Big start to the CFW as USC journeys to Corvallis to face Oregon State on ESPN. Trojans could be without Brian Cushing, one of their Killer LBs. The Beavers upset USC in 2006. Don’t see that happening here as Pete Carroll has to have the team on go every week. Blowouts will have to be the rule, given the weak state of the Pac-10. More of a watch than a play. Fresno State goes to the Rose Bowl and gives UCLA a touchdown. Line says take the favorite as it won’t be a pretty season for Rick Neuheisel’s Bruins. When is a home game a road game, check here.

Connecticut visits Louisville. The Cardinals figure to have long memories over the Huskies’ win last year, aided by a faux fair catch. UConn is 4-0 but Louisville came to life last week against K-State.

How the world has turned: Virginia is getting seven points at Duke. And this is football, not basketball. Time for Al Groh to consider retiring? As long as we mentioned the former Jets coach and hoops, here is what he had to say about the Blue Devils’ attack: “Basketball on grass, that’s kind of what it is,” Groh said. Quarterback “Thad Lewis is the point guard and they’re running the fast break, and if it was in Cameron Indoor Stadium you’d probably hear the coach standing on the sideline yelling, ‘Push the ball, push the ball.’ We like the fast-breaking Blue Devils.

Purdue is getting one from Notre Dame in South Bend. That line seems so tiny. However, we were fooled by the Irish last week. They aren’t that good. Should they beat the Boilermakers? Yes. Will they? Not sure. Run from this one.

Huge SEC game Between the Hedges as Alabama gets 6 1/2 from Georgia. Liked what the Dawgs did in the desert last week to ASU. This is the conference litmus test for the Tide. Somehow get the feeling they won’t pass. Richt has Georgia rounding into form. Tennessee goes to Auburn fresh from the Florida thrashing. War Eagle is still stinging from its late loss to LSU. Look for Auburn to add to Phil Fulmer’s misery.

How about this for a stunning line: Wisconsin is giving six at Michigan. You read that correctly, the Wolverines are a touchdown underdog at home. They are begging you to take the points, so give them. Nice start to the Rich Rodriguez era.

Texas A&M is giving Army 28. For Mike Sherman’s sake, this had better be a blowout. Speaking of programs with problems, how about Arkansas getting 27 1/2 in the makeup of the game postponed by Hurricane Ike against Texas. Bobby Petrino probably wishes he were still delivering at Papa John’s.

Penn State is giving Illinois 15. Seems like a lot of points in the first test of the season for Joe Pa’s crew. Zook’s bunch can score and roar. Wouldn’t be shocked if they kept it tight.

Stern test for Sam Bradford and Oklahoma as TCU brings its top-ranked defense to Norman. The Horned Frogs have held their own against the Sooners in the past. This will be interesting. And it could boost or dent the QB’s Heisman hopes.