Week 13 College Football Picks and Results

Predictions
Tuesday
Middle Tennessee at Troy: This won't be an EASY Sun Belt Conference game for the Troy Trojans, but coming off a bye week and looking to run the table for a perfect regular season conference record, I have a hard time believing the 5-6 Blue Raiders will be able to win in Alabama on this day.
Troy 38 Middle Tennessee 24
Troy 45 Middle Tennessee 7 (1-0)

Thursday
USC at Arizona State: Both teams are coming off bye weeks, with the winner of this game becoming the front-runner in the Pac-10 race for the Rose Bowl. While my mind is telling me the game is in Tempe, Dennis Erickson is a fine coach, and ASU has been disrespected some this season, my gut is telling me otherwise. Pete Carroll is one of the best big-game coaches in the country, if not the best and with John David Booty back at quarterback for the Trojans, I look for USC to make a case to the BCS with a big Pac-10 road victory over 9-1 Arizona State.
USC 24 Arizona State 20
USC 44 Arizona State 24 (2-0)

Friday
Central Michigan at Akron: Central Michigan dropped their first conference game this past week in their loss to 4-8 Eastern Michigan by a field goal in their 48-45 defeat. Akron fell to Miami (Ohio) in a completely different style of ball game, losing to the Red Hawks by the final score of 7-0, where no offensive points were scored throughout the sixty minutes. With Akron having struggled mightily of late, I am going with the Chippewas, but expect anything but a 7-0 affair like the Zips experienced last week.
Central Michigan 38 Akron 24
Central Michigan 35 Akron 32 (3-0)

Nebraska at Colorado: One of the only solid records that head coach Bill Callahan has accomplished through his almost four years at Nebraska is his team's record after bye weeks. Both clubs experienced the bye this past weekend. BUT, the real question I have to ask both teams is, who is going to come out and play with the most energy, passion, and want the game more in the end? Nebraska has shown a lack of determination and passion throughout the season up until their most recent game against Kansas State. Will the players truly want to win one for Callahan, in hopes that Osborne will hang onto the coach for at least one more year? Will Colorado want to avenge last year's embarrassing loss to the Huskers, where Callahan appeared to run up the score on the lowly Buffaloes of a year ago? The winner of this game becomes bowl eligible and with it being played in Boulder and the Buffs having circled this game directly following the contest a year ago, I'm tentatively going with them.
Colorado 27 Nebraska 24
Colorado 65 Nebraska 51 (4-0)

Mississippi at Mississippi State: The Egg Bowl has more meaning this year than in years past, especially for the home team in Starkville. This being head coach Slyvester Croom's fourth season with the Bulldogs of Mississippi State, the team is 6-5 and poised to go bowling for the first time in Croom's tenure. A win at home against in-state rival Ole Miss should seal their fate, as they finish 4-4 in conference and 7-5 overall.
Mississippi State 24 Mississippi 17
Mississippi State 17 Mississippi 14 (5-0)

Wyoming at Colorado State: This game features two teams who are reeling. Wyoming started the season at 4-1, including a 23-3 victory over now 9-2 Virginia. They only needed to finish the season, at worst, 2-5 in order to become bowl eligible. Easy enough, right? Not so fast! Since then, the Cowboys are a miserable 1-5 and need a victory in their regular season finale just to have an opportunity to get invited to a bowl game, which is unlikely. Colorado State, meanwhile, is 2-9 and coming off an eight-point victory over I-AA Georgia Southern (Jah Soh). With the game in Fort Collins and the Cowboys playing so badly that I don't think they could beat anyone in the Mountain West Conference right now, I'm going with the Rams to close out the season with two consecutive wins in what may be the final season for Sonny Lubick with the team.
Colorado State 31 Wyoming 24
Colorado State 36 Wyoming 28 (6-0)

Arkansas at LSU: This is an interesting match-up and I would be tempted to go with an upset if the game were played in Little Rock. BUT, Arkansas' offensive strength, which is without question, their running game, plays right into the hands of LSU's strength on defense- their front seven. Arkansas will need to prove to LSU coaches that they can throw the football in order to free up some space for Darren McFadden in the run game. I don't see this happening and see LSU heading to the SEC Championship Game as the #1 team in the land.
LSU 31 Arkansas 17
Arkansas 50 LSU 48 3OT (6-1)

