Paul's Picks Week 13
Welcome Back!
This past week was my 2nd best week of the season, as I was 57-9, or .864. This makes me 577-195 overall, a 74.7% winning percentage. At this rate, I'll be lucky to finish at 75%. But I'm off to an ok 1-1 start in the early games this week.
Last year, I finished at 71.8%, which was WAY below my usual average (I'm usually around 75%). You should know that I only only pick who wins, not against the spread. I'm not into gambling, and I certainly wouldn't use my picks to gamble with (if you do, that's on YOU!). I don't have inside information, I don't scour injury reports, I don't have a research staff, and this isn't my full time job; it's just a hobby, but I have been following college football for right around 50 years, and I've seen a lot of it.
My goal each year is to be correct 80% of the time over a full season, but I've never actually achieved that. Most years, I'm right around 75%, but I think my high has been close to 78%, with last year perhaps being my worst in many years (very few FBS vs FCS games to pad my stats).
I will give you my pick for every game that will take place for the coming weekend. Most weeks, the early games will start on Thursdays; on weeks where there are earlier games, on Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll give those picks the day of the game. Like my TWIF Notes, there won't be a lot of in-depth analysis, but I hope you will find my unique takes interesting and entertaining.
It's Rivalry Week! And it's the final weekend of the regular season, and every FBS team is playing, though 4 teams will have regular season games next week: Army-Navy and Cal-USC (make-up game).
Now... on with the picks!
Thursday, November 25
Fresno State @ San Jose State- The Bulldogs need this win to put pressure on SDSU in the MWC West and have a chance to win the division. And on top of that, it would give FSU a chance at 10 wins for the 1st time since 2018. The Spartans need this win for bowl eligibility, just one year after going undefeated in the regular season. A win would also give SJSU a 4-4 MWC record, and possibly a tie for 3rd in the division. The Bulldogs lead the series 42-38-3, and have won 2 of the last 3, but SJSU has won 5 of the last 8, and 3 of the last 4 played in San Jose. This should be a fantastic game! Fresno St wins a close one.
Ole Miss @ Mississippi State- The Egg Bowl is one of the fiercest rivalries in all of college football, regardless of the records of the 2 teams, but when both the Rebels and the Bulldogs are good, it's even better. With a win, the Rebs would solidify 2nd place in the West, and reach 10 wins for the 1st time since 2015. The Bulldogs would like nothing better than to prevent that, and to put themselves into a tie for 2nd in the West. Ole Miss leads the series 63-46-6, but MSU has won 2 of the last 3 (and also forfeited 2 wins in 1976 and 1977). Expect another barnburner, but I'm going with the home team. MSU wins.
Friday, November 26
Boise State @ San Diego State- Both teams badly need this game to win their respective divisions, but only SDSU controls their own destiny and doesn't have to rely on any other result. If Fresno St loses on Thursday, SDSU has already clinched, but if they win, the pressure is on. The Broncos have won 4 straight after a 3-4 start, and are coming in with a lot of momentum, including a win over Fresno. The Aztecs are looking for their 1st 11-win season since 2015. The series is tied 3-3, with BSU winning 2 of the 3 played in San Diego, but they haven't played since 2018. SDSU wins.
Kansas State @ Texas- The Wildcats had been on a roll, winning 4 straight before losing to Baylor last week, but the Longhorns are a dumpster fire right now, losers of 6 in a row. Their current 2-6 Big 12 record matches their most losses ever, as they have never lost more than 6 in a season. Their worst was an 0-6 finish in the 1956 season in the old Southwest Conference, the year before Darrell Royal arrived. UT is currently 4-7, and the last time they had more than 7 losses in a season was that same year, 1956, when they were 1-9, so a loss here would be historic. UT leads the series 11-10, and has won the last 4, but the Wildcats have won 9 of the 17 played since the Big 12 was formed in 1998 (UT won in 1913, 1927, and 1942, KSU won in 1926). KSU wins.
Eastern Michigan @ Central Michigan- The Eagles have won 3 of their last 4, but the Chippewas have won their last 3, and 5 of 6. EMU has not won more than 7 games since they won 10 in 1987, so a win here would break through that barrier. The Chips lead the series 62-30-6, and have won the last 2, and 7 of the last 9. EMU hasn't won in Mt. Pleasant since 2011. My heart says Eagles, but my head knows better. CMU wins the battle for 2nd place in the MAC West.
