Bold and Off-the-Wall Predictions for College Football's Week 13 Games

Welcome to BCS chaos.

It's not quite that bad, Big Ten fans; the SEC now completely owns the BCS title game, but at least you might get Urban Meyer.

Robert Griffin III, Montee Ball and Matt Barkley continue to impress, while Brandon Weeden gave a clinic on how to lose a game all by yourself from the quarterback position.

Oregon quacked itself out of title contention, Penn State asserted itself and Clemson's fade continued.

Enough about the past—Thanksgiving, cranky relatives and tons of college football are on tap for the week ahead.

Here are your predictions for every FBS game.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Miami (OH) at Ohio

Tuesday, Nov. 22

Prediction: RedHawks continue to falter

Miami was predicted to be a pretty solid team this season, while not many people saw the Bobcats coming.

That said, the season has been a nightmare for the RedHawks.

They are mathematically eliminated from bowl eligibility but have a chance to play spoiler in this one.

Texas at Texas A&M

Thursday, Nov. 24

Prediction: Texas quarterbacks look good.

Any Texas fan should readily admit that the passing game has been a mess.

Two young guys trying to split snaps is not exactly the preferred method of successful schools.

However, rival Texas A&M has a miserable pass defense, allowing 292 passing yards per game.

While the Aggies will win the game on their home turf, Texas will find a way to score, and this one could turn into a track meet.

Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: NIU stays on top

Quarterback Chandler Harnish has the Huskies sitting atop the MAC West division and aimed for a conference title.

Eastern Michigan is merely a mild speed bump in the road.

Harnish will trash the Eagles defense for a big game in DeKalb.

Louisville at USF

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Chaos continues.

Louisville is sitting at the top of the Big East standings in a tie for first place.

USF has had a disappointing season and has only won a single contest in the conference.

Enter B.J. Daniels.

The USF quarterback is a dynamic playmaker, and the Bulls are at home.

I'm taking Skip Holtz and the Bulls.

Houston at Tulsa

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Upset special

While Houston has been sneaking along undefeated with only one victory over a mediocre BCS foe, Tulsa has been patiently waiting its turn.

The Golden Hurricane only have three losses: to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Boise State.

Case Keenum is a superb talent, and the Cougars are solid, but Tulsa is at home, and quarterback G.J. Kinne is no slouch.

Another BCS Top 10 team will fall the day after Thanksgiving.

Iowa at Nebraska

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Huskers get the trophy.

Nebraska has discovered that life in the Big Ten can be difficult.

However, the Huskers have shown the ability to rebound from tough losses.

After losing 38-17 to Wisconsin, they went out and beat Ohio State at home.

After losing to Northwestern, Bo Pelini's squad bounced back with a win at Penn State.

While the title "Heroes Game" should go in the same dumpster as "Legends and Leaders," this one will turn into a great rivalry over time, but the Huskers will win the inaugural meeting going away.

Kent State at Temple

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Kent State remains ineligible.

The Golden Flashes are horrible on offense.

They rank 113th in passing yards per game, 106th in rushing and 115th in points scored.

They take their show on the road to Temple this weekend to face an Owls team that allows only 13.6 points per game.

Sorry, Kent State fans—no bowl this season.

Bowling Green at Buffalo

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: You won't waste time on this one.

Unless you are a gambling man, this game is not one to view over leftover turkey and cranberry sauce.

Neither of these teams is bowl eligible, they are both less than explosive and Houston-Tulsa and Iowa-Nebraska provide some better options for your viewing pleasure.

In reality, most of you won't be in danger of wasting your time, as this game is not nationally televised.

Apologies to fans of these teams, but if you wish to avoid indigestion, don't follow this one unless it goes crazy and hits 100-plus points.

Akron at Western Michigan

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Zips' woes continue.

Akron has arguably the worst team in the country.

The Zips have won one game, against VMI.

The Broncos have not exactly been world-beaters, but they are bowl eligible, and quarterback Alex Carder will shred this miserable defense.

Toledo at Ball State

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Page finds pay dirt.

Toledo is a pretty solid unit.

No part is more integral to its success than wide receiver Eric Page.

Since his five-touchdown performance against NIU on Nov. 1, he has not had a receiving touchdown.

That changes this weekend.

Page will find the end zone at least twice this weekend against a less than stellar Ball State pass defense.

Arkansas at LSU

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Tigers knock off No. 7.

Other than the fact that Arkansas has suffered one loss, what is the difference between these two teams?

