Athlon will be awarding postseason honors to each BCS conference in the country. Today we look at the Pac-10’s best for 2010.

For the sake of this exercise, the Heisman and Bednarik will function as MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The Outland will be given to the offensive lineman of the year while the Lombardi will be given to the defensive lineman of the year. Two fictitious awards, the Adrian Peterson Freshman of the Year honor and the Desmond Howard return specialist of the year award, will be given as well.

Heisman Trophy (MVP/POY): Andrew Luck, Stanford
A huge case can be made for Oregon tailback LaMichael James, but the quarterback position is dramatically more important and influential. And Luck was the league’s best by far. He completed 70-percent of his passes and led the league in passer efficiency (166.1). He also led the league in total offense at 290.75 yards per game. He was the only quarterback to top the 3,000-yard mark in the Pac-10 and proved to be a sneaky good athlete, finishing in 17th in rushing (51 att., 438 yards, 3 TDs). Luck could be the first pick in the NFL draft next spring and could be the single best football player on the planet not getting an official paycheck.

Chuck Bednarik Award (Def. POY): Stephen Paea, Oregon State
The big Beaver led the conference in forced fumbles with four while posting 10 tackles for loss and six solo sacks from his tackle position. His disruptive ability led to 32.5 total tackles and was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise underachieving defense.

Davey O’Brien Award (QB): Andrew Luck, Stanford
See Heisman Trophy award.

Doak Walker Award (RB): LaMichael James, Oregon
James led the league in rushing per game (152.9 ypg) — which also led the nation. His 1,682 yards also led the league and the nation. His 12 points per game topped Stanford kicker Nate Whitaker in scoring by a full 3.0 ppg. James also showed up in a big way for the big-time games: 134-2 against Oregon State, 239-3 against USC, 257-3 against Stanford and 134-1 against Tennessee.

Fred Biletnikoff Award (WR): Juron Criner, Arizona
No one caught more passes for more yards than Criner. His 73 receptions and 1,186 yards led the league and his 10 receiving touchdowns were third. His five 100-yard efforts came in big spots against the likes of Oregon State, Washington, UCLA and Oregon.

John Mackey Award (TE): Joe Halahuni, Oregon State
The Beaver led the league in receptions per game by a tight end (2.5) and yards (390). He scored six touchdowns — another conference best at his position.

Outland Trophy (O-Lineman): Tyron Smith, USC
Pete Carroll once called him the best offensive lineman he had ever coached. And he has coached some good ones. Was the Stanford O-line better this year? Yes, but three first-teamers make everyone’s job easier. Smith did it with (I can’t believe I am saying this) less around him than the Cardinal trio of Chase Beeler, David DeCastro and Jonathan Martin.

Dick Butkus Award (LB): Casey Matthews, Oregon
The Ducks defensive leader finished eighth in the conference in interceptions (3), led Oregon in tackles (56.5), posted 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. This position was virtually impossible to select as Akeem Ayers, Mike Mohamed and Mason Foster all deserved serious consideration. With Oregon headed to the national title game, Matthews got the edge.

Jim Thorpe Award (DB): Cliff Harris, Oregon
It’s tough to give an award to a guy who, at times, found himself on the bench. However, Harris led the league in passes defensed with 15 and interceptions with five (one of which he returned for a TD). He also returned four punts for scores. How many defensive backs have five total touchdowns this year? Harris finished with 25.5 total tackles. Much like linebacker, safeties Rahim Moore and T.J. McDonald both could have easily been selected here, but a guy pushing his team to the national title game gets the edge.

Lombardi Award (D-Lineman): Stephen Paea, Oregon State
See Bednarik Award above.

Adrian Peterson Award (freshman): Robert Woods, USC
The Athlon Sports High School Player of the Year as a senior now has another award for his mantle. The do-everything receiver led the Trojans in receptions (5.0) and yards (60.9) while also returning kicks admirably (38 for 971 yards and a TD). Woods finished sixth in the league in receiving yards (792) and third in receptions (65).

Lou Groza Award (K): Nate Whitaker, Stanford
No one made more field goals than the Cardinal kicker (17 of 19). James was the only Pac-10 player who scored more points this season than Whitaker.

Ray Guy Award (P): Jeff Locke, UCLA
This Bruin led the league in punting (45.8) — good for fifth nationally.

Desmond Howard Award (KR/PR): Cliff Harris, Oregon
How about 28 punt returns for 545 yards — which offers a league-leading 19.5 yards per return, good for second nationally — and four touchdowns? Four.

Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (HC): Chip Kelly, Oregon
The Oregon Ducks finished the regular season unbeaten, with a conference championship and a berth in the national title game. His Ducks led the league in rushing, scoring, total offense, rush defense, pass efficiency defense, punt returns and tackles for loss. They scored more points (49.3 ppg) than any other team in the nation.

Broyles Award (Asst Coach): Chip Kelly, Oregon
I guess if this were to go to an actual assistant coach, Stanford’s associate head coach/assistant head coach of the offense/tight ends/offensive line coach Greg Roman might get the nod. But since Jim Harbaugh still has the biggest impact on that side of the ball, the edge goes to boy wonder Kelly. It’s his offense that was the best unit in the league this fall (no offense, Scott Frost).

Newton was the player of the year.

Athlon will be awarding postseason honors to each BCS conference in the country. Today we look at the SEC’s best for 2010.

For the sake of this exercise, the Heisman and Bednarik will function as MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The Outland will be given to the offensive lineman of the year while the Lombardi will be given to the defensive lineman of the year. Two fictitious awards, the Adrian Peterson Freshman of the Year honor and the Desmond Howard return specialist of the year award, will be given as well.

Heisman Trophy (MVP/POY): Cameron Newton, Auburn
The list of superlatives is endless. Newton was the dominant player on and off the field this fall. He is the clear-cut Heisman front-runner and led his team to an SEC title. He joined the 20-20 TD club (with Tim Tebow and Colin Kaepernick), became the SECs single-season rushing leader by a quarterback, and oh by the way, posted the most efficient season by a passer in NCAA history. His 188.16 QB rating tops Colt Brennan’s 186 as the NCAA all-time single-season mark.

Chuck Bednarik Award (Def. POY): Nick Fairley, Auburn
Much like Newton, the defensive lineman was a junior college transfer who had his polarizing moments. Fairley was the most dominant defensive player in the league, racking up a league-leading 21 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He also knocked three quarterbacks out of the game, hurried the passer 21 times, forced a fumble, picked off a pass and recovered two fumbles.

Davey O’Brien Award (QB): Cameron Newton, Auburn
See Heisman Trophy above.

Doak Walker Award (RB): Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
Lattimore is the most complete, most talented running back in the nation. So he certainly was the best the SEC had to offer. His 1,198 yards were second in the SEC to Newton, and he literally carried his team to the SEC title game — 37, 23, 29, 40 carries against Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida, respectively. He also finished with 26 catches for 365 and 19 total TDs.

Fred Biletnikoff Award (WR): Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
Jeffery and Alabama’s Julio Jones were the only two wide receivers to get to 1,000 yards this fall. Randall Cobb was Jeffery’s biggest competition because of how versatile and important he was to his team.

John Mackey Award (TE): D.J. Williams, Arkansas
Williams was the league’s only tight end in the top 20 in yards and top 15 in receptions per game. The unanimous first team selection finished sixth in catches (4.08 rpg) and 12th in yards (49.1 ypg).

Outland (O-Lineman): Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
Four-time SEC lineman of the week, Sherrod helped lead the Bulldogs to 215.8 rushing yards per game — second only to Auburn’s ridiculous 287 ypg and good enough for 16th nationally. Also, the MSU scoring, total and passing attack all improved in the rankings from a year ago.

Trevathan led the league in tackles.

Dick Butkus Award (LB): Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
Justin Houston is really a defensive end and Kelvin Sheppard did slightly less with much more around him. Trevathan led the SEC tackles (10.8 pg), forced fumbles (4) and led all linebackers with 16 tackles for loss (third in SEC overall). He added three sacks and three passes defended for good measure.

Jim Thorpe Award (DB): Patrick Peterson, LSU
The most physically gifted coverman in the nation finished the year with four interceptions, six passes broken up, a blocked kick and 30 total tackles. Like many great cover corners, Peterson rarely gets tested as the opposing team stays away from his side of the field as much as possible.

Lombardi Award (D-Lineman): Nick Fairley, Auburn
See Chuck Bednarik Award above.

Adrian Peterson Award (freshman): Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
See Doak Walker Award above.

Lou Groza Award (K): Josh Jasper, LSU
Jasper’s 2.17 field goals made per game led the nation and his 26 makes this fall were eight better than his next closest SEC competitor (18 for Blair Walsh). He was 26-of-31 for the year.

Ray Guy Award (P): Chas Henry, Florida
If you lead the nation in punting — like Henry did with a 46.4-yard average — then you're going to claim Punter of the Year honors for your given conference.

Desmond Howard Award (KR/PR): Patrick Peterson, LSU
Peterson was second in the league in kick returns at 29.4 per (29 for 851 yards) and second in punt returns at 16.1 per (26 for 418). He also scored twice on punt returns. He was the most dynamic return man in the league this fall.

Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (HC): Gene Chizik, Auburn
I feel like Dan Mullen, Steve Spurrier and Joker Phillips all deserve mention here — mostly due to the fact that Chizik had the most dominant player in the nation. But an undefeated SEC championship, and subsequent trip to the BCS title game, speaks for itself.

Broyles Award (Asst Coach): Gus Malzahn, Auburn
The tale of two Dales. Malzahn’s offensive wizardry took him from high school coach in Springdale, Ark., to OC of the national championship game in Glendale, Ariz., in a matter of five years. Yes, Cam Newton fell into his lap this year, but his teams have been incredibly productive at his every stop. Arkansas, Tulsa and, now, Auburn know just how good he can be at putting together an offense.

Weeden captained the nation's best offense.

Athlon will be awarding postseason honors to each BCS conference in the country. Today we look at the Big 12’s best for 2010.

For the sake of this exercise, the Heisman and Bednarik will function as MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The Outland will be given to the offensive lineman of the year while the Lombardi will be given to the defensive lineman of the year. Two fictitious awards, the Adrian Peterson Freshman of the Year honor and the Desmond Howard return specialist of the year award, will be given as well.

Heisman Trophy (MVP/POY): Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
The most important player in this league could have easily been the quarterback for Baylor, yet for similar reasons, Weeden gets the nod. Weeden had his team within one score of a Big 12 title berth after shattering the single-season passing mark for the Cowboys. His veteran, mature presence undoubtedly helped with the 17 new starters.

Chuck Bednarik Award (Def. POY): Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
The league’s best coverman was the Prince from Lincoln. He led the league in passes defensed with 13, adding a sack and 47 total tackles. Teams consistently ignored his side of the field as he matched up with the opponent’s top wideout. Amukamara could be the top pure coverman in the nation and could be the first cornerback taken in the NFL Draft.

Davey O’Brien Award (QB): Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
Weeden’s 4,037 passing yards were first in the league (until the title game when Landry Jones passed him with the extra game) and his 156.53 passer rating was the league’s best this season. His 32 TD passes were second only to Jones — who, again, had a extra game.

Doak Walker Award (RB): DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
This was going to go to Kendall Hunter or Murray. Murray led the league in yards from scrimmage (1,716 yards) and trailed only Justin Blackmon in scoring by a non-kicker. Murray also finished in the league’s top ten in receptions per game (5.31). His final line of 257 carries, 1,121 rush yards, 69 receptions, 595 yards and 19 total TDs makes him the top RB in the league.

