No. 6 Notre Dame @ No. 3 USC

Everyone thought they were on the outside looking in after losing Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and a host of other stars to the NFL. After falling just short of completing its comeback against Oregon State, it looked like USC’s mini-dynasty was in serious danger with a monster slate of games ahead. But surprise, surprise, the Trojans could be a few wins away from a spot in the BCS title game. Now that they can smell it, there’s no way they lose this one.

USC 27, Notre Dame 17

Michael Schwartz
sports editor

For all the talk about the Fighting Irish having an unfairly tough schedule, they haven’t played anyone worthy of mention since September. And the last time they did, their porous pass defense gave up 238 yards receiving and two touchdowns to Purdue’s Selwyn Lymon. You think Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith aren’t champing at the bit at a secondary who couldn’t keep up with Lee Corso if he was passed out? Look for Booty and the Trojans to beat some Irish ass.

USC 30, Notre Dame 21

Roman Veytsman
assistant sports editor

Can this season’s meeting of USC and Notre Dame possibly match the drama of last year’s epic battle? We will find out on Saturday, but Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush won’t be there to save USC this time. Meanwhile Notre Dame returns nearly every key player, and you can bet they remember losing on the last play at home a year ago. The Fighting Irish live up to their name and topple the Trojans on a goal-line stand in the game’s final seconds.

Notre Dame 28, USC 21

Cameron Jones
staff writer

No. 9 Louisiana State @ No. 5 Arkansas

Who would have thought Arkansas would run the table in the SEC to this point after that 50-14 shellacking the Trojans put on them to start the year, in Little Rock no less? The Tigers lead the conference in both scoring offense (33.3 points per game) and scoring defense (11.3 ppg). Plus, all the pressure is on the Hogs knowing that they still have a chance at a national title game berth if they win out. Sucks for USC’s strength of schedule, but it’s the Tigers in the upset.

LSU 24, Arkansas 16

Michael Schwartz
sports editor

If anyone outside of Arkansas tells you he thought the Razorbacks would be on top of the SEC ahead of the likes of Auburn, LSU, Tennessee and Florida, especially after the USC 50-14 drubbing to start the year, you should slap him upside his head. Although Arkansas’ passing numbers are certainly not overwhelming, its 230.6 rushing yards per game are 68 yards better than the next SEC team. Unless running back and Heisman candidate Darren McFadden goes down like Donovan McNabb (had to throw that in for all you fantasy owners who cried this past weekend) Arkansas won’t be LSU’s Tiger Bait.

Arkansas 14, LSU 10

Roman Veytsman
assistant sports editor

The Arkansas Razorbacks are still very much in contention for a berth in the BCS title game, and that should have them very focused heading into this contest. With that being said, they are facing a stiff test on Friday as they take on an LSU team that has been dominant defensively all year. But the best way to beat a fast defense like LSU’s is to run it right at them, and Arkansas boasts the fourth-best rushing attack in the nation. The Razorbacks keep their national title hopes alive with a huge win over the Tigers, and then hope for a little help from Notre Dame.

Arkansas 21, LSU 12

Cameron Jones
staff writer