Games of the Week
Season Record (44-26)
Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans
Not too often lately is the Big 10 Title Game considered to be the most intriguing conference title game. But with Ohio State on the verge of the National Title Game, it gets top billing. This is a classic strength on strength game where the Buckeye's high scoring offense (3rd in scoring) will face off against one of the best defenses (4th in scoring) in the nation. Michigan State loves to blitz and are wants to put the pressure on QB Braxton Miller and hope he makes mistakes. But the way to get points against the Spartans is to get to the edge in the run game and Miller has that capability. If Miller gets going, the Buckeyes should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Ohio State 17 Michigan State 16
Missouri Tigers vs Auburn Tigers
You'd be lying if before the season started you predicted Missouri vs Auburn for the SEC Title. That or on drugs. Especially since both teams finished at the bottom of their divisions last year. However these two teams might be the best teams in the conference and we should see a great game. Both teams bring good offenses where Auburn is more ground based while Missouri likes to toss the ball around. The difference will come down to defense. Two guys to watch are Michael Sam and Dee Ford. Ford's play against Alabama was a huge factor in their win. If he can have a similar game against a worse offensive line that could be the difference. But don't count out Sam whose been on a tear all year long. Auburn has all the momentum coming off their big win, but Missouri has been good all year long and might have the better defense. This game is a true toss up.
Prediction: Missouri 34 Auburn 30
Stanford Cardinal at Arizona State Sun Devils
The popular pick has been for the Sun Devils to win the Pac 12 Title. Arizona State has been playing at a very high level and the game is in Tempe where they have been practically unbeatable. The problem is that these two teams have already played and Stanford dominated that game. I do think think this game will be a lot closer than their earlier game that was 39-7 going into the fourth quarter. ASU's offense should pose problems for Stanford, but much like the first game the Cardinal physicality will prove to be too much. Another aspect to consider is Stanford's experience in these big games, while Arizona State is just starting to be good again.
Prediction: Stanford 34 Arizona State 28
Texas Longhorns at Baylor Bears
Even without a conference championship game the Big 12 does have a large presence on this final weekend of games. Baylor wins and they are Big 12 Champions, if Texas wins they get a share of the title but they could send Mack Brown out (depending on who you talk to) on top. Texas has been winning in the Big 12 despite a lot of consistent play and injuries. Baylor has been a machine all year long with the exception of the Okie State game. Baylor is starting to get healthier which only makes them better. Texas' defense has improved since the BYU game, but they haven't played an offense like Baylor's. This game has all the makings of a blowout.
Prediction: Texas 20 Baylor 41
Oklahoma Sooners at Oklahoma State Cowboys
Bedlam is here and for another year it will help determine the Big 12 Conference Championship. A win by Oklahoma State and they will move on to represent the conference in the BCS Bowl. However standing in their way is their rival. This game has a history of ruining teams shots at this year could be no different. Or could it? You'd think the game will be close because it's a rivalry game. But let's be honest. Oklahoma is a shell of themselves. Their offense is a mess and add that the Cowboys have been playing lights out on defense and that could spell disaster. The thing to consider is the game is in Stillwater where the Cowboys have been dominant this year. Don't look for a close game this week.
Prediction: Oklahoma 17 Oklahoma State 38
Duke Blue Devils at Florida State Seminoles
What David Cutcliff has done to build the Duke program is nothing short of outstanding. Last year they made their first bowl game in decades and now won their division. Unfortunately they are running into the buzz saw that is Florida State. The Seminoles have blown out every team they've played and likely will do the same here. I don't want to say that Duke doesn't have a chance in this game because that's unfair to the players. However they are going to need Jameis Winston not to play, or force a bunch of turnovers and return a pick or punt if they want to escape with the ACC Championship.
Prediction: Duke 13 Florida State 50
Match Ups to Watch
Ohio State WR Carlos Hyde vs Michigan State LB Max Bullough
Braxton Miller gets all the hype as it relates to the Ohio State offense, but it's been the play of Carlos Hyde that has really helped their offense become even better. Hyde is a beast of a running back whose size and power make it very hard to tackle. It will be up to the quarterback of the the Spartans defense to try and slow down Hyde. Max Bullough is highly regarded because he is such a smart defender and always knows where to be. A big game shutting down the Buckeyes could do wonders for Bullough's draft stock. Michigan State might not win the game, but they should be able to slow down Hyde. Hyde's style of running plays right into the hand of MSU's defense. Bullough is a sure tackler and his knowledge will put him in position to make plays.
Stanford G David Yankey vs Arizona State DT Will Sutton
This is a classic matchup of speed vs power. Yankey is a physical run blocker who wants to drive you to the ground, while Sutton is undersized and wants to fly past you to disrupt the backfield. In their meeting earlier this year the Stanford line domianted Arizona State and Sutton had no impact. So you know that the Pac 12 Defensive player of the year is looking to prove that game was a fluke. However look for this meeting to be much the same. Sutton doesn't match up well against Stanford's power run game. He likes to do his damage against passing teams where he can go after the QB. Expect Yankey to hold him in check.
Oklahoma WR Jalen Saunders vs Oklahoma State CB Justin Gilbert
Saunders is the Sooners top threat at receiver where he uses his quickness and ability to change directions to get into space and get yards after the catch. In this rivalry game look for the Cowboys to put their all world corner on Saunders to attempt to shut him down. Gilbert has the size to match up with bigger receivers and the speed to stick with route runners he is one of the fastest risers in the draft community. Add in his six intereceptions this season and his talents in the return game show off his play making ability. In this match up look for Gilbert to use his size to bully the 5'9 Saunders and force him off his routes. Gilbert should also have the speed to stick with Suanders. Add in that Saunders is the Sooners main receiving target, Gilbert should get a chance for a pick. I expect Saunders to be shut down for a majority of the game, but he'll get one chunk play but Gilbert should get one interception.
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