College Football: Week 12

Welcome back to the college football weekly preview post. While some have been full of great games to be watched and somewhat knowledgeable analysis and predictions, this one is not. That;s because this week's slate of game is well, pathetic. It's odd to see a mid-November be so full of games that just aren't appealing.

Of course, the possibilities for upsets are there but they are some huge reaches. Hence, making the week that much more disappointing. But we must trudge on. Hey, at least we have Lou Holtz to be excited for?

As far as my picks, I went 11-4 last week, incorrectly calling the upsets of Bama and Texas Tech. Eh well, there's still time. Onward!

TOP 15 GAMES (Last week: 11-4, Season 92-58)

GAME OF THE WEEK
1. #24 South Carolina @ #3 Florida - Yeah, that's how bad this weekend's games are. USC comes into this one with the top defense in the SEC. But Florida has the top offense and have scored 102 points in the last two games. Right now, USC is a 21-point underdog but I got a feeling it's gonna be close. Gamecocks are 2-1 on the road and they (especially former Coach Spurrier) want this one BAD. FLORIDA wins but again, it will be close. Florida 31-27

REST OF THE BEST
2. #4 Texas @ Kansas - Hard to believe that KU is not ranked. Yeah, they are 6-4 but their 4 losses are very quality losses (USF when good, OKST, TTU, and Nebraska in Lincoln). Todd Reising is still a great QB and this team still has plenty of talent. If Texas is smart, they'll look past the 4 losses and treat KU as a Top 25 team because if they don't, they can kiss their title shot goodbye. I'll pick TEXAS but that is with some reservation.

3. #22 Cincinnati @ Louisville - Getting down to the nitty gritty in the Big East and right now, Cincy is tied at the top. But this weekend's trip to Louisville is nothing to sneeze at. The Cardinals have beaten UC 9 of 10 times, including the past 5. But I have faith in my former middle school classmates Torry and DeAngelo to lead CINCINNATI to a big win on the road.

4. Boston College @ #20 Florida State - Yeah, this is where Gameday is going live from. Again, a sign of a bad weekend of games. But this one is big for the ACC. Both teams can't afford another loss in this mediocre conference. Both teams are coming off a win so I can;t go with momentum. So in this case, I'll go with the home team. FLORIDA STATE wins, but really, who cares?

5. #10 Ohio State @ Illinois - This starts a series of games where one team is looking for redemption from an embarrassing loss. Last season, OSU looked to be well on its way to an undefeated season. But instead, Illinois spoiled Senior Day at the Show, beating the Bucks 28-21. I still remember that last drive by Illinois.

This season, the teams are completely different as is the locale. What else will be different? The result of the game. OHIO STATE is too good. Buckeyes 38-17

6. #6 USC @ Stanford - It may have been the upset of the year if not for Appalachian State. The Cardinal upsetting the mighty Trojans in SoCal. And the way they did it was that much better. You can relive it below:

Oh, I was screaming about that game all night, though I think my beverages may have played a part in that. But anyways, I hope Stanford can do it again. But I don't see lightning striking twice. USC redeems last year's loss.

7. Notre Dame @ Navy - It had been 44 years since the Irish had lost to Navy. But now, it's been less than a year. That's because last year Navy pulled off the upset, winning 46-44 in a game for the ages. Here's my fellow Gray TV station WNDU with your recap!

Poor sports guy. Not his best effort. Still won't forget watching ND right behind the Naval Academy as they sang with their band. Just amazing stuff. As for this year, no Paul Johnson for Navy at coach and for Notre Dame, Weis calling plays. I'll take NOTRE DAME.

8. California @ #23 Oregon State - Well Cal gave it their best shot against USC, keeping the game tight. Now, they get to face the one team to beat USC. Oregon State has quietly had a good season and has made its way into the Top 25. And don't forget, if Oregon State wins out, they win the Pac-10. With that in mind plus the fact that Cal is prolly a bit beat up from USC, I will go with OREGON STATE to keep BCS dreams alive.

9. Virginia Tech @ Miami (FL) (THU) - Another clunker of a Thursday night game. Thankfully, there is an NFL game on and I have the NFL Network. So while I would love to act like I care about this game, I won't waste your time. I'm picking VIRGINIA TECH.

10. #17 North Carolina @ Maryland - UNC may be 7-2 and coming off a very impressive 28-7 win over GT. But here are the stats that matter. MD is 5-0 at home and 3-0 against the Top 25. I'm gonna go with those stats and in my APPY pick, take MARYLAND to take down the Tar Heels.

11. #11 Oklahoma State @ Colorado - Been an up and down year for the Buffs. At times, they look like they would make noise in the Big 12. At other times, they just roll over and get run over. Something tells me OKST is coming into this game angry after their beatdown by TTU. So the Buffs better beware. OKLAHOMA STATE takes out their frustration and wins big.

12. Mississippi State @ #1 Alabama - The past two season, Sylvester Croom's kids have beaten the Crimson Tide. If his team does it again this season, it may just save his job (though I can't envision another black coach being fired this season). The Tide have looked sketchy at times but even I know that Bama is much better and should roll. ALABAMA wins in a rout.

13. Indiana @ #7 Penn State - Now is not the time for a letdown for PSU. Yeah, the loss to Iowa hurts a lot but there is still hope for the title game. More realistically, a shot to play USC in the Rose Bowl. But that all goes bye bye with one more loss. We'll see just how mentally tough this team is this week. I'll go with PENN STATE in a blowout.

14. Wake Forest @ NC State - Wake is right in the thick of the ACC race...somehow. They have been horrendous this season. But the last two games have been a promising sign. The team has put some actual points on the board after being shutout two weeks in a row before that. NC State is 1-4 in the ACC and out of the hunt so they are just hoping to play spoiler. I see them being able to do it. NC STATE wins in a mini-upset.

15. Minnesota @ Wisconsin - The mighty Golden Gophers have fallen from the Top 25 fast. Kind of like how 'Sconsin did in October. Now, it's a battle of two teams that hope to redeem themselves from a midseason slump. 'Sconsin still isn't bowl-eligible so this game is really big for them. And since it is Senior Day at Camp Randall, I'll going with WISCONSIN.

TEAMS I LOVE (OR ACT LIKE I LOVE)

#13 Georgia @ Auburn - The fact that UK scored 38 points on UGA's defense should scare Bulldog fans going into Auburn. But then we all remember how incredibly bad Auburn's offense is. GEORGIA wins big and goes into the second bye week happy. Bulldogs 45-10