Week 13 - One Ga_e Season

Standings
1) Seeberg             44-18    (2-10 upset) 
2) Draper               42-20    (5-7 upset)
3) Hoying               40-22    (1-11 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     39-23    (2-10 upset)

It's rivalry week at Let's Go Bucks! With Ohio State's playoff hopes on life support, we turn our focus toward our first showdown with Captain Crazy (and a few other schools that happen to be playing as well).

#13 Navy _idship_en @ #20 Houston Cougars
Draper: Led by the greatest coach ever who never erred by ignoring a RB, Houston finally tripped up vs. a so-so at best Uconn squad.  Houston has had a pretty nice year, but they're still Houston.  Navy is chugging along with the only hiccup vs. the Irish.  I like Keenan Reynolds to keep the train a-rolling as the Cougs suffer a second straight defeat, this one at Chop-block-o-clock. Navy: 28--Houston: 24
Hoying: Take a good look, Buckeye Nation. Our previous offensive guru, your panacea for everything ailing the Ohio State O, just racked up all of 17 points in Houston's loss to the UConn Huskies. 17 points isn't going to get the job done against the NCAA's historic TD leader, Keenan Reynolds, and the devastating triple option. Navy has parlayed its first year in a conference into its best season since 1963 and it shows no signs of slowing down. Look for the streak to continue, setting up an AAC title showdown ahead of everyone's favorite rivalry. Navy: 31--Houston: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Navy: 24--Houston: 35
Seeberg:  Well, the Houston Hermans looked every bit like the Buckeyes last week, dropping an uninspired game to the UConn women's basketball team football Huskies by a field goal.  My guess?  A combination of lousy weather and looking ahead to their showdown with Navy.  Navy has showed up big in conference play all season and it's likely Keenan Reynolds and Co. will do so again.  However, the Cougars are likely to play some extra-inspired to make up for last week's dismal effort.  Had Houston coasted into this one undefeated (see:  Memphis) Navy likely would've anchored them down (see what I did there?), but off a loss the Cougars rise up and put up enough points to outscore the devastating triple option.  Navy: 38--Houston: 42

#7 Baylor Bears @ #17 TCU Horned Frogs
Draper: Don't look now, but Baylor appears to be raising a little stink after that OU loss.  Yeah, they're essentially too little too late (again), but they've essentially guaranteed playoff victory by tur:ning to a 3rd string QB.  100% of the squads in the playoffs led by a 3rd string QB have won the whole thing (it's science).  TCU put it all on the table last week and fell just short.  Nothing left in Fort Worth...and they're only on the second string...pfft.  Briles keeps alive for a New Year's Six bowl.  BU: 48--TCU: 35
Hoying: And here we have the 2014 Nearly Relevant Bowl. TCU's playoff hopes are officially dead after a furious rally against OU fell just short, while Baylor's are on life support after Gundy and the Pokes failed to score 40 against the Bears. We could possibly see a battle of the deep deep backup QB's, depending on how quickly Trevone Boykin recovers, but TCU's second-stringer has looked passable in his appearance last week, and Baylor churns out battle-ready QBs without losing a beat. Despite their effort last week, the Frogs are trending downward, while the Bears are unlikely to choke with a possible playoff berth in their sights. BU: 52--TCU: 45
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts lets week. Lots of points, though. BU: 52--TCU: 55
Seeberg:  This is practically a war of attrition given the injuries on both sides of the ball.  The Bears are officially down to their 3rd-string QB but keep cranking out points and had an impressive win at Oklahoma State last week.  Tough to imagine TCU winning without both of their playmakers at full strength (Boykin may go but will be limited, and Doctson is probably still out).  I'm shocked myself, but Baylor may finish the regular season with back-to-back one-loss squads.  BU: 45--TCU: 34

