Week 15 - Championship Week, Or, Play-off Play-ins

Standings
1) Hoying               44-21    (4-10 upset)
2) Draper                43-22    (6-8 upset)
3) Schweinfurth     41-24    (6-8 upset)
3) Seeberg              41-24    (2-13 upset)

Pac-12: Arizona Wildcats vs. Oregon Ducks

Draper: In a game that almost no one is picking lightning to strike twice, I'm very intrigued.  The Wildcats enter Autzen with the most important thing...belief.  They've already conquered the Ducks once, why not again?  Anu Solomon is a fantastic quarterback, but still young.  I don't think he'll show any ill effects, but with that said, his counterpart has playoffs and the Heisman in mind.  Let's be clear, if Oregon wins and Mariota doesn't crap the bed, the Heisman is decided.  The Ducks were granted a reprieve with all the losses (and the committee's ignoring of said losses) and have their eyes on the prize.  RichRod makes it interesting, but the Ducks are on to the playoff.  Zona: 34--OU: 41

Hoying: The Ducks don't lose very often, but when they do, they prefer Arizona (stay thirsty). The Wildcats are trying to become the first team to win 3 in a row over the Ducks since Cal(!) did it from 2006-08. It won't be easy. Oregon hasn't been seriously threatened since Utah's Kaelin Clay dropped the ball celebrating a touchdown at the 1-yard line, and they've shown up impressively in two marquee matchups against Michigan State and UCLA. Arizona's QB Anu Solomon (who is not hurt, silly me) has been a fantastic success story for RichRod, but Oregon has the lock-it-up Heisman winner slinging the football for their Buckeye-esque offense. Whatever went wrong in their first game against the 'Cats, the Ducks will have the kinks worked out for this one. Zona: 20--Oregon: 28

Schweinfurth: Arizona has beaten the Ducks the last two times these teams have played.  Let that marinate a minute. I really don't see the Ducks losing 3 straight to Arizona. Ducks get their revenge and Mariota gets his bronze statue.  Zona: 24--Oregon: 35

Seeberg:  Keeping this one short and sweet.  1.)  I have NO idea how Arizona beat Oregon- I presume Oregon saw Arizona on their schedule in football and not basketball and had a ho-hum week of preparation that bit them in the rear.  2.)  There is NO way that happens again, particularly with Mariota leading the Heisman ballotting.  Ducks fly into the playoffs.  Zona: 24--Oregon: 44

SEC:  Missouri Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Draper: Congrats Mizzou! You won the worst division in college football....here's the winner of the best division.  Uh oh.  The talking heads are trying to make this one interesting, but I don't see it.  Can Mizzousi win? Sure...but I wouldn't hold my breath.  Bama showed they can win with defense or offense given the opponent.  If you want to beat them, you need to excel at both.  The Tiger defense is pretty good...but the offense won't be able to rack up enough points to matter. Tide Rolls into the playoffs.  Mizzou: 10--Bama: 27

Hoying: Two words: mis match. Missouri doesn't have a win over a single opponent with more than 8 wins, or an SEC opponent with more than 7. And they've been skating by, using a decent defense to cover for an offense that can't move the ball. Against Florida, the Tigers racked up all of 119 yards on the way to a 42-13 win. They won't be getting 6 turnovers against Blake Sims and the Tide, no matter what happened in the first half of the Auburn game. Run T.J. Yeldon, throw to Amari Cooper, steamroll the Tigers, secure (an undeserved) #1 seed in the playoff. Although it would be hilarious to see Missouri win and the SEC get left out of the inaugural playoff... Mizzou: 17--Bama: 31

Schweinfurth: Mizzou lost to Indiana.  While I believe that Alabama is overrated, there is no way they lose to this Tiger team.  Please remember that Mizzou was a middle of the road Big 12 team and has now made 2 straight SEC title game appearances. This is close just because that's how Bama rolls this year. Mizzou: 24--Bama: 28

Seeberg:  Keeping this one brief as well.  1.)  I have NO idea how Missouri made it back into the SEC title game.  Remember- they lost to nearly-winless-in-the-B1G Indiana.  I presume Gary Pinkel has made a deal with the devil.  2.)  It will take the devil reincarnate in Tiger pads to give them any shot of winning this game.  Mizzou: 13--Bama: 31

ACC: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Florida State Seminoles

Draper: I don't think the committee has realized this, but the Noles still haven't lost.  Yeah, they haven't looked great, but they find a way.  Maybe it's Jameis, maybe it's the defense, maybe it's Aguayo, but they find a way.  Tech comes into the ACC Championship at just the right time: Chop block-o'clock.  This is a horrendous matchup for any team but GT still doesn't have the horses on defense to run with the Noles for a full 60 minutes.  Jameis played his worst game ever vs. a good Gator defense...and won.  He's not going to be that bad here.  Georgia Tech will have some success against the injury riddled D-line of the Noles, but the magic continues for the Seminoles.  On to the playoffs (until they get jumped inexplicably by another team with a worse resume...TCU?!? Their best win is KSU followed by who? Minn? Ask Louisville, Clemson, a healthy ND, UF, etc. how good the Noles are).  GT: 17--FSU: 28 Thank you Mr. Hoying for not giving us the touch of death.  

Hoying: It seems like every week, I pick against the Noles, and every week, they play like garbage and win. That streak is coming to an end, not because I'm picking the Noles to win, but because you can't play like crap and beat Georgia Tech. The Jackets are riding high after two consecutive wins over ranked teams, shredding opposing defenses with their ridiculous triple option. Remember what a so-so Boston College team did to Florida State a couple weeks ago? Imagine that, more competently executed, putting together long drives that keep Jameis Winston and the erratic Florida State offense off the field. Not that the picture's any rosier when the Tech defense takes their turn. GT returned two interceptions for touchdowns against Clemson, and nobody's serving up quacking ducks like ol' Crab Legs these days. After so many ugly victories, a loss cruelly ends the Noles' chase for a second consecutive national title. GT: 31--FSU: 24

Schweinfurth: What has been with the defending champs this year?  It almost seems like they are bored right now.  With that said, a slow start and falling behind in this one could be the kiss of death to the Noles.  Georgia Tech has a very good defense and an offense that will just grind you into oblivion.  However, I expect Jameis to get the Noles up for this one (easier to do when a trophy is on the line) and pull off yet another nail biter.  GT: 14--FSU: 17

Seeberg:  I wasn't all too convinced of the Yellow Jackets' abilities until last week.  Granted, they needed a 53-yard FG just to get to overtime, but the triple option rolled over a Bulldog D that had shut down an Auburn rushing offense that is every bit as potent.  The Seminoles, meanwhile, have gone all '02 Buckeyes on everybody, winning by the skin of their teeth against highly inferior opponents.  The difference between the '02 Bucks and the '14 Noles, however, is that FSU's mistakes are keeping opponents in it where as the Buckeyes were just being throttled by the ultra-conservative sweater vest.  FSU's penchant for miscues finally catches up to them.  GT: 28--FSU: 20

Kansas State Wildcats @ Baylor Bears

Draper: Another very intriguing matchup.  Baylor is puffing their chest out playing Rodney Dangerfield (No Respect).  Well, you want respect? Take care of business here.  If Baylor wins this one, there's no reason to keep them behind TCU.  Resumes are comparable at that point so head-to-head matters....but they need this win.  Bill Snyder may be Emperor Palpatine  or Yoda but he always finds a way to win 9-10 games a year.  The health of Bryce Petty is key here.  The Bears struggled last week, but they were looking ahead (and that whole concussion thing).   Jake Waters will score, but Baylor is tough to beat at home.  You need to put on an offensive show to compete and I don't think KSU quite has the horses.  They'll slow the game down to a crawl, but Baylor is too explosive.  KSU: 20--Bay: 28

Hoying: There's no longer a de jure Big 12 Championship Game since Nebraska isn't around to lose them anymore, but this game provides a very large piece of the puzzle. A Baylor win gives them no worse than a tie with TCU (and the head-to-head tiebreaker), while a Kansas State win provides a tie with TCU (and a head-to-head loss) unless Iowa State pulls the unthinkable in Fort Worth. Since the Big 12 is very unlikely to get 2 teams into the playoff (no matter what cowardly B12 Commissioner Dan Bowlsby tries to pull), who will be the "One True Champion"? I made the mistake last week of counting out a star quarterback with a potential injury, and I'm not about to count out Baylor QB Bryce Petty for this one after a possible mild concussion. KSU QB Jake Waters is nearly as good, but Petty isn't alone in the backfield. Yes, Virginia, Baylor does have a running game, and Shock Linwood is one of the best in the Big 12. The Wildcats couldn't handle TCU's balanced attack, and while Baylor couldn't either, at least the Bears had the horses to keep up. Kansas State, on the other hand, is going to get trampled. KSU: 31--Bay: 38

Schweinfurth: This game hinges on Bryce Petty's health.  If he is healthy, the Bears should win this game.  That offense just has too many weapons and can score too quickly for KSU to match.  Regardless of Petty's health, this game should be close.  Baylor can win the Big 12 with a win and jump into a playoff spot.  I think that is motivation enough.  KSU: 35--Bay: 42

Seeberg:  Baylor's offense is, surprisingly, very 2-dimensional this year, perhaps costing Bryce Petty a serious shot at the Heisman.  If it ain't broke, however, it ain't gonna get fixed.  The Wildcats have played well all year and have only given up 30 points twice, to Oklahoma (in a 31-30 win) and TCU (41-20 loss).  Both of those offenses are balanced and capable of the big play on any down, much like the Bears' O.  Baylor scores enough to keep their playoff hopes alive.  KSU: 28--Bay: 38

B1G: Wisconsin Badgers vs. THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

Draper:  I believe a win here may propel the Bucks into the playoffs (over TCU).  No way they pass FSU if they win (just a reality).  Now to the game: Run, run, run, run, hello boys, I've missed you.  This game will be about the Buckeyes slowing down Gordon and can Cardale make it happen. I know Cardale ain't come to play school, so hopefully he came to play football.  I haven't seen anything out of him that wows me other than his clotheslining ability. For the Bucks to win, he needs to be competent and the defense needs to rise up.  It's incredibly important for the skill players to step up (Zeke, Thomas, Marshall, etc.).  Here's a little hint about how to stop Wisconsin: stop (or slow down) the running game.  If they beat us through the air, so be it.  Curtis Grant, I'm looking at you.  This defense has actually been pretty strong vs. the pass (sans Michigan) but very suspect versus the run.  If ever there was a week to completely sell out for the run, this is it.  Sure tackling would do well to show up.  I think we can score, but no JT is a major issue.  It's on Cardale to manage, Zeke to control the ball, and the defense to get the Badgers off the field.  You know where I'm going...GO BUCKS!Wisc: 20--Bucks: 24

Hoying: After Ohio State lost their second Heisman-caliber quarterback to a season-ending injury, a stupid question has been popping up all over the place: how will Barrett's injury affect the playoff committee's view of the Buckeyes? The correct answer is: NOT AT ALL. These babbling fools haven't noticed that the Buckeyes face a very stiff test this weekend in the Wisconsin Badgers. Sure, their quarterbacks think that a "forward pass" means pinching a farmgirl's rear, but they feature the B1G's best running game AND best defense (sorry, Sparty). If the Silver Bullets can navigate this minefield, there'll be no question as to Ohio State's playoff viability, no matter who's taking the snaps. Can they do it? One need only consider the Badgers' last game, against Minnesota. With a tremendous home-field advantage, Wisconsin needed every trick in the bag to pull out a win against a team that 1) doesn't like to throw; 2) runs pretty well; and 3) has a decent defense. Even if Cardale Jones in fact did come to play school and not football, you might recognize that Ohio State is basically a better version of Minnesota, and they'll be playing the Badgers on a neutral field in front of a (likely) friendly crowd. Don't start having flashbacks to Virginia Tech, Buckeye Nation. This secondary and offensive line are nothing like what we saw on that fateful September night. As for the nation's top RB, Melvin Gordon, the front seven have had all year to face elite backs and learn how to bring them down. Granted, they've opted not to do so as of yet, but I think they have one solid game left in them. Regardless of what happens in this game and beyond, this season has been a tremendous success, but I'm craving even more gravy after Thanksgiving weekend. Go out and win one for Braxton, JT, and Kosta. Wis: 27--OSU: 28

Schweinfurth: I can't remember an Ohio State team that has had to endure so much in a season. Replace almost the entire offense, lose a Heisman QB, lose another Heisman QB, and then have the death of Kosta Karageorge.  This just does not set up well in my mind for an OSU win...but then again, it can be a rallying cry. I have faith in Eli Apple to lock down a wide receiver and I have faith that Ash and Fickell will put together a solid gameplan to stop, or at least slow down, Melvin Gordon.  Cardale Jones should be a capable QB in this offense and he is a tank.  Expect the offense to look less like Ohio State's offense and more like the Tebow Florida offenses.  No matter what happens, this will be an entertaining, and long (thanks FOX) game.  Wis: 17--OSU:24

Seeberg:  Given the extent to which I follow and scrutinize B1G football, I could write about this game for days, but I won't.  For me, it comes down to two things:  Who runs the ball better and my own ridiculous superstitious ways.  Thing #1:  Wisconsin can almost throw the ball now that Stave is back as the starting QB- it's at least enough of a threat to keep our D honest against Melvin Gordon, who we all know can run it and run it well.  Our passing offense?  TBD.  I'm PRAYING for lots of 3-step drops, play action, slants and quick ins (and find Heuerman and Vannett please!!), but lord knows what we will actually call.  In any event, we'll need a very potent rushing attack to offset the fact that we're on our 3rd-string QB.  Thing #2:  My ridicuous superstition.  Last year I was leaning ever so slightly towards Michigan State in this game, but picked OSU because, well duh, we want our Buckeyes to win.  This year I'm leaning ever so slightly towards OSU because Wisconsin's D is not as tough and I believe the Bucks will put some points on the board.  Since that's the case, I'm taking the Badgers in a tight game in hopes of spurring a Buckeye victory.  Wis: 31--OSU: 28

Upset Special

Draper: Oklahoma State over Oklahoma (The only game left)

Hoying: Iowa State over TCU (do you believe in miracles?)

