No. 1 Tide faces challenge
As if one of the nation's fiercest rivalries needed a boost, Nick Saban is ready to make his mark on the Iron Bowl.
The Alabama coach has been busy steamrolling through the Southeastern Conference, and his next target is Auburn.
The Tigers have been a mess most of the season. Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin was fired halfway through his first season, and Auburn played musical quarterbacks with Kodi Burns and Chris Todd with little success.
Two weeks ago, the Tigers seemed to get back on track and almost upset Georgia, losing 17-13.
The Crimson Tide is a 15-point home favorite today in Tuscaloosa, but the underdog should cover the big number.
Top-ranked Alabama is the only undefeated Bowl Championship Series conference team, but it has lost six straight games to Auburn.
The Crimson Tide was in a similar situation 36 years ago, ranked No. 2 in the country with a 10-0 record and leading Auburn 16-3 with less than 10 minutes left in the game.
The Tigers returned two blocked punts for touchdowns to win, 17-16.
A repeat of that game is not expected, but Auburn can keep it competitive.
Other selections for today's games (home team in CAPS):
• NORTH CAROLINA STATE (+2) over Miami: The Wolfpack might be playing better than any team in the wacky Atlantic Coast Conference. North Carolina State has won three straight since its bye and routed North Carolina last week. It will be the seniors' final home game, and the Wolfpack needs a win to be bowl eligible.
• DUKE (+8) over North Carolina: The Blue Devils welcome back quarterback Thaddeus Lewis just in time to play rival North Carolina. Duke's defense played well in last week's 14-3 loss at Virginia Tech.
• Baylor (+22) over TEXAS TECH: The Red Raiders were the toast of the country with a 10-0 record and No. 2 ranking before their showdown with Oklahoma. Texas Tech might suffer a hangover after its 65-21 loss. Baylor had last week off and is led by dynamic quarterback Robert Griffin, who can hurt you running and throwing. He has accounted for 25 touchdowns, and he has thrown only two interceptions this season.
• Georgia Tech (+8) over GEORGIA: The triple-option offense is a thing of beauty when it is run correctly. That occurred last Thursday when Georgia Tech gashed the Miami defense for 472 rushing yards in a 41-23 win. The Yellow Jackets have lost six straight to their in-state rivals. Bad weather is expected, and that could limit Georgia's passing game.
• FLORIDA STATE (+17) over Florida: Most experts have penciled in the Gators to play in the BCS national title game, but Florida has a tricky assignment against Florida State. The Seminoles regained some of their swagger in last week's 37-3 win at Maryland.
• Notre Dame (+33) over SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: No one is questioning the Trojans' defense, but will the offense score enough to cover the gigantic point spread? Lowly Syracuse embarrassed the Fighting Irish last week, and they should make a decent showing with coach Charlie Weis on the hot seat.
Last week: 1-6 against the spread
Season: 41-41-1
Barry Holthaus, a handicapper for VegasInsider.com, is providing college football analysis for the Review-Journal this season. He can be heard on "Leroy's Sports Hour" at 10 p.m. Saturdays on KLAV-AM (1230).