Fred Biletnikoff Award (WR): Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
This one was a tough call. No, seriously. Blackmon was the nation’s best wideout, leading the country in receptions per game (9.27) and yards per game (151.4) and finishing first in the Big 12 in scoring by a non-kicker (fourth nationally with 10.9 ppg). Yet, Oklahoma’s Ryan Broyles was deserving as well. They were the best two wide receivers in the nation, but you have to give the edge to a guy who had no fewer than 105 yards in every game he played.

John Mackey Award (TE): Michael Egnew, Missouri
The Tigers’ tight end trailed only Ryan Broyles and Justin Blackmon for catches per game in the Big 12 this fall (6.92). He was arguably the most productive pass-catching tight end in the nation as his 83 receptions were 29 better than next in line (Collin Franklin – 54). He finished second nationally in yards for a tight end with 698.

Outland Trophy (O-Lineman): Nate Solder, Colorado
The lone bright spot on the Buffalo squad, Solder led the way for Rodney Stewart and his 1,318 yards — good for third in the Big 12. With very little else around him on the offense, the fact that Stewart averaged over 100 ypg is extremely impressive. Look for Solder to be a first-round selection the upcoming NFL draft.

Miller led the league in sacks this fall.

Dick Butkus Award (LB): Von Miller, Texas A&M
There is a small bit of confusion at this spot since names like Von Miller and Sam Acho are technically listed as linemen but play the hybrid role. Miller led the league in sacks with 9.5. He forced three fumbles, picked off one pass, recovered a fumble, deflected six passes and totaled 46.5 tackles. He finished third in the league in tackles for loss as well with 14.5. If Miller counts as only a lineman, then this award probably goes to Orie Lemon of Oklahoma State.

Jim Thorpe Award (DB): Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
See the Chuck Bednarik award above.

Lombardi Award (D-Lineman): Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma
Oklahoma has never had a Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, and Beal was the Sooners’ first this fall. He led the league in tackles for loss with 18 and finished third in sacks with 8.5.

Adrian Peterson Award (freshman): Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
Martinez experienced some bumps in the road — injuries, inconsistency, his coach publicly berating him on national TV — but also led his team to the Big 12 title game. He finished with 1,578 yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs, 942 yards rushing and 12 TDs on the ground.

Lou Groza Award (K): Dan Bailey, Oklahoma State
The Pokes kicker led the league in scoring (11.42 ppg) and was second nationally in that category. His 2.0 field goals made per game (24 total) led the league and were third nationally. Again, the Cowboy was an easy selection.

Ray Guy Award (P): Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State
The Pokes punter finished third nationally — and led the league — with an average of 46.24 yards per punt.

Desmond Howard Award (KR/PR): Williams Powell, Kansas State
Even though he didn’t return punts, Powell led the nation at 34.6 yards per kick return. His 726 kick return yards were second in the league, and he took one back against Baylor.

Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (HC): Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State
Replacing 17 new starters, including the school’s all-time leading passer at quarterback, was a tall order. But Gundy had his team within two plays of the Big 12 title game, and he got a win in Austin for the first time in decades. This was an easy choice.

Broyles Award (Asst Coach): Dana Holgerson, Oklahoma State
All Holgerson did in his first season in Stillwater was generate the most offense of any team in the nation. Oklahoma State boasted the nation’s top unit, averaging over 537 yards per game. The Cowboys also led the league in scoring at nearly 45 ppg.

Robinson was the Big Ten's most valuable player.

Athlon will be awarding postseason honors to each BCS conference in the country. Today we look at the Big Ten’s best for 2010.

For the sake of this exercise, the Heisman and Bednarik will function as MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The Outland will be given to the offensive lineman of the year while the Lombardi will be given to the defensive lineman of the year. Two fictitious awards, the Adrian Peterson Freshman of the Year honor and the Desmond Howard return specialist of the year award, will be given as well.

Heisman Trophy (MVP/POY): Denard Robinson, Michigan
The definition of the Heisman is the “Most Outstanding Player.” While Robinson might not be the toughest or most efficient player in the league, he certainly was the most outstanding. He is the only player ever to rush for 1,500 and throw for 1,500 yards in a season — and he actually topped 2,300 and 1,600.

Chuck Bednarik Award (Def. POY): Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
The Boiler defensive end led the conference in sacks (12.5) and tackles for loss (26.0) while posting 70 total tackles. In a conference loaded at the defensive line (JJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, Adrian Clayborne), Kerrigan showed up as the best one in 2010.

Davey O’Brien Award (QB): Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
How can the MVP of the league not be the best player at his position? Because Robinson wasn’t the best quarterback in the league. In fact, this was a toss-up between Pryor, Scott Tolzien and Dan Persa. Tolzien was the most efficient and won a conference title. Persa was clearly more valuable but missed some time late. Pryor is easily the most talented, won a title and posted the most productive season (other than D-Rob). In a controversial decision, TP2 gets the nod as the best quarterback in the conference.

Doak Walker Award (RB): Mikel LeShoure, Illinois
I really wanted to vote Denard Robinson as the best running back in the league. He led the conference in rushing, leading LeShoure by nearly 300 yards. In the purest form, however, LeShoure was the best running back in the league. He was second in the league with 16 total touchdowns and helped carry/develop a freshman quarterback for a middle of the pack team.

Fred Biletnikoff Award (WR): Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State
The gritty, little (5-10, 180) wideout made the tough catches all season long. He led the conference with 10 TD receptions, was second in yards with 889 and sixth in catches per game with 4.3. He also had one of his best games of the year (6 rec., 102 yds) in a tough spot against Iowa.

John Mackey Award (TE): Lance Kendricks
This was one of the few easy selections as Kendricks is the best tight end in the nation. Despite missing time, Kendricks still led the highest scoring offense in the conference in catches (3.25) and yards (52.3) per game. His blocking is wildly underrated as well.

