College Football Predictions for Every Week 13 Game

With only two weeks of the college football regular season left, we have hit the stretch run. While we may never have another weekend like we did in Week 12, there are some huge matchups with major bowl implications.

Even though there was a game Tuesday, the weekend really gets started on Thursday when Texas takes on TCU.

With games Friday as well as Saturday, it will be two full days of college football to look forward to.

Here is analysis and predictions for every Week 13 college football game.

*All game times are ET

TCU vs. Texas

When: Thursday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m.

This is typically the time when Texas and Texas A&M play every year, but with the Aggies having moved onto the SEC, TCU will fill the void.

With Texas sitting at 8-2 and 5-2 in Big 12 play, there is still an outside shot to at least share the conference crown with a win in its final two games of the season.

TCU has other ideas. The Horned Frogs are 6-4 overall and have had a decent season considering the circumstances.

With the way Texas is playing right now, it will seemingly have a little too much for the Horned Frogs to contend with.

Prediction: Texas 31, TCU 21

Final Score: TCU 20, Texas 13 

Syracuse vs. Temple

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 11:00 a.m.

By knocking off Missouri on the road last weekend, Syracuse became bowl eligible. Temple is sitting at 4-6 right now, but this is its final game of the season, so there will be no bowl game.

Syracuse is led by stud quarterback Ryan Nassib. He has quickly developed into one of the best in the conference and led the Orange to a come-from-behind victory over Missouri in the closing seconds on Saturday.

Temple is coming off a dominating performance against Army, led by running back Montel Harris.

Harris had one of the best games in the history of the Big East last week, with seven rushing touchdowns and 351 yards. The Owls could hang around for a while, but Syracuse has too much.

Prediction: Syracuse 34, Temple 27

Final Score: Syracuse 38, Temple 20 

Ohio vs. Kent State

When: Friday, Nov. 24, at 11:00 a.m.

Kent State is one of the hottest teams in the country, and Ohio is headed in the complete opposite direction.

The Golden Flashes come into the game 10-1 and 7-0 in the MAC. They have cracked the BCS Top 25 and are headed for the MAC championship game against Northern Illinois next week.

Ohio began the season 7-0, but has lost three of its past four games and is not looking like the team it did about a month ago.

Still, with the talent of Ohio, the Bobcats will be able to hang around for at least the first half before Kent State pulls away in the end.

Prediction: Kent State 34, Ohio 20

Final Score: Kent State 28, Ohio 6 

Nebraska vs. Iowa

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 12:00 p.m.

Nebraska is a win away from playing Wisconsin for the Big Ten title. A road trip to Iowa is not likely to be much of a road block.

The Cornhuskers continue to climb in the rankings, and with only two losses are improving on both sides of the ball.

Iowa has been awful late in the season. At 4-7 and 2-5 in Big Ten play, the Hawkeyes have not won a game since the middle of October with five consecutive losses.

The potent offense of Nebraska will be too much for Iowa to handle in the end.

Prediction: Nebraska 38, Iowa 14

Final Score: Nebraska 13, Iowa 7 

Ball State vs. Miami (OH)

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 1:00 p.m.

Ball State has been steadily improving all season long. The Cardinals are 8-3 overall and 5-2 in the MAC. They have won five games in a row.

The three losses so far this season for Ball State have come against Clemson, Kent State and Northern Illinois. Those teams have a combined 30-3 record.

Miami is 4-7 and a decent team, but is no match for the top-level teams in the MAC.

Quarterback Zac Dysert is one of the best in the league and clearly an NFL talent. There is just not enough around him for Miami to hang around too long with Ball State, even if the game is at home.

Prediction: Ball State 38, Miami 21

Final Score: Ball State 31, Miami 24 

Northern Illinois vs. Eastern Michigan

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 1:00 p.m.

This is another of the many MAC games on the day, as the conference prefers to end the season on a Friday with the MAC championship the following Thursday.

Northern Illinois is 10-1 and should have no problem with Eastern Michigan in this one. The Huskies are gearing up for a date with Kent State in the MAC championship. 

Eastern Michigan is 2-9 and only 1-6 in league play. The Eagles were victorious last week against Western Michigan and are at home.