Schweinfurth: Fresno St. over Boise St.

Seeberg:  Louisiana Tech over Marshall

Week 15: Conference Championships

Standings
1) Hoying              44-20    (1-13 upset)
2) Schweinfurth    43-21    (4-10 upset)
3) Draper                41-23    (3-11 upset)
4) Seeberg               3-3      (0-1 upset)

SEC: Missouri Tigers vs. Auburn Tigers
Draper: I remember 2006 when a team defeated their rival (as a top 5 matchup) and believed the season was over.  They had reached the pinnacle, and the championship was a formality.  After the game, I believe I watched one of the biggest flops in history as the Gators stomped the Buckeyes and stole the Title.  The Bucks were slow, lazy, and unprepared.  Seems like we are seeing a repeat here with Auburn.  Missouri is one of those teams a coach has to hate planning for: they are good at everything, with no one thing to focus on.  Auburn has been great (and lucky), but they've laid it all on the table while Mizzou is quietly waiting for their chance.  While Auburn argues against OSU, the Tigers (Missouri brand) are prepping to slow down the Auburn rushing attack.  James Franklin and crew steal the 'assumed' SEC championship and send Auburn from arguing about the title game to the Cotton Bowl. Mizzou: 31--Aub: 28
Hoying: On October 30, in our first BCS projections of the season, I predicted that Auburn would land in the Sugar Bowl, not as a replacement for Alabama in the Championship Game, but as the SEC champion. Two miracles against Georgia and Alabama later (propelling me to the top of the picks standings), I...am abandoning my projection. Why? I thought (correctly) that Nick Marshall's dual-threat capability would keep Auburn in the game against Bama long enough for a little rivalry magic to strike. However, across the SEC, Missouri's defense was busy throttling everyone's favorite waning Heisman contender, Johnny Football. Am I implying that Missouri has a better defense than Alabama? Maybe, but what I'm really saying is that I don't expect lightning to strike 3 times. Missouri has been solid in every phase of the game, from James Franklin's excellent quarterback play, to possibly the best stable of receivers in the game, to a fantastic rushing attack behind the one-two punch of Josey and Hansbrough, to the terrific defense led by the SEC's leading sack and TFL leader Michael Sam. Tigers win, jump up to #3 in the BCS (spoilers on two picks below), and bring their magical 2nd SEC season into the Sugar Bowl. Mizzou: 27--Aub: 20
Schweinfurth: Auburn should have "Livin' On A Prayer" as their fight song this year.  Seriously? A miracle Hail Mary to end the Georgia game and then that finish last week.  One would think that Gus Malzahn's magic has to run out at some point.  I believe that will be this week.  James Franklin and the Mizzou Tigers are flat rolling right now.  I do believe the Missouri defense will give up some points (a good pass rush can be hurt by the misdirection offense).  This will not be the SEC Championship games of old. Mizzou: 38--Aub: 35
Seeberg:  At this time last week, I would have picked Missouri in this matchup without too much hesitation.  James Franklin had returned and I figured they would blow TAMU out pretty handily.  Not only was the game close, however, but Mizzou only mustered 28 points against a pretty lousy defense.  That said, holding Johnny Sign-a-Football to just 21 points has been no small feat the last two seasons.  Despite their offensive struggles, Franklin now has a week of gameplay under his belt since returning from injury and I still believe that the Tigers (Missouri Tigers, that is) have the more multi-dimensional offense which will, in the end, prove the difference.  Mizzou: 31--Aub: 21

ACC: Duke Blue Devils vs. Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Duke is playing one of their best season's in history and no one is giving them a prayer...and they're right.  The Noles have been nearly flawless this season stepping on the throat early and not letting up.  The trio of receivers and stellar backfield are not even talked about with Famous Jameis leading the way.  Oh yeah, the defense is pretty darn good too.  This will be a traditional FSU game of 2013 with a 30+ point halftime lead and a cruise to Pasadena.  FSU: 55--Duke: 13
Hoying: Florida State has been the most dominant team in college football this year. The Noles lead in scoring defense and sit second behind Baylor in scoring. Sure, FSU has had its share of cupcakes on the schedule, much like our beloved Buckeyes, but it's not like Duke went 10-2 against any tougher of a schedule. The Blue Devils are a nice story, but they've been squeaking through to the finish. Duke also got to duke it out against a Miami without Duke Johnson, while the Noles licked the Canes even with their best player intact. There's no reason this should be close. Unless...no, there's no reason.  FSU: 45--Duke: 13
Schweinfurth: Duke has had a season to be remembered.  The Blue Devils have risen from the ashes to become relevant in the ACC for the first time in, oh, forever.  David Cutclife and the rest of the Dukies should be truly proud of this magical season.  Unfortunately it is all about to come crashing down.  Florida State, with or without Jamies Winston, is an absolute force on offense.  If Clemson couldn't keep up with the 'Noles, Duke definitely cannot.  Expect the Blue Devils to play with some emotion and hang on for part of the first quarter, but then it's all FSU, all night long.  FSU: 52--Duke: 20
Seeberg:  A recent statement from the Florida State Attorney's office stated that there may be a decision on the impending Jameis Winston issue before the weekend.  In other words, the Florida State Attorney's office has a significantly better chance of thwarting FSU's season than the Duke defense does.  Fourth-quarter comeback wins against the likes of Wake Forest (whose stadium, it bears mentioning, is roughly 25 miles from my apartment and is barely half-full for most games) make for a good story, but the Seminoles will write the last chapter much to the Blue Devils' dismay.  FSU: 52--Duke: 17