Outland (O-Lineman): Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Carimi, a national Outland finalist, helped lead the Badgers to a conference-leading 45.2 ppg and 242.2 rush yards per game — the second time a team has averaged more than 45 points per game in conference play since 1936 (Penn State, 48.1 ppg, 1994).

Jones was the Big Ten's best linebacker.

Dick Butkus Award (LB): Greg Jones, Michigan State
The preseason All-American finished with a team-leading 98 total tackles, his first two INTs, three forced fumbles and 8.0 tackles for loss. The Spartans rush defense was third in the Big Ten and 20th nationally, and their scoring defense was also third in the league and 24th nationally.

Jim Thorpe Award (DB): Chimdi Checkwa, Ohio State
The most talented shutdown corner in the league was a first-team all-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media. Checkwa led the team in interceptions, was used as a blitzer from time to time, had 42 total tackles, four solo TFL and had eight passes defended.

Lombardi Award (D-Lineman): Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
See The Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year award above.

Adrian Peterson Award (freshman): James White, Wisconsin
The freshman from Florida finished fourth in the league with 108.6 rushing yards per game and led the Badgers in rushing with 1,029 yards. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry and scored 14 times on the ground. He was the game-changer at tailback for Wisconsin.

Lou Groza Award (K): Dan Conroy, Michigan State
Conroy had made 14 straight field goals before missing his first kick in nearly two full seasons when he missed his only field goal of the year against Northwestern. He missed only one of 45 extra points on the year.

Ray Guy Award (P): Anthony Santella, Illinois
The Illini punter was sixth nationally and led the conference in punting at 45.7 yards per punt.

Desmond Howard Award (KR/PR): Keshawn Martin, Michigan State
This was a tough call because a few names could have been picked. David Gilreath’s opening kickoff for a touchdown against Ohio State was easily the biggest return of the year in the league. DJK from Iowa led the league in kick returns, but only Martin was used as both a punt and kick returner. He scored once on a punt return and led the league in that category.

Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (HC): Bret Bielema, Wisconsin
Wisconsin was picked third in the preseason, but wins against No. 1 Ohio State and on the road at Iowa in back-to-back weeks probably won Bielema this award. Oh, and that likely trip to Pasedena gives him the nod over fellow Big Ten champ Mark D'Antonio.

Broyles Award (Asst Coach): Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
The Badgers led the league in scoring (43.3 ppg) and dropped at least a 70-spot three times this year — twice in conference. All of this with star tailback John Clay and tight end Lance Kendricks missing time throughout the season. This was the best scoring attack in Big Ten (45.2) play since the 1994 Penn State Nittany Lions (48.1).

Auburn (-5.5) vs. South Carolina
The Tigers passed their most difficult test of the season last week — and did so in dramatic fashion. Auburn rallied from 24–0 deficit in the second quarter to stun rival Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Now, Gene Chizik’s club turns its attention to South Carolina in a rematch of a game played in late September won by Auburn, 35–27. The Gamecocks had leads of 20–7 in the second quarter and 27–21 in the third but made too many mistakes in the second half. The key for Auburn was limiting Marcus Lattimore’s effectiveness. South Carolina threw for 305 yards and three touchdowns, but the running game was not a factor. And that has been the theme in South Carolina’s three losses — Lattimore had 33 yards vs. Auburn, did not play in the second half due to injury against Kentucky and had only 30 yards against Arkansas. Auburn isn’t known for its stout defense, but the Tigers held Alabama’s dynamic duo in check last week; Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram combined for 60 yards on 20 carries.
Auburn 28, South Carolina 20

Oklahoma (-4.5) vs. Nebraska
Nebraska fell a bit short of its ultimate goal (a shot at the national title), but the Huskers would love nothing more than to win the Big 12 title in their final season in the league. There is no doubt Bo Pelini will have his team ready to play. Nebraska should have Taylor Martinez back at quarterback after he sat out the Colorado game with various injuries. The Huskers survived without him, but this team needs a healthy Martinez running the show to beat a team as good as Oklahoma. The Sooners are playing their best football at the right time of the year. They have won three straight games, topping Texas Tech, 45–7, Baylor, 53–23, and outlasting Oklahoma State, 47–41, in a classic Bedlam Series Showdown. The key matchup in this game will be OU’s offense vs. the stout Nebraska defense. Oklahoma is scoring a ton of points, but the Huskers are allowing only 16.8 points per game.
Oklahoma 27, Nebraska 20

Virginia Tech (-4) vs. Florida State
It might not be the title game the ACC had hoped for (NC State playing in Charlotte would have been a huge draw), but this is still a solid matchup between two very good teams. Virginia Tech has won 10 straight games since its inexplicable loss to James Madison in Week 2. The Hokies are getting very good play from quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and the defense, as usual, has been outstanding. Florida State lost two league games by a total of six points and had the ball in the red zone in the closing minutes in each game. The Seminoles are two plays away from being 11–1 overall and 8–0 in the league. Florida State will be the best offense Virginia Tech has faced since its Week 1 showdown with Boise State. The Noles are balanced and have a savvy senior running the show in quarterback Christian Ponder. This game is taking a backseat to the marquee showdowns in the Big 12 and SEC, but the ACC title game should be very interesting.
Virginia Tech 27, Florida State 24

SMU (+9) at UCF
SMU secured its first trip to the Conference USA title game by beating East Carolina on the road, 45–38, in overtime last weekend. The Mustangs have made a rapid ascent under June Jones, who went 1–11 in 2008 and 8–5 in ’09, his first two seasons on the job. UCF is making its third trip to the conference title game under George O’Leary. The Knights have been explosive on offense in 2010, especially in the last two months of the season. Led by true freshman quarterback Jeffrey Godrey, UCF has scored 35 points or more in seven of its last eight games. This team is 9–3 overall, with two of its losses against BCS conference teams (Kansas State and NC State) by an average of 6.5 points. SMU is good, but UCF is better — and at home.
UCF 38, SMU 30

