By Chris Carlson: Week 14 saw 6 Top-25 ranked teams go by the wayside the notable wins were Indiana, Coastal Carolina, and TCU along with a variety of wild games and tight endings. Week 15 has several games cancelled which will further spark debate on how the major conferences should handle this, especially the Big Ten as it pertains to Ohio State now that the Buckeyes game with Michigan has been called off. With 2 weekend’s remaining until the final rankings are release, it may not seem like it but there still can be movement that could surprise us all.
Marquee Matchup
#10 Miami vs. #17 North Carolina: #9 Cincinnati vs. #24 Tulsa would’ve been in the spot but it was cancelled, not the worst thing to happen because those programs will meet next week in the AAC title game anyway. The Canes were forced to pause activities a few weeks ago but did manage to get back in the swing by destroying Duke 48-0, Miami’s first shutout since their 2001 national championship season. Prior to that win Miami had 3 outings in a row that were very close contests. The Tarheels went blow for blow and got off to a great start versus undefeated Notre Dame but succumbed to the Irish 31-17. The Hurricanes do still have plenty of players that won’t be able to play but it’s vague as to which ones will be a go. UNC has the more explosive offense while U of M has a better defense. Given the fact the Canes have been inactive is enough to pick the Heels.
The Pick: North Carolina 34 Miami 31
Under The Radar
#9 Georgia vs. #25 Missouri: This SEC matchup is flying under the radar because the Bulldogs loss to Florida a while back so not as much is riding on it. The Tigers have put together a nice season and if Georgia doesn’t watch out they could get beat although it’s unlikely. The Bulldogs quarterback position has been a trouble spot especially in the important games for Georgia, it does appear USC transfer JT Daniels has settled that issue some. Missouri Freshman QB Connor Dazelak has relied on decent running game & 6 different receivers with at least 22 receptions. The Tiger defense is okay but it gives up more than the offense scores and only scoring 27.6 points in today’s College Football isn’t saying that much. Barring the Bulldogs overlooking Mizzou with turnovers playing a part, Georgia should win clean.
The Pick: Georgia 30 Missouri 20
Saturday Upset Special
Memphis will score a minor upset over Houston as a 5-point underdog.
Hardcore Barnburner
#15 USC vs. UCLA: The Trojans need this victory to advance to the Pac-12 title game. UCLA have been super competitive in their 2-losses combined with dual-threat QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson makes for perfect ingredients for a barnburner.
Against The Spread
Michigan State could very well lose to Penn State but it won’t be by the 14.5-points that the betting lines claim.
Take it to the Window
#13 Coastal Carolina will win against Troy by the 13.5-points they’re favored in Las Vegas
Quick Hits Recap
-Florida QB Kyle Trask has the 3rd most touchdowns thrown through 9 games in FBS history and the first player in FBS over the last 15 years with at least 3 TD’s per game 9 consecutive games.
-Irish QB Ian Book has the most wins as a quarterback in Notre Dame’s history with 30, moving past Brady Quinn, Tom Clements, and Ron Powlus.
-Indiana is now 3-0 versus Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin on the season after previously going 3-57 against those opponents.
-San Jose State moves to 5-0 for the first time since 1939.
-Rice shutout there first ranked opponent in Marshall dating back to 1960 which is also the Owls first time skunking a ranked team on the road as well.
-Arkansas State WR Corey Rucker set an NCAA record for a freshman with 310 receiving yards in a 48-15 win over Louisiana Monroe.
-Akron put a halt to a 21-game losing streak when the Zips defeated Bowling Green 31-3.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio or Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio