By Chris Carlson: Week 13 paid off because it was rivalry week and the College Football regular season is the best by far of any team sport. Fans enjoyed a bunch of upsets inside the Top-25 with LSU and Clemson losing stood out as shockers and of course Michigan beating Ohio State. Week 14 is Conference Title time and the 2 most anticipated matchups are rematches in the BIG-12 and PAC-12. Biggest question heading into next week: If TCU losses will they beat out Ohio State?
Marquee Matchups
#3 TCU vs. #10 Kansas State: Let’s not forget two major items to this title game rematch. One the Horned Frogs came back from 18 points down to beat the Wildcats 38-28. Second note was K-State on their 3rd QB now they have a guy in QB Will Howard that can pass and run. Everyone including myself we’re waiting all year for the let down spot to bite TCU. It’s hard not to think this may be the time TCU finally breaks down and loses a game. Actually cheering for an unbeaten TCU club but that won’t prevent me from picking the upset here.
The Pick: Kansas State +2.5
#4 USC vs. #11 Utah: Another rematch from a highly entertaining game back on October 15 that saw the Utes catch back up and pass the Trojans converting on a two-point to win 43-42. USC appears to be the more improved squad from 7 weeks ago but their defense is still a liability. Utah QB Cameron Rising played out of his mind versus USC throwing for 415 yards. It was Rising who scored the touchdown and go-ahead two-point conversion in the win. The USC defense will make enough plays likely via turnovers to help the Trojans becoming national semifinalist.
The Pick: USC -2.5
Under The Radar
#1 Georgia vs. #14 LSU: The Tigers were caught looking ahead to the SEC title game losing to Texas A&M. Now a week later you have to think LSU head coach Brian Kelly will have his Tigers motivated to put forth a respectable effort. The Bulldogs should win here but it’s easy to see the players subconsciously letting their guard down a little bit. In the near future it will be interesting to see how the common “letdowns” late in the regular season and during bowl season will change knowing a team has to stay in the Top-12 or playing in the playoffs instead.
The Pick: LSU +17.5 with Georgia winning outright.
#9 Clemson vs. #23 North Carolina: Both teams stumbled during rivalry week but now have a chance to go out on a good note improving their bowl placement in the process. Clemson and UNC on offense have stuttered especially the Tigers. The old saying “defense wins championships” may hold when it comes to this ACC title matchup but Clemson needs to show more life on the other side of the ball. The Tarheels know QB Drake Maye will be their starter but the same can’t be said for Clemson QB DJ Uiagaleli. Fully admit I don’t have a good feel for this one but something tells me Clemson will be motivated.
The Pick: Clemson -7.5
Saturday Upset Special
Kansas State ruins TCU perfect season.
Fresno State upsets Boise State as a +3 underdog.
Hardcore Barnburner
#18 Tulane vs. #22 Central Florida: In their first meeting Central Florida had humungous leads of 24-7 and 31-14 only to see Tulane storm back only to see them eventually come up short. The vibe for this Tulane turnaround going from 2 wins last year to hosting the AAC title game combined with UCF’s struggles of late has me leaning towards the Green Wave.
The Pick: Tulane -3
Against The Spread
#14 LSU covers as a +17.5 underdog versus #1 Georgia.
Can Purdue stay under +16.5 versus #2 Michigan?
Podcast Link: https://t.co/drclH1ybp6
Quick Hits Recap
-Michigan RB Edwards had TD runs of 78 and 85 in the 4th quarters rushing for 216 yards total in a major win over Ohio State 45-23.
-That home loss to the Wolverines was the largest home Buckeyes loss since 1976.
-USC QB Caleb Williams is now the Heisman Trophy Frontrunner with 44 total touchdowns which is the most for a season in school history.
-Georgia finished off their regular season in style now 12-0 something that hadn’t happen in back to back years since Clemson did it 2018-19.
-South Carolina upended Clemson 31-30 giving the Gamecocks 2 wins in a row over Top-10 programs to close the season.
-TCU’s record of 12-0 marks the 3rd time in school history.
-Texas A&M RB Devon Achane had 38 carries for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns in a shocking 38-23 upset over LSU.
-Call it a down year for Alabama regardless the Crimson Tide have now won at least 10 games for 15 straight seasons.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio &
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