Miami (Ohio) (+17.5) vs. Northern Illinois
They’ve been flying under the radar in the MAC, but Miami is arguably the most improved team in the nation in 2010. After stumbling through a 1–11 record in Mike Haywood’s first season, the RedHawks have increased their win total by seven games and captured the MAC East title with a 7–1 record in league play. Northern Illinois, on the other hand, was expected to be good — and the Huskies have more than lived up to the hype. Jerry Kill’s club is 10–2 overall and a perfect 8–0 in the MAC. The Huskies won at Minnesota and lost by six at Illinois and 17 at Iowa State. This is an explosive club that has outgained its opponents in league play by an average of 200 yards per game. Miami is a nice story, but Northern Illinois is a dominant team.
Northern Illinois 40, Miami (Ohio) 14

Nevada (+9) at Louisiana Tech
The Wolf Pack, fresh off their monumental win over Boise State, need one more win to wrap up a share of their first WAC title since 2005. There is potential for a letdown, but with so much at stake, veteran coach Chris Ault will have his team ready to play. Louisiana Tech has proven it can move the football and score some points; the Bulldogs have scored at least 34 points in four of their past five games. But this team really struggles on defense. Louisiana Tech ranks 114th in the nation in yards allowed (456.9) and has been torched by every decent team on its schedule — Texas A&M (48 points), Navy (37), Hawaii (41), Boise State (49) and Fresno State (40).
Nevada 44, Louisiana Tech 20

Oregon (-16.5) at Oregon State
In each of the past two seasons, Oregon State needed to beat Oregon in the Civil War to advance to the Rose Bowl. Didn’t happen. The Ducks won 65–38 in Corvallis in 2008 and 37–33 in Eugene in ’09. So can Oregon State return the favor and crush Oregon’s national title hopes? Not likely. The Ducks are simply too good, and the Beavers are simply too mediocre. Oregon State is 5-6 overall and 4-4 in the Pac-10. The Beavers have lost three of their past four games, including a stunning 31-14 setback at home to Washington State and a 38-0 shutout at Stanford last week. There is nothing on this team’s resume that suggests they can hang with the powerful Ducks.
Oregon 41, Oregon State 20

Connecticut (+1.5) at South Florida
The Huskies are one win away from securing a spot in the first BCS bowl game in school history. This team has come along way since mid-September, when it dropped to 1–2 after a troubling 30–16 loss at Temple. UConn has since won six of eight games, with one of the losses by one point (at Rutgers). South Florida, too, is playing its best ball in the latter half of the season. The Bulls have won four of five, though all four wins have come by eight points or less, including three by three points or less. South Florida is having issues at quarterback. Sophomore B.J. Daniels is questionable; he returned to practice this week, but his availability is not known. If he can’t go, true freshman Bobby Eveld (8-of-15, 120 yards vs. Miami) will get the call. The uncertainty at quarterback is a concern, but I like USF.
South Florida 24, UConn 14

USC (-6.5) at UCLA
Has a UCLA-USC game been less intriguing? Not since I’ve been following college football. But the game is on the schedule, so I figured I’d go ahead and add it to the list. USC seemed to gain some momentum in the middle the season, but that was lost with consecutive losses to Oregon State and Notre Dame. The Trojans do expect to get quarterback Matt Barkley back this week, which should help. UCLA has been struggling in the last half of the season, losing five of six games — and looking bad doing so. The Bruins have been dreadful on offense, ranking 101st in total offense and 103rd in scoring offense. It will be difficult for UCLA to score enough to win this game.
USC 24, UCLA 10

Washington (-6) at Washington State
Washington State is an improved team, but it’s an indictment on Washington that the Huskies are only a six-point favorite against the Cougars. Wazzu did win its last game — a stunning 31–14 victory at Oregon State — but this has been the worst BCS conference program in the nation over the last three years (and it hasn’t been close). Washington is 4–4 in the league, but due to a tough non-conference schedule (BYU, Nebraska, Syracuse) the Huskies are only 5-6 overall and need to beat Wazzu to return to a bowl game for the first time since 2002. Think about that: A program that won a national title as recently as 1991 is in the midst of a seven-year bowl drought.
Washington 30, Washington State 14

Last week: 7–3 overall (7–3 against the spread)
Season: 89–41 overall (68–57–5 against the spread)
 

Chizik has his Tigers in the title game.

SEC Championship Game, No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 18 South Carolina

QUARTERBACKS

This is an unfair comparison to South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia, and that’s because Garcia has developed this season into one of the SEC’s better quarterbacks. But, you know, when you’re going up against the likely Heisman Trophy winner, it’s difficult to keep pace.

The conference’s leader in rushing (113.3 yards a game) is also its leader in passing efficiency (185.6). Cameron Newton’s thrown only six interceptions all year. He can beat you in a variety of ways, but teams would still prefer to dare Newton to throw. Then again, Alabama did — and he worked the Tide in the second half.

Garcia fumbled twice in the fourth quarter of the first Auburn game and didn’t play the final six minutes as a result. Had to be a sickening feeling for the junior, who hasn’t looked back since then. In fact, he’s played his past three games turnover-free. South Carolina could use another similar effort from Garcia, the nation’s 14th-ranked passer, in this one. The run game wasn’t there in the first game. The potential is there that the rematch could play out in a similar fashion, thrusting the burden on Garcia’s shoulders. Can he handle it?

Advantage: Auburn

RUNNING BACKS

It’s difficult to give Auburn the edge over Marcus Lattimore, but Lattimore is outnumbered here. In addition to Newton, who often fashions himself as a running back, the Tigers have between-the-tackles beast Michael Dyer and hit-the-edge speedster Onterio McCalebb. Both Dyer and McCalebb did damage in the first South Carolina game. Dyer had a very quiet 100-yard day, but it was a performance that helped the Tigers hang on to the ball for most of the second half. Speaking of that, McCalebb and Mario Fannin each fumbled in the first meeting. That won’t do, obviously — especially for Fannin, who has proven fumble-prone all season.

