Storyline: College Football Playoff slots are at stake. Conference divisional titles hang in the balance. For others, it’s just about getting a win.
Rivalry Week!
The first week of college football seems like a distant afterthought. We now head into the final week of the regular season with rivals meeting their hated gridiron counterparts.
College Football Playoff slots are at stake. Conference divisional titles hang in the balance. For others, it’s just about getting a win. It should be a memorable weekend!
Here are my predictions.
Michigan (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) at Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten)
PREDICTION: Michigan 21, Ohio State 17
Jim Harbaugh
Wow! This tussle is, in effect, a CFP elimination game. It’s just like the old days when these rivals seemed to play every year for a spot in The Rose Bowl. This year Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines are looking for revenge. The Buckeyes drubbed the Wolverines, 42-13, last year in Ann Arbor. Michigan wants nothing more than to return the favor this year, even though QB Wilton Speights may not play. Either way, I see Michigan scoring a major victory in what very well may be “The Game of the Century.”
Utah (8-3, 5-3 Pac-12) at Colorado (9-2, 7-1 Pac-12)
PREDICTION: Colorado 31, Utah 24
Colorado was projected to finish in the Pac-12 South cellar. But, now, The Buffalo controls its own destiny in “The Rumble in the Rockies.” The main thing to watch in this game is how Utah responds after losing to Oregon last weekend. Even though that defeat eliminated the Utes from the Pac-12 South divisional title, UU can still play spoiler. A Buffalo loss will send USC to Santa Clara to play for the Pac-12 crown. But USC fans shouldn’t buy tickets just yet. I expect Colorado to take care of business at home.
Washington (10-1, 7-1 Pac-12) at Washington State (8-3, 7-1 Pac-12)
PREDICTION; Washington 38, Washington State 28
Can the Huskies get by WSU? (photo, Reign of Troy)
After Washington State suffered a Week 1 loss to FCS Eastern Washington–and at home, no less–it didn’t seem likely that “The Apple Cup” was going to be relevant this year. But the stakes couldn’t be higher this Friday when the teams meet in Pullman for the 109th Cup. U-Dub comes in boasting a 10-1 record and hopes of a College Football Playoff appearance. Wazzu is looking to earn a prestigious bowl bid. But, first, there’s a spot for the winner of this game in the Pac-12 Championship Game. That’s motivation enough. To win, the Cougs need to pressure QB Jake Browning the way USC did against UW in its 26-13 victory. I just don’t think WSU can do it.
Auburn (8-3, 5-2 SEC) at Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC)
PREDICTION: Alabama 31, Auburn 17
This isn’t an epic Iron Bowl with a trip to the SEC Championship on the line. But it’s still the Iron Bowl and the Tigers would love nothing more than to blemish their archrival’s undefeated record. But the problem with the War Eagles is that they can’t move the ball consistently (e.g., scoring just seven points against Georgia). How will AU score against that tough ‘Bama defense? Probably not much.
South Carolina (6-5, 3-5 SEC) at Clemson (10-1, 7-1 ACC)
PREDICTION: Clemson 35, South Carolina 21
Courtesy: gamecocksonline.com
South Carolina can be a spoiler just like Auburn and Washington State. A loss to the Gamecocks in “The Palmetto Bowl” will put Clemson out of the playoff picture. Last year, Clemson narrowly escaped in Columbia, 37-32. It’s a good bet that USC will go into Clemson and make noise on Saturday. We know one thing for sure: Will Muschamp’s decision to burn QB Jake Bentley’s redshirt couldn’t have panned out better. The Gamecocks have won four of its last five games. The underdog Gamecocks will come ready to play, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to win.
Kentucky (6-5, 4-4 SEC) at Louisville (9-2, 7-1 ACC)
PREDICTION: Louisville 42, Kentucky 24
Ouch! The Cardinals are out of the playoff picture after being shellacked by Houston. But they have pride to play for in “The Governor’s Cup.” The game is especially important for Lamar Jackson, who lost some oomph in the Heisman voting after a lackluster performance against UH. The underdog Wildcats must contain him, which they couldn’t do last year in a 38-24 loss. Kentucky must establish a running game, too. The ‘Cats are ranked in the Top 25 in the nation in rush offense. But, realistically, I predict a bounce-back win for Louisville and a quiet bus ride to Lexington for UK