Consistency.

The Tigers have been the same team since they opened the season against Oregon, while Arkansas has been up and down, struggling with lower-tier squads but continuing to pull out the wins.

This game is in Baton Rouge, and even though LSU is likely in the BCS title game win or lose, don't expect the Tigers to let up. An SEC title is on their minds.

Tyler Wilson is going to find it difficult to throw on this secondary, especially the way he struggled against 'Bama.

The Tigers get their seventh win against a ranked opponent this season with a shot at two more.

Remarkable.

Colorado at Utah

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Buffs lose, sigh in relief.

It's been rough for these two in their first season in the Pac-12.

Not nearly as tough for the Utes as it has been for Colorado, however.

The Buffs have only two wins, and this game is their last of a brutal 13-game schedule with no off week.

Utah has won four in a row, all against conference opponents.

Utah will keep its momentum heading into bowl season with one last win to finish above .500 within the conference.

Boston College at Miami (FL)

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Kuechly hits 200.

Miami is going to win the game, and neither one of these teams is ranked.

So why watch?

Luke Kuechly.

BC's star linebacker is a tackling machine.

He leads the nation in tackles with 182, 35 ahead of the guy in second.

His average per game is an astonishing 16.55.

Against Miami, he will hit 200, raising questions as to whether he is actually a cyborg.

Pitt at West Virginia

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Mountaineers take the brawl.

Through the smoke of all the burning couches in Morgantown this weekend, it might be a touch difficult to see the actual football game taking place on the field.

The Panthers and Mountaineers are actually tied in the division, but this is Pitt's first of two final shots at reaching bowl eligibility.

This edition of "The Backyard Brawl" takes on a particular significance in light of the fact that both teams are still in the running for the Big East title.

Dana Holgorsen's squad can throw a little more firepower on the field, however, and Tino Sunseri is no Dan Marino.

UTEP at UCF

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: Miners become eligible.

UCF has had some controversy swirling around it for months involving Ereck Plancher's tragic death.

The Knights have not been on top of their game.

UTEP, while not exactly BCS material, has a shot to become bowl eligible again with a win at UCF.

Though it may be difficult against the talented Jeff Godfrey, the Miners have motivation to win this one and will come out on top.

Cal at Arizona State

Friday, Nov. 25

Prediction: ASU flop is complete.

Talk about teams going in opposite directions.

Cal had won three out of its last four before falling by three to Stanford last week.

ASU had BCS aspirations a month ago, which have since gone up in smoke, courtesy of losing four out of its last five.

Even though this one is in Tempe, the Sun Devils have been too darn inconsistent in losses to Arizona, UCLA and Washington State and will continue their epic fail this weekend against the Golden Bears.

Iowa State at Oklahoma

Saturday, Nov. 26

Prediction: This gets ugly.

Iowa State proved last week that it can hang tough with the big boys...in Ames.

This is a horse of a different color.

The Sooners will be out for blood after losing to Baylor last week, and this one is in Norman.

Landry Jones makes much better decisions at home and will not make as many costly mistakes as Brandon Weeden did last week against the Cyclones.

Oklahoma by at least three touchdowns.

Georgia at Georgia Tech

Prediction: Tech gets stifled.

The Yellow Jackets have one of the best rushing games in recent memory.

Enter Georgia.

Most of you are probably not aware that the Bulldogs are sitting pretty at No. 2 in the country in rushing defense, allowing just 81 yards per game and just under four per attempt.

Uh-oh, Jackets...

In one of the more hostile rivalries in the country, Tech falls, giving the Dawgs a three-game winning streak in the series.

Michigan State at Northwestern

Prediction: State struggles.

Let's be honest: The Spartans have sewn up a berth in the Big Ten title game and have struggled on the road and against Northwestern in recent seasons.

They have been on a roll as of late, the offense seems to be putting things together at the right time and the defense is as stout as ever.

Northwestern will be looking to improve its bowl status with a quality win, and Ryan Field will be a tough place for Sparty.

I still feel MSU wins this one, but it won't be easy.

Ohio State at Michigan

Prediction: Brady Hoke reaches for BCS berth.

This one is going to get interesting.

When asked about using the Wolverines' seven-game losing streak to OSU as motivation, Hoke said, "Me telling them that would probably insult them in their intelligence."

Then there is his propensity for calling Michigan's bitter rivals "Ohio," which pretty much annoys the crap out of every Ohio State fan on earth to the glee of every Wolverine fan.

