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College football is a weird animal. Two weeks ago I wrote that there were not a lot of compelling games to watch. On paper, there were a lot of mismatches that would probably only excite the respective fanbases involved. Then, as if to spite me personally, KSU took #2 TCU to the wire, coming just short of an upset. Rutgers made Michigan State earn their win, Utah exposed California for the pretenders they turned out to be, and, Texas went out and upset Oklahoma in the game formerly known as the Red River Rivalry. I guess I spoke too soon.
Last weekend promised to be much better with Michigan & Michigan State; Notre Dame & USC; and Oregon & Washington squaring off. We were not disappointed. I don't have to remind you how Michigan lost in yet another unbelievable, last second, jaw dropping, 'you can't make this up,' play that I'm sure is still haunting the Wolverine faithful.
This week we have another less than compelling line up of games, at least on paper. The line up is so uncompelling that ESPN's College Gameday broadcast from Harrisonburg, VA, home of FCS James Madison who hosts their rival Richmond. Previous weeks, nay previous seasons, have taught us that you turn your back on CFB at your own risk. And, while no one can predict which of today's 50 games will end up as nail biters or news worthy in some form; these are some games worth considering.
Kansas State at Texas - 9am, FOXS1
~ Traditionally a power program, Texas has fallen on hard times this year, while traditionally under rated and traditionally over achieving Kansas State each look to add another W to their record.
#25 Pittsburgh at Syracuse - 9am, ESPNU
~ Actually, I'm not sure why I included this one.
#21 Houston at Central Florida - 9am, ESPN news
~ The Cougars are undefeated and QB Greg Ward Jr is tied with Heisman hopeful Leonard Fournette with 14 TDs a piece. UCF is a pushover, so we may see some fireworks that affect the Heisman race.
#6 Clemson at Miami - 9am, ABC
~ Miami used to be one of the premier programs in CFB and Clemson used to be one of it's laughing stocks. The tables have turned, and now it's Clemson who is jockeying for a position in the playoffs. Miami has a defense predicated on turnovers. I smell a trap!!
Texas Tech at #17 Oklahoma - 12:30pm, ABC/ESPN2 regional
~ Oklahoma is still Oklahoma, and proved it last week, shutting out KSU. Texas Tech meanwhile can score points and will look to test the Sooner defense.
Tennessee at #8 Alabama - 12:30pm, CBS
~ Once a proud rivalry, it has become completely one sided since Coach Satan set up shop in Tuscaloosa. I have soft spot for the Tennessee Volunteers, so I for one, will be rooting for the upset.
#15 Texas A&M at #24 Mississippi - 4pm, ESPN
~ Probably the only real premier match up today, these are the only two ranked teams facing each other today. Both teams are coming off losses last weekend, so you can expect a lot of effort from both sides.
#3 Utah at Southern California - 4:30pm, FOX
~ This is realistically the premier match up today for any Bruin. #3 Utah is undefeated and steam rolling the competition. Southern Cal is 3-3 and has lost the last two. And yet. somehow the Trogans are favored. Don't get me started on favortism in CFB.
Washington at #10 Stanford - 7:30pm, ESPN
~ On paper not much to see; but Stanford is trucking, trying to secure a spot in the playoffs, while Huskies football under Chris Petersen continues to grow under his influence.
Enjoy your games, Bruins!
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