The Arrival of Bowl Season

Advocare V100 Bowl- Arizona vs. Boston College, 12:30pm ET, ESPN

Despite the overall records of Arizona and BC this game has some exciting story lines.  The biggest  matchup of the game is undoubtedly between the nations two best running backs, Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey (1,716 rushing yards and 17 TD’s) and Heisman finalist Andre Williams (2,102 rushing yards and 17 TD’s).  Chances are the game will go as the leading rusher goes. 

Both offense go through their running backs and perhaps no player is more important to his team than Williams is to BC.  The powerful runner sets the tone for Steve Addazio’s smash-mouth squad.  The Eagles finished the season 7-5 but their physicality kept them in some games they otherwise had no business in.  They’ll hope that same approach pays off against an Arizona team that’s seen its own ups and downs this season. 

Arizona beat the teams it was supposed to this season and lost to the teams it was supposed to as well- except for a slap-yourself-on-the-forehead destruction on Oregon on Nov. 23^rd.  The key for RichRod’s squad, Ka’Deem Carey.  It’s going to be critical for Carey to get rolling early and often against BC or I see the Eagles physical style of play beating down the ‘Cats. 

In the end, I like tough, physical football team in games like this.  Unless Arizona jumps out to an early lead, forcing BC to throw to stay in the game, BC should be able to get the win.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Boston College, 31-27

Nick- Boston College, 24-20

Hyundai Sun Bowl- Virginia Tech vs. #12 UCLA, 2pm ET, CBS

On the surface this looks like a major mismatch.  UCLA has shown at times this season that they can be one of the best teams in the nation and VaTech, one of the worst.  However, few teams are more, well coached and prepared than Frank Beamers Hokies and this is just the type of game they come out of nowhere and sneak out a shocking victory. 

The Hokies always reliable defense was in full effect most the season and when they had a letdown it was more a product of offensive failures than the defense breaking down.  This is a sharp, physical, nasty bunch and they’ll make life miserable on Brett Hundley if the UCLA pass protection isn’t on point.  The Bruins haven’t had much of a ground game all season so it will be important to Hundley to be on the move, either moving the pocket or just quarterback runs to slow the Hokies pass rush.  We’ve seen this offense get bogged down this season when Hundley’s under pressure.

The big ‘if’ in this game will be the Virginia Tech offense.  Unfortunately, they’ve held back a championship caliber defense.  Logan Thomas, when playing well is a dangerous, dual-threat option at quarterback, but those games are few and far between.  This is a very talented UCLA defense and Thomas will likely be under pressure most of the game and I just don’t see the Hokie offense moving the ball effectively against the Bruins.  I think it will be a hard fought game but outside of VaTech’s defense and special teams scoring multiple touchdowns the Bruins win this one.

Our picks-

Jeremy- UCLA, 27-17

Nick- VaTech, 21-14

AutoZone Liberty Bowl- Rice vs. Mississippi State, 4pm ET, ESPN

Ah, the classic matchup between the non-AQ conference champ against a middle-of-the-pack SEC school.  Can David beat Goliath?  The Rice Owls look to punctuate one of their best season’s in school history with an 11^th win and win over an SEC team.  Though Mississippi State isn’t exactly a SEC powerhouse a win over the Bulldogs would still be a feather in the cap of David Bailiff.

The Owls pose a significant challenge for the Bulldogs as they bring in the nations 16^th ranked rushing attack that averages 240.2 ypg.  Senior Charles Ross has led the way with 1,252 yards and will be the focus of Mississippi State’s 46^th ranked run defense (151.1 ypg allowed). 

The Bulldogs might have barely made a bowl, but this team got hot down the stretch but won their final two games (including a win over rival Ole Miss) to make it back to the Liberty Bowl.  The Bulldogs defense turned in to a solid unit down the stretch, giving up only 15.7 ppg in their final three games.  They’ll need that defense at its best if they hope to improve to 3-1 all time in the Liberty Bowl.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Miss St, 28-23

Nick- Rice, 31-17

Chick-Fil-A Bowl- #24 Duke vs. #21 Texas A&M, 8pm ET, ESPN

Finally a matchup of top 25’s!  It’s seems strange to see Duke here, I mean, it’s Duke.  But the Blue Devils have earned their trip and played admirably this season.  David Cutcliff’s squad has taken a major step forward this season and though they eventually got blow out, they showed their improvement and tenacity against Florida State in the ACC Championship game. 

The Blue Devils are a very sound, well-coached group that won’t give Manziel and Co. easy opportunities- they’ll earn every yard and score they get.  Duke learned a lot from their loss to FSU and perhaps the most important learning lesson- they can hang.  If they same disciplined, feisty squad that showed up in the first half of the ACC Championship game shows up for four quarters against A&M, they might be able to make Manziel press and eventually turn that into turnovers. 