Toledo at Bowling Green: With Bowling Green playing at home and playing probably the best football of any team in the MAC right now, I'm going with the Falcons to improve to a league best 8-4 on the season.
Bowling Green 49 Toledo 38
Bowling Green 37 Toledo 10 (7-1)

Texas at Texas A&M: It's already been made official. A&M head coach, Dennis Franchione, is on the way out following this season. A&M is a disappointing 6-5 on the year and is attempting to play themselves out of a bowl game. Texas, meanwhile, is 9-2 and could lay claim to being the luckiest 9-2 team in the country if Virginia wasn't 9-2 also. With the game at College Station and A&M being extra motivated in Franchione's possible last game as head coach there, I'm taking the Aggies in an upset of the Longhorns.
Texas A&M 24 Texas 21
Texas A&M 38 Texas 30 (8-1)

Boise State at Hawaii: Hawaii has gotten lucky time and time again this year. They have beaten San Jose State (4-7), Louisiana Tech (5-6), Fresno State (6-4), and Nevada (5-5) by a combined 17 points, two of the games coming in overtime. These teams have a combined record of 20-22 (.476). Sadly enough, these four opponents are probably the four best that Hawaii has encountered this season. In saying that, I'm taking the 10-1 and BCS-potentially bound Broncos to win the WAC with a victory in Honolulu. It doesn't matter if Colt Brennan plays or not, I think BSU has too much for the so-called Warriors.
Boise State 45 Hawaii 38
Hawaii 39 Boise State 27 (8-2)

Saturday
Miami (Florida) at Boston College: If Duke didn't play in the same conference, Miami could proudly state that they are playing the worst football in the ACC currently. In the past two weeks, against Virginia and Virginia Tech, the Hurricanes have been outscored 92-14 (average of 46.0 - 7.0). THE U is in need of a victory here in order to just become bowl eligible. It's possible, but I can't see it happening, as BC goes on to face the winner of Virginia Tech/Virginia in the ACC Championship Game.
Boston College 31 Miami (Florida) 13
Boston College 28 Miami (Florida) 14 (9-2)

Maryland at North Carolina State: As both teams come into the game at 5-6, the winner of this game will become bowl eligible and the other won't even have the slightest chance of being invited to a bowl game. NC State has shown solid improvements throughout the course of the season under first year head coach, Tom O'Brien, but Maryland has definitely been the more consistent of the two and I look for Ralph Friegen to take his Terps bowling yet again.
Maryland 24 North Carolina State 20
Maryland 37 North Carolina State 0 (10-2)

South Florida at Pittsburgh: Pitt fought hard in their 20-16 loss to Rutgers this past weekend, but the close games just have not gone the way of the Panther this year, as they've fallen to Michigan State (7-5), Louisville (5-6), and Rutgers (7-4) by a total of 15 points. Well, sorry Pitt fans, but don't even expect a close battle like those three in this one. South Florida appears to be back on their game following their three game slide. USF finishes the regular season at 9-3 and will head to a bowl game.
South Florida 31 Pittsburgh 13
South Florida 48 Pittsburgh 37 (11-2)

Virginia Tech at Virginia: Virginia has had a knack for winning all the close games this year. At this point, Virginia Tech head coach, Frank Beamer, is probably praying to the football gods that this game is not decided by 1 or 2 points. Fortunately for Beamer, he shouldn't have to worry about that. The Hokies are playing some of the best football in the country right now and are finally clicking in all three phases of the game. I look for Virginia to hang tough for about three quarters, but for VT's defense to deliver the final blow in the 4th quarter. Tech improves to 10-2 and heads to the ACC Title Game for a rematch with Boston College.
Virginia Tech 27 Virginia 17
Virginia Tech 33 Virginia 21 (12-2)

Connecticut at West Virginia: This is not a game for the Mountaineers to take lightly and if it were played in Bristol, I may go with the Huskies. West Virginia's offense is one of the quickest in the country, but they also have had a knack for turning the ball over at times this year, as was illustrated in their 28-23 win over Cincinnati on Saturday. UConn has done anything but beat themselves this year, so if West Virginia gets sloppy, this could get very interesting. But, in Morgantown, I don't see that happening. Pat White continues to make a case for the Heisman and West Virginia improves to 10-1 going into their final regular season game against Pittsburgh.
West Virginia 31 Connecticut 17
West Virginia 66 Connecticut 21 (13-2)