Penn State Nittany Lions @ #4 _ichigan State Spartans
Draper:  Who will start for the Spartans? Cook wasn't needed this week (the Bucks saw to that), but he could be needed this week.  Saquon Barkley needs to show up in a big way, but in a cruel twist of fate, the Buckeye fate lies in the hands of Christian Hackenberg.  He's had a few flashes of brilliance, but a lot of 'huh?' plays.  This is the situation for Hackenberg to show the world why NFL scouts still (inexplicably) see the franchise QB of their future.  The weather allows for a passing attack and Lions reset the Buckeye train.  PSU: 24--Sparty: 21
Hoying: OK, Christian Hackenberg. You've sucked for a solid 3 years after showing a flash of talent as a first year. Do you have enough in the tank to pull off one consequential upset? The Lions have crapped the bed against the real live opponents they've seen so far this year (the Owls, the Buckeyes, the Wolverines), while the Spartans have petered along before scoring the knockout punch against our beloved Bucks. Cook is questionable once again, and the result of this tilt could depend on his availability, as well as Suckenberg's ability to find holes in a suspect Spartan secondary (sigh). Back in 2008, Buckeye Nation was rooting hard (in vain) for Penn State to fall flat on their face against Sparty in Happy Valley so that Ohio State could go to the Rose Bowl. Expect to be disappointed once again. PSU: 17--Sparty: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. I will pick this how I want it to end. PSU: 17--Sparty: 14
Seeberg:  If ever there were a day when Hackenburg needed to fulfill all that potential, it's this Saturday for all of Buckeye Nation...but don't hold your breath Buckeye brethren.  The Spartans had their garbage game of the season and it still took a blown call for Nebraska to squeak out a win.  It's at home, and there's too much on the line for them not to be focused.  If Cook can't go or struggles, this one will stay close, but too much Sparty sack party does the Nittany Lions in.  PSU: 13--Sparty: 21

#17 Florida State Se_inoles @ #11 Florida Gators
Draper: Florida has dodged bullet after bullet sent by suck opponents.  Enter the Noles.  FSU had the inexcusable loss loss to Tech and an 'yeah, expected it' loss to the Tigers.  The Noles season expectations have changed for this year, but the focus on the Gators won't.  Cook and the Noles will be happy to oblige the Gators in their desire to practice losing before the SEC title.  Cook finally awakens those voters that forgot to be 'talkin bout the noles!'.  FSU: 27--UF: 10
Hoying: One, two three four five six...those Gators just about lost to Florida Atlantic. Such a loss would have been nearly as bad as falling to terrible terrible Georgia Tech. Is Florida losing its focus looking ahead to a titanic clash with the INVINCIBLE TIDE? Or have they truly been focused this week's contest against their rival? Treon Harris is still horrible, but the Gator D is as tough as ever. If Dalvin Cook can have a big day, expect the Noles to win. Florida doesn't have a Deshaun Watson to follow Cook blow-for-blow. The Gators couldn't stop Fournette, and they won't stop Cook either. FSU: 24--UF: 14
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. FSU: 28--UF: 13
Seeberg:  All right ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another game of "Will Florida score in the first half against an in-state opponent?"  Last week the answer was no...against 2-9 Florida Atlantic.  My guess is, even with an oddly unsettled quarterback position, the Seminoles will be just a smidge better.  Expect lots of Dalvin Cook to secure him an invite to NYC for the bronze stiff-arm, and another W for Jimbo and the 'Noles.  FSU: 24--UF: 6

#6 Notre Da_e Fighting Irish @ #12 Stanford Cardinal
Draper: The contest has huge playoff consequences, but I just don't care.  Stanford has been slogging through their schedule winning ugly and boring.  ND on the other hand...has done no different.  The difference is the huge injuries on the Irish side of the ball.  David Shaw finds a way to line up 11 on the line as the Cardinal end the Irish hopes.  Irish eyes will be crying in Palo Alto. ND: 17--Stan: 20
Hoying: Could this really be a year in which the Playoff features Sparty, the fighting Dabo Swinneys, AND the Irish??? Surely at least ONE of those has to choke before season's end. The Irish have been coasting on their road loss to #1 and a slew of AAC wins (over decent schools, to be fair), while the Cardinal have continuously been battle tested since week 1's loss at Northwestern. Stanford's star RB could be quietly working his way toward a few trophies at season's end, and a big effort in a win over a fellow Playoff contender will certainly help his case. ND: 24--Stan: 31
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. ND: 28--Stan: 35
Seeberg:  To be honest, I was leaning pretty strongly toward the Cardinal before the news that C.J. Prosise was out for this game.  Now?  Too much Stanford D that can feast on a one-dimensional Irish passing attack, and too much balance when the Tree takes the ball.  McAffrey and Hogan slice and dice the Golden Domers and officially (thankfully) knock them out of playoff talks.  ND: 17--Stan: 31

