Paul's Picks Week 13- 11/21/19
Welcome back!
Last week was fantastic, as I went 46-9 for a .836 win percentage. Overall, I am 547-162, which is still 77.2%. Still not too bad, but I'm below 80%, and I'm afraid I'll probably stay there for the rest of the season. My goal now is to stay above 75%!
There are a few interesting games this week, as most teams have finished their non-conference slate, but there are several "meh" games as well. Sometimes, though, it's a "down" week like this that producesthe most shockers. There are 6 games against FCS programs this week.
NOTE: See Tuesday's Power Rankings for my picks for the Tuesday and Wednesday games.
On to the predictions!
Thursday, November 14
NC State @ Georgia Tech- The Wolfpack have lost4 straight, and 5 of 6, and none of the losses have been competitive, the closest one being by 14 to Louisville last week. The Yellow Jackets are not having a good season, but 2 of their last 3 losses were by 10 points or less. Even though they were blown out by Va Tech last weekend, I have GT playing with a lot of pride and winning a close one.
Friday, November 15
Colorado State @ Wyoming- This should be a competitive game, as the Rams have won 2 of their last 3 (loss to Air Force) and the Cowboys have lost their last 2 (to Boise St and Utah St). The key for me is the game being in Laramie. Wyoming wins at home.
Saturday, November 16
Penn State @ Ohio State- This is the game of the week! The winner of this game is the likely winner of the Big Ten East. The winner will be favored in the Big Ten CG against whomever wins the West, and the winner of that game is a virtual lock for the CFB playoff. The Nittany Lions lost @Minnesota the last time they went on the road, and the Buckeyes have won their last 19 home games, and have looked like arguably the best team in the nation all year. I think PS keeps it close for the 1st half, but OSU pulls away in the 2nd. OSU wins.
Western Carolina @ Alabama- The Crimson Tide rolls over the Catamounts.
Minnesota @ Northwestern- The Golden Gophers need this win to set up a winner-take-all game against Wisconsin next weekend. They also need to bounce back from their loss to Iowa in a big way. The Wildcats finally showed some offense last week, scoring 45 points, but it was against a UMass team allowing over 50 ppg. Minnesota wins big.
Samford @ Auburn- The Tigers will roll over THESE Bulldogs.
Illinois @ Iowa- The winner of this game could still end up in a 3-way tie for 1st in the Big Ten West, but will most likely end up in 2nd or 3rd. The Hawkeyes had a big upset last week over Minnesota last week, and the Illini are coming out of n off week, so this is the perfect spot for a letdown. Illinois is on a 4-game winning streak, and I'm tempted to pick them, but I believe Iowa is the better team. Iowa wins, but it's going to go down to the wire.
Oklahoma State @ West Virginia- The Cowboys still hold a slim hope of making the Big 12 CG, but they would need lots of help. They have won 3 straight coming into this one. The Mountaineers broke a 5-game losing streak by beating Kansas St last week, but I don't see them pulling off 2 upsets in a row. OSU wins.
BYU @ UMass- As mentioned above, the Minutemen have one of the worst defenses in the history of college football, as they have held an opponent to under 44 points just once (they beat Akron 37-29). The Cougars have turned their season around, winning 4 straight after starting the season 2-4. BYU wins big.
UCF @ Tulane- The Green Wave looked like real challengers in the AAC West early in the season, but have lost 3 of their last 4. The Knights are down slightly from the previous 2 years, and are coming off a loss to Tulsa 2 weeks ago, but are still very good. UCF wins, but don't be surprised if it's closer than everyone expects.
Ball State @ Kent State- The Golden Flashes broke a 3-game losing streak by beating Buffalo last Thursday while the Cardinals have lost 3 straight. With 2 extra days to prepare, and being at home, it looks like a victory for Kent St, but I'm going with my gut on this. Ball St wins.
East Carolina @ UConn- The Pirates have lost 5 straight games, but 4 of those were by 13 points or less. The Huskies had a win in late October over UMass, but all but 2 of their losses have been by 26 points or more. You could flip a coin. ECU wins.
Liberty @ Virginia- If the Cavaliers aren't careful, the Flames could pull the upset, but I don't see that happening. UVA wins big, but it will be interesting for a quarter or so.
Kansas @ Iowa State- The Jayhawks have improved from last year, as they have been much more competitive in their losses than last year, and even won a conference game. However, it has been more than 5 years since they won a conference game on the road. The Cyclones are out of the Big 12 CG, but could still finish in 3rd place. Plus, they are 4-1 at home, their lone loss to Oklahoma. ISU wins.
Michigan State @ Rutgers- As bad as the Spartans have been this year, they are not "lose to the Scarlet Knights" bad. MSU rolls.
South Alabama @ Georgia State- The Jaguars are the worst team in the SBC, but this is often they type of game the Panthers have lost in their brief FBS history. However, tis year GSU is 4-1 at home. GSU wins.
Air Force @ New Mexico- The Falcons need this win to have any hope of winning the MWC Mountain division. The Lobos have been terrible this year, and have lost 7 straight, though all but 1 has been by 14 points or less. This is a game that was rescheduled from 2 weeks ago due to the death of a NM player. AF wins.
Boston College @ Notre Dame- The Eagles have been a little like Jekyll and Hyde this year, looking impressive at times (routing NC St and Syracuse), and then looking awful (losing to Kansas and FSU). The Fighting Irish have won 3 straight, 2 of them in impressive fashion. ND rolls.
Texas State @ Appalachian State- The Mountaineers can just about clinch the SBC East with a win against the woeful Bobcats, but they are also striving to be the G5 pick in the NY6 bowl, though I doubt they get there- too many good teams in the AAC and the MWC ahead of them. ASU wins.
Georgia Southern @ Arkansas State- These teams come in with identical records, and this should be a close, competitive game. The Eagles have won 5 of their last 6, and the Red Wolves have won3 straight. I expect a tight game, but GSU pulls it out on the road.
Texas A&M @ Georgia- The Dawgs have already clinched the SEC East, but the Aggies could sure ruin their playoff hopes. TAMU has yet to beat a team with a winning record, but they did beat the same South Carolina team last week that beat Georgia back in early October. The Dawgs' defense has completed 3 shutouts, and has only allowed more than 17 points once- in OT in their loss to SC. UGA wins, but TAMU will put up a fight.
Texas @ Baylor- The Longhorns have stumbled to 6-4, losing 2 of their last 3 and 3 of their last 5. However, if they can beat the Bears, they would still have a chance to make the Big 12 CG. Baylor suffered its 1st loss last week against Oklahoma, but if they win this, they clinch a berth in the CG. Baylor wins.
Michigan @ Indiana- The Wolverines have won 3 straight since their loss to Penn State, and all 3 have been routs, so they're on a roll. The Hoosiers lost to the same Penn St team last week to break a 4-game winning streak, abut have won 7 games this year. The kicker is that none of the wins are against a team with a winning record. If they were to win this game and next week @Purdue, a good season would become a special one. Ain't gonna happen. UM wins.
SMU @ Navy- This game will decide who has a chance to win the AAC West should Memphis stumble against either USF or Cincinnati, as all 3 teams are currently tied for 1st. However, both SMU and Navy lost to the Tigers, so the winner staying tied doesn't help. They need for Memphis to lose at least once, and to go 2-0 themselves. The Mustangs have had a phenomenal season, with only the loss to Memphis marring an otherwise perfect record. But they have had several close calls, winning 5 games by 8 points or less. The Midshipmen were rolling along on a 5-game winning streak when they got run over by Notre Dame last week. SMU is off a bye week, so I'm going with them, even though the game is in Annapolis. SMU wins.
Mercer @ North Carolina- The Tar Heels will crush the Bears.
Pittsburgh @ Virginia Tech- This game could go a long way in deciding the ACC Coastal. If the Hokies win, they could clinch the division by beating UVA in next week. If the Panthers win, they could clinch with a win over BC and a UVA loss to VT. This should be one of the best games of the day, as Va Tech has won 5 of their last 6 and Pitt has won 6 of their last 7, and both of the losses were close. Tough call, but Pitt wins.
