That was a crazy, chaotic week in college football last week, in which both numbers one and two went down in the same week for the first time since 2007 in which West Virginia and Oklahoma both went down in the final week of that regular season. Both teams were favored last week as well, with Kansas State being favored by four touchdowns and Oregon favored by two, along with Stanford's quarterback only making his second start, it was quite impressive. Now, with only two weeks left in the regular season, Notre Dame is in the driver's seat to be number one in the BCS standings heading into the national championship game where it is poised to face either Alabama or Georgia, whoever wins the SEC title game on December 1. As both of those teams sealed up their bids to the SEC title game a few weeks ago and now just have rivalry games to finish out the year against highly unmatched opponents in Auburn and Georgia Tech respectively. So, it just goes to show you that college football is highly unpredictable, as is the NFL, as there were nearly three big upsets last week. Now, with my record from last week: college 2-3, NFL 4-1, so above .500, which is what is normal. Finally, on to the picks!
College
#1 Notre Dame at USC, 8, ABC
This is Notre Dame's last hurdle before they can get in the national title game Janurary 7 in Miami. While Notre Dame has only won once since 2002, and that was in the rain in Los Angeles back in 2010. Now, Notre Dame has an advantage, seeing as how USC's star quarterback, Matt Barkley is out due to a shoulder sprain. That bodes well for Notre Dame's fantastic defense, but still go with USC because it is a rivalry game, in Los Angeles, and they've still got great skill players like Marqise Lee and the Penn State transfer Silas Redd.
Pick: USC 23, Notre Dame 21
#5 Oregon at #15 Oregon State, 3, PAC-12 Network
Shockingly, this game is airing on the PAC-12 Network, as it has PAC-12 north implications still, as if Oregon wins, combined with a Stanford loss, they will represent the north for the second consecutive season in the PAC-12 title game. Now, this is the Civil War, and in Corvallis, but Oregon coming off a loss is a very dangerous team. Just look at every season under Chip Kelly, when they've won after a loss. Plus, with players like Kenjon Barner, who can fly, and Marcus Mariota who is capable of managing the offense very well. Plus, Oregon's defense isn't that bad either. Oregon State meanwhile, after starting out 6-0, has gone just 2-2 since. And that record will fall to 2-3 after this game.
Pick: Oregon 47, Oregon State 16
#4 Florida at #10 Florida State, 3:30, ABC
Florida still has an outside shot at the national championship game, as long as Alabama, Notre Dame, and Georgia all lose, Florida is in. But, first they have to beat their rival Florida State, which they haven't done since Tim Tebow was there, back in 2009. Florida has played stellar defense since their loss to Georgia back in October. But, their quarterback, Jeff Driskel is questionable with a sprained ankle, and new quarterback Jacoby Brissett didn't look that good against division 1-AA Jacksonville State. Florida State meanwhile has everyone healthy, and their top ranked defense could have a field day with Florida's injuries.
Pick: Florida State 31, Florida 10
#8 Stanford at #17 UCLA, 6:30, Fox
While this isn't a rivalry game, it very well could be a preview of the PAC-12 title game coming in just a week. (Hard to believe this college football season is about done, right?) Anyway, a Stanford win clinches a rematch next Friday night in Palo Alto, while a UCLA win along with a Oregon win, results in the same PAC-12 title game as 2011 in the same spot, Eugene. And, both teams looked very good last week against Oregon and USC respectively. So, this is really a toss up game, go with the Bruins since they're at home.
Pick: UCLA 24, Stanford 20
#12 South Carolina at #11 Clemson, 7, ESPN
This is the last rivalry game on the agenda for this blog. But, there are other rivalry games this week, you can check those out on your own if you'd like. But, the Palmetto Bowl should be a very good game, as South Carolina's 13th ranked defense will go against Clemson's number four ranked offense. Now, Clemson has won seven in a row, and since the seniors have not had a chance to beat the Cocks during their tenure as Tigers, go with them.
Pick: Clemson 34, South Carolina 32
NFL
Seattle at Miami, 1, Fox
While this may not seem intriguing at the surface, it is because Seattle has to travel cross country to play a game at what would be 10 a.m. local time. Plus, Miami has to win or else any semblance of playoff hopes are gone. Plus, this battle of rookie quarterbacks should be fun to watch.
Pick: Seattle 17, Miami 13
Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1, Fox
This game is very intriguing, as it has the best team in the NFC at division rival and red hot Bucs squaring off. But, what is mind boggling, is that the game could be blacked out locally. Tampa has literally been riding its running back, Doug Martin to a few of its four consecutive victories. Tampa will also be trying to stop Michael Turner and the Atlanta offense. But, Atlanta has been playing very well throughout the season. The only reason why Atlanta should lose is because it's an away game, and they are kinda bad away from home.
Pick: Atlanta 26, Tampa Bay 20
Minnesota at Chicago, 1, Fox
Chicago has not been playing too well the past two weeks against very quality teams like Houston and San Francisco, losing to both. Now, with good weather, and they're at home, the question will be if they can bounce back against a division rival. Minnesota meanwhile has also not been playing too well, with their lone victory in the past three games coming two weeks ago against Detroit. The biggest advantage Minnesota has is that they're coming off a bye, and that will enable them to vault past Chicago in the standings.
Pick: Minnesota 20, Chicago 16
San Francisco at New Orleans, 4:25, Fox
New Orleans has also been on quite a roll lately, and this is the start of three consecutive games within a 14 day period where they will be tested to see if they're for real or not. San Francisco is just coming off a blowout win against Chicago, in which Colin Kapernick, making his first pro start, really played well overall. Kapernick has been named the 49ers starter this week, so we'll see how he fares in one of the toughest environments in the NFL. Personally, I think San Francisco is still upset about how they played against the Rams, and will show themselves to be one of the top teams in the NFC, and New Orleans dreams of the playoffs will come crashing down.
Pick: San Francisco 28, New Orleans 13
Green Bay at New York Giants, 8:20, NBC
This game should be fantastic, in a rematch of the one divisional game last year in which New York won on their way to their their third Super Bowl victory. This should be a hard fought, grind it out game, but one which also will showcase the quarterbacks, Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers. Just watch this game and allow it to really captivate you, which should be easy enough.
Pick: New York 26, Green Bay 23
Now, to everyone, have a very happy thanksgiving, and may it be a safe one! Hope your food turns out delicious, and be thankful for football as well as everything that you have, which others probably don't.
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