A Football Fan’s Four-Pack…

By JOHN GARRETT

Notre Dame @ Boston College (November 8, 8:00, ESPN): In a battle between the only two Catholic universities in the nation that sponsor FBS football programs, the Eagles will look for their sixth-straight win over the Irish. Notre Dame should be heading into Chestnut Hill with a chip on its shoulder after a 36-33, four-overtime loss at home last week to Pittsburgh. The Irish will also have something to play for, as they look to prevent the Eagles from becoming the fourth school to register a winning streak of six games or greater against them.

Super Senior: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Star of Tomorrow: Michael Floyd, WR, ND

Cal @ USC (November 8, 8:00, ABC): In the 96th meeting between these Pac-10 rivals, much is on the line in addition to bragging rights. Both schools have only one blemish on their records, and both boast two of the better defensive squads in the country–-a rarity in the Pac-10. The Trojans are tops in total defense (211.6 ypg), pass efficiency defense (82.33 rating) and scoring defense (7.13 ppg). Entering the contest, the Bears find themselves tied for the national lead with 17 interceptions, three of which have been returned for scores.

Super Senior: Zack Follett, LB, California

Star of Tomorrow: C.J. Gable, RB, USC


Florida @ Vanderbilt (November 8, 8:00, ESPN2): In 42 all-time meetings between the Gators and Commodores, Florida holds a 30-9-2 advantage and has won the last 17 contests. However, three of the last six meetings in Nashville have been decided by seven points or less. The No. 4 Gators (7-1, 5-1) are the only SEC team that doesn’t have a senior starting on defense. Despite the lack of senior leadership, the Gators still rank fifth in scoring, and 16th overall defensively.

Super Senior: Reshard Langford, S, Vanderbilt

Star of Tomorrow: Joe Hayden, CB, Florida

Ohio St. @ Northwestern (November 8, 12:00, ESPN2): Looking to keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive following a 13-6 loss to No. 3 Penn State on Oct. 25, the Buckeyes (7-2, 4-1) hope to get right-down-to-business as they head to Ryan Field. Awaiting them, the Wildcats (7-2, 3-2) will be riding high on the wave of emotion after their stunning 24-17 victory at Minnesota last week. Safety Brendan Smith’s miraculous 48-yard interception return for a touchdown with 12 seconds left secured the triumph, but the defense will have its hands full with Terrelle Pryor and Beanie Wells coming to town.

Super Senior: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

Star of Tomorrow: Jeremy Elbert, WR, N’Western

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media