Pac-12: Stanford Cardinal @ Arizona State Sun Devils
Draper: Rematch! But in a new place... How good is Stanford? They have good wins, but 2 losses (one good one bad).  How good is ASU? Good wins and...2 losses (one good--Stanford, and one eh..).  I could see this one going either way, but I'm going with the home team.  Todd Graham has his team churning along without the hype of Stanford.  Stanford assumes the title after beating Oregon, but Oregon showed their true nature over the last few weeks.  Go Sparky! Stan: 20--ASU: 24
Hoying: Aaaagh, this is the worst kind of conference championship game. It's like a reboot of last year's Stanford-UCLA rematch, only with a twist: the team that won the head-to-head this time is less deserving of the title. True, Stanford already beat Arizona State earlier in the season, but the Cardinal has collected two Pac-12 losses since then against teams that ASU beat (Utah and USC). That being said, I don't see any reason why this game shouldn't play out much the same as the first matchup, a convincing Cardinal victory. Home field might make some difference, but not enough to keep Stanford from its first back-to-back Rose Bowls since 1971-72. Stan: 35--ASU: 27
Schweinfurth: I have to be honest when I say that I really have not watched much Pac-12 football this year.  Arizona State has played well but has a loss to Stanford already this season.  I don't see ASU not turning the ball over a couple times here (you can't put the ball up 50+ times a game and not have a pick or two).  This game will be closer than the matchup early in the season but Stanford turns that turnover into points. Stan: 31--ASU: 24
Seeberg:  Stanford has been very up and down the last month:  dominating Oregon, then losing to USC.  Annihilating Cal in a rivalry game, then struggling to put away Notre Dame.  ASU has not lost since early October, but a couple of weeks before that they were handled pretty easily by- you guessed it- Stanford.  The Sun Devils get this title game at home and are coming off a whipping of their in-state rivals who had just whipped Oregon (at least De'Anthony Thomas doesn't have to go to the Rose Bowl now, you know, since he wasn't that interested in going anyway).  Arizona State only scores 28 again, but it's enough, unlike last time.  Stan: 21--ASU: 28

Oklahoma Sooners @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Bedlam is always a good time.  OU has sputtered this whole year with all kinds of problems--especially questionable QB play.  OSU stomped Baylor in their first 'Game of the Century (of the Year)' but it all is for naught without a big win at home in Bedlam.  I love the Poke home field advantage and their poise in the last big game (Baylor) and I don't see a difference here.  Rivalries make for interesting things, but the Pokes behind Clint Chelf look ready to go.  The loss to WVU just doesn't make sense.  The rebound continues on the way to the Fiesta.  OU: 27--OSU: 38
Hoying: Shuffle, shuffle, do the quarterback shuffle. Both teams enter Bedlam with season-long quarterback issues. The Cowboys seem to have settled on senior slinger Clint Chelf, especially after a fantastic performance against Baylor, while the Sooners have rediscovered their love for freshman phenom Trevor Knight after Blake Bell bit badly getting beat by the Baylor Bears. This one looks like an easy pick for the Cowboys, but I'm not so sure. The Cowboys historically underperform against the Sooners, and I just have a feeling that with a 2nd Big 12 title in 3 years in their grasp, OSU will let the moment slip away. Big Game Bob comes through and the Bedlam series becomes even more lopsided. OU: 31--OSU: 28
Schweinfurth: If last week's rivalry games told us anything, it's that these games are flat unpredictable.  Ultimately, the Cowboys have looked very good against some very good offenses this year, see Baylor.  OSU likes to jam the receivers at the line and this throws the timing of these offenses way off.  The Cowboy offense is very efficient and has played well all year.  Oklahoma is good enough to keep it close but OSU is the better team. OU: 28--OSU: 38
Seeberg:  After crushing Baylor on a national stage, OSU #2 (remember, they got crushed 33-7 by THE OSU in the Alamo Bowl several years ago) has faded back into relative obscurity, no doubt angrily.  For those who may not recall, Oklahoma State missed out on a chance to play LSU for the national title a couple years back by mere thousandths of a point in the BCS.  I don't think anyone argued that 'Bama was better, but they didn't even win their conference, and the Cowboys are feeling slighted yet again.  Both teams have two weeks to prep, but the Oklahoma St. offense is the best of the four units that will be on the field:  advantage- OSU #2.  OSU: 38--OU: 24

Texas Longhorns @ Baylor Bears
Draper: Texas showed life in the midseason after blowing out OU, but then crashed back down to earth.  Baylor was rocking and rolling until OSU and faceplanted.  Last week showed a hangover as they struggled with TCU as well.  What about this week?  Both teams have something to play for as a loss for the Cowboys catapults the winner into the Fiesta Bowl.  Baylor has had struggles of late, but they were on the road.  The home stadium in Waco may not be unstoppable, but they feed off the energy.  I like Baylor to return home and beat the Horns to wrap up no worse than second.  Stir the rumor mill for Mack Brown.  UT: 30--Baylor: 45
Hoying: I thought Texas had turned it around. I thought Mack Brown had righted the ship. Then Oklahoma State happened. We should've seen it coming after terrible terrible West Virginia took the Horns to 3OT. Yeah, yeah, you blew out a Texas Tech team that hasn't beaten a good team all year. Meanwhile, Baylor almost let the Cowboys beat them 2 weeks in a row, needing an INT on an ill-advised pass to hold off a bad TCU team. But now the Bears are back in their den. And they're ready to unleash the nation's top offense against a Texas defense that can't stop it. This one is going to be ugly. UT: 24--Baylor: 52
Schweinfurth: Texas has made a decent comeback on the Mack Brown redemption tour this year.  Then the ship started to take on water yet again.  The Longhorn's are getting Baylor at a very bad time.  Baylor can seal a BCS berth with a win hear and continue the upswing they have been on.  Unless Texas can shut down that Bear rushing attack, it's gonna be a long day...and it will be a loooong day. Baylor wins big. UT: 28--Baylor: 55
Seeberg:  Similar to the SEC title game, this game felt like a no-brainer, this time for the Baylor Bears, until their near-debacle last week, giving up 38 points to a TCU squad that might be Gary Patterson's worst since he took over the program 13 seasons ago.  Baylor should win, and should win easily, but Texas's D has largely played well the second half of the season.  Texas hangs in for Mack Brown, but Bryce Petty makes enough plays to pull away late.  UT: 21--Baylor: 37