#5 Oklaho_a Sooners @ #8 Oklaho_a State Cowboys
Draper: The Pokes finally returned to Earth after rocking to a 10-0 record without anyone paying attention outside Stillwater.  We can all appreciate the offensive fire thanks to Gundy, but that defense is trash.  This contest is always good for an exciting couple of hours but the Sooners always tend to find a way to end on top.  Stoops was close to being snake bitten last week, but I don't expect a letdown here.  The OU defense isn't exactly spectacular, but they'll be enough with Baker leading the way.  OU: 51--OSU: 42  
Hoying: I was fooled. It looked like this would finally be the year the Cowboys finished a season, after crashing and burning in 2011 (and getting hosed by the voters). Now the Pokes need a big win over OU and a big loss by Baylor either this week or the next. OU's stud QB took a tough shot to the head in the win over the Horned Frogs, but he'll be back to lead what's turned into one of the nation's top offenses. I feel like I've seen the Sooners play out this story before, in which they need only reach out and grasp the opportunity at hand, but You-Know-What Bob chokes it away. I have that feeling again. OU: 38--OSU: 41
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. OU: 35--OSU: 42
Seeberg:  Man, this one seems WAY too easy on paper.  The Sooners are playing well on both sides of the ball save for about a quarter defensively against TCU, and Oklahoma State crashed and burned (again) losing to Baylor's we-found-this-QB-in-poli-sci-101-last-month 37th-string signal caller.  I'm fairly certain I could throw for 300 yards and 3 TDs per game in that system (remember, that's a below average day for their QBs).  Still, Stoops and Gundy can't both lose this game simultaneously.  It's a rivalry so anything can happen, but I just can't imagine the Sooners crapping away a playoff birth this late in the season...they already thought they'd accomplished that against the Longhorns.  Boomer Sooner indeed.  OU: 49--OSU: 35

#16 Ole _iss Rebels @ #23 _ississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Woooo!! Egg Bowl!! Never know what's going down here.  Both the Dogs and the Rebels have been SUPER flaky this year.  The Dak Attack vs. the Landsharks should be quite fun.  The Rebs and Bulldogs both arrive off big wins (LSU and Bert respectively), but  I honestly don't know what to expect.  It's in Stark Vegas, so gotta go with CLANGA in this one because those cowbells are so sweet...or annoying. Rebels: 27--Bulldogs: 31
Hoying: Nothing says "Second-Tier Rivalry" like the Egg Bowl. This year's version retains a little significance, in the unlikely event that the Tide totally collapses against Auburn and the Rebels take their place in Atlanta, but it will probably only affect which school goes to the TaxSlayer Bowl and which one goes to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The Bulldogs are likely frauds, with their best wins being over their state's top directional school and Louisiana Tech. Ooooohhhh. On the other sideline is a squad that, legend has it, was able to topple the Tide this very season (nobody told the Playoff selection overlords about it, though). Good Bo/Bad Bo has been replaced by Chad Kelly, but the Landsharks are still out in force. In honor of The Force Awakens opening in a few weeks, here's to a Rebel victory. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 24
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 17
Seeberg:  I have given up on predicting all things Ole Miss related since I somehow nailed their upset win of Bama.  The Bulldogs put up a billion yards against the Razorbacks last week (I'm too lazy to look up the actual number, but I know for a fact they had more yards in the first QUARTER than the Bucks did all game last week, so I'm guessing a billion is close) so Dak is back up and running after getting thumped by the Tide.  Given the nature of this nearly relevant rivalry both teams are likely to be up for this one, but that tends to lead to some errors from the mercurial Chad Kelly.  Prescott and Co. take advantage and take the egg bowl...presumably to make me an omelet later.  Rebels: 24--Bulldogs: 28

#9 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ #10 That School Up North
Draper:  There's only one thing that would be surprising...a close contest.  Will the Bucks rally under adversity to squelch the hated rival? Will the go quietly into that good night?  I expect either a flat defeated Buckeye squad waiting to get out and head to the NFL or a disrespected angry group ready to avenge the loss and take it out on the hated Wolverines.  Could a squad with the prodigious talent of the Buckeyes lay two eggs? I lean to no.  The line plays with renewed vigor, Zeke busts a few, JT actually throws a few passes for big gains, and the defense shuts down the crazy one on the other side.  Get the lights on Harbaugh, Saturday will lead to a nice breakdown or two.  It ain't worth winning if you can't win big.  OSU: 42--TTUN: 17
Hoying: I can recall a day when the Buckeyes were the consensus #1 squad but their bitter rivals were the nation's hottest, fresh off 3 straight shutouts. How the Spartans do shatter expectations in this conference. After a baffling total offensive failure, do the Buckeyes still have the will to give 100% in the biggest showdown of the season? Urban's boys always shine the brightest under the brightest lights (last week notwithstanding), especially when the Bucks are underdogs. And lookie, lookie, Ohio State is sitting at +1.5 going into this weekend. These are still two very good squads, but look for the OSU D-Line to get after Rudock and the Wolverine rushing attack after a subpar effort against Sparty. And it's possible that Zeke could actually get a few carries this week and run with a bit of purpose when given the chance. A win over Harbaugh caps a good season regardless of what happens in East Lansing, though not exactly a successful one. OSU: 28--TTUN: 20
Schweinfurth: This is the contest that counts this week. There are two ways these Buckeyes can go, galvanize together and win, or devide and get crushed. I have gone back and forth on which Buckeye offense will show up and I have settled on the one we expected to see. Urban is going to get involved this week and that usually signals a turnaround. After Zeke's little spat last week, he will run possessed. There is nothing quite like a butt whooping to cleanse the soul. The soul has been cleansed. The Bullets are still there and Jack Rudock is just a guy. The Bullets get two picks and the Bucks in another close one up north. OSU: 21--TTUN: 17
Seeberg:  Let's be honest, Buckeye Nation, we all knew that the Khaki Eclipse was going to bring ttun back to at least national respectability, but nobody expected them to be this good this fast.  How I LONG for Brady Hoke again.  If you had told me BOTH teams would be in the top ten for the 2015 version of The Game I would've laughed you out of town.  On paper it should be a 2-TD coast for the Bucks, but we haven't performed up to our paper status all year, and after the outbursts following the Sparty debacle, there's less reason to think we'll start now.  Plus, I'll let you in on a little secret:  I picked against the Bucks four times last year, and we went 4-0.  In all honesty?  I thought we would win two of them, but I didn't wanna ruin the mojo.  Time to recover last year's magic and inspire our Buckeyes by picking the stinkpile in Ann Arbor.  OSU: 17--TTUN: 20

Upset Special
Draper: South Carolina over Cle_son (screw it, go big or go ho_e)
Hoying: Illinois over Northwestern
Schweinfurth: Auburn over The Tide (I want to see the college football world burn)
Seeberg: Auburn over Alaba_a...KIDDING.  Let's go Georgia Tech over Georgia

Week 11 - In Which Ohio State Plays Illinois

Standings
1) Draper                37-14    (4-6 upset) 
1) Seeberg              37-14    (1-9 upset)
3) Hoying               32-19    (1-9 upset)
3) Schweinfurth     32-19    (1-9 upset)

As Ramzy at Eleven Warriors so eloquently pointed out, The Grind is nearly at a close. Not just for Ohio State, but for the entire college football landscape. We've had a few clashes between heavyweights throughout the season, but next week is when the rubber really hits the road and the playoff field will really start to take shape. This week's slate should serve as a nice palate cleanser in the interim.