UCLA @ USC- Both of these teams are still technically alive in the Pac 12 South. If the Trojans win, they would clinch if Utah lost 1 of their 2 remaining games. If the Bruins win, Utah would have to lose twice to create a 3-way tie at the top, and since all would be 1-1 against each other, the Pac 12 would move down the list to resolve the tie. I presume the next tiebreaker would be record within the Pac 12 South, in which case USC would be in the CG due to its 4-1 record against the other 2 being 3-2. Won't matter. USC wins.
Marshall @ Charlotte- The Thundering Herd is battling for a division crown while the 49ers are trying to become bowl eligible for the 1st time in its short history. Charlotte will have to wait another week to try again. Marshall wins easily.
Louisiana Tech @UAB- The Bulldogs suffered their 1st conference loss at the hands of Marshall last week, but are still tied atop the CUSA West division with Southern Miss, whom they beat back on October 19. The Blazers can still win the division by beating La Tech and North Texas, and by USM losing twice. Won't happen. LT wins.
North Texas @ Rice- The Owls finally got a win last week after coming close several times, and they're a better team than their record indicates. The Mean Green was expected to be near the top of the division, but has stumbled to a 4-6 overall record, and may not make a bowl. This will be another close game, but I'm not ready to roll the dice on Rice. NT wins.
WKU @ Southern Miss- The Hilltoppers began the season 5-2, but have lost 2 of 3 since, losing to 2 of the top teams in the conference, but blowing out Arkansas. They are coming out of a bye week. The Golden Eagles have looked strong and have won 5 of 6. USM wins at home.
Nebraska @ Maryland- The Cornhuskers and Terrapins meet up in a game matching 2 mediocre teams, but the Terps are mediocre-er. Nebraska wins on the road.
East Tennessee State @ Vanderbilt- The Commodores will rout the Buccaneers.
UT Martin @ Kentucky- The Wildcats will gain bowl eligibility when they roll over the Skyhawks.
Purdue @ Wisconsin- The Badgers have righted the season, winning their last 2 after losing 2 straight, and they can win the division if they win their last 2. The Boilermakers are also on a 2-game winning streak and are coming off a bye, but they are only 1-3 on the road. UW wins.
Memphis @ USF- The Tigers hopes of winning the AAC West will go down to the last week, as they need 2 wins or a loss by both SMU and Navy (see above preview of their game this week). The Bulls are trying to gain bowl eligibility, but have lost 2 straight and 3 of 4. Memphis wins.
UTEP @ New Mexico State- These are 2 of the worst teams in FBS, as both are 1-9, and both victories were against FCS teams. I don't really have any idea who is going to win this, as neither team has been very competitive in their losses. I'm picking UTEP, because... why not?
California @ Stanford- The Cardinal have won The Big Game 9 consecutive years. However, they have lost 2 straight games, and 3 of their last 4 this year. The Golden Bears have lost 5 of 6 after a promising start to the season. Neither team has lived up to expectations, and both need wins to get to a bowl I don't have a strong feeling either way on who will win this, so I'm picking the home team. Stanford will make it 10 straight with the win.
Syracuse @ Louisville- The Orange came out of nowhere to rout Duke last week on the road, and they get another road test this week. The win over Duke ended a 4-game losing streak. The Cardinals have been a pleasant surprise, even achieving bowl eligibility a year after finishing 2-10. They've won 2 of 3, and 4 of 6. Louisville gets the win at home.
San Jose State @ UNLV- The Spartans still have a chance at a bowl game, but must win this game and against Fresno St next week. The Rebels have a poor record, but have come tantalizingly close to several wins, losing 2 games by 4 or fewer points, both against the top teams in the MWC West. SJSU isn't a "top team", but they'll win nevertheless.
ODU @ Middle Tennessee- The Blue Raiders suffered the indignity of losing to a previously winless Rice last week, so they'll be looking to bounce back this week. However, they've lost 2 straight and 4 of 5. The Monarchs have yet to notch an FBS win this year, and this is a prime opportunity, especially coming out of an off week. I'm tempted to pick ODU, but MT wins a close one.
Coastal Carolina @ ULM- The Chanticleers need 2 wins to be eligible for their 1st bowl ever, but the Warhawks will not be an easy team to defeat, especially on the road, where CCU is only 2-3, and have lost their last 3. ULM is 3-2 at home, with their losses to Memphis and Ark St. This will be a good battle, but ULM wins.
Troy @ Louisiana- The Ragin' Cajuns can clinch the SBC West with a win in this game, but the Trojans are fighting to become bowl eligible, and must win either this game or next week vs App St. This will probably be a typical high scoring Sun Belt affair. I see Louisiana winning.
FAU @ UTSA- The Owls have had a fantastic season, losing only to Ohio St, UCF, and Marshall, and they are still in the CUSA East race, but will need some help. The Roadrunners could still earn a bowl berth, but it's more likely they'll be staying home for the holidays. FAU wins.
Arkansas @ LSU- The Bayou Bengals only need 1 win to clinch the SEC West and a berth in the SECCG. The Razorbacks are perhaps the worst P5 team in the nation. LSU gets the win and clinches.
Temple @ Cincinnati- The Owls have surprised me plenty of times this season, and they are on a 2-game winning streak, but the Bearcats just may be the best G5 team. Cincy wins.
Kansas State @ Texas Tech- The Red Raiders have lost 4 of 5 and the Wildcats have lost 2 straight, so neither team comes into this game with much momentum. TT is fighting for bowl eligibility, but KSU is simply the better team. KSU wins.
Miami, Fl @ FIU- The Hurricanes have had an OK season and are on a little bit of a roll, winning 3 straight and 4 of 5. The Panthers need a win for a bowl bid, but have lost 2 of their last 3. The U wins.
Oregon @ Arizona State- The Sun Devils started the year 5-1, but have lost 4 straight. They will need to win 1 of their last 2 to procure a bowl bid. The Ducks are rolling on a 9 game winning streak, and have won 12 of their last 13 games. Ducks keep rolling; Oregon wins.
Houston @ Tulsa- I get the feeling the Cougars have given up on the season, as they have lost 3 straight and 4 of 5. The Golden Hurricane finally broke their 5-game losing streak with a win over UCF (!!!) and have had and extra week and a day to prepare. Tulsa wins at home.
Abilene Christian @ Mississippi State- The Bulldogs will crush the Wildcats.
Tennessee @ Missouri- The Tigers looked like they were going to be a formidable team when the season started, when they began 5-1, but like Arizona St, they've since lost 4 straight, and their offense has only scored 27 points in those 4 games. The Volunteers have had the opposite season, starting 2-5, but have now won 3 straight. I like momentum (and off weeks). UT wins.
Duke @ Wake Forest- The Blue Devils have completely collapsed, losing 4 straight with only one game closer than 31 points. The Demon Deacons haven't fared much better lately, as they're on a 2 game losing streak, and have lost 3 of 5. WF wins at home.
TCU @ Oklahoma- The Horned Frogs are capable of pulling the upset, but they just aren't that good of a team, to be honest. They need 1 win for a bowl, but will have a better chance to get it next week against WVU at home. The Sooners can clinch a Big 12 CG spot with a win, and it says here they will. OU wins.
Oregon State @ Washington State- The Beavers are one win from qualifying for a bowl, and this will be their best chance, since they close the season @Oregon. After a rough start, OSU has won 3 of 4 and 4 of 6, and are in great shape to finish 2nd in the Pac 12 North. The Cougars have had the opposite season- a strong start, then sputtering up to now, as they have lost 5 of 7. Wazzu is in the same boat as the Beavers, needing 1 win for a bowl, and this is their best chance- they close @Washington. OSU wins.
Utah @ Arizona- The Utes have been pretty much destroying everything in their path after their loss to USC on September 20. The Wildcats have lost 5 straight after beginning the season 4-1. Utah wins.
Washington @ Colorado- The Huskies have not had the season they envisioned, but they are still a quality team. 2 more wins would get them a winning Pac 12 record. The Buffaloes broke a 5-game losing streak by beating Stanford last week, and are certainly capable of pulling the upset. Not going to happen. UW wins.
Boise State @ Utah State- The winner of this game just about locks up the MWC Mountain division, but wackiness could still ensue. The Broncos have had a fantastic season, with their only loss to BYU- a real head-scratcher. The Aggies have 4 losses, but all are to quality teams, including the same BYU squad. The game being in Logan gives USU a chance, but Boise wins a close one.
Nevada @ Fresno State- The Wolfpack have come on strong of late, winning their last 2 and 3 of 5, including an upset of SDSU. The Bulldogs have lost 3 of their last 4. Even though they are on the road, I'm going with Nevada for the win.
San Diego State @ Hawai'i- The Aztecs will win the MWC West by beating Hawai'i, but Hawai'i can also win if it beats SDSU. SDSU is 5-0 on the road, but the Rainbow Warriors are 4-2 at home. This will be another close, exciting game, but SDSU pulls it out in the end. SDSU wins.
Western Carolina @ Alabama- The Crimson Tide rolls over the Catamounts.
Minnesota @ Northwestern- The Golden Gophers need this win to set up a winner-take-all game against Wisconsin next weekend. They also need to bounce back from their loss to Iowa in a big way. The Wildcats finally showed some offense last week, scoring 45 points, but it was against a UMass team allowing over 50 ppg. Minnesota wins big.
Samford @ Auburn- The Tigers will roll over THESE Bulldogs.
Illinois @ Iowa- The winner of this game could still end up in a 3-way tie for 1st in the Big Ten West, but will most likely end up in 2nd or 3rd. The Hawkeyes had a big upset last week over Minnesota last week, and the Illini are coming out of n off week, so this is the perfect spot for a letdown. Illinois is on a 4-game winning streak, and I'm tempted to pick them, but I believe Iowa is the better team. Iowa wins, but it's going to go down to the wire.
Oklahoma State @ West Virginia- The Cowboys still hold a slim hope of making the Big 12 CG, but they would need lots of help. They have won 3 straight coming into this one. The Mountaineers broke a 5-game losing streak by beating Kansas St last week, but I don't see them pulling off 2 upsets in a row. OSU wins.
BYU @ UMass- As mentioned above, the Minutemen have one of the worst defenses in the history of college football, as they have held an opponent to under 44 points just once (they beat Akron 37-29). The Cougars have turned their season around, winning 4 straight after starting the season 2-4. BYU wins big.
UCF @ Tulane- The Green Wave looked like real challengers in the AAC West early in the season, but have lost 3 of their last 4. The Knights are down slightly from the previous 2 years, and are coming off a loss to Tulsa 2 weeks ago, but are still very good. UCF wins, but don't be surprised if it's closer than everyone expects.
Ball State @ Kent State- The Golden Flashes broke a 3-game losing streak by beating Buffalo last Thursday while the Cardinals have lost 3 straight. With 2 extra days to prepare, and being at home, it looks like a victory for Kent St, but I'm going with my gut on this. Ball St wins.
East Carolina @ UConn- The Pirates have lost 5 straight games, but 4 of those were by 13 points or less. The Huskies had a win in late October over UMass, but all but 2 of their losses have been by 26 points or more. You could flip a coin. ECU wins.
Liberty @ Virginia- If the Cavaliers aren't careful, the Flames could pull the upset, but I don't see that happening. UVA wins big, but it will be interesting for a quarter or so.
Kansas @ Iowa State- The Jayhawks have improved from last year, as they have been much more competitive in their losses than last year, and even won a conference game. However, it has been more than 5 years since they won a conference game on the road. The Cyclones are out of the Big 12 CG, but could still finish in 3rd place. Plus, they are 4-1 at home, their lone loss to Oklahoma. ISU wins.
Michigan State @ Rutgers- As bad as the Spartans have been this year, they are not "lose to the Scarlet Knights" bad. MSU rolls.
South Alabama @ Georgia State- The Jaguars are the worst team in the SBC, but this is often they type of game the Panthers have lost in their brief FBS history. However, tis year GSU is 4-1 at home. GSU wins.
Air Force @ New Mexico- The Falcons need this win to have any hope of winning the MWC Mountain division. The Lobos have been terrible this year, and have lost 7 straight, though all but 1 has been by 14 points or less. This is a game that was rescheduled from 2 weeks ago due to the death of a NM player. AF wins.
Boston College @ Notre Dame- The Eagles have been a little like Jekyll and Hyde this year, looking impressive at times (routing NC St and Syracuse), and then looking awful (losing to Kansas and FSU). The Fighting Irish have won 3 straight, 2 of them in impressive fashion. ND rolls.
Texas State @ Appalachian State- The Mountaineers can just about clinch the SBC East with a win against the woeful Bobcats, but they are also striving to be the G5 pick in the NY6 bowl, though I doubt they get there- too many good teams in the AAC and the MWC ahead of them. ASU wins.
Georgia Southern @ Arkansas State- These teams come in with identical records, and this should be a close, competitive game. The Eagles have won 5 of their last 6, and the Red Wolves have won3 straight. I expect a tight game, but GSU pulls it out on the road.
Texas A&M @ Georgia- The Dawgs have already clinched the SEC East, but the Aggies could sure ruin their playoff hopes. TAMU has yet to beat a team with a winning record, but they did beat the same South Carolina team last week that beat Georgia back in early October. The Dawgs' defense has completed 3 shutouts, and has only allowed more than 17 points once- in OT in their loss to SC. UGA wins, but TAMU will put up a fight.
Texas @ Baylor- The Longhorns have stumbled to 6-4, losing 2 of their last 3 and 3 of their last 5. However, if they can beat the Bears, they would still have a chance to make the Big 12 CG. Baylor suffered its 1st loss last week against Oklahoma, but if they win this, they clinch a berth in the CG. Baylor wins.
Michigan @ Indiana- The Wolverines have won 3 straight since their loss to Penn State, and all 3 have been routs, so they're on a roll. The Hoosiers lost to the same Penn St team last week to break a 4-game winning streak, abut have won 7 games this year. The kicker is that none of the wins are against a team with a winning record. If they were to win this game and next week @Purdue, a good season would become a special one. Ain't gonna happen. UM wins.
SMU @ Navy- This game will decide who has a chance to win the AAC West should Memphis stumble against either USF or Cincinnati, as all 3 teams are currently tied for 1st. However, both SMU and Navy lost to the Tigers, so the winner staying tied doesn't help. They need for Memphis to lose at least once, and to go 2-0 themselves. The Mustangs have had a phenomenal season, with only the loss to Memphis marring an otherwise perfect record. But they have had several close calls, winning 5 games by 8 points or less. The Midshipmen were rolling along on a 5-game winning streak when they got run over by Notre Dame last week. SMU is off a bye week, so I'm going with them, even though the game is in Annapolis. SMU wins.
Mercer @ North Carolina- The Tar Heels will crush the Bears.
Pittsburgh @ Virginia Tech- This game could go a long way in deciding the ACC Coastal. If the Hokies win, they could clinch the division by beating UVA in next week. If the Panthers win, they could clinch with a win over BC and a UVA loss to VT. This should be one of the best games of the day, as Va Tech has won 5 of their last 6 and Pitt has won 6 of their last 7, and both of the losses were close. Tough call, but Pitt wins.
UCLA @ USC- Both of these teams are still technically alive in the Pac 12 South. If the Trojans win, they would clinch if Utah lost 1 of their 2 remaining games. If the Bruins win, Utah would have to lose twice to create a 3-way tie at the top, and since all would be 1-1 against each other, the Pac 12 would move down the list to resolve the tie. I presume the next tiebreaker would be record within the Pac 12 South, in which case USC would be in the CG due to its 4-1 record against the other 2 being 3-2. Won't matter. USC wins.
Marshall @ Charlotte- The Thundering Herd is battling for a division crown while the 49ers are trying to become bowl eligible for the 1st time in its short history. Charlotte will have to wait another week to try again. Marshall wins easily.
Louisiana Tech @UAB- The Bulldogs suffered their 1st conference loss at the hands of Marshall last week, but are still tied atop the CUSA West division with Southern Miss, whom they beat back on October 19. The Blazers can still win the division by beating La Tech and North Texas, and by USM losing twice. Won't happen. LT wins.
North Texas @ Rice- The Owls finally got a win last week after coming close several times, and they're a better team than their record indicates. The Mean Green was expected to be near the top of the division, but has stumbled to a 4-6 overall record, and may not make a bowl. This will be another close game, but I'm not ready to roll the dice on Rice. NT wins.
WKU @ Southern Miss- The Hilltoppers began the season 5-2, but have lost 2 of 3 since, losing to 2 of the top teams in the conference, but blowing out Arkansas. They are coming out of a bye week. The Golden Eagles have looked strong and have won 5 of 6. USM wins at home.
Nebraska @ Maryland- The Cornhuskers and Terrapins meet up in a game matching 2 mediocre teams, but the Terps are mediocre-er. Nebraska wins on the road.
East Tennessee State @ Vanderbilt- The Commodores will rout the Buccaneers.
UT Martin @ Kentucky- The Wildcats will gain bowl eligibility when they roll over the Skyhawks.
Purdue @ Wisconsin- The Badgers have righted the season, winning their last 2 after losing 2 straight, and they can win the division if they win their last 2. The Boilermakers are also on a 2-game winning streak and are coming off a bye, but they are only 1-3 on the road. UW wins.
Memphis @ USF- The Tigers hopes of winning the AAC West will go down to the last week, as they need 2 wins or a loss by both SMU and Navy (see above preview of their game this week). The Bulls are trying to gain bowl eligibility, but have lost 2 straight and 3 of 4. Memphis wins.
UTEP @ New Mexico State- These are 2 of the worst teams in FBS, as both are 1-9, and both victories were against FCS teams. I don't really have any idea who is going to win this, as neither team has been very competitive in their losses. I'm picking UTEP, because... why not?
California @ Stanford- The Cardinal have won The Big Game 9 consecutive years. However, they have lost 2 straight games, and 3 of their last 4 this year. The Golden Bears have lost 5 of 6 after a promising start to the season. Neither team has lived up to expectations, and both need wins to get to a bowl I don't have a strong feeling either way on who will win this, so I'm picking the home team. Stanford will make it 10 straight with the win.
Syracuse @ Louisville- The Orange came out of nowhere to rout Duke last week on the road, and they get another road test this week. The win over Duke ended a 4-game losing streak. The Cardinals have been a pleasant surprise, even achieving bowl eligibility a year after finishing 2-10. They've won 2 of 3, and 4 of 6. Louisville gets the win at home.
San Jose State @ UNLV- The Spartans still have a chance at a bowl game, but must win this game and against Fresno St next week. The Rebels have a poor record, but have come tantalizingly close to several wins, losing 2 games by 4 or fewer points, both against the top teams in the MWC West. SJSU isn't a "top team", but they'll win nevertheless.
ODU @ Middle Tennessee- The Blue Raiders suffered the indignity of losing to a previously winless Rice last week, so they'll be looking to bounce back this week. However, they've lost 2 straight and 4 of 5. The Monarchs have yet to notch an FBS win this year, and this is a prime opportunity, especially coming out of an off week. I'm tempted to pick ODU, but MT wins a close one.
Coastal Carolina @ ULM- The Chanticleers need 2 wins to be eligible for their 1st bowl ever, but the Warhawks will not be an easy team to defeat, especially on the road, where CCU is only 2-3, and have lost their last 3. ULM is 3-2 at home, with their losses to Memphis and Ark St. This will be a good battle, but ULM wins.
Troy @ Louisiana- The Ragin' Cajuns can clinch the SBC West with a win in this game, but the Trojans are fighting to become bowl eligible, and must win either this game or next week vs App St. This will probably be a typical high scoring Sun Belt affair. I see Louisiana winning.
FAU @ UTSA- The Owls have had a fantastic season, losing only to Ohio St, UCF, and Marshall, and they are still in the CUSA East race, but will need some help. The Roadrunners could still earn a bowl berth, but it's more likely they'll be staying home for the holidays. FAU wins.
Arkansas @ LSU- The Bayou Bengals only need 1 win to clinch the SEC West and a berth in the SECCG. The Razorbacks are perhaps the worst P5 team in the nation. LSU gets the win and clinches.
