Trojan women, yours truly looks to rebound

The last time USC won a football game against Notre Dame I was 14 years old. Since then I've seen good, bad and mediocre Trojan teams suffer defeat after defeat at South Bend, a litany of disappointment so crushing as to make me doubt my fundamental faith in all things Southern Californian.

And with Trojan quarterbacks Brad Otton and Kyle Wachholtz playing like women Saturday and the rest of the offense generally behaving as if they'd never seen rain before, the 1995 Trojans were beaten the moment they stepped out of the locker room and saw the precipitation dripping off Touchdown Jesus' stern, unforgiving chin.

Final score, for those of you who missed it: 38-10.

The only consolation? USC can still make the Rose Bowl; which brings me to this week's picks.

My record against the spread last week was 4-5. Gregory Gaussa, picking the same games, was 2-7.

Gaussa joins me again this week. Once again, all picks are against the spread, and are offered for profit only.

COLLEGE

USC (6-1) at Washington (5-2)

USC minus 4

Trojan defense actually played a decent game at South Bend. And you can be sure Keyshawn Johnson will catch

more than four balls in Seattle. Plus, this one's for the roses. USC, 24-13. (Greg likes Washington)

Nebraska (7-0) at Colorado (6-1)

Nebraska minus 7 1/2

Buffaloes are without injured quarterback Koy Detmer. Cornhuskers, trying to repeat as national champs, have rolled over everybody. Seven and a half points is a lot to give to a home team in a huge game like this. Frankly, I'm only picking this one because Gaussa insisted. I wouldn't touch it with my own cash, but I'll go with the champs. Nebraska, 35-24. (Greg likes Colorado)

PRO

Jaguars (3-5) at Steelers (3-4)

Steelers minus 10

These teams played two weeks ago and Jaguars stunned reeling Steelers. Pittsburgh should squeak this one out to temporarily save what's been a disastrous season. Ten points are too many, however.

Steelers, 24-23. (Greg likes Jaguars)

Giants (2-5) at Redskins (3-5)

Redskins minus 3

Redskins are playing tough at home. Giants aren't playing tough anywhere. Redskins, 31-7. (Greg likes Redskins)

Bucs (5-3) at Oilers (2-5)

Pick 'em

Bucs have been solid. Oilers suck canal water. Bucs, 26-14. (Greg likes Oilers)

Rams (5-2) at Eagles (4-3)

Eagles minus 3 1/2

Real Rams finally showed up last week against Steve Young-less 49ers. Eagles have responded to early problems and usually play well at home.

Eagles, 27-15. (Greg likes Rams)

Panthers (2-5) at Patriots (2-5)

Pats minus 9

Patriots may have gotten untracked against Bills Monday night. Panthers can't get too much credit for victory

against Saints. Still, I like nine points. Patriots, 28-21. (Greg likes Patriots)

MONDAY NIGHT

Bears (5-2) at Vikings (3-4)

Viking running back Robert Smith out with injury. Bears are better anyway.

Bears, 23-13. (Greg likes Vikings)