College Football Picks Week 12: How Will Teams in the Top 10 Fare?
After the top three teams in the BCS were given a scare or a tough game last week, they all got a week off for their troubles. Well, not really, but Oregon, Auburn and TCU all have byes and all but guarantees that at least the top two teams will remain the same when the BCS standings are released next Sunday.
Several other top 10 teams suffered scares as well. Stanford got it could handle in the Arizona State Sun Devils before it held on to a 17-13 win. Ohio State rallied from an 11 point deficit at halftime to throttle Penn State
Six top 10 teams are in action this week including two with major conference championship implications. Others are trying to remain in BCS at-large consideration as the season is on the homestretch. How will these teams fare? Here are the picks.
No. 10 Oklahoma State vs. Kansas
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Oklahoma State is coming off a program defining win over the Texas Longhorns 33-16. Despite Texas' struggles this season, this win marked the first time the Cowboys won in Austin since 1944. It also carries them to victories away from clinching the Big 12 South title and a berth in the Big 12 Championship game.
The Cowboys have to be careful and not overlook this Kansas team for Oklahoma next week. Despite their struggles, anything can happen in conference play. Oklahoma State is powered by quarterback Brandon Weeden and Heisman candidate Justin Blackmon, who is three touchdown catches away from tying Dez Bryant's school mark.
Turner Gill has had a rough debut season as Jayhawks head coach. Kansas has been the victim of many routs this season and the teams best wins were an upset of overrated Georgia Tech and a 28 point fourth quarter rally to beat Colorado 52-45.
The Pick: Oklahoma State 48, Kansas 16
No. 9 Ohio State vs. No. 20 Iowa
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This game is a rematch from the overtime classic in 2009 where Ohio State nearly blew a 14 point fourth quarter lead but held on to win on a Devin Barclay field goal to send the Buckeyes to Pasadena. Now the Hawkeyes look for revenge as they welcome Ohio State into Kinnick Stadium where once again Big Ten title implications are on the line.
Ohio State suffered a bit of a scare last week against Penn State as the walk on quarterback Matt McGloin threw two touchdown passes, leading to a 14-3 halftime deficit. Thanks to a fiery halftime speech from Jim Tressel, the defense stepped up and picked off two passes for touchdowns en route to the 38-14 win.
Iowa was caught looking ahead to their matchup with the Buckeyes as they were upset by Northwestern 21-17 on a Dan Persa touchdown pass with under two minutes remaining. The Hawkeyes now find themselves out of the Big Ten race and playing for a January 1 bowl game. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi said beating the Buckeyes are the only things on the team's mind.
Will the Iowa defense lead by Adrian Clayborn be able to contain the dynamic Terrelle Pryor or will the Buckeyes still be in the Big Ten hunt? Look for Pryor and Buckeyes to make enough plays to hold on in a dramatic game like last seasons.
The Pick: Ohio State 24, Iowa 20
No. 8 Nebraska vs. No. 19 Texas A&M
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The Cornhuskers travel to College Station Saturday to take on the Aggies in a Big 12 battle that looks destined to come down to the wire. Nebraska comes in looking to clinch the Big 12 North title and a berth in the Big 12 Championship game with a win. The Huskers can clinch by virtue of their head to head win over Missouri and one game lead in the standings.
Nebraska won comfortably at home against Kansas 20-3 after barely surviving a trip to Iowa State where they were a Cyclone two point conversion from losing. Quarterback Taylor Martinez should also be more up to game speed after being slowed from a previously sprained ankle last week. Nebraska looks to slow down the Aggie passing attack that has thrived in recent weeks.
The offense and success of Texas A&M has been influenced by the quarterback switch from Jerrod Johnson to Ryan Tannehill. Since being named the starter before their game against Kansas, the Aggies are 4-0 and now find themselves looking for a New Year's Day bowl game.
Nebraska has played very well on the road but has yet to face such a good offense away from home. On the other side, the Aggies will have to break through this Bo Pelini defense if they want to celebrate.