On paper, A&M seems a no-brainer but this isn’t the same A&M team as last season.  The Aggies lack a variety of playmakers as the offense runs almost entirely through Manziel and All-American receiver Mike Evans.  This tandem makes for a formidable opponent to be sure but they’re far from unbeatable and the way the Aggie defense has played, Manziel and Evans have had little room for error.  That will likely be where Duke gets its edge.  The Blue Devils offense has shown that it can put up points and the Aggie defense seems happy to surrender scores in bunches. 

I really like the underdog Blue Devils in this matchup but with this likely being Johnny Football’s last college game, I don’t see any way the human-firework let’s this one get away.  I think it’s a nail-biter that will go the distance but Manziel and Co. will go out with a bang.

Our picks-

Jeremy- A&M, 45-42

Nick- Duke, 34-33  

Armed Forces Bowl-Middle Tennessee vs. Navy-11:45 ET, ESPN

Both Middle Tennessee and Navy have had solid seasons this year getting to eight wins. Navy seems to be on the right track winning nearly eight games every season for the past decade. Middle Tennessee is coming around and looks as if it is going to be able to compete in Conference USA.

Middle Tennessee was up and down to start the season before reeling off five in a row to end the season. It is led by the No. 24 rushing attack with the duo of Jordan Parker and Reggie Whatley who have rushed for 741 yards and 631 yards, respectively.  The Blue Raiders rush for 208 yards per game and are going to need to rely on the ground game to win this one.

Navy was 3-3 at the midpoint of the season before winning four of its next five to finish with eight wins. Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds has lead the Midshipmen to the No. 2 running game in the country averaging 322 yards per game. Reynolds has rushed for 1,260 yards and 29 touchdowns and is going to be key for Navy in this game.

If Reynolds can get the triple option going for Navy in this game they should have no problem controlling the ball and rushing for 300-plus yards. I think the Navy run game will be too much for Middle Tennessee and the Midshipmen will win this one.

Jeremy’s pick: Navy, 29-27

Nick’s pick: Navy 28-20

Russell Athletic Bowl-No. 18 Louisville vs. Miami, 6:45 ET, ESPN

Junior quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is looking to make his final statement before entering the NFL draft and he will have a chance against a solid Miami team. Louisville’s season ended up pretty disappointing even with one loss, but with its schedule it should have easily ended up 12-0, but 11-1 is never a bad season.  Bridgewater lit it up for the Cardinals this season tossing for 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns. Bridgewater has led the UL offense to the No. 18 passing attack in the country at 302 yards and scored 35 points per game. The Cardinals offense has also been really good this season allowing just 12 points per game, which is the No. 3 in the country.

Miami was top 10 and was 7-0 before running into the buzz saw that was Florida State. The Canes lost three in a row including that game to FSU, before winning its final two heading into the bowl game. Quarterback Stephen Morris has had a pretty good season with 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns. Running back Dallas Crawford has filled in for the injured Duke Johnson well, but can he get going against a tough Louisville defense? The Miami defense has been fairly unimpressive allowing 26 points per game.

I think Teddy Bridgewater will be ready to make a statement this game as he will be heading to the NFL after this game. Bridgewater should be able to throw all over the field as most good passing teams have carved up the Miami defense. Louisville wins this one by two scores.

Nick’s pick: Louisville, 42-27

Jeremy’s pick: Louisville, 37-34

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl-Michigan vs. Kansas State, 10:15 ET, ESPN

Kansas State has been pretty steady this season only to a seven-win season, while Michigan has been about as inconsistent as possible to its own seven-win season.

The Wildcats have been relatively unimpressive overall this season, but running backs John Hubert and Daniel Sams have combined for 20 touchdowns and 1,600-plus yards this season. Through all of that K-State has only rushed for 180 yards per game. Quarterback Jake Waters is going to need to make more plays than he did during the season to ensure the Wildcats are balanced in this one. The Wildcat defense has been pretty average this season allowing 23 points per game. All five of K-State’s losses this season were within 10 points, so this team was never out of games attest that to their running and defensive play.

Michigan has been about as wildly inconsistent as possible this season winning their first five before losing five of their last seven. It is going to be tough for Michigan to win this game without quarterback Devin Gardner. Michigan is going to have to rely on its running game led by Fitzgerald Toussaint who has rushed for 646 yards and 12 scores in 11 games. The Michigan offense has rushed for just 130 yards per game which is 101^st in the country. With Gardner the Wolverines were averaging nearly 34 points per game, but without him they may struggle. The Michigan defense has been just as inconsistent this season allowing 26 points per game.

I think Michigan is going to struggle in this game with the rushing attack of Kansas State and the Wildcat defense. I think Michigan will play inspired in this game and will keep it close, but in the end K-State will win a close one.

Nick’s pick: Kansas State, 27-21

Jeremy’s pick: Kansas State, 28-24

Belk Bowl- Cincinnati vs. North Carolina, 3:20pm ET, ESPN

Based on record you’d have to go with 9-3 Cincinnati over a 6-6 UNC team but when you take a closer look this one isn’t so easy to pick.  The Tar Heels had a rough start to the season opening up 1-5 but after quarterback Bren Renner went down and was replaced by Marquise Williams, the Heels took off winning five of their last six.  Williams threw for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns and added another 490 rushing and 6 rushing touchdowns.  He’s a dynamic threat that really makes this offense go.  He’ll look early and often for all-everything tight end Eric Ebron and receiver Quinshad Davis. 

