THREE AINT ENOUGH MAN I NEED FIVE!
For those of you that did not get the reference, congratulations for not being a wrestling fan. This weekend is a big one for college football, even though the playoffs is not until January, there are five "elimination games" this weekend that will make the playoff picture a lot clearer. From the SEC to the PAC 12, this is the perfect weekend to not have a social life (like me!) and sit your butt on the couch and drown your sorrows in beer and wings.
5. The Irish vs The Sun Devils
It's a clash of Heaven and Hell.
Well not exactly, but this is a game that I am looking forward to watching. Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson has developed himself into a pretty good passer, but the defense of Arizona State has given up only 36 points in the last three games. I still believe that the Irish will win this road game, but the running game for ND will have to show up for them to win. Notre Dame wins by two touchdowns.
4. The Bears vs. The Sooners
Should have seen it coming Sooner.
After getting demolished last year by Baylor, Oklahoma is looking for payback. Over the last few seasons, the strangle hold that the Sooners have had in the Big 12 is slowly slipping away. Bryce Petty is one of the best players in the country right now, and if he wants to win the Heisman, beating Oklahoma on the road will be a huge step towards winning it. The Sooners still have national championship aspirations, but the inconsistent play of quarterback Trevor Knight (12 TDs 8 Ints) could hurt their chances. In the end, I think head coach Bob Stoops will out coach Art Briles by having a better defensive scheme. Oklahoma by three.
3. Buckeyes vs. Spartans
I said Frozen is better than Brave Fool!
It's a rematch of the 2013 Big Ten Championship, and now that this a divisional match, I think it is safe to say that the winner of this game will beat Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship game. J.T. Barrett has stepped up and played well for the Buckeyes after Braxton Miller went down, the team has scored 50 points or more in five of their first eight games. While Conner Cook is having a good season at quarterback, it is the big play ability of Spartan receiver Tony Lippett that is leading MSU. Lippett has dominated this year with six 100 yard receiving games with 9 touchdowns to go with it. Man I love Urban Meyer, but I feel that Mark Dantonio is on a mission this year to prove that Michigan State is ready to take over the college football world. Michigan State wins by ten.
2. Kansas State vs. TCU
Ow! My Ball!
Another Big 12 battle makes the list (no SEC bias here!) and this one is more important. with TCU ranked 6th and KSU ranked 7th, a spot in the playoffs is right there for the taking. For TCU, Trevone Boykin is on Beast Mode this season with over 2400 passing yards this season, but he had his worst game last week in a win against West Virginia with a season worst 40% completion percentage. The defense for the Kansas State Wildcats have only given up 30 points one time this season and quarterback Jake Waters has proven to be a "game manager" for the Wildcats. It is a home game for the Horned Frogs, but Kansas State will win by a touchdown.
1. Alabama vs. LSU
AKA: THE TOO DRUNK TO CARE BOWL.
I know, I know. I saved the SEC for last, so I guess I do have an SEC bias. Remember earlier in the season when I said Alabama fans had nothing to worry about? Well Nick Saban somehow someway has got his team in a place to win out and make the playoffs. Tide QB Blake Sims has only thrown five interceptions this season and WR Amari Cooper has over 1000 yards receiving for the season. LSU will only have pride to play for this year, making the playoffs will be difficult with two losses this year. While the defense for the Tigers is the backbone of the team, the quarterback play of both Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will be the reason why Alabama wins by a field goal. It is a night game in "Death Valley", but I think we all remember that one time when Bama did this :