Notebook

By: Ryan Mulligan

Posted: 9/14/06

Nebraska at USC
7 p.m. Saturday, ABC

Roles will be reversed from recent years when these two traditional powerhouses face off Saturday night. The Cornhuskers have finally settled into the west coast offense and have answered any doubts regarding personnel, averaging 541 yards per game. In addition, the "Blackshirt" defense allowed zero passing yards last week, unusual for a team prone to losing games through the air. On the other side of the field, the Trojans are trying to fill the offensive holes left by eight NFL draft picks. Quarterback John David Booty played well in the Trojans' only game this season, but no running back has set himself apart. The outcome will be determined by the team that first overcomes injury and inexperience in the secondary.

Oklahoma at Oregon
2:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC

The Oregon Ducks will finally get the rematch they've been looking forward to for nine months. In last year's Holiday Bowl, the Sooners held off a late surge by the Ducks to win 17-14. Ducks' quarterbacks Dennis Dixon and Brady Leaf both played in the bowl game, but Dixon has emerged as this season's starter. Dixon has yet to be sacked and has not thrown an interception in Oregon's two victories. Meanwhile, the Sooners return running back Adrian Peterson, who has punished teams this season with 304 yards rushing and four touchdowns through two games. Both teams have managed balanced offenses so far, which means defense will be the key to victory.

Texas Tech at TCU
4:30 p.m. Saturday, OLN

For two teams demanding respect, neither has proven they deserve any thus far in 2006. TCU struggled in the first half against Baylor and was unimpressive in its 10-point victory. Texas Tech needed overtime to beat UTEP. However, both have shown signs that they are capable of significant improvement. Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell has averaged 359 passing yards per game and thrown for seven touchdowns in his first two college games. But the Horned Frogs' secondary has only allowed one touchdown this season, and the defense is seventh in the nation in rushing defense. One of these units will have success Saturday, and the respect should follow.