Cincinnati enters today’s game with the 12^th ranked scoring defense allowing just 19.5 ppg.  They’ll need that defense at their best to slow down the surging Tar Heels.  Offensively, the Bearcats will lean on Brendon Kay and his talented receivers Anthony McClung and Shaq Washington.  The duo combined for 1,655 yards and 6 touchdowns. 

On paper, this looks like a gimmie for Cincinnati but I’m thinking UNC keeps trucking and wins a shootout.

Our picks-

Jeremy- North Carolina, 38-31
Nick- Cincinnati, 34-28

New Era Pinstripe Bowl- Rutgers vs. #25 Notre Dame, 12pm ET, ESPN

The New Era Pinstripe Bowl pits 6-6 Rutgers against 8-4 Notre Dame.  The Irish have to be heavy favorites against a Rutgers team that lost five of their last seven games.  The Irish struggled to close the season as well, losing two of their last three but overall they’re just a much better team that Rutgers.  Though injuries have sapped Notre Dame of some of their best players, there’s still a talented, experienced team here led by senior quarterback Tommy Rees.  Rees and Co. shouldn’t have much trouble moving the ball against Rutgers pass defense that gave up a school record 3,596 yards this season. 

It is unlikely that quarterback Gary Nova will start for the Scarlett Knights, so the ball will again be in the hands of Chas Dodd.  Dodd is a senior and will look to cap his career with a big upset over Notre Dame and will lean on running backs Paul James and Justin Goodwin who combined for 1,351 and 14 touchdowns on the ground.  Rutgers may be able to move the ball on a banged up Irish defense but it’s going to be slowing the Irish offense down that will make or break it for the Knights. 

I expect Rutgers to come out swinging but end the end, I don’t think they have what it takes to win this one.  Irish will pull away in the second half. 

Our picks-

Jeremy- Notre Dame, 35-24
Nick- Notre Dame, 31-17

Fight Hunger Bowl- Washington vs. BYU, 9:30pm ET, ESPN

This should be an interesting game this evening with Washington playing under a interim head coach against a tough BYU defense. Washington started the season looking promising for a Pac 12 title run but lost three in a row to Stanford, Oregon and Arizona State. It rebounded by winning four of its next five to finish 8-4. The Huskies are lead by all-world running back Bishop Sankey who rushed an astonishing 306 times for 1775 yards and 18 scores. Quarterback Keith Price has also helped them to a top 30 offense ranking 14^th in rush yards and 18^th in points for at 38.5 per contest. Their defense has also played pretty well this season allowing just 23 points per game.

BYU has had a very solid defense this season allowing just 21 points per game. Kyle Van Noy has led the defense this season and continues to be impressive and looks like a first-round draft prospect. To my surprise the BYU offense has also looked solid on the ground to the tune of the No. 10 rushing attack averaging 274 yards per game. Quarterback Tasom Hill lead the offense tossing for 2,645 yards and rushed for 1,211 yards while combining for 27 touchdowns. Running back Jamaal Williams also rushed for 1,000-plus yards and is going to be a handful for the Washington defense.

This is another one of the matchups today that features two teams that can run the ball downhill with great ground games. Both teams will get their chances on the ground, but I expect the Washington defense to load the box and make Hill throw the ball which could cause problems for the BYU offense. The difference in this game will be the Washington passing game with Price and the downfield threat. Expect this one to be a hard fought game with both teams rushing the ball well, but Price and the Huskies will make the plays down the stretch to win.

Nick’s pick: Washington, 37-34

Jeremy’s pick: Washington, 38-27

Texas Bowl- Syracuse vs. Minnesota, 6pm ET, ESPN

Minnesota has been a solid team all season with some big wins in the B1G. The Gophers battled along to eight wins in a down Big 10 and looked really impressive with a win over Nebraska in Lincoln. Their season has consisted of two four game winning streaks, but has lost its last two against Wisconsin and Michigan State. They won eight games with a solid running game averaging 200 yards per game led by David Cobb who has rushed for 1000-plus yards. A good running game and defense (allowing just 27 points per) has been the key for Minnesota this season.

Syracuse has puttered along to a 6-6 season with four wins in the ACC. The Orange did pick up a couple good wins in conference play against a good Boston College team and a good Maryland team. The Orange have been fairly unimpressive on both sides of the ball with one good aspect coming from the running game. They have averaged nearly 200 yards on the ground but have struggled to get the ball I the endzone averaging just 22 points per game.

This matchup should be a battle of running teams, but Minnesota is clearly the better team. The Gopher defense will make the difference in this one and should be able to slow the Orange offense down. The Minnesota offense should have no problem moving the ball on a poor Syracuse defense.

