As always, keep in mind that these are AP Poll rankings. So FSU happens to be number one in this poll even though they not be #1 in the poll that actually matters. I went 28-12 this past weekend to put my season prediction record at 306-110 on the season. Pretty solid numbers, I'd say. Gonna look to keep it going through the end of bowl season.
Florida at #1 Florida State
In terms of sheer style points, FSU wouldn't get very many on a weekly basis given their penchant in 2014 of winning many close games. I guess that's the price you pay for being the defending national champion though and being on a now 27 game winning streak dating back to 2012, you're gonna get everyone's best shot. I'm not expecting things to really be any different in this game against in-state rival Florida. Like Boston College, I just don't think the Gators have enough offense.
My Call: Florida State 24, Florida 17
#3 Oregon at Oregon State
Football's version of the Civil War happens this week. Oregon has national championship aspirations on the line against a Beavers team that has to win to go to a bowl. Although that'll be the furthest thing from their minds; wrecking Oregon's season would make this season's ups and downs worth it and then some if the Beavers could pull off this surprising upset. So, does it happen? Nah, I don't think so. Marcus Mariotta should deliver another stellar performance which should allow the Ducks to gradually take control after a tight first half.
My Call: Oregon 38, Oregon State 24
#4 Mississippi State at #18 Ole Miss
Like Auburn, Ole Miss has seen their national title hopes go up in smoke the last few weeks but can still make their season a worthwhile one by beating an in-state rival with national championship hopes. Unlike Auburn, the Rebels will have the home crowd on their side. I fully expect they'll show up to this one unlike in the 30-0 loss to Arkansas. A beat up but fired up Ole Miss squad will put the Bulldogs to the test, but I think Mississippi State will pass it and take the Egg Bowl.
My Call: Mississippi State 23, Ole Miss 20
Texas Tech vs. #5 Baylor (at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas)
Only question I have is how ugly this game will be. Oklahoma State kept it a bit tighter than I epectd against Baylor in a 4-28 loss. Will Texas Tech? Probably not. The Bears will get themselves some solid style points with a commanding victory over the Red Raiders.
My Call: Baylor 55, Texas Tech 27
#6 TCU at Texas
Almost. TCU was that close to seeing their title hopes go up in smoke in embarrassing fashion, but they recovered just in time to beat Kansas 34-30. Texas doesn't have to worry about a bowl game here as they became bowl eligible by beating Oklahoma State, but like other underdog in-state rivals, they'll also have a chance to play spoiler. I'm not too worried about their defense showing up, it's their offense. They'll give the Horned Frogs all they want, but I just don't have quite enough faith in the Texas offense to make them the pick. TCU's hopes stay alive.
My Call: TCU 27, Texas 20
Michigan at #7 Ohio State
"The Game" hasn't been such a ton of late as Ohio State has dominated this rivalry since the 2000s. Although last year's was certainly a classic; a 42-41 Buckeye win in Ann Arbor that almost shocked the entire college football world. Michigan winning this season would do exactly that, but it won't happen. They're in the exact same position as Oregon State, playing for their bowl lives. However, that will also be the thing furthest from their minds. This Wolverines team is not good and has a lame duck coach at the helm. The Buckeyes should have their act more together in this one than it was in the Indiana game and it should lead to a cozy victory.
My Call: Ohio State 42, Michigan 21
#16 Georgia Tech at #8 Georgia
Clean Old-Fashioned Hate. That's the nickname given to this game between the Georgia rivals. Other than 2008, Georgia has won every meeting between the two teams since 2001. The Yellow Jackets would love to change that, but I don't think they have the defense to make it happen. Both teams should be able to put up points, but the Bulldogs should be able to use Nick Chubb to gradually wear down that Jackets defense and take control.
My Call: Georgia 45, Georgia Tech 31
Stanford at #9 UCLA
Good thing for the Cardinal that they got bowl eligible with the win over Cal in their rivalry game because I don't think it would have happened here against UCLA. You see where I'm going with this prediction from that sentence, don't you?
My Call: UCLA 31, Stanford 14
#10 Michigan State at Penn State
In a lot of cases, I do think the Nittany Lions would be headed for a serious butt kicking. However, they're at home and I'm sure Beaver Stadium will be ready for a top 10 MSU team coming to town. Penn State may be able to hang in there defensively, but they're too much of a mess on the offensive side of the ball while the Spartans are at least halfway competent on the offensive line.
My Call: Michigan State 21, Penn State 16
Kansas at #11 Kansas State
Sunflower Showdown really won't prove to be much of a showdown. There's only so far effort will get the Jayhawks on the road. They'll bring a solid defensive effort but won't be able to score anywhere close to enough points for the win.
