On this Saturday when I wish Rachel Alexandra were cementing her legacy as perhaps the greatest filly of all time, instead we will see some teams try to cement their case for BCS stardom. The schedule is a little light on marquee games but the top game of the week will provide plenty of excitement and intrigue.
TOP FIVE GAMES OF THE WEEK
5. Kansas (5-3) at Kansas State (5-4) 12:30
Two in state rivals playing a game that could go a long way in determining the Big 12 North champs. Who would have thought K-State would be the one in the driver’s seat though. Bill Snyder has done a great job, but I think that ends today.
PICK: Kansas 34-27
4. Oklahoma (5-3) at Nebraska (5-3) 8:00
They have the same record, but are trying to prove different things. Nebraska is just trying to get bowl eligible and beat a good team for the first time in a while. Oklahoma thinks they are the best 3 loss team ever. Having lost three on the road by a combined 5 points to all top 25 teams.
PICK: Oklahoma 41-24
3. Oregon St. (5-3) at California (6-2) 7:00
Both of these teams have had an up and down season. Sparks of brilliance sprinkled in with some bad defeats. All that said the winner of this game still could finish 2nd in the Pac Ten and end up in a nice bowl.
PICK: Oregon St. 27-24
2. Ohio State (7-2) at Penn State (8-1) 3:30 ABC
The Buckeyes still control their own destiny to the Rose Bowl. A win over Penn State coupled with a victory over Iowa next week and they are in the drivers seat. For Penn State it is a little more complicated, but still an important game. Terrelle Pryor has played better after that debacle against Purdue. Penn State wants to show that they are a great team, except when they play Iowa.
PICK: Ohio State 14-13
1. Louisiana State (7-1) at Alabama (8-0) 3:30 CBS
The winner of this game books a spot opposite Florida in the SEC championship game; and with a win there probably a spot in the BCS title game. This is the big one this week. Both teams have stellar defenses, so which offense is going to make the difference. This could be where RB Mark Ingram wins the Heisman. A big game at home will boost his candidacy and the Tide’s season. I don’t think he will disappoint.
PICK: Alabama 20-10
LOCAL GAMES
Maryland (2-6) at North Carolina St. (3-5) 1:00
Two teams playing for pride and maybe some answers for next year.
PICK: NC State 31-21
Navy (6-3) at Notre Dame (6-2) 2:30 NBC
Navy has played them close the last couple of years, with a victory sprinkled in. I don’t think they score enough to do that this season.
PICK: Notre Dame 34-14
Towson (2-6) at William and Mary ( 7-1) 1:30
Another CAA heavyweight will prove too much for the Tigers.
PICK: William and Mary 31-7
Norfolk State (4-4) at Morgan St. (5-3) 4:00
If the Bears really have turned the corner on being a solid team, this is the kind of home game they find a way to win.
PICK: Morgan 17-7
Franklin and Marshall (7-1) at Johns Hopkins (7-1) 1:00
This game will make a big impact in deciding the Centennial Conference champion and awarding the automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. Tournament, doesn’t that sound good. Division 1-A, if only you learned from your little brothers. This should be a good game. Since I live only 4 blocks from the field, I probably should go.
PICK: Johns Hopkins 28-24
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