Posted on 10/25/2007 5:16:30 PM

NCAAF: LSU Fights Back into Top 3

By D.S. Williamson

The LSU Fighting Tigers did what they had to do, beating a very tough Auburn team 30 to 24 on a last second touchdown pass from Matt Flynn and got back into the Top 3 in the BCS Championship Race.

Truthfully, it was a gutsy call by LSU coach Les Miles. I mean, calling for a play that could have potentially ended the Fighting Tigers’ chances of playing for the national championship sure was gutsy - - or, stupid - - call it what you will, but it worked out for LSU and I guess that’s all that matters in the end.

Ohio State, meanwhile, got to beat Michigan State in a tough game. Does anybody really believe in Ohio State? The Buckeye’s jumped out to a 17 point lead versus the Spartans and then had to hang on by a touchdown. I understand that the Buckeyes don’t like to run up the score against teams, but that’s just ridiculous. Because of their win, the Buckeyes remain number one in the BCS Standings, but I just don’t think they are good enough to finish the season undefeated. Maybe, Lloyd Carr breaks his jinks versus the Buckeyes and the Wolverines knock the Bucks off of their perch come Nov. 17th.

Boston College climbed to number two in the BCS Standings by doing absolutely nothing. They did so because South Florida lost to Rutgers and Arizona State had a bye just like the Eagles did. Boston College gives up too many points to be a true BCS Championship threat. They will lose one of their next two games to either Virginia Tech this coming weekend or Florida State in two weekends. That should end the hopes of Boston College.

ASU, meanwhile, gets a true test this weekend as they get to play the California Golden Bears, who shot themselves in the foot losing to UCLA this past Saturday, at home. It will be a true test for ASU, but if they beat Cal, then they get to play Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Arizona. If ASU finishes their season undefeated, they will certainly have earned it and should play in the BSC Championship game. They are currently ranked fourth in the BSC Standings.

Finally, South Carolina lost to Vanderbilt and Kentucky lost to Florida. That gives the Gamecocks and Wildcats two losses each which means neither team is playing for the BCS Championship. It’s LSU or nothing for the SEC.

Here’s a look at some key games coming up this weekend:

USC (+3) vs. Oregon ( - 3) = For some reason, odds-makers have this love for the USC Trojans. Here’s a tip, they aren’t that good. They dominated Notre Dame. Who hasn’t besides UCLA this year? Notre Dame got dominated by Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Penn State, etc. USC will lose to this team because their vaunted defense isn’t all that vaunted. Oregon can score against the NFL Baltimore Ravens. This could be a blow-out for the Ducks and should stamp them as a legitimate contender in the BSC Championship race.

California Golden Bears ( + 3) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils ( - 3) = Tough game for the ASU Sun Devils as they have to prove that they are legit. I think they are. I also think that the Bears aren’t as good as previously advertised. Expect the Sun Devils to actually outscore the Bears in this win. Now, if the Sun Devils can keep the Bears to 17 points or less, stamp the Sun Devils as a true contender in the BCS. In any case, the Devils cover this spread.

Boston College (+ 3.5) vs. Virginia Tech ( - 3.5) = This is a Thursday Game, so, don’t wait too long when placing your wagers. I love the Hokies in this game. Not only should they cover but their D could shut down Matt Ryan and the overrated B.C. offense. B.C. , like Ohio State, has jumped to the top of the BCS Standings by beating soft teams and watching as tough teams like LSU and South Florida lose against good teams. It won’t happen this weekend. B.C. gets beat and the Hokies cover.

Ohio State ( - 3.5) vs. Penn State ( + 3.5) = Ohio State is ranked number one in the BCS Standings. Not after this game. You get the Nittany Lions at home, where they are awesome, against an Ohio State team who has gotten their number one ranking through sheer luck. Penn State at home and getting points? Are you kidding me, Becky? Seriously, are you?

Georgia Bulldogs ( + 9 ) vs. Florida Gators ( - 9) = Two late for the Gators who have two losses on their record, but they did show me something this past weekend. I just don’t see the Bulldogs sticking with a Gators team who is getting better by the week. That Tim Tebow is one heck of a player. If he continues to develop the short pass and a touch on his long-ball, then expect the NFL to come calling soon. The Gators cover.

 

West Virginia Mountaineers ( - 6) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights ( + 6) = Rutgers went a long way in helping the Mountaineers’ BSC Championship game status by beating South Florida last week. The problem for the Mountaineers is that this BetUS NCAA football line does not correctly reflect the Scarlet Knights’ true chances. This line should be about three. That makes the Knights a good bet to beat this spread.

 

Until next week, good luck!

NCAA football betting has started, and BetUS sportsbook already has tons of college football Futures betting available for those of us who can't wait. Bet on the Heisman winner, Conference and Divisional winners and, of course, the 2008 BCS National Championship winner. Bet NCAA Football Futures in our sportsbook today in the Future / props section!