Bleacher Report - College Football Predictions

The 113th Civil War: For Bragging Rights, the Rose Bowl, and Revenge

Tristan Holmes — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:32:21 -0500

The funny thing about any “game of the year” in college football is that they seem to, for lack of a better word, “reproduce” as the season goes on.

The Ducks opener against Boise State was the “game of the year” for the Broncos to keep their BCS hopes alive. That is about all I want to say about it. If I am forced to remember anything else, I may cry.

Five consecutive wins later, and Oregon played USC in the “game of the year” to decide the fate of the Trojan dynasty. On Halloween, the Ducks treated their fans to a sweet 47-20 final.

A defensive meltdown against Stanford and a home win against Arizona State later, and the Ducks faced off against Arizona in the desert for the right to control their own destiny for the Rose Bowl, in the latest “game of the year” in the Pac-10.

ESPN’s Game Day could not have picked a better venue. A back-and-forth game was finally settled in the second overtime as Jeremiah Masoli tumbled into the endzone over two Wildcat defenders to finish the “instant classic.”

But another team has also been taking care of business.

After some issues early in the season against Cincinnati, Arizona, and USC, the Oregon State Beavers have finished strong (as they have tended to do during both of Mike Riley’s tenures as head coach), and for the second year in a row, have the opportunity to go to the Rose Bowl if they can beat Oregon.

Oregon State’s coaches have tried to play down the revenge factor, but there is no denying the fans (and some of the players, if you were paying attention to twitter) are relishing their chance to inflict the same pain on the Ducks that they endured a season ago.

That they could make up for last year and reach the Rose Bowl with a win makes this Thursday a perfect opportunity that the Beavers are in no mood to waste.

But standing in their way is an Oregon team that demonstrated last week that they can overcome mistakes to find a way to win in the clutch.

It all adds up to the first time in 113 meetings between these two teams where either winner is guaranteed a birth in the Rose Bowl.

It is the de-facto Pac-10 championship game.

It is the game for bragging rights in a state where almost every resident has some ties to one of, and often both, universities.

It is the Civil War.

It is the game of the year.

So what do these teams need to do to come out on top in what many consider the most important game in the history of this heated rivalry?

For the Ducks, it would be nice if they could simply do what they did last year and score more than sixty points. But a repeat of that performance will be tough to come by.

The Ducks’ offense came through when the chips were down in Tucson, but the late game heroics seem to have distracted most observers from the fact that the Wildcats contained Oregon throughout most of the second and third quarters.

For that stretch of the game, Arizona was able to do what no other team has done all year, shut down LaMichael James. With that threat taken away, the Ducks were treading water. Only later in the game, when they were forced to respect the pass, did the Wildcats allow James to contribute again, and it cost them a victory.

The Beavers best bet on defense is to find a matchup against Jeremiah Masoli running the ball that they feel confident with, like the Wildcats had with their safeties, and have the rest of their defense concentrate on shutting down James. With their two leading rushers stymied, the Ducks would be forced to go to the air.

That isn’t as bad a situation for Oregon as it was before the start of Pac-10 play when Masoli was struggling with his throws.

But it is a much more manageable situation than having to deal with all the plays the Ducks can throw at a defense when the option runs are working.

Unlike last year, Oregon State comes into this game with both of the “Super Rodgers Brothers” ready to go. That alone could be the difference between victory and defeat, assuming the Beavers defense keeps the score manageable.

Oregon’s defense will have to step it up a notch if the Ducks hope to spoil their rivals’ finale once again. The past several weeks have seen weaknesses exploited by Oregon’s opponents, and these deficiencies need to be addressed in order to beat the Beavers.

The biggest concern for Nick Allioti and company is finding a way to stop power runs. The Ducks have great overall speed on defense, but the line is undersized and Stanford, Arizona, and even Arizona State (in a limited way) had success when they ran inside, where they could seal off pursuit from the perimeter and simply bowl the athletic Oregon defenders backwards.

Oregon State has a good offensive line, and Jaquizz Rodgers excels going up the gut where he can hide behind his linemen and dart through the gaps. He isn’t as strong as Toby Gerhart, but he presents an entirely different set of challenges to would-be tacklers.

Complicating matters is that Sean Canfield and the Beavers passing game are the most productive in the Pac-10. Canfield is completing a staggering 70% of his passes, and with James Rodgers at his disposal, a big play is never far away.

If Oregon is to have success on defense, they must get Oregon State out of proper down and distance situations. This will allow the Ducks to use their speed and multiple blitz packages to pressure the quarterback and get their dynamic offense back on the field.

Assuming turnovers and special teams play are about even, the winning team will be the one that gets the most production out of their star running back.

If the Ducks can do that, it will lead to big plays from their spread formations.

If the Beavers can run well, they can grind out drives that will sap Oregon’s undersized defenders and let them break the game open late.

When it comes to the running game, physicality determines who will succeed. So it will all end up being decided by which team can get in the best hits.

In a rivalry like this, it should never be any other way.

MY CALL: Oregon Ducks 31, Oregon State Beavers 27

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

ACC Bowl Predictions: Can Georgia Tech Still Make it to the Orange Bowl?

Caleb M. — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:30:17 -0500

Last week, I made my BCS bowl predictions. This week, myself and Michael Gartman (AKA: Sportscaster007) are going through each and every conference and predicting the bowl games using our knowledge of the BCS and his mad prediction skills.

Today, we start with the ACC and Big 10. Throughout the week we'll also cover the Big 12, Big East, Pac-10, SEC, MWC, and the WAC. We would do the MAC and C-USA, but they don't get enough bids to really have a list.

On to the predictions then.

Orange Bowl (ACC Champion vs. At Large)—Jan. 5, Miami, Florida

The ACC Champion will be decided this weekend. Clemson and Georgia Tech will battle it out once again to claim the ACC title. And it has major BCS implications. Both teams lost this weekend. Both to unranked, average teams. Georgia Tech to Georgia, and Clemson to South Carolina.

Whoever loses will lose their shot at an at large bid in the BCS.

That said, I think Georgia Tech will win. So they get to move on to the Orange Bowl on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

They face off against an at large team. Boise is most likely going to the Fiesta Bowl against Iowa.

That leaves TCU to go to the Orange Bowl. TCU is an underrated team, and their defense is one of the best in the nation. I don't think they've been this good since LaDainian Tomlinson—they might even be better now.

TCU will barely miss a shot at the title, unless Texas loses. But I think Texas will beat Nebraska despite being put on upset alert—Colt McCoy is too good.

TCU has a great defense, a top 10 Quarterback, and some pretty tight uniforms if I might add. Georgia Tech won't be able to produce as they have let their fire cool off since the beginning of the year. Not to mention the ACC is terrible in BCS games.

TCU 31, Georgia Tech 14

Chick-Fil-A Bowl (ACC two vs. SEC five)—Dec. 31, Atlanta, Georgia

Clemson obviously is the number two ACC, if they lose to Georgia Tech. Otherwise, it looks like home cookin' for the Yellow Jackets. But they'll win, sending the Tigers south to Atlanta.

Facing Clemson will be Tennessee. It was tough figuring it out (I actually owe this bit to Michael), but it turns out Tennessee is number five.

Tennessee is an underrated team, in the hardest conference in college football—the SEC.

They don't put up the best numbers, have the best players or the best coach, but they stay in or win just about every game. They can challenge decent teams like Clemson. In fact, I daresay they could beat Clemson.

Mark your calenders for the Chick-Fil-A bowl, people; this could be a great game. I'm putting Clemson on the infamous "Upset Alert."

Clemson 31, Tennessee 30

Gator Bowl (ACC three vs. Big 12 five OR Big East two)—Jan. 1, Jacksonville, Florida

In third place for the ACC is Virginia Tech. The Hookies have had a great run at the end of the year, but won't be good enough for a shot at a BCS game. They actually are better than Clemson, too bad they don't play in the same division.

Against them is the Big 12 five team—Missouri. This was another tough one to figure out, but the Tigers are fifth best (No! Not another Tigers team!).

Missouri is an average team, and hasn't really impressed me at all this year. They got blown out by Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Texas in succession. They also got beat by Baylor, the worst team in their conference.

Not to mention they barely beat Bowling Green, Kansas, and Iowa State.

Virginia Tech will continue their winning streak, opening up a can of whoop-a on the Tigers.

The other possibility is that they play West Virginia as the Big East two team. What a game that would make! West Virginia has been through a wild and crazy year, and they could upset Virginia Tech. But I doubt it.

In any case, hope for that game because if the Hookies play the Tigers, it'll be a blowout for sure.

Virginia Tech 42, Missouri 7—OR Virginia Tech 28, West Virginia 26

Champs Sports Bowl (ACC four vs. Big Ten five)—Dec. 29, Orlando, Florida

In fourth place for the ACC is the Miami Hurricanes. They did get beat by North Carolina, but then the Tar Heels fell apart against the rival Wolfpack, pushing them below Miami.

The Hurricanes will play against Wisconsin, having lost to Northwestern this last weekend. The Badgers have had a roller coaster of a year, and it isn't over yet. I never put Wisconsin higher than 19 in my poll, and I finally am proving my point with that Wildcat loss.

Miami has their swagger back, as Michael said, and it's true. Look for them to rip the Badgers apart, with Wisconsin having one hot quarter.

Miami 37, Wisconsin 24

Meineke Car Care Bowl (ACC five vs. Big East three OR Notre Dame)—Dec. 26, Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina gets home field advantage in the Car Care Bowl. Maybe they planned the whole thing, and their loss this weekend was a conspiracy to get a bowl game at home...

Anyways, North Carolina has upset teams, and been upset. Facing off against them will be Pittsburgh. Pitt will miss out on the Gator after ending the season on a two game losing streak to West Virginia and Cincinnati. This means sweet revenge for the Panthers.

Pittsburgh 31, North Carolina 21

Emerald Bowl (ACC six vs. Pac-10 four)—Dec. 26, San Francisco, California

Finishing sixth place in the ACC will be Boston College. They haven't impressed me at all either, and it baffles me as to how they ended up with an 8-4 record. They killed two FCS teams, and it was all downhill from there.

Among the pathetic season of the Eagles were four near losses to Wake Forest, Florida State, Virginia, and now Maryland. They lost to a pathetic Notre Dame team for god's sake!

Against them will be a strong Pac-10 team. Whoever that is...things could go many ways. Oregon should win the Civil War. When that happens, the Beavers practically drop off the map. USC will go to the Holiday Bowl, and they can't go to the Sun Bowl again. That being the case, they beat Stanford so they go to the Emerald Bowl.

Oregon State should go to the Holiday Bowl as the second Pac-10 team. But instead they get ripped off and end up here.

The Beavers will shred apart the Eagles, it won't even be close.

Oregon State 52, Boston College 13

Music City Bowl (ACC seven vs. SEC six)—Dec. 27, Nashville, Tennessee

In seventh place for the ACC is Florida State. Bobby Bowden has one last year in a bowl game, and it'll be a good one even if it isn't a "big" game. They'll take on 7-5 Arkansas, a lethal Arkansas mind you.

LSU just about lost it to Arkansas, who just couldn't get it done in the end. The Razorbacks will be bloodthirsty, seeking revenge for missing out on a better game.

Arkansas has the tools, and has gone unnoticed this year. They could probably be a top 25 team in any other conference. But playing in the SEC has it's downsides.

Florida State will be headed into its last game with Bowden. There won't be anything but heart and soul from the kids out there. It'll be an emotional game on both sides, and this one could go either way. But in honor of their coach leaving, I think Florida State can pull it together one last time.

Florida State 38, Arkansas 31 (OT?)

There's the ACC predictions. Comment as you wish, no matter how hateful or loving. Please though, do give some credit to Sportscaster007, who was a big part of this.

Here's the Big 10 predictions by Sportscaster007. (Link will be here soon...)

Tomorrow...out come the Big East and Big 12 predictions by us once more. Followed by the Pac-10 and SEC picks on Wednesday, ending with the MWC and WAC picks on Thursday.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Georgia Tech vs Clemson: A Preview of the ACC Championship Game.

Jeffrey Fann — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:46:03 -0500

It's ACC Championship game week! It's Georgia Tech vs Clemson for the right to go the Orange Bowl. Both teams are coming off bitterly disappointing losses to their in state arch rivals. Georgia Tech lost 30-24 to the Georgia Bulldogs and the Clemson Tigers lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks 34-17. Despite the losses the two teams have had an exciting rivalry the last decade and this should be a close competitive game.

I don't think last Saturday's results will play much role in the upcoming game. Clemson hasn't shown the ability to power run this season the way Georgia did against Georgia Tech. Clemson will typically line the quarterback up in the shotgun, and run from that formation. For Clemson a stiff South Carolina defense stuffed them. Georgia Tech's defense has been inconsistent at best, and got sliced apart by the Bulldogs run game. Neither team is likely to take advantage of the other the way the Bulldogs and and Gamecocks did. So what do I see as the keys to the game?

How does Clemson handle Georgia Tech's triple option?

This is an interesting question. Clemson will be the first team to see Georgia Tech's offense twice in the same season and three times in the last 14 months. Certainly that will help the Tiger's preparation, but I also think that Yellow Jackets offense has become much more diverse in the last year. Josh Nesbitt is an improved passer and Paul Johnson is not afraid to throw it deep, specifically to all-ACC receiver Demaryius Thomas. The Tigers have looked disturbingly soft up the middle in recent weeks. Virginia and South Carolina had success running simple quarterback draws. Nesbitt suffered an apparent ankle injury against Georgia, and was out most of the 2nd quarter. When he returned he appeared around 80%-90%. He looked a step slow, but the Jackets could still move the ball. With all do respect to backup Jaybo Shaw if he plays the Jacket's can't win this game. He simply isn't much of a running threat, and Clemson's athletic ends Ricky Sapp and Da'quan Bowers can just sit on the edges.

Can Georgia Tech's defense stop Kyle Parker, C.J Spiller, and Clemson offense?

I don't think so. Early in the year the Clemson's offense was C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford, and an inexperienced Parker at QB. Since then TE Michael Palmer and WR Xavier Dye have become part of the passing offense. Andre Ellington can contribute at RB resting Spiller. The Georgia Tech defense had a some decent games giving only seven points to North Carolina and nine to Virginia, but in large part this unit has been a disappointment. I'm not sold on Dave Wommack as a defensive coordinator either. I have not been impressed with his job over the last two years. I'm not convinced he can come up with game plan that can slow the Clemson team. If the Tigers can handle Yellow Jacket DE Derrick Morgan, they'll be able to move the ball on Georgia Tech.

Ok neither team will be able to stop the other so what will be the difference?

Dabo Swinney has done a great job this year and is a very good motivator. As discussed he's improved the Clemson offense since early in the year, but it is stilled ranked only 74th in the nation. They will score points, but they can't match Paul Johnson's triple option offense. Miami has been the only team this season that's really slowed the Georgia Tech offense for a whole game. Paul Johnson is a master at in-game adjustments, and has never lost two games in row while at Georgia Tech. The Jacket's beat every team they lost to last year except LSU whom they didn't play. If you had success against him once he usually finds something the next time around. He hasn't lost to Clemson, but the Tigers have given Georgia Tech some very tough games. I give Paul Johnson the edge over Dabo Swinney in the coaching department and that will be the difference.

Throw it all out the window if Nesbitt can't go or is less than 80% for some reason. Let's assume Josh Nesbitt is fairly healthy which reports Monday say he is.

I like the Jackets in a moderately high scoring affair 31-27.

This article is also featured at All About Sports .

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Confessions of An Anxious Gator Fan

Mike Casella — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:15:56 -0500

I'm nervous. As a Gator fan that is. See, I've been around for awhile. Ever heard the Florida Gators referred to as the "Choking Gators?"

Unless you're over the age of 35, probably not. Heard of "Run, Lindsey Run!?" Again, probably not. But I have.

I've seen the other side of Florida football. Know all too well that the well hasn't always been as deep as so many perceive it to be. But believe me, I'm nervous.

Saturday, the Florida Gators will play (again) in the SEC championship game against Alabama. The Gators have been playing with fire all year. Too many close calls. Too many bad calls. And too many questionable calls that have the naysayers questioning the validity of Florida's number one ranking. Trouble scoring in the red zone all year. No big down field threat. Tebow overrated. Offensive line giving up too many sacks. And on. Heard all of it.

I'm afraid of the bell tolling this Saturday. The prospect of losing to Nick Saban (and Alabama) is nauseating. We don't like Nick Saban. Maybe he reminds us of ourselves.

But he's the bad guy, so we can justify our displeasure.

My Gator friends probably wouldn't come as clean as I'm doing right now. Too much pride, hubris, and maybe not enough humility. But I'm nervous.

I know what'll happen on Saturday. I'll act like I'm just going to watch the game.

"It's just a game," I'll say.

But I know better. It's way more than that. I realize the emotional attachment I have to my team and the investment sitting down to watch the whole game entails. But I'll have to.

My kids will have to understand. They know what daddy is like once the Gators come on. The yelling. The nervousness. The hair-pulling. It's never easy.

Never.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Week 14 College Football Picks From WhatIfSports.com

WhatIfSports.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:53:00 -0500

Each Monday morning, we will preview every college football DI FBS game of the upcoming week. All of our college football content, including our most recent power rankings and links to the pre-season preview are located here.

The inputs to the 10,000 simulations of these games are based on a rigorous analysis of each team that considers strength-of-schedule-adjusted team and player ratings and then makes modifications for injuries and depth at each position. To see other picks like our Upset and Locks of the Week, as well as our season-to-date performance, click here.

Game of the Week: No. 1 Florida 26 vs. No. 3 Alabama 21
The game will decide the conference champion. It will go a long way in helping determine a national champion.

We've been officially awaiting the Florida-Alabama SEC Championship for a couple of weeks. Unofficially, the wait has listed much longer than that. Now the battle between two top-three teams for one spot in the national title game is here.

Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow led the Gators to another undefeated regular season, closing it out with an impressive 37-10 victory over rival Florida State on Saturday.

Since a narrow three-point win over Arkansas on Oct. 17, the Gators each of their next six by at least 10 points and three of their last four by at least 24.

Behind Tim Tebow and Jeffrey Demps–each with at least 700 yards on the ground–Florida has one of the top rushing offenses in the country. The Gators are one of 15 teams in the country averaging more than five yards per carry, picking up 5.60 yards per touch on the ground.

Florida’s passing attack may not look that devastating in terms of yards per game, but in terms of yards per play.

Only nine teams in the nation average more yards per pass attempt than the Gators’ 8.79. Together, the balanced attack leads the Gators to a top-10 offense overall. The Gators rank 7th in the nation, averaging 6.77 yards per offensive play.

Florida's defense is just as, if not more, impressive.

Just 12 teams in the country give up less than three yards per carry and the Gators are one of them, giving up just 2.90 yards per touch on the ground. They're tops in the country in terms of passing yards allowed per game and rank third in yards per attempt, giving up just 5.16 yards per toss.

All together, those numbers give them one of the top four defenses in the nation. Just four teams give up less than four yards per play and Florida ranks fourth amongst them–behind only TCU, Alabama and Texas.

Yes, you read that right, that list includes the Crimson Tide, giving this game two of the premier defenses in the nation.

Tebow and Co. will likely see their stiffest challenge of the season as Alabama brings the No. 2 defense in terms of yards per play–3.87. How'd they get to that number?

Well, the Tide hasn't had that much trouble. They rank second in the country in terms of rushing yards per game and fourth in terms of yards per rush, giving up just 2.62 yards per carry on the ground.

Against the pass, Bama is even better. Best in the country, perhaps, and they have the numbers– they're giving up a nation's best 5.06 yards per attempt–to prove it.

Offensively, Alabama hasn't been quite as consistent, but it still has one of the best offenses in the nation. They scored just 12 points and had to squeak out a victory over Tennessee last month.

Even last week, they had to avoid the upset bug again, holding off Auburn with a late drive by just five points.

With Heisman candidate Make Ingram at running back–and he's expected to play this week–the Tide are also in the group of 15 teams averaging more than five yards per carry.

Quarterback Greg McElroy hasn’t always turned heads–see most of the Auburn game–but his numbers, 2,200 yards, 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions, are pretty darn good.

The Tide’s passing numbers aren’t as great as Florida's numbers, but they mimic the Gators'.

Their yards per game leave Bama with a much lower-ranked passing attack in terms of yards per game, but in terms of yards per pass attempt–7.39–it does just fine.

Combined, the Tide still averages more than six yards per play, but will need to pick it up from their performance last week to stand a chance against Florida.

Speaking of that chance, our computers give Alabama a 38.6 percent shot at taking down the nation's longest winning streak. In 10,000 simulations of the SEC Championship Game, the Gators win 61.4 percent of the time, but by less than a touchdown at an average score of 26-21.

Other Notable Games in Week 14
It's all about earning a spot in the Bowl Championship Series.

Nobody is giving Nebraska much of a chance to keep Texas from likely joining the SEC champion in the national title game and the computer doesn't like the Huskers very much, either. The Longhorns go to 13-0 and virtually ensure a Pasadena spot 85.7 percent of the time, doubling up the Huskers.

Will Boise State join TCU, giving mid-majors two spots in the BCS?

The Broncos' game with New Mexico State likely won't make a difference in that argument unless the Aggies pull the upset of the year. And that's highly unlikely–try about a five percent chance.

In the Pac-10, it's Oregon and Oregon State deciding who will join Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. The rivalry game is decided by a touchdown as the Ducks join the BCS party about 69.1 percent of the time with a 28-20 home victory.

In the Big East, Pittsburgh lost last week but can still steal a spot in the BCS by beating undefeated Cincinnati. The Bearcats have to travel to Pitt, but still remain undefeated nearly 70 percent of the time, though it's by just five points.

And both Georgia Tech and Clemson lost last week as well, perhaps overlooking those games with this one on the horizon. They'll still get to play for their spot in the BCS and it's the Yellow Jackets winning on the road more than 68 percent of the time, but by just four points.

To see other picks like our Upset of the Week and Lock of the Week, as well as our season-to-date performance, click here.

College Football Week 14
Matchup	Win%	Avg Score
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets	68.1	30
vs Clemson Tigers	31.9	26
South Florida Bulls	31.9	20
@ Connecticut Huskies	68.1	30
Cincinnati Bearcats	68.1	35
@ Pittsburgh Panthers	31.9	30
West Virginia Mountaineers	76.5	28
@ Rutgers Scarlet Knights	23.5	20
Fresno State Bulldogs	67.3	34
@ Illinois Fighting Illini	32.7	29
Ohio Bobcats	25.1	14
vs Central Michigan Chippewas	74.9	24
Arizona Wildcats	27.9	20
@ USC Trojans	72.1	30
Oregon State Beavers	30.9	20
@ Oregon Ducks	69.1	28
California Golden Bears	95.0	35
@ Washington Huskies	5.0	17
Alabama Crimson Tide	38.6	21
vs Florida Gators	61.4	26
New Mexico State Aggies	5.0	10
@ Boise State Broncos	95.0	59
San Jose State Spartans	12.0	12
@ Louisiana Tech Bulldogs	88.0	30
Wisconsin Badgers	82.1	35
@ Hawaii Warriors	17.9	24
Army Black Knights	16.3	13
vs Navy Midshipmen*	83.7	28
Arkansas State Red Wolves	86.1	26
@ Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	13.9	13
Nebraska Cornhuskers	14.3	13
vs Texas Longhorns	85.7	26
East Carolina Pirates	26.3	23
vs Houston Cougars	73.7	31
Florida Atlantic Owls	76.1	27
@ Florida International Golden Panthers	23.9	17

*Game played 12/12/09.

Ever wanted to be in be in charge of your own college football program? With Gridiron Dynasty from WhatIfSports.com, you have a chance to do just that. From recruiting and running practice to gameplanning and scheduling - it is all under your control. Start at DIII and try to work your way up to winning the DI championship at your favorite school.

Eric Schmoldt is a writer for WhatIfSports.com, a division of FOX Sports Interactive specializing in NCAA Matchup analysis and college football sim games. With any comments, questions or topic suggestions, Paul and Eric can be reached at BtB@whatifsports.com. Thanks!

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Nebraska and Texas in Big 12 Championship: Let's Get It On

Bugeatersteve Stuchlik — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:30:42 -0500

Last time I checked, the field is 100 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide. The goal posts are 10 yards in back of the goal line and the cross bar of the goal post is 10 feet above the playing surface. Each team gets to play 11 players each for any given play.

I also believe the game is still divided into four 15-minute quarters with an approximate 15-minute intermission between the second and third quarter. One team was expected to be here from the beginning of the season, the other, well you know the story.

I think that you get my point; yes this could be considered a prime example of the “David vs. Goliath”, the “us against the world” type of match-up. Even with the coaches you have the ultimate “gosh golly I can’t believe we are here” persona of Mac Brown going up against “the peoples' champion”, the peoples' coach wearing a gray sweatshirt and pair of slacks, smacking gum so furiously that you worry that he might bite the tip of his tongue off.

Everyone has agreed that this was a down year for the Big 12, only UT has lived up to its pre-season hype. So the Big 12 is putting all of its marbles into the UT bag and its senior leader quarterback Colt McCoy (now is that a perfect name for a quarterback from Texas or what?).

If the Huskers manage someway of winning this game, what does that do to the neat tidy package called the BCS? The Huskers win and then what, TCU in the national championship game? What do the TV kings do with that scenario?

Think about it for a second.

You can bet that the 20 kids from Texas on the Huskers' roster would love nothing more than to come to Arlington this Saturday and walk away from Jerry Jones’ new Xanadu play ground with the bragging rights for the upcoming summer back home.

I have to admit to y’all that I do live here in Texas. I have been here in the Houston area for almost 40 years now, since the second Devaney championship back in 1971, so I know quite a bit about Texas football. Yes, it is true that many high school stadiums down here hold 20-25,000 fans.

It is also true that all Mac Brown has to do is basically open UT’s doors and 20-30 of the top high school players are heading at breakneck speed to get into the program every single year.

They do respect the football played up in Lincoln also, especially since Bo arrived two years ago. They know the game well and recognize that what is happening in Huskernation is a force to be reckoned with, both Saturday and for years to come.

What Pelini and his staff have done in his two seasons in Lincoln is truly amazing. He took over a defense that was ranked (if you can call it ranked) in the hundreds in almost all defensive categories and is now ranked in the top 20 in those same categories with basically the same players.

The Huskers also have their own “Goliath” in Ndamukong Suh. Former defensive coordinator Charlie McBride has called Suh one of the best of all time at Nebraska. This comes from a coach who helped mold players such as Grant Winstrom, Trev Alberts, Jared Tomich, Jason Peter, and Mike Brown.

McBride pointed out that besides the athletic ability that Suh possesses, is the fact that he never takes a play off. Suh draws double teams, triple teams and he still makes plays, he is consistent play after play. That is what make Suh special.

To coin another old adage, the Huskers have a puncher's chance this Saturday in Arlington Texas against the vaunted Texas Longhorns. All we have to do is to play a game similar to the game against Oklahoma—low risk, time and field position, basically, to “dance with who brung ya” as Bum Phillips used to say.

History tells us that the Longhorns have owned us since the formation of the Big 12 and Mac Browns arrival in Austin.

But all history is, is a collection of “what has happened” not what is going to happen. They will play the game on Saturday, even if the Longhorns are favored to move on to the national championship game.

Favorites have been upset in the Big 12 championship game before, just ask Oklahoma in 2000 and 2003 or the Huskers in 1996—the first year of the Big 12 championship—when the third-ranked Huskers took on the unranked Texas Longhorns and lost 37-27.

I am not going to make a prediction on this game Saturday night. I am only going to hope that we play with fire, effort and determination and at the end of the game, we all should remember one thing.

It is “not the victory but the action. Not the goal but the game. In the deed the glory”. GBR!

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

For West Virginia, a Win Is a Win Is a Win, but Look a Little Deeper

Tim McGhee — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:36:38 -0500

Looking a little deeper at the West Virginia win over ninth-ranked Pittsburgh is essential to understanding the current state of the Mountaineer football program.

Here are the good points

WVU is 8-3, and fans are disappointed. When I was in college back during the Paleolithic era in 1975, the Mounties were 8-3, went to the Peach Bowl, and we were giddy. Expectations have risen that much, and that isn't anything but good.

West Virginia wins ugly, but wins indeed. South Florida kicked Mountaineer booty, but WVU played ugly games and was in those games at Auburn and Cincinnati until the end.

There were more tears on the West Virginia sidelines after last week's Pittsburgh game than at an all-women's Autumn in New York film festival. Seems the players have bought into coach Bill Stewart and his brand of inspiration.

Stew coached his heart out and lost his voice, similar to Dave Wannstedt throwing his crutches in '07.

Quarterback Jarrett Brown is a true winner, a good-looking man who has spent time on the catwalk, but a simply ugly QB. The only times he played poorly this season were a few minutes at Auburn and while he was feeling the effects of getting his brain sloshed around. Against Cincinnati, he was a champ.

Some knowledgeable fans want Jarrett to move on and get the more talented Geno Smith out there. Even though WVU will do well with Eugene, I think West Virginia will miss the big man's guts and leadership.

However, we can't ignore the bad

Don Nehlen coached a tried and true I-back offense setting up home runs. Rich Rodriguez stayed within an offensive system he developed. However, Bill Stewart coaches offense by his gut, moved by a feeling he doesn't even understand.

Stew's offensive philosophy extends to his defensive strategy. His propensity to not be able to satisfactorily explain what the hell is going on frustrates fans.

The head man got a signature win, but a) it was at home, and b) will the real Bill Stull please stand up?

Nehlen got his signature road win in his 23rd regular season game against No. 9 Oklahoma (sorry, Florida, bowls don't count). Rich Rod reeled his in at Blacksburg against No. 17 Virginia Tech toward the end of his second season. Even after being oh-so-close at Auburn and Cincinnati, Stew has yet to pull it off. It's important.

The assistants aren't coaching. No one has told Jarrett Brown how to run a three-step, five-step progression passing offense, thereby squandering the uber talents of the receivers as well as Jarrett's cannon arm. And what's up with the corners?

Speaking of the corners, the safeties have to roll over to help, leaving the linebackers to stop the run. Occasionally, a blitz or two works, but a defense this badass should be able to send four or five whenever it wishes.

Finally, where are the solid tackling of the Rich Rod days and the shutdown special teams Nehlen used to field?

What does this all mean?

West Virginia football will not enjoy national significance until the assistants get it together, gather the highly ranked recruits around, and teach some basics. Only then will Stewart's intuitive Jedi Kung Fu Lao-Tsu Tao Te Tseng approach to college football work.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

College Football: Baby's Losers for the First Week of December

BabyTate — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:37:30 -0500

The first week of December provides the opportunity to watch numerous championship games while jockeying for bowl position continues at a high level.

Baby's Losers

1. The Civil War: Oregon State @ Oregon (*See Important Note Below)

There are some games that are always full of adventure, excitement, and surprises. The Civil War is one such game, which is why we feel it is necessary to include this match in the predictions and picks for the week.

Former Alabama star cornerback Mike Riley will have his Beavers ready to repay the Ducks for knocking them out of the Rose Bowl in '08.

Baby's Loser: in a thriller, Oregon State

2. Big 12 Championship Game: Texas vs. Nebraska in Arlington, Texas

Colt McCoy will secure his Heisman Trophy with a victory over the Cornhuskers, but this will not be easy. Expect Nebraska to hold the Longhorns to 21 points or less.

Baby's Loser: Nebraska

3. ACC Title Game: Georgia Tech vs. Clemson in Tampa, Florida

Clemson had every intention of winning this game until Steve Spurrier showed the world how to control C.J. Spiller last week in Carolina's 17-point win over the Tigers.

Baby's Loser: Clemson

4. Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Everyone wants another unbeaten team to go to the BCS. In this corner we have a supporter of Pitt all year, but can they score enough to defeat Cincinnati?

Baby's Loser: close, Pittsburgh

5. Arizona @ Southern California

Respect for sportsmanship would not be a description of what Pete Carroll did to UCLA in the final minute of their game last week. The Wildcats had best be prepared.

Baby's Loser: Arizona

6. California @ Washington

Before the Huskies are written off here, look at the situation: The Bears are set to go bowling and have little incentive.

Sarkisian just might have UW ready for an upset.

Baby's Loser: tight, Washington

7. Wisconsin @ Hawaii

One of the reasons the Outback Bowl is hesitant to invite the Badgers is because of this game and the possible impact on attendance a month later in Florida.

Baby's Loser: Hawaii

Saturday's Tough One

8. Conference USA Championship Game: Houston @ East Carolina

Skip Holtz is being talked about as a coaching possibility for many of the positions that are opening. He'll have his Pirates ready, but the Cougar offense is too formidable.

Baby's Loser: East Carolina

Game of the Week

9. SEC Title Game: Florida vs. Alabama in Atlanta, Ga.

The teams in this clash are equal and know everything about each other.

Alabama has a true advantage in their ability to create and convert turnovers. The Crimson Tide players think they can beat Florida, but the Gator players know they can beat Alabama. That just could be the difference.

Let's go with history to repeat itself.

Baby's Loser: Alabama

Last week, Baby Tate went 6-3, missing Ga.Tech, Pitt, and Ok.St. (84-33 for the year)

9-0: No One

8-1: Zodiac, Kimberley, Ga Dawg, Taylor B., Connor, Jared, Boulder, and Fanatic.

7-2: Michael C., 007, Kevin M., Alex, Daniel H., Tom O., Scott R., Ryan H., Carl S., Mark F., Jim M., and Sean.

6-3: Baby Tate, Ronnie, 12, Dan B., Tim C., Brandon H., Daniel S., Kent, Mosang, Iceman, Mark S. Bill B., Cliff, Ryan, Blake B., and Tyler L.

5-4: Hokie Hogg, Matt S., James W.

Below Baby Tate's Mendoza Line: Red Raider, Ryan R., Josh M., and Wil

Congratulations to Kimberley who had her finest week ever as her beloved Bulldogs put it to Ga. Tech on national TV.

Same for Ga Dawg. We see he is feeling his oats this week with a fine article recapping the burning of Atlanta.

This is one of the best results record-wise we've seen as an overall group. I'm certain Zodiac will claim that he is responsible.

A tip of the hat to the first-timers who all did well.

Taylor, Connor, and Jared outdid themselves with their fine work during holiday week.

We had 43 participants for this past week. Keep up the great work.

A note of thanks to Bill B. who spent the week telling everyone how Georgia would beat Ga Tech.

*Note: In view of the importance of the Oregon State-Oregan clash, (and since it is the final week of the regular season) let's make an exception this one time only and include a weeknight game. Please have all of our picks in by Thursday night, prior to the Civil War kickoff at 9PM Eastern Standard Time.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Bowling Green-Toledo: Falcons' Three-Pronged Attack Dooms Rockets, 38-24

Drew Gatewood — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:44:30 -0500

The three-headed monster of Tyler Sheehan, Freddie Barnes, and Willie Geter struck again, this time with the Toledo Rockets as its victim. Bowling Green advanced to 7-5 overall and 6-2 in conference with its 38-24 win over Toledo.

Tyler Sheehan had a quiet day in comparison to his usual output, only throwing for two touchdowns and 137 yards. Freddie Barnes had nine receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns, while Willie Geter had 16 carries for 114 yards and three touchdowns. These scoring efforts helped bury any possible Rockets comeback in the second half.

The Falcons have finished their regular season and now await their bowl seating which, at 7-5, should be favorable for them. Their conference record is fourth best amongst MAC teams.

Bowling Green may become the beneficiary to the Big Ten’s inability to fill its eight bowl seeds. Current bowl projections have Bowling Green facing Southern Miss in the Eagle Bank Bowl. Other possible bowl games may include the Pizza Bowl, Humanitarian Bowl, and the St. Petersburg Bowl.

Freddie Barnes is only four receptions short of a bowl subdivision record. He currently has 138 receptions for 1551 yards and 16 touchdowns. He would certainty break this record during whichever bowl game Bowling Green gets into.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

The Terrible 10: College Football's Biggest Disappointments (Nov. 29)

Drew Gatewood — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:17:04 -0500

10) Rice (2-10)

Houston scored 73 points on them, which is the highest team total for any team all season.

9) Maryland (2-10)

How did the Terrapins manage to beat Clemson?

8) San Jose State (2-9)

They got a win this week, better not do it again or they’ll find their way off this list.

7) Vanderbilt (2-10)

They’re 0-8 in the SEC, with their only wins coming over powerhouses Rice and Western Carolina. Nice season, Vandy.

6) Ball State (2-10)

The Cardinals finished up by squeaking out a win against Western Michigan.

5) Washington State (1-11)

The once proud Cougars are little more than house cats these days.

4) New Mexico (1-11)

They finished strong by loosing to TCU 51-10.

3) Miami Ohio (1-11)

The Redhawks have finished a dreadful season with their only win being a 31-24 game against Toledo. The bad news for next season is that they scheduled Florida for the first game.

2) Western Kentucky (0-11)

Arkansas State is all that stands between them and perfection. Or imperfection. Whatever.

1) Eastern Michigan (0-12)

It’s going to be hard to unseat the Princes of Pathetic as they finished with a perfect the season.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Georgia Strikes Back: Ealey and King Lead Bulldogs Over Tech

Josh Rutledge — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:53:17 -0500

That was big.

Left for dead by critics and fans, the Georgia Bulldogs showed up Saturday night and notched one of the biggest wins of the decade for the program, knocking off No. 7 Georgia Tech 30-24.

Yes, the Bulldogs still walked away with a 7-5 record, but this game wasn't about records. This was about a Georgia program that had been bleeding ever since Alabama sliced up the Bulldogs over a year ago.

Since that game, Georgia had been manhandled by it's rivals. Since that game, the Bulldogs had posted huge losses to Florida, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, LSU and others.

Not once had Georgia stepped up in a big game and defeated a superior or equal opponent. Every win since that point had been to inferior opponents.

That finally changed on Saturday.

Georgia Tech was at home, coming off two weeks of rest. Georgia was a week removed from one of the most embarrassing performances in the program history.

The script was already written for this game. Georgia's much maligned defense would be physically abused by the No. 2 rushing game in the country.

This was Georgia Tech's season. This was Paul Johnson's year. Georgia Tech was on the rise. Georgia was on the decline.

Instead, Georgia turned the tables on it's biggest rival, pounding Georgia Tech. It would have been different if Georgia had simply out-gimmicked Tech.

Far from it. Georgia simply bullied Tech. From the very first play, Georgia threw their playbook out onto the field. It was a simple strategy. Run right at the Tech defense. And then do it again. And again. And again.

All night long, Georgia physically dominated their in-state rivals, playing the kind of game Tech was supposed to play.

The game was about pride for Georgia. Before the game, Paul Johnson had tried to calm the storm, claiming the Tech program was something bigger than just a year-long rivalry against Georgia.

That's a clever way of saying Tech has surpassed Georgia and is on to bigger and better things. Georgia brought them back to reality.

Now, it's on. Georgia Tech called out Georgia last year, and then expected the Bulldogs to play dead this year. Georgia responded in a big way.

A true Georgia knows how big of a game that was Saturday night. That was about pride, a type of pride Georgia hasn't shown in year.

Pushed to the brink, Georgia was about to be officially dropped to the floor. A lot was on the line, more than people might realize. And Georgia responded.

Who knows what will happen next year. A lot of big questions are still on the table.

But last night proved one thing. Blooded and bruised, Georgia wants another round.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

The SEC Championship Games: What Each Must Do and Not Do to Win

Larry Burton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:38:23 -0500

For Florida:

The Must Do's

They must make the passing game work because the running game won't. Everybody thinks they have the team that can run against Alabama and yet nobody has, so the passing game must work.

They must let Tim Tebow be Tim Tebow. Don't force him into a game plan that he's not comfortable with, let him run the offense. After all, hasn't he proven he IS the offense?

They must cover Julio Jones with two men or lose. Julio Jones can turn an eight yard out into a 45-yard touchdown because he's hard to bring down one on one.

They must pressure Greg McElroy. He is virtually unsung outside of Alabama fandom, but, if given time, Greg McElroy can be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in all of college football.

Teams that sell out to stop the run have found this out for themselves.

The Must Not's

They must not let Javier Arenas beat them, and he's perfectly capable of doing so in a close game. Kick away from him and kick out of bounds or risk catastrophe.

They must not forget about Alabama's deep ball. Alabama's percentage of completing long balls of 40 yards or more is among the highest in the nation. Marquis Maze has world class speed and can get a step on any back Florida puts against him. Julio Jones makes doubling this threat a real nightmare.

They must not allow Alabama to get the running game going. This only sets up a passing game that is even deadlier when the play calling is balanced.

Lastly, they must not allow Alabama touchdowns in the red zone. This has been a struggle for Alabama all season and Florida should not allow them to find the cure this weekend.

For Alabama:

The Do's

They must be patient with the run. Florida wears down on defense and with Alabama's ability to keep pounding with fresh backs they must keep the defense honest and keep running.

Greg McElroy must bring his A game. He has already seen some of the best defenses in the country this year, now he sees the best not in Crimson uniforms. It helps he can practice against one just as good, but he needs to relax and look for second and third option receivers as Florida is sure to blanket Julio.

Alabama must designate on defensive player to Tim Tebow on every play that will follow him everywhere but the Florida sideline and bathroom. They must stop Tim Tebow from being a running back.

Alabama must score touchdowns in the red zone as this will be a close game and every point scored could be the difference.

The Must Not's

They must not give too many cracks to Jeffrey Demps, that's all he needs to bust one to the endzone. Doing this for four quarters will be as tough a task as Alabama has faced all year.

Alabama must not give up punt and kick returns to give Florida good starting field position. This team is dangerous enough when starting from the 20 and Alabama has shown a tendency to let the coverage teams dig them a hole.

They must not sell out in wholesale blitzes without leaving one man to contain Tim Tebow should he avoid the initial rush. Tebow kills teams more with his feet and third down conversions running than his passing.

Alabama must not let Florida jump out to an early lead while they start in their usual lethargic manner. Alabama can not count on wearing Florida down as they have other teams.

And as football fans there is one thing we must not do, we must not miss a minute of this game. It has all the makings of a great game.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Julio Jones Is Key To 'Bama Success Against Florida

Will Holt — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:10:32 -0500

Tim Tebow is considered by many to be one of the greatest college football players of all-time and Mark Ingram is regarded by many as the leading candidate for the 2009 Heisman Trophy.

Both players will undoubtedly leave their mark on the SEC Championship game, but neither will provide an impact like Julio Jones.

That's right.

The 6-4, 211-pound sophomore from Foley, Alabama will not only make himself a household name, but he will lead Alabama to the National Championship game.

The Gators and Crimson Tide each have stout run defenses that rank in the top 10 nationally so don't expect either team to run the rock very well in the Georgia Dome.

Neither team is going to abandon the run, but if they want to come up with clutch plays the passing game will prove to be the difference.

Tebow is a great player and has an unbelievable will to win and is a tremendous leader.

Few will argue against that.

Many will argue he is not a great passer.

Some will point out his poor footwork, long release, or anything else his critics want to throw in there.

The truth may actually lie in the fact that Tebow does not have a great receiving corps.

Aaron Hernandez has a ton of talent and he proved it against Florida State. Unfortunately for Gators fans, the Crimson Tide have a great defense that is physical and fast and should matchup well against the stud tight end.

Florida also boasts an incredibly talented defense that many consider to be the fastest in the nation.

This is where Jones steps in and ultimately helps 'Bama roll to a victory in the SEC Championship.

"(Julio Jones has) played better and better these last few games. He's healthy now, he's playing fast, he's practicing better," Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. "Hopefully, we can get him the ball down the field a little bit more and he can make some big plays."

Don't be shocked to see 'Bama try to test an over-aggressive Florida defense and use the speed of Jones to pull off some those big plays downfield.

Florida will most likely crowd the line of scrimmage, limit Ingram, and dare Greg McElroy to beat them.

The only way McElroy can beat Florida is through Jones.

He may seem like an unexpected hero, but after the entire country watches him play you will hear the casual college fan say, "Who is this kid and where did he come from?"

He will be the envy of every Gators fan and they will wish they had a receiver with his speed and ability.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Against Texas for the Big 12 Title, The Huskers Are in Trouble

Scott Hansen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:42:28 -0500

Nebraska fans need to be realistic. Those heading down to Arlington, Texas next weekend for the Big 12 Championship to encounter unbeaten Texas are in for a rude awakening.

Of course, a Husker shocker would be fantastic. A Husker win would make the Big 12 look more pathetic than it already is in the national frame of mind, but Nebraska beating the Longhorns on the Big 12’s grandest stage is nothing more than a long shot at best.

Nebraska’s defense, at times, has been great. Holding Oklahoma to three points in over 100 offensive snaps is admirable. But this is Texas.

Texas has the most experienced quarterback in the country in potential Heisman Trophy winner Colt McCoy.

Nebraska has faced a plethora of non-experienced signal callers the entire season. Texas has second- and third-teamers the Huskers would love to get their hands on.

Nebraska has two key true freshmen from Texas in backup quarterback Cody Green and surging running back Rex Burkhead, players that Texas didn’t want. That’s the difference in 2009 between Lincoln and Austin.

Instead of recruiting against Texas and Oklahoma for the best The Lone Star State has to offer, Nebraska gets the players Texas and Oklahoma doesn't want.

Texas is miles ahead of Nebraska. Even Oklahoma is miles ahead of the Huskers despite its 6-5 record this season, and anybody else in the Big 12 North for that matter. The Big 12 North, quite frankly, is a joke.

Nebraska’s offense is paltry. Zac Lee—another player local press such as the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star overhyped before the season even started—is not even the best quarterback in the Big 12 North.

In fact, Nebraska would have a better chance to beat Texas if Green were to get the start next Saturday due to his running ability.

True, Texas A&M scored 39 points and found some holes in the Texas defense. But the Aggies have a far better offense than Nebraska’s one-dimensional three-times-up-the-gut-and-punt attack.

If Nebraska struggles to run the football against lowly Colorado, what do you think will happen against the athletes Texas has on defense?

When kicker/punter Alex Henery is one of your best offensive weapons, Nebraska doesn’t belong on the same field as Texas.

Everybody with eyes knows Nebraska’s defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive player in college football. Suh may even be the best Nebraska defensive player since Rich Glover, but Suh is just one man.

For as good as he is, Suh can be stopped. And if there is an offensive line in college football that would be able to handle Suh one-on-one, it’s the one that belongs to Texas. Texas is a different element Nebraska has not seen this season.

McCoy is great, giving the Longhorns a probable Heisman winner despite his numbers being drastically down from 2008 when McCoy finished second in the race behind Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford.

Nebraska doesn’t have a defensive back in its arsenal that can stop either Jordan Shipley or James Kirkendoll.

Shipley should be a Heisman candidate in his own right, catching 99 passes in 12 games this season for 1,292 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Kirkendoll has reeled in four of his six touchdown grabs in the past two games for Texas. It’s a bad matchup for the Nebraska defense.

Nebraska should be able to make Texas’ running game non-existent. Tre Newton leads the Longhorns with 477 rushing yards this season, but averages 5.7 yards per carry.

McCoy is second on the team with 368 yards thanks to his near 200-yard effort against A&M.

But that’s the problem. Texas can survive solely through the air and force as many mismatches at Texas Tech did against Nebraska in a 31-10 victory in Lincoln earlier this season. McCoy and all of his weapons in the passing game will likely pummel Nebraska’s secondary.

There is more to Texas’ receiving corps than just Shipley and Kirkendoll. Malcolm Williams, Dan Buckner, John Chiles, and Marquise Goodwin have combined for 135 catches and 10 touchdowns.

Nebraska’s secondary is not that deep and it is where Texas’ advantage over the Huskers goes off the charts. Nebraska's defense has feasted off playing poor offensive units, with the exception of Texas Tech.

Texas has the ability to hit the home run with no less than six different options in the passing game. Nebraska’s best defensive back is a heavy hitter in Larry Asante.

Nebraska is susceptible deep, which the Blackshirts have proven time and time again against Virginia Tech, Missouri, and even in the last play of Friday’s 28-20 victory over Colorado.

Nebraska earned the Big 12 North title and should be happy with that and a possible trip to either the Cotton Bowl or the Holiday Bowl. If Nebraska goes to the Holiday Bowl and faces a program like Stanford, it is a game Nebraska should have no problem winning.

There are three good teams in 2009 in BCS conferences, those are Alabama, Florida, and Texas. After those three, everything else is up for debate and is nothing more than a jumbled mess.

When programs such as TCU, Boise State, and Cincinnati all have valid arguments to get into a BCS game, it shows you how screwed up college football has been this season.

Give Nebraska coach Bo Pelini and his staff a lot of credit for turning the fortunes around following losses at home to Texas Tech and Iowa State.

The season could have spiraled out of control in Lincoln, but Pelini righted the ship quickly to win a watered-down Big 12 North.

Nebraska could be good enough in 2010 to win the entire Big 12. But not in 2009 against this Texas team with one of the better quarterbacks ever to come out of the Big 12 in McCoy.

It’s just a bad matchup for the Huskers. Texas should win this game by at least two touchdowns and storm into the BCS National Championship Game with a good chance to win it.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama Crimson Tide Survives in Last Stand: Perfect Outcome in Long Run

Hank Gray — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:37:53 -0500

I will begin this article by giving my respect to the Auburn Tigers and Gene Chizik. They could not have been coached better, and they could not have played with more heart than they did against a VERY good Alabama team.

They came out and ran many trick plays that brought success, and left Alabama with a fourteen point deficit five minutes into the game. Their fans remained in the game for all four quarters, and played a big part in their success.

I owe that to the Auburn Tigers, they shocked the nation

Now, on to the team that took a bullet to the chest, but was able to tough it out and get the victory. The Alabama Crimson Tide did not play their best game, which is obvious to everyone that has a clue about football.

Auburn had Heisman Hopeful Mark Ingram's number, holding him to 30 yards rushing.

Many had a sick feeling in their gut when they saw Mark Ingram's stats.

I began to, but ended up grinning in satisfaction

As Ingram got wiped off the map, freshman Trent Richardson stepped up and proved that he could produce when it was crunch time. Although it is not proven in the stats, Richardson played an important role in the Tide's victory

Julio Jones had been hiding for most of the season, but he came ready to play against Auburn

Julio is a great receiver, but he is almost guaranteed to drop a pass or two almost every game. He made several key catches that led Alabama to a win over Auburn

All doubt in Greg McElroy has been removed, and he proved that he can lead a comeback. He may not put up unbelievable numbers, but he gets the job done

Next week, Alabama is scheduled to face off against top ranked Florida

I believe that the Auburn game reminded Alabama that if they do not show up to play, they will have their rear-ends handed to them

A huge victory over Auburn would have got them on a high, and possibly lead them to believe that they are flawless

Now, they will be a lot more focused, and hopefully will bring their "A" game

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Notre Dame Optimism: Life After Charlie, Golden, and Jimmy

Marc Halsted — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:26:48 -0500

The sun has begun to set on the 2009 Notre Dame season, but not before the storm clouds set in this past week over the futures of Charlie Weis, Jack Swarbrick, Jimmy Clausen, and Golden Tate.

Weis could be fired, Tate and Clausen could choose the NFL, and Swarbrick could have the unenviable task of choosing the next hybrid head coach with all the required qualities of Holtz, Ara, and Knute.

And the rest of the story isn't much better.

A defeat at Stanford will be a 6-6 season of epic disappointment. Notre Dame will be accused of no longer being a true national player. Experts will claim that the Irish will start from scratch, and that the echoes will be little more than faint murmurs as the long road to revival begins anew in 2010.

News of the Irish demise will be everywhere. And the vaunted expertise of Mark May, Tony Barnhart, and Chris Fowler must be right, right?

Wrong. Dead wrong.

We can spend the next few weeks and months lamenting the Weis "coaching internship," the buyout numbers, NFL draft futures, and all the national fallout that ESPN and other relevant media outlets can use to promote the next segment, show, or talking head showdown.

But that’s not what Irish fans, and ND haters, need to hear. They need to hear that the future of Notre Dame is bright. They need to hear that the Irish will win nine games next year. They need to hear that the spirit, tradition, and current talent pool of the University of Notre Dame football program is too great to falter.

Let’s start with the presumption that Weis, Clausen, and Tate are gone for 2010. Let’s go as far as assuming the worst on the defense and that uber-linebacker Manti Te’o heads out on his Mormon mission.

Thanks to Coach Weis, there’s still plenty in the cupboard.

A new coach who comes in with either a pro-style attack, or a basic functional college offense will have a five-star, nationally renowned quarterback in Dayne Crist.

Now effectively a junior, and rapidly recovering from a knee injury suffered four weeks ago, the talented Mr. Crist will be full-go for spring ball and locked in on the mission of proving that there is life after Jimmy. ND's new No. 10 completed his last pass of significance with a laser-beam touchdown pass to John Goodman against Washington State that covered 64-yards and gave thousands of Irish fans a glimpse of the future.

From Crist it gets better. Michael Floyd, another five-star recruit, is one of the most diverse and talented receiving threats in the college game today averaging more yards per game than Golden Tate and nearly one touchdown for every five catches.

Shaquelle Evans, Deon Walker, and Goodman bring four-star status and plenty of depth to the receiver position. Add in Kyle Rudolph, another highly regarded threat from the storied Notre Dame tightend tradition, and you have as deep a pass-catching group as you will find in college football.

The entire rushing attack will be back in 2010, including everybody’s everything man Armando Allen and his perennial 1000-plus yards of total offense. Theo Riddick is the speed guy, Robert Hughes is the power guy, and the offensive prize of the class of 2009, redshirt freshman Cierre Wood, is the most talented guy.

The offensive line will lose three big names, but Coach Weis has done a remarkable job adding depth and talent. The 2010 line will have returning starters Dan Wenger, Trevor Robinson, and Chris Stewart (if he chooses to use his fifth year of eligibility) and legitimate depth.

Defensively the Irish have been, at times, brutal. But they’ll return at least nine starters who have all shown flashes of brilliance in the five losses of 2009, all by less than seven points.

Ian Williams, a freshman All-American, will anchor the front four and continue to grow into the role of respected run-stopper. The rest of the front will bring back their 9.5 combined sacks led by junior power-rusher Ethan Johnson and resident Adonis Kapron Lewis-Moore, along with rush-end Darius Fleming.

Despite their troubles in applying constant pressure to the quarterback, the aforementioned foursome did combine for 31 tackles-for-a-loss in 2009 and have shown the ability to make big plays.

Sans Te’o, the 2010 linebacker corps will have emotional leader (and third leading tackler) Brian Smith and everybody’s favorite wild Tennessean, the ever-blitzing Harrison Smith. Add in late-blooming five-star recruit Steve Filer and three other four-star recruits from the last two recruiting classes and you have the depth that manifests itself into the type of daily competition that drives very good players to find greatness.

The defensive backfield could return the likes of Gary Gray, Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter, and Zeke Motta. The talent is above average, the game experience is great, and the potential is real.

In short, the Herculean recruiting efforts of Coach Weis and his staff have left a spread of talent that covers all four classes and most position groups. There is experience at defensive back, linebacker, the defensive front, the receiving corps, and the offensive backfield, and in college football experience is gold.

Notre Dame is not going to start from scratch in 2010.

The success of next season will be predicated on an efficient and dramaless hire, a smooth transition to the new dynamic coach, few (if any) significant transfers, and all the positivity and energy a new coach can bring to the talented depth chart of the current Notre Dame roster.

Yes, there will be a transition period but the Irish have been known for quick turnarounds over the past nine years with a 10-1 2002 start under then new man Ty Willingham and a 9-3 season (and a BCS bowl) in 2005 under Coach Weis.

Add in a 2010 schedule that may have no more than three teams that will finish 2009 in the Top 25 and you have all the potential for success that any optimistic ND fan could dream of.

All is well in South Bend. Notre Dame will recover in 2010 and approach a 10-win season. There is plenty of optimism for the blue and gold. The Irish will be fine.

2010 could be another chapter in the novel known as The Notre Dame Return To Glory...as long as they get the next Urban Meyer and not the last Rich Rodriguez.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Baylor—Texas Tech: Red Raiders Look to Improve Bowl Bid

John Baucum — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:34:58 -0500

Introduction:

Baylor and Texas Tech have both faced quite a bit of adversity this season. Unfortunately for Baylor, losing star QB Robert Griffin III proved to be much more damaging than the injuries to Taylor Potts and Steven Sheffield have for Texas Tech.

The dynamic Baylor QB was such a key cog that his loss dashed Baylor’s high hopes for this season. Texas Tech is wrangling for bowl position and could solidify its position for an upper echelon bowl game with a victory tomorrow in Dallas.

Baylor Passing:

Nick Florence leads Baylor’s offensive attack. He is 165 —266 (62%) for 1,786 yards with six TDs and nine INTs. Backup Blake Szymanski is 33 —54 for (61%) with one TD and four INTs.

Although these stats don’t exactly leap off the page, Baylor’s offense will remind Tech fans of Houston’s in the sense that the Bears don’t rely on the pass quite so much. They strive to be balanced between pass and run while also incorporating one of Leach’s basic tenets of spreading the ball to all its playmakers.

Baylor Rushing:

Jay Finley leads Baylor’s rushing attack with 61 carries for 315 yards (5.2 YPC) and one score. Next is Terrence Gannaway with 65 runs for 191 (3 YPC) and five scores. QB Nick Florence adds three rushing scores, Jared Salubi and Robert Griffin each have two scores, while Jared Monk and Kendall Wright have one each.

In fact, of all the different athletes who’ve carried the football for the Bears this season, only three have failed to score a touchdown. That’s pretty impressive given the number of players with rushing attempts for the Bears this year

Baylor Receiving:

Baylor’s receiving stats aren’t great but the Bears have big—play ability. This is proven by the fact that they have seven players who average more than 10 yards per catch. Kendall Wright leads the group with 60 catches for 690 yards (11.5 YPC) with four TDs. David Gettis is next with 49 catches for 606 yards (12 YPC) and three scores.

Lanear Sampson has 25 grabs for 269 yards (10.8 YPC) with 2 scores. Justin Akers, Brad Taylor, Willie Jefferson, and Andrew Judy have one score each to close Baylor’s scoring through the air.

Texas Tech Passing:

Taylor Potts’ performance of the season could not have come at a better time than last Saturday afternoon. Potts excellent decision making and distribution played a key role in Tech’s 41 —13 humbling of the Oklahoma Sooners.

Prior to that game, Oklahoma was ranked in the top 10 nationally in many defensive categories and was coming off a 65 point win over Texas A&M. Anyone claiming OU isn’t a salty team clearly does not follow college football.

The challenge for Taylor Potts will be the same as it has been all season: consistency. If the strong armed junior can once again lead his troops with a near —flawless performance, coach Art Briles and his Baylor squad could be in for a long day. However, that remains to be seen. On the season Potts has completed 249 —378 passes (66%) for 2,799 yards with 18 TDs and 11 INTs. Backup Steven Sheffield has completed 92 —125 passes (74%) for 13 TDs and four INTs.

Texas Tech Rushing:

Baron Batch paces the Texas Tech rushing attack with 128 attempts for 715 yards (5.6 YPC) with 12 TDs. Redshirt freshman Harrison Jeffers is next with 33 rushes for 216 yards (6.5 YPC) and four scores. True freshman Eric Stephens is next with 40 rushes for 186 (4.7 YPC) with two scores.

Additionally, Stephens is only a few yards from setting a Texas Tech single—season record for kickoff return yards at 614 for the year. Both of these freshmen have bright futures ahead of them. Taylor Potts and Steven Sheffield each have two rushing scores to finish the Red Raiders’ rushing TDs.

Texas Tech Receiving:

Freshman Alexander Torres paces Tech’s receivers with 58 grabs for 728 yards (12.6 YPC) and six scores. Detron Lewis is next with 54 receptions for 719 yards (13.3 YPC) with five scores. RB Batch has 49 catches for 308 yards (6.3 YPC) and one score. Tramain Swindall adds 44 catches for 629 yards (14.3 YPC) and five scores. Lyle Leong, Taylor Potts’ high school teammate is next with 36 catches for 455 yards (12.6 YPC) and six TDs.

Speedster Edward Britton adds 30 grabs for 361 yards (12 YPC) and three scores. Austin Zouzalik has 25 receptions for 302 yards (12 YPC) and two scores. RB Jeffers, Jacoby Franks, Adam James, RB Stephens, and Brik Brinker each have one score.

Noteworthy:

This is Texas Tech’s oldest rivalry. The Red Raiders hold a slight series advantage with a 34 — 32 —1 all —time record

Saturday’s game at Cowboys Stadium will be the first neutral field meeting between the two schools.

Baylor head coach Art Briles was the running backs coach on Mike Leach’s first staff at Texas Tech. Briles also has a degree from Texas Tech despite playing college football at Houston.

Mike Leach’s victory last week makes him Tech’s all —time leader in wins, surpassing legendary Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes.

Texas Tech’s 36 sacks on the season is second nationally to Pittsburgh, which has 41.

What will Happen:

Briles has a deep understanding of Texas Tech’s offense as well as some weapons of his own. Given this, I expect the Bears to remain fairly close with Texas Tech for much of the game. Look for the Red Raiders depth and overall talent disparity to take over late in the first half or early in the second half.

Prediction:

Baylor —20

Texas Tech —45

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Pac-10 Predictions: Week 13

Brad Vipperman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:51:34 -0500

I think it's pretty safe to say that this weekend's slate of Pac-10 games aren't quite as exciting as last weekend's matchups. Still, there are a few interesting subplots to explore and some winnable spreads out there. So once again, let's explore.

Arizona at Arizona State (+3)

Even though the Wildcats watched their Rose Bowl dreams slip away last weekend, don't tell them that this game doesn't mean anything.

The Arizona-Arizona State rivalry is very underrated. As someone who went to high school in Arizona but didn't attend either of these schools, I've seen first hand how the battle lines have been drawn.

People who go to ASU make fun of the people who go to U of A because there's nothing to do in Tucson and the people who go to U of A make fun of the people who go to ASU for not being able to read.

While both sides' arguments aren't exactly true, it makes for added importance anytime one of these teams makes the trip up or down the I-10 to play the other.

I was at the Oregon-Arizona game last week and witnessed one of the most incredible things I've seen in a while there.

Rather than boring you with stats and statistics I'm going to say this instead: The Arizona student body lost the game for the Wildcats last week.

For those that don't know what I'm talking about, allow me to explain. With Arizona up by seven points with under a minute to go, Oregon was driving deep into Arizona territory, as they had done much of the game.

In this situation, the crows should have been on their feet cheering, trying to keep the Ducks from tying the game. Instead, a couple of morons decided to jump the fence and start rushing the field. In true mob mentality fashion, hundreds of other students did the same.

At this point, all of my friends (Wildcat fans) had the same thought...that they had just lost the game.

It's okay to rush the field in the waning seconds of an insurmountable lead.

It's NOT okay to rush the field up by one score with the other team driving deep in the redzone! It was the ultimate jinx.

Say what you want about jinxes, but anyone who has ever played sports, or at the very least cheered for them passionately, knew that Arizona was going to lose the second those fans started rushing the field.

In classic fashion, the Ducks scored a touchdown and won the game in double overtime. At this point, the Oregon players showed a lack of class by taunting the fans. Arizona's fans responded by making themselves look awful on national TV by throwing things at the Oregon players on the field.

It was quite a thing to see up close.

As far as this game goes, I'm going to take Arizona over Arizona State. They are just better this season, even though ASU has shown some signs of life recently.

Pick: Arizona, 31-20

Washington State at Washington (-24.5)

You better believe the Washington Huskies are going to take this game seriously, regardless of how bad the Washington State Cougars look.

Last year's double overtime loss to the Cougars is still fresh in the Huskies mind. That loss virtually ensured that Washington wouldn't win a game that year and having it slip from their fingers in the dramatic fashion it did made it sting that much more.

A few things will be different in this year's Apple Cup. For one, only the Cougars enter this year's game with 10 losses. Last season's Apple Cup was the first time in Pac-10 history that two teams with 10 losses had played each other.

Second, and most importantly, Jake Locker will be under center for the Huskies. After being forced to watch from the sidelines last season, you can be that Locker will be fired up to crush the hapless Cougars this year.

Washington State will roll out last year's winning quarterback Kevin Lopina to see if lightning can strike twice. Needless to say, I doubt it does.

Pick: Washington, 48-17

Notre Dame @ Stanford (-10)

Seems like the storyline most people want to talk about with regards to this game is the fact that with Charlie Weis' impending firing, Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh could take his spot on the sideline next year.

From what I've heard though, I doubt that Harbaugh would leave Stanford, especially with freshman quarterback Andrew Luck poised to do some damage in college football for the next couple of years.

Every time I watch Notre Dame, their talent on offense impresses me. Jimmy Clausen has the confidence, swagger and talent that you want out of a quarterback and top-10 pro prospect, and receivers Michael Floyd and Golden Tate are both excellent playmakers.

Despite all that, they just find ways to lose games. I'm sure the mental stress of having all the negative press about losing and their coaches job security has been messing with the team. In fact, one fan's frustration was taken out this week on Jimmy Clausen when he was sucker punched at a South Bend restaurant after eating dinner with his family.

For Stanford, they could help ease the pain of their devastating defeat to Cal last week by beating one of the nation's most storied programs on their home field.

For Heisman candidate Toby Gerhart, he could use this opportunity to vault past Alabama running back Mark Ingram in the voters’ minds. I just finished watching the Alabama-Auburn game and I think Ingram officially lost the Heisman race with his showing. Unless he explodes for 150 yards and three scores against Florida I think he's out.

Behind Gerhart and Luck, I think Stanford will have more than enough to overcome Floyd, Tate and Jimmy Clausen's black eye. Stanford should win and cover the spread.

Pick: Stanford, 38-27

UCLA at No. 20 USC (-13)

UCLA is coming off three straight wins and nothing would make them happier than to drive one last stake into the Trojans' dynasty.

For USC, with the way their season has been going, they could do themselves a big favor by dominating the Bruins and showing that they are at least, still the top dog in Southern California.

Freshman quarterbacks Kevin Prince (UCLA) and Matt Barkley (USC) will take center stage in this game as both are looking to improve mediocre performances in their previous game.

Quite frankly USC has very little to gain from this game. It is one of the few times where the Vegas spread actually has an impact on the game. In order for the Trojans to consider this game a victory they must cover the spread and absolutely dominate.

The Pete Carroll-Rick Neuheisel rivalry is going to be in full force on Saturday and even though this game isn't very meaningful in the standings, it could have drastic implications in recruiting and future win/loss records.

Pick: USC, 31-14

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

On Fire: UNC Defense Ready For Rivalry Game With NC State

John Thomas — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:53:56 -0500

41-10.

The significance? This was last year's score between North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina.

It left a bitter taste in the mouth of the hometown Carolina fans.

In that game, the Tar Heels turned the ball over six times to the Wolfpack's zero turnovers. NC State quarterback Russell Wilson picked apart the usually stout UNC secondary for 279 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

However, this is a new year for the 8-3 Tar Heels. They come into the game with the nation's 5th-ranked defense. Not only is their defense excellent, they are also on fire, having forced 10 turnovers combined in games against Miami and Boston College. four of those turnovers were returned for touchdowns.

North Carolina State comes into the rivalry game against the Heels 4-7, with two wins coming over FCS opponents Gardner-Webb and Murray State. The Wolfpack still have Russell Wilson though, possibly the best quarterback in the ACC. This year, Wilson has thrown for 2,768 yards and 27 touchdowns.

However, the turnover bug has bitten the Wolfpack. Since they opened ACC play against Wake Forest in Week 5, they have turned the ball over 22 times, 4th most among FBS teams. The Tar Heels have forced 28 turnovers this year, t-9th in the FBS.

Advantage Tar Heels.

Even though Carolina's offense ranks 112th in total yards, they have been able to win games. Why? Their defense scores for them. I look for the Tar Heels to force some turnovers, get a short field, and score some points.

In the end, yards don't matter, but points do. NC State will turn the ball over at least three times and that will be enough for Carolina to get the redemption they have been longing for since these two teams matched up last year.

Final score: UNC 27, NCST 10

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Notre Dame-Stanford: How the Irish Can Win

Erin McLaughlin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:59:10 -0500

Going into the season, Fighting Irish fans expected this game at Stanford to be a good one to end the year with. Almost everybody has respect for Jim Harbaugh and love what he has done with the program. The program appeared on the verge of breaking out. Notre Dame was expected to contend for a BCS.

Stanford has done its part. Despite the disappointing loss to California last weekend, Stanford has shocked the Pac 10 with dominant wins over Oregon and USC. Toby Gerhart has been a big reason for Stanford's success. With 1531 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns, he has just been a workhorse for the Cardinal.

Freshman quarterback Andrew Luck has been a nice compliment to Gerhart with 2377 passing yards and 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions. His rating is 142.8.

While Stanford has lived up to its expectations, Notre Dame has not. After a 6-2 start, the Irish appeared to be rolling toward a big money bowl game, possibly even a BCS bowl.

Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate were lighting up the scoreboard. Then with Michael Floyd returning from injury, the team was sure to roll.

Unfortunately, after three close heartbreaking losses the program is in major turmoil. At 6-5, the Irish are no better than they were a year ago. Charlie Weis's days as coach appear to be numbered. Will the team even want to play in a bowl game?

Based on all that, it seems that there is no way Notre Dame can beat Stanford on the road. There are a couple of factors though that do play into the Irish's favor. One is that Weis has had success against the Pac 10 other than USC. In fact, he has never lost to a Pac 10 team other than the Trojans.

The other factor is that being on the West Coast is about as far away from South Bend and all the media attention the players deal with constantly. That could help them just focus on football.

Looking at this game, there is really one thing Notre Dame has to do to win. That is take Gerhart out of the game. That does not mean take a cheap shot at him, it means force Harbaugh to take him out of the game plan.

John Tenuta should assign a spy to him. Manti Te'o should go wherever Gerhart goes and tackle him on every play whether he has the ball or not. The best way to stop a runner like this is to not let him get started. Three-and-out's are huge.

The other part is the offense needs to do its job as well. Clausen and company need to jump on the Cardinal defense early and often. Tate and Floyd need to be catching everything. If the offense is clicking on all cylinders, the Irish can establish a big lead.

Once a lead of about three touchdowns is established, It is time for Armando Allen to take over. He needs to continue to run the ball with authority and just take minutes off the clock.

Then Stanford would not be able to use Gerhart the way they like. They will have to speed up the pace and have Luck throw the ball more. The only problem is that freshmen quarterbacks have lit up this Irish secondary.

That means it is time for Robert Blanton, Sergio Brown and company to finally step up. Kyle McCarthy has done too much by himself back there.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

2009 Backyard Brawl Preview: Oh, How the Tables Have Turned

Michael Carvelli — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:06:31 -0500

December 1, 2007. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

As a lifelong West Virginia sports fan, this day was supposed to be the best day of my sports life. The day that I was finally going to see the Mountaineers punch their ticket to the first National Championship Game of my lifetime. They had moved up to the No. 2 team in the country after LSU lost to Arkansas the week before.

Making my way through the blue lot to find my usual tailgate spot, I couldn't help but feel a completely different buzz in the air that I had never experienced before. Once I settled in and started talking to some friends about the game, I began feeling a whole new kind of buzz. Let's just say it wasn't a good one.

It went from a "we're gonna go to the National Title game" buzz to a "maybe we're a little too confident and now I have a bad feeling about this" buzz.

But I mean come on, we're playing Pitt. Pitt.

They weren't even supposed to get to go to a bowl game this year. There's no way we can mess this thing up.

A few hours, two missed Pat McAfee field goals, and a half-mile walk back to the car later and my dad and I turned the radio on just in time to hear Rich Rodriguez (cough, cough, TRAITOR, cough, cough) saying, "It was just a nightmare, the whole thing was just a nightmare."

There's no other word that could describe, that's one thing that that jerk got right that night. The only thing I could say the whole trip home was, "How could this happen?"

Since that night, other than WVU's big Fiesta Bowl win a couple weeks later when the team rallied around our interim coach Bill Stewart to run through a much more talented Oklahoma team, things have turned about as close to 180 degrees as they could get as we head into the 102nd edition of the most intense rivalry in the Big East.

Like in 2007, it's still an unranked team trying to spoil a top-ten team's BCS chances, but now the Mountaineers are aiming to stop (s)Pitt from winning their first Big East title since 2004, when they were in a four-way tie with West Virginia, Boston College, and Syracuse.

So, in honor of the Backyard Brawl, let's break this bad boy down Dr. Jack style.

Quarterbacks:

If you would've asked me after the first two weeks of the season who I would rather have between Jarrett Brown and Bill Stull, I really might have laughed in your face before taking Brown. But as the year has unfolded, something has altered my way of thinking about this.

Over and over again, with the exception of the Cincinnati game a couple weeks ago, JB has broken down in big situations when the team needed him the most. He has 8 picks this year, and five of those came in their losses to Auburn (4) and South Florida (1).

Stull has thrown four picks all season and earlier this year led the Panthers back from a 21-6 deficit to come away with a 24-21 win.

With that said, the verdict is...

Edge: Pitt

Running Backs:

This week's matchup features not only two of the best backs in the Big East, but two of the top rushers in the nation.

Pitt's freshman running back Dion Lewis is ninth in the country with 1,291 yards while Noel Devine has run for 1,098 in his junior campaign.

First off, as a Mountaineer fan, just let me say that I am scared to death of what Dion Lewis is able to do. He has a great mix of speed and elusiveness. When he gets into the open field he is very, very tough to bring down. But, we'll be going more into why I'm so afraid of him in a little bit.

Devine is even faster and more elusive than Lewis. Now I know that this phrase has been overused for a few years now, but whenever Noel touches the ball, you know that there is a chance he could be taking it to the house.

Of all of the match ups involved in this game, this could be the most even of them all. But, in the end, I have to go with the back that has more experience.

Edge: West Virginia

Receivers:

Behind every great quarterback is a good group of receivers for them to throw the ball to. In this game, that's exactly what we have, two solid receiving corps.

West Virginia brings into this Backyard Brawl one of the most balanced groups of pass-catching threats that we have had in years. Junior Jock Sanders leads the group with 62 catches (2nd in the Big East). Senior Alric Arnett and sophomore Brad Starks have both started coming along as of late as well.

Pitt also brings into the game one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the conference. Sophomore Jonathan Baldwin and senior Dorin Dickerson have combined for 83 catches, 1336 yards, and 15 of Bill Stull's 18 touchdowns on the year.

Along with those two, Oderick Turner has continued to play well for the Panthers and Dion Lewis has also emerged a threat in the passing game.

Edge: Pitt (Barely)

Offensive Line:

Both offensive lines have done a relatively nice job protecting their respective teams.

The one big difference between these two units is experience. West Virginia's offensive line only brought back one starter from last season (Selvish Capers) and one guy who played a lot when center Mike Dent went down with injury (Eric Jobe).

Other than those two, the line starts a sophomore and two freshmen. And like you would expect with a line with that little experience, there have been a few bumps along the way.

Pitt's line brought back a sophomore, two juniors, and two seniors. With the players on the Pitt unit having their fair share of experience, they were able to come along a lot quicker at the beginning of the year and have done a great job giving Stull his time to pass, as well as opening lanes for Lewis to emerge as one of the nation's top backs.

Edge: Pitt

So after the offensive half of the breakdown, Pitt has the advantage 3-1. Not looking good right now.

Defensive Line and Linebackers:

Before the 2009 season started, the defensive line and linebackers was supposed to be the anchor of WVU's defense. With Scooter Berry and Reed Williams returning, a lot of fans expected for this to definitely be one of the team's major strengths.

Then, the worst thing that could happen to this group did happen. Berry and Williams both went down with injuries. Then they had to turn to Julian Miller, Chris Neild, and J.T. Thomas to lead the group.

And for the most part they've done a nice job of it. Throw in linebackers Ovid Goulbourne and Anthony Leonard and defensive lineman Josh Taylor and the Mountaineer's have ended up looking pretty good this year.

Pitt is going to bring to the game a group of defensive linemen that can only be rivaled by South Florida for the best group in the Big East. Junior Greg Romeus has the talent to go into the draft after this season and Jabaal Sheard can be thrown into that same group as well. Along with those two, you can throw in Mick Williams (defensive tackle) and the WVU offensive line are sure to have their hands full Friday night.

Like WVU, Pitt's linebackers have had to battle through injuries (Shane Murray and Adam Gunn). And like the WVU O-Line, Pitt's group of linebackers are pretty inexperienced.

The group has two sophomores, and a senior who is coming off of a broken neck. And by the way, that senior is playing linebacker for the first time.

Defensive Line Edge: Pitt

Linebacker Edge: WVU

Defensive Backs:

Well, West Virginia starts Keith Tandy at corner, and after watching him against South Florida a few weeks back, he needs to do a lot to convince me he should be out there.

However, even though the Mountaineers seem to have one of the weakest pass defenses in the Big East, if not the country (this coming from a fan who is just a little bit upset ), they aren't doing bad considering their best cornerback (Brandon Hogan) and one of their top safeties (Nate Sowers) as well as a few others that see time at DB, played quarterback in high school.

But that still doesn't excuse how much they've gotten torn apart this season by just about every quarterback they've faced.

Pitt came into the season with the top crop of defensive backs in the Big East, and they have lived up to that.

Elijah Fields and Dom DiCicco have two picks each and Aaron Berry and Jovani Chappel have played a great role in the pass defense.

Edge: Pitt

Special Teams:

Both of these teams have solid return games, but in the end it's West Virginia's abysmal coverage that influenced this pick.

HUGE Edge: Pitt

Coaching:

On one side you have Dave Wannstedt. Along with being the former coach of the Miami Dolphins, Wanny is known for sporting one of the greatest mustaches in all of college sports.

The other side is Bill Stewart, the man who gave all of Mountaineer Nation hope after the loss of both a national title and their head coach when he led the team to a Fiesta Bowl win.

I don't know how good Wannstedt is at motivating and giving speeches, but if you can watch Stew's speech before the Fiesta Bowl and not be ready to go out and win some football, you might not have a soul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT22t5eSqbo

Go ahead and watch it, I'll wait....

Good stuff right. Well, but when it all comes down to it, Stew just doesn't quite measure up to Wannstedt as far as actually being a coach.

Edge: Pitt...Again

The Fan Factor:

The game is in Morgantown this year, which we all know means it going to be rowdy and there's about a 99.999 percent chance that there will be a fight if a Pitt student steps foot in the WVU student section.

We could be a little out of line at times, but when you put it all on the table, Mountaineer fans are and have always been extremely loyal to the team. This of course, is not supposed to take anything away from Pitt fans but this game is at home and I really believe that there will be a significant home field advantage this season.

Edge: WVU

Final Verdict:

The final score of the breakdown was Pitt coming away with the win 7-3.

When it's all said and done tomorrow night, I think that Pitt will come away with the win. They just have a better team this year and with the instability that the defense has showed up to this point, Dion Lewis and company could have a huge game.

Final Score: 31-17 Pitt

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

SEC Bowl Fortunes: Step Inside and See

Adam Cain — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:38:49 -0500

"Psst, you. Yes, you. Come closer, and hear of the bowl season that is yet to pass."

Step inside a small tent. It's dark and full of fake fog. There is a small table flanked by two chairs. One is empty. The other holds a woman with a scarf covering most of her face.

She's the one that called you in using her thick gypsy accent and Yoda-like speech.

"It's of the SEC you wish to hear, is it not?" she asks.

"Uh..." is all you can get out before she plops you down into the chair.

The table holds a small crystal ball, which starts to fill with light as she babbles toward it. You see Tim Tebow fly past, the clock expiring for Les Miles, and all the cats and dogs you can stand.

She says Alabama beats Auburn, and the Gators beat the Seminoles. Arkansas upsets LSU, South Carolina beats Clemson, UGA falls to the Ramblin' Wreck, the Rebels hold off the Bulldogs, and Kentucky finally climbs Rocky Top.

That means Florida wins the East, followed by UK, then South Carolina, UGA, UT, and finally Vandy. On the West side Alabama is king, then 'Ole Miss, the Hogs, LSU, War Eagle, and Miss. St.

This works out perfectly for the SEC. Ten of the 12 teams are postseason eligible. The SEC has eight bowl games, and Florida and Alabama reach the BCS, which means every team has a slot.

"Capital One Bowl chooses first and takes Mississippi. Arkansas goes to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl. Tampa and the Outback Bowl are invaded by Kentucky. LSU heads to the Chick-fil-A Bowl," she gasps at you.

"OK then..." you say as casually as you can, but before you finish that thought, she is at it again.

"Georgia goes to the Music City Bowl. Steve Spurrier reaches the Papa John's Bowl. Auburn heads to the Liberty Bowl, and Tennessee takes the Independence Bowl. As I say it is so, it shall be so!" she screams.

This is the point in time that you get out of the chair and briskly leave her to cackle alone.

"Great, now I have to hear that voice every time I watch a bowl game," you say as you shudder and hurry home to catch the SEC title game.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Nebraska-Colorado: A Rivalry That Never Really Happened

Bugeatersteve Stuchlik — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:11:06 -0500

Oh, the hopes were there.

Shortly after the Big 12 conference was established, the powers that be decided that the Thanksgiving game, which had long since been reserved for Oklahoma as the Big 8 conference, would be switched to Colorado in 1996.

So let’s review to see how the series has gone over the past 13 years, shall we?

Heading into tomorrow’s game, Nebraska leads the series nine wins to four. This is a bit deceiving as the combined score for the series is 385 to 363 in favor of the Huskers, which would lead one to conclude that the games have been tight contests.

Of the Huskers' nine wins, seven of them have been by nine or fewer points, including the first five being five points or less. However, Colorado’s four wins have been by margins of 14, 15, 26, and six points, which is why the overall scoring is so close.

Also during this period, the Huskers have won or shared the Big 12 North eight times, and Colorado has won it four, not counting this season.

Coming into this year’s contest, to say that Colorado has had a down year in 2009 might be understating the facts. It appears on the surface that head coach Dan Hawkins is fighting for his job. Hawkins brings a record of 3-8 (2-5) into Friday’s matchup.

Hawkins' football program actually is backsliding, with season records of 2-10 in 2006 followed by 6-7, 5-7, and the current 3-8. That computes to a record of 16-32, including 2-20 on the road. Not exactly the type of résumé that gets you and your staff a raise after the season, now is it?

Based on recent history, Hawkins would not be sticking around Lincoln with that record, now would he folks?

Looking at this year's matchup on paper, it appears to be very one-sided in the Huskers' favor. Colorado’s offense ranks 108th nationally in total offense. However, sophomore running back Rodney Stewart has rushed for 100 yards or more four times this season but is only averaging 3.9 yards per carry.

Colorado is also among the nation's five worst teams in punting and punt returns. Playing smart has not been the Buffaloes' strongest area either. They're 118th out of 120 in penalties and 117th in penalty yards. Combine that with the fact that they're 82nd in turnover margin and 117th in sacks allowed, and it is easy to see why they are 3-8 this season.

Baring food poisoning from a bad turkey or a simple case of “I don’t care,” it would be a tremendous upset were the Huskers to lose this Friday. Colorado will, of course, bring its “A” game against the Huskers, that is for certain—they do it practically every single year.

However, that being said, I don’t believe for a minute that the Buffaloes have enough offensive talent or strength to put pressure on the Blackshirt defense for more than 10 points.

So unless we have a return of the Iowa State game, I see the Huskers winning the contest by the score of 23 to 10. Ndamukong Suh and company dominates the line of scrimmage, and Roy Helu and Rex Burkhead move the ball enough to make it a good Thanksgiving weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving and GBR!

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Buell's Eye: Rivalry Week Picks

Brandon Buell — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:41:58 -0500

Rivlary Week is upon us! Leno vs. Letterman. Country music vs. Rap. Moms vs. Grass Stains. Husbands vs. Mother-in-Laws. And the Detroit Lions vs. the Thanksgiving Day meal, although lately the winner of that one has been on the table. Yes, it's Thanksgiving weekend, the rivlaries abound and conference championship and bowl game placements are up for grabs. Almost every game this weekend features a rivalry, a potential upset with a spoiler that has already pulled an upset somewhere along the road this season or has shown they have the ability to get it done. Last week produced a 16-4 record, taking my overall season record to an even 200 wins and 50 losses.

Begin Slideshow

Ole Miss-Mississippi State: Rebels Look to Ride Win Streak into Bowl Game

matthew watkins — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:35:58 -0500

It divides up the state of Mississippi. Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss—also known as the Egg Bowl.

Mississippi State has played well at home. They have one of the top rushers in the SEC, Anthony Dixon.

Ole Miss goes into this game a winner from the start, beating LSU by two points, 23-25. Ole Miss had two touchdowns brought back and a blocked field goal that LSU brought back for a touchdown, and Ole Miss still won.

Dexter McCluster passed the ball to Shay Hodge for a touchdown. I didn't really expect that. That was McCluster's first completion. That's why he's called the Wild Rebel.

Ole Miss should hold the Golden Egg after the game. Goodbye to all the seniors, as this will be their last regular season game and then the bowl game. They played their last home game against LSU, and all they wanted to do was beat LSU, and they did.

The game score is: 35-7 Rebels. GO REBELS!

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

CFF's Week 13 Predictions: The Iron Bowl, Bedlam, and Others

College Football Fanatic — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:19:20 -0500

As you all know, it's Thanksgiving week. It's also time for some of the greatest rivalries in college football. We'll take a look at every Top 25 matchup, plus a couple that are outside of the Top 25. Oh, and some advice: don't eat so much turkey that you'll miss Friday's games because you're in the bathroom all day.

Last week's predictions: 15-5 (missed on LSU, Michigan State, Arizona, Stanford, and Rutgers)

Thanksgiving Day

Lone Star Showdown: #3 Texas (11-0, 7-0) at Texas A&M (6-5, 3-4); 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT, ESPN (HD)

Point Spread: Texas -21

It's been just another ho-hum year at Texas. Eleven wins in a row to start the season, a win over Oklahoma, and overall domination of the Big 12 South have all added up to another great chance for Texas to take their place in the National Championship after essentially being cheated out of a spot in 2008.

However, they can't overlook Texas A&M heading into the Big 12 Championship. The Aggies have clinched bowl eligibility under second-year coach Mike Sherman, and Jerrod Johnson has been a godsend this season with a 24-5 touchdown/interception ratio. While you should expect A&M to bring their best game for the Lone Star Showdown, it won't be enough to get past the Longhorns.

Prediction: Texas 38, Texas A&M 21

Black Friday

Illinois (3-7, 2-6) at #5 Cincinnati (10-0, 6-0), Noon ET/11 AM CT, ABC (HD)

Point Spread: Cincinnati -21

The Cincinnati Bearcats have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2009 season, as they were predicted to finish around 4th in the Big East pre-season. All they've done since is win ten games in a row, including victories over 7-3 Rutgers (47-15), No. 16 Oregon State (28-18), and 7-3 West Virginia (27-24).

The Illinois Fighting Illini have been the polar opposite of the Bearcats. Predicted by many to finish in the top half of the Big Ten and go to a good bowl game, they have bombed under coach Ron Zook and embattled quarterback Juice Williams. Their only FBS wins this season are over 5-7 Michigan and 6-6 Minnesota. In six of their ten games, they've failed to score above 14 points.

Although the Illini surely want to save a terribly disappointing season, this is not the place to do it.

Prediction: Cincinnati 41, Illinois 14

The Iron Bowl: #2 Alabama (11-0, 7-0) at Auburn (7-4, 3-4); 2:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CT, CBS (HD)

Point Spread: Alabama -10

It's been a fairly surprising year for both teams. Alabama was expected to possibly take a seat behind Ole Miss at the start of the season, and Auburn was expected, at best, to match their 5-7 record of 2008. However, both teams have overachieved, as Alabama romps into the Iron Bowl red hot after beating Mississippi State and Chattanooga by a combined score of 78-3.

Auburn, however, has been on a semi-downslide. After a 5-0 start, they've dropped four of six to get to their current 7-4 record. Hidden in that record are a couple of impressive wins, such as their 41-30 win over a good West Virginia team, a 26-22 win over a Tennessee team that came within a blocked field goal of beating the Tide, and a 33-20 win over an Ole Miss team that just whipped Tennessee 42-17 and held off LSU 25-23.

Auburn may have caught Alabama at the right time, because the Tide might be looking ahead to that huge SEC Championship game with Florida that will determine one of the participants in the National Championship game. Auburn literally comes here with nothing to lose: the best they can finish in the SEC is 4-4, and they already have a bowl bid clinched. Don't forget that Auburn has had a whole year to think about that 36-0 drubbing at the hands of the Tide last season.

Expect Auburn to throw everything you can think of at Alabama. However, Alabama will hold on for an extremely tight Iron Bowl victory.

Prediction: Alabama 24, Auburn 21

The Backyard Brawl: #8 Pittsburgh (9-1, 5-0) at West Virginia (7-3, 3-2); 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT, ESPN2 (HD) (Co-Game of the Week)

Point Spread: Even/Pick'em

The point spread suggests that this one will be an extremely close game. With the last two editions of TBB in mind, you have to believe they're right. Pittsburgh has taken the last two games of this rivalry dating back to 1895—a massive 13-9 upset of WVU in 2007 as a four touchdown underdog, and a 19-15 win at Heinz Field last year in which LeSean McCoy scored a touchdown with 52 seconds left to win it for the Panthers.

This year, Pitt is having their best season since Dan Marino called himself their quarterback. With a 9-1 start and the unofficial Big East championship game next week against Cincinnati, they're having one of the best seasons in Panthers history. However, the Mountaineers of West Virginia are here to crash the party.

West Virginia has had recent struggles after a 6-1 start, dropping games to South Florida and Cincinnati. However, they're still an extremely dangerous team at 7-3 and with the 1-2 punch of Jarrett Brown and Noel Devine. If Bill Stewart has any kind of a brain, he'll use Devine to his advantage in this game. I think the pressure on the Panthers will be too much and WVU will pull out a tight win in the 102nd edition of the Backyard Brawl.

Prediction: West Virginia 27, Pittsburgh 24

Nevada (8-3, 7-0) at #6 Boise State (11-0, 7-0), 10:00 PM ET/9:00 PM CT, ESPN2 (HD)

Point Spread: Boise State -13.5

No matter what the Boise State Broncos do, it just isn't enough for voters. They've had "early troubles" in games against Idaho and Utah State (63-25 and 52-21 wins), "struggles" against Louisiana Tech and Tulsa (45-35 and 28-21 victories), and they've only played one good opponent, which was Oregon (a 9-8 victory in a game that wasn't as close as the final score suggests).

Maybe they'll get some respect if they have another large victory over the second-best team in the WAC—Nevada. Last week, the Wolf Pack became the first team in NCAA history to boast three 1,000 yard rushers in one season. Colin Kaepernick, their quarterback, is one of those 1,000 yard rushers, but he obviously can throw as well, with a 16-5 touchdown/interception ratio and a 60% completion rate.

Nevada obviously wants to wreck the Boise State BCS dreams, but with a lot on the line for Boise, it's just not going to happen. I think Nevada will play a good game for the first half, but they'll have a couple of second half turnovers that take them out of the game.

Prediction: Boise State 42, Nevada 17

Saturday, November 28th

Carolina-Clemson Rivalry: #15 Clemson (8-3, 6-2) vs. South Carolina (6-5, 3-5); ESPN (HD)

Point Spread: Clemson -3

The Clemson Tigers have already clinched their first ACC Championship in an over-achieving year for the school. In a division Florida State was predicted by many to win, Clemson stormed from a slow 2-3 start to win six in a row and grabbed the Atlantic Division by the throat. It's not like those three losses were bad either—except for the Maryland loss. Their three losses were by a combined 10 points, with two of them coming to No.5 TCU (14-10) and No.7 Georgia Tech (30-27).

South Carolina has had a horrible last month of the season, losing four of five after being ranked as high as No. 21. Without a good quarterback at his hands (Stephen Garcia, face it, you're just not good), Steve Spurrier has been unable to get anything going in the latter season for Carolina as they've slipped into an extended slump.

It's a home game for the Gamecocks and they want to steal one from Clemson, but it's just not going to happen.

Prediction: Clemson 34, South Carolina 20

Carolina-State Rivalry: #23 North Carolina (8-3, 4-3) at North Carolina State (4-7, 1-6)

Point Spread: North Carolina -6

Just around five years ago, you would have expected this matchup to be flip-flopped, with NCSU being the ranked team and North Carolina at the bottom of the ACC. Now, North Carolina has revived their football program into a very strong group of players, while State has declined ever since Phillip Rivers departed the program.

Last year, the Tar Heels were thrashed by the Wolf Pack 41-10 at home. Without question, the Tar Heels have the much better defense, while State has the far superior offense. Defense wins games, and I'm going with that ideal for this game. I fully expect at least two of North Carolina's scores to come from NC State turnovers.

Prediction: North Carolina 24, North Carolina State 14

The Egg Bowl: #20 Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3) at Mississippi State (4-7, 2-5), 12:21 PM ET/11:21 AM CT, SEC Network

Point Spread: Ole Miss -8

After a No.8 preseason ranking and an early jump to No.4 in the polls, Ole Miss has been somewhat of a disappointment. However, the Rebels have looked extremely focused on finishing the rest of the year strong. For istance, in their last two games, they've destroyed the much-praised Tennessee defense 42-17, and literally clocked No.17 LSU 25-23 as time ran out on the Tigers at the Ole Miss 5 yard line.

Mississippi State has over-achieved as well, as they came within a foot of defeating LSU, losing 30-26, and giving No.1 Florida a tough challenge at home before going down 29-19. Pretty good for a team that was expected to take their lumps and finish with around three wins.

The pressure is all on MSU quarterback Tyson Lee, as he needs to have a strong final game as a Bulldog. He has had struggles all year long, and as far as I know it's not certain how much he will play against Ole Miss. He needs to keep his mistakes to a minimum, but it won't happen against a tenacious Ole Miss defense.

Prediction: Ole Miss 24, Mississippi State 10

Bedlam: #11 Oklahoma State (9-2, 6-1) vs. Oklahoma (6-5, 4-3), FOX Sports Net

Point Spread: Oklahoma -9.5

When it comes to Bedlam, this is how the roles are usually assigned: Oklahoma plays the Big 12 perennial contender while Oklahoma State plays the middling spoiler. This year those roles are reversed, as Oklahoma State has lived up to a preseason top-ten ranking and is having one of the best seasons in school history. On the flip side, Oklahoma has suffered badly from the loss of Sam Bradford, having an extremely disappointing year after being ranked No.3 before the season.

The Cowboys will possibly be without starting quarterback Zac Robinson, who is suffering from a shoulder injury and sat out the entire game against Colorado. If he can't play, sophomore Brandon Weeden—who led Oklahoma State to a 31-28 comeback victory over Colorado last week—will start.

Weeden was lucky against Colorado because 1) it was Colorado, and 2) they're prone to defensive implosions. Against what has been a good Sooners defense—aside from the Texas Tech loss—he'll have a ton of trouble if he's the one starting.

Prediction: Oklahoma 21, Oklahoma State 17

New Mexico (1-10, 1-7) vs. #4 TCU (11-0, 7-0), 1:00 PM ET/Noon CT, The Mtn. (HD)

Point Spread: TCU -44.5

In one of the worst mismatches of the entire season, New Mexico—one of the worst teams in Division I-A—gets stuck with playing No.4 TCU—the best non-BCS school in the nation. There won't be a single starter for TCU playing after the third quarter in this blowout.

Prediction: TCU 52, New Mexico 7

Commonwealth Cup: #14 Virginia Tech (8-3, 5-2) vs. Virginia (3-8, 2-5); 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT, ABC/ESPN (HD)

Point Spread: Virginia Tech -16

Virginia Tech's had a pretty good year. Their only losses have been to three ranked teams (No.2 Alabama 34-24, No.7 Georgia Tech 28-23, and No.23 North Carolina 20-17), and they've basically played close to what they were expected to do, aside from winning the Coastal Division.

Virginia has had a horrendous season, losing to William and Mary in the first game of the year and basically ending the season before it even started with a 0-3 start. They looked to possibly refire the engines after winning three straight games, but five losses in a row since have defined Virginia's extremely forgettable 2009 season.

Al Groh's job is possibly on the line with this game. The Cavaliers may want to win it for him, but it's just not happening against a great Hokies team. Virginia will only trail by a score after three quarters, but Virginia Tech will score a touchdown in the fourth quarter to ensure another Commonwealth Cup victory.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Virginia 20

#19 Miami (FL) (8-3, 5-3) at South Florida (7-3, 3-3); 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT, ABC/ESPN/ESPN-GP (HD)

Point Spread: Miami -5

You think Miami likes to play these in-state schools? They've played Florida A&M, Central Florida, and now the University of South Florida just this season in out-of-conference play. The game with USF, though, is a new rivalry in which the teams will play the next five season finales together.

For South Florida, it's a great opportunity to start this new rivalry with a bang and a potentially resounding upset. For Miami, it's an opportunity to up their record against teams from the state of Florida to 4-0 in 2009 (when you count in Florida State). It's also a chance for the Hurricanes to firmly assert themselves as No.2 in the state and knocking on the door of No.1 Florida.

South Florida has already played Florida State on the road and beaten them 17-7. I expect South Florida to put it all on the line for a chance to increase the number of "real" football teams in the state of Florida to four, but Miami will withstand the Bulls' charge and hold on for a close victory.

Prediction: Miami 34, South Florida 27

Sunshine Showdown: Florida State (6-5, 4-4) at #1 Florida (11-0, 8-0); 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT, CBS (HD)

Point Spread: Florida -24.5

Florida is a huge favorite in the 54th edition of this rivalry—dating back to 1958—for good reasons. First, the Seminoles have lost the last two by a combined score of 90-27 and have not won in the rivalry since 2003. Second, the Seminoles are without their backbone, quarterback Christian Ponder, who was basically the whole team for them most of the season.

Florida just continues to roll right along as if no one can faze them. Despite good challenges from several teams this season, they are still undefeated and looking at a great SEC Championship matchup with No.2 Alabama for a spot in the National Championship game. Just like it's been the past two years and three out of the last four, this one will end in a rout.

Prediction: Florida 42, Florida State 14

The Holy War: #22 Utah (9-2, 6-1) at #18 BYU (9-2, 6-1); 5:00 PM ET/4:00 PM CT, CBS College Sports/The Mtn. (HD) (Co-Game of the Week)

Point Spread: BYU -7.5

Utah has had a season right around what they were expecting after they were issued a No.18 preseason ranking. BYU, however, had BCS hopes after their defeat of then-No.3 Oklahoma 14-13. Then they were blown out at home by both Florida State and No.4 TCU at different parts of the season and they sit at 9-2.

When these two teams meet, you're almost always guaranteed a great game. In 2006, John Beck scrambled for what seemed like forever until he threw a touchdown to put BYU on top with no time remaining, 33-31. In 2007, BYU scored a touchdown with around a minute to play to win 17-10. Last year was a rare exception, as Utah dismantled BYU, 48-24.

This season, BYU's out looking for revenge and I'll give it to them in a close game.

Prediction: BYU 27, Utah 24

Battle for the Golden Boot: Arkansas (7-4, 3-4) at #17 LSU (8-3, 4-3); 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT, ESPN (HD)

Point Spread: LSU -3.5

Arkansas has defeated LSU the past two meetings in the Battle for the Golden Boot—50-48 in a triple overtime classic in 2007 and 31-30 last year in a game in which Arkansas trailed 30-14. It's been a resurgent year for Arkansas and the second "down" year in a row for LSU.

Arkansas finished a rough 5-7 season last year with the big 31-30 win over LSU and carried some of the momentum over into 2009. The result has been a potent offense led by quarterback Ryan Mallett, a transfer from Michigan.

LSU started the season ranked No.11 and jumped as high as No.4, but they have cooled off over the past few games and lost a tough one to Ole Miss, 25-23, under some extremely questionable decisions by head coach Les Miles.

I fully expect LSU to be extremely ticked off over the last two losses to Arkansas and their loss last week, and Mallett will be heavily abused by the LSU defense in this game.

Prediction: LSU 28, Arkansas 10

Bayou Bucket: Rice (2-9, 2-5) at #25 Houston (9-2, 5-2); 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT, CSS

Point Spread: Houston -29.5

Rice has had an extreme downturn after a great 2008 season, going from 10-3 with the quarterback/wide receiver combo of Chase Clement and Jarrett Dillard, to 2-9—and almost certainly 2-10—with basically bare cupboards from last season's team. However, the Owls have improved heavily in the past three weeks, winning two straight and losing a game to SMU by three. In their first eight games, the closest they came to a victory was a 27-10 loss against Tulsa.

Houston has been one of the better mid-major teams this season, beating then-No. 5 Oklahoma State 45-35 in an early season shocker, Texas Tech at home 29-28, and taking down Mississippi State on the road 31-24. Houston has showcased a strange ability to play down to other opponents, though, losing 58-41 to UTEP and 37-32 to UCF, which gave Central Florida their first win over a Top 25 opponent.

None of this falls on Heisman candidate Case Keenum, who has been nearly flawless the entire season. Keenum boasts 4,599 passing yards, a 70 percent completion rate, and 36 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions, giving off shades of great Houston quarterbacks of past like Andre Ware and Kevin Kolb. Expect Keenum to throw all over the Rice defense, which has been close to a sieve nearly all season long.

Prediction: Houston 59, Rice 21

Clean, Old Fashioned Hate: Georgia (6-5, 4-4) at #7 Georgia Tech (10-1, 7-1) ; 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT, ABC/ESPN2 (HD)

Point Spread: Georgia Tech -8

Georgia and Georgia Tech's seasons have been polar opposites, with one being wildly disappointing and the other wildly amazing. Georgia is the former, having a horrific season after being ranked No.13 pre-season. They lost at home to Kentucky for the first time since 1977, to Tennessee 45-19 and Florida 41-17, and their defense is perhaps the worst in Georgia football history.

Georgia Tech, however, has performed far above expectation. After a 9-4 season in which Paul Johnson introduced the triple option, the Ramblin' Wreck have been wrecking the rest of the ACC with the triple option this season as well. Save for a 33-17 loss at Miami (FL) on one of those unlucky Thursday nights, the Yellow Jackets have been nearly flawless on offense, with Josh Nesbitt leading the attack at quarterback.

Georgia Tech's offense spells trouble for Georgia's horrible defense. Expect this one to be ugly from the start.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 56, Georgia 20

The Victory Bell: UCLA (6-5, 3-5) at #24 USC (7-3, 4-3); 10:00 PM ET/9:00 PM CT, FOX Sports Net

Point Spread: USC -13

What an unusual season it has been for the Trojans. Their defense has completely disappeared (55 points surrendered to Stanford, 47 to Oregon, and 36 to Oregon State), and they've suffered the worst loss under Pete Carroll this season—twice. Losses of 55-21 to Stanford at home and 47-20 to Oregon on the road have completely embarrassed the Trojans, and they'll want to get everything back under control with a victory over UCLA.

However, UCLA has other ideas in mind. Remember the 13-9 victory over a national championship-bound USC in 2006? Or the UCLA domination of the series from 1991 to 1998, including the 1994 31-19 win in which they knocked USC out of a Rose Bowl berth? UCLA knows they can win this game, and they'll be going in with this mentality.

USC's season is all but shot; the best bowl they can realistically hope to go to now is the Holiday Bowl, which is for the second selection out of the Pac-10. The sting of not being able to go to a BCS bowl for the eighth consecutive year for USC has to hurt. While I don't think UCLA will win this game, expect USC to have major difficulty en route to a victory.

Prediction: USC 24, UCLA 13

Games/Rivalries Outside of the Top 25:

The Border War: Missouri (7-4, 3-4) vs. Kansas (5-6, 1-6) (Arrowhead Stadium); 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT, ABC/ESPN-GP

Point Spread: Missouri -3

Despite the combined record of these teams sitting at 12-10 and 4-10 in the Big 12, the Border War is always a good game. The last two games have been split—Missouri won 36-28 in 2007, and Kansas won 40-37 last year. Mark Mangino is possibly playing for his job after the "extreme anger management issues" reports came out about him. While it will be another good game, Missouri will prevail in the end in a close one.

Prediction: Missouri 34, Kansas 28

Bayou Classic: Southern University (6-3, 3-2 SWAC) vs. Grambling State University (6-4, 5-2 SWAC) (Louisiana Superdome); 2:00 PM ET/1:00 PM CT, NBC (HD)

Fine, go ahead and laugh at me for including a Division I-AA game. What you can't discount, though, is the fact that the Bayou Classic has been played 35 times, and literally, it's almost even: Southern University leads the series 18-17. They've won twelve of the last sixteen meetings, but Grambling has taken three of the last five.

And, if anything, you'll get to see two of the greatest bands ever in college sports: the Southern University Marching Band, also known as the Human Jukebox, and the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band (according to Wikipedia; you can add "The World Famed" to the beginning of that). You'll see elaborate performances from both sides before the game, at halftime, and after the game.

I'm going to be watching and I expect you to do the same.

Prediction: Grambling 28, Southern 17

Notre Dame (6-5) at Stanford (7-4, 6-3); 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT, ABC (HD)

Point Spread: Stanford -10

What better reason to watch this than to witness the end of the Charlie Weis era? Also, you may see another inept effort by the Irish and, for sure, several closeups of Jimmy Clausen's black eye.

Prediction: Stanford 38, Notre Dame 24

Questions and comments are always welcome.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas Pull Upset Games for Thanksgiving--

jay holgate — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:54:08 -0500

Original Story Published on SEC Sports Report

ATLANTA, Ga —It’s rivalry weekend. The final SEC games of the regular season don’t need any more hype but I see this as Upset Weekend .

This Thanksgiving weekend there are five state championship games at stake which includes three SEC vs ACC match-ups. Three games could be upsets so don’t get caught with a turkey bone in your mouth on Saturday night.

I was 5-1 in my SEC picks and picked the LSU upset and nailed the sleeper game with Kentucky upsetting the Dogs. I’m 74-16 for the season which keeps me at 82 percent accuracy for the year.

Here are my Saturday predictions:

SEC Upset Game No. 1: SEC vs ACC–South Carolina vs Clemson in Columbia

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier needs a big win as bad as anybody in the SEC.

Spurrier has lived in the state long enough where he even hates Clemson now. The Cocks have played games close but not brought home the wins. Two weeks to prepare for this game was a much needed break. South Carolina is hungry.

Clemson has dominated the series this decade. This season, Clemson has won six games in a row. Coach Swinney says he's not even thinking about the ACC Championship game until the rivalry game is over.

I believe Clemson comes in with a chip on their shoulder. South Carolina gets some huge turnovers and wins in a close one 24-21.

SEC Upset Game No. 2: 15 LSU vs Arkansas in Baton Rouge

The Tigers are favored by 3.5 points but this is an upset in the making.

Coach Les Miles has been catching a ton of heat about the poorly managed Ole Miss upset. He is a glass half-full guy and he lives for momentum. There is too much mud on his face from last week to get focused enough for Arkansas.

Meanwhile, Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallett is lighting up the skies. Mallett is getting better every week and this Hawg team is starting to have some confidence again. This game might get ugly. Hawgs win 24-16.

Upset SEC Game No. 3: Tennessee vs Kentucky in Lexington

The odds makers like Tennessee by three. The Vols have owned the Cats for 24 years in this series.

I believe Coach Kiffin told the Knoxville Police department to expedite the investigation of starting safety Janzen Jackson because his dad needed more players on defense.

It worked. Amazingly, Jackson has been cleared of charges and available to play Saturday. But the Vols are pretty banged up.

Kentucky has won five of their last six games this season and has enough momentum going to pull the upset on Saturday. Kentucky’s Randall Cobb is a playmaker and as long as he is on the field, the Cats have a chance. I believe the Cats pull the upset 21-20.

2 Alabama vs Auburn in the Plains

Coach Nick Saban knows what is at stake here. Beating Auburn coach Gene Chizik in their first clash on the road would be another notch on his wall. A big win against Auburn in the Plains helps recruiting significantly.

Auburn has been hot and cold all year and who knows which team will show up Saturday. If Auburn is hot, they may keep it close. Either way, I don’t see any reason in which Bama loses this one. Roll Tide 31-14.

1 Florida vs Florida State in the Swamp

The Gators have won five in a row against the Seminoles and this year will have the same result. Tim Tebow will have another great game as his team finishes the regular season undefeated. Gators romp 35-14.

Georgia vs Georgia Tech in Atlanta

I never thought I would see this. Georgia Tech is favored to beat powerhouse Georgia by a touchdown. This Georgia team seems like it never got on the tracks this season.

The Dawgs have lived off big plays for a decade and for now those days are behind them. It’s hard to pick an ACC team but I will close my eyes. The Jackets will win 28-24.

25 Ole Miss vs Miss State in Starkville

The Rebels won a squeaker last week against LSU and it was big win for the program. This week, Coach Nutt will have to travel and finish off with a win over the in-state rival to capture the Egg Bowl. Look out for Dexter. State will put up a good fight but not a win. Rebels win 35-24.

I enjoyed my visit to Knoxville last weekend and will be traveling to western Tennessee for Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to the upset games and would love to see the SEC beat the ACC in all three games. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Until next time, I will see you on the ball field.

Jay Holgate is an SEC sports analyst, freelance writer and life coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. He can be heard around the South on sports radio.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

NCAA Top 25 Week 13: Rivalry Week Lurks Ahead of Conference Championships

The Sportmeisters — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:56:37 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Rivalry week is here! This is the week where records can be thrown out, because, if you can beat your rival, it can be considered a winning season. Will this week's top 25 have some upsets ahead of them?

1. Texas (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/26 at Texas A&M

A prime-time Thanksgiving game, where the Longhorns are going to be thankful Florida and Alabama have to play each other, giving Texas a boost in the BCS.

2. TCU (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/28 vs. New Mexico

TCU drops to number two, not because of their win over Wyoming, but because I rank Texas’s beating Kansas higher than TCU over Wyoming.

3. Florida (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Florida State

Another year of a “warm-up” before Florida State comes to town, and QB Tim Tebow should feast in his last home game against FSU’s shoddy defense.

4. Alabama (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/27 at Auburn

Auburn is an up-and-down team, and if Alabama is looking ahead, Gene Chizik’s staff could pull the rug right out from underneath the Tide.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/27 vs. Nevada

Boise State can’t sleep on the Wolfpack, who have won eight in a row since starting off 0-3.

6. Cincinnati (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 11/27 vs. Illinois

A non-conference matchup still holds some weight for the Bearcats, who look to remain undefeated, with an outside shot at the BCS title game.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Georgia

The Yellow Jackets have had the Bulldogs number in the past few seasons, and should continue that, leading up to their clash against Clemson next week.

8. Ohio State (Last Week: 9) Next Game: Rose Bowl vs. TBD

As per the Big 10, Ohio State ended their season, and now will sit and wait for their Rose Bowl opponent.

9. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 11/27 at West Virginia

The Panthers cannot afford to look ahead to Cincinnati next week, and have to focus on Noel Devine and his blazing speed.

10. Penn State (Last Week: 11) Next Game: Bowl Game

Penn State jumps back into the top ten, and waits for word on their bowl game.

11. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/28 at Oklahoma

A year ago, this would have been a bigger game, but for Coach Mike Gundy, he is still looking for his first victory against the Sooners.

12. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/28 at Virginia

Is this really a rivalry game? VT should run all over Al Groh’s hapless squad.

13. Oregon (Last Week: 14) Next Game: Idle

Oregon waits for the Civil War against Oregon State in two weeks, with the Pac-10 on the line.

14. Iowa (Last Week: 16) Next Game: Bowl Game

Iowa will look back on this season as the one that could have been, and hope to start next season off right with a bowl win.

15. Clemson (Last Week: 19) Next Game: 11/28 at South Carolina

An ACC Title Bid and a win against South Carolina could make a lot of Tiger fans very thankful this holiday season.

16. LSU (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Arkansas

Only in the SEC could a top 25 coach be out on the streets after the season, but that’s how it’s looking for Les Miles.

17. Oregon State (Last Week: NR) Next Game: Idle

Both Oregon and Oregon State get the extra week to prepare for a huge Pac-10 showdown next week.

18. USC (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/28 vs. UCLA

Can USC salvage this “rebuilding season” with a win against their rivals?

19. Utah (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 11/28 at No. 20 Brigham Young

Neither team can win the MWC, but both are fighting for a 10-win season, which is still respectable.

20. Brigham Young (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 11/21 vs. No. 19 Utah

BYU is 3-2 at home, while opponent Utah is 3-2 on the road.

21. Navy (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Hawaii

The Midshipmen take a week off, and still move up in the polls.

22. Miami (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 11/28 at South Florida

It’s not a rivalry game per se, but South Florida already took down one of the Florida Big Three, can a second win be far behind?

23. Houston (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Rice

Houston bounced back with a trouncing of Memphis in week 12.

24. Mississippi (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/28 at Mississippi State

An upset win brings the Rebels into the top 25.

25. North Carolina (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/28 at NC State

The Tar Heels move into the top 25, on the heels of a four-game winning streak.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama-Auburn and the Rest of Week 13 College Football Preview

Aaron Torres — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:05:17 -0500

Aaron Torres is a journalist whose work has been published by Sports Illustrated and syndicated by USA Today, AOL.com, and Slam Online. To read all of his work, as well as the rest of his Week 13 picks and his thoughts on Florida-Florida State, LSU-Arkansas and Texas-Texas A&M please click here or visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com ).

Alabama (-10) over Auburn: Friday, 2:30 p.m.

Coming into this one, both teams are saying all the right things.

For Alabama, “this is the most important game on our schedule,” and “we’ll worry about Florida after this game,”

And, for Auburn, “we’re going to end Alabama’s undefeated run,” and “Mark Ingram isn’t winning the Heisman on us.” (Really guys, with the 89th-ranked run defense in college football? Really?)

And, while all the chatter is cute, here’s what we know: If Chris Todd is under center for Auburn, the Tigers have no chance. (Honestly, I’m surprised at this point an overzealous Auburn booster hasn’t kidnapped Todd, driven him into the woods and left him for dead like an old dog or something).

Auburn is going to throw everything they have at Alabama in the first few series and might even lead after the first quarter. But, in a rivalry game where there won’t be a letdown, talent wins out. It always does.

Alabama 24, Auburn 10.

Nevada (+14) Over Boise State: Friday, 10:00 p.m.

As hard as it might be to believe, this is the game I’m most looking forward to this weekend, and it’s not even close. Wait, what’s that? No, I didn’t have two cocktails with my lunch. Ok…maybe I did, but still, just hear me out.

Here’s what you’ve got in this game:

Two of the top four scoring offenses in college football (Boise State’s No. 1, Nevada No. 4).
Two teams that have combined to score 50 or more points 10 times, 60 or more points five times, with Nevada throwing up 70 on Idaho earlier this year for good measure.
The quarterback with the highest passer rating and second most touchdowns in all of college football (Boise’s Kellen Moore, with 33 TD and just three interceptions) on one sideline, and the first team in NCAA history to have three 1,000 yard rushers in the same year on the other sideline.
Two teams that have combined to win their last 19 games.

In other words, this game is going to be a weird mix of a super high-scoring Madden game, a NASCAR race, and one of those movies where a guy takes too many mushrooms, wanders into the desert and starts seeing things.

After awhile you’ll start thinking your seeing things, too.

Nope this is just some good old fashioned WAC football. Save the defense for the SEC.

Clemson (-3) over South Carolina: Saturday, 12:00 p.m.

So, the last time we saw Stephen Garcia, he had a collapsed lung and was bleeding internally after getting thrown around like one of Ike Turner’s girlfriends by Florida’s defense.

Even with a week off, South Carolina still doesn’t having a running game, and they’re still not winning this one. Also C.J. Spiller is my favorite Heisman candidate that has no chance of actually winning the award.

Georgia Tech (-7 ½) at Georgia: Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

These two teams are like the bizzaro versions of each other.

Tech chews up the clock (No. 1 ranked team in time of possession), doesn’t make mistakes, and wears you out with smarts more than skill. Georgia commits dumb penalties, misses tackles, shoots themselves in the foot at inopportune times and always seems to find new and creative ways to lose games. (Did you see their last drive against Kentucky? I rest my case).

The only thing that concerns me about picking against Georgia is that they always seem to play best when no one has any expectations of them. And, of course, that they’re playing for the memory of UGA VII. (Honestly, I don’t even know how they took the field last week. Just emotional, emotional stuff).

Even after that though, I’m sticking with Tech. Eleven games is a pretty good sample size, and I’ve seen nothing that indicates to me that Georgia is going to win this game. Or that it’ll even be close.

Stanford (-10) over Notre Dame: Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

And the uncomfortable, sexually suggestive quote of the week goes to…Toby Gerhart’s girlfriend, for calling the Stanford running back “One big muscle ,” in an interview last week. (On a side note, I think I’m just going to keep my comments to myself on this one. I’m terrified that anything I say will end with the Palo Alto Gay and Lesbian Alliance picketing on my front lawn. Maybe we should just move on).

I said in my column Monday, and I’ll say it again here, Stanford is really good, they were just due for a letdown last weekend. They’d won too many big games, gotten too many pats on the back in biochemistry class, and had too many girls swinging by the dorms late at night to “celebrate.” We’ve seen it happen a million times before, and we’ll see it a million times again.

The Cardinal will come back and be just fine this week against Notre Dame. Stanford by two touchdowns.

And, oh yeah, one more thing: Thanks for reading, and everybody have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

(To read the remainder of this article, including Aaron's thoughts on Florida-Florida State, LSU-Arkansas and Texas-Texas A&M, please visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com)

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com

Tim Tebow's Swan Song in The Swamp; Gator Nation Bids Farewell

James Walker — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:56:40 -0500

During a press conference this week, Florida coach Urban Meyer paused several times as he answered questions about Tim Tebow and the effect he has had on Meyer's family and college football.

Meyer was overcome with emotion, and as I watched, I reflected on all the great moments Tebow has brought to Gator Nation.

My first memory was during Chris Leak's senior season in 2006 when the student section chanted Tebow's name, calling for him to enter the game.

I remember all the hype that surrounded "The Chosen One," but hearing the students chanting his name during the first game of the season made me wonder:

How good is this kid, Tim Tebow?

Soon it became customary for Leak to trot off the field as Tebow entered the game. Everyone knew the ball was not leaving his hands, and he was going to rush straight ahead while taking a lineman or two with him.

That is, until the National Championship game against Ohio State.

With 23 seconds left in the second quarter, in came Tebow, and the Ohio State defense prepped, thinking Tebow was going to lunge in for another score.

Instead, Tebow rolled left and quickly threw a one-yard pass to Andre Caldwell for a TD. That pass was an arrow shot through the hearts of Buckeye Nation.

It was also the coronation of Tim Tebow as King of Gator Nation.

Yes, Chris Leak won the MVP for the 2006 National Championship game, and as he walked off into the Arizona sunset, Gator Nation was already prepared for Tebow to take over the reins of the Gator football program.

When the 2007 season began, Tebow began his mission to become possibly the greatest college football player in history.

Tebow's 2007 season was historical. He was the first QB in college football history to both pass and rush for over 20 TDs in one season.

Those stats compelled voters to select Tebow as the first sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy. He would become the third Gator to win it, joining Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel.

Then came the magical 2008 season. The Florida Gators were firing on all cylinders up until the Ole Miss game in The Swamp.

The Gators were upset on that Saturday afternoon, but Tebow took the opportunity to ask for forgiveness for the loss emotionally, and to promise everyone that he would push and lead the Gators for the remainder of the season like no other player ever had.

"The Promise" was heard around the world, and the legend of Tim Tebow was solidified in Gator lore for eternity.

The Gators of 2008, led by All-Everything Tim Tebow, would go on to win the National Championship in Miami, defeating Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy-winner Sam Bradford. This was the second National Championship in three years for the Florida Gators.

During the post-National Championship celebration in Gainesville, Tebow announced he would return for his senior season. Frankly, I never had a doubt in my mind.

During an interview after winning the Heisman Trophy, he said that his priorities were God, family, school, and football, in that order.

I never doubted that Tebow's priorities would ever change, so naturally he would return for his senior season.

Enter the 2009 season. Gone were Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy, and freshman phenom Andre Debose was out for the season with an injury.

Nevertheless, all the starters on defense from the National Championship squad were back, including Brandon Spikes, so naturally Florida was favored to repeat as national champions.

The season has had its ups and downs, most notably Tebow's concussion suffered in the third quarter of the Kentucky game in Lexington.

Never before had the college football world been controlled by one story: Would Tebow be able to play against LSU in Death Valley? It seemed like you couldn't turn on a television or radio without hearing some update on Tim.

Then game day arrived, and it was announced that he would play. Of course, he led the Gators to victory, if rather conservatively. Up until that point, the LSU Tigers had won 32 straight home games, but Tebow led the Gators to end that winning streak.

Florida's offense has not shown the firepower of the 2008 Gators, but Tebow has led the offense to produce just enough while allowing the defense to prevent any team from outscoring Florida.

The Gators are currently ranked No. 2 in total defense, No. 1 in pass defense, and No. 7 in rush defense in the FBS.

As Florida prepares to face FSU this weekend in The Swamp, the final home game of the 2009 season, there will be plenty of tears shed.

Not only is it Senior Day for coach Meyer's very first recruiting class, but quite possibly it may be the last time coach Bobby Bowden coaches the Florida State Seminoles during a regular season game.

Bob and Pam Tebow will be on the field when they introduce Tim on Saturday, and as he hugs his mom and dad, Gator Nation will stand and show its appreciation for all he has accomplished.

Unfortunately, I will not be in attendance at that game, but I will definitely be one of those who say "thank you" for everything he has done for Gator Nation.

I know fans of the University of Florida will have those same feelings, but I do hope all fans of college football put aside their biases and applaud his accomplishments, too.

Tim Tebow is an extraordinary athlete and student, but most importantly, he is an exceptional human being.

And who knows? As coach Meyer alluded to during the aforementioned press conference, Gator Nation may see Tim Tebow return, eventually, to the University of Florida as a coach and possible replacement for Meyer.

I would hate to see Meyer leave Florida, but if he did, I would welcome Tebow as his replacement.

Read more College Football Predictions news on BleacherReport.com