Virginia Tech vs. Florida State and the 5 Must-See Games in College Football
Some are done, and some still have tons at stake this coming weekend.
What am I talking about? The state of college football, of course. Some conferences, most notably the Big Ten, have concluded their regular season play (outside of Illinois vs Fresno State). But, with conference and National Title glory on the line this weekend is poised to be must-see entertainment for even the most casual of college football fans.
We have decided to write about what we consider to be the "must-see" games this weekend. But if one or some of these games don't do anything for you, then perhaps some of these battles will:
Arizona vs Arizona St
Northern Illinois vs Miami University
UCLA vs USC
Obviously these games are of importance for the people of L.A. and Arizona, and also for college football fans in Illinois because Northern Illinois is the best team in the state.
But, it should be a fun weekend yet again with a shot at the crystal ball at stake for two teams in action.
UCONN Huskies Vs. South Florida Bulls
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X-FACTOR:
BJ Daniels is expected to miss the start, so look for Bobby Eveld to start. He got the "W" against the Hurricanes last week, as we all saw the firing of Randy Shannon at Miami. Putting that game behind them, let’s see if the 7-4 Bulls can try and ruin the UCONN Huskies' chances of reaching their first ever BCS Bowl.
Matchup to Watch:
UCONN running back Jordsn Todman against the front seven of USF. The Bulls are ranked 33rd in the nation against the run, and if they can slow Todman down just enough, then the Bulls will be in a position to win the game.
Why USF can win:
They are actually favored by the experts down there in Vegas. If they can establish any type of passing game with the new quarterback, most would think that USF has a shot to win.
They are definitely a dangerous team capable of winning this game. So the UCONN fans should certainly not buy their tickets to Glendale until after this game is over.
Why UCONN can win:
In a year that could end magically for the Huskies, they face a true test. They have dedicated the season to Jasper Howard who was lost in a stabbing last season. With running attack Jordan Todman, this Huskies team has been on fire, as they have defeated both Pitt and West Virginia.
They are on the verge of reaching their first BCS Bowl thanks to Randy Edsall. He is the most underrated coach in America and has turned this program from the laughing stock to a relevant team in the Big East. And, if they play in the Fiesta Bowl, for one day they will shine a little higher than their girls basketball team.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: UCONN 21 USF 17
JFAV's Pick: USF 27 UCONN 17
No. 1 Oregon Ducks Vs Oregon State Beavers
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X-FACTOR:
Beavers quarterback Ryan Katz has not had the time to throw the ball since he has four walk-ons blocking for him, but he cannot force the ball downfield. He must have the game of his life from his offensive line and Jacquizz Rodgers, but in reality Katz needs to have a game similar to the Arizona and TCU games.
Matchup of the Game:
Casey Matthews against Jacquizz Rodgers. If Rodgers cannot find any holes to run through this game will be over in a hurry. Oregon State must find a way to play keep away from the Ducks by having six or seven-minute drives which result into touchdowns not field goals.
Why Oregon State can win:
It is a rivalry game, and it is the "Civil War." This Oregon State team nearly beat Oregon last year in Eugene. Despite getting crushed the past few weeks and on the verge of missing their first bowl in the Mike Riley era as they are 5-6, the Beavers can keep this game close at the very worst.
We have not had any of the top teams in the nation lose outside of Boise State. Also, remember in 2007 when Missouri and West Virginia were slated to play each other, and they both lost in the final week of the season? Anything is possible in the wacky world of college football. Also the Beavers are playing to become bowl eligible which will be even more momentum to beat the Ducks.
If Oregon State can catch an over-confident Ducks team that is looking past them, then it will be a great night for the fans of Corvallis.
Why Oregon can win:
LaMichael James has not gone bonkers lately, and the team is still winning quite comfortably. Derron Thomas has hit wide receiver Jeff Maehl in stride early and often in games this season. He is his security blanket, so when Thomas is in trouble and cannot run the ball, look for Maehl to come up with the big catch.
