College Football: Week 13 Predictions

The Big One is....

Michigan State vs. Penn State

I'm going to 'go Kirk Herbstreit' and simply go with the keys of the game.

1) Michigan State's offense

We know how good Javon Ringer is. Unless you're a fan of a Big Ten school other than Ohio State and Wisconsin, he's run over your defense this year. But Brian Hoyer (2,029 yards, 9 TDs, 6 Ints), isn't that bad either—although you can't exactly trust him not to throw an interception.

2) Darryl Clark

After falling apart against Iowa and the first half of Indiana, Darryl Clark got his act together in the second half and had a pretty good game. But the confidence isn't there. Penn State needs a leader, and they need it now. Step forward, Mr. Clark.

3) How will the Nittany Lions play in the first half?

I'd be lying to you if I said that Penn State has played well for all 60 mins of every game. Usually it's been for the second half of games. If the Nittany Lions can get it together for all 60 minutes of the big one at Beaver Stadium, then we could be scattering rose petals around JoePa's statue.

Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma

College Gameday are going in Norman for this one, and even though it's not red-hot on the plains this time of year, the football's going to be pretty darned warm. These offenses are so good I'm predicting over 1,000 yards of offense, 60 points... and a lot of fun.

PREDICTION: OU in the 'upset'. Oklahoma 45, Texas Tech 43

Michigan vs. Ohio State

Michigan is useless. Ohio State are looking for a share of the Big Ten title. Anything can happen in this game, but I figure that the Buckeyes will probably squeak a win... By 30.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 41, Michigan 10

BYU vs. Utah

Don't expect a lot of alcohol at the pregame tailgate parties before this one, as Mormon nations collide for the big one in Salt Like City. Should be a great game, but probably not worth losing your tablets over...

PREDICTION: BYU derail the Ute's BCS hopes and become the one true school...until next year. BYU Mormons 31, Utah Mormons 28

Florida State vs. Maryland

With FSU's wide receivers back and the Terrapins squeezing past North Carolina on Saturday, this could shape up into a cracker.

PREDICTION: Bobby Bowden cheery. Until his wide receiving corps gets arrested again. Florida State 28, Maryland 21

Ole Miss vs. LSU

I never realised how much these two hated each other. LSU only woke up after 3/4 of their game against Troy—and then scored 30 points, but Ole Miss is going to be a much, much tougher opposition.

PREDICTION: Cajuns cryin'. Ole Miss 29, LSU 25

And finally....

Army vs. Navy

No rank. Just pride. With the world at war, you can't help but have a lump in throat for this game—which has more meaning thaN ever before. George Bush is going to attend....as he damned well should.

PREDICTION: Navy continues to own Army. Navy 31, Army 10