My Call: Kansas State 28, Kansas 6
#13 Arizona State at #12 Arizona
Territorial Cup rights are on the line and so could a Pac-12 South championship. That is, if UCLA loses to Stanford at home. Even if UCLA wins and there is no Pac-12 South title on the line, winning a rivalry game is always plenty to play for. As of now, Arizona starting QB Anu Solomon is questionable after getting hurt in U of A's win over Utah on the road. I'm gonna expect him to give it a go as should the Sun Devils. In a lower scoring type of game, I'll roll with the Sun Devils. Their starting QB has fewer question marks surrounding his health, plus I'm guessing ASU will want to make amends for their last road game; which was a 35-27 losing disaster at Oregon State.
My Call: Arizona State 27, Arizona 24
#22 Minnesota at #14 Wisconsin
Winner of this game not only wins Paul Bunyan's Axe, but will also get a date with Ohio State in the B1G (Big 10) Championship Game. Just two Saturdays ago, Melvin Gordon ran for a FBS record 408 yards in Wisconsin's win over Nebraska. But he saw that record broken by Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine. Gordon congratulated him and the two exchanged friendly texts, but I wouldn't be surprised if deep down, Gordon wasn't happy to see his record broken so quickly. I'm gonna say he takes that out a bit on the Golden Gophers and leads the Badgers to a hard fought rivalry victory, keeping the axe still with Wisconsin, where it's been since 2004.
My Call: Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 24
Arkansas at #17 Missouri
Talk about going from the outhouse to the penthouse. That's the case with Arkansas; who hadn't won a SEC game since 2012 until shutting out both LSU and Ole Miss in consecutive weeks. Their most recent victory was over the Rebels by a 30-0 final. Can they take that act on the road? I'm certainly not expecting a shutout or a multiple touchdown victory, but I'll drink the kool-aid and call for a close Razorback victory here. I may end up regretting this pick, but if I were to pick Mizzou, I think it's possible I'd regret that too. Yeah, this is one of those games too close to call and where nothing would really surprise me. Just throwing the dart and hoping for the best.
My Call: Arkansas 20, Missouri 17
Western Kentucky at #19 Marshall
Back at home, the Thundering Herd shouldn't have the issues they had on the road against UAB. Unfortunately it won't get them a shot in the College Football Playoff, but going 12-0 in a season would certainly count for something. Rakeem Cato and Co. make it happen convincingly.
My Call: Marshall 37, Western Kentucky 20
#21 Colorado State at Air Force
Air Force has already walked home this year with the Commander-In-Chief Trophy, beating both Army and Navy en route to what will be a bowl game of some kind. They can also take the Ram-Falcon Trophy as well with a win here over the 21st ranked Rams; whom head coach Jim McElwain has done a great job with. I think the Falcons took last week against San Diego State off with their minds fully set on this one. And I predict they take it in overtime by a field goal.
My Call: Air Force 33, Colorado State 30
South Carolina at #23 Clemson
Wish I knew the status of Clemson QB Deshaun Watson for this game. Unfortunately Clemson themselves doesn't seem to have a clue. Watson is the true freshman QB who is a million times better than Clemson's senior backup QB, Cole Stoudt, who is mostly awful. He has missed essentially five games this year for the Tigers due to knee issues. If Watson goes, I think Clemson would end their five game losing streak in the Battle of the Palmetto State. If it's Stoudt, my guess is even a mediocre Gamecocks squad would sneak by with win number six in a row. Since Watson hasn't played really at all in their last five games, I have to take South Carolina. This pick is update to change, though should Watson be declared good to go.
My Call: South Carolina 30, Clemson 23
Kentucky at #24 Louisville
Governor's Cup is the name of this rivalry; the winner will take home that trophy. Kentucky not only wants to win that, but they also want to win the game in order to become bowl eligible and end a three game skid in this rivalry. For Louisville, the opportunity exists to extend the win streak to four and perhaps get a bump up in the ACC bowl picture. Problem for Kentucky is this game is in Louisville and the Wildcats have not shown they can win away from their home stadium this season. I don't believe that will start to happen here. Louisville takes it.
My Call: Louisville 31, Kentucky 13
Utah State at #25 Boise State
Simple enough for the Broncos. A win on their smurf turf over Utah State gets them a spot in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game, which they'd host. Lose and it opens the door for two teams, their opponents in this one as well as Colorado State. If the Aggies can march into Boise and get a win, they'd be the host team in the MWC title game should Air Force beat Colorado State. If the Rams beat Air Force though and Utah State wins, it'd be Colorado State hosting the game. I'm thinking it'll stay simple though. Boise State is extremely tough to beat on their home field and even though Utah State has turned themselves into a tough team/program who will hang in, my guess is the Broncos will find a way to pull it out.
My Call: Boise State 31, Utah State 27
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