Don’t worry about the defense because it has at times carried this team. Their front seven is very quick, and they have had an opportunistic secondary that has plucked 16 passes this year. If Oregon wins the turnover battle, they would beat Oregon State 100 times out of 100.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: OREGON 38 OREGON STATE 27
JFAV's Pick: OREGON 49 OREGON STATE 14
No. 20 Florida State Seminoles Vs No. 12 Virginia Tech Hokies
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X-FACTOR:
With Jermaine Thomas out of the game, fullback Lonnie Pryor will be expected to help carry the load with Chris Thompson who will star. Look for some screens as well from these two backs, but Pryor blocking as well as carrying the rock near the goal line may be the difference in this game.
Matchup of the Game:
Jayron Hosley leads the nation in picks, and he will likely be matched up with several different wideouts. Bert Reed, Taiwan Easterling and Rodney Smith are the main threats downfield that Ponder will be looking for.
If Ponder is forced to thread the needle in the second half, the Hokies and Hosley will get the big edge. To start the game off, look for FSU to attempt to accomplish the same task they had in the 2005 ACC Title Game against these Hokies. They hit Greg Carr on a deep go route, so look for Rodney Smith to go deep on one of the best corners in America.
Why Virginia Tech can win:
Tyrod Taylor was named to the First Team All-ACC team, and having him playing his best ball right now is important. The trio of backs in Ryan Williams, Darren Evans and David Wilson may be as good as the Wisconsin Badgers trio. If Taylor can get some help in the running game and avoid making mistakes, the Hokies will likely win this game.
The Hokes have come back from the dead with a poor start to the season. They were also JFAV's preseason National Championship pick. They are well-coached and host some of the best fans in the country. If they can force turnovers early in the game, look for the 'Noles to fade away.
Why Florida State can win:
Christian Ponder looked awfully healthy and good against the Gators secondary last week. The Hokies secondary is simply amazing, so look for the Noles to run, run and run some more. They may have Ponder and even backup quarterback EJ Manuel running the ball. Thompson and Pryor have had great years as youngster for the 'Noles, as they were running behind the best offensive line in the ACC.
Danny V had the Noles winning the ACC before the season and had them pegged to be a team to watch out for this season. Despite the embarassing loss in Oklahoma they have rebounded and fought hard to get where they are.
Impact of game:
Winner takes home the ACC Championship Game and is on their way to Miami Gardens for the Discovery Orange Bowl. They will either play the Big East champs or Stanford as an at-large bid.
The Hokies are the first team to go undefeated in the ACC since the 2000 Noles. FSU defeated the Hokies 27-22 in the inaugural ACC Title Game in 2005. FSU has also defeated the Hokies in eight of the past nine meetings under Frank Beamer.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: FLORIDA STATE 27 VIRGINIA TECH 24
JFAV's Pick: VIRGINIA TECH 21 FLORIDA STATE 10
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 13 Nebraska Cornhuskers Vs No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners
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X-FACTOR:
Quarterback Taylor Martinez has been hobbling for the past few weeks now with a bad ankle/toe. If he cannot plant his foot and run the ball against the 63rd-ranked Sooners rush defense, look for backup Cody Green or perhaps Rex Burkhead to run several plays in the wildcat formation.
Matchup of the Game:
The 4th-ranked passing offense of the Boomer Sooners against the second-ranked passing defense of the Huskers. Prince Amukamara will be matched up against All-American caliber wideout Ryan Broyles. Whoever gets the edge in this matchup ultimately may win the game.
Why Nebraska can win:
They have a stellar defense ranking fifth overall in total defense. They have over half a dozen players who will be playing on Sundays. This game comes down to the Huskers passing game. If they cannot throw on obvious passing downs (since they won’t be able to run on obvious running downs), it will be a tough game. Look for Niles Paul to return back from injury to be a factor alongside Mike McNeil and Brandon Kinnie.
