CURTAIN DROPS THIS WEEKEND ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL REGULAR SEASON

The curtain will drop this weekend on college football’s regular season. There are some awfully good match-ups that are either legitimate conference championships, or games that are disguised as essentially the same thing. It kicks off tonight, Thursday for those of you who don't open your email promptly.

Due to having to work a real job for a living I apologize for not getting this out sooner in order to add some much-deserved hype to tonight's big-time PAC-10 intra-state battle in the great Northwest--Oregon vs. Oregon State. Oregon has gotten a lot more publicity, in large part for their stumble out of the gate at Boise, and then their complete dominance of USC about a month ago. But, OSU Coach Mike Reilly has another rough and tumble group and he has his black and orange clad Beavers playing with an attitude. You didn't hear it here, but the Ducks of Oregon could go waddling home unless they bring their "A Game" in all areas of tonight's game. Also know as the Civil War, this game is also the War of the Roses in terms of bowl implications.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh—This is not a conference championship game like the others, but it is going to determine the league champion. Cinderella Cincy has been rolling along undefeated (#5 ranking) whether it be with their #1 QB Tony Pike or #2 man Zach Collaros. They can score quickly and in bunches, plus they have a special teams return game that can help out, too. Unfortunately, the Bearcat defense is not on the same level as their offense. They are solid, have some good athletes and play hard, but they are by no means a physical, “shut-down the run” type of defense that matches up well with Pitt. The Panthers, #14, stubbed their toe last week in the Backyard Brawl at West Virginia, but by knocking off UC they can still win the Big East. Dion Lewis is a pleasure to watch as a freshman running back sensation and Jonathan Baldwin gives the Panthers a big, downfield threat. Pitt’s defense plays a lot of man-to-man coverage and will match-up pretty well vs. UC, but all it takes is a half-step by any Bearcat receiver against such coverage and it usually will result in six points. Pitt’s defensive line has great “sack-ability”, but knowing how quickly Cincy’s QBs get rid of the ball, the rush may not be as big of a factor as one would think. Be aware of poor weather and field conditions with the game being played at Heinz Field.

Nebraska at Texas—The Longhorns are essentially playing a home game at Jerry Jones’ palatial stadium home to the Cowboys. As the #3 ranked team in the land the ‘Horns are prohibitive favorites, and rightly so with Heisman hopeful Colt McCoy leading a potent offense. Mack Brown's defense is no slouch either. Texas is the only team in the land to be ranked in the Top 10 in both total offense and total defense. Although Nebraska’s strength is their gritty defense, they can’t afford to be on the field all night. I am doubtful that the Huskers aerial-challenged offense can run it consistently enough all night and produce enough points to outlast Texas. With a win Texas will vault itself into the national championship vs. the SEC winner.

Florida vs. Alabama—This is pretty much a national championship game in itself, similar to last year, with the top two ranked teams going head to head for a conference crown.. The defending champion Gators will have to rely on their stellar defense to slow down ‘Bama’s powerful running game. Due to the Tide’s own salty defensive unit Gator defenders will be asked to get a turnover or two in order to help provide the Gator offense with a short field. This is a classic match-up—two outstanding defenses and two solid, but not great offenses. So where is it decided? Kicking game. Florida’s punter can change field position and their punt block and kickoff return units are very solid. The kickers cancel each other out. Special teams, if everything else holds true, tilts this toward Florida. With the game at the Georgia Dome, weather and wind is no factor.

Clemson vs. Ga Tech—The ACC championship game is at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa (why, I’m not sure, but let’s see if it’s more than half-full). The 12th ranked Yellowjackets and #25 Tigers hooked up once earlier this year with Tech kicking a late field goal to win. We all know Tech features Coach Paul Johnson's option-oriented offense and the key is being able to stop their fullback and not give up deep play-action passes off of their heavy basic run passes. A second time around for the Tiger defense should prove to be an advantage in defensing that tricky offensive scheme. Clemson has more overall skill and speed at their RB/WR positions, but their QB, also a baseball player, still hasn't shown the consistency week in and week out to give the Tigers a clear edge in this one. With the first meeting way back in the early portion of the season, and with another shot this time around, a minor upset could be brewing in Tampa.