(10) Oklahoma at (3) Baylor (8 PM ET, ABC)
Baylor has the highest-scoring offense in the country, and the Bears' offense ranks in the Top 10 in virtually every category. Oklahoma is no slouch offensively--the Sooners are actually ranked third in terms of scoring offense--but there is a huge gap between Baylor's explosive 57.4 ppg and the Sooners' 46.3 ppg. On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma has the best defense in the Big XII; of course, they're only ranked 21st because that's how the Big Twelve do. Oklahoma is looking to stay in contention for the Big XII crown, while Baylor is hoping to prove themselves worthy of the College Football Playoff.
Line: Baylor by 7.5
Background guy shows dog-with-bone levels of excitement.
(20) Memphis at (5) Houston (7 PM, ESPN 2)
With Memphis falling to Navy last week, Houston is now the only undefeated team outside the Power 5, but Memphis can redeem themselves as the Tigers travel to Houston. It'll be a contest of strength vs. weakness: Memphis has a Top Ten passing offense, while Houston's passing defense is in the Bottom 25. Houston's offense is more balanced between the passing and running games, while Memphis gives up 437 ypg. The American West and a probable invitation to a New Year's Six bowl are on the line.
Line: Houston by 13.5
(4) Alabama at (32) Mississippi State (3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Alabama's victory over LSU last week put the Crimson Tide in charge of the SEC West, but Mississippi State still has a chance of wresting that crown away from Nick Saban's cold, dead hands. The Bulldogs's remaining games are against three of the four other teams in contention; winning out and an LSU loss or two would punch their ticket to Atlanta. Unfortunately, they'll have to get through Alabama's stifling defense first, which only allows 265 ypg (3rd) & 16.3 ppg (7th) and shut down Leonard Fournette last week.
Line: Alabama by 17
(30) NC State at (15) Florida State (12:30 PM ET, ESPN 3)
NC State may only be 2-3 in conference play, but their 9th-ranked defense will give the Wolfpack a chance against Florida State. FSU's defense is also pretty good, so expect a low-scoring game in Tallahassee. Clemson has already clinched the Atlantic division; these two teams only have pride and a better bowl bid to play for.
Line: Florida State by 9.5
Honorable Mention
- (42) Oregon at (12) Stanford (7:30 PM ET, Fox) Stanford (-17.5) clinches the Pac-12 North with a win.
- (2) Ohio State at (61) Illinois (Noon ET, ABC) Illinois (+22.5) hasn't won the Illibuck Trophy since 2007.
- (26) Temple at (49) South Florida (7 PM ET, CBS Sports) I'm not really sure why the Math is picking 5-4 South Florida (-6) over 8-1 Temple, but it is.
- (48) Arkansas at (9) LSU (7:15 PM ET, ESPN) Can Arkansas (+23) pull off an upset two weeks in a row and two years in a row against LSU?
- (38) Pitt at (29) Duke (Noon ET, ESPN NEWS) Duke (-12.5) and Pitt play for the runners-up spot in the ACC Coastal divison.
- (14) Utah at (63) Arizona (10 PM ET, Fox Sports 1) Arizona has lost the last three straight, an we all expect Utah (-13) to make it four.
No comments:
Post a Comment