With many rivalry games on tap for next week, it is somewhat of a light schedule in college football this week. And some of the big teams like Florida and Alabama essentially get a week off with games against FIU and Chattanooga respectively. There still are some games and we still can come up with five to watch.
TOP 5 GAMES OF THE WEEK
5. Wisconsin (8-2) at Northwestern (7-4) 3:30 Big 10
This is a matchup of the best teams of the second tier of the Big Ten. Bowl placement will partially be decided on the field in Evanston. Both teams have probably overachieved so far this season, and with that kind of determination it is hard to pick against either.
PICK: Northwestern 24-21
4. LSU (8-2) at Mississippi (7-3) 3:30 CBS
This is a big game in the SEC West. Both teams came into the season with high expectations, and don’t want to add another loss to their resume. Especially to a rival. Mississippi had a bad start to the season, but seems to have hit their stride recently. LSU has to get better QB play to get back to the top of the conference.
PICK: Mississippi 27-20
3. California (7-3) at Stanford (7-3) 7:30
The Game in Northern California actually has two good teams this year. It would be great to see a battle between all-conference tailbacks Jahvid Best and Toby Gerhart, but unfortunately Best’s concussion has prevented that. I think that will be the difference in the game and the Cardinal remain on fire.
PICK: Stanford 38-24
2. Ohio State (9-2) at Michigan (5-6) 12:00 ABC
I admit. I am a sucker for rivalry games. It is one of the best things about college football. And this is one of the best. It may be a mismatch right now, but you never know. This game is even bigger for Michigan, because they need it to be bowl eligible. Ohio State has already clinched the Rose Bowl and won this game 5 years in a row. They may be overconfident. Rich Rodriguez better hope so.
PICK: Ohio State 20-13
1. Oregon (8-2) At Arizona (6-3) 8:00 ABC
The winner of this game most likely joins Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. In a week where very few games have a lot of meaning, that pushes this west coast clash to the top of the list.
PICK: Oregon 34-24
LOCAL GAMES
Maryland (2-8) at Florida State (5-5) 12:00 CBS
Pick: Florida St. 33-17
Towson (2-8) at James Madison (5-5) 3:00
Pick: James Madison 35-10
Morgan St. (5-5) at Hampton (5-5) 1:00
Pick: Morgan 17-14
Johns Hopkins (8-2) at Hampden-Sydney (10-0) 12:00
Pick: Hampden-Sydney 23-21
Morgan and Towson finish out their seasons this week. Maryland plays a Florida State team in a must win situation. If the Seminoles can’t win this week, their consecutive bowl streak is in SERIOUS jeopardy with Florida up next week. Congratulations to Johns Hopkins for making the Division III tournament. They are faced with a tough road game in the opening round though.
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