CFW Week 13 Forecast - Ohio State-Michigan take center stage

CFW Week 13 Forecast – Ohio State-Michigan take center stage

Who will be the Turkeys this weekend?

 

Ahh, Thanksgiving week. There is nothing like it. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. It’s a time for family, friends, food and football. Or is it family, friends, football and food?

 

Princess Gator and Gator Babe arrived Sunday. Gator Babe did the driving. She just got her driver’s license on November 14. Gator Gabe drove down on Monday. It’s a six-and-a-half-hour drive, not counting stoppage time – food, gasoline and bathroom breaks.

 

I love that term “stoppage time.” If you watch soccer on TV, you know what it is. But they don’t stop for food, gasoline and bathroom breaks in soccer. Speaking of soccer, I cheer for Chelsea.

 

Speaking of Chelsea, the premier game this week takes place in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Buckeyes and the Wolverines finally get together. The winner will play Iowa in the Big Ten title game. The loser will most likely be in a New Year’s Six bowl. Jim Harbaugh will be watching the game on television.

 

The only other Big Ten game worth a mention is the Battle of I-95 – Maryland at Rutgers. Both coaches could really use a win.

 

The Pac-12’s lone representation among the biggest and most intriguing games is perhaps the second biggest game of the week – Oregon State at Oregon. The Ducks need the win to play Washington in the Pac-12 title game. Or an Arizona loss.

 

The SEC has two games of interest. Upper most of the two is Alabama at Auburn. Can Hugh Freeze and the Tigers pull off a big upset? They need to play better than they did against New Mexico State last week. Something tells me they will.

 

Then there is Texas A&M at LSU. The Tigers will have revenge on their minds. They also will be playing for a potential New Year’s Six bowl spot.

 

The ACC has a goodie – North Carolina at NC State. These two generally always provide a good time. Other than pride, not a lot is at stake in the game. The ACC also offers Miami at Boston College. Mario Cristobal needs to win this game in a bad way. Tension in Chestnut Hill?

 

There also is a good SEC-ACC cross-conference game taking place in the blue grass – Kentucky at Louisville. Kentucky will be playing for respect while Louisville has a New Year’s Six bowl riding on the game.

 

The Big 12’s best matchup is Iowa State at Kansas State. The Wildcats still have a shot at the Big 12 title game. They have to dispose of the Cyclones first.

 

The MWC and the Sun Belt each have a couple of interesting encounters. To start with in the MWC, there is San Jose State at UNLV. Both teams have come on strong at the end of the season. Also, in the MWC, Air Force is at Boise State. The Falcons began the season 8-0 but have lost their last two games. Boise State has won its last two games.

 

And finally in the Sun Belt we begin with James Madison at Coastal Carolina. The Dukes lost their first game last week. The Chanticleers are a dangerous team. They can win the Sun Belt East Division with a win. Lastly, in the Sun Belt, Georgia Southern is at Appalachian State. The Eagles hope to catch App State still lavishing in last week’s win over James Madison. They just might.

 

Last but maybe least, C-USA actually has a big game this weekend – Jacksonville State at New Mexico State. Both teams have had outstanding seasons. It’s the season finale for Jax State. New Mexico State plays Liberty next week in the C-USA title game.

 

After 12 weeks of football, there are six undefeated teams. They are Florida State (ACC), Michigan and Ohio State (Big Ten), Liberty (C-USA), Washington (Pac-12) and Georgia (SEC).

 

The Top 6 teams in this week’s CFP Rankings are 1. Georgia (11-0), 2. Ohio State (11-0), 3. Michigan (11-0), 4. Washington (11-0), 5. Florida State (11-0), and 6. Oregon (10-1). Two Group of Five teams are ranked. Tulane (10-1) is 23 and Liberty (11-0) is 25.

 

Personally, my Top 6 this week are 1. Georgia, 2. Ohio State, 3. Washington, 4. Michigan, 5. Oregon, and 6. Florida State. I have Texas at 7.

 

This week, Georgia plays at Georgia Tech and Ohio State visits Michigan. Washington hosts Washington State and Florida State travels to Florida. Oregon entertains Oregon State and Texas hosts Texas Tech. Tulane is home against UTSA and Liberty is at UTEP.

