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 Friday, December 13, 2002
The stretch run hits its stride
By Brent Musburger
Special to BCSfootball.com
Each Tuesday throughout the season, ABC's Brent Musburger will give his five things to watch for the coming weekend.
Here are five reasons why you must either find a good sports bar or lock yourself up in the family room Saturday with a satellite dish and a good clicker.
Must watch TV.
1. Nebraska at Oklahoma
You won't recognize this old rivalry. Oh yeah, Nebraska still beats teams up with the triple option and an occasional pass to a tight end downfield, but OU is absolutely 21st Century with a pass-first mentality.
The biggest contest within this contest is Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch bringing the triple option down the line against Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel looking for a wide open crossing receiver underneath the defense. Crouch proved to Notre Dame that overtime and long third downs don't bother him. Heupel proved to Kansas State that blitzing defenders don't scare him.
Possible turnovers: Crouch sometimes pitches to the tailback late. Heupel sometimes throws without following through and an alert DB can take a shot at an interception.
Click.
2. Ohio State at Purdue
(I'm prejudiced because that's where I'll be with Gary Danielson and Jack Arute this Saturday.)
This is a virtual elimination game for the Rose Bowl. If either the Boilermakers or the Buckeyes win out, they go to Pasadena. Earlier this season in the Big Ten, folks didn't think Purdue could win the big game, but since rallying against Michigan, beating up on Northwestern, and surviving against Wisconsin, the Boilermakers are now the team to beat in the Big Ten.
What Michigan wants: A Buckeye win Saturday in West Lafayette, setting up a Showdown for the Roses on Nov. 18 in Columbus.
Subplot: Those who have counted out Drew Brees for the Heisman are making a huge mistake. If Purdue wins out and Nebraska stumbles, and Michael Vick can't beat Miami on Nov. 4, send the trophy to Mr. Brees in West Lafayette.
Some pundits claim that the Buckeyes are overrated. We shall see.
Click.
3. Tennessee vs. South Carolina
(Coach of the Year so far) Lou Holtz leads his amazing Gamecocks against the Volunteers. Can this team possibly be headed for the SEC Championship Game? What in the name of reduced scholarships is going on here?
Before we get too giddy, remember that Tennessee is a well-coached football factory. The Vols may have found a bona fide quarterback Saturday in Casey Clausen. Even if Holtz loses his last three, and he's in tough against Tennessee, Florida and Clemson, he's done a remarkable job.
How's this for a bowl game possibility? South Carolina vs. Notre Dame? I'd watch it. Hell, I'd love to broadcast it.
How's Brees doing?
Click.
A quick pizza (you can now allow yourself one or two cold ones). And it's time for a little night football.
|  | | Chuck Amato and N.C State will be in the face of Bobby Bowden's Florida State team come Saturday. |
4. Florida State vs. N.C. State
Bobby Bowden takes on one of his longtime assistants, Chuck Amato. Good for a tease and a few sideline shots, but what I'm watching here is my top freshman quarterback, Philip Rivers of State, against that Seminole defensive line. The 'Noles take no prisoners as they try to move up the charts, but this kid Rivers is good, real good.
5. Oregon at Arizona State
You've got to check out the Ducks. After that tough win at home over Arizona, can Oregon go on the road and not be overconfident against Arizona State? Mike Bellotti's team is eyeing a three-game run to a Rose Bowl showdown against Oregon State for the Pac-10 title.
Holy parity! What's going on out West? I can't wait for it.
One reminder -- don't let your wife hide the clicker.
Brent Musburger a regular contributor to BCSfootball.com.
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Bob Stoops has confidence leading up to the Nebraska game.