Lattimore is special, but he has to have somewhere to run. With 33 yards on 14 carries the first time, it wasn’t there earlier in the year. Has he learned any new tricks for Round Two?

Advantage: Auburn

RECEIVERS

This area works just like running backs. South Carolina has the best one, by far. But Auburn has better depth.

Alshon Jeffery is one of the top three receivers in the country. With 1,351 yards on 75 catches, he’s a Biletnikoff finalist. But the Tigers three top very good threats in Darvin Adams, Emory Blake and Terrell Zachery. They’re all slightly different, but speed is the common denominator. Throw in tight end Phil Lutzenkirchen, who has five touchdowns this season, including a late one against South Carolina, and the Tigers have weapons all over the field.

Tori Gurley showed he could be a legit target for the Gamecocks with 14 catches in the Vanderbilt game, but he has just eight in the five games since — including none the past two weeks. Ace Sanders is a speedy threat, but Steve Spurrier hasn’t used him too, too much against SEC opponents.

Advantage: Auburn

OFFENSIVE LINE

Spurrier just raved and raved after the first Auburn game about Jeff Grimes and Auburn’s offensive line. Newton’s individual ability shines, but the Tigers were incredibly physical against the Gamecocks back in September. They were big, particularly, in helping Dyer to his 100-yard evening. Left tackle Lee Ziemba is as good as it gets in the league.

South Carolina’s line has shown signs of improvement, even if it hasn’t been incredibly consistent. It followed the Auburn loss up with its finest showing, against Alabama. It very nearly helped pave the way for the first 100-yard rusher against the Tide in 40 games (Lattimore had 93 yards). Against a great Clemson defensive front last week, the Gamecocks kept Garcia from being sacked. That was a big, big point of emphasis coming into the season. This week will be a test to see if South Carolina has really improved.

Advantage: Auburn

DEFENSIVE LINE

Consider this the defensive equivalent of the running back and receiver breakdowns. Auburn has the best D-lineman, in tackle Nick Fairley, but South Carolina has the better overall line.
In truth, both D-lines are very, very good. But the Gamecocks are deeper and can therefore rotate players and stay fresher. That’s a big secret in their success against the run and SEC-leading 39 sacks.

Melvin Ingram has been a pleasant surprise as a junior who can play both end and tackle. Devin Taylor, at end, might be the most underrated player in the conference. Those players have 15½ combined sacks. Senior end Cliff Matthews, a captain, was hindered by a shoulder brace early in the season, including the first Auburn game. Rid of it, he’s playing much better.
Fairley has 9½, sacks himself, but no teammate has any more than 4½.

Advantage: South Carolina

LINEBACKERS

Auburn’s Josh Bynes is the best linebacker in this game. It’s not even close. The 6-2, 235-pound senior is the big and physical prototype of a Tigers linebacker, leading the team with 68 tackles. He’s a big part of Auburn’s physicality in run defense.

As it turns out, the first Auburn game was the only one that junior leader Shaq Wilson would play this season, because of a hamstring injury. Wilson recovered two Auburn fumbles, but he was also several steps slow in pursuing Newton. The Gamecocks, in truth, would’ve been better off without a player who grabbed a medical redshirt shortly after that game.

The rotation of Rodney Paulk, Josh Dickerson, Tony Straughter and Quin Smith has worked well enough to support the defensive line in the run game. Are they physical enough for Newton, however?

Advantage: Auburn

SECONDARY

One of the few spots on the field for which the appropriate question is, Who is worse? South Carolina is 99th in the country in passing defense (245.5 yards a game), but Auburn, at 106th, is even worse (255.2).

One thing both secondaries do not get credit for is their ability to help out in the run game. In fact, South Carolina’s top three tacklers are defensive backs — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Gamecocks often use their corners and safeties up near the line of scrimmage. All three safeties are among the top six tacklers. The three-man rotation of DeVonte Holloman, D.J. Swearinger and Akeem Auguste has worked to give the Gamecocks something different than what they had in the first game.

Holloman is playing well moving between the field and boundary safety positions. Don’t forget spur Antonio Allen with this group, also. He’s played exceptionally well the past month, including his pick six of Kyle Parker last week.

Similar story for the Tigers. Zac Etheridge, Neiko Thorpe and Demond Washington are among the top six tacklers.

Both defensive backfields have given up a ton of big plays. At least South Carolina’s secondary can say it’s played better in the past month. Still, this is a flimsy edge to project.

Advantage: South Carolina

SPECIAL TEAMS

Neither team has an extreme advantage in this area. Both have excellent kickers. South Carolina’s Spencer Lanning has made 15 of 20 field goals this season, including nine of his past 10 kicks. Auburn’s Wes Byrum has made a ton of clutch kicks in his career, and he’s 15 of 19 this season.

The difference is that Lanning has also developed into a very good punter. He had one of his best punting games last week at Clemson, averaging 43 yards a punt and knocking one out of bounds at the half-yard line. Lanning is averaging 43.8 yards a punt this season, compared to Ryan Shoemaker’s rather pedestrian 39.1 yards a punt.

Neither team has been particularly good in the return game. Auburn’s Demond Washington and South Carolina’s Bryce Sherman have proven to be middling men on kick returns, while the Gamecocks’ Ace Sanders and the Tigers’ Quin Carr have done little on punt returns.
Advantage: South Carolina

OUTLOOK

Quick math there says Auburn has a 5-3 advantage. And that makes sense when you consider the Tigers are 12–0 and the Gamecocks are 9–3. But, of course, these edges aren’t all there is to a game. Every fit of four quarters has its ebbs and flows, and South Carolina certainly has a chance to win. If the Gamecocks could grab a 20–7 lead and hang around for four quarters at Jordan-Hare, they’ve got what it takes to do it again on a neutral field.

