College Football Week 13: Predictions for All the Big Games
College football Week 13 is jam-packed with a Thanksgiving feasts worth of tasty matchups.
With tons of historic rivalries on tap along with games loaded with BCS title implications, conference title implications, and teams hunting for bowl eligibility, there's plenty at stake this weekend.
We're breaking down 20 of the biggest games of the weekend, explaining what's at stake, who will win, and why. There's a lot of football to look at, so grab a cold turkey sandwich, and let's get rolling.
Kansas Jayhawks (3-8) @ Missouri Tigers (9-2)
1 of 20
What's at Stake: Kansas' 2010 campaign ends after this contest; at 3-8, the Jayhawks aren't going bowling. But for Mizzou, should Colorado stage an upset of Nebraska on Friday, this game is their last chance to secure a Big 12 title game berth. Even if the Tigers are out of the race, they could sure use a win over their border-sharing rivals to help boost their bowl profile.
Why Kansas Will Win: The Jayhawks have nothing to play for but pride. They've got no pressure, and no one thinks they can stage the upset. Their offense is inconsistent, their defense porous. But crazy things tend to happen in this rivalry, and Kansas would like nothing more than to hand the Tigers a third Big 12 loss.
Why Missouri Will Win: Hands down, Mizzou is the better team in this game. Better offense, better defense, better everything. With the game being played in Columbia, the Jayhawks have little hope of standing up to quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the Tigers offense.
The Verdict: Missouri 28, Kansas 27. Look for the Jayhawks to come out ready to play in this one, but in the end, Mizzou's got too much for Kansas to handle this season.
Kentucky Wildcats (6-5) @ Tennessee Volunteers (5-6)
2 of 20
What's at Stake: Kentucky hasn't beaten the Vols in 26 years, but Tennessee is the most vulnerable they've been at any point during that stretch this season. The Vols need a win to be bowl eligible, while Kentucky can use a win to enhance their bowl profile. Plus, there's the whole rivalry issue.
Why Kentucky Will Win: The Wildcats are the better team of these two, and Kentucky's Mr. Everything, Randall Cobb, will be incredibly tough to stop. The Vols' offense has been maddeningly inconsistent, and Kentucky's been hanging tough with some of the SEC's better teams.
Why Tennessee Will Win: The Vols have won three straight games, and their defense looks to have figured itself out. Tennessee has been tough at home, and Kentucky hasn't exactly inspired confidence on the road in 2010, having dropped three of their four road contests.
The Verdict: Tennessee 21, Kentucky 17. The Wildcats' futility against Tennessee continues.
Boston College Eagles (6-5) @ Syracuse Orange (7-4)
3 of 20
What's at Stake: Not as much as in other games, as both teams are bowl eligible. But we've got two solid teams capable of delivering a good game in this one.
Why Boston College Will Win: Boston College is rolling right now, having won four straight games behind a stingy defense. The Eagles offense can score a bit, and the Orange have overachieved somewhat this season. BC's got a tough, gritty team who can win close games.
Why Syracuse Will Win: The Orange offense is capable of lighting up opponents, behind quarterback Ryan Nassib and running back Delone Carter. The defense ranks 13th in football in points allowed, and the Orange get the Eagles in the Carrier Dome.
The Verdict: Syracuse 24, Boston College 20. The Eagles just can't hang with the Orange offensively.
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Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-4) @ Ole Miss Rebels (4-7),
4 of 20
What's at Stake: There's nothing like a good, old-fashioned rivalry to get the blood pumping, and the Egg Bowl's got enough hate for two or three games. The Bulldogs have their bowl eligibility sealed, while the Rebels aren't going to one, but you can throw the records out the window in this one.
Why Ole Miss Will Win: The Rebels offense has been potent at times in 2010, led by senior quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. If Ole Miss can get a halfway decent effort from their defense, they could stage the upset.
Why Mississippi State Will Win: The Bulldogs play smashmouth football, and have the defensive acumen to back it up. If quarterback Chris Relf and running back Vick Ballard can get the offense firing, Mississippi State has the talent to snag a win.
The Verdict: Mississippi State 21, Ole Miss 14. The Bulldogs have enough to grab the victory, thanks to Vick Ballard and a tough defense.
Virginia Tech Hokies (9-2) @ Virginia Cavaliers (4-7)
5 of 20
What's at Stake: Virginia Tech has won nine straight after an 0-2 start, Virginia is playing for pride. For the Hokies, a loss would certainly sting, but there's not as much at stake in this one.
Why Virginia Will Win: The Cavs offense is capable of putting up big numbers behind quarterback Marc Verica. If the defense can stabilize, Virginia is capable of stealing a victory at home.
Why Virginia Tech Will Win: The Hokies are the more talented team, led by quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Tech is rolling, and have yet to lose in ACC play this season. The Cavs can't hang on to the football, and the Hokies defense would be more than happy to take the ball off their hands.
The Verdict: Virginia Tech 35, Virginia 20. The Hokies have too much on both sides of the ball for the Cavs to keep up.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-5) @ Georgia Bulldogs (5-6)
6 of 20
What's at Stake: This one's always a classic, no matter the records, but you can be sure that the Yellow Jackets would love nothing more than to keep the Bulldogs out of a bowl game with a win. But Georgia's been playing better as of late, and beating them at home will be no easy task.
Why Georgia Tech Will Win: The Ramblin' Wreck's triple option offense is still tough to defend, and Georgia's defense isn't exactly sturdy against the run this season.
Why Georgia Will Win: The Bulldogs have more talent than the Yellow Jackets, and should be able to snag a win. The offense is potent, now that wideout A.J. Green is back, and the defense, is no worse than Georgia Tech's.
The Verdict: Georgia 27, Georgia Tech 24. A.J. Green is the difference for the Bulldogs, who manage to claw their way to bowl eligibility once again.
West Virginia Mountaineers (7-3) @ Pitt Panthers (6-4)
7 of 20
What's at Stake: The Big East title. Pitt leads the conference, despite having an inferior record. But the Mountaineers are still in a position to snag that BCS bid, and a win would go a long way towards securing one.
Why Pitt Will Win: The Panthers' offense is pretty potent, behind quarterback Tino Sunseri and running backs Ray Graham and Dion Lewis. Pitt's lost just one game in the Big East, and their defense ranks 19th in the nation in points allowed per game.
Why West Virginia Will Win: The Mountaineers' defense is even stingier than Pitt's, ranking fourth in the nation in points allowed. Quarterback Geno Smith and running back Noel Divine are capable of posting strong performances, and if both offenses are firing on all cylinders, the advantage goes to West Virginia.
The Verdict: West Virginia 17, Pitt 14. Not a ton of scoring in this one, and the Mountaineers' defense does enough to grab another victory.
North Carolina State Wolfpack (8-3) @ Maryland Terrapins (7-4)
8 of 20
What's at Stake: For the Wolfpack, a berth in the ACC title game. Maryland might be eliminated from the division race, but the Terps are still capable of delivering a strong performance in this one.
Why North Carolina State Will Win: The Wolfpack, led by dynamic quarterback Russell Wilson, have one of football's better offenses. Wilson has thrown 24 touchdown passes, and rushed for seven more, and he's incredibly tough to stop. If they can avoid some of the turnovers that have plagued them all season, they'll grab a berth in the ACC title game.
Why Maryland Will Win: The Terps run a balanced offense, and have won three straight against NC State. They play a solid style of play, and have an offense capable of hanging tough with the Wolfpack.
The Verdict: North Carolina State 27, Maryland 21. Look for NC State to find themselves in the ACC title game behind Russell Wilson's heroics.
Notre Dame Irish (6-5) @ USC Trojans (7-4)
9 of 20
What's at Stake: USC is playing for pride, but they would thoroughly enjoy rubbing more salt in Notre Dame's wounds in 2010. But the Irish have won two straight in convincing fashion, and could easily grab a seventh win.
Why USC Will Win: The Trojan offense is one of football's most potent, and quarterback Matt Barkley is capable of eviscerating a Notre Dame defense that has been shaky at times in 2010. If their defense, which has been picked apart by good teams all year, can play well, USC has the talent to win this one.
Why Notre Dame Will Win: The Irish offense has looked more solid than ever with Tommy Reis at quarterback, and the defense has looked good in back-to-back wins over Utah and Navy. If they can do it again, Notre Dame could catch the Trojans unaware and score a major victory.
The Verdict: Notre Dame 35, USC 31. This one's going to be a shootout, but with the Irish offense firing on all cylinders, they'll beat USC and help improve their bowl standing.
BYU Cougars (6-5) @ Utah Utes (9-2)
10 of 20
What's at Stake: There aren't any conference titles or BCS bids at stake in this one. But given the level of vitriol spewed between these schools, you can be sure there's plenty at stake.
Why Utah Will Win: BYU is not the force they have been in years past in the Mountain West, while Utah has the capability to put up big points and yards offensively, while shutting down opponents like they did in the first part of the year. If the Utes can put it all together, they'll be tough to beat.