Bo Pelini and his Huskers got so close to taking the title in conference last season, so it would be a great win to walk away from it as champions.
Why Oklahoma can win:
Landry Jones has taken that next step onto becoming a future Heisman trophy candidate in the future, but he has some great weapons around him as well. Ryan Broyles, DeMarco Murray, James Hanna, Cameron Kenney and Kenny Stills are all fabulous playmakers.
Give Jones his due, though, since he is coming off a 468-yard, four-touchdown performance over a Cowboys team that everybody was picking to win since the game was at night in Stillwater.
Impact of game:
The winner will win the Big 12 in what will be Nebraska's last year, and there is nothing that the Huskers want more than winning the conference in their final year before heading off to the Big Ten. Also, a year after losing a heartbreaker to Texas, the Blackshirts are nearly back and want a chance at redemption in the national spotlight.
The winner of this game is locked into the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona against either the Big East champs or more than likely a Stanford team that would travel better to Glendale instead of Miami.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: OKLAHOMA 30 NEBRASKA 17
JFAV's Pick: OKLAHOMA 37 NEBRASKA 30
No. 2 Auburn Tigers Vs No. 18 South Carolina Gamecocks
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X-FACTOR:
Darvin Adams has become the go-to guy for Cam Newton. However, Emory Blake has had a lot of success since he has faced a bunch of single coverage. Look for Blake to go up against this 99th-ranked pass defense.
Matchup of the Game:
Ladi Ajiboye has to play a big factor in this game, similar to the way Marcell Dareius did for the Crimson Tide. If he can clog up the middle of the line and be a menace, then the Tigers will struggle to run the ball. However, with all that speed on the outside it is imperative that Cocky can shut down the run with everything up front.
Why SC can win:
They have a few All-Americans in Alshon Jeffrey and Marcus Lattimore. Jeffrey must be able to rip apart the Tigers secondary, but more importantly Lattimore must be able to control the clock and run for over 100 yards. Also, Stephen Garcia was in a sling late in the game against Clemson, but he will be just fine. If he can avoid turning the ball over so much to the point that Spurrier has to take him out again, then the Gamecocks can flat out win this game.
Also, regarding Mr. Garcia and "The Ol' Ball Coach," this is their chance to leave a definitive mark on their careers at South Carolina, and the vibrations of a Gamecock victory would be felt throughout college football.
Why Auburn can win:
Cam Newton has come out on top when all the chips have been down. He shut up the naysayers all season long, and even when he has not had great games (Clemson & Miss St) the team has still found a way to win. Simply put, they have the two best players in College Football. Nick Fairley is an absolute freak and can wreak havoc against any team in America.
The linebackers are fast and ferocious. The secondary, despite what the stats say, is better than average. This team has been used to trailing at halftime, yet they still come away with the Ws. Cam Newton has been the most dominating player in college since Vince Young and Reggie Bush.
You could argue he means more to his team than both of those all-time greats. Cam Newton can run, he can throw, he can flat out do it all. He has a top 5 offensive line and a great backfield led by Onterrio McCalebb and Michael Dyer. Those guys can hit the homerun on any given play.
This game should be back and forth early on if Auburn were to turn it over, but at the end of the day the best team in America should find a way to pull it out thanks to the foot of Wes Byrum and the speed and strength of Cam Newton.
Impact of Game:
The winner will be in the BCS regardless of what happens around the nation. However, if Auburn wins they will play in the BCS Title Game. The question becomes if they lose do they still get in over a TCU, Wisconsin or Stanford?
South Carolina goes to the Sugar Bowl and knocks out Arkansas with a victory. If the Gamecocks lose, an Outback Bowl is likely against most likely Penn State or the Iowa Hawkeyes. Auburn should once again pull out another thriller.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: AUBURN 38 SOUTH CAROLINA 27
JFAV's Pick: AUBURN 34 SOUTH CAROLINA 31
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