Ohio @ Bowling Green- The Bobcats have won 2 of 3 since their off week, with upsets over division leader Miami and EMU. The Falcons will forever have their win over Minnesota, but not much else to remember this season by. However, a win here would get BGSU out of last place in the East. The Falcons lead the series 40-30-2, but Ohio has won the last 5. The Bobcats win again.
Utah State @ New Mexico- The Aggies played themselves into relying on other results with their beatdown loss to Wyoming last week, but they still need to win this game. The Lobos are having a terrible season, and haven't really been close in any of their MWC losses. USU leads the series 14-13, and has won the last 4. Utah State wins again, making it 5 in a row.
Iowa @ Nebraska- The Hawkeyes have won 3 straight after a midseason 2-game swoon, and still have a chance to win the Big Ten West. The Cornhuskers have lost 5 straight, and 7 of 8, each by 9 points or less. Nebraska leads the series 29-19-3, but Iowa has won the last 6, the last 3 by 6 points or less. The series was played almost yearly from 1891-1919, and then again from 1930-1946, and then briefly from 1979-1982 and in 1999-2000, so since the Huskers joined the Big Ten in 2011, the series is 7-3 in the Hawkeyes' favor. Iowa wins again, probably by 7 or less.
UTEP @ UAB- The Miners have 7 wins for the 1st time since 2014, and are hoping to get to 8 for the 1st time since 2005. They finally broke their 3-game losing streak last week with a win over Rice, and are going bowling for the 1st time since that 2014 season. The Blazers have had a good-not-great season, as they won't win the CUSA West Division for the 1st time since the 2017 season, but they still have a chance to match their 9 wins from 2019 with a bowl victory. UAB leads the series 6-1, with UTEP's lone win coming in 2006. UAB wins.
Cincinnati @ East Carolina- The Pirates are on a 4-game winning streak, but none of those wins were over a team with a winning record. The Bearcats are so close to a CFP slot that they can taste it, and so they definitely won't be overlooking the Pirates in this situation. ECU leads the series 13-11, but Cincy has won the last 3, and 9 of the last 10. Bearcats win.
Missouri @ Arkansas- The Tigers and Razorbacks have each won 3 of their last 4, and so both are playing well late in the season. While the 2 states share a border, the 2 teams have only played a dozen times- in 1906, 1944, 1963, in the 2003 Independence Bowl (won by Arkansas), in the 2008 Cotton Bowl (won by Missouri), and yearly from 2014-2020. Mizzou leads the series 9-3, including the last 5, but more importantly, leads 6-1 since joining the SEC. However, this is a better Razorbacks team than has been around in several years, and this Missouri team is just OK. Arkansas wins a close one.
USF @ UCF- The War On I-4 is tied at 6-6, but UCF has won the last 4 meetings, the last 3 by double digits. The Knights have had a slightly disappointing season, but the Bulls have been just awful. UCF wins easily.
Coastal Carolina @ South Alabama- While the Chanticleers haven't had the magical undefeated season they had last year, they've still done very well at 9-2, and need this win to finish with 10 wins for the 2nd year in a row, and to finish in 2nd in the SBC East. The Jaguars have already improved their record by 1 win, and an additional win would get them into a bowl game. The series, such as it is, is tied at 1 win apiece, each team winning at home. CCU wins.
UNLV @ Air Force- The Falcons need to win this to have any chance of winning the MWC Mountain Division, but the Rebels come in having won 2 of their last 3 and off a close loss to SDSU, so they are playing well and won't be a pushover. Air Force leads the series 16-6, and has won the last 3, but they haven't played since 2018. The Falcons win, but it won't be easy.
Colorado @ Utah- The Utes clinched the Pac 12 South last week and now are just waiting to see who their opponent will be. The Buffaloes have won 2 of their last 3, including upsets of Oregon St and Washington, but are only 1-3 against Pac 12 South foes. I was surprised to learn that this will be the 68th meeting in a series that started in 1903! The series is tied at 32-32-3, but Utah has won the last 4, and 10 of the last 12. Utah wins again.