Our picks- 

Jeremy’s pick-Minnesota, 35-17
Nick’s pick-Minnesota, 31-20

Military Bowl- Presented by Northrop Grumman- Marshall vs. Maryland, 2:30pm ET, ESPN

It was a tough year for Maryland.  After a promising start and a brief appearance in the AP top 25 after winning their first four games but after a trip to Tallahassee it all came unglued.  After their worst loss in school history at the hands of the Seminoles, Maryland would go on to lose four of their next five as well as their starting quarterback, both corners, both receivers and a host of other key players.  Most of those players will be back and they’ll need the all to be at full strength against what has been one of the best offenses in college football all season.

Marshall is looking for its first 10-win season since its Byron Leftwich days all the way back in 2002.  Led by Rakeem Cato and his 3,500 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, the Herd fielded the nations number seven scoring offense averaging 43 ppg and 502 total yards.  They’ll need a big offensive effort against a Maryland team that’s been up and down defensively this season.  The Terps have struggled slowing down some of the top rated offenses they’ve faced and they’ll have their hands full with Cato and the Herd.

Marshall’s had a great season to be sure but struggled against some of their better competition.  The Terps may only be 7-5 but they’ll give Marshall a tough test and I think, come away with a hard fought win.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Maryland, 34-33

Nick- Maryland, 27-24

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl- #23 Northern Illinois vs. Utah State, 9:30pm ET, ESPN

Heisman finalist and All-world MAC quarterback Jordan Lynch takes on one of the best defenses in the MWC.  Lynch made himself a mid-major legend carving up MAC defenses but this Utah State defense could be a different animal.  Lynch, as talented as he is was rendered a mere mortal against most of the top defenses he played (see Florida State in the 2013 Orange Bowl and Bowling Green in the MAC Championship this season).  This is Lynch’s last game and I think he’ll go out with a bang.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Northern Illinois, 38-24
Nick- NIU, 38-17

Little Caesars Bowl- Pitt vs. Bowling Green, 6pm ET, ESPN

Pitt had an up and down year in their first season in the ACC.  The defense was supposed to be the team’s greatest strength but the unit let them down against the conferences better offensive teams.  The Panthers are facing a top 30 unit in Bowling Green that has been relatively balanced throughout the season and coming off a solid effort against NIU in the MAC Championship.  The Panthers are going to have to flip the turnover battle in their favor, which will be a challenge against the Falcons +10 turnover margin.  The Panthers will also need a big game from quarterback Tom Savage and talented receivers Devin Street and Tyler Boyd.

Bowling Green was solid from start to finish this season.  Offensively, they’re very balanced averaging 265.1 through the air and 207.4 rushing.  The offense was good but it was the Falcon defense that was the key for BGU this year.  The unit ranked 5^th in scoring defense this season, giving up a mere 14.8 ppg and allowing opposing offenses 308 ypg, good for 8^th in the nation.  The Falcons will prove a tough test for the Pitt offense but with their head coach, Dave Clawson on his way to Wake Forrest we’ll see how focused and prepared BG is.

The Panthers are going to need to play their best game of the season to beat this very solid mid-major.  All-everything DT Aaron Donald will need to turn in a stellar performance, keep BG off balance and push the pocket.  Will that happen?  We’ll see.  On paper I like BG but my gut says Pitt.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Pitt, 34-31
Nick- Bowling Green, 35-21

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl- Oregon State vs. Boise State, 8pm ET, ESPN

Expectations were very high for both teams going into this season and both teams disappointed.  After a bad week one loss, Oregon State got on hot streak, winning six straight.  The Beavers and quarterback Sean Mannion looked unstoppable until they hit the upper echelon Pac-12 teams and OSU folded losing five straight to close the season.  Mannion, who was absolutely brilliant on their six game win streak- and was even in the Heisman conversation- derailed and really struggled against solid competition.  The Beavers will need a solid outing from Mannion and star receiver Brandin Cooks.  Boise State’s defense has struggled much of the season and OSU will look to push the ball down field a lot.

Boise entered the season with expectations of crashing the final BCS and have ended the season 8-4 and saw their head coach take off the Seattle and the Pac-12.  The Broncos are further hampered by the loss of senior, starting quarterback Joe Southwick (Southwick was suspended for conduct on Sunday).  The normal reliable Bronco defense never really meshed and gave up 30+ points five times this season including 38 to Washington, 41 to Fresno, 37 to BYU and 34 to SDSU.  The Bronco’s 91^st ranked pass defense will struggle with Mannion and his talented receivers. 

Everything looks to be in OSU’s favor.  Bad pass defense against an offense capable of blowing the doors off people, the loss of a long-time head coach and starting quarterback… which is exactly why they’ll likely win this game. 

Our picks-

Nick- Boise, 34-31
Jeremy- Oregon State, 41-31

Gildan New Mexico Bowl-Washington State vs. Colorado State, 2 ET, ESPN

Both teams were a pleasant surprise for their leagues this season. Neither is outstanding, but both can score some points. CSU had a solid season in MW play winning five games for the first time in nearly a decade. Washington State had some big wins in the Pac 12 and won two of its last three to be bowl eligible. I expect both teams will score some points in this game and expect it to be at 80 total points.

