SEPT. 3 was a long time ago in the college football world. Sam Bradford actually was healthy. Florida State actually was ranked. And Cincinnati, believe it or not, wasn’t.
It was so long ago, we — clearly stuck in our worst year ever — actually were over .500.
Told you it was a long time ago.
Which is the same thing they’re saying in Eugene, Ore. With the exception of a few die-hard college football crazies out there, it’s hard to find many fans around here who have seen the Ducks play since their embarrassing 19-8 loss to Boise State Sept. 3, the game in which running back LaGarrette Blount threw a post-game punch and drew a suspension.
But this just in: The Ducks have rebounded . . . quite nicely. Oregon is 6-1, 5-2 against the spread, and with a healthy Jeremiah Masoli at quarterback, the offense has been near unstoppable.
“We just had a lot of inexperienced players in that first game,” Oregon coach Chip Kelly said. “We didn’t play up to our standards. We had one game to find our season and we went out to practice the next day.”
Whatever they did, it worked. The Ducks have topped 30 points in five of those six wins, and in the last four, the average margin of victory has been 31.
“They look great,” Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll said. “This won’t be any bigger than any other win in the conference, but it’s an enormous challenge for us.”
We agree. While Carroll’s Trojans have kicked it back into gear, playing Oregon, in Eugene Saturday, clearly is a tall task for this young USC team. The Trojans — a whipping of Cal in Berkeley notwithstanding — have not done their best work on the road, dropping covers at Washington, Notre Dame and Ohio State. This line is smaller than those three, we know, but the Ducks are better than those teams.
“We always focus like it’s the only game in the world,” Carroll said, “and that’s how we are going about it.”
But we think the Ducks will too, Pete. Oregon (+3) is the pick.
TOMORROW
West Virginia (-3) over SOUTH FLORIDA: The Bulls have hit their typical mid-season collapse, and the home field — an NFL stadium, off campus — doesn’t particularly scare many opponents.
SATURDAY
Rutgers (+7½) over UCONN: Traditionally a tight game, we’ll side with the underdog, as the Huskies might be a little too emotional in this first home game back since the tragedy.
Cincinnati (-14½) over SYRACUSE: Doesn’t seem to matter which quarterback plays for the Bearcats, and coach Brian Kelly, clearly, has an eye on impressing those BCS computers.
Ole Miss (-3½) over AUBURN: The Rebels seem to be much more comfortable out of the Top 10. Once they left the national spotlight — a loss to Alabama notwithstanding — the offense has come to life.
BOSTON COLLEGE (-5½) over Central Michigan: We’ll stick with the home-road theory on the Eagles, despite the road cover last week. BC has been great in Chestnut Hill, and now is focused on bowl eligibility.
Miami (-7) over WAKE FOREST: Loyal readers know we haven’t been shy to call the Hurricanes frauds, and we did have Clemson last week. But Miami should regain focus against the mediocre Deacons.
Florida (-15½) over Georgia (in Jacksonville): The Gators will get it in gear one of these days, and we doubt the Bulldogs will score much, one way or the other.
Cal (-6½) over ARIZONA STATE: Jeff Tedford and Jahvid Best have to be salivating after watching the film of the Sun Devils’ defense getting run over last week at Stanford.
Michigan (-7) over ILLINOIS: Neither team is good, and the Wolverines certainly were exposed last week. That said, it’s awfully hard to back the Illini against anyone these days.
Penn State (-15) over NORTHWESTERN: Defense, defense, defense. We certainly admit the Lions could come out flat on offense, but the defense has allowed 10 points in the last two games. That should give them a shot at a 24-6-type win.
OREGON STATE (-9½) over Ucla: The Beavers showed plenty of heart — and offense — at USC last week, and can regain some momentum against the struggling Bruins.
Georgia Tech (-12) over VANDERBILT: The Commodores couldn’t stop Army’s option attack. Hard to believe they’ll stop the Tech version, with faster athletes.
South Carolina (+5½) over TENNESSEE: A value grab as the public jumped on the Vols after the near-win at Alabama. Truth is, South Carolina can play defense too, and we might be looking at a 9-6 game, either way.
OKLAHOMA STATE (+9) over Texas: Lot of love for the Longhorns after bashing Missouri. We’ll take the points and the refocused Cowboys offense.
OFF THE GRID
TEXAS TECH (-6½) over Kansas: Clear bounce-back situation for the home team, after an unsightly loss to Texas A&M . . . as a 21-point favorite.
Nebraska (-13) over BAYLOR: The Bears — without Robert Griffin — have been a get-well card for struggling Big 12 foes. This week, it’s Nebraska’s turn.
*
When Iowa broke the back and heart of Michigan State Saturday with no time remaining, it finally, finally hit us: After five seasons of success, clearly, this is the year we must pay the piper. What we also learned is that — even in today’s economy — that piper can be awfully expensive. Good luck this weekend.
Last week: 5-10 Overall; 1-2 Best Bets; 3-0 Off The Grid.
Season: 50-68-2; 9-15;14-8.