#6 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #22 Mississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Welcome to Stark Vegas.   Dak Prescott has been very good this year, but as the Bulldogs aren't undefeated, there has been very little discussion.  Derrick Henry is the work horse that was fantastic last week vs. LSU.  The question is: will they show up when the stage isn't nearly as big?  As I said, MSU has been very good lately and is really clicking at the right time.  The bad news is: so is Bama. Saban knows that the Tide cannot afford another hiccup (yes, even they can't survive another loss.  Bama bell cow (Derrick Henry) > MSU cowbell.  Bama: 27--MSU: 20
Hoying: OMG ALABAMA IS SO GOOD WHY ARE THEY NOT RANKED #1 YET???? Yes, Alabama had a great win last week But as Ole Miss showed a few weeks ago in Tuscaloosa, the Tide is mortal, and the Bulldogs catch the Tide at a dangerous time after a huge emotional win. MSU certainly can beat Alabama, but will they? The Tide have never been swept by the two Mississippi schools, and their combination of a solid power run game and stifling defense (that stuffed Leonard Fournette with 7 in the box). The Bulldogs will be motivated after their loss to the Tide last season, and Dak Prescott is still quite good, but it won't be enough. Don't be surprised if Alabama jumps off the top of the rankings completely next week. Bama: 24--MSU: 23
Schweinfurth: I am like a lot of people who said the Saban dynasty is over. I still believe this to be true on a national stage. However, the Crimson Tide still look to be the kings of the SEC. Lane Kiffin finally realized he has a beast and Derrick Henry. The Tide will ride that horse as far has he will carry them. Bama: 42--MSU: 13
Seeberg:  OK, disclaimer time:  I picked LSU last week over 'Bama on the (so-far correct by all accounts) assumption that Lane Kiffin would be too cutesy in his play-calling to just give the damn ball to Derrick Henry and get the heck out of the way.  38 carries and a 2-TD win later, I will not be picking against the Tide again until such time as Lane Kiffin forgets to just give the damn ball to Derrick Henry.  It really is just that simple.  Bama: 31--MSU: 20

#17 Memphis Tigers @ #17 Houston Cougars
Draper: Memphis finally hit the stumbling block at a terrible time (chop-block-o-clock).  Teams have a tendency to collapse the week after facing an option offense.  I could certainly see the same here, but I'm not sure about Tom Herman's boys.  They're undefeated, yet completely untested.  The schedule is simply poo.  That, of course, is not the team and/or Herman's fault, but the best wins are vs. 5-4 Cincinnati and 5-4 Louisville (and both were 3 points games). Memphis's schedule isn't appreciably better, but Navy and Ole Miss are much better squads.  I'm gonna roll with Justin Fuente to ensure the Group of Five is 'defeated'.  Mem: 31--Hou: 24
Hoying: What could've been the biggest mid-major showdown since Boise State - TCU back in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl was ruined by Navy and their cut blocking voodoo. Houston's done their part, blowing out awful awful opponents before nearly succumbing to a decent Cincinnati team last week. Memphis will be the best team the Cougars have faced, but playing Navy takes a lot out of a team (ask a squad a little closer to home how the following week goes). Tom Herman continues to build his resume toward a big boy job. Mem: 31--Hou: 41
Schweinfurth: The Houston Cougars and Touchdown Tom Herman look almost like Ohio State South. Memphis was exposed a little bit against a run heavy offense last week against Navy. Between that and the Navy "body blow" theory, I'll take the Cougs at home. Mem: 27--Hou: 35
Seeberg:  Navy's victory over Memphis last week certainly took some luster away from this game, but it's still a huge one in the Group of 5 Race for New Years' Day More Money (TM).  Unfortunately for the Cougars, they can't really take much away from Navy's triple option attack that worked virtually all night, scoring 45 points.  More fortuitously, however, is that Navy's defense also did well against the Tigers, and Houston is likely to study that game film in-depth and employ some similar tactics to keep Memphis's offense as one-dimensional as possible.  Go Houston Hermans!  Mem: 31--Hou: 38

