South Florida at #15 UCF
A birth in the American Athletic Conference Championship game is on the line as the Bulls and Gold Knights clash for a major showdown in the Sunshine State. This is a bigger game than UF and FSU this year as neither one of those teams are even close to a bowl game. Scott Frost has UCF on track to finish undefeated and likely to make a New Year's Six Bowl. The big names to watch in this game are the star QBs, Brandon Flowers of USF and McKenzie Milton of UCF. Flowers has over 2,000 yards passing with a 17 to 5 TD to INT ratio, as well as 870 yards rushing with 9 more TDs. He's been one of the nations most dynamic players over the past few seasons, and will look to cause headaches for the Knights' defense. Milton has been extremely impressive in Frost's system, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards with 26 TDs and 5 picks. He leads the nation's 5th best total offense. We'll see which QB has the bigger plays in this match-up, but no matter what, I expect a lot of yards and points to be put up in this shootout. I'm all in with Scott Frost, UCF wins the big rivalry 42-36.
#25 Virginia Tech at Virginia
The Battle for the Commonwealth Cup takes place in Charlottesville as the Hokies face off against the Cavaliers. The Cavs hung tough with the Hurricanes on the road last week, but gave up 30 points in the second half, eventually falling 44-28. The Hokies have had a solid season, but struggle on the road, losing both the Miami and Georgia Tech in the past 3 weeks. Both offenses are led by talented QBs, Josh Jackson for VT and Kurt Benkert for UVA. Jackson has been impressive in his freshman season, throwing for 2,600 yards with 18 TDs and 7 picks, but his inexperience has cost him at times. Benkert, the Senior, has put up solid numbers with over 2,800 yards and 25 TDs with 8 picks. He too has struggled with bonehead mistakes, so I look to the defenses in this game. Virginia Tech's defense give up just 14.7 points per game, and allow just 315 yards per game on average as well. Virginia will put up a fight yet again, but I like the Hokies in this one. Plus, I'm still on the Josh Jackson train, this kid is going to be good! Hokies win it 34-24.
#9 Ohio State at Michigan
The Game. No trophy for this rivalry, but bragging rights are much more important to begin with. The Ohio State Buckeyes travel to "that place up North" to take on the Wolverines of Michigan. This Rivalry always leads to some of the best games, but recently just for the Buckeyes. They have won the past 5 meetings between the two teams, and last year's Overtime stinger still leaves a bad taste with Jim Harbaugh and company. Harbaugh has taken a lot of heat this season for not being able to beat his rivals. A win this weekend would calm a lot of those OUTRAGEOUS rumors that he'll get fired. However, to beat Ohio State, his Wolverines will need to have some form of offense take place. That likely won't happen as John O'Korn is likely back at QB after Brandon Peters suffered a concussion last week against Wisconsin. The Wolverines' defense will keep them in the game for a while, but without their offense producing any points and taking up some time to drive the ball, JT Barrett will get his. He is too dynamic of a play-maker to hold down for an entire game, and I expect him to make some big plays in this one. Michigan does not seem like they can hang tough in this game, but in rivalry games, you forget everything you know about a team. I think Ohio State will win this game, but Jim Harbaugh will definitely not be fired. Buckeyes continue their streak with a late pull away win 35-16.
Arizona at Arizona State
The Wildcats and the Sun Devils square off in the desert for the Territorial Cup and a 2nd place finish in the PAC-12 South. Both teams have had ups and downs this season, but bragging rights in this classic rivalry will make everything better. Arizona QB Khalil Tate has been one of the best highlight reels to watch this season, with 2,482 total yards (1,157 passing and 1,325 rushing) and 20 total TDs. Arizona State can move the ball just fine, especially with Manny Wilkins running the offense, but their defense has been lacking. Neither one of these teams has much defense to be honest, so this looks to be a high-scoring shootout! This will be a great QB dual between Wilkins and Tate, but I love watching Tate run the read option, so I've gotta take the Wildcats. Arizona wins a crazy one in the desert, 44-39.
#3 Clemson at #24 South Carolina
This is one of the best protected rivalries in all of College Football, and it seems to get more heated every year when the Tigers and Gamecocks meet to determine who runs the state of South Carolina. Clemson is on a 3 game streak in this rivalry, and will look to make it for as the tune up for Miami in the ACC Championship game. South Carolina does not stack up very well, scoring just 25 points per game. Jake Bentley has been fairly impressive at QB this season though. The Sophomore has a 63.1% completion rating with 2,429 yards and a 15 to 9 TD to INT ratio. No matter how well he plays, I don't think Bentley will be able to get past Clemson's 7th ranked total defense. The Gamecocks will look to do better than the 56-7 beat down they suffered last season, but Clemson shouldn't have too many issues in this one. Tigers 40, Gamecocks 14.
#8 Notre Dame at #21 Stanford
The Fighting Irish travel up to the Farm to take on the Cardinal, who are coming off a couple of tough wins against Washington and Cal over recent weeks. This is a tough game to pick because both teams have been really good at times, and really bad as well. Statistically, these two teams are very similar with powerful rushing attacks and mediocre passing attacks. Defensively the both hold teams to 20 points on average. It's hard to know which of these teams will show up, but hopefully Stanford will play K.J. Costello at QB. The Cardinal have been much more successful with him under center, as he has a 60.7% completion rating. Brandon Wimbush for the Irish has been very good this season, especially when using his legs to move the chains. Both QBs will need to make a couple of game changing plays to win, because this game will focus primarily on the two star running backs. Bryce Love and Josh Adams are two of the best backs in the nation with Heisman-caliber numbers. They will be the focal points of both offenses, and especially the defenses. This one should be a good game, but I've been sticking with Love all season long, and I'm not going to break that now. I think he's probably the best running back in the nation, and he'll prove that on Saturday night. Stanford 33, Notre Dame 24.
#13 Washington State at #17 Washington
The Apple Cup has quite a bit riding on it, just like last year. Last season, the winner would represent the North in the PAC-12 Championship, and the stakes are very similar now in 2017. However, Washington can only play spoiler as they lost their head-to-head with Stanford. Since Wazzu beat the Cardinal, if they beat the Huskies, they're in the PAC-12 Championship. If Washington were to win, for the 5th straight season, then Stanford would win the North Division due to their victory over the Huskies a couple weeks ago. So when looking at this game, you wonder who has the edge. Washington has dominated the Cougars over recent years, holding them to 17 points or fewer in their past 4 meetings, including a 45-17 whacking last year. However, this is a new and improved Wazzu team here in 2017. Their defense ranked 62nd last year in total defense, but ranks 11th this season. They're holding opponents to around 300 yards per game on average and just 22.9 points. Their offense is usually one of the best in the nation, and with Luke Falk, they will always be able to score points. The Huskies have not been as impressive as last season, primarily because Jake Browning hasn't thrown for 3,400+ yards and 43 TDs. He has 2,451 yards and 18 TDs so far this year, but their offensive efficiency has taken a step back. This will be a great game to watch in my opinion, and I picked Wazzu earlier in the year to be my Dark-horse team for the Playoffs. While the Cougars may not make it to the CFP, I do think Mike Leach's crew will make it to the PAC-12 Championship. Wazzu turns the tables in this rivalry and comes away with a major win in the Apple Cup! Cougars beat the Huskies 44-30.
#1 Alabama at #6 Auburn
Yet again, the Iron Bowl has much more than in-state bragging rights. One of the best, most vicious rivalries in all of sports takes place in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday as the Tigers of Auburn take on the Rolling Crimson Tide of Bama. This game will be the focal point of the weekend because the winner goes onto play Georgia in the SEC Championship, and will likely go on to the College Football Playoff as well. Bama has yet to miss a playoff, but has yet to play a top-notch team this season as well. Some may argue FSU or LSU, but if you look beyond the numbers, we can all see that the Tide's schedule wasn't the most difficult of challenges. Auburn on the other hand, played a tough schedule, and are looking to be the first 2 loss team to make it into the playoffs. I said they would be on my radio show, which gives away who I'm picking in this game. Bama is Bama, and they will do their thing. Tough defense followed by an efficient offense. However, their offense has yet to face a major challenge like the one Auburn will present. The Tigers rank 10th in total defense, giving up just 16.6 points per game on average. Look for them to pressure Jaylin Hurts early and often, making him beat them with his arm. He's improved as a passer, but still throws with a lot of inconsistencies at times. On the other side of the ball, you have the dynamic Tiger offense against Bama's stonewall defense. The Tide have the #1 total defense in the nation, but yet to face any team close to the caliber of Gus Malzhan's offense. The Tigers rank 17th in total offense, racking up an average of 475 yards and nearly 38 points per game. Statistically, the best offense Bama has faced all year was Ole Miss (20th in total offense), but they are not nearly as good as that ranking suggests. This will be a very tough game, but with some home field advantage, and a possible playoff birth on the line, I think the Tigers will win. As I stated on my radio show, "Auburn will be the first 2 loss team in the playoff". Also, the last time College Gameday visited the Iron Bowl... the KICK SIX happened! Not saying, just saying! Tigers 30, Tide 27.