Tulane at East Carolina: With a week off to recuperate from their embarrassing 26-7 loss to then 1-8 Marshall, East Carolina should up their record to 7-5 with a home victory over 4-7 Tulane (4-8 after this one). Skip Holtz hopes that will be enough for a bowl berth. We shall see.
East Carolina 45 Tulane 28
East Carolina 35 Tulane 12 (14-2)

Buffalo at Kent State: Following a couple of disappointing losses to put the Bulls out of bowl contention, I look for Buffalo to defeat the struggling Golden Flashes of Kent State, who have fallen to 3-8 on the season. Buffalo finishes the year at 5-7, which for them, is like a ten win season for a major conference team.
Buffalo 31 Kent State 17
Buffalo 30 Kent State 23 OT (15-2)

Tennessee at Kentucky: The Volunteers were very fortunate to walk out with a 25-24 victory over Vanderbilt this past Saturday. All they need is a win this upcoming Saturday to assure them a berth in the SEC Title Game against LSU. All that stands in their way is the 7-4 Kentucky Wildcats. With the game on the road and Kentucky seriously wanting to avenge for their recent slide, I look for Andre' Woodson to lead his club to a big SEC victory, which makes Georgia, LSU's opponent in the SEC Title Game.
Kentucky 31 Tennessee 28
Tennessee 52 Kentucky 50 4OT (15-3)

Miami (Ohio) at Ohio: Following a bye week, Ohio should be rested and revved up for this conference and regular season finale. Miami did not look overly impressive in their 7-0 victory over 4-7 Akron this past week, where their offense didn't score a single point on the Zips' defense. They're certain to score a few points on the horrendous Bobcat defense, but not enough on the road, as the Frank Solich led Bobcats finish the season at 6-6.
Ohio 38 Miami (Ohio) 31
Ohio 38 Miami (Ohio) 29 (16-3)

SMU at Memphis: With the game at Memphis and the Mustangs coming in at 1-10 and not showing (m)any signs of improvement, I look for the Tigers, under Tommy West, to improve to 7-5 and make a case for a bowl invite.
Memphis 35 SMU 24
Memphis 55 SMU 52 3OT (17-3)

Wake Forest at Vanderbilt: Wake Forest has been very up and down of late. Following their 34-point loss to Clemson two weeks ago, they pounded on North Carolina State in the 4th quarter en route to a 20-point victory over the Wolfpack. Vandy is coming off a heartbreaking 25-24 loss to in-state rival Tennessee this past Saturday and are still in need of one more win to become bowl eligible. At home and facing a streaky ACC club, I look for them to do just that. They just better not experience a hang-over, because Wake will pound them if that's the case.
Vanderbilt 27 Wake Forest 24
Wake Forest 31 Vanderbilt 17 (17-4)

Utah at BYU: The battle of Utah between the 8-3 Utes and the 8-2 Cougars. Mountain West Conference champion, BYU, is ranked for the rest time this season and the rising in the polls may come to an abrupt halt following this game. Utah has been playing probably the best football in the MWC for the past two months and I don't look for that to end in this game. Utah finishes the season at 9-3 and sends BYU to 8-3.
Utah 34 BYU 27
BYU 17 Utah 10 (17-5)

UTEP at Central Florida: UTEP is reeling and Central Florida is looking better with each successive week. The Miners have dropped five straight en route to their 4-7 record and Central Florida is on a roll, especially offensively, at 8-3 on the season. Even on the road, I see UCF winning this one, but at home, that leaves little to no doubt in my mind that the Golden Knights finish the regular season at 9-3 and head to the Conference-USA Title Game to probably face Tulsa.
Central Florida 63 UTEP 31
Central Florida 36 UTEP 20 (18-5)

Temple at Western Michigan: The two teams have accomplished different feats this season. Temple has definitely overachieved in their first season in the MAC, as they head into this game at an even 3-3 in conference play and 4-7 overall, while Western Michigan has underachieved, at 4-7. With the game in Kalamazoo and the Broncos coming off a big 28-19 win over Iowa, I look for WMU to ride that momentum and win this one to finish the disappointing season at 5-7.
Western Michigan 27 Temple 17
Western Michigan 16 Temple 3 (19-5)

Tulsa at Rice: There should be little questioning in the outcome of this game. With Tulsa's high-flying offense, they should cruise to their ninth victory of the season against the Owls.
Tulsa 56 Rice 24
Tulsa 48 Rice 43 (20-5)

