Buckeyes still formidable

All the hype leading up to today's Ohio State-Southern California showdown has included daily injury reports on Chris "Beanie" Wells, the Buckeyes' star running back.

Wells will sit out with a right foot injury, but the Buckeyes should be OK.

Ohio State has an outstanding defense led by senior linebacker James Laurinaitis, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

But the Buckeyes' lackluster 26-14 win over Ohio last week provides some line value here, as coach Jim Tressel's team clearly was looking ahead to today's game in Los Angeles.

Tressel is one of the best coaches in the country and will have his team well prepared for the top-ranked Trojans. Ohio State has flopped in the past two BCS title games, but coaching in bowl games with 30- to 50-day layoffs is a very unique situation.

USC has a talented defense as well, but the offense is relatively inexperienced with junior quarterback Mark Sanchez making just his fifth start.

Before the season, the early number on this game was USC minus-41/2. After the Trojans' 52-7 rout of Virginia, the line jumped to minus-7.

Now, with Wells' injury, USC is an 111/2-point favorite. Ohio State can keep this close.

Other selections for today's games (Home team in CAPS):

• Michigan (-1) over NOTRE DAME: Not long ago this would have been the marquee matchup of the weekend. Now it is just another game on the card.

Both teams have struggled offensively and were lucky to escape with a win last week, especially Notre Dame. Michigan will continue to use two quarterbacks, Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan, while the Irish are sticking with sophomore Jimmy Clausen.

The best unit on the field will be the Wolverines' defense, which has been stout against the run and pressures the quarterback.

• Iowa State (+131/2) over IOWA: This is one of the more competitive early season rivalry games. Last year, first-year Iowa State coach Gene Chizik stunned Iowa by winning 15-13 as a 17-point underdog.

The Hawkeyes feasted on weak opponents in the first two weeks of the season, defeating Maine 46-3 and Florida International 42-0. Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi beat out incumbent Jake Christensen and will make his second career start.

• Stanford (+14) over TEXAS CHRISTIAN: The Cardinal blew a two-touchdown lead last year and lost to TCU 38-36 as a 6-point underdog. Second-year Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh has his team competive again, and look for plenty of running back Toby Gerhart.

• TULANE (+13) over East Carolina: The Pirates are media darlings after consecutive upsets of Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Both games were played in the state of North Carolina, but now the Pirates must travel to Tulane for a Conference USA matchup.

The Green Wave was impressive in a 20-6 loss at Alabama, especially considering Tulane's practice schedule was disrupted by Hurricane Gustav.

Alabama was held to 172 yards total offense, and two of its touchdowns were scored on special teams.

• Bowling Green (+17) over BOISE STATE: The Falcons turned the ball over five times in their home loss to Minnesota, but they have the firepower to stay in this one. Freshman quarterback Kellen Moore will make his second start for the Broncos.

Last week: 3-3 against the spread

Season: 3-3

Barry Holthaus, a handicapper for VegasInsider.com, is providing college football analysis for the Review-Journal this season. He can be heard on the Leroy's Sports Hour at 10 p.m. Saturdays on KLAV-AM (1230).