B1G: Michigan State Spartans vs. THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Sparty defense vs. Buckeye offense...man, I wish I had some Buckeye offense to plow my sidewalk.  In the new look NFL/NCAA, defense may win championships, but a great defense cannot stop a great offense.  Look at the TAMU/Bama game.  Bama won in a shootout...because A&M defense sucked and the stout Tide D couldn't stop Johnny Football.  Sparty will slow the Buckeyes somewhat, but you can't stop being bludgeoned repeated by Hyde and Miller.  The rushing attack of the Buckeyes and the O-line will wear down the Spartans.  On the other side of the ball, the Buckeye D was awful last week...but let's not forget about the walrus himself calling plays in East Lansing--Vrabs is coming for you Bollman!  I think the Buckeye defense will be able to stop 'Dave' enough times to earn a hard fought win and a trip to Pasadena for the title.  MSU: 20--OSU: 35
Hoying: After the Buckeyes watched Auburn's insane kick-six to topple Alabama, the team went wild for a few minutes. They knew their last uncontrollable obstacle to a national title been removed. Then Philly Brown stood up and reminded the men of the scarlet and gray that for that new #2 ranking to mean anything, it had to be cemented with one more victory. Can the Bucks take down a Sparty squad that appears to be headed to the Rose Bowl regardless of the game's outcome? Much is being made of Ohio State's meltdown on defense against the Wolverines. However, Michigan was playing out of its mind, showing glimpses of the powerful attack that steamrolled Notre Dame before tripping over its own shoelaces during the past month. The run D wasn't terrible; it was Gardner gashing us through the air that almost derailed the championship train. MSU's Connor Cook has been improving, but this is the guy who led the Spartan offense to 14 points against Purdue. Purdue. Roby, Barnett, Grant, and Brown should have little to fear this Saturday. On the other side of the ball, Carlos Hyde is still unstoppable, running for 226 yards against a pretty good Michigan run D. I don't think the Spartans are capable of shutting down both Hyde and Miller, and they might not get to either. I boldly predicted last year that as long as Braxton was on the field for the Buckeyes, they wouldn't lose another game. It's served me well so far. Buckeyes win the final Legends-Leaders battle and thus definitely secure a spot in the BCS National Championship. MSU: 16--OSU: 28
Schweinfurth: Michigan State has a defense, oh yes, Sparty has a defense.  They are not the #1 rated defense in the nation for nothing.  However, the Spartans have faced some spread offense this year and they have given up some points, see 28 points to both Nebraska and Indiana.  Ohio State's offense is much, much, much better that those two teams.  Who do you try and stop?  Keep Miller from running the ball?  He'll throw some quick screens or give to Hyde?  Stop Hyde? Now you have Miller running wild and throwing.  The Spartans want to talk "no fly zone" but they will be stressed vertically and horizontally by the physical Ohio State receivers.  Michigan State's offense matches up well with the Silver Bullets.  Yes, OSU gives up passing yards but they are very good against conventional power run teams (just look at the Wisconsin game).  That Spartan defense will be enough to keep Michigan State in the game (and maybe even a fake kick or two) but there is a Walrus calling the plays on offense.  That bucket of fish will run out quickly and Miller earns himself a trip to New York and the Bucks a trip to the second game in Pasadena.  OSU: 34--MSU:  19
Seeberg:  Last week, I had OSU winning by "only" three touchdowns and quite frankly, that high margin of victory made me a bit nervous.  However, nobody (except the hilariously partial Desmond Howard) had TTUN with 2.5 yards separating them from a win with less than a minute to go.  Devin Gardner looked like a flat-out stud, primarily because, for reasons unbeknownst to this fan sitting in the 58th row, he was put under minimal duress, even after hurting his leg in the 3rd quarter.  Our D consistently rushed four and dropped seven, and was consistently picked apart as a result.  The only conceivable reason for this decision is that TTUN's O-line has struggled mightily in recent weeks and Fickell, Vrabel & Co. must have believed they could get consistent pressure with just four rushers.  They were wrong, and if our defense sits back like that again, it may give MSU enough of an opening to spring the upset.  Gratefully, however, Connor Cook does not have the skill set of Devin Gardner, even when Gardner is limping around the pocket.  MSU's D against OSU's O is perhaps the most intriguing matchup anywhere in college football all year.  Braxton has not thrown the ball well in recent weeks, but I believe the offense will come out throwing short-to-intermediate passes to get Braxton in a rhythm and loosen up the D for Hyde to get rolling.  The D attacks, the O largely maintains its form against a tough MSU D, and OSU is 25-0 under Urban.  MSU: 17--OSU: 34

Upset Special
Draper: Cincinnati over Louisville
Hoying: Utah State over Fresno State
Schweinfurth: SMU over UCF
Seeberg: Army over Navy 

Week 14--Rivalry Week

Standings
1) Schweinfurth    40-18    (4-9 upset)
2) Hoying               39-19   (1-10 upset)
3) Draper                38-20     (3-10 upset)

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Auburn Tigers
Draper: Huge implications in the Iron Bowl. I hear every talking about the first top 5 matchup in this 'storied' rivalry...while surprising, this doesn't do wonders for the argument of 'best' rivalry.  Give Auburn credit for a phenomenal turnaround under Gus Malzahn, but they have one win of note (TAMU).  The miracle at Jordan-Hare crushed my pick chances, but reinforces my belief in a strong Bama win.  Saban's squad seems to shine in the spotlight games and limp through the layups.  YJ Yeldon will run all over the Tiger defense and the Tide will pressure Nick Marshall into enough mistakes to keep the train rolling.  Cam Newton ain't walkin through that door.  Sorry Bucks.  Bama: 27--AU: 13
Hoying: Earn your title, Tide. The debate isn't settled as to whether Ohio State or Florida State has the tougher overall path to 13-0 this season, but neither faces the murderer's row Alabama has to deal with this week and (possibly) the next. Back in September, we picked Auburn-LSU as an afterthought, the token fourth game. None of us could have foreseen that tilt providing Auburn's only loss to date. What a difference not having Gene Chizik makes. The Auburn offense has roared to life behind dual-threat QB Nick Marshall, but he's developed as more of a runner than a passer as the season has progressed. The Tide defense has been slowly choking opponents all season long, only cracking against...the other dual-threat QB they faced. Nick Marshall isn't Johnny Manziel, but with the friendly Jordan-Hare crowd behind him, he'll do just enough to pull off the upset. Bama: 27--AU: 28
Schweinfurth: It's weird but the numbers are actually against Alabama winning this game.  If I remember correctly, Nick Saban has never beaten a 10 win Auburn team.  Well coming into this game, Auburn is 10-1.  Alabama has problems with mobile quarterbacks and Auburn seems to have found Cam Newton lite in Nick Marshall.  I know all of this is stacked against 'Bama and my heart says that Auburn will do Ohio State (and the rest of the college football world) a favor and roll the Tide.  My brain says Bama is better.  Bama: 24--AU: 21
Seeberg:   Disclaimer:  I want Auburn to win this game with every fiber of my being.  Florida State’s schedule is too soft the rest of the way, so an Alabama slip is virtually OSU’s only chance to get into the BCS title game.  That aside, this is not a good match-up for Auburn.  Auburn runs the ball, ‘Bama stops the run; classic strength against strength.  ‘Bama’s weaker on pass D, but not tip-the-ball-straight-to-a-WR-on-4^th-and-18 weak.  If Auburn can force an early turnover or two and get a lead, they may be able to shorten the game and keep it interesting.  In the end, however, ‘Bama will score touchdowns and limit Auburn to a couple of field goals, allowing the Tide to, regrettably, pull away late.  Bama: 35--AU: 20