TCU @ Iowa State- I'm not sure there are 2 more disappointed fan bases than these 2, as both began the season with hopes of a Big 12 Championship, and perhaps a CFP berth. But alas, it wasn't to be. The Cyclones have lost 2 straight and have fallen to 6-5 on the season, with a 4th-place finish the best they can hope for. The Horned Frogs have won 2 of their last 3, but at 5-6, are 1 win shy of going to a bowl, but could finish in a tie for 4th with a win here (and a KSU loss). TCU leads the series 8-4, but ISU has won the last 2, and 3 of 4. The Cyclones win, and deny the Frogs a bowl.
North Carolina @ NC State- The Tar Heels are another team that had high hopes to begin the season, starting at #10 in the AP preseason poll, but they've stumbled to a 6-5 record, barely qualifying for a bowl. The Wolfpack are 8-3, and can win the ACC Atlantic with a victory and a WF loss, so their goals are still in front of them. UNC has dominated this rivalry overall, leading 68-36-6, but since 2000, NC State leads 12-9. The Heels are perfectly capable of ruining NC State's season, but I think the Pack wins and puts pressure on Wake Forest to win their game.
Washington State @ Washington- The Cougars still have a chance to win the Pac 12 North, and what a story that would be after all their difficulties. The Huskies are coming in having lost 3 in a row, but in a rivalry game, anything can happen. UW leads the series 74-32-6, and has won the last 7, and 10 of the last 11. If ever Wazzu was going to break the streak, this would be the year. WSU wins on the Palouse.
Saturday, November 27
Georgia @ Georgia Tech- The Dawgs are looking to finish the season undefeated for the 1st time since 1982. The Yellow Jackets are hoping to avoid their 3rd 3-win season in a row, and their 2nd 9-loss season in 3 years. According to Tech, UGA leads the series 68-41-5, but that includes 2 games during WWII that UGA disputes. At any rate, most of Tech's wins in this Clean Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry have come before 1957, as UGA is 46-17 since then, and 16-3 since 2001. And UGA hasn't lost in Atlanta since 1999, and that one was controversial. And before that, it was 1989. UGA wins big.
Ohio State @Michigan- This is one of the great rivalries in college football, but it has been lopsided lately. UM dominated early, winning 13 of the 1st 15 played, with 2 ties, between 1897 and 1918, but OSU has won the last 8, and 15 of the last 16. Overall, Michigan leads the series 58-51-6. The Buckeyes are looking like a juggernaut on offense, and their defense has played well in 6 of their last 8 games. However, The Wolverines appear to finally have a team that can challenge the Bucks, as only 2 teams have scored more than 18 against their defense, and their offense has scored at least 29 in 9 games. This could finally be the year, but I won't believe it until I see it. OSU wins. Again.
Wake Forest @ Boston College- These teams played a lot in the 40s and 50s, and then not again until 2003. The Eagles have won 2 of 3 to get bowl eligible, but the Demon Deacons need this to win the ACC Atlantic Division, but are coming in having lost 2 of 3. BC leads the series 14-11-2, but since 2003, it's been only 9-8 in BC's favor, with each team winning on the road in the last 6 meetings. That pattern continues as WF clinches the division.
Texas Tech @ Baylor- The Bears can still make the Big 12 CG if they can win this game and OSU beats OU, but additional motivation is achieving 10 wins just a year after going 2-7. The Red Raiders have done well to reach their 1st bowl since 2017, but have lost 3 of 4 coming in to this game. The series is tied at 39-39-1, and BU has won 7 of the last 10, but TTU has won 3 of the last 5, including last year. Baylor wins to keep their hopes alive.
Houston @ UConn- The Cougars have a chance at 11 wins for the 1st time since they went 13-1 in 2015. The Huskies are trying to avoid their 2nd 1-win season in the last 3 seasons. These teams have met 3 times previously, with UConn winning the 1st in 2015 and UH winning the other 2 in 2016 and 2019. Houston wins big.