Arkansas State at Southern Mississippi: Southern Miss has had quite a down year for them under head coach, Jeff Bower, but have an opportunity to close up the regular season with a home victory to potentially send them off to a bowl game with a 7-5 record. Arkansas State's only two wins in their previous five games have come against 0-10 Florida International (by 3) and 1-9 North Texas (by 4). I'd say the chances are pretty good for Southern Miss to end the year on a high note with a win in this one.
Southern Mississippi 34 Arkansas State 13
Southern Mississippi 16 Arkansas State 10 (21-5)

Notre Dame at Stanford: Not only did the Irish win last week (their second of the season), but they won by a comfortable 21 points. Granted, it was against 1-10 Duke, but Notre Dame was just 1-9 going into that game, as well, so for them, that's pretty impressive. They now go on the road to face 3-7 Stanford and although I'd like to see Jim Harbaugh's club pound the Irish on Saturday, I just don't see that happening. Notre Dame closes the season with two consecutive victories to finish the year at 3-9.
Notre Dame 24 Stanford 17
Notre Dame 21 Stanford 14 (22-5)

Oregon at UCLA: The luck of the Duck must be the polar opposite of the supposed luck of the Irish. Oregon quarterback and Heisman frontrunner, Dennis Dixon, was lost in Oregon's defeat at the hands of Arizona last Thursday night, and the senior is done for the season. Oregon's complexion was completely different with and without the star quarterback. At UCLA, without the dual-threat sensation behind center and the Bruins coming off a much needed bye week, I see UCLA pulling off the upset in this one. Both clubs are battling big-time injury problems, especially on the offensive side of the ball, but Dixon is without a doubt, the biggest loss of the bunch and unfortunately, Oregon will not be the same club without him.
UCLA 31 Oregon 24
UCLA 16 Oregon 0 (23-5)

Georgia at Georgia Tech: Georgia is playing some of the best ball in the country and I don't see that ending in Atlanta. This game is irrelevant to their hopes of facing LSU in the SEC Title Game, but can aid them in potentially earning an at-large BCS berth. The Bulldogs continue their winning ways and improve to 10-2 on the season, praying that Kentucky can defeat Tennessee.
Georgia 24 Georgia Tech 10
Georgia 31 Georgia Tech 17 (24-5)

Utah State at Idaho: Here we go...the match-up we've all been looking forward to, between the WAC's two finest teams. If there was ever a WAC showdown this weekend (forget about Boise State and Hawaii), this would be it: 1-10 Utah State vs. 1-10 Idaho! The pick is in... Utah State finishes their regular season with two consecutive wins. Not bad, considering they didn't have any through the previous ten games.
Utah State 31 Idaho 24
Utah State 24 Idaho 19 (25-5)

Duke at North Carolina: Carolina has been masterful at losing the close games this year. Duke has given a couple teams a tussle, but has lost that fight down the stretch and while things should remain close through about a half, UNC should pull away in the second, due in large part to their speedy receivers. UNC finishes Butch Davis' first year in Chapel Hill at 4-8.
North Carolina 31 Duke 17
North Carolina 20 Duke 14 OT (26-5)

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma: Just how good is Oklahoma? They've looked great at times this season, on both sides of the ball, but have seemingly fallen asleep at others, especially on defense, in allowing 27 points to Colorado and 34 to Texas Tech this past weekend. With the game in Norman and Oklahoma State's defense being ranked as one of the very worst in the country, I'm going with the Sooners, but if their defense lacks focus as it showed on a couple of occasions this year, Okie State could make things very interesting.
Oklahoma 38 Oklahoma State 24
Oklahoma 49 Oklahoma State 17 (27-5)

Kansas State at Fresno State: For how poorly the Wildcats are playing right now and Fresno being well rested coming off a bye week, I just can't find it in me to pick K-State. The Wildcats finish the season at a very disappointing 5-7 and Fresno improves to 7-4 on the year.
Fresno State 31 Kansas State 27
Fresno State 45 Kansas State 29 (28-5)

Nevada at San Jose State: Nevada could be a little rusty at the outset, due to their heartbreaking two-point loss to unbeaten Hawaii this past week, but they should wake up with plenty of time to spare, as they improve to 6-5 on the season and with that, become bowl eligible. SJSU closes the season at a disappointing 4-8.
Nevada 31 San Jose State 20
San Jose State 27 Nevada 24 (28-6)