This man has the program turning around, and with a win against the Buckeyes, the Wolverines have a good shot at a BCS at-large berth.

Denard Robinson had one of the better performances of his career last week and will need to be solid against a very good OSU defense.

Given the Buckeyes' lack of offensive firepower and the Wolverines' much-improved defense, I'm taking the Wolverines in this one.

Rutgers at UConn

Prediction: You break for lunch and nap during this one.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's the battle for New Jersey.

Who wouldn't want that prime piece of real estate?

The game starts at noon EST, or precisely when we will all break for leftover turkey and pumpkin pie (or whatever Aunt Miranda left after she inhaled the leftovers at 11 AM).

This should be promptly followed by a 60-minute power nap in preparation for the second half of the day.

For the record, Rutgers wins this one thanks to its rejuvenated rushing attack...

Cincinnati at Syracuse

Prediction: Syracuse plays spoiler.

The Orange have pulled off an upset this year already when they knocked off West Virginia.

Since then, they have lost three straight conference games, placing them squarely at the bottom of the Big East pile.

That, my friends, is a difficult place to get to, even if you wish to be there.

It takes effort, determination and abominably bad luck.

However, on the back of their stout run defense and the loss of Cincy QB Zach Collaros to injury, the Orange win this one, becoming bowl eligible and ruining the Bearcats' season at the same time.

Rice at SMU

Prediction: See Rutgers-UConn prediction.

This one also starts around lunch/nap time.

The Mustangs are the better team, especially at home.

Two-touchdown win for June Jones' squad in this one.

Tennessee at Kentucky

Prediction: Dooley gets eligible

Kentucky has no shot at a bowl game.

Not so the Vols.

They have battled through horrific losses due to injuries and the tough SEC schedule to this one chance for bowl eligibility.

Given Kentucky's inability to win conference games against anyone besides Ole Miss, the Volunteers will take this game.

Great—we get to see Derek Dooley's retina-searing orange pants at a bowl game.

Just what we needed for the holidays.

Troy at WKU

Prediction: WKU gets another one.

After going 4-32 in their last three seasons, the Hilltoppers are sitting at 6-5 and only one game behind Arkansas State in the Sun Belt.

Troy, which has perennially been a power in the conference, can't win a game on the road.

Hilltoppers take it fairly easily.

Maryland at N.C. State

Prediction: Craziness.

These are possibly the two most inconsistent teams in the FBS.

N.C. State lost to Boston College but then turned around and spanked Clemson.

Maryland cannot win a game.

Depending on which Wolfpack shows up, we could see a beating or an upset. It's the ACC—nobody knows what is going on.

Wyoming at Boise State

Prediction: Broncos fall just short.

No, they won't lose to Wyoming, but they are going to end up behind TCU in the MWC with no shot at the BCS.

The Horned Frogs face UNLV, and the odds of them losing that are slim to none.

Sorry, Boise State fans—it's back to the Las Vegas Bowl for you.

Nevada at Utah State

Prediction: Three-point win by the Aggies.

Chris Ault's team has been a pleasant surprise this season, but the Wolf Pack are going to have their hands full against Utah State.

Nevada is average against the run, while the Aggies boast an extremely good rushing attack.

On the road, the Wolf Pack is going to find this some tough sledding.

Alabama at Auburn

Prediction: 'Bama gets revenge.

Simple, I know, but prophetic.

The Tide had Auburn on the ropes in last season's edition of the Iron Bowl but then had a meltdown.

Time for payback.

Alabama has a shot at the BCS title on the line.

Win and the Tide are in, no doubt about it.

Sorry, War Eagle—this one is already over.

Oregon State at Oregon

Prediction: Ducks take Beavers to the woodshed.

You know who is motivated right now?

The Ducks.

All they have to do is win "The Civil War" and they find themselves in the inaugural Pac-12 championship game.

After their tough loss to USC, the Ducks will be hungry to prove that they belong in the Rose Bowl.

Poor Beavers...

Virginia Tech at Virginia

Prediction: Tech plays the shark.

Frank Beamer's squad smells blood in the ACC water.

Clemson is reeling, and all the Hokies have to do to get their shot in the BCS is beat the Cavaliers and beat Clemson.

The winner of this game goes to the ACC title game, and given the chaos the BCS experienced this past weekend, it would not be out of the question to see the Hokies falter.

However, Beamer's squads seem to get better later in the season, and this team will be ready for in-state rival Virginia.

