College football picks: Nebraska has something to prove against USC, the nation

By Ralph D. Russo | The Associated Press • Published September 12, 2007

Nebraska has something to prove. So does Kentucky. And Maryland. Throw Alabama in there. Tennessee, too.

Call them measuring-stick games or temperature-takers. They’re games that can give a glimpse at the direction and health of a program and there are several on tap this weekend.

The Cornhuskers have the most notable. Top-ranked Southern California comes to the Heartland on Saturday.

Big Red has been taking baby steps toward returning to elite status in three seasons under coach Bill Callahan. There’s been progress, Nebraska won the Big 12 North last season, but the Huskers have yet to prove they’re capable of slugging it out with the best in the nation.

Last year in Los Angeles, Nebraska hung around but never actually threatened USC in a 28-10 loss. Hanging around at home isn’t what HuskerNation is looking for this year.

Kentucky and Maryland face traditional rivals who have dominated them in recent years. The Wildcats host Louisville and the Terrapins get West Virginia on Thursday night, with the underdog home teams looking to swing those series back in their favor.

Arkansas visits Alabama for Nick Saban’s first Southeastern Conference home game and the first chance to see how the Crimson Tide is coming along under their $4 million-a-year coach.

Tennessee has been in a rut for the past couple of seasons. Beating the defending champions would be a great way to get out of it.

The picks:

Thursday

No. 4 West Virginia (minus 16½) at Maryland

Mountaineers have won three straight meetings ... WEST VIRGINIA 34-20.

Saturday

No. 1 USC (minus 10) at No. 14 Nebraska

Trojans have won seven straight nonconference road games ... USC 33-13.

Middle Tennessee (plus 40½) at No. 2 LSU

Blue Raiders are 3-25 against SEC — all three wins against Vanderbilt ... LSU 55-13.

Utah State (plus 45½) at No. 3 Oklahoma

Sooners lead series 3-0 and average 58 ppg against Aggies ... OKLAHOMA 58-3

No. 22 Tennessee (plus 8) at No. 5 Florida

Home team has won only two of last seven meetings ... FLORIDA 27-24.