Nick’s pick: Colorado State, 48-41

Jeremy’s pick: Washington State, 34-30

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl-No. 20 Fresno State vs. No. 25 USC, 3:30 ET, ABC

Fresno State was one win away from a BCS game, but finally ran into a team that score more points than it. USC has had a good season after a tough start and the loss of Lane Kiffin. Coach O rallied the troops for the Trojans and got them to nine wins. I see this game going the way of Fresno though, it has way to many weapons on offense led by MW POY Derek Carr.

Nick’s pick: Fresno State, 42-30

Jeremy’s pick: USC, 31-27

Idaho Potato Bowl-Buffalo vs. San Diego State, 5:30 ET, ESPN

Buffalo has had a great season in the MAC winning eight games. San Diego State fell off a little bit after winning a share of the MW last season, but was able to pull out seven wins. Both teams are very evenly matched, but the skill level of SDSU will win this game for them. Expect a close one as Buffalo won lie down, but I see the Aztecs.

Nick’s pick: San Diego State, 27-24

Jeremy’s pick: Buffalo, 28-17

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl-Tulane vs. La-Lafayette, 9 ET, ESPN

On paper this looks like a pretty close game, but Lafayette has a prolific offense and it should be able to score some points. The Tulane defense is stout allowing just 21 per game, but the Cajun offense is very balanced and is a top 30 scoring offense. I see the Ragin’ Cajun offense scoring at least 30 points in this one and out scoring the Tulane offense that is only averaging 25 points per game.

Nick’s pick: La-Lafayette, 38-24

Jeremy’s pick: La-Lafayette, 37-31

Week 14 Top 25

Rank	BCS	AP	Jeremy	Nick
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25	Alabama (11-0) Florida State (11-0) Ohio State (11-0) Auburn (10-1) Missouri (10-1) Clemson (10-1) Oklahoma State (10-1) Stanford (9-2) Baylor (9-1) South Carolina (9-2) Michigan State (10-1) Arizona State (9-2) Oregon (9-2) Northern Illinois (11-0) Wisconsin (9-2) Fresno State (10-0) LSU (8-3) Oklahoma (9-2) UCF (9-1) Louisville (10-1) Texas A&M (8-3) UCLA (8-3) USC (9-3) Duke (9-2) Notre Dame (8-3)	Alabama Florida State Ohio State Auburn Missouri Clemson Oklahoma State Stanford Baylor South Carolina Michigan State Oregon Arizona State Wisconsin LSU Fresno State UCF Northern Illinois Texas A&M Oklahoma Louisville UCLA USC Duke Notre Dame	Florida State (1) Alabama (2) Ohio State (4) Missouri (6) Auburn (7) Oklahoma State (10) Clemson (8) Michigan State (9) Baylor (3) South Carolina (11) Stanford (12) Arizona State (15) Wisconsin (16) Oregon (5) LSU (21) Texas A&M (13) UCF (17) UCLA (14) NIU (18) Fresno State (20) Louisville (19)  USC (25) Oklahoma (22) Duke (24) East Carolina (NR)	Florida State (2) Alabama (1) Ohio State (4) Missouri (8) Auburn (6) Oklahoma State (9) Clemson (7) Baylor (3) South Carolina (10) Michigan State (12) Stanford (14) Wisconsin (16) Fresno State (15) Northern Illinois (19) Oregon (5) UCF (17) Louisville (18) Arizona State (NR) Texas A&M (11) Oklahoma (20) Duke (21) LSU (23) USC (24) Notre Dame (NR) Cincinnati (NR)

Jeremy’s Top 25

1-Florida State (1)

2- Alabama (2)

3- Ohio State (4)

4- Missouri (6)

5- Auburn (7)

As the regular season comes to a close, madness tends to ensue in the rankings.  In my rankings Florida State and Alabama are firmly entrenched at No’s 1 and 2, respectively.  Unless they lose, I don’t see that changing.  Ohio State assumes the No. 3 spot with Baylor’s loss.  Missouri and Auburn move up into the top 5 at No. 4 and No. 5.

6- Oklahoma State (10)

7- Clemson (8)

8- Michigan State (9)

9- Baylor (3)

10- South Carolina (11)

Oklahoma State is coming off a very impressive win over Baylor and check in at No. 6 and given the way they’re playing, might be the best one loss in the country.  Clemson continues to hover around at No. 7 but could move up with a win over South Carolina this week.  Michigan State jumps a spot to No. 8 from No. 9 last week.  They might be able to shake up the BCS picture more than anyone with a win over Ohio State in the B1G Championship.  I’ve got South Carolina at No. 10 but they’ve got a major test against Clemson on Saturday.

