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| Wednesday, October 23 Big games in the Big Ten and SEC top the weekend By Lee Corso Special to ESPN.com |
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Coach Corso, do Maurice Clarett and the rest of the Ohio State Buckeyes have a chance against Penn State?
Absolutely. First, because they can run the ball and secondly because their defensive front seven is very hard to run against. If Penn State wins it will be because of quarterback Zack Mills and wide receiver Tony Johnson, and throwing the ball is the only way the Nittany Lions will win.
What are Iowa's chances against Michigan in the Big House?
The Hawkeyes definitely have a chance to win that game. Michigan has been an inconsistent team this year, and the problem the Wolverines have is putting it together on both sides of the ball in the same game. One game they play well on offense and have a letdown on defense and the next game vice versa. Iowa especially has a chance if it gets up early on Michigan. I would recommend the Hawkeyes jump on Michigan for an early 14-0 lead and hold on to win 17-14.
Coach, with the Georgia missing three important offensive players from a unit ranked close to the bottom of the SEC, what do you think Kentucky's chances are on Saturday?
The Bulldogs better watch out because these are not the same Wildcats we're used to seeing, especially up in Lexington. With wide receiver Fred Gibson, running back Musa Smith and offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb all out, this will be a TOUGH game for Georgia to win.
Do you think Alabama can pull out a win against Tennessee this weekend even though the game is being played at Neyland Stadium?
Alabama has lost seven straight to Tennessee and they need to step up and win this one in a big way. The Tide is just as good as UT and has a great shot at beating the Vols, and it makes no difference if Casey Clausen plays at QB for Tennessee. This game will be all about defense and the kicking game.
Mike, Las Vegas, Nev. From what I've seen the Sun Devils look to be coming on as well as any team in the country. Teams just don't go into Autzen Stadium and win very often. Andrew Walter can throw the ball all over the field, but the key is going to he how ASU plays defensively. They gave up a lot of points in Eugene last weekend and they need to improve on that side of the ball.
With Texas A&M's improvement on offense and its highly-ranked defense do you think they can take OU at home later this year?
The last time I was in College Station for a Sooners-Aggies game, in 2000, A&M had the ball first-and-goal inside the five with a chance to win and did nothing. Unless the Aggies have gotten a lot tougher mentally Oklahoma will beat them again in the fourth quarter.
Hey Coach, what is the key for Notre Dame to come out of Tallahassee with a win?
It is imperative that the Irish establish the running game and keep the ball away from Florida State's offense, because if these teams get in a shootout the Seminoles will win. Notre Dame has to play solid defense and run the ball well to have a chance. The question on everyone's mind is whether ND can handle the speed of the FSU defense, and I think the Irish will have problems scoring on Florida State.
Minnesota is 7-1 and has an awesome running attack. Why aren't the Golden Gophers getting any respect.?
Because their first four games were against the Sisters of the Poor. The Gophers had a very easy early schedule with games against Southwest Texas State, Lousisiana-Lafayette, Toledo and Buffalo. But if they can the next three or four games -- at Ohio State, home vs. Michigan and Iowa, at Wisconsin - they will get all the respect they need, my friend.
At the beginning of the season, you picked LSU to go to the Fiesta Bowl. What do you think of the Tigers' chances to run the table in the SEC, especially with the way Marcus Randall played against South Carolina?
I'm sticking with my pick until LSU loses another game. Marcus Randall played well against the Gamecocks, running the ball well, throwing a couple of nice passes and not letting the game get out of hand. But the Tigers are always going to win with defense and the running game, and as long as Marcus Randall doesn't lose games for them they have a shot.
Lee, what recent trend in college football do you dislike the most?
The celebration rules. There is too much emphasis on controlling celebrations and it has taken away some of the enthusiasm that is such a big part of college football. The powers that be should modify that and let the kids have a little more fun, but that is about the only thing I can think of. Lee Corso is an analyst for ESPN College GameDay. His "Lee-Mail" column appears every Wednesday. |
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