Why BYU Will Win: The Cougars are rolling right now, having won five of their last six, and four straight. BYU always plays Utah close, and with running back JJ Di Luigi, they've got a talent who can give the Utes' defense fits.
The Verdict: Utah 28, BYU 27. This one's always close, but the Utes are just a hair better this season.
South Carolina Gamecocks (8-3) @ Clemson Tigers (6-5)
11 of 20
What's at Stake: Pride, and Clemson's bowl profile. These teams hate one another, and things have gotten rather interesting in this clash on a regular basis. If you think the Tigers wouldn't love to send the Gamecocks home with a fourth loss on the season, you're not paying attention.
Why Clemson Will Win: The Tigers' offense is led by running backs Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper, and South Carolina's defense hasn't exactly been the most consistent unit in the country. Clemson gets to play the Gamecocks on the road, where they've struggled on occasion this season.
Why South Carolina Will Win: Stephen Garcia has been stellar in the Gamecocks' wins over Alabama and Florida this season, and you know he'll be ready for Clemson. The Tigers' defense is porous, and South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore is primed to slice and dice them. Talent-wise, the Gamecocks have a significant advantage over the Tigers, and ought to win this one with ease.
The Verdict: South Carolina 28, Clemson 24. The Gamecocks will win, but it won't be easy.
Michigan State Spartans (10-1) @ Penn State Nittany Lions (7-4)
12 of 20
What's at Stake: The Nittany Lions are looking to kill what remains of Michigan State's BCS hopes, and a win would do just that. For the Spartans, a win would be a fitting cap on what has been a historically good season for the perennial underachievers, and keeps them in the hunt for the Big Ten title.
Why Penn State Will Win: Michigan State has not impressed on the road, and the Nittany Lions have looked awfully good with Matt McGloin at quarterback. If running back Evan Royster can find room to run, Penn State could send the Spartans home with a loss.
Why Michigan State Will Win: Penn State hasn't been the most consistent team in college football this season, while the Spartans have been solid and reliable all season long. The offense is balanced, the defense is solid, and Michigan State has the talent to snag a win.
The Verdict: Penn State 21, Michigan State 17. The Nittany Lions stage an upset and put an end to Michigan State's Big Ten title hopes.
Florida Gators (7-4) @ Florida State Seminoles (8-3)
13 of 20
What's at Stake: Bragging rights, which, between these two schools, means quite a bit. They don't play every year, but when they do, you know it's going to be a fantastic game. While this season hasn't gone as expected for either team, both are looking to enhance their bowl profiles.
Why Florida Will Win: The Gators' defense is capable of shutting down the Seminoles offense. The offense has shown signs of life in recent weeks, and if they can keep improving, Florida State could get quite a fight from Florida.
Why Florida State Will Win: The Seminoles are a tough team to beat at home, and their defense is just as capable of closing the door on the Gators' scattershot offense. If Christian Ponder and Florida State's offense can keep control of the football, the Seminoles should score a win over their in-state rivals.
The Verdict: Florida State 21, Florida 17. The Seminoles just have too many weapons for the Gators to stop this season.
Northwestern Wildcats (7-4) @ Wisconsin Badgers (10-1)
14 of 20
What's at Stake: Wisconsin's Big Ten title and BCS game hopes. The Badgers would need a loss from Michigan State to breathe easier, but they have to take care of business, as well, and the Wildcats aren't going down without a fight.
Why Wisconsin Will Win: The Badgers are almost unbeatable at Camp Randall Stadium, and without star quarterback Dan Persa, Northwestern doesn't have much in terms of an offensive threat. Talent-wise, the Badgers have a significant advantage on both sides of the ball.
Why Northwestern Will Win: The Wildcats are a tough, scrappy team capable of hanging with anyone. That gives them a shot to beat anyone, although it's not going to be easy without Persa.
The Verdict: Wisconsin 35, Northwestern 21. The Wildcats just can't keep up in this one.
Michigan Wolverines (7-4) @ Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1)
15 of 20
What's at Stake: Ohio State's Big Ten title hopes, and Michigan's bowl profile. The Wolverines could use a big win, and Ohio State has to avoid a loss here. Plus, there's the whole "one of football's greatest rivalries" thing.
Why Michigan Will Win: Denard Robinson. The dynamic sophomore gives the Wolverines a chance to win every single week. As long as he's on the field, the upset isn't out of the picture.