Even if Newton doesn’t beat the Gamecocks with his legs, as he did the first time, there’s always the distinct possibility he could throw to beat a South Carolina secondary that’s had the propensity to give up a deep ball or two in every game. Keep an eye, too, on Lattimore. He couldn’t get going in the first game. In the Gamecocks’ four SEC wins with him (he missed one, due to injury), he rushed for 168 yards a game. In the three losses, including Auburn? Just 47.3 yards a game.

Turnovers, as they so often do, could determine this game of fairly even teams. South Carolina led the turnover battle 2-0 entering the fourth quarter in the first meeting. But it gave the ball away on all four fourth-quarter possessions.

Auburn beat South Carolina 35–27 in September via a fourth-quarter rally. The more things change …

AUBURN 35, SOUTH CAROLINA 27

Fisher has his Noles in the ACC title game.

ACC Championship: Florida State (9-3, 6-2 ACC) vs. Virginia Tech (10-2, 8-0 ACC)
Saturday, 7:45 p.m. ET in Charlotte, N.C.

Two teams that have reasons to wonder what might have been still have plenty to play for this week. No. 20 Florida State and No. 12 Virginia Tech meet for the conference title for the first time since the inaugural ACC championship game in 2005.

The Seminoles head to Bank of America Stadium with a three-game winning streak after defeating in-state rival Florida 31-7 last week. They are oh-so-close to being 11-1, with two of their losses coming to NC State (on a fluke fumble) and North Carolina (thanks to two missed field goals in the fourth quarter) in consecutive weeks.

The Hokies, meanwhile, have put together a 10-game winning streak since dropping their first two games of the season. Virginia Tech lost to Boise State 33-30 in its season opener, then sleep-walked through a 21-16 loss to Football Championship Subdivision member James Madison five days later. Since then, though, the Hokies have won by average margin of 21.1 points while playing just one game decided by 10 points or fewer.

Virginia Tech, which routed Virginia 37-7 last week, is playing in the ACC championship game for the fourth time in the six-year history of the event. The Hokies are the first team to go undefeated in ACC play since Florida State in 2000.

The Seminoles, who upset Virginia Tech 27-22 in the 2005 ACC title game, hope to continue their string of success in the series. Florida State leads the all-time series 22-11-1, including wins in 13 of the past 14 meetings.

Here’s a look at how the teams match up this time:

Quarterbacks: Florida State: Christian Ponder began the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate, but he didn’t put up the big numbers everyone expected. Still, he is third in the ACC in passing efficiency (137.6 rating) after throwing for 2,038 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Ponder had his troublesome right elbow drained again after last week’s win over Florida and says he will be ready to go against the Hokies.

Virginia Tech: Tyrod Taylor has rewritten the school record book, setting new marks for career passing yards (6,532) and total offense (8,682 yards). But he has been at his best this season, leading the ACC in passing efficiency (156.9 rating) after throwing for 2,258 yards, 20 touchdowns and four interceptions. The MVP of the 2008 ACC championship game, Taylor also has rushed for 613 yards this season.

Edge: Push. Taylor has had the better season in 2010 en route to earning All-ACC honors, but Ponder has plenty of big-game experience and is just as capable. Plus, the Seminoles have a dangerous weapon in backup E.J. Manuel if Ponder suffers an injury during the game.

Running backs: Florida State: Starting tailback Jermaine Thomas (484 yards, 6 TD) will miss his third consecutive game with a sprained knee, and Ty Jones (496 yards, 2 TD) could be limited after sitting out practice early in the week because he was “banged up.” That leaves Chris Thompson (686 yards, 5 TD), who averages an eye-popping 6.8 yards per carry and has ripped off three touchdown runs of at least 70 yards this season. Fullback Lonnie Pryor (4 rush TD, 3 TD catches) is a threat as a runner and receiver in the red zone.

Virginia Tech: Darren Evans (748 yards, 10 TD) has punishing power, David Wilson (573 yards, 5 TD) showcases blazing speed, and Ryan Williams (428 yards, 9 TD) offers the perfect blend of both. Williams continues to get closer to full strength after missing four games in the middle of the season with a pulled hamstring.

Edge: Virginia Tech. The Hokies might have the best trio of tailbacks in the country. Evans and Williams are former ACC Rookie of the Year winners who each have more than 2,000 career rushing yards, and Wilson is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Receivers: Florida State: Bert Reed (52 catches, 547 yards, 2 TD) is a threat to run after catching short throws, but he has dropped too many passes this season. Taiwan Easterling (35 catches, 462 yards, 4 TD) does a nice job on intermediate routes, and Willie Haulstead (33 catches, 500 yards, 6 TD) and Rodney Smith (27 catches, 408 yards, 3 TD) stretch the field vertically. Tight end Beau Reliford (15 catches, 171 yards, 1 TD) doesn’t get many opportunities.

Virginia Tech: Jarrett Boykin (45 catches, 728 yards, 5 TD) is fourth in school history in receiving yards (2,004), and he’s just a junior. Marcus Davis (16 catches, 213 yards, 2 TD) is a freakish athlete who has moved into a bigger role after the season-ending injury to Dyrell Roberts, and Danny Coale (26 catches, 497 yards, 2 TD) has a knack for getting open deep even though he lacks breakaway speed. The Hokies don’t throw the ball to tight end Andre Smith often, but five of his 17 receptions this season have gone for touchdowns.

Edge: Florida State. Boykin is the best all-around receiver on the field with his size, huge hands and blocking ability, but the Seminoles have more weapons. Rodney Smith, in particular, has emerged with 10 receptions for 224 yards in the last three games. He could be a star in the future, possibly as soon as this week.