Clemson Tigers @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Draper: Can the Tigers keep the streak of vanquishing SEC foes going?  Clemson has had 2 games of note--squeaking out a win against a fully-healthy UGA and getting run off the field vs. the Noles.  The Gamecocks haven't lived up to expectations but that will happen when your best player can easily be taken out of the game via double-team/scheme.  Connor Shaw vs. Tajh Boyd...who fails less.  I don't think the Cocks have enough on offense to keep up.  I'm hoping that Clemson keeps it going with standout wide receiver Sammy Watkins because it hurts the SEC (and ESPN narrative) and helps the Noles.  Huge game in an underrated rivalry for Dabo and the Tigers.  Clem: 38--SoCar: 24
Hoying: Is there a more overrated team in the country than Clemson? The opening win over Georgia was nice, although it hasn't matured well. Other than that, the schedule has left something to be desired. Nothing like a win over Missouri over UCF stands out on Clemson's schedule. South Carolina's been winning ugly, but they've been winning. Now that Connor Shaw is back behind center for Cocky, the Tigers will have more of a problem stopping a balanced South Carolina attack. Tajh will be terrific, but Clemson will fall short. Clem: 27--SoCar: 31
Schweinfurth: South Carolina has slowly creeped up this rankings after a sluggish start to the season.  Clemson has held on to a sure BCS berth behind Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd.  I honestly believe that the SEC is severely over valued this year (especially the east).  With that said, I expect a big day out of Boyd and more useless talk about Jadavion Clowney.  Clem: 45--SoCar: 35
Seeberg:  It’s official, the world is ending:  The cheapest Clemson/South Carolina tickets are going for more than twice as much as the cheapest OSU/TTUN tickets on a ticket brokerage site.  Find your bomb shelters now.  Clemson has quietly snuck back near the top five, primarily because they’ve been beating a lot of nobodies since getting waxed by FSU.  Also amazingly, South Carolina’s vaunted defense is actually allowing more points per game than OSU.  “But the SEC is SO tough they can’t help it!”- every SEC fan.  Yeah, that 28-spot that SEC-bottom feeder Kentucky scored on them really makes me trust the Gamecock defense.  If UK can score 28 at South Carolina, Clemson will score more, and it will be enough to win.  Clem: 41--SoCar: 31

Texas A&M Aggies @ Missouri Tigers
Draper: Johnny Football...my how the mighty has fallen.  What a face plant on Saturday in a huge moment. Mizzou has it on the table for this Big 12...er...SEC showdown.  The Tigers are a team that simply takes care of their business without fanfare.  The Aggies will score with a return of Johnny Manziel 'greatness' but the A&M defense is a total sieve.  Maty Mauk/James Franklin (whoever is the starter) will keep step for step with TAMU.  The difference is the Tiger defense which will get one stop and take the shootout on the way to the SEC Championship.  TAMU: 38--Mizzou: 41
Hoying: If not for James Franklin's injury against Georgia, this game may have decided the all-SEC QB in a stacked conference. Thankfully, Franklin and Manziel will still get the chance to go head-to-head, but the game is going to suuuuuuck. Remember LSU's dismantling of A&M a week ago? Use that as a starting point, add a better opposing quarterback and a much better defense, and you get a Missouri beatdown. Don't expect the Tigers to blink at home with an SEC East title within their grasp. TAMU: 17--Mizzou: 48
Schweinfurth: My goodness did the Aggies look horrible last week.  Les Miles must keep some sort of Johnny Football kryptonite in his pocket for those games. James Franklin kept the Tigers chugging on all cylinders last week and that offense has been a nightmare for the mighty SEC defenses.  I definitely expect this game to devolve into an old fashioned Big 12 shootout.  TAMU: 38--Mizzou: 42
Seeberg:  At the start of the season, a lot of people probably assumed this game would have SEC West title implications.  SEC East?  Not so much.  James Franklin is back for Mizzou (taking over for Kenton-bred backup Maty Mauk) and that’s bad news for an A&M defense that gives up over 30 a game.  Incidentally, does anyone remember that A&M and Mizzou joined the conference just two years ago and everybody thought they would be cannon fodder?  Perhaps the SEC isn’t the gauntlet we all perceive it to be.  In any event, onto the title game for Mizzou.  TAMU: 27--Mizzou: 42

UCLA Bruins @ USC Trojans
Draper: This one is for Coach O.  A win here would make it really hard to let him go.  The Trojans have been playing really good football lately and no one is noticing.  Beating Stanford (but were they playing Stanford football?) was huge when the Cardinal had everything on the line.  The Bruins, on the other hand, have limped down the stretch.  I'll go with the hot hand and the Trojans re-institute the football monopoly in LA.  UCLA: 20--USC: 24
Hoying: Don't call it a comeback, but USC has recovered nicely from the cancer that plagued their program for three and a half seasons. The Trojans are on a roll, winners of their last 5, which included a nice home win over a very good Stanford team. UCLA is no slouch, either, but they haven't impressed down the stretch, scraping by Arizona and Washington and falling to Arizona State. This game will come down to which quarterback can have success. Both Brett Hundley and Cody Kessler are superb slingers, but Hundley has to face a tough Trojan D, while Kessler will have a little more room for error. Fight on. UCLA: 20--USC: 27
Schweinfurth: I really know nothing about these two teams other than Lane Kiffin was a terrible coach and Ogeron has that team going good again.  Other than Keith Price, I know nothing about UCLA.  USC is at home? Good enough for me.  UCLA: 17--USC: 21
Seeberg: This is likely Ed Orgeron’s last game as USC’s head coach, which is a shame, given how well he has revived the life-support squad he inherited from Lane Kiffin.  He seems to have galvanized a pretty talented team, and they should send him out with a win against their in-city rivals.  The Bruins go as Brett Hundley goes, and USC’s defense will give him fits.  UCLA: 16--USC: 27

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: This is a ranked matchup but.... Notre Dame has been taking care of business lately, but Stanford was recently given a shot in the arm thanks to the choke job by the Ducks.  This isn't a conference game, but now that they have the Rose Bowl back on the horizon, I expect a focused team on the Farm vs. a historical contender.  The Cardinal defense should make Tommy Rees's life a living hell while the running game churns up a solid win over a ranked team.  If they play 'Stanford football', do they jump OSU? ND: 13--Stan: 31
Hoying: Let's play the road and home game. Notre Dame on the road: 2-2, beating terrible terrible Purdue and Air Force, and losing at bleh Michigan and bleeeeh Pitt. Stanford at home: 6-0, beating Arizona State, Washington, UCLA, and Oregon. Uh-oh. ND: 17--Stan: 27
Schweinfurth: Again, two teams I have paid next to no attention to.  Stanford's better, I do know that much.  ND: 10--Stan: 19
Seeberg:  #25 Notre Dame at #8 Stan…wait, Notre Dame is ranked again?  Granted, they do have a W over Michigan State and another one over Arizona State, but this team is just not that good.  Stanford is likely pretty angry after USC took away their PAC-12 (it’s still difficult to refrain from calling it the PAC-10) title hopes, as well as their slim hopes to squeeze into the national championship.  Further, the Cardinal does not want a repeat of last year’s OT loss which is why this game will not be nearly close enough for that to be an issue for the dancing tree.  Stan: 31--ND: 10

THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ That School Up North
Draper: Ah....The Game is here.  Tough to get excited with the struggles in Ann Arbor, but there will be no lack of motivation.  Urban has the boys locked onto TSUN with laser focus.  Michigan is in a tailspin, but will certainly put up a fight...it won't be enough.  Gardner will be on the ground courtesy of Bosa, Spence, and Co. while Shazier cleans up.  The OSU secondary will give up too much (as we've come to expect), but the offense should have a field day.  Expect 300+ on the ground as the passing game is being left by the wayside.  Herman will try to get Braxton going with the passing game, but it won't work until he starts utilizing some quick slants and screens.  The deep ball is there but Braxton has been hesitant to throw vertically--preferring to trust his feet.  Hopefully, he can develop the confidence over the next 3 games/year.  Bucks roll. OSU: 51--TSUN: 31
Hoying: There's always a quickening of the heart when I see the Scarlet and Gray take the field against the Maize and Blue. Unfortunately, that won't happen this year (stupid all-white uniforms) but The Game is a HUGE deal nonetheless. No matter how hapless the Wolverines are, this is always the most important game of the season. Fortunately, the Buckeyes seem to get this, and there's no chance of a look-ahead to that other northern team. As Tony Gerdeman at TheOzone pointed out, the team that wins the rushing battle has won the last 12 iterations of the rivalry. Does anyone see Devin Gardner, Derrick Green, and Fitzgerald Toussaint outperforming Braxton Miller, Carlos Hyde, and Dontre Wilson? Really? OSU: 45--TSUN: 13
Schweinfurth: We have finally arrived at The Game.  For some reason I have been having flashbacks to the 90's.  Visions of Desmond's Heisman pose and Tim Biakabatuka have been haunting my dreams all week.  So much failure, that decade.  Then I look at the sideline and see Urban Meyer, who ownes (pwns?) in rivalry games.  The man takes these games personally and it shows in the way his teams play.  It also helps that the Silver Bullets' defensive line is full of studs versus an offensive line that operates as a sieve.  In a way I feel for Gardner (but not really).  At least he will have some friends in the backfield.  And by friends I mean Noah Spence and Joey Bosa charging with bad intentions.  On offense Ohio State has this Braxton Miller guy along with the wrecking ball that is El Guapo.  Ohio State hasn't won by more than 11 points at that POS stadium since 1962.  Throw that one out the window and bring on the Spartans!!!  
OSU: 60--TSUN: 14 (with negative rushing yards)
Seeberg:  OK OSU fans, if you were born after about 1991, you may not understand this, but Buckeye faithful tend to get nervous around this time of year, particularly when we have the objectively superior team.  Our dominant 90s squads routinely underperformed against TSUN, and it ultimately got Cooper fired.  In a 4-year span we had a Heisman winner in Eddie George and TWO first overall draft picks in Big Daddy Dan Wilkinson and Orlando Pace.  In that span from 1993-96, OSU went just 1-3 against TSUN.  Tressel changed all of that with his stellar 9-1 record; that one blemish?  Ten years ago, at the big house, and I was in attendance.  I am going up to Ann Arbor for the second time ever this weekend, so I sincerely hope it wasn’t my fault a decade ago.  As for the game itself?  A LOT of things have to go wrong for Ohio State to lose (turnovers, injuries, a cameo by Batman at QB for TSUN).  A few of them will go wrong, but not enough of them to stop the Buckeye train.  Onto MSU unblemished.  OSU: 38--TSUN: 17

Upset Special
Draper: Pittsburgh over Miami (FL)
Hoying: Washington State over Washington
Schweinfurth: Oregon State over Oregon
Seeberg:  Arizona over Arizona State
(Heads up: Carolina is favored over Duke)

Week 13--A few good ones before the big rivalries

Standings
1) Schweinfurth    36-16    (4-8 upset)
2) Hoying               34-18   (1-11 upset)
3) Draper             33-19      (3-9 upset) --KNOCK IT DOWN GEORGIA!!! That's what I get for going on a limb


Baylor Bears @ Oklahoma State Sooners
Draper: Ok Baylor, you passed the first test vs. Oklahoma, but the Pokes might be the better option from the Sooner State this year.  Oklahoma State isn't a world beater (see WVU), but fans in Stillwater can get a little rowdy (my Uncle Chip can heckle with the best of them).  Imagine if you will, that the Cowboys don't gag a cheap game in Morgantown...this is a top 5 matchup with OkState favored!  The Pokes have an explosive ground game and fairly good defense.  Baylor has been murdering everyone, but their defense leaves much to be desired.  I think the magic of T. Boone ends the 'threat' to the Buckeyes and Baylor drops their first of the year in a shootout.  BU: 42--OSU: 45 
Hoying: Can Baylor handle success? Fresh off a huge win over Oklahoma, the Bears looked lost in the early goings against a mediocre Texas Tech team, but they quickly regrouped and came away with a convincing victory. A lack of focus against the Cowboys will not so easily be forgiven. The Bears don't have much road experience, and they looked quite vulnerable against a middling Kansas State team in Manhattan. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State is riding high amidst a terrific November highlighted by a dismantling of Texas. Baylor is favored by about 10, but that's garbage, and the editor who let it come out is garbage. The dream season in Waco comes to an end and ESPN never gets to find out if Ohio State would've been jumped. BU: 34--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Can the Baylor Bears handle success and a very tough schedule to end the season.  In all honesty, Baylor is the best team in the Big 12 but still must out score teams to win, which hasn't been a problem.  Oklahoma State is one team that can score with the Bears and not break a sweat.  This will be high scoring to the finish and the Baylor schedule finally catches up to them.  BU: 49--OSU: 52

Texas A&M Aggies @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Which of these teams is less disappointing?  Both dropped a game vs. Bama (A&M was closer but it was at home).  LSU has the worst loss (Ole Miss) but the best win (Auburn).  The game is in Death Valley and the Tigers have proven to get a stop once in a while.  Manziel has put up fantastic numbers, but the A&M defense is the difference...they're terrible.  Johnny Football will have a nice game that will have ESPiN talking Heisman (even though Jameis has it locked barring disaster), but Mettenburger will carve up the atrocious Aggie defense.  Another high scoring game in the 'defense-oriented' SEC.  TAMU: 31--LSU: 38 
Hoying: If you want to beat Johnny, you have to stop Johnny. Alabama and Auburn didn't stop him much, but they were able to do just enough to slow him down while their high-powered offenses shredded a terrible, terrible, TERRIBLE A&M defense. Zach BobaFettenburger and the LSU offense have the explosive power to stay competitive with Johnny Hancock, but the standard LSU brick wall D isn't there this year. Mr. Heisman stays in contention to join the exclusive Archie Griffin club if Famous Jameis follows a long proud line of FSU QB's kicked off the roster. TAMU: 45--LSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Has anyone actually noticed that LSU is a 3 loss team.  Don't forget that the Aggies' defense isn't very good.  Mettenberger and Manziel should put up some good numbers for that reason.  The big difference in this game will be Les Miles. Because he's dumb.  I expect him to make a stupid decision at some point in this game that will give the Aggies good field position.  TAMU: 35--LSU: 30