FSU @ Florida- Both teams are vying for a 6th win in order to qualify for a bowl, but only the Seminoles are coming in with any sort of momentum, as they have won 2 straight. The Gators, on the other hand, have lost 4 of 5, with their only win over an FCS team, and have fired HC Dan Mullen. The interim will be Greg Knox, and he will be looking to avoid UF's most losses since finishing 4-7 in 2017. The Gators lead the series 36-26-2, and have won the last 2, but FSU has won 7 of 10 since 2010. In a rivalry game, anything can happen, and especially with an interim, but I have no confidence in UF. FSU wins.
Maryland @ Rutgers- This is another matchup of 5-6 teams striving to get their 6th win, and only 1 can do so. The Terrapins started 4-0, but have lost 6 of 7 since, including their last 3. The Scarlet Knights have actually won 2 of their last 4, but their wins are over Illinois and Indiana. The Terps lead the series 9-7, but it's only 5-4 since 2007. The other games were played between 1920 and 1942. Rutgers wins.
Army @ Liberty- The Flames had a fantastic season last year, going 10-1 with a bowl win, but this year have 4 losses, including 2 to Sun Belt Conference teams, and their "big" win is over UAB. The Black Knights have 3 losses, including to a MAC team, but their other losses are to Wisconsin and Wake Forest, but are also lacking in big wins, with their best being over decent Georgia State, WKU, and Air Force teams. Army won the only previous matchup, 38-14 in 2018, and I think they'll win this one, too.
Navy @ Temple- The Midshipmen had hoped to bounce back from their 3-7 season last year, but alas, it wasn't to be as they have lost 4 games by 8 points or less and stand at 2-8. The Owls are 3-8, but mired in last place in the AAC. Temple leads the series 8-7, and has won 3 of the last 4, including the 2016 AACCG, but Navy won last year. Navy wins.
Miami, Oh @ Kent State- The winner of this game wins the MAC East and will take on Northern Illinois. In comparing how the Golden Flashes and the Redhawks did against common opponents, it's obvious- to me at least- that Miami is the better team, but we all know that comparing scores is an inexact way to go about predicting. The Redhawks lead the series 50-17, and have won the last 2, but the series is even at 7 wins apiece since 2006. This is a true flip-a-coin game, and in those I usually go with the home team, but I'm going with the hotter team and picking Miami.
Akron @ Toledo- The Rockets have had an ok season, at 6-5, but the Zips have been terrible, going 2-9 and rarely being competitive. Toledo leads the series 12-9, with their last win being in the 2017 MACCG. Toledo wins again.
Miami, Fl @ Duke- Because of the altered schedules last year, this will be the 3rd straight year this game is played in Durham. The Hurricanes lead the series 14-4, but the Blue Devils have won 2 of the last 3. A win would solidify Miami in 2nd in the ACC Coastal, and while a win wouldn't pull Duke out of last place, it would prevent them from going 0-8 in the ACC for the 1st time since 2007. Sorry Blue Devils. Miami wins.
La Tech @ Rice- Both teams come into this game at 3-8 overall and 2-5 in CUSA. The Bulldogs have lost 6 of 7 and the Owls have lost 4 straight, and 5 of 6. LT leads the series 9-4, and has won the last 6. That's good enough for me. Bulldogs win.
UTSA @ North Texas- The Roadrunners have had a magical season, coming in at 11-0, but the Mean Green are riding their own hot streak, winning 4 in a row to move 1 win from bowl eligibility. However, only 1 of those wins-UTEP- was over a team with a winning record. The series is tied 4-4. UTSA wins their 2nd in a row and 1st in Denton since 2013.
Charlotte @ ODU- This is yet another game between 2 teams with a 5-6 record, each fighting to get to a bowl, but their paths have been vastly different. The 49ers started fast, going 4-2, but have been 1-4 since. The Monarchs have won 4 straight after beginning the season 1-6, and 3 of their losses were by 7 points or less. ODU leads the series 3-2, but Charlotte has won the last 2. ODU wins.
Texas State @ Arkansas State- Both of these teams have had rough seasons, as have 4 of the 5 teams in the SBC West, let's be honest. The Red Wolves lead the series 6-2, but the Bobcats won last year. There is absolutely no way to intelligently pick the winner of this game, so I'm just going with the home team. ASU wins.