The Heroes Game
Iowa at Nebraska
The annual Heroes game doesn't really mean much yet again. "Farmaggedon", as some fans call it, pits the Hawkeyes against the Huskers in a boarder war that is missing a bit of an edge in the rivalry. If these teams would come in ranked, with a potential trip to Indianapolis on the line, then maybe we could really get some national attention on this. For now, it's going to be a battle of sub-par teams looking to bounce back in 2018. Nebraska is a total mess and will likely have a coaching vacancy once the clock hits 00 in the 4th Quarter. Iowa is set for the next 50+ years with Kirk Ferentz, but follows their typical trend of random upsets mixed with atrocious losses. This will be a very infuriating game to watch for both sides in my opinion. There are a few bright spots, including Stanley Morgan having a chance to become the first 1,000+ yard receiver at Nebraska, needing just 88 more yards to accomplish that feat. Iowa has a bowl game to look forward to, and All-American Linebacker Josey Jewell will be a big draft pick for the Hawks. Looking at the game, it's honestly hard to pick. There's a 3.5 point spread in Iowa's favor, but they did lose to Purdue last week. Nebraska has lost to basically everyone else and just want to finish this season and move on. I'll definitely take my Huskers, but Tanner Lee better not throw anywhere near Iowa DB Joshua Jackson. The Junior DB has a nation-leading 7 picks on the season, returning 2 of them for TDs. We all know Tanner has been prone to those Pick-Sixes, so hopefully he can avoid that today. Lee has improved a lot over the year, and his passing is the only source of offense for the Huskers. Iowa needs to feed Akrum Wadley, as he's one of the best backs in the BIG 10 Conference. We'll see how this all turns out later this afternoon, but I've got Nebraska finishing on a high note! Morgan gets 1,000+ yards and Nebraska gets the win over Iowa 34-30.
Here are some quick hit games that will be fun to watch this weekend as well!
Cal at UCLA: The Bruins fired Jim Mora with just 1 game remaining on their schedule as they battle the Golden Bears for bowl eligibility. UCLA is a mess right now, and I'm not sure Josh Rosen can win this on his own. I like Sonny Dykes and Co. for the upset win in this game. Cal has been impressive under their new head coach, and this would be a great way to finish their season! Golden Bears win it on the road 31-27.
#7 Georgia at Georgia Tech: Clean, Old Fashioned Hate. Nothing better than beating your rival when it comes to the Bulldogs and the Yellow Jackets. The Ramblin' Wreck's triple option attack will be challenged by Georgia's defense, and the Dawgs only way to make the CFP is to never lose again. I think they'll be pretty motivated in this game and bring the house down. Georgia 37, Georgia Tech 17.
#5 Wisconsin at Minnesota: The Battle for Paul Bunyan's Ax takes place in the Twin Cities this year as the Badgers travel to take on the Gophers. Wisconsin already has the BIG 10 West wrapped up, so this game is to help build their playoff resume. The Gophers are looking to end a 13 year drought against the Badgers, and spoil their playoff dreams. As much as I would love to see the upset, I know this one will not happen. Wisconsin's defense will shut down Croft and company pretty quickly, and win this game 34-10 on the back of Johnathan Taylor. On Wisconsin.
West Virginia at #4 Oklahoma: After his inappropriate actions last weekend at Kansas, Oklahoma QB will not allowed to be a captain or start in this game. I doubt Lincoln Riley will keep him out for long (at most a series, but I'm expecting 1 play), so look for the Sooners to start rolling quickly. WVU has the offense to put up points, especially against the 64th ranked Sooner defense. But the Mountaineers lack a defense of their own, and Baker Mayfield will likely be too much for them to handle. Sooners win this one 47-28.
Thanks for reading my predictions and enjoy all the greatness that is rivalry weekend! We've already had 1 upset with Ole Miss shocking #14 Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl 31-28, so maybe there's more chaos to come! Let's hope for some great games and GO BIG RED!
#CollegeFootballKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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