Key Games With BCS Implications

NOTRE DAME (5-6) at SYRACUSE (5-6)

Kickoff: 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 7

Line: Notre Dame by 2

Notre Dame update: The Fighting Irish have won three in a row, including a 57-7 victory over Stanford. Julius Jones ran for 218 yards, rushing for 106 in the first quarter on the way to his third 200-yard game of the season.

Syracuse update: The Orangemen have lost three in a row, including a 24-7 defeat at Rutgers. Coach Paul Pasqualoni is facing a second consecutive losing season and questions about his job security.

Story line: Meaningless on the surface, this matchup could have a bearing on the BCS standings. A Notre Dame victory would help USC in the computer and strength-of-schedule components of the formula.

The pick: Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have momentum, and Syracuse packed its equipment bags last week.

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OREGON STATE (7-4) at No. 2 USC (10-1)

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

Line: USC by 21

Oregon State update: The Beavers have a strong defense and a top NFL prospect in running back Steven Jackson, who averages 121.3 yards a game.

USC update: The Trojans appear to be a victory from playing for the national championship. USC has scored 30 or more points in 10 consecutive games and ranks fifth nationally in scoring.

Story line: If USC wins, the Trojans probably are headed for the Sugar Bowl. But they’ll have to wait to see if Louisiana State wins the Southeastern Conference title game, keeping alive the Tigers’ hopes of slipping past USC for No. 2 in the final bowl championship series standings.

The pick: USC. Losing to Oregon State when a chance to play in the national championship game is on the line would be unfathomable.

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No. 3 LOUISIANA STATE (11-1) vs. No. 5 GEORGIA (10-2)

Kickoff: 5 p.m.

TV: Channel 2.

Line: LSU by 3.

LSU update: The Tigers face Georgia a second time for the Southeastern Conference title -- and at least a possibility of passing USC in the BCS standings to qualify for the national championship game. LSU won, 17-10, on Sept. 20 in Baton Rouge on Matt Mauck’s touchdown pass to Skyler Green with 1:22 left.

Georgia update: LSU is first in the nation in scoring defense, giving up only 10.58 points, and Georgia is second, giving up only 11.83.

Story line: LSU tries to nudge into second in the BCS standings. Maybe Trojan fans should send doggie treats to UGA VI, the bulldog mascot.

The pick: LSU. The Tigers probably lose their “quality win” deduction for their earlier victory over Georgia by beating the Bulldogs again, but uncertainty of the human factor in polls would keep alive the BCS suspense.

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No. 13 KANSAS STATE (10-3) vs. No. 1 OKLAHOMA (12-0)

Kickoff: 5 p.m.

TV: Channel 7, XTRA (690)

Line: Oklahoma by 14

Kansas State update: The Wildcats lost to Marshall in September but will qualify for a BCS bowl if they upset Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game. Kansas State’s other losses were to Texas and Oklahoma State, but they have won their last six, including a 38-9 victory over Nebraska.

Oklahoma update: The Sooners probably would reach the Sugar Bowl to play for the national championship even if they lost. Oklahoma leads the nation in scoring at 48.33 points and is first in defense (233.67 yards per game).

Story line: With Oklahoma apparently headed to the Sugar Bowl win or lose, this game is about momentum.

The pick: Oklahoma. There’s a theory that the Sooners might not be inspired because they probably will go to the Sugar Bowl, no matter what. We’re not buying it.

-- Robyn Norwood