Troy @ Georgia State- The Panthers have really turned it on the last half of the season, winning 5 of 6 with a win over CCU and their only loss by 4 to Louisiana. The Trojans are 1 win away from going to a bowl, but have lost 3 of 4 and just fired HC Chip Lindsey and replaced him with interim Brandon Hall. Troy leads the series 5-3, but GSU has won the last 2. Make it 3 in a row as the Panthers get to 7 wins for only the 3rd time in their brief history, and for the 1st time in the regular season.
Georgia Southern @ Appalachian State- The Mountaineers and the Eagles are rivals that go back to their days in the FCS (or 1-AA as it was called then). ASU leads the series 19-14-1, but 5 of those were played before GSU revived their program in the 1980s (1932-39, 2-2-1 series record). The Mountaineers have already clinched the SBC East and will have a rematch with Louisiana in the SBCCG next week. The Eagles are operating under interim Kevin Whitley, but have hired former USC HC Clay Helton to be their next coach. This is always a good game, but ASU should win this one easily.
FIU @ Southern Miss- This is another meaningless game in a season full of meaningless games, but we can't blame the 4-team CFP. This game would be meaningless if there were a 64-team CFP as these are 2 of the worst teams in all of FBS. The Golden Eagles finally got an FBS win last week, but the Panthers are still searching for their 1st. FIU won the only previous meeting, in 2013, but USM wins this one.
UMass @ New Mexico State- Yet another game between 2 terrible teams. The Aggies will get their 1st FBS win of the 2021 season by defeating the Minutemen.
Hawaii @ Wyoming- The Rainbow Warriors are looking for that elusive 6th win, but they haven't won in Laramie since 1991 (6 straight losses) and this is the 2nd year in a row they're having to play the Cowboys there. Wyoming has won 2 of 3 after a midseason 4-game slide, but I have a hard time trusting them. The Cowboys lead the series 15-10, and have won 8 of the last 10, but the 2 teams have split the last 4 matchups, each team winning at home. I'll probably regret this, but Wyoming wins.
Alabama @ Auburn- A few weeks ago, this was looking like it could decide the SEC West title, but the Crimson Tide has already clinched that, especially with the Tigers losing 3 straight. With a loss here, the Plainsmen could possibly finish in a tie with LSU for last place. The Tide has generally dominated the SEC West, but if there is one team that gives them trouble, it's the Auburn Tigers. The War Eagles may trail 47-37-1 in the series, but they've split the last 4, and since 2000, actually lead 12-10. AU is 10-5 all time in Auburn, and has won the last 2, so it wouldn't surprise me one bit, even as bad as they are this year, and with Bo Nix out at QB, if they give Alabama fits. But the Tide is going to win the Iron Bowl in the end. But they better put the Tigers away early, and not let them hang around...
Oregon State @ Oregon- By the time this game is played, the Beavers will know whether they are playing for themselves (Washington beat Wash St) or just to knock Oregon out of the Pac 12 Title Game (WSU won). OSU is much improved this year, but is only 1-4 on the road. The Ducks will be gunning for a rematch with Utah, and to get to 10 wins for the 2nd time in 3 years. OU leads the series 66-48-10, and has won 11 of the last 13, but they will be looking for revenge for last year's loss. Oregon wins.
Penn State @ Michigan State- The Spartans have lost 2 of their last 3, and may be a little shell-shocked after their beatdown last week at the hands of the OSU Buckeyes. The Nittany Lions have 4 losses, but you sure can't blame their defense, as only 1 opponent has scored more than 23 points, and OSU only got 33. The MSU defense has given up 33+ in 3 of the last 4 after only allowing 1 of their 1st 7 competitors to score more than 21, so they need to rediscover their defense. The question is whether Penn State has the offense to exploit the MSU weaknesses on defense. The series is tied 17-17-1, and the last 4 have been split evenly. Flip a coin, but go with the home team. MSU wins a close one.
WKU @ Marshall- Both of these teams are 7-4 overall, and coming into this game on a roll with the winner taking the CUSA East crown. The Hilltoppers have won 6 straight, and have scored at least 31 points in every game, 42+ in 7 games, and 52+ in 2. The Thundering Herd have won 5 of 6, and have held 5 of their last 6 opponents to 21 points or less. Marshall leads the overall series 8-4, but it's only 4-3 since 2014 with the Herd winning the most recent 4. The other 5 meetings were from 1941-1996, with Marshall winning 4 of the 5. WKU wins.