#17 Oklahoma Sooners @ #5 Baylor Bears
Draper:  This game is very very interesting.  Last week, we saw the chink in the Bear armor as the freshman QB was simply not at the level of Sean Russell. KSU was annihilated by Oklahoma in Manhattan but the Cats almost pulled of the upset vs. Briles' squad.  Baylor (like Houston) has feasted on the Little Sisters of the Poor.  OU has played a decent amount of crap as well, but the win at Tennessee was a nice gut check win.  I know the Sooners can rise up on the road, but can Baylor rally?  Baylor presses on the big stage.  BOOMER!!.... OU: 52--Baylor: 40 
Hoying: Has Baylor been exposed? KSU used all its wizard magic blowing a giant lead against TCU, and Baylor still struggled to put them away. The passing game is still working with true freshman Jarrett Stidham, but they're not the juggernaut they were with Russell slinging the ball. A true freshman hasn't led a team to a national title since Jamelle Holieway did it for...Oklahoma, back in 1985. On the other sideline, Oklahoma seems to be peaking at the right time, though this will be by far their biggest test. The Sooners are equal to the task, and Oklahoma State leaves the weekend as the Big 12's One True Playoff Hope. OU: 42--Bay: 38
Schweinfurth: Baylor has play no one this year and has yet to really be tested. Kansas State showed the blueprint on how to slow down the Bear offense. The difference between Oklahoma and K-State is talent. Oklahoma also has the guns to put up points with Baylor. OU: 52--Bay: 35
Seeberg:  Only two things you need to know about this game:  Baylor squeaked by Kansas State in Manhattan last week 31-24 with their shiny new backup QB.  Oklahoma dismantled KSU so badly (55-0, also in Manhattan) that head coach Bill Snyder wrote a letter of apology to the Wildcats' fan base.  Oklahoma is finally running the ball more, primarily with Samaje Perine, and quite frankly I might've picked the Sooners even with a healthy Seth Russell at QB for Baylor.  At least we won't have to hear Art Briles whining any more about how lowly his team is ranked due to playing glorified high school teams in their out-of-conference slate.  Boomer Sooner rolls out of Texas 9-1 and squarely in the CFP hunt.  OU: 48--Bay: 38

THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Illinois Fighting Illini
Draper: The Bucks are finishing with the appetizer and preparing for the meat.  Last week allowed the team to fight through a little adversity with Mr. Barrett not in the wings looking to save them. Now it's time to get everything firing on all cylinders.  Let's start the pain train a week early. The Illini put it on Purdue last week...but OSU is no Purdue.  There is the questions of the 'wind tunnel' in Champaign, but does it matter?  I think this is a game to refine the ground game, improve the blocking, and get back into the read option game.  Zeke and JT each rush for 150+ and JT also throws for 150+.  The nice thing is that whenever JT returns, he seems to have never missed a beat. Another get in, work on a few things, win, and go home.  OSU: 48--Ill:10
Hoying: As odd as it seems, losing JT for the Minnesota game might have helped the Buckeyes a bit. There's not much danger of a letdown coming from behind center; it seems like every time JT steps onto the field, he's completely rust-proof. And the excitement of him returning to the starting job might be the spark this team needs to avert what could be the trap game of trap games. Make no mistake, this is a good Illinois football team that can run the ball nearly as well as the Bucks when their star RB Josh Ferguson is on the field. Ohio State is still much, much better, though, and as long as they stay focused, they should bring The Grind to a satisfying conclusion and put themselves in prime position to begin The Chase anew. OSU: 49--Ill: 13

Schweinfurth: So it's time to get back to the basic JT offense this week. The offense just moves so much better with JT. Despite the "wind factor" in this game, I think we see a concerted effort to force the ball down field and challenge the Illini secondary. Zeke is due for a big game and he breaks out for 150+. I also expect the Silver Bullets to keep turning up the heat and I expect at least 2 turnovers by the Bullets. Bucks win big.  OSU: 45--Ill: 13
Seeberg:   J.T. is back...again.  Last time these two met in Champaign it was an unbelievably entertaining game I was fortunate enough to take in in person.  A huge 47-14 Buckeye lead suddenly became 47-35...until the offense came back from hiatus and the final was 60-35.  I wouldn't expect quite so many points this week (particularly from Illinois- although they did light up Purdue last week), but a similarly comfortable win, hopefully without the 4th-quarter mini-scare.  Hyde destroyed the Illini two years ago, look for a big day from Zeke to get him creeping up in the Heisman talk. OSU: 49--Ill: 17

Upset Special
Draper: Washington State over UCLA
Hoying: Indiana over Michigan
Schweinfurth: Arkansas over LSU
Seeberg: NC State over Florida State