 

The Top 5 teams in this week’s FCS Coaches Poll are 1. South Dakota State (11-0), 2. Montana (10-1), 3. South Dakota (9-2), 4. Idaho (8-3), and 5. Florida A&M (10-1). South Dakota State got all 24 of the first-place votes.

 

The 24-team FCS Playoff begins this weekend with eight first-round games. The eight highest seeded teams in the Playoff have a bye this weekend. They will join the eight winners next weekend.

 

I read Tuesday where Jimbo Fisher is being mentioned as a candidate for the Michigan State and Mississippi State openings.

 

College football Week 13 began Tuesday night with a pair of MACtion games. In the first contest, Bowling Green trounced Western Michigan, 34-10. The Falcons led 31-3 at halftime. BG quarterback Connor Bazelak passed for 217 yards and two touchdowns. In the other affair, Eastern Michigan downed Buffalo, 24-11. EMU led 24-0 at halftime. Eagles quarterback Austin Smith passed for 141 yards and one touchdown.

 

The weekend begins tonight with the annual Egg Bowl – Ole Miss at Mississippi State. Will Lane Kiffin get egg on his face?

 

So, between Washington, Oregon, Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida State, Louisville, Tulane and Liberty which one, or ones, will be a turkey this weekend?

 

Swamp Mama and I have had a good time this week with Princess Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe. Gator Gabe and I have watched some good basketball on TV. Tuesday, we saw Purdue beat Tennessee, 71-67 and Marquette beat Kansas, 73-59 in the semifinals of the Maui Invitational. Yesterday, we saw Kansas beat Tennessee, 69-60, for third place in the tournament, and watched Purdue beat Marquette, 78-75, for the championship. Last night we saw Florida beat Pitt, 86-71, in the semifinals of the NIT Tip-Off Tournament.

 

Today, the five of us are going to Stephanie Stein’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. Stephanie’s children, Julia and David, along with her sister, brother-in-law and niece will be there. Last year, Julia made some great dirty martinis.

 

My assignment was dessert. I’ve become famous for my apple pie baked in a cast-iron skillet. I prepared and baked one last night. I’ll do the other one this morning.  Then I will walk into Stephanie’s house with a cast-iron skillet in each hand. If anyone wants the recipe, let me know. It is so good and decadent.

 

Princess Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe are leaving Friday afternoon for Gainesville. They will attend the Florida State-Florida game on Saturday before driving back to the Panhandle on Sunday.

 

I hope you enjoy your turkey today, and I hope you enjoy your football this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

November 23, 2023

 

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

This week’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games….and then some

 

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Ohio State (11-0) at Michigan (11-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – One of these teams will be knocked out of the playoff on Saturday. That, of course, is assuming there aren’t a lot of upsets in several other key games. Should most or all of Georgia, Washington, Florida State, Oregon, Texas, Alabama and Louisville get upset, then that opens the door to all sorts of possibilities, including both Ohio State and Michigan making the playoff. But figure the odds. The Buckeyes and the Wolverines can’t count on that happening. That’s why the loser of this game will be directed to a New Year’s Six bowl as a consolation. With a win and a strong performance, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy could enhance his Heisman chances. Then again, so could Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison if the Buckeyes win. Brutus can’t find the Wolverine mascot – Michigan 26, Ohio State 24.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. Oregon State (8-3) at Oregon (10-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 8:30 pm ET, Friday, FOX – They call this game “The Civil War.” But as someone once said, “There is nothing civil about a war.” And there is nothing civil between the Beavers and the Ducks. Oregon has the star player – Bo Nix. Like McCarthy and Harrison, Nix can enhance his Heisman chances with a win and a strong performance. Oregon State has several good players. Oregon is definitely the stronger team on offense. Both teams are tenacious on defense. Puddles causes Benny to quack up – Oregon 27, Oregon State 20.

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. Alabama (10-1) at Auburn (6-5) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Well, I hate to inform Auburn, but Alabama is no New Mexico State. How did that ever happen? Regardless, I hope Aubie has New Mexico State out of his system. He’s probably been taking a laxative all week. Strange things do happen in Alabama-Auburn games. And Hugh Freeze does have two wins over Nick Saban – when he was at Ole Miss. Like McCarthy, Harrison and Nix, Jalen Milroe can enhance his Heisman chances with a win and strong performance in this game. Aubie still needs some Ex-lax – Alabama 34, Auburn 20.