Penn State at Wisconsin

Prediction: Ball keeps rolling.

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball keeps mounting his assault on the record books.

The man reached 30 touchdowns last week, becoming just the fifth player in NCAA history to do so.

He is a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, second in the nation in rushing yards and has a stiff test facing him this weekend.

In the midst of all the noise surrounding "Rivalry Weekend," don't forget the winner-take-all playoff between Wisconsin and Penn State.

Wisconsin wins a close one because it is in Madison, and Ball scores at least two times.

He has in every game this season...

FIU at Middle Tennessee

Prediction: T.Y. Hilton finds the end zone.

Hilton has been an incredibly explosive playmaker for FIU.

Middle Tennessee is miserable on defense, plagued by poor tacking and bad decisions.

It is going to get burnt by Hilton at least once in this one.

Purdue at Indiana

Prediction: Boiler up!

Purdue may not be the best football team in the Big Ten, but it is at least the second best in Indiana.

The Boilermakers are just one win away from reaching bowl eligibility.

Even a playmaker such as Tre Roberson will not be able to save the Hoosiers from themselves, resulting in a Boiler victory.

Illinois at Minnesota

Prediction: Kill puts Zook out of his misery.

Ron Zook is, once again, on the hot seat in Champaign.

The Illini started the season 6-0 and are now 6-5 after an absolutely legendary collapse.

It's tough to imagine the Illini will have their heads in the right place after an absolutely demoralizing loss to Wisconsin.

Jerry Kill and the usually hapless Gophers are going to put Zook out of his proverbial misery, ending his tenure at Illinois.

Duke at UNC

Prediction: UNC defense steps up.

Duke is the only team from the ACC Coastal division that is not bowl eligible.

It's going to stay that way, seeing as it has only mustered three wins on the season.

North Carolina's defense features too much talent, particularly along the defensive line, for the Blue Devils to score very often.

Tar Heels win by a bunch.

Vanderbilt at Wake Forest

Prediction: 'Dores sneak in.

The Commodores are a win away from bowl season.

Wake Forest stands in their way.

Vanderbilt has been fairly successful this season and has the horses to take on the Deacons.

East Carolina at Marshall

Prediction: Dominique Davis leads Pirates to bowl eligibility.

East Carolina and Marshall have the exact same record: 5-6.

One of them is going to be bowl eligible Saturday night; one of them won't.

I'm taking the Dominique Davis-led Pirates.

Davis is on a roll with four passing touchdowns in his last outing.

Expect more of the same from him against the Thundering Herd.

Missouri at Kansas

Prediction: Kansas goes oh-fer.

Yep, it's nearly official.

Kansas is going to finish the season with no wins in the Big 12.

Missouri is just too talented.

This one does not even need to be termed a "rivalry" this season, as the Tigers will start scoring as soon as they walk off the bus.

Memphis at Southern Miss

Prediction: Golden Eagles bounce back.

USM has flirted with the polls all season long, jumping as high as 20th in the BCS before suffering a heartbreaking loss last week to UAB.

Austin Davis and the rest of this squad will be out for blood this weekend against a Memphis squad that couldn't hang with some FCS teams.

Eagles win this one big...

ULL at Arizona

Prediction: Foles rips Ragin' Cajuns.

Nick Foles, quarterback of the Arizona Wildcats, is one of the most under-appreciated players in the country.

The man has passed for nearly 4,000 yards this season on a team that can't run the ball at all.

As a matter of fact, he will likely reach that mark this weekend against ULL in Tucson.

The Ragin' Cajuns have had some consistency issues on defense against the pass, and Foles will exploit them mercilessly in this one.

UAB at FAU

Prediction: Schnellenberger goes out winless.

Howard Schnellenberger has been around for a long time.

He has coached somewhere in either professional or college football since the early '70s.

His FAU team is winless in 2011 and faces a daunting task in UAB.

The Blazers have managed to win three games; though not an amazing feat, that is three more than the Owls to this point.

The last chapter in Schnellenberger's storied career will be a winless one at FAU.

New Mexico State at La. Tech

Prediction: ESPN3.com will be swamped by people watching this battle.

I kid, I kid.

The three new Mexico State fans remaining will be watching it, as well as those who don't want to subject themselves to Wisconsin versus Penn State.

All that aside, La. Tech has too many weapons for the Aggies and wins this one going away.

Air Force at Colorado State

Prediction: 400 rushing yards for Air Force.

