NCAA Gridiron at a Glance: Week 13

We have a rivalry-filled weekend, which will remain the same in coming weeks. But unlike previous years, some of these rivalries won’t have the same impact or shine with the same luster as games played before. Week 13 will take us through extremes, with Norman, Oklahoma boasting the biggest game and Pullman, Washington hosting a contest of shame.

This week also features several key bouts in conference positioning, where a victory can potentially give one program the inside track in conference or divisional races, or even grant them the title.

Whether it’s the spirit of rivalry or the drive for a championship, both can be found on this week’s gridiron.

 

Tragic Thursday

Ranked opponents don’t often fare well on Thursday nights, and the 23rd-ranked Miami Hurricanes are wearing this week’s bull's-eye. It took more than two years for the Canes to regain a top 25 ranking, and now they’ll try to preserve those numbers, as well as their hopes in the ACC Coastal division, with a victory over Georgia Tech.

One thing few ACC programs can say about 2008 is that they never had their opportunities. The conference race has been one open door after another, allowing teams to jump back into competition just as quickly as they fall out.

The Yellow Jackets aren’t completely eliminated from the race, though much needs to happen. But first and foremost, they need this victory for Coastal survival before worrying about the results of anyone else.

 

Two birds with one stone

In the weekend’s biggest game, the Sooners are seeking double satisfaction. A victory over the second-ranked Red Raiders would avenge last year’s loss and leave the Big 12 South open. For Texas Tech, a repeat of last year’s victory over Oklahoma would be even sweeter, as it would give them the Southern championship and the opportunity to meet Missouri in the Big 12 title game.

The Sooners now represent the third top 10 opponent the Raiders will face in as many weeks. If they learned anything from their victory over Texas, it may be a formula for destruction, as the Longhorns were unable to maintain their success against ranked opponents and eventually fell to this same Texas Tech team.

Bob Stoops has lost only twice in Norman as Oklahoma’s coach, and that brings a question: If Oklahoma knocks Tech from their perch, would that make enough of an impact on voters and computers to move them ahead of a Texas team they lost to?

 

Last hoorah for Joe Pa

No one knows the distant future of Joe Paterno and Penn State, but he can clarify the January picture with a victory over the Spartans. Though Michigan State and Ohio State’s hopes weigh on scenarios, it’s pretty clear for the Nittany Lions. Win this season finale, and you’re represented as the Big Ten Champion in the Rose Bowl.

If they aren’t playing for a national title, I can’t think of a better going-away present for a coach that has dedicated his entire life to a single program.

Michigan State needs help. First they must accomplish what they haven’t in the last eight attempts, which is defeating the Lions on the road. Then they need assistance from someone that is unlikely to come to their aid—Michigan must upset Ohio State.

 

A "Holy War" with much at stake

The annual “church vs. State” battle hasn’t had so much riding on the results since Urban Meyer’s 2004 Utah Utes became the first mid-major to bust into the BCS. Utah is again poised to kick down the door, but their in-state rivals stand in the way.

The BYU Cougars were the earliest pick to make a BCS appearance, but their stumble against TCU left them on a road of recovery. I believe it unlikely that two mid-majors would appear in BCS Bowl games in the same season, so for BYU to still reach that plateau, they must defeat their neighbor and hope that Boise State stubs its toe.

 

Rotten Apple Cup

By Sunday, the worst BCS conference program will be conclusively known. Playing in the “Apple Cup” rivalry, Washington and Washington State combine for a record of 1-20. Neither has a victory over an FBS opponent, and each has been shelled throughout the season. It’s a battle between a “first year” and “last year” coach, as this is Tyrone Willingham’s curtain call with the Huskies in this rivalry.

With how bad these teams are, it would only be fitting for this game to end in a tie—and for all you Donovan McNabbs out there, that was sarcasm.  I’m fully aware that college games cannot end in a tie.

 

Upset Specials

Georgia Tech over Miami, Florida State over Maryland, Pittsburgh over Cincinnati, Mississippi over LSU

 

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