Wisconsin Badgers @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
Draper: The fact that this game is up here is a tribute to the amazing season the Gophers have put together.  Wisconsin has looked very good, but has no wins of note (yes...ASU, but I see an L by their name).  Beating Minnesota might be the biggest win for the Badgers this year...oh what a world. Minnesota keeps winning with no particular standout player/unit.  They play sound football under OC Claeys (which is a tribute to Coach Kill), but I don't think they can stop the Badger rushing attack.  Melvin Gordon, James White, and AbbyDooby keep the ax and eliminate the Gophers from Legends contention (although this is the best year for Minn in a long time).  Wisc: 34--Minn: 24
Hoying: Did you see what Wisconsin did to Indiana? Yes, yes, I know, it's Indiana, but the Badgers took a team averaging 40 points a game and held them to 3. Not even Ohio State does that in the B1G. Minnesota is a fun success story, but the Badgers have been crushing their (mostly terrible) competition after 2 tough losses to good teams. The Gophers will fight to keep it close, but Wisconsin is clearly the better team.  Wisc: 28--Minn: 20
Schweinfurth: The Gophers have 8 wins? Who saw that one coming? With that said, I do believe Minnesota is starting to turn a corner.  However, they are just starting to turn that corner.  Wisconsin is just ground and pound juggernaut. Wisconsin just flat pounds teams with that massive (fat) offensive line followed by the quickness of White and Gordon.  Abredarous will do enough to keep the Minnesota defense honest and Wisconsin pounds out 400 yards on the ground again.  Hoist that Ax Badgers. Wisc: 35--Minn: 17

Arizona State Sun Devils @ UCLA Bruins
Draper: Hundley and Company have had a very nice season in LA with no bad losses...but no good wins either (Nebraska...please).  The Sun Devils dropped one in South Bend but have the 'win' over Wisconsin.  These teams are fairly even but I like the team with the better QB which has to be UCLA.  The game being in Pasadena doesn't hurt either.  I'll be honest, I know very little/nothing about ASU, but this will make the Pac 12 South a lot of fun.  ASU: 30--UCLA: 34
Hoying: Get ready for some points on the scoreboard, folks. Both teams feature terrific QB play, and neither team's defense is quite good enough to slow the other down. Pac-12 refs will be officiating this one, so any outcome is possible, but I have a hunch that the Sun Devil offense will be slightly more prolific. Arizona State takes the Pac-12 South and prepares to face Oregon. ASU: 38--UCLA: 31
Schweinfurth: I know this game should be an entertaining one (is Gus Johnson calling this game?).  Outside of that, I really know very little about each team.  I do know that Hundley is a very good QB and ASU was gifted a win this year.  I'll take the Bruins. ASU: 38--UCLA: 42

Missouri Tigers @ Ole Miss Rebels
Draper: Ole Miss and Dr. Bo Wallace have the feather in their cap for beating LSU, but they are wildly inconsistent.  The Tigers, on the other hand, have been a model of consistency (other than the second half vs. South Carolina).  No one knows how they keep winning, but they do, even with Maty Mauk. I think the train keeps rolling in Oxford with the Tigers quietly winning with good defense and consistent game-managing offense.  OleMiss: 17--Mizzou: 31
Hoying: Remember when Missouri QB James Franklin went down in that huge win over Georgia? Since then, the Tigers have inexplicably gotten better, just a botched chip shot field goal away from likely still being undefeated. But now the West comes calling, leading off with red-hot Mississippi. The Rebs have a nice win over LSU but have feasted on a steady diet of crap since then. Missouri is a lot more similar to the Alabama, Auburn, and A&M that conquered Ole Miss than the Idaho, Arkansas, and Troy that have padded the Rebels' record. Y'all are Tiger bait. OleMiss: 24--Mizzou: 41
Schweinfurth: Missouri holds it's SEC title game fate in their black and gold hands.  Whether or not James Franklin plays nor not doesn't matter too much.  Maty Mauk picked up right where Franklin left off and didn't miss a beat.  Yes, Ole' Miss has some very good defensive players but that can't stop this Tiger offense.  Mizzou keeps rolling to the showdown with 'Bama in the SEC championship game.   
OleMiss: 20--Mizzou: 38

Indiana Hoosiers @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: I was somewhat nervous about this game a few weeks ago.  The IU offense is no joke and the OSU secondary...well, it is a joke, but the Hoosiers have cooled off fast.  The other benefit is that IU has no defense at all.  The Buckeye offense with Miller and Hyde should steamroll the Hoosiers.  Indiana will score (too much), but it won't be close on Senior Day to matching the Scarlet and Gray (can't say that against Michigan :( ).  Buckeyes finish the home season in style with some Smooth Jazz.  Kenny Guiton will score at least one TD in this game--take it to the bank.  IU: 34--OSU: 65
Hoying: It's Senior Day at Ohio State and what a welcome these Seniors deserve. After having their terrific freshman season wiped out and gutting through a tough sophomore campaign, these Men of the Scarlet and Gray haven't lost a game since. A win in Ohio Stadium over In iana would push the Buckeye winning streak to 23 games, a school record.  Will it happen?  Almost undoubtedly. In iana can score (except against Wisconsin) but there's something missing...oh yes. They left the D out of In iana this season. This game could look like the Cal game, or it might end up looking like Penn State if the Hoosiers make too many mistakes early. Buckeyes get a nice tune-up for 2 games against teams up north. IU: 20--OSU: 59
Schweinfurth: So, did everyone see what Wisconsin did against the Hoosier D last week? How about what Braxton and El Guapo against Illinois.  Yea, we could totally see 600 yards of offense ON THE GROUND.  The way Hyde is running right now would make you think he is one of the best running backs in the nation, and he is.  I fully expect him to blow past the 1,000 yard mark early in this one to provide Urban his first 1,000 yard back and on senior day no less.  Braxton is going to have his way through the air as well(last week was a blip on the radar).  Indiana can move the ball, and I fully expect them to do so (stupid Air Raid offense).  Yet again, the Bucks jump out to a big lead early and don't look back (especially after last week and last year).  Expect some smooth jazz at some point in the first half (maybe even the start?).  IU: 21--OSU: 70

Upset Special
Draper: Chatt over Bama (not really)--I don't know....Toledo over NIU
Hoying: Kansas State over Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Rutgers over UCF