Why Ohio State Will Win: The Buckeyes are the better team, and one of the few capable of preparing for Denard Robinson. Michigan's defense has been porous all season long, and quarterback Terrelle Pryor is capable of demolishing them.
The Verdict: Ohio State 28, Michigan 27. The Wolverines' upset bid falls just short in 2010, although they push the Buckeyes to the limit.
Oklahoma Sooners (9-2) @ Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-1)
16 of 20
What's at Stake: This is the biggest Big 12 game of the season thus far. On top of the usual pride at stake, there's also the matter of the Big 12 South title (and a bid to the Big 12 title game), bowl bid positioning, and potentially, a BCS bid.
Why Oklahoma State Will Win: The Cowboys' offense is one of the best in football, behind quarterback Brandon Weeden, running back Kendall Hunter, and wideout Justin Blackmon. They've nabbed big wins this season, and Oklahoma's struggled outside of Norman.
Why Oklahoma Will Win: The Sooners are one of the few offenses in football who can keep up with Oklahoma State. With quarterback Landry Jones, running back DeMarco Murray and wideout Ryan Broyles, the Sooners are incredibly potent. Their defense is capable of keeping the Cowboys' in check, to an extent, and Oklahoma State's defense isn't exactly stellar.
The Verdict: Oklahoma 35, Oklahoma State 31. The Cowboys get a reality check in this one, as the Sooners end the year on a high note.
LSU Tigers (10-1) @ Arkansas Razorbacks (9-3)
17 of 20
What's at Stake: LSU's BCS hopes. Arkansas is pretty much resigned to finishing outside the BCS games this season, but they'd love to play spoiler to the Tigers' hopes.
Why LSU Will Win: Yes, the Tigers' offense has been rather spotty all year, but surely they can score against a soft Razorbacks defense. Add to that a solid LSU defense, and this one could be over quick.
Why Arkansas Will Win: The Razorbacks can score on anyone. Quarterback Ryan Mallett has been bombing everyone Arkansas has played, and while the Tiger defense is strong, it's not impenetrable. If the defense can get their act together, it won't be hard to snag a home win.
The Verdict: Arkansas 28, LSU 20. The Hat's luck is about to run out, courtesy of Mallett.
Boise State Broncos (10-0) @ Nevada Wolfpack (10-1)
18 of 20
What's at Stake: A potential BCS bid for the Broncos. Nevada needs a win to take the WAC title, while Boise State needs a win to keep their chances for the national title alive.
Why Nevada Will Win: Boise hasn't faced an offense like Nevada's, or a quarterback like Colin Kaepernick. He's done it all for the Wolfpack, and if he can keep doing it, the Broncos could head back to Idaho with their first loss in over two season.
Why Boise State Will Win: Boise has been the most dominant team in football in 2010. Their offense is potent, their defense stout, and the Broncos are rolling right along. They've got the talent and depth to knock off the Wolfpack with relative ease.
The Verdict: Boise State 35, Nevada 21. Not even Kaepernick can keep up with the Smurf Turfers.
Arizona Wildcats (7-3) @ Oregon Ducks (10-0)
19 of 20
What's at Stake: For Oregon, everything. The Pac-10 title, the BCS title game, everything. For Arizona, a loss could cost them a decent bowl bid.
Why Arizona Will Win: The Wildcats' offense is potent, and the defense can keep things close. If quarterback Nick Foles can re-capture his mojo from early in the year, Arizona could snag an upset.
Why Oregon Will Win: Arizona's defense has been shaky at times, and almost no one has been able to stop the Ducks' blur offense. Plus, Oregon has been unbeatable at home, and the Wildcats' offense has sputtered in their last two games.
The Verdict: Oregon 35, Arizona 14. The freight train that is Oregon keeps on rolling.
Auburn Tigers (11-0) @ Alabama Crimson Tide (9-2)
20 of 20
What's at Stake: Everything. Auburn's BCS title hopes, Alabama's BCS game hopes, and enough pride to fill three or four rivalries.
Why Auburn Will Win: The Tigers still have Cam Newton, and Alabama has been shown mortal on two separate occasions. Auburn has passed their tests, and have looked strong for the entire season. If Newton's got another gem in his system, the Tigers will score a huge pelt on the wall.
Why Alabama Will Win: The Crimson Tide offense is capable of lighting up an Auburn defense that has been less-than-stellar in 2010. Running backs Mark Ingram and Tony Richardson, and quarterback Greg McElroy, are capable of doing serious damage, and 'Bama's defense is as good as ever.
The Verdict: Alabama 28, Auburn 27. The Crimson Tide is just too much for the Tigers.
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