Rivalry Week Key Games and Picks

Rivalry Week Key Games and Picks

 

 

      It's one of the most anticipated weekends in all of college football. It will decide who gets the bragging rights for the next 365 days. It's the weekend where predictions mean nothing, but we do it anyway. For rivalry games, records are out the window. Anything can happen. It doesn't matter how bad a season is going for one team or the other........ This one game could make or break the season. That's what rivalry games are all about.

 

       So, predictions mean nothing, right? We'll see......

 

 

        Michigan at Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't know how to lose. They seem to get exactly what they need from all sides of their team. When the offense is down, the defense steps up. When the defense is down, the offense steps up. I think this game will be no different for them. The Buckeyes will finish the season undefeated. OSU over Michigan, 31-20.

 

 

        Georgia Tech at Georgia. If the Bulldogs win this game, it will set the stage for a big time game against Bama. There will be national title implications.....no doubt about it. For  G-Tech, they will be looking for some momentum before their ACC Title game......yes that's right. G-Tech (6-5) will be playing against FSU for the ACC Title. Miami self-imposed another season of bowl bans, and North Carolina is on a bowl ban as well. Georgia is favored by more than 14 points. And it certainly could get ugly if the Bulldogs bring their 'A' game. Bulldogs win, 38-17.

 

 

         Oregon at Oregon State. BIG GAME. The Beavers are looking for respect, and the only way they are going to get it is through the Ducks. The Beavers boast the #1 rush defense in the PAC-12. Oregon State will be hyped for this game. The storyline for this game? It has to be the Oregon Ducks possible hangover from their loss to Stanford. How will the Ducks respond? Is their season over because of the loss to Stanford?  I think the Beavers have what it takes, and I think the timing is perfect. Beavers get the upset, 34-31.

 

 

 

 

 

       

          South Carolina at Clemson. The Gamecocks have to be real careful. Clemson's offense is very dangerous. All it takes is one play by Sammy Watkins, or De'Anthony Hopkins. They can strike in the blink of an eye. This is one of two big chances for the ACC to make a statement against the SEC. Clemson has come close, but they still can't find that perfect game against the Gamecocks. I think it ends this year. Clemson's offense won't be contained, and they win in a close game...... Tigers 24-21.

 

 

           Florida at Florida State. ACC vs SEC. For the first time since 2000, both teams are ranked in the top ten coming into this game. The Noles are looking for respect in the BCS polls, and the Gators are trying to keep national title hopes alive. Yes, there might be national title implications with this game. It falls on Notre Dame in a big way, but both these teams have an outside shot at getting to the BCS Title game. If FSU plays their 'A' game, the Gators don't stand a chance. The Noles have too much firepower on offense. However, if FSU doesn't come out focused, and they let Florida hang around, it will be a close game down to the wire......and Florida tends to win those type of games (at least that's the way it has been going this season). Both teams are hungry. This may be the biggest game on Saturday. For Florida State, it's about respect, it's about getting that 3rd consecutive win over Florida in as many years; this game is bigger than conference championships. For the Gators, it's about snapping the losing streak to the Noles, it's about taking back the edge in recruiting. Can the Noles break the Gators' will early in the game? Will the Gators' offense move the ball against the toughest defense they have faced all season long? This is the one game I am leaving out of the picks. Predictions don't mean anything, right?  Okay, okay.......I will do it this way: FSU wins if their offense plays their 'A' Game. Gators win if the Noles' offense plays terrible, AKA Fisher screws up the play-calling (which has happened numerous times this season). It's the Noles' game to lose.

 

 

 

       Notre Dame at USC. Whew, two weeks in a row the #1 team has fallen. Will the Irish make it three? This is a very scary game for Notre Dame. This is the season for them. They have all the advantages in this game (so did Oregon and Kansas State, or so we thought). USC will be without Matt Barkley, or will they? It's Lane Kiffin, that's all I should have to say. It wouldn't shock me at all if Barkley was in the game wearing a different jersey number.....If you don't get that, google 'Lane Kiffin switching jersey numbers'. And.....I hope the refs remember to check the air pressure on USC's footballs before (and during) the game. All jokes aside, USC has a chance to erase a rough season with a big win over the #1 team in the nation. Lane Kiffin loves these types of games. He lives for these games. This won't be a walk in the park for the Irish by any means. In fact, I am calling it now, USC upsets Notre Dame. Trojans 20, Irish 17. AND MORE BCS MADNESS!

 

 

      Other rivalry games going on this weekend (Two Minute Drill)

 

 

Oklahoma vs Oklahoma State. My pick, BOOMER SOONER!!

 

Stanford vs UCLA. My pick, THE CARDINAL!

 

Alabama vs Auburn. Now, wait a minute.....this game could be close, right? Maybe we should talk about this game for a minute.....What? No good? Nobody thinks the Tigers have a chance in this game? Come on now! It's a rivalry game, right? Anyting could happen, right? Well yes and yes to those questions, but I don't think you can really apply them to this game. ROLL TIDE! Bama wins, 35-10.

 

      Thanks for reading, and sorry this was posted later than usual. I have been on the road for most of the day, trying to get to Tallahassee for the 'BIG GAME'. It should be a great Saturday in college football. Have a great weekend.