11- Stanford (12)

12- Arizona State (15)

13- Wisconsin (16)

14- Oregon (5)

15- LSU (21)

LSU gets the biggest jump of the week after a very convincing win over Johnny Manziel and the Texas A&M Aggies.  The young Tiger defense had been up and down all season but turned in their best performance of the season on Saturday.  At No. 11, Stanford dropped one slot but more because of who’s moving around them.  ASU got a big win over South rival UCLA and moves up to No. 12.  Wisconsin checks in at No. 13 and Oregon drops all the way from No. 5 to No. 14 after a turning belly up on the road at Arizona.

16- Texas A&M (13)

17- UCF (17)

18- UCLA (14)

19- NIU (18)

20- Fresno State (20)

After a bad loss on the road at LSU, Texas A&M drops to No. 16.  The Aggies have another tough game this weekend against Missouri.  UCF, NIU and Fresno all stand pat for the most part.  UCLA, like A&M, drops out of the top 15 after their loss at home to Arizona State.

21- Louisville (19) 

22- USC (25)

23- Oklahoma (22)

24- Duke (24)

25- East Carolina (NR)

Louisville drops a few spots but mostly to make room for teams I feel are playing better football.  USC moves up to No. 22 this week and has a big rivalry game with UCLA coming up.  Whatever the future holds for the Trojans, you have to tip your hat to a great finish.  Oklahoma got a win but drop, like Louisville to make room for teams ahead of them.  Duke remains at No. 24 but they continue to roll and with a win over UNC, the Blue Devils will be making a trip to Charlotte to play FSU in the ACC Championship.  ECU checks into my ranking for the first time this season.  The Pirates have some solid wins over BCS opponents this year.

Out-

Minnesota

Conference Breakdown

SEC (6)- Alabama, Missouri, Auburn, South Carolina, LSU, Texas A&M

Pac-12 (5)- Stanford, Arizona State, Oregon, UCLA, USC

ACC (3)- Florida State, Clemson, Duke

B1G (3)- Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin

Big 12 (3)- Oklahoma State, Baylor, Oklahoma

AAC (2)- UCF, Louisville

MAC (1)- NIU

MW (1)- Fresno State

C-USA (1)- East Carolina 

Week 13 Recap

#1 Alabama 49, Chattanooga 0

In a very, clean Alabamaesque win, the Tide cruised past Chattanooga in their tune up for Auburn. 
Jeremy’s pick- Alabama, 41-3

 

#2 Florida State 80, Idaho 14
Say what you want about the opponents, to the Seminoles it really doesn’t matter if it’s the #3 team in the nation or the #124^th team in the nation, the ‘Noles are on fire.
Jeremy’s pick- Florida State, 56-3

 

#3 Ohio State 42, Indiana 14
Ohio State takes another step closer to going undefeated two years in a row… and still not getting any respect.
Jeremy’s pick- Ohio State, 56-34

 

#4 Baylor 17, #10 Oklahoma State 49
The timing could not have been worse for the Bears.  Oklahoma State has been firing on all cylinders the past few weeks and the Bears took a banged up squad into Stillwater and got pummeled. 
Jeremy’s pick- Oklahoma State, 41-38

 

#5 Oregon 16, Arizona 42
What is the point if you’re not going to the BCS Championship game?  I guess the Ducks are really not interested anymore and given the way they played against Arizona it was pretty obvious.
Jeremy’s pick- Oregon, 47-43

 

#6 Auburn, IDLE
Next game, vs. Alabama

 

#7 Clemson 52, Citadel 6

Clemson blows past the Citadel hoping to capture an at large BCS bid.  A good tune up for South Carolina.
Jeremy’s pick- Clemson, 56-17

 

#8 Missouri 24, #24 Mississippi 10
Missouri just keeps answering the bell.  Week after week the Tigers prove doubters wrong and take one step closer to a shot at Alabama and an unthinkable SEC title.  This was a solid win against a surging Rebel team.
Jeremy’s pick- Missouri, 37-31

 

#9 Stanford 63, Cal 13
No one builds up your confidence more than the Bears.  “Thank you, Cal!” Singed, the Pac 12.
Jeremy’s pick- Stanford, 41-3

 

#11 South Carolina 70, Coastal Carolina 10
Coastal Carolina had more important things to worry about than trying to prove something to SC.  The Chanticleers sat most of their starters knowing that the FCS playoffs are around the corner.  The take away?  It’s time to stop scheduling these matchups, period.  It’s a waste of a week for both teams.
Jeremy’s pick- South Carolina, 45-13

 

#12 Texas A&M 10, #22 LSU 34
John Chavis and the LSU defense have the recipe for stopping Manziel.  The Tigers handed Johnny Football the worst loss of his career and his worst game as a college football player. 
Jeremy’s pick- A&M, 52-45

 

#13 Michigan State 30, Northwestern 6
Another rough game for the Wildcats who are counting down the seconds until this season ends. 
Jeremy’s pick- Michigan State, 37-13

 

#14 UCLA 33, #17 Arizona State 38
This was probably the best game of the weekend.  ASU built up a comfortable 35-13 lead going into halftime, but the Bruins didn’t go away, outscoring the Sun Devils 20-3 in the second half.  The comeback fell just short as ASU locked up the Pac-12 South.
Jeremy’s pick- UCLA, 42-38

 

#15 Fresno State 69, New Mexico 28
Anyone watch this game?  Does anyone really care?
Jeremy’s pick- Fresno, 38-28

 

#16 Northern Illinois 35, Toledo 17
See Fresno vs. New Mexico.