Week 14 Picks--Championship Week

B1G--Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Draper: The first of many rematches....why championship games suck. I expect something very different as the Spartans are totally different when not at home. Wisconsin is the better team and that will be shown here. Bielema will try to feed Ball the ball to get some more Heisman love, but the Spartans will slow him down. Then comes Russell Wilson who will be the difference. Kirk Cousins won't be able to hang around. MSU: 13--UW: 27

Auer: The Spartans found a way to capitalize on the Badgers mistakes, as well as took some serious risks in their surprising win over Wisconsin. Face it, MSU was lucky to win the initial game, and Wiscy has had quite the run of bad luck for being such a talented team. The Badgers win the the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game in style. MSU: 24--UW: 38

Hoying:Let's see, Michigan State has the best conference record in the B1G and a head-to-head win over Wisconsin...the most sensible course of action would be to make them play again! I foresee another classic in this matchup. In such a close contest, the edge goes to the biggest playmaker, which, in this case, is Wisconsin RB Montee Ball, possibly the most outstanding player in college football this season. The Spartan defensive front is talented, but Rex Burkhead was able to have success and the Wisconsin running game is clicking too well. Please let me be wrong. MSU: 27--UW:34

Schweinfurth: Well, it looks like we got the rematch some of the talking heads wanted. The last time these two squared off, it was an epic battle that came down to one of the most exciting finishes in recent memory. This one will not be as close but will have the same result. Last time these two played, Spartan defensive end William Gohlston was suspended. This time he is ready to knock some heads. It will be a tough go for Montee Ball and the Badger offense. MSU: 24 -- UW: 10

Pac 12--UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon Ducks

Draper: 31.5 point favorites are the Ducks...in the championship game...and smart money is probably on them. UCLA is only in this game because USC is ineligible. The Trojans are the only viable candidate in the South. The Bruins will play hard for their recently fired coach, but it won't be enough to overcome the talent of the Ducks. Ducks roll to the Rose Bowl. UCLA: 13--UO: 41

Auer: Why does this game matter? Oh wait, it doesn't. UCLA: 6--UO: 75

Hoying: Win one for Neuheisel, right? Right? Right? Anyone...? Maybe if UCLA brings their A-game and Oregon is caught sleeping...it won't be over by the end of the 1st quarter. UCLA: 6--UO: 63

Schweinfurth: This game will be an absolute slaughter. TheMichael has a big day and jumps back into the Heisman talk. UCLA: 14 -- UO: 52

SEC--LSU Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs

Draper: Can it happen? Can we get some more stupid craziness with a Bulldog win that most likely lets 3 SEC teams into the BCS (barf)? No. It can't. It would be funny, but the only reason Georgia is here over South Carolina is that they haven't faced any of the top 3 teams in the SEC West (LSU, Bama, Arkansas). This will be a rude awakening for the Dawgs who have been feeding off the dregs of the SEC. LSU: 41--UGA: 10

Auer: A meaningless game in the grand scheme of things. Some will use its outcome to praise the BCS, others to justify the importance of switching to a playoff system. Me on the other hand, this game will prove why going back to the old bowl system and ties would make more sense. LSU is better than anyone they've played so far this year, and most people think they deserve a spot in the BCS Championship regardless of outcome. It won't matter because they'll win easily. LSU: 35--UGA: 17

Hoying: There hasn't been a game this unimportant for the BCS's top team since Oklahoma - Kansas State in 2003. This would be a perfect trap game for the Tigeouxrs if the SEC East had a single viable candidate. Georgia has put together a nice 10-game win streak, but the best team they faced was Auburn? Georgia Tech? This one's not as cut and dry as the Pac-12 embarrassment, but Georgia doesn't have the tenacity or the defensive fortitude to pull this one out. LSU: 40 -- UGA: 20

Schweinfurth: All LSU has to do in this game is show up and they will play for the National Title. Marc Richt will have the 'Dogs ready to go. If Georgia can limit the big plays and turnovers, this game will be close. Unfortunately for Georgia, that LSU defense is just too good. LSU: 17 -- UGA: 3