 

4. Kentucky (6-5) at Louisville (10-1) – (SEC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Louisville’s season was better than expected – much better. Kentucky’s season was quite frankly a disappointment. The Wildcats played decent defense. But they never got their offense going. Quarterback Devin Leary and running back Ray Davis were disappointments. Louisville not only plays pretty good defense but also the Cardinals have a good offense. Although their chances are extremely remote, the Cardinals could make the playoff. But don’t count on it. More likely, a New Year’s Six bowl is looking good for Louisville. Nothing Wild about these Cats – Louisville 23, Kentucky 19.

 

5. North Carolina (8-3) at NC State (8-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – This might be one of the better games of the day. NC State appears to be at the peak of its game. After benching quarterback Brennan Armstrong, the Wolfpack is back to relying on him. And Armstrong hasn’t disappointed. And with quarterback Drake Maye and running back Omarion Hampton, the Tar Heels are always a threat. The Wolf gets lost from the Pack – North Carolina 24, NC State 22.

 

6. UTSA (8-3) at Tulane (10-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 3:30 pm ET, Friday, ABC – Both of these teams are in the running for the AAC championship game. And it could turn out to be a rematch in the title game. They could play each other again the following week. The game could be a battle of the quarterbacks – Tulane’s Michael Pratt and UTSA’s Frank Harris. Both teams can score, but they aren’t the best on defense. Not the worst either. The Roadrunner gets wiped out by a Wave – a Green Wave – Tulane 30, UTSA 27.

 

7. Texas A&M (7-4) at LSU (8-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – Last year, the favored Tigers got knocked off by the Aggies – big time. This year the Aggies will be without Jimbo. That may or may not help them. I’m not sure anything can save the Aggies from Jayden Daniels. Jimbo may be glad he’s not around. Like McCarthy, Harrison, Nix and Milroe, Daniels can enhance his Heisman chances with a solid performance and a victory. It seems like Daniels almost single handedly has been winning games for LSU. A&M’s defense is not strong enough to defend him. Farmers taste good like an Aggie should. So says Mike –   LSU 27, Texas A&M 20.

 

8. James Madison (10-1) at Coastal Carolina (7-4) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – It won’t be a perfect season after all for James Madison. The Dukes blew it last week. But they can have the next best thing – a near perfect season. That is if they can get back up. I’m sure the Dukes are down in the dumps after that loss to App State. Coastal Carolina is no slouch. The Chanticleers beat App State – at App State. It may be a wild game. After Thanksgiving, the Dukes roast a Chicken – James Madison 29, Coastal Carolina 24.

 

9. Jacksonville State (8-3) at New Mexico State (9-3) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+ – Jacksonville State is like James Madison. The Gamecocks are in transition from FCS to FBS and can’t go to a bowl game. Jax State is playing for pride. New Mexico State has had an amazing season. Last week, the Aggies beat Auburn. Most years, New Mexico State has finished with records like 2-10 and 3-9. The Aggies turned it around last year when they finished 7-6, including a bowl win over Bowling Green. Much of the Aggies’ success is due to quarterback Diego Pavia. He is good. The Aggies feast on soup – Chicken soup – New Mexico State 28, Jacksonville State 27.

 

10. Iowa State (6-5) at Kansas State (8-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Kansas State still has a shot at the Big 12 title game. The Wildcats need a couple of losses from a couple of other teams. But the possibility is there. It’s been a good year for K-State. Iowa State has been up-and-down. Win one week, lose the next. It’s their week to win. But they don’t – Kansas State 23, Iowa State 20.  

 

There are five other interesting and intriguing games you should keep an eye on this weekend. They are Miami (Florida) (6-5) at Boston College (6-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Friday, ABC…..  and San Jose State (6-5) at UNLV (9-2) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday.

 

Georgia Southern (6-5) at Appalachian State (7-4) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU…..  Maryland (6-5) at Rutgers (6-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN…..  and Air Force (8-3) at Boise State (6-5) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 4 pm ET, Friday, FS1.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

West Virginia (7-4) at Baylor (3-8) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – Prior to the season, West Virginia was picked to finish last in the 14-team Big 12. Well, guess what? The Mountaineers are in 5^th place in the conference. What happened? WVU was a sleeper. And the Mountaineers woke up. WVU quarterback Jarrett Greene has made great strides. Rahiem White and C.J. Donaldson have opened up the running game. Now they need to finish off the season with a win at Baylor. The Bears are wounded. Wounded animals are dangerous. Baylor will be all out to win. The Bears lose their bearings – West Virginia 30, Baylor 23.