The Falcons, led by quarterback Tim Jefferson, are third in the nation in rushing yards per game.

They average a spectacular 318.18 per contest and 5.65 per attempt.

Ridiculous.

The Rams are inept when it comes to stopping the rushing game, letting teams such as UNLV, UTEP and San Jose State run over them with impunity.

Could be a record-setting type of day for the Falcons.

Texas Tech vs. Baylor

Prediction: Huge numbers for RGIII.

This might seem a little elementary, but you have no idea.

Guess who is No. 2 in total offense this season.

The Bears.

And sitting at a solid 114th in the nation in total defense are the Red Raiders.

It's looking like a potential four-touchdown, 400-yard passing day for Robert Griffin.

This guy should win the Heisman—no joke.

Florida State at Florida

Prediction: Gators chomp 'Noles.

It's simple, really.

As much as you want to take the Seminoles because Florida struggled to put away Furman, it shouldn't be done.

Every time FSU has faced a tough defense this season, it has tanked.

While Florida has been facing difficult SEC defenses much tougher than FSU, the Seminoles have been losing to the likes of Virginia and Wake Forest.

Plus, it's in "The Swamp."

Ole Miss at Mississippi State

Prediction: Vick Ballard goes off.

Yep, it's Egg Bowl time.

Mississippi State has won four out of the last six, it's in Starkville and, to be frank, Ole Miss sucks.

The Bulldogs need this one to become bowl eligible after a seriously disappointing season.

However, Ole Miss sits at 112th in rushing defense.

Enter Vick Ballard.

The Bulldogs' dynamic running back should have a field day in this one to secure their bowl eligibility.

Washington State at Washington

Prediction: The Apple Cup goes to the Huskies.

These teams are both banged up, heading the wrong way and limping into the end of the season.

That doesn't mean this game won't be good.

Given the fact that Connor Halliday is out for the Cougs (lacerated liver...ouch) and this one is in Seattle, the Huskies have the edge.

Clemson at South Carolina

Prediction: Clemson steals one on the road.

Yet another in-state rivalry, with all the vitriol, if not the hype, of the Iron Bowl.

These two bitter rivals meet in Columbia for bragging rights and potential bowl position.

While conventional wisdom might tell you to take the the home team, you might want to revisit that decision.

The Gamecocks could only manage 41 points against The Citadel and 12 against Florida the game before that.

Tajh Boyd and the Tigers are the most potent offense they have faced all season, with the exception of Arkansas, and we all know how that turned out.

Notre Dame at Stanford

Prediction: Cardinal win by more than 15.

Right, so you want me to buy a Notre Dame team in this one that continues to turn the ball over, lost its star running back and just beat a miserable Boston College team by two?

Not gonna happen.

Andrew Luck and the Cardinal may be a tad overrated, but the Irish are even more so, and it will show this weekend on "The Farm."

San Jose State at Fresno State

Prediction: Bulldogs take "Futility Bowl."

What a 'stache!

Pat Hill's squad is suffering through a miserable season, similar to San Jose State.

Both teams are 4-7, out of contention for a bowl and looked bad doing it.

That said, this game is at Fresno State, and the Bulldogs don't lose to teams worse than them very often there.

UCLA at USC

Prediction: Barkley continues to show he is better than Luck.

Look, I'll admit it.

Matt Barkley has made a believer out of me.

The guy can make every throw, makes great decisions and has shown the ability to adapt over the past two seasons.

Anybody who watched the clinic he put on against Oregon knows he might be the best quarterback in the Pac-12.

Andrew Luck is getting all the attention, but Barkley and the Trojans are going to put away the Pac-12 South this weekend.

Too bad we don't get to see him in a bowl game.

San Diego State at UNLV

Prediction: Hillman comes back...with a vengeance.

SDSU star running back Ronnie Hillman was limited in last week's loss to Boise State.

Unfortunately for UNLV, he will be close to full strength for their matchup with the Aztecs this weekend.

The Rebels are allowing over 190 yards rushing and are in the middle of another less than stellar season.

Hillman will score at least twice and break 150 yards against Bobby Hauck's hapless team.

Tulane at Hawaii

Prediction: Hawaii mops up without Moniz.

Bryant Moniz is out with a broken tibia—right when the Warriors are on the verge of bowl eligibility.

No matter. They get to host a Tulane team that has only won a single game all year long.

Time to party in Hawaii after a three-touchdown victory.