I was literally about to publish this post when I accidentally pasted one paragraph over the entire work that I had done, erasing everything I had written.
Since none of you read most of it anyway, screw it. This week is going to have very short descriptions.
Since I beat Hannah Clifford 3-2 to 2-3 last weekend, the prediction game is now tied up. The overall records now stand:
K. Becks: 30-15
Guest Prognosticators: 30-15
This week, one of Around The Corn’s most loyal readers, Keegan Fitzpatrick, will take me on in the prediction game. I haven’t been tied in the game since the first weekend I brought on guests, and I don’t intend to destroy my work like I did my original post.
Here is a list of my top five games to watch this weekend, as well as five more to keep an eye on.
5 Games to Pay Attention to This Weekend
#19 Michigan at Ohio State (Saturday, 12 PM ET)
I’m an Ohio State student; I will not pick Michigan to win this game. In all honesty, I don’t think they would win regardless of my allegiance. The Buckeyes will be playing loose in this game, and the running game should carry them to a close victory.
My Pick: 24-20 Ohio State
Keegan’s Take: For those of you who know me, I am avid listener of the Common Man and the Torg (free the Torg) and I love the whole Stone Cold Steve Austin/Urban 3:16 parody because Steve Austin was one of my favorite wrestlers and is one of those most BAMF dudes on the planet. With that being said, it’s Urban Meyer’s first Michigan game, at home, and I fully expect him to open up a can of whoop ass and stone cold stunner Brady Hoke at midfield after the game. This is the biggest rivalry in college sports and Michigan has the chance to spoil the Buckeyes’ season which is why I think this game will be extremely close and the Bucks might even trail throughout some of the game (I’m nervous). Braxton and Big Carlos Hyde will lead this Buckeye team to a victory in the 4th quarter and will finish the season 12-0. Score: Ohio State 27 Michigan 23
#4 Florida at #10 Florida State (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
Both of these teams have a shot at a BCS bowl bid. I have not been impressed with Florida as of late, however. I think that the crowd becomes a factor and the Seminoles take down the Gators in a defensive struggle.
My Pick: 17-14 Florida State
Keegan’s Take: This game will be fast. I haven’t watched these two teams play much but when I have, I noticed these guys are fast. Florida has had some big wins this year against A&M, LSU, and South Carolina while FSU has only one signature win (IMO) against Clemson which is why I’m choosing Florida to win this game. Score: Florida 34 FSU 23
#8 Stanford at #17 UCLA (Saturday, 6:30 PM ET)
Both of these teams were impressive last weekend, but only Stanford needs to win this game in order to play in the Pac-12 title game. I think the Cardinal will be more motivated, and the defense will be able to handle Brett Hundley and Johnathan Franklin like it did Marcus Mariota and Kenjon Barner last Saturday.
My Pick: 27-23 Stanford
Keegan’s Take: I was very impressed by both teams last week with Stanford going into Oregon and winning and UCLA taking it to USC. When it comes down to it I think the team with the better defense will win which is Stanford. Stanford goes into UCLA and wins a close one 20-17.
#12 South Carolina at #11 Clemson (Saturday, 7 PM ET)
Another SEC-ACC rivalry game, and another game in which I’ll go with the ACC. South Carolina has not been the same team since the loss of Marcus Lattimore against Tennessee, and not just on offense. The defense will need to play more like it did against Georgia back in early October if South Carolina wants to win, otherwise Tajh Boyd & Co. will have a big night.
My Pick: 38-31 Clemson
Keegan’s Take: I wish I could offer more insight about this game but I haven’t had any time this semester (semesters suck by the way) to watch a whole lot of football. I know Clemson can score and SC has a good defense. I’m taking the home field advantage for this game. Clemson wins 35-24.
#1 Notre Dame at Southern California (Saturday, 8 PM ET)
Redshirt freshman quarterback Max Wittek guaranteed a win for the Trojans, but the young man best let his actions do the talking. The Fighting Irish will be an extremely tough defense for someone making his first college start to decode. I think that the Trojans have a chance to cause BCS drama for the third consecutive week, but I’m not confident enough in Lane Kiffin’s squad to call the upset.
My Pick: 21-20 Notre Dame
Keegan’s Take: Now, everyone knows that I can’t stand Notre Dame. They are the St. Charles of college football. Every year it’s their year, but wait, it’s actually a rebuilding year. I want Notre Dame to win because I want them to lose to Bama in the title game by 50. Manti Te’o is being talked about for the Heisman when Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier is clearly better (see Taylor Glancey’s facebook status from a few days ago). One thing I will give Notre Dame credit for is that they are finding ways to win football games whether it be from the help of a missed field goal (Pittsburgh), the refs (Stanford), or because their defense is just really good. Matt Barkley is out, USC has been very disappointing this year, and ND has definitely had “Luck of the Irish,” so sorry USC, deflated footballs wont help you win this weekend. Notre Dame finishes the season undefeated and goes to the National Title. ND 24 USC 14
5 More to Flip To
TCU at #16 Texas (Thursday, 7:30 PM ET)
Those looking for some Thanksgiving Day college football are in luck; this in-state rivalry replaces the Lone Star Showdown.
Ohio at #23 Kent State (Friday, 11 AM ET)
If you’re able to wake up early enough after some Black Friday shopping, this MAC battle kicks off a pretty decent day of football.
#3 Georgia at Georgia Tech (Saturday, 12 PM ET)
Here’s a team that would love to see USC upset Notre Dame on Saturday night.
#5 Oregon at #15 Oregon State (Saturday, 3 PM ET)
This game lost a lot of importance after Oregon’s loss last weekend, but it would still make the Beavers’ season to upset their in-state rivals in the Civil War.
#21 Oklahoma State at #13 Oklahoma (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
The Battle of Bedlam could end up being a shootout.
– K. Becks
