#21 Arizona @ #1 Oregon- The Ducks can clinch a BCS berth and at least a share of the Pac-10 title with a victory over Arizona Friday night. Oregon comes in near the top of the nation in all major offensive categories, averaging 50.7 points per game and 542 yards of total offense. However, after squeaking by Cal last week in which they were held to just 15 points, they will see a Wildcat defense today that is no slouch. The 20th ranked defense nationally, Arizona also boasts a passing attack that puts up over 300 yards per game led by Nick Foles. Rainy weather slows the passing attack and LaMichael James and company rebound in a big way, Oregon wins 42-21.
#2 Auburn @ #11 Alabama- Ah the Iron Bowl. Alabama is pretty good at home, having won 20 straight in Tuscaloosa in dominating fashion. They have allowed one rushing touchdown during that streak and in 19 of those 20 wins have held the opposing team to 15 points or less. They are also 5-0 versus nationally ranked opponents. Enter Cam Newton and the #2 ranked Auburn Tigers. Newton looks to put a cap on a Heisman trophy caliber season and also keep BCS title hopes alive. Newton has accounted for 39 touchdowns in 11 games and has a chance to pass for 2,500 yards and rush for 1,500 yards, which no NCAA quarterback has ever accomplished. I liked Alabama coming into this season and despite two losses I like them now. From top to bottom this roster has more talent but Cam Newton has been the hands down most electrifying player in the nation. However, I feel that defense always wins games. Combine Alabama’s stalwart defense and a vicious rivalry-hungry home crowd, and Alabama pulls off the minor upset 24-17.
#4 Boise @ #19 Nevada- How hot is Boise State? They come into Reno riding a 24 game win streak, which includes a November in which they have outscored Hawaii, Idaho and Fresno State 145-21. Led by Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore, this Boise offense looks to stay on track against a rare ranked opponent. Opposite Kellen Moore is Colin Kaepernick, one of the best kept secrets in football running one of the most exciting offenses, the Pistol. Kaepernick is among the nations leaders, averaging over 300 yards of offense per game out of his half cocked shotgun style offense. The real battle in this game though is in the trenches. Nevada’s senior running back Vai Taua is the active leader with 24 career 100-yard rushing performances. He will have a tough task against Boise’s number one rush defense, only allowing 72 yards per game. As I said before, defense wins games. It also helps to have Kellen Moore who doesn’t know what it means to throw an interception. Boise State creeps past TCU in the polls with a decisive victory over a ranked opponent and possibly gains some much deserved respect. Boise wins 35-24.
#13 Oklahoma @ #9 Oklahoma State- The Cowboys comes into this game as the higher ranked team for just the fourth time in series history and have not beat the Sooners since 2002. Oklahoma State holds a one game lead in the Big 12 South and can clinch a berth in the conference title game for the first time with a victory Saturday night. Coach Gundy’s team boasts an offense that averages 552 yards per game led by one of the nation’s best trio’s, quarterback Brandon Weeden, running back Kendal Hunter and wideout Justin Blackmon. The Cowboys have won ten games in the regular season for the first time in school history. Two premier wideouts, Oklahoma’s Ryan Broyles and Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon look to prove they are the best target in the state as Kendall Hunter looks to show the Cowboys can also run the ball at will. The Cowboys have said all week they like to feel like underdogs and I believe that focus will help this team continue its winning ways and send Bob Stoops and his crew home packin. Oklahoma State wins 45-38.
Colorado @ #15 Nebraska- Yes Huskers fans I have you as my upset special yet again. With Cody Green set to start as Taylor Martinez nurses a bum ankle, a red hot Colorado team looks to take advantage. The Buffaloes have averaged 441 yards per game in November, 100 more than they have all season. Junior tailback Rodney Stewart has almost 500 yards and five touchdowns in the last three contests, which could pose a problem for a Huskers defense ranked 57th nationally against the run. Don’t look for QB Cody Hawkins to air it out much though because Nebraska has the number one ranked pass defense in the country led by Thorpe Award finalist Prince Amukamura, say that five times fast. The Cornhuskers can clinch a Big-12 North title with a victory or a Missouri loss to Kansas but I don’t expect either to happen. The loss of Martinez is too much against a Colorado team with nothing to lose, Colorado pulls off the upset 27-21.
It was tough to pick five matchups this week. Forced to leave a few out but also pay attention to the Backyard Brawl as Pitt faces off against WVU with both teams looking to keep Big East title hopes alive. Also keep an eye on LSU vs. Arkansas if you want to see Ryan Mallett’s rocket arm against perhaps the best overall defensive player in the nation, cornerback Patrick Peterson.
By Ian Hanford
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