 

#18 UCF 41, Rutgers 17
UCF bounced back from a rough outing last week and pounded a Rutgers squad that has now lost four of their last five games.  With the win, UCF all but locks up the AAC and their BCS Bowl bid.

 

#19 Wisconsin 20, #25 Minnesota 7
Wisconsin is one of the most underrated teams in college football.  The Badgers held the Gophers to 185 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers. 
Jeremy’s pick- Wisconsin, 37-21

 

#20 Oklahoma 41, Kansas State 31
Just when you think Bob Stoops and the Sooners are down and out they go into a streaking Kansas State and pull out an impressive win.  The W moves Stoops past Barry Switzer as OU all-time in wins.
Jeremy’s pick- Kansas State, 24-21

 

#21 Louisville 24, Memphis 17
More of the same from Louisville- after the UCF loss no one cares. 
Jeremy’s pick- Louisville, 37-24

 

#23 USC 47, Colorado 29
USC keeps rolling as they travel to an improved Colorado and get a win.
Jeremy’s pick- USC, 37-17

 

Winners, Losers and Closing Thoughts

Winners

ASU
After a questionable “win” over Wisconsin and losses to Stanford and Notre Dame, I think the nation has been expecting ASU to pull its typical ASU and lose when the chips are on the line.  A trip to UCLA seemed like the prime opportunity for the Sun Devils to mail one in but they played well, took down a very good UCLA team and earned a Pac-12 South title and a shot at a rematch with Stanford.

Stanford

A week ago the Cardinal were on the outside looking in a the Rose Bowl but after whipping up on rival, Cal and Oregon deciding that Rose Bowls are just not worth it, Stanford is back in the Pac-12 title game and based on what they did to ASU in the regular season, should be a favorite to play in the 100^th Rose Bowl Game.

Running backs Ka’Deem Carey and Andre Williams

The two backs had huge weeks to go along with huge seasons.  Both players have carried the load and their teams this season and with the losses of Oregon and Texas A&M and their Heisman candidate quarterbacks, Carey and Williams might finally get a little Heisman pub.  After the Stanford loss, I think Mariota was essentially eliminated but after getting crushed by Carey and the Wildcats last week you can probably cross Mariota off the list completely.

Manziel might be a little tougher to shake as he’s really only had one bad game in two years.  But, the third loss of the season for the Aggies, coupled with his worst game as a college quarterback and Manziel has definitely lost some ground.

It’s doubtful that either running back will get even an invite to New York but another big week for Carey or Williams could force voters to put them on their ballots.

Losers

Oregon
Perhaps now we can stop listening to the incessant belly-aching by Ducks fans about the lack of respect they get on the national level.  Championship teams show up week in and week out, regardless of circumstances.  Before the weekend, the Ducks still had a lot to play for, a Pac-12 North title, a Rose Bowl birth and with a little college football madness, perhaps an outside shot at a BCS Championship.  But apparently, Rose Bowls have become a little too common place the too-big-for-their-britches Ducks and if it’s not for a national title, who cares.  Well, good luck with that whole respect thing.

Louisville

It was pretty clear before the season started that the Cardinals would have to go undefeated and do it in style get any respect from college football fans and media and after the loss to UCF a few weeks ago, Louisville has completely fallen off the radar.  I get the team slipping, but how about quarterback Teddy Bridgewater?  This might be the best quarterback in college football and will surely be one of the top picks in the 2014 draft and they guy isn’t a finalist for a single post season award.  Wow.

 

Thanks for reading!  Feel free to leave a comment and tell us what you think and as always, follow us on twitter @307CollegeFB

Week 13 Top 25 Matchups

#1 Alabama vs. Chattanooga, 2pm ET, ESPN3
Get the starters a couple of good series, keep them healthy and get ‘em out.  Auburn is up next.
Jeremy’s pick- Alabama, 41-3

 

#2 Florida State vs. Idaho, 3:30pm ET, ESPNU
Gearing up for Florida.  The starters might not make it to the second quarter.
Jeremy’s pick- Florida State, 56-3

 

#3 Ohio State vs. Indiana, 3:30pm ET, ABC
Indiana can score some points but the way the Buckeye front seven has played lately, don’t expect much.  Plus, Ohio State needs to win big the next few weeks to any hopes of jumping FSU to get to Pasadena.
Jeremy’s pick- Ohio State, 56-34

 

#4 Baylor @ #10 Oklahoma State, 8pm ET, ABC
Baylor passed their first test a few weeks ago when they drilled OU.  Oklahoma State has been playing their best football of the season and if anyone has a shot at knocking off Baylor, it’s the Cowboys.  Playing in Stillwater, it’s hard not to go Ok State, especially with injuries mounting up for the Bear.
Jeremy’s pick- Oklahoma State, 41-38