That is all they have going for them. Expect this to get ugly early and over by halftime.

Prediction: Northern Illinois 45, Eastern Michigan 17

Final Score: Northern Illinois 49, Eastern Michigan 7 

Marshall vs. East Carolina

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 2:00 p.m.

Marshall is one win away from becoming bowl eligible. As it stands right now, there are only three teams in Conference USA with six wins. There is a possibility of two more coming this weekend.

One of those three teams is East Carolina. The Pirates are 7-4 right now and clearly a step above everybody in the conference except Tulsa and Central Florida.

Marshall has one of the worst defenses in the country, but can clearly put some points on the board. Expect this to be a relatively high-scoring game.

The Thundering Herd have a lot to play for, but then again so does East Carolina. This is a toss-up that could go either way.

Prediction: East Carolina 34, Marshall 33

Final Score: East Carolina 65, Marshall 59

Buffalo vs. Bowling Green

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 2:00 p.m.

This is another MAC battle that looks like a mismatch on paper. The Bowling Green Falcons are 7-4 overall, but all of their losses have come to very talented teams.

No matter what happens, they are going to a bowl game somewhere.

Buffalo has been much improved this season compared to years past. The Bulls are 4-7 right now and 3-4 in the MAC.

With the way Bowling Green is playing, however, there is not a strong possibility for Buffalo to hang around too long.

Prediction: Bowling Green 31, Buffalo 16

Final Score: Bowling Green 21, Buffalo 7

LSU vs. Arkansas

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 2:30 p.m.

At the beginning of the season, this was pegged as one of the biggest SEC matchups of the year. Right now it is anything but that, as the Razorbacks have had a downright awful season.

LSU has been as advertised. The No. 7 team in the country has a shot to play in a BCS bowl game if it can win against Arkansas and Florida falls to Florida State.

For Arkansas, the season could not end any sooner. At 4-7, it has been one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent memory—not many teams in college football have done worse against expectations.

This will likely be ugly from the beginning.

Prediction: LSU 31, Arkansas 10

Final Score: LSU 20, Arkansas 13

Utah vs. Colorado

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 3:00 p.m.

For these two teams, the season will mercifully come to an end on Friday. Both Utah and Colorado in particular have had disappointing seasons.

The Utes are 4-7, but once again have been plagued by injuries this season, especially at the quarterback position.

Colorado is one of the worst teams in the country and quite possibly the worst BCS school in the nation.

Not many people will be too interested in this one, but Utah should be able to dominate from start to finish. That has been the case for the Buffaloes all season.

Prediction: Utah 44, Colorado 17

Final Score: Utah 42, Colorado 35

Central Michigan vs. Massachusetts

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 3:00 p.m.

Many people might not be aware, but Central Michigan is playing for a lot on Friday. With a win, the Chippewas will move to 6-6 and become bowl eligible.

With so may teams ineligible for a bowl game, the Chippewas will likely be the seventh MAC team to make a bowl. That is not something that typically happens.

Massachusetts only has one win all season in its first at the FBS level. The Minutemen are certain to get better, but are no match for Central Michigan.

This is going to be ugly from start to finish.

Prediction: Central Michigan 34, Massachusetts 10

Final Score: Central Michigan 42, Massachusetts 21

West Virginia vs. Iowa State

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 3:30 p.m.

This might actually be the week West Virginia gets back to its winning ways. Another loss and a bowl game would be in jeopardy at that point.

The Mountaineers will be taking on Iowa State on the road. The Cyclones are already bowl eligible, having had an up-and-down season.

It will be interesting to see how the West Virginia offense fares against a very talented Iowa State defense.

Tavon Austin is one of the most explosive players in the country, and the Cyclones will have to hold him in check to stay in this game.

Prediction: West Virginia 38, Iowa State 31

Final Score: West Virginia 31, Iowa State 24

Washington vs. Washington State

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 3:30 p.m.

After a grueling schedule at the beginning of the season, Washington has overcome the slow start and is sitting at 7-4 right now.

The Huskies posses a very talented quarterback in Keith Price and have one of the best offenses in the Pac-12.

Washington State, on the other hand, has been a huge disappointment this season. The Cougars are only 2-9 under first-year head coach Mike Leach.

It would be a complete shock if Washington State managed to hang around long in this one.

Prediction: Washington 42, Washington State 13

Final Results: Washington State 31, Washington 28

South Florida vs. Cincinnati

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 7:00 p.m.

There is a pair of night games on ESPN, and this is the first. Cincinnati and South Florida do battle in a game that has little meaning for the Bulls.

South Florida is 3-7 overall and in the midst of another disappointing season. The injury to senior quarterback B.J. Daniels has made matters even worse.

Cincinnati is coming off a tough loss against Rutgers in which it only scored three points.

The offense struggled mightily, and with South Florida coming to town, the Bearcats will have a chance to get well on that side of the ball.

Prediction: Cincinnati 34, South Florida 23

Final: Cincinnati 27, South Florida 10

Arizona State vs. Arizona

When: Friday, Nov. 23, at 10:00 p.m

This is one of the many games featuring conference rivals this weekend. It is also the final game of the night.

Both teams are relatively evenly matched, as they each come in 4-4 in conference play. Arizona is one game better overall, sitting at 7-4.

The Wildcats are at home and appear to be slightly better than the Sun Devils.

Both teams feature first-year coaches at their respective universities. Rich Rodriguez and Todd Graham will learn a little more about the meaning of this rivalry on Friday night. Expect this one to be close, but the Wildcats just have a little too much.

Prediction: Arizona 27, Arizona State 24

Final: Arizona State 41, Arizona 34

Georgia Tech vs. Georgia

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

This is another of the excellent rivalry games this weekend. It is the perfect way to start off the day on Saturday.

While both teams are playing for a lot, Georgia certainly has more on the line with national title aspirations.

Georgia Tech has improved in recent weeks and comes into the game 6-5 overall. The Yellow Jackets have a chance to hang around in this one if they can control the time of possession.

If Georgia Tech can do that, there is no question that this game could be close for longer than fans expect.

Prediction: Georgia 31, Georgia Tech 23

Final: Georgia 42, Georgia Tech 10

Illinois vs. Northwestern

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

This is a matchup featuring two teams that are headed in completely opposite directions. The Wildcats are 8-3 and having yet another impressive season.

Illinois, on the other hand, is one of the worst teams in the conference and suffering through another disappointing 2-9 campaign.

Even though Illinois has a talent level very close to that of Northwestern, this is not going to be a contest.

The Wildcats are much more disciplined and one of the best teams in the Big Ten.

Prediction: Northwestern 31, Illinois 13

Final: Northwestern 50, Illinois 14

Connecticut vs. Louisville

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

Louisville is still stinging from a tough loss on the road against Syracuse two weeks ago. The Cardinals had a bye week to stew and are likely to take out their frustration on Connecticut.

The Huskies come into the game 4-6 overall and fresh off a bye week of their own. With wins in its final two games of the season, Connecticut will become bowl eligible.

That is easier said than done, and at 9-1, Louisville controls its own destiny in the Big East. This will be a nice tune-up game for Louisville before the showdown with Rutgers next Thursday.

Look for a huge game from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Prediction: Louisville 38, Connecticut 17

Final: UConn 23, Louisville 20 (OT)

Michigan vs. Ohio State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

Of all the rivalry games on Saturday, this is likely the best. Michigan travels to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes, who will be looking to complete a perfect season.

Michigan, on the other hand, still has an outside shot to play in the Rose Bowl with a win and a Nebraska loss.

It is still unclear who will be starting at the quarterback position for Michigan, so stay tuned for that.

Ohio State is playing its final game of the season. This could be a high-scoring encounter, as both of these teams feature high-flying offenses. Look for this to be just another excellent game between two bitter rivals.

Prediction: Ohio State 27, Michigan 23

Final: Ohio State 26, Michigan 21

Rutgers vs. Pittsburgh

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

Rutgers is fresh off a win on the road against Cincinnati. At 5-0 in the Big East, the Scarlet Knights control their own destiny for a likely berth in the Orange Bowl.

A game at Pittsburgh may not seem like too challenging of a task, but this could be a trap game for Rutgers with Louisville waiting next Thursday.

Pittsburgh has enough in the running game to move the ball up and down the field.

The Scarlet Knights just have a little too much on defense for Pittsburgh to overcome. Expect a close, low-scoring game with Rutgers coming out on top.

Prediction: Rutgers 20, Pittsburgh 13

Final: Pitt 27, Rutgers 6

Virginia vs. Virginia Tech

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

This is a huge game for Virginia Tech. With a win the Hokies move to 6-6, which would give them bowl eligibility.

That would help avoid one of the most disappointing seasons of any school in the country.

Virginia has a different idea. The Cavaliers are 4-7, so there is not much to play for. But they would love to knock off their in-state rival, so both of their seasons could come to an end on the same day. 

The Hokies have been struggling lately, but at home, they will have too much for Virginia.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Virginia 10

Final: Virginia Tech 17, Virginia 14

UAB vs. Central Florida

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

Central Florida is slated to play Tulsa for the Conference USA Championship next weekend and will have a tune-up against UAB in the meantime.

These two teams have completely opposite records. The Knights come into the game 8-3 overall, while UAB is only 3-8.

There is no reason that this game should even be close. Central Florida is one of the most talented teams in the conference, and UAB is far from that.

This has blowout written all over it, particularly with Central Florida playing its home finale.

Prediction: Central Florida 38, UAB 14

Final: Central Florida 49, UAB 24

Indiana vs. Purdue

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

This is a battle of perennial Big Ten bottom-feeders. A win by Purdue, however, and the Boilermakers will reach the 6-6 mark, becoming bowl eligible.

After starting the season 3-6, it was hard to imagine Purdue coming up with enough wins to qualify for a bowl game, but that could be the case.

Indiana had slim Rose Bowl aspirations a few weeks ago, but now is standing at 4-7 and in the midst of another disappointing season.

This is an improvement from a year ago, and the Hoosiers might be headed in the right direction.

Prediction: Purdue 30, Indiana 20

Final: Purdue 56, Indiana 35

Tulsa vs. SMU

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:00 p.m.

While there are not a lot of talented teams in Conference USA, these are two of the better ones.

Tulsa is 9-2 and 7-0 in the league. They are slated to win the regular-season conference title and play Central Florida in the championship game.

SMU is 5-6 and needs one more win to become bowl eligible. That is going to be hard to come by, as the Golden Hurricane seem extremely focused right now.

The Mustangs do have a lot to play for, and with it being at home, they should be able to keep it interesting for a while.

Prediction: Tulsa 31, SMU 27

Final: SMU 35, Tulsa 27

Kentucky vs. Tennessee

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:21 p.m.

This will be the final game for Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips, as he has been told he will be fired at the end of the season.

Tennessee has just fired head coach Derek Dooley, and neither of these teams have won a conference game all season.

Something has got to give as these two do battle in Knoxville.

The Vols are certainly the more talented of the two teams and, if they can get up for the game, will have no problem winning it. Kentucky, on the other hand, is going to want to send its coach off with a win.

Prediction: Tennessee 31, Kentucky 20

Final: Tennessee 37, Kentucky 14

Miami vs. Duke

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 12:30 p.m.

With the recent self-imposed bowl ban Miami placed on itself, this will be the final game of the season for the Hurricanes.

They will be trying to complete a winning season and give Duke its fourth straight loss.

The Blue Devils will be going bowling somewhere. Since becoming bowl eligible nearly a month ago, they have not won a single game.

Even though Duke is at home in this one, I do not expect them to be able to hang around too long with a much more talented Miami squad.

Prediction: Miami 31, Duke 20

Final: Miami 52, Duke 45

North Texas vs. Western Kentucky

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 1:00 p.m.

Even though Western Kentucky has fallen on hard times in recent weeks, the Hilltoppers are still going to a bowl game somewhere.

At 6-5, one more win would help improve their bowl stock and avoid a four-game losing streak to close out the regular season.

North Texas, on the other hand, will be playing its final game. The Mean Green are 4-7 overall with an identical 3-4 league record as the Hilltoppers.

They struggle to score points, averaging just over 20 a game. That might be a problem against a Western Kentucky team playing its final home game of the season.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 28, North Texas 17

Final: Western Kentucky 25, North Texas 24

Texas State vs. UTSA

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 2:00 p.m.

This will be the final game of the season for UTSA, as they are not eligible to play in a bowl game.

Both of these schools are in their first season at the FBS level, and even though UTSA stands at 7-4 right now, a bowl game is not in its future.

The Roadrunners have had a very impressive year and are led by former Miami head coach Larry Coker.

Texas State has not quite been as good, sitting at 3-7 with two games remaining. The Bobcats have beaten two FBS teams including Houston and Idaho.

Prediction: UTSA 30, Texas State 20

Final: UTSA 38, Texas State 31

Baylor vs. Texas Tech

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 2:30 p.m.

Baylor is fresh off a convincing 52-24 victory over Kansas State and now only needs one more win to become bowl eligible.

The Bears are 5-5, but do have two challenging games remaining. Texas Tech is the first of those challenges, as the Red Raiders stand at 7-4 overall.

They have not been playing well, however, having lost three of four with the only win coming at home in overtime over Kansas.

With the amount of points Baylor can put on the board, it just might be able to outscore Texas Tech and become bowl eligible.

Prediction: Baylor 45, Texas Tech 38

Final: Baylor 52, Texas Tech 45 (OT)

Boston College vs. North Carolina State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:00 p.m.

For the Boston College Eagles, the season will mercifully come to an end on Saturday. A win would give them a 3-9 record and avoid that dreaded 10-loss mark.

North Carolina State is looking for its seventh win of the season and a spot in a good bowl game.

This could be the final game for Boston College head coach Frank Spaziani. He has seemingly been on the hot seat for a few years now.

The Wolfpack are at home and should have no problems in this one.

Prediction: North Carolina State 35, Boston College 17

Final: North Carolina State 27, Boston College 10

Maryland vs. North Carolina

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:00 p.m.

With news that Maryland will be jumping ship to the Big Ten in the coming years, this game has taken a back seat this week.

At 4-7 and without a quarterback for nearly half of the season, Maryland has literally done all it can to put up as many wins as possible.

North Carolina will also be playing its final game, as it is one of four teams with a bowl ban. The 7-4 Tar Heels have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball.

If the Terps can force a few turnovers in this one, they could stay close until at least halftime. Otherwise, it will be over very early.

Prediction: North Carolina 34, Maryland 10

Final: North Carolina 45, Maryland 38

Oregon vs. Oregon State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:00 p.m.

Both of these teams are coming off losses to Stanford and still have a lot to play for.

A win by Oregon, coupled with a Stanford loss at UCLA, and the Ducks would be in the Pac-12 championship game.

The vaunted Oregon offensive attack was held to 14 points against Stanford. It will be interesting to see how the Oregon State defense will play against the angry Ducks offense.

The Civil War is one of the greatest rivalries in college football. With the Beavers at home, they might be able to keep this one close for a little while.

Prediction: Oregon 38, Oregon State 28

Final: Oregon 48, Oregon State 24

Idaho vs. Utah State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:00 p.m.

This is without question one of the biggest mismatches of the weekend, as the 1-10 Idaho Vandals travel to Utah to take on the 9-2 Utah State Aggies.

Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton is one of the best-kept secrets in the country. He is putting up huge numbers, having just led his team to an overtime victory over the previously ranked Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

Even though he is only a sophomore, he has already passed for over 3,000 yards with 25 touchdowns and only seven picks.

Against Louisiana Tech, he completed 20-of-34 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, while running for 121 yards and two more scores on 17 carries.

Prediction: Utah State 45, Idaho 13

Final: Utah State 45, Idaho 9

Florida vs. Florida State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

When both of these teams are good, which they are now, this is one of the best rivalries in college football.

The Florida Gators still have serious national title aspirations if they can knock off the Seminoles. Florida State has other things on its mind.

It will be very interesting to see how the Florida State offense, which ranks seventh in the country averaging nearly 43 points a game, does against a Florida defense that ranks third in the country and is only allowing just under 12 points a night.

Florida State is at home, and that might give them the slight edge over the Gators.

Prediction: Florida State 20, Florida 16

Final: Florida 37, Florida State 20

Michigan State vs. Minnesota

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

This is a crucial game for Michigan State, as the Spartans do not want to be left out of a bowl game. At 5-6, one more loss will do the trick.

Minnesota, on the other hand, is already 6-5 and headed somewhere for a bowl game. With a win against the Spartans, there is a shot the Gophers could find themselves in a New Year's Day bowl.

Even though Michigan State has a worse record and is on the road, the Spartans are clearly the much better team.

This one might not even be close, as Minnesota will have trouble scoring against the Michigan State defense.

Prediction: Michigan State 24, Minnesota 7

Final: Michigan State 26, Minnesota 10

Vanderbilt vs. Wake Forest

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

At 7-4 right now, Vanderbilt is doing what not too many people thought possible when the season began.

A win over Wake Forest to finish out the regular season would give the Commodores eight wins after starting the year 2-4.

Vanderbilt wins with a defense that ranks 16th in the country, only allowing 18 points a game.

That is not good news for a Wake Forest squad that needs one more win to become bowl eligible. They were shut out last week against Notre Dame, and it doesn't look like things are going to get much better on Saturday. 

Prediction: Vanderbilt 24, Wake Forest 10

Final: Vanderbilt 55, Wake Forest 21

BYU vs. New Mexico State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

BYU has made it through the grueling part of its schedule and has one cupcake before bowl season.

The Cougars are 6-5 right now, but have lost to some top-caliber teams.

New Mexico State, on the other hand, is 1-9, with its only win of the season coming against Sacramento State in the season opener.

It has been another long year for the Aggies, and fans are likely just looking forward to basketball season at this point.

Prediction: BYU 44, New Mexico State 9

Final: BYU 50, New Mexico State 14

Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

This is one of the best rivalries the Big 12 has to offer, as it will be Bedlam once again in Norman on Saturday.

Oklahoma is two wins away from a likely berth in a BCS bowl. The Sooners still have a shot to win the conference title outright in the coming weeks.

Oklahoma State has a chance to share the conference crown with a win, as well as a Texas victory over Kansas State in the season finale.

There is still a long way to go in the Big 12, and this one is going to be close.

Prediction: Oklahoma 31, Oklahoma State 27

Wisconsin vs. Penn State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

These two teams come into this game with identical conference records, and, typically, a lot would be on the line. In this one, however, there is not as much to play for. 

With Penn State not eligible for a bowl game, this will be the final game of the season for the Nittany Lions.

Wisconsin is already assured a spot in the Big Ten title game next Saturday and will be gearing up for that.

Expect the Badgers to try and run the football, but Penn State is no stranger to stopping the run. This is going to be very close and extremely low-scoring.

Prediction: Wisconsin 17, Penn State 14

Final: Penn State 24, Wisconsin 21 (OT)

Tulane vs. Houston

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

A loss by Houston to Marshall last weekend knocked the Cougars out of any possibility for a bowl game.

This week they will close out the season against a very bad Tulane squad.

The Green Wave comes into the game 2-9 overall, but has won two of its past six games. Still, the Green Wave possesses one of the worst defenses in the country, allowing over 38 points a game.

Houston will have no problem putting points on the board, but Tulane will hang around for most of the day.

Prediction: Houston 40, Tulane 30

Final: Houston 40, Tulane 17

Air Force vs. Fresno State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

This is one of the most interesting games of the day, as Fresno State brings an 8-3 record and a talented offense into this game against Air Force. 

The Falcons are 6-5 and love to run the football. In fact, they did not pass one single time last week in a 21-7 home victory against Hawaii.

To beat the Bulldogs, they are likely going to need to at least throw a few passes.

Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr is one of the best in the country and should be able to put enough points on the board to give Fresno State the victory, unless Air Force can control the clock and force a few turnovers. 

Prediction: Fresno State 27, Air Force 17

Final: Fresno State 48, Air Force 15

Auburn vs. Alabama

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

It has been a downright awful season for the 3-8 Auburn Tigers, and it is likely to get worse on Saturday with Alabama looming.

The annual Iron Bowl will feature two teams that couldn't be on more opposite ends of the spectrum.

Alabama is 10-1 and headed for the SEC championship game with a win against Auburn. A win in the SEC championship game, and the Crimson Tide will be playing for the national championship.

The weak Auburn offense is going to have a lot of trouble scoring against one of the best defenses in the country in Alabama. This has blowout written all over it. 

Prediction: Alabama 42, Auburn 13

Final: Alabama 49, Auburn 0

Troy vs. Middle Tennessee

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

This is a huge game for both of these schools, as Middle Tennessee is two wins away from becoming Sun Belt champions.

For Troy, it is the final game of the season, and a win will give it bowl eligibility at 6-6.

The Sun Belt is a very talented conference, and in most other years, Troy would already be at the six-win mark.

Middle Tennessee has played with some of the big boys, including a victory at Georgia Tech earlier in the year. Expect this to be close, and it could go either way—but the slight edge goes to Middle Tennessee at home.

Prediction: Middle Tennessee 30, Troy 27

Final: Middle Tennessee 24, Troy 21

San Diego State vs. Wyoming

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

San Diego State is one of three teams in a logjam at the top of the Mountain West Conference. The Aztecs are 8-3 overall and 6-1 in league play.

A win will at least assure them of a share of the conference crown with Boise State and Fresno State.

The Aztecs have won six games in a row and take on a Wyoming team that has only won four games all season, but has won three straight.

The Cowboys will be at home and looking to pull off the upset. But that's not likely to happen. San Diego State should roll on Saturday.

Prediction: San Diego State 34, Wyoming 21

Final: San Diego State 42, Wyoming 28

Southern Mississippi vs. Memphis

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 4:30 p.m.

As the only FBS school without a victory, this is the final chance for Southern Miss to win a game. Fortunately for the Golden Eagles, the game is against a Memphis team that only stands 3-8.

Still, the game is on the road, but the Golden Eagles have been playing a little better lately and are on the brink of a victory.

It will not be easy, as Memphis has won its past two games and finally appears to be hitting its stride.

Something is telling me this is going to be a little bit of an upset.

Prediction: Southern Miss 24, Memphis 21

Final: Memphis 42, Southern Miss 24

South Alabama vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 5:00 p.m.

Louisiana-Lafayette is going to a bowl game somewhere, but a loss to South Alabama would certainly hurt its bowl positioning.

The Rajin' Cajuns are 7-4 right now and near the top of the Sun Belt. With a win, there is still the possibility of sharing the conference crown.

South Alabama, on the other hand, is in its first year at the FBS level. The Jaguars are 2-9 overall and playing in a much more challenging conference than some of the other schools breaking into the FBS level.

This is not going to be easy for South Alabama, particularly on the road.

Prediction: Louisiana-Lafayette 24, South Alabama 14

Final: Louisiana-Lafayette 52, South Alabama 30

Louisiana-Monroe vs. Florida International

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 6:00 p.m.

Louisiana-Monroe closes out an impressive regular season with a game against Florida International. Like Louisiana-Lafayette, the Warhawks can still share the conference title with a win and a little help.

Florida International, on the other hand, is only 3-8 and has fallen on hard times this season, a year after going to a bowl game. 

Even though this is on the road, the offensive firepower of the Warhawks will just be too much for the Golden Panthers to handle.

Their two-game winning streak will be broken, and Louisiana-Monroe will move to 8-4 on the season with the victory.

Prediction: Louisiana-Monroe 41, Florida International 17

Final: Louisiana-Monroe 23, Florida International 17 (OT)

Stanford vs. UCLA

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 6:30 p.m.

This game could be the first of two between these two teams. A win by Stanford will force a rematch next week in the Pac-12 championship game.

A loss by the Cardinal, and it will likely be Oregon taking on UCLA.

Stanford is coming off that dramatic victory over Oregon and has moved up to No. 8 in the latest BCS rankings.

UCLA is very talented, and both teams come in with identical 9-2 records. Expect this game to be close and a grind-it-out affair. The team that can come up with a few big plays will come out victorious.

Prediction: UCLA 21, Stanford 20

Final: Stanford 35, UCLA 17

Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7:00 p.m.

The annual Egg Bowl is one of the best rivalries in the SEC. This season the game has additional meaning.

Ole Miss is playing at home for its bowl life. The Rebels are in need of one more victory to become bowl eligible.

Mississippi State, on the other hand, is sitting at 8-3 and in the midst of an excellent year. The Bulldogs have struggled against top-level competition.

While Ole Miss is certainly not that, the Rebels are at home and playing for a lot. There might be a slight upset coming in this one.

Prediction: Ole Miss 24, Mississippi State 21

Final: Ole Miss 41, Mississippi State 24

New Mexico vs. Colorado State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7:00 p.m.

This is a game that features two very bad teams, both coming into the game with eight losses.

They are each near the bottom of the Mountain West Conference and have recently fallen on hard times.

Even though New Mexico has lost five games in a row, the Lobos love to run the football, ranking fourth in the country, averaging over 314 yards a game.

Colorado State is awful on both sides of the ball, and even though the Rams are at home, New Mexico is the slightly better of these two teams.

Prediction: New Mexico 27, Colorado State 23

Final: Colorado State 24, New Mexico 20

South Carolina vs. Clemson

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7:00 p.m.

This is without question one of the best games of the day.

Clemson is certainly playing for a little bit more, as a win would almost guarantee the Tigers a spot in a BCS bowl game. South Carolina would like to play spoiler.

This will be the first real test for the Gamecocks this season without the services of star running back Marcus Lattimore.

The Clemson offense will also be the best South Carolina has seen all year. With the weapons Clemson possesses on that side of the ball, it just has a little too much for South Carolina to contend with.

Prediction: Clemson 38, South Carolina 27

Final: South Caroline 27, Clemson 17

Missouri vs. Texas A&M

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7:00 p.m.

These two Big 12 rivals square off in an SEC matchup.

Texas A&M is one of the most talked-about teams in the country, in large part because of the play of freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel.

He is putting together one of the best seasons a freshman has ever had and is a serious Heisman Trophy contender.

Missouri, on the other hand, is coming off a disappointing loss at home to Syracuse. The Tigers need one more win to become bowl eligible, but will have to do it on the road in College Station.

That is not likely to happen. Expect Texas A&M to cruise in this one.

Prediction: Texas A&M 41, Missouri 17

Final: Texas A&M 59, Missouri 29

Rice vs. UTEP

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7:00 p.m.

With a win over UTEP in the season finale, the surprising Rice Owls will be headed to a bowl game.

At 5-6, Rice has come on strong at the end of the season by winning three games in a row, including a victory last weekend over SMU.

UTEP, on the other hand, has only won three games all season and struggles to score points.

The Miners have won two of their past four games, but those wins came against Tulane and Southern Miss by a combined five points. Rice has too much to play for to lose this one.

Prediction: Rice 34, UTEP 14

Final: Rice 33, UTEP 24

Notre Dame vs. USC

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 8:00 p.m.

This is one of the premier games of the day, as Notre  Dame is only a win away from playing in the BCS National Championship Game.

The Fighting Irish will be taking on a USC team playing without Matt Barkley. That is certainly not good news for the Trojans, as there were already enough problems when he was healthy.

Notre Dame features one of the best defenses in the country. They are going to give USC fits up front.

If USC has any hopes of staying in this game, it is going to need to force a few turnovers and come up with a few big plays deep to its talented wide receivers.

Prediction: Notre Dame 27, USC 16

Final: Notre Dame 22, USC 13

Louisiana Tech vs. San Jose State

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 10:30 p.m.

What better way to close out the night on ESPN2 than with this WAC battle.

The WAC may not be a very good conference, but there are three teams at the top of the league that are very talented.

Two of them will be doing battle on Saturday night.

Both Louisiana Tech and San Jose State come into the game with identical 9-2 records and 4-1 marks in conference play. There is a lot on the line here. Expect some points to be scored and the game to be very close.

Prediction: San Jose State 45, Louisiana Tech 42

UNLV vs. Hawaii

When: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 11:00 p.m.

When it comes to awful games, this is certainly up there with the worst of the week. Hawaii and UNLV both come into this game with awful records.

The Warriors are 1-9, and UNLV is not much better at 2-10.

This is certainly not a game worth watching. Hawaii struggles to move the ball on offense and has a lot of questions at the quarterback position.

Expect this to be very low-scoring as Hawaii gets its first conference win of the season in a slight upset.

Prediction: Hawaii 17, UNLV 14

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