 

Florida State (11-0) at Florida (5-6) – (ACC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – I guess you could call this the Backup Bowl. Both teams will be going with backup quarterbacks. Both Jordan Travis and Graham Mertz suffered injuries last week. So, I guess we will find out who has the better backup. But it’s more than just quarterbacks. FSU has a good defense. Florida has a weak defense. With these two teams, anything can happen. The Noles make it happen – Florida State 27, Florida 24.

 

Iowa (9-2) at Nebraska (5-6) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Friday, CBS – For three games, Nebraska has had the opportunity to become bowl eligible. For three games the Huskers have failed to become bowl eligible – by 3 points, by 3 points and by 7 points in overtime. Nebraska has one last chance. But can they score against Iowa? Better yet, can Iowa score against Nebraska? I mean, seriously, the final score of this game may be 3-2. Iowa, perhaps, has the better defense. They both are equally bad on offense, but the Huskers offense is probably a little better. Nebraska is on its third quarterback of the season and this one, Chubba Purdy, may be the answer Huskers have been waiting for. Herky says no – Iowa 17, Nebraska 12.

 

Pitt (3-8) at Duke (6-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ACCN – The  Dookies have had a tough time of it lately. They have lost their last two games. Lost four of their last five games and lost five of their last seven games. Maybe they should have stopped while they were ahead. The good news for Duke is Pitt isn’t any better – actually worse. The Panthers have lost four of their last five games. Lost eight of their last 10 games. Wonder if anybody will be at the game? The Dookies piss on the Panthers – Duke 31, Pitt 21.

 

Georgia (11-0) at Georgia Tech (6-5) – (SEC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – This game may be over before it starts. The Dawgs have been playing awfully good lately. I guess that’s because Brock Bowers has been back. Still, the Dawgs didn’t miss a step. Like McCarthy, Harrison, Nix, Milroe and Daniels, Georgia quarterback Connor Beck can enhance his Heisman hopes with a win and a strong performance. The Yellow Jackets have been playing better lately too. They have won four of their last six games. So, Tech may make this interesting for a little while. But just a little while. Uga takes the sting out of Buzz – Georgia 31, Georgia Tech 17.

 

Texas Tech (6-5) at Texas (10-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Friday, ABC – All Texas has to do is win and the Longhorns are in the Big 12 title game. The Horns are at home. But Texas Tech loves to give the Horns a good fight. Texas running back Jonathon Brooks is out for the season with a knee injury. That hurts. Quinn Ewers will have to step up this game. Bevo has the Raiders seeing Orange – Texas 33, Texas Tech 19.

 

Indiana (3-8) at Purdue (3-8) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, BTN – Oh gosh, 3-8 vs. 3-8. This has to be the Woeful Bowl. I don’t know which team is more woeful than the other. Indiana coach Tom Allen may be fired after the game. Purdue is 2-6 in Big Ten play. Indiana is 1-7. Purdue does have the better offense and defense – slightly. Like Michigan, Indiana does not have mascot. Is that called apathy? Pete stands tall – Purdue 27, Indiana 26.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Miami (6-5) at Boston College (6-5) -- (ACC vs. ACC) -- 12 noon ET, Friday, ABC....

Houston (4-7) at UCF (5-6) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1….

Florida Atlantic (4-7) at Rice (5-6) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Western Kentucky (6-5) at FIU (4-7) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Charlotte (3-8) at South Florida (5-6) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“I don’t know when I’ve seen a worse coaching job by anyone than Lincoln Riley this year. He oughta pack up. I don’t really see that his path is moving forward,” Paul Finebaum.

 

“Maybe, Lincoln, you oughta look in the mirror. Maybe you’re just a total fraud as a coach,” Paul Finebaum on USC coach Lincoln Riley.

 

“I’m ready to be here through the peaks and the valleys to get it right. And we are going to get it right,” USC coach Lincoln Riley.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com