Western Kentucky at North Texas: Western Kentucky gave 7-3 Troy a run for their money earlier in the season and keeping that in mind, I have to believe they SHOULD be able to defeat 1-9 North Texas in this one. The Mean Green have shown some signs of improvement over the past month of the season, but I'm going out on a limb and picking the Hilltoppers to finish the season at 8-4.
Western Kentucky 31 North Texas 24
North Texas 27 Western Kentucky 26 (28-7)

Ball State at Northern Illinois: I only have a few words of wisdom for this one: Ball State- pretty good (MAC relative), Northern Illnois- not good at all.
Ball State 31 Northern Illinois 10
Ball State 27 Northern Illinois 21 (29-7)

UAB at Marshall: I think I'd pick the home team in this one, regardless if it was played in Birmingham, Alabama or in West Virginia. It being played at Marshall, I'm going with the Thundering Herd to improve to 3-9 on the year, with UAB dropping to 2-10.
Marshall 28 UAB 17
Marshall 46 UAB 39 (30-7)

Florida State at Florida: It's tough for me to pick against the Gators in this game. They have far more talent on both sides of the ball than the Seminoles and overall, have played much better football than FSU this year. BUT, FSU has shown some signs of life recently. While the final score of their game with Virginia Tech was nothing to smile about, it was also very misleading, as Florida State led the Hokies by 1-point fairly late in the contest. They also held off a decent Maryland squad at home this past weekend in FSU's 24-16 win and not long ago, the Seminoles won a huge road game against then 2nd ranked and undefeated Boston College 27-17. While it's difficult for me to pick against the Gators here, I wouldn't be surprised if FSU pulled off the upset.
Florida 27 Florida State 24
Florida 45 Florida State 12 (31-7)

UNLV at New Mexico: New Mexico has been struggling of late, but with the game at home and facing a team that is struggling even more so than they are, I look for the Lobos to finish the regular season with a solid record of 8-4.
New Mexico 28 UNLV 17
New Mexico 27 UNLV 6 (32-7)

Washington State at Washington: Huskies' quarterback Jake Locker is questionable for this game, but I don't think that'll matter. UW put up 37 points on California in their 37-23 win over the Bears this past week and if they play anything like they did this past Saturday against the 4-7 Cougars of Washington State, Ty Willingham and his club should be able to finish the season at 5-7.
Washington 27 Washington State 20
Washington State 42 Washington 35 (32-8)

Louisiana-Monroe at Louisiana-Lafayette: I'll take the team that just upended Alabama in Tuscaloosa this past Saturday. UL-Monroe finishes the regular season at an even 6-6 with a win over the Rajun' Cajuns.
Louisiana-Monroe 31 Louisiana-Lafayette 24
Louisiana-Monroe 17 Louisiana-Lafayette 11 (33-8)

Florida Atlantic at Florida International: Howard Schnellenberger's 5-5 Florida Atlantic Burrowing Owls vs. 0-10 (0-22) Florida International Golden Panthers. After playing competitively with Florida for a half, I'm going with Schnelly and the now 6-5 and bowl eligible Owls.
Florida Atlantic 31 Florida International 17
Florida Atlantic 55 Florida International 23 (34-8)

Clemson at South Carolina: Clemson had scored 191 points in four consecutive wins up to their Saturday night game against Boston College, where they managed to just score 17 in their 20-17 loss to BC, the loss sending BC to the ACC Title Game instead of Tommy Bowden's Tigers. With the hang over in effect and Spurrier's club coming off a much needed bye week, I'm taking the Gamecocks to get back on track with a big rivalry win at home to improve to 7-5 on the season.
South Carolina 27 Clemson 24
Clemson 23 South Carolina 21 (34-9)

Cincinnati at Syracuse: Just like I said with Duke a couple weeks ago and feeling obligated to pick their opponent in ACC games, I feel the same way about Syracuse this year. Cincinnati wins and improves to 9-3 on the season. The Orange finish the year at a woeful 2-10.
Cincinnati 34 Syracuse 10
Cincinnati 52 Syracuse 31 (35-9)

Alabama at Auburn: The Crimson Tide have lost three straight, including an embarrassing home loss to 5-6 Louisiana-Monroe of the Sun Belt Conