Bold Predictions for Top College Football Rivalry Games in Week 14
From the Territorial Cup to the Egg Bowl to the Iron Bowl, Week 14 of the 2014 college football season is filled with rivalry games.
Each program will unleash gadget plays, new blitzes or unknown weapons, searching for both bragging rights and a victory over its most hated school.
While the teams prepare their audacious moves, these equally bold predictions will maintain a realistic nature. However, some may appear outlandish, because safe isn't fun—nor is it bold.
The predictions are organized by kickoff time, not necessarily the confidence level or adventurousness of the prophecy.
Jaelen Strong Sets Career High, Arizona State Falls
1 of 9
Matchup: Arizona State vs. Arizona
Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 28, 3:30 p.m. ET (Fox)
Trophy: Territorial Cup
Jaelen Strong missed last week's win over Washington due to a concussion, but Tyler Lockman of Fox Sports Arizona notes the Sun Devils receiver is expected to return.
And he's going to destroy the Arizona secondary. But it won't be enough.
Though the junior wideout will surpass his career-best mark of 202 yards, Strong's effort won't be enough for Arizona State to outlast the rival Wildcats.
Led by freshmen Anu Solomon and Nick Wilson, Arizona will earn its first home win over the Sun Devils since 2008.
Nick Chubb Records 40 Carries
2 of 9
Matchup: Georgia Tech vs. Georgia
When: Saturday, Nov. 29, noon ET (SEC Network)
Trophy: None; just plenty of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.
Ball control is a main weapon Georgia Tech uses against its opponents, but the Yellow Jackets will be stung by Georgia's Nick Chubb.
Mark Richt didn't use him sparingly during Todd Gurley's suspension, giving Chubb 38 rushing attempts during a win over Missouri. Plus, Gurley's ACL injury means Chubb is once again the primary back.
The freshman only recorded nine carries last weekend, so he's primed and rested for a 40-carry day against Georgia Tech.
Georgia will register its sixth consecutive series win—which also marks 13 of the past 14.
Joey Bosa Tallies Three Sacks
3 of 9
Matchup: Michigan vs. Ohio State
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, noon ET (ABC)
Trophy: None; because the "M" and "O" are all that matter.
The 2014 campaign hasn't been very kind to Devin Gardner and the Wolverines, and the Buckeyes could hardly be happier.
Ohio State will take an early three-score lead, forcing the Wolverines to abandon the running game. Consequently, Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa will completely own what's referred to as "The Game."
The sophomore managed a half-sack last season, but he'll destroy the fragile UM O-line for a triple serving of sacks—including a pair of other quarterback hurries.
Gardner will need an ice bath or seven, and the Wolverines faithful will storm the field to literally carry Brady Hoke out of the stadium as fast as possible.
OK, the latter might be an exaggeration, but Gardner won't have a pleasant day in the pocket. Ohio State will waltz to its 10th victory over -ichigan in 11 years.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Melvin Gordon Doubles Up Minnesota
4 of 9
Matchup: Wisconsin vs. Minnesota
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET (BTN)
Trophy: Paul Bunyan's Axe
Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon stole the spotlight by setting the single-game rushing record with 408 yards two weeks ago against Nebraska, though it was stunningly broken by Oklahoma's Samaje Perine last Saturday.
Regardless, Gordon has shredded Football Bowl Subdivision opponents all year long, and he'll cap his outstanding regular season with one final show.
To this point, the most yards Minnesota has allowed to a running back in a single outing is just 115 yards, accomplished by Purdue's Raheem Mostert.
Saturday afternoon, however, Gordon will tally at least 230 yards on a stout Golden Gophers defense by the third quarter. The Badgers will retain Paul Bunyan's Axe for the 11th consecutive season.
Steve Spurrier Beats Clemson, Then Trolls Clemson, Florida and Georgia
5 of 9
Matchup: South Carolina vs. Clemson
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, noon ET (ESPN)
Trophy: Hardee's Trophy
Steve Spurrier is famous for taking shots at a handful of southern teams, none more notable than his former school Florida, along with Georgia, Clemson and Tennessee.
After winning the Battle of the Palmetto State for the sixth straight time, Spurrier will demand headlines with his epic postgame press conference.
In an unprecedented, unparalleled victory speech, the Head Ball Coach will excellently troll Clemson for the loss, Florida for its job opening and Georgia, well, because he can.
Of course, since the Gamecocks fell to Tennessee, Spurrier won't touch the Vols. He has standards for his insults, and that is certainly commendable.
Win or Lose, Will Muschamp Is Carried off the Field
6 of 9
Matchup: Florida vs. Florida State
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Trophy: None; but possibly Deja Zook.
The similarities between the 2004 and 2014 editions of this in-state rivalry are almost too good to be true, as noted by B/R's Brian Leigh.
"Ten years ago, Florida head coach Ron Zook was fired midseason but allowed to finish out the campaign (sans the bowl game). His Gators were 6-4 when they traveled to Tallahassee to play a Top 10 Florida State team but somehow pulled the massive upset, 20-13.
This year, Florida head coach Will Muschamp "resigned" midseason but is finishing out the campaign (sans the bowl game). His Gators are 6-4 and traveling to Tallahassee to play a Top 10 Florida State team.
"
Following that 2004 win, the Gators carried Zook off the field, celebrating what was a tumultuous end to the pre-Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer eras.
But no matter what happens on the field Saturday, Muschamp will receive the Zook treatment. And given the reactions of Florida players following Muschamp's resignation, it shouldn't be a surprise.
Dr. Bo Shows His Surgical Skills
7 of 9
Matchup: Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Trophy: The Golden Egg
The Ole Miss Rebels rarely know which Bo Wallace—aka "Good Bo" aka "Bad Bo" aka "Dr. Bo"—will show up on game day.
With that being said, the senior quarterback tends to perform better at home, connecting on 64.2 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in Oxford.
Mississippi State surrenders a noticeable increase to opposing offenses on the road, allowing more completions and yards despite fewer attempts.
According to Odds Shark, the Bulldogs are favored by just two points. However, Wallace will engineer a final-minute scoring drive to end Mississippi State's hopes of qualifying for the inaugural College Football Playoff.
The Wallace-led victory will mark Ole Miss' seventh home win over the Bulldogs throughout its last eight opportunities.
Nelson Agholor Dominates Notre Dame
8 of 9
Matchup: Notre Dame vs. USC
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET (Fox)
Trophy: Jeweled Shillelagh
It's a classic rivalry, but the 2014 meeting lacks the big-game feel because both Notre Dame and USC currently hold 7-4 records.
What the matchup is not missing, however, is an elite playmaker. The Trojans boast Nelson Agholor, a fantastic receiver who's hauled in 159 passes for 2,362 yards and 18 touchdowns throughout his college career.
Additionally, Agholor is USC's punt returner, though he mishandled one chance during last Saturday's loss to rival UCLA. The potential first-round draft pick will make amends for his gaffe, taking one punt to the house and tallying two receiving touchdowns.
Agholor will lift the Trojans to their first victory over Notre Dame at The Coliseum since 2008.
Adam Griffith Wins His Redemption Game
9 of 9
Matchup: Auburn vs. Alabama
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, 7:45 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Trophy: James E. Foy, V-ODK Sportsmanship Trophy
Last season, the Iron Bowl was locked at 28 with one second remaining. Alabama kicker Adam Griffith attempted a 57-yarder, but Auburn's Chris Davis fielded the shorted effort and shockingly took it 109 yards to pay dirt.
But despite a 12-of-18 season mark, this is Griffith's year, and this is his chance for redemption. The sophomore will nail a 48-yard game-winner to give the Crimson Tide a berth in the SEC Championship Game.
Griffith might actually chase the ball into the uprights, pick it up and run 109 yards into the opposite end zone and spike the pigskin, simply to mock Auburn.
And who could blame him? This is rivalry weekend. It doesn't get much better than Week 14.
Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