The Pick: Nebraska 34, Texas A&M 31
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No. 7 Wisconsin Vs. Michigan
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With a game against Northwestern at home remaining on the Badgers schedule, Wisconsin essentially just needs to win this test against Michigan to all but ensure their first Rose Bowl trip in over a decade. However the Badgers will have to take down a Wolverine team that has become bowl eligible for the first time under Rich Rodriguez.
Wisconsin is coming off a 83-20 throttling of the Indiana Hoosiers in Madison last Saturday. Scott Tolzien had three touchdown passes and is becoming one of the most efficient passers in the nation. Montee Ball filled in for the injured John Clay and ran for 167 yards and three scores himself.
Michigan has won two straight and played arguably their best defense of the season last week at Purdue. Denard Robinson's hype has fallen a bit but he is still a dangerous player to contend with. This spread offense has seemingly come together after three years, and it still problematic for even the best defenses to solve.
Wisconsin came into Michigan two years ago No. 9 in the country and had a 19 point lead on the Wolverines going into the fourth quarter. They promptly allowed 21 straight points en route to a 27-25 Michigan win. It's senior day in the Big House and the Wolverines will be fired up to take on the Badgers who have historically struggled at Michigan.
The Pick: Wisconsin 35, Michigan 36
No. 6 Stanford vs. California
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Stanford seemed to get a little bit of luck even when Luck wasn't that successful last week against Arizona State. Quarterback Andrew Luck, despite no touchdown passes and two turnovers, helped lead the Cardinal on a 10-play, 85 yard drive to take the lead for good in a 17-13 escape. This week the Cardinal travel to Berkley to play a Cal team they haven't beaten in eight of their last nine meetings.
Stanford has had a great season under coach Jim Harbaugh. Despite their loss at Oregon, Stanford finds itself in the top 10 and looking for a hopeful BCS berth. Normally, they would be the Rose Bowl's first choice to replace Oregon if the Ducks play for the BCS Championship. Instead, they need to hope TCU and Boise State falter to get into the Rose Bowl.
California is coming off their best game in defeat as they held the high powered Oregon offense to only 15 points in a 15-13 loss. The Bears had a chance to kick a short field goal to take the lead but were penalized and then missed it wide right. The Bears look to play spoiler against their biggest rival in "The Game."
Despite the recent success of Cal over Stanford, Luck and company is just too talented for this Bears team who has to play their second straight top ten game in a week.
The Pick: Stanford 27, California 17
Mississippi vs. No. 5 LSU
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LSU can't win the SEC due to their loss at Auburn earlier this season, but they are in contention for a BCS at large bid. If Auburn wins the SEC and goes on to Glendale for the BCS Championship, the Sugar Bowl will take the home state Tigers in an instant. That being said, LSU still needs to take care of business in the next two weeks against Ole Miss and Arkansas.
LSU had a laugher of a game last week against Louisiana-Monroe, winning 51-0. They take on a Rebel team has struggled to find itself all season long. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was supposed to come in to provide a spark for this Ole Miss team, but since dropping the opener to Jacksonville State, the Rebels have struggled through their schedule.
The Tigers should win this game going away. But knowing this is a Les Miles coached team, nothing is ever certain. Expect the Tigers to not blow the Rebels out right away, but eventually win comfortably in their final home game of the season.
The Pick: Mississippi 13, LSU 34
Fresno State vs. No. 4 Boise State
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Boise State possibly had the best weekend of any college football team last weekend when TCU struggled with San Diego State, Utah got blown out by Notre Dame, and the Broncos beat Idaho handily on the road. The pollsters took this into account and jumped the Broncos in both polls over TCU. The Broncos are still behind TCU, but are in position with their upcoming games to eventually pass the Horned Frogs in the computers.
Quarterback and Heisman candidate Kellen Moore has been arguably the best QB not named Cam Newton. He has led this Bronco attack in every facet during the season. They take on an always challenging Fresno State. The Bulldogs nearly pulled off an upset against No. 18 Nevada last week before giving up a late touchdown.
The Bulldogs have the second best passing defense in the WAC just behind Boise State and the Broncos can't overlook Fresno State for Nevada. But this game is being played on the blue turf in Boise and Boise State just doesn't lose at home.
The Pick: Fresno State 17, Boise State 38
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