback Nate Longshore ranks ninth in the nation in passing efficiency. Tailback Marshawn Lynch bothered by a sprained ankle? Welcome back Justin Forsett, who slashed Oregon for 163 yards on 27 carries. The defensive numbers aren't that impressive, but it's clear the veteran unit is finding its stride. The Bears throttled Oregon's potent spread attack, holding the Ducks to just 70 yards rushing. They recorded nine tackles for a loss and forced four turnovers. "They're the best team we've played -- I knew that going in, and they didn't change my opinion," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "If they don't beat themselves, they will be tough to beat in this conference."

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California wide receiver DeSean Jackson has at least one touchdown reception in eight consecutive games, tied for the longest streak in the nation. He has two additional scores on punt returns.

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Prediction:

Cal 40, WSU 24

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