Game day projections

The final weekend of the college football season has arrived and for some, the outcry of a playoff has never been louder.  Very rarely do we come to a championship weekend that has no effect on the title game no matter the outcome.  That’s right, even if LSU loses, they will still face Alabama in the title game (99%).  That would mean that neither team in the national title game would be a conference champion and they would be from the same conference.  That would be fine with me if they met each at. Although the title game cannot be affected, there are still some major bowl games up for grabs, such as the Rose Bowl. 

Wisconsin vs. Michigan State: A rematch of one of the most memorable games this season takes place on a neutral site this time, advantage Badgers.  Russell had one of his worst games statistically in East Lansing, making more mistakes compared to any other game.  I would imagine that Russell learned from his mistakes during this game and will use them to his advantage this time around.  Add in a healthy Montee Ball for an entire game and I do not think the Spartans will be able to hold the Badgers scoreless in any quarter.  The Badger defense has also been playing much better the past 6 quarters and I would expect our front four to be able to get enough pressure on Kirk Cousins to force turnovers.  Oh and I do not expect the Spartans to go the entire game without a penalty in this one.  Wisconsin 34 – Michigan State 21 

Virginia Tech vs. Clemson: These two teams faced off earlier in the year and at that time, it was Clemson who was looking like a top five team in the country with a Heisman hopeful.  Oh how the tables have turned since then.  Clemson has lost 3 out of their last 4 and the Hokies have won seven straight.  Also, VT running back, David Wilson, emerged as a long shot for the Heisman during that time.    Wilson along with quarterback Logan Thomas should help the Hokies be able to get in the end zone this time around.  Yet, I think Tech is overrated, they play in the ACC (I know so do the Tigers) and have only played one ranked team since their meeting with the Tigers.  I am calling the upset because I think Clemson pair of Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins will connect on more than one occasion.  Clemson 31 – Virginia Tech 28  

Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State:  A few weeks ago, this game had serious national title implications but after a few major upsets, only the Big 12 title is at stake.  The winner will head to the Fiesta bowl and the loser most likely will be left out of the BCS party.  The Cowboys have had one of the most explosive offenses all season but they have not played a defense compared to the Sooners.  The Sooners will put a tremendous amount of pressure on Cowboy QB, Brandon Weeden, and send him to the turf at least five this this game.  Oklahoma State has also had trouble on defense letting up over 27 points a game.   Even though Ryan Broyles, star Sooner WR, is out with a season ending injury, Landry Jones will still have no trouble spreading out the Cowboy secondary.  I smell another upset.  Oklahoma 38 – Oklahoma State 28

Baylor @ Texas:  Baylor is a week off from their emotional win against the Sooners while the Longhorns are coming off a similar one against Texas A&M.  This game has no title implications but every Heisman voter will be watching this one to see how RG3 does.  Griffin was a frontrunner for the race until he got knocked out of the game last week.  Although he will have a few touchdowns tomorrow, it will not be enough to get him the Heisman as he throws a few picks as well which cost Baylor the victory.  Both David Ash and Case McCoy will see playing time and each will help lead the Longhorns to a win in their last game of a mediocre season.  Texas 34 – Baylor 31

Georgia vs. LSU: The SEC championship, typically this game has had major national title implications over the past few years.  Yet, it seems that even if LSU loses, they will still play for the crystal ball on January 9^th.  The only interesting outcome of this game is if Georgia wins, it will be the first time three teams from the same conference will be in a BCS bowl game since the BCS era started.  As much as I want to see that happen, I do not think it will.  The Bulldogs have been one of the hottest teams in the last ten weeks but they have not faced a defense like LSU.  Georgia quarterback, Aaron Murray, will lead the dogs to an early lead but they will not be able to sustain it.  LSU’s defense will make major plays including a defensive touchdown by the honey badger, Tyrann Mathieu.  This will be crucial because the Georgia defense has been fabulous as of late and the Tigers will have trouble scoring for most of the game.  LSU 27 – Georgia 21