Northwestern @ Illinois- Neither of these teams are going anywhere for bowl season, but the Fighting Illini could possibly earn a bid if they finish 5-7, assuming there aren't enough 6-win teams to fill all the available slots. The Wildcats have only been able to beat Rutgers in the Big Ten, and so would savor another conference win. Illinois leads the series 55-54-5, but NW has won the last 6. The Illini break that streak with a win at home.
Indiana @ Purdue- The Hoosiers haven't been winless in the Big Ten since they were 0-8 in 2011, but a loss here would be their worst season ever, following one of their best seasons ever. The Boilermakers have rebounded nicely, and while they could technically tie for 1st in the Big Ten West, they lose every tiebreaker scenario. However, whether they win or lose could affect the chances of Wisconsin and Minnesota, depending on the outcome of that game. Purdue leads the series 74-42-6, and has won 2 of the last 3, but Indy won last year, and has won 5 of the last 7. Purdue wins.
Vanderbilt @ Tennessee- The Volunteers have been better than anyone expected, and have a chance to get to 8 wins and finish 3rd in the SEC East. The Commodores are trying to avoid their 2nd straight winless SEC campaign. UT leads the series 77-33-5, but most of Vandy's wins came from 1892-1927, when they were 18-2-3 against the Vols. UT wins again.
Virginia Tech @ Virginia- The Hokies need a win to get to a bowl, but have fired HC Justin Fuente and replaced him with interim J. C. Price. They come into this game having lost 2 of their last 3, and 5 of 7. The Cavaliers have lost 3 straight, and just got eliminated from winning the division, but a win over their rival would secure a 2nd place finish in the ACC Coastal. VT leads the series 59-38-5, and has won 20 of the last 22, but they've split the last 2. Expect the Wahoos to be up for this game. UVA wins.
Wisconsin @ Minnesota- This game could decide the Big Ten West, but no one seems to want to win the thing. The Badgers had a rough start to the season, but have reeled off 7 consecutive wins, and their offense is finally starting to jell. The Golden Gophers have been maddeningly inconsistent, and so need some help if they're going to win the division. UW leads the series 62-60-8, but has won 16 of the last 17, and 23 of the last 26. Wisconsin wins again and completes their run to the Big Ten CG.
Tulsa @ SMU- The Mustangs were knocked out of the race for the AACCG last week, but they can still get to 10 wins and finish in 3rd place in the conference. The Golden Hurricane have won 2 straight and need 1 more win to reach a bowl. The Ponies lead the series 15-12, but they've split the last 4 meetings, with the home team winning each of the last 5. I expect a close game with the home team winning again. SMU wins
ULM @ Louisiana- The Warhawks have made tremendous improvement this year, going from 0 wins to 4, and a win over their rival would really put a bow on the season. However, the Ragin' Cajuns have gone 10-1 for a 2nd consecutive year, with their only loss in the opener to Texas, but they've had several close calls- 5 wins by 8 points or less. UL leads the series 30-25, and has won the last 3, 6 of the last 7, and 11 of the last 13. UL wins.
Arizona @ Arizona State- The Wildcats finally broke their long losing streak a couple of weeks ago, but they haven't been competitive in very many of their losses. The future of HC Herm Edwards is still up in the air, but the Sun Devils have played well enough that they could earn 2nd place in the Pac 12 South with a win, and if they could get a bowl win as well, they could have their best finish since going 10-3 in 2014. UA leads the series 49-44-1, but ASU has won the last 4. ASU wins.
Texas A&M @ LSU- The Aggies have a chance to get to 10 wins for the 1st time since they went 11-2 in 2012, but it will take a win over the Bayou Bengals and a bowl win to get there. They have to be disappointed that the best they can finish is in a tie for 2nd, and that's only if Ole Miss loses to Miss St. The Tigers have won only 1 of their last 5 SEC games, and the best they can hope for is to win this and only finish tied for last place in the West, instead of holding it all to themselves. LSU leads the series 34-22-3, and has won 8 of the last 10, but TAMU has won 2 of the last 3. Two of LSU's wins were in the 1944 Orange Bowl and in the 2011 Cotton Bowl. Texas A&M wins.