 

#5 Oregon @ Arizona, 3:30pm ET, ABC
Arizona, at home, could give Oregon a game.  Oregon is playing for a Rose Bowl but recent comments from Josh Huff and D’Anthony Thomas paint the picture of a disillusioned Ducks squad.  Will they have the motivation to storm the desert?
Jeremy’s pick- Oregon, 47-43

 

#6 Auburn, IDLE
Next game, vs. Alabama

 

#7 Clemson vs. The Citadel, 12pm ET, ESPN3
Clemson is hoping for a BCS Bowl berth and won’t waste any time with The Citadel.  Tune up for South Carolina.
Jeremy’s pick- Clemson, 56-17

 

#8 Missouri @ #24 Mississippi, 7:45pm ET, ESPN
Missouri has been the story of the SEC this season and you could argue that, outside of a quarter and a half, they’ve outplayed everyone in the conference.  Their final three weeks will be telling, however, and it starts with a trip to Ole Miss.  Bo Wallace and the young Rebels are getting healthy and playing good football but Missouri looks like a team on a mission.  This one will be close but I think I’ll give the nod to Mizzou.
Jeremy’s pick- Missouri, 37-31

 

#9 Stanford vs. Cal, 4pm ET, FOXS1
Strange things happen in rivalry games.   Not this year though.  Stanford is coming off a bad loss to USC and what better way to get over it than destroy your long time rival.  Stanford big.
Jeremy’s pick- Stanford, 41-3

 

#11 South Carolina vs. Coastal Carolina, 1pm ET, ESPN3
Coastal Carolina’s not a bad football team but I think SC has SEC Championship fever.  They need a Mizzou loss but the Gamecocks will take care of their own business and it starts with Coastal.  SC big.
Jeremy’s pick- South Carolina, 45-13

 

#12 Texas A&M @ #22 LSU, 3:30pm ET, CBS
There are no SEC Championship implications but still plenty of storylines.  Manziel is unstoppable and unflappable and won’t blink going into Death Valley.  LSU is young on defense and will need to be disciplined to keep JFF in check.  We might see 100 points in this game and despite being the road team, how can I not go with Manziel and the Aggies?
Jeremy’s pick- A&M, 52-45

 

#13 Michigan State @ Northwestern, 12pm ET, ESPN
Northwestern’s nightmare won’t go away this week.  Sparty in play for B1G Title and a Rose Bowl bid. 
Jeremy’s pick- Michigan State, 37-13

 

#14 UCLA vs. #17 Arizona State, 7pm ET, FOX
This is for all the marbles and a Pac-12 South title.  Both teams have played championship caliber football at times this season and both have looked weak and overmatched at times.  UCLA linebacker/running back, Miles Jack has given the Bruins offense a nasty, smash mouth attitude and this freshman could be the key to victory.  UCLA seems athletic and physical enough on the defensive side to keep Taylor Kelly and the ASU offense in check.  In the desert I think I’d take the Sun Devils but I’ll go with the home team in what should be high-scoring, edge of your seat contest.
Jeremy’s pick- UCLA, 42-38

 

#15 Fresno State vs. New Mexico, 4pm ET, ESPNN
New Mexico might give Fresno a game for a half or so but the Bulldogs will take care of business.
Jeremy’s pick- Fresno, 38-28

 

#16 Northern Illinois 35, Toledo 17

 

#18 UCF 41, Rutgers 17

 

#19 Wisconsin @ #25 Minnesota, 3:30pm ET, ESPN
Another great top 25 matchup.  Minnesota has captured the eyes of the nation with the health battle of Coach Jerry Kill and resiliency of the Gopher players.  Minnesota is 8-2 and playing really good football.  That said, they’re catching one of the hottest teams in the nation in Wisconsin and their smash-you-in-the-face ground game.  Minnesota will play well and keep it close for awhile, but I think the Badgers are just too good for the Gophers.
Jeremy’s pick- Wisconsin, 37-21

 

#20 Oklahoma @ Kansas State, 12pm ET, FOXS1
Trevor Knight will get a crack at playing quarterback this week as Bob Stoops seems to be throwing in a hail-mary.  The Sooner offense has been atrocious, pretty much all season and they’ll need Knight to make some plays.  K-State has won four in a row and I think they keep rolling against an OU team that has offensive threat.
Jeremy’s pick- Kansas State, 24-21

 

#21 Louisville vs. Memphis, 12pm ET, ESPN3
Louisville has been pretty unimpressive the past few weeks but I don’t see a slip up against Memphis. 
Jeremy’s pick- Louisville, 37-24

 

#23 USC @ Colorado, 9:30pm ET, Pac12
CU has flown under the radar this season because, well, they’re CU but the Buffs have played pretty well this year considering where they’ve been the past few year.  That said, this Trojan team is on a tear and will have no problems going into Boulder and taking apart the Buffalos. 
Jeremy’s pick- USC, 37-17

 

Thanks for reading!  As always follow us on twitter @307Collegefb