College Football: Week 14

Hello once again to the preview post for the week to come of college football. For the first time, I am writing from the great city of Columbus, OH! It's exciting to be back at home and with the family and friends I have grown to love. But being home doesn't mean taking a week off.

Before I get into the top 15 games, I have to throw out some congratulations to Ball State. Their game vs. Western Michigan was no doubt one of the top 15 games but the Tuesday start threw me off guard and I forgot it. But I would've picked the Cardinals. And now that they are 12-0 with one game left, let me just say, this team is for real and should be getting some BCS consideration. Nate Davis could easily be the best QB in the 2009 or 2010 draft and this is a team that is full of confidence. Good for Ball State and good for the MAC.

TOP 15 GAMES

GAME OF THE WEEK

1. #19 Oregon @ #17 Oregon State - I thought hard about this one but honestly, this game means a lot while others really won't mean more until the season is over. For Oregon, the game is for pride. But for ORST, this game means a Pac-10 championship and a berth into the Rose Bowl. A loss not only sends USC to Pasadena but probably OSU to a BCS game. Lot on the line in this one. Despite Jacquizz Rogers being out, I like OREGON STATE because the game is in Corvallis, the same site as the win over USC.

REST OF THE BEST

2. #3 Oklahoma @ #11 Oklahoma State - Another upset that could really shakeup the BCS title game picture. Oklahoma looked great against Tech but let's remember, the game was at home and the Sooners knew they needed it badly. OKST is no pushover though. In fact, expect them to play with more fire with this being a rivalry game as well. OKST's two losses are to Texas and Tech so no doubt, they have played great competition. And with this game in Stillwater, the fans will be leaning toward the Cowboys hardcore. I'm not 100% sure but I think OKLAHOMA STATE is gonna pull off the "upset"

3. #2 Florida @ #23 Florida State - Another one that could really mess with the BCS picture. Florida has been impressive since the Ole Miss game but again, all that goes out the window in a rivalry game. FSU has plenty enough talent to pull off this upset and plenty of incentive (knock the Gators from the title picture). And while I like to think the Gators being on the road will hurt them, I don't think it will detrermine this game. FLORIDA wins and makes me miserable.

4. Notre Dame @ #5 USC - Who we kidding? This game is huge for various reasons. USC hoping to stay in the national title hunt and finish 11-1. Notre Dame trying to finish at 7-5 and keep their head coach in that position. After the loss to Syarcuse, Charlie Weis knows his job isn't exactly secure right now. And while we all know the Irish are going to put 200% in this game to save good 'ol Charlie, the Trojans defense is just too dominant. USC rolls at home and the Irish spend the next 5-6 weeks pondering if they should pull the trigger.

5. Auburn @ #1 Alabama - All the stats say this one should be lopsided. But this is the Iron Bowl, a rivalry game spanning many years. But lately, it's been all about the Tigers, winning the last 6 games. So can they pull off a huge win this season and extend the streak to 7 games. Fat chance but it'd be cool if they do. ALABAMA wins but if they don't, Tommy Tuberville may keep his job.

6. Texas A&M @ #2 Texas (FRI) - Another game that looks like a blowout until you remember that rivalry games are different. The Aggies have had it rough in their first year under Mike Sherman but that's to be expected. But it's game 12 now and this is the game the Aggies know can change their view of the season. Meanwhile, Mack Brown and hsi team come into this one knowing an Oklahoma loss keeps them well in the thick of the title hunt, but not the conference. It's senior day in Austin as well so I'm goin with TEXAS to win by a large number.

7. Fresno State @ #9 Boise State (THU) - Obviously, this one is big for Boise State, because it keep their BCs hopes alive. With the right amount of upsets, the Broncos could find themselves right in the mix. And it's funny that they have to cap off their perfect regular season against the team that I thought initially would threaten that mark. Fresno State had high expectations this season but have not met them. But they still have great talent and if the blue field does not distract them too much, will stay in the game until the end. I'll go with BOISE STATE but this one should be close.

8. Syracuse @ #16 Cincinnati - Not many would have thought this would be the game to determining the Big East champion. Many would have said the Pitt-WVU this week but nope, it's this one. The Cuse comes in on the heels of a greta win over Notre Dame that may have squashed Charlie Weis' coaching career (ironically at the same time their coach's career will at the end of the season). And now with some added confidence of winning on the road, they face a good Bearcat team that beat Pitt last week. The pick here is CINCINNATI because Syracuse is still Syracuse.

9. Virginia @ Virginia Tech - Just like the game above this, this one will determine what team will play for the ACC championship. In the Coastal division, it's very easy. VT wins, they move to the championship. If Virginia, then GT heads to the game. Lot on the line in Blacksburg but home field means nothing in the ACC this season. VIRGINIA and Al Groh will win this one.

10. West Virginia @ Pittsburgh (FRI) - The two faves for the Big East title now find themselves hoping and praying for a Cincy update. And since that will not happen on Saturday, this game is all about revenge. Remember when Pitt beat WVU and ended their national title dreams. Uh oh...

11. #18 Georgia Tech @ #13 Georgia - In most seasons, this would be an easy choice. Dawgs winning in Athens. But the GT offense is so different than any other UGA has faced and needless to say, UGA has not performed well vs. offenses that are unique. If the Dawgs can stop Dwyer, then they'll be just fine. The key to GEORGIA winning this one is keeping the ball safe and establishing a run game with Knowshon Moreno. Bulldogs 34-28

12. Kansas @ #13 Missouri - Really doesn't mean anything. Mizzou is firmly in the Big 12 title game. Kansas has been a disappointment, especially in the 2nd half. So who is my pick to win this Big 12 North showdown? MISSOURI by 21 or more.

13. Baylor @ #7 Texas Tech - I know they lost to Oklahome terribly but Tech is no slouch. Baylor will go into Lubbock thinkin of an upset. Well, they better hope. TEXAS TECH wins big,

14. South Carolina @ Clemson - Neither are ranked so should be no big deal but trying to lower the expectations of a rivalry game like this is stupid. Clemson is starting to gain confidence but wait until they see that Gamecocks defense. SOUTH CAROLINA wins.
Gamecocks 24-10

15. Ohio @ Miami (OH) - I had this whole thing ready for when these two teams played. Big rivalry game versus the smartest two schools in the MAC. But smarts don't equal talent and that's the case in this one. These teams are bad and this game will be boring. But will win this one. I promise. Bobcats 33-14