ACC--Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Clemson Tigers

Draper: Rematch of another matchup. The Tigers beat the Hokies in Lane Stadium, but now they need to do it AGAIN at a neutral site. Unfortunately for them, Clemson has reemerged as Clemson. Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are supremely talented, but also supremely inconsistent. The Hokies have beaten NO ONE, but they'll tag Clemson this time to go slaughter the Big East champion. VT: 24--Clem: 17

Auer: VT is the better coached team and it's not even close. I firmly believe the early season loss of the Hokies to the Tigers was a bit of a fluke, but then again, both these teams are a bit flaky. VT wins this one going away. VT: 41--Clem: 20

Hoying: Thanks to Florida State crapping the bed, the Clemson Tigers have been able to skate backwards on their faces into the ACC Championship in a "prove-it" game against their most valiant vanquished opponent. VT, meanwhile, has ridden the cupcake train on the way to crushing the laughable ACC Coastal division. Who wins the rematch? It all depends on whether Clemson decides to be Clemson. They did everything they could in November to escape the Atlantic crown, but fate pushed them to this point. This must be the Tigers' year. VT: 17--Clem: 20

Schweinfurth: Virginia Tech can cap off a very good, albiet quiet, season with yet another ACC Championship. Taj Boyd and Clemson have been a let down (typical for them, I know). I have faith that this is Clemson's year. The Tigers' D is bad, but the offense is explosive. Dabo will get to spout off again. VT: 35 -- Clem: 38

Big 12 (Defacto)--Oklahoma Sooners @ Oklahoma State Cowboys

Draper: Biggest game of the weekend that still means something. If OSU can beat the Sooners soundly, they will (and should) get back in the title talk. I think they can do it. Weeden and Blackmon laid an egg in Ames, but this game surpasses the rest. The Pokes know how to rile the Sooners. This will be hard hitting and really high scoring. Neither defense is worth much, but the Orange Nation in Stillwater tip the offensive scales. A late key turnover sends the Cowboys to the Fiesta at worst and maybe, dare we dream, New Orleans? OU: 45--OSU: 51

Auer: Time for Mike Gundy's team to get off the schnide against OU and beat up on the depleted sooners. This game will come down to turnovers, and OSU's offense will capitalize as they lead the nation in forced turnovers. OU: 28--OSU: 45

Hoying: Who can handle the pressure? Oklahoma State rides in on an 8-game losing streak in the series, but this matchup is potentially the biggest in the history of Cowboy football. Meanwhile, Oklahoma still has a chance to grab their 5th conference title in the last 6 years? Sadly, experience often wins out in such a situation. Big Game Bob and the Sooners are used to these types of clashes, while Okie State's nerves will cause some critical mistakes to doom their title chances and set up the worst. BCS. title. ever. OU: 42--OSU: 38

Schweinfurth: Ahh Bedlam. This game was setting up to be an epic battle of two undefeated only a few weeks ago. Losses to Texas Tech and Baylor have derailed the Sooner Schooner. A loss to Iowa State also knocked the Cowboys out of the national title picture. A win here for OSU would be big and could put them back into the national title game. In true Big 12 fashion, this will be a shootout in Stillwater. OU: 42 -- OSU: 49

CUSA--Southern Miss Golden Eagles @ Houston Cougars

Draper: This was circled as the one game the Cougs could lose, but Southern Miss has recently been exposed as crap after losing to UAB (shocker). Case Keenum will not disappoint and Kevin Sumlin will continue to pad the resume with a BCS game appearance. Let's go 7 TD passes for Keenum just to pad those stats and book a flight to New York....to lose the Heisman to ESPN; I mean Luck. USM: 20--UH:52

Auer: Don't care, not one iota. Houston wins easily in another stat-padding rout. USM:28--UH: 57

Hoying: Hey! Houston is still undefeated! Whoopee! And how about that great Southern Miss win over...SMU...why is this game necessary? USM: 10--UH: 49

Schweinfurth: The Golden Eagles will be the biggest test for the Cougars all year. I expect Case Keenum to continue his tear and score big.

Upset Special:
Draper: Iowa State over Kansas State (not copying Tyler...I swear)
Auer: Texas over Baylor
Hoying: Connecticut over Cincinnati
Schweinfurth: Iowa State over Kansas State