Middle Tennessee @ FAU- Both teams are 5-6 overall and 3-4 in CUSA, and both are looking for that all-important 6th win. The Owls are coming in with losses in 3 consecutive games while the Blue Raiders have lost 2 of 3, so neither team has much momentum. MTSU leads the series 12-5, but FAU has won 2 of the last 3, both of those played in Florida. FAU wins.
West Virginia @ Kansas- The Mountaineers can get to a bowl with a win over the Jayhawks, but KU has played well the last 2 weeks, with an upset of Texas and a near upset of TCU. WVU leads the series 9-1, with the lone loss coming in Lawrence in 2011. WVU wins.
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State- The Cowboys have already clinched their spot in the Big 12 CG, but the Sooners have to win this to turn back around and play the Cowboys again in a week. OSU has been winning with defense, as no team has scored more than 24 against them, but their offense has just been ok, scoring 28+ only 5 times. The OU offense has scored 28+ in 8 games, but the defense has allowed 27 or more 5 times. This game should truly be Bedlam! OU leads the series 90-18-7, and has won 6 straight, but 2 of OSU's 18 wins have been in the last 10 meetings. If there was ever a chance to win for the Cowboys, this would be the year. OSU wins.
Pittsburgh @ Syracuse- The Orange are trying to earn their 1st bowl bid since 2018, but the Panthers are trying to reach 10 wins for the 1st time since they were 10-3 in 2009. Pitt leads the series 41-31-3, and has won the last 3, and 14 of the last 16. Syracuse has lost 2 straight, and is only 3-3 at home this year. Pitt wins.
Kentucky @ Louisville- Both teams are coming in off 2 straight wins over lesser competition, but the Wildcats have had the better overall season than the Cardinals. UK leads the series 17-15, and have won the last 2, and 3 of the last 4. UK wins.
Clemson @ South Carolina- The Tigers have finally found their offense, scoring 30+ each of their last 4 games, and their defense is playing as good as ever. By the time this game kicks off, they will know if they are ACC Atlantic champions once again. The Gamecocks are going bowling for the 1st time since 2018, but have been inconsistent on both offense and defense, especially with all the injuries at QB. Clemson leads the series 71-42-4, and has won the last 6. The Tigers win again.
Tulane @ Memphis- The Tigers need 1 more win to go to their 8th straight bowl game, but the Green Wave, with only 2 wins and 1 FBS win, stand in their way. Tulane has seemingly played everyone close, and just can't seem to finish games, fading late. Memphis has struggled since starting 3-0, losing 6 of their last 8. The Tigers lead the series 23-13-1, and have won 12 of the last 14, but the Wave have won 2 of the last 3, both in New Orleans. Memphis wins.
Notre Dame @ Stanford- The Fighting Irish are completing their 5th double-digit win season in a row. The Cardinal have their fewest wins since going 1-11 in 2006, the year before Jim Harbaugh arrived. The Irish lead the series 20-13, and have won the last 2. Notre Dame wins easily.
Nevada @ Colorado State- The Wolf Pack had a chance to win the MWC West, but have now been eliminated. However, 8 wins would be their most since 2018, and if they could get a bowl win, 9 would be their most since they went 13-1 in 2010. The Rams are only 4-7, but a 5th win would be their most since they won 7 in 2017. CSU leads the series 12-4, but Nevada has won 2 of the last 3, with one of those in the 2015 Arizona Bowl. Nevada wins.
BYU @ USC- The Trojans stumble into this game having lost 4 of 5, their only win in that span by 7 over hapless Arizona, and all 4 losses by 15 or more. The Cougars, on the other hand, are on a 4-game winning streak, with 2 wins over P5 foes. USC has won 2 of the 3 meetings between the 2 teams, but BYU won most recently, in 2019. BYU wins again.
California @ UCLA- The Bruins have won 2 straight by 24+ points, but the Golden Bears are coming off a 30-point win over Stanford. UCLA leads the series 55-34-1, and has won 3 of the last 4, and 6 of the last 8. Cal is 1-4 on the road, their lone win last week at Stanford. UCLA wins.
That's all for this week- only 65 games!
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