Offensive linemen: The Seminoles have started six different combinations up front this season, primarily because of injury problems at right guard. All-ACC left guard Rodney Hudson won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s most outstanding blocker for the second year in a row. Center Ryan McMahon, a second-team All-ACC pick, has made a school-record 51 consecutive starts. Bryan Stork has returned from an illness to start at right guard, and tackles Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders are solid.

The Hokies have started the same five players up front all year, a fact that has allowed them to develop chemistry and continuity after a slow start to the season. Right guard Jaymes Brooks and right tackle Blake DeChristopher made the All-ACC second team. Center Beau Warren, left guard Greg Nosal and left tackle Andrew Lanier all came to Virginia Tech as tight ends, so they have athleticism.

Edge: Florida State. The Seminoles feature what is regarded as the ACC’s best offensive line, and they are coming off a performance against Florida that their coaching staff called their best job of pass protection all season.

Defensive linemen: Defensive ends Brandon Jenkins (12 sacks) and Markus White (7.5 sacks) are two big reasons why the Seminoles rank second in the country in sacks (ACC-best 3.58 per game). Jenkins, a first-team All-ACC selection, is tied for third nationally in sacks and tied for 11th nationally in tackles for loss. Florida State is talented but young on the interior, with three sophomores and a freshman rotating at defensive tackle.

For the Hokies, Steven Friday was named to the All-ACC second team after ranking in the conference’s top 10 in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (14), and fellow defensive end Chris Drager has a big motor. Second-team All-ACC pick John Graves and Antoine Hopkins have done a nice job at defensive tackle after the Hokies lost Kwamaine Battle to a season-ending knee injury in September.

Edge: Florida State. Neither team’s front is impenetrable against the run, but the Seminoles get the nod here because of their pass-rushing ability.

Linebackers: The Seminoles have started the same three linebackers in every game this season. Kendall Smith and Nigel Bradham each rank among the top 15 tacklers in the ACC, and Bradham (4 sacks) is a threat to blitz from his weakside position. Mister Alexander plays the strong side for the Seminoles, who rank 23rd nationally and third in the ACC against the run (123.7 yards per game).

Bruce Taylor has been a stud all season, ranking among the ACC’s top 10 in sacks (6) and tackles for loss (15.5). After Taylor, though, there’s a decline. Lyndell Gibson has started losing playing time to redshirt freshman Tariq Edwards, and Jeron Gouveia-Winslow has struggled enough this season that defensive coordinator Bud Foster often replaces him with an extra defensive back. The Hokes are just 68th nationally against the run, allowing more rushing yards per game (156.9) than they have in any season since 1992.

Edge: Florida State. Taylor’s productivity is impressive, but the Seminoles have the stronger (and more experienced) linebacking group as a whole.

Defensive backs: The Seminoles have some accomplished cornerbacks in Greg Reid and Xavier Rhodes, the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Rhodes leads the conference in pass breakups (11), and Reid is tied for second in that category (9). Safety Nick Moody, who is third on the team in tackles (60), returned an interception 96 yards for a touchdown to seal Florida State’s victory over Maryland. The Seminoles rank 30th nationally in opponents’ passing efficiency (115.6 rating).

All-ACC selection Jayron Hosley leads the nation with eight interceptions, continuing the Hokies’ tradition of outstanding cornerbacks. Fellow cornerback Rashad Carmichael (4 INT) sat out last week’s win over Virginia with an ankle injury, but he hopes to return this week. Even if he can’t play or is limited, the Hokies have a good replacement in true freshman Kyle Fuller. Second-team All-ACC safety Davon Morgan (72 tackles, 4 INT) is effective against the run and the pass, free safety Eddie Whitley has the versatility to play several positions, and backup Antone Exum is tied for second in the ACC with nine pass breakups.

Edge: Virginia Tech. The Hokies are seventh nationally in opponents’ passing efficiency (102.3 rating) and have recorded an ACC-high 20 interceptions. They have intercepted 12 passes over the last five games.

Special teams: For the Noles, Dustin Hopkins is one of the most talented kickers in the ACC, but he made just 17 of 23 field-goal tries this season. Among them, of course, was the 55-yard field goal as time expired that lifted the Seminoles past Clemson 16-13 on Nov. 13. Hopkins has booted 36 of his 74 kickoffs for touchbacks (second in the nation) to help Florida State lead the ACC in kickoff coverage, and that could be important because Virginia Tech leads the league in kickoff returns. Punter Shawn Powell ranks third in the ACC (43.9 yards per punt), and the Seminoles are fourth in the conference in net punting (38.4 yards per kick). Florida State hasn’t done much in the return game this season, but Greg Reid always is a threat to score.

The Hokies traditionally are strong in this area, and this season is no different. All-ACC kicker Chris Hazley is 19-for-20 on field goals, having made his last 19 attempts, and second-team All-ACC selection Brian Saunders leads the conference in punting (44.4 yards per kick). The Hokies also are explosive in the return game, where David Wilson leads the ACC on kickoffs (26.8 yards per return, 2 TD) and Jayron Hosley ranks second in the league on punts (13.5 yards per return). Virginia Tech is second and fifth in the conference in kickoff and punt coverage, respectively.

Edge: Virginia Tech. Hazley has been rock solid since missing his first field-goal try of the season, and Wilson and Hosley are extremely dangerous. As an added bonus, the Hokies always are a threat to block a kick.

Head coaches: Jimbo Fisher has sparked a nice turnaround in his first season replacing legend Bobby Bowden. Fisher already has recorded the most wins by a first-year coach at Florida State, surpassing Larry Jones’ 8-4 record in 1971.

Frank Beamer is ninth on college football’s all-time wins list with 239 victories. He has led the Hokies to seven consecutive 10-win seasons, the longest active streak in the country, and has guided his team to 17 consecutive bowl games.

Edge: Virginia Tech. Beamer has seen it all in his 24 seasons in Blacksburg. He doesn’t panic, and he feels no pressure to prove to anyone how smart he is.