Weekend Watch List: Look back to look ahead at Big Game

Isn't it? ...

We'll say it again: If Ohio State loses it will end up in a second-place tie with Wisconsin in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes could then play in the national championship game. Fair? ...

For all of you willing to sell your first-born for tickets this weekend, remember this: By the time the BCS title game kicks off Jan. 8, there will have been four No. 1 vs. No. 2 games in less than 53 weeks, with Ohio State possibly a participant in three of the four. ...

Meanwhile, glimpsed out of the corner of our eyes. ...

Rose Bowl: The Cal-USC winner goes to Pasadena (at least). Despite its crushing loss to Arizona, Cal can still get a Rose Bowl bid (its first since 1959) by winning at the Coliseum. USC, of course, can still reach the national championship game.

This one is a toss-up. Cal's DeSean Jackson has become the most dynamic Pac-10 player and 2007 Heisman front-runner. The L.A. product has nine touchdown catches and four returns for scores.

He could be the difference in the game, all because of a perceived slight by USC recruiters. When Jackson awoke on signing day 2005, there were reports he had committed to the Trojans. Jackson got it in his head that USC was assuming he was a Trojan.

Hello, Cal. Jackson has been compared to Reggie Bush, which reminds us: A win would give USC a record fifth consecutive Pac-10 title.

One for the thumb? Let's boil down the Iron Bowl. Win or lose, Mike Shula most likely will have to sacrifice some staff in the wake of this current 6-5 season. Dave Rader (The O.C.), we're talking to you.

Will Auburn win a fifth consecutive state title for the first time since the '50s? Are the Tigers out of the SEC West race? No. There's a way -- not a likely one -- Auburn still can win a three-way tie in the division and advance to the SEC title game.

Western Carolina: The reason Florida is out of the BCS title game race, short of a loss by USC. Playing a last-place I-AA team this time of year is never good. The Catamounts (2-8) are bringing up the rear in the Southern Conference.

We will now entertain questions about SEC schedule strength.

Wakeup for Virginia Tech: The Hokies can upset the Wake Forest Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy Tour with a win in Winston-Salem.

"It does feel kind of odd for us to be the ones in that position," said Hokies defensive back Brandon Flowers.

Virginia Tech (8-2) is playing about as well as any team in the country with four consecutive victories during which it has allowed 23 points.

The second-biggest game in Ohio: All the Rutgers madness could die real quickly if Cincinnati knocks off the Scarlet Knights. We'll see quickly if The Schianos can bounce back emotionally. Don't be surprised if Cincinnati (5-5) wins. ...

At least Iowa is getting its money's worth: The Hawkeyes (6-5) take their first four-game losing streak since 1999 to the season finale at Minnesota. What price victory? Coach Kirk Ferentz reportedly will make $4.6 million over a 13-month period that ends in June.

Big brother in the sky: At last check, Joe Paterno was taking his broken shin to the press box for the season finale against Michigan State.

"Don't be surprised if he's on the 50, OK?" said defensive coordinator and coach-in-waiting Tom Bradley. "Somehow, some way."

Considering the lengths Paterno is going, Bobby Bowden has to be emboldened. The Florida State coach has said many times that JoePa's rebound season in '05 is an inspiration for him to stay on.

We'll see if he can last through Saturday against Western Michigan. The 'Noles (5-5) still need to get bowl eligible.