Temple @ Cincinnati- The Owls have surprised me plenty of times this season, and they are on a 2-game winning streak, but the Bearcats just may be the best G5 team. Cincy wins.
Kansas State @ Texas Tech- The Red Raiders have lost 4 of 5 and the Wildcats have lost 2 straight, so neither team comes into this game with much momentum. TT is fighting for bowl eligibility, but KSU is simply the better team. KSU wins.
Miami, Fl @ FIU- The Hurricanes have had an OK season and are on a little bit of a roll, winning 3 straight and 4 of 5. The Panthers need a win for a bowl bid, but have lost 2 of their last 3. The U wins.
Oregon @ Arizona State- The Sun Devils started the year 5-1, but have lost 4 straight. They will need to win 1 of their last 2 to procure a bowl bid. The Ducks are rolling on a 9 game winning streak, and have won 12 of their last 13 games. Ducks keep rolling; Oregon wins.
Houston @ Tulsa- I get the feeling the Cougars have given up on the season, as they have lost 3 straight and 4 of 5. The Golden Hurricane finally broke their 5-game losing streak with a win over UCF (!!!) and have had and extra week and a day to prepare. Tulsa wins at home.
Abilene Christian @ Mississippi State- The Bulldogs will crush the Wildcats.
Tennessee @ Missouri- The Tigers looked like they were going to be a formidable team when the season started, when they began 5-1, but like Arizona St, they've since lost 4 straight, and their offense has only scored 27 points in those 4 games. The Volunteers have had the opposite season, starting 2-5, but have now won 3 straight. I like momentum (and off weeks). UT wins.
Duke @ Wake Forest- The Blue Devils have completely collapsed, losing 4 straight with only one game closer than 31 points. The Demon Deacons haven't fared much better lately, as they're on a 2 game losing streak, and have lost 3 of 5. WF wins at home.
TCU @ Oklahoma- The Horned Frogs are capable of pulling the upset, but they just aren't that good of a team, to be honest. They need 1 win for a bowl, but will have a better chance to get it next week against WVU at home. The Sooners can clinch a Big 12 CG spot with a win, and it says here they will. OU wins.
Oregon State @ Washington State- The Beavers are one win from qualifying for a bowl, and this will be their best chance, since they close the season @Oregon. After a rough start, OSU has won 3 of 4 and 4 of 6, and are in great shape to finish 2nd in the Pac 12 North. The Cougars have had the opposite season- a strong start, then sputtering up to now, as they have lost 5 of 7. Wazzu is in the same boat as the Beavers, needing 1 win for a bowl, and this is their best chance- they close @Washington. OSU wins.
Utah @ Arizona- The Utes have been pretty much destroying everything in their path after their loss to USC on September 20. The Wildcats have lost 5 straight after beginning the season 4-1. Utah wins.
Washington @ Colorado- The Huskies have not had the season they envisioned, but they are still a quality team. 2 more wins would get them a winning Pac 12 record. The Buffaloes broke a 5-game losing streak by beating Stanford last week, and are certainly capable of pulling the upset. Not going to happen. UW wins.
Boise State @ Utah State- The winner of this game just about locks up the MWC Mountain division, but wackiness could still ensue. The Broncos have had a fantastic season, with their only loss to BYU- a real head-scratcher. The Aggies have 4 losses, but all are to quality teams, including the same BYU squad. The game being in Logan gives USU a chance, but Boise wins a close one.
Nevada @ Fresno State- The Wolfpack have come on strong of late, winning their last 2 and 3 of 5, including an upset of SDSU. The Bulldogs have lost 3 of their last 4. Even though they are on the road, I'm going with Nevada for the win.
San Diego State @ Hawai'i- The Aztecs will win the MWC West by beating Hawai'i, but Hawai'i can also win if it beats SDSU. SDSU is 5-0 on the road, but the Rainbow Warriors are 4-2 at home. This will be another close, exciting game, but SDSU pulls it out in the end. SDSU wins.
That's all for now! Come back Monday for my TWIF Notes, where I'll review all the results and their implications. Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter: @pbanderson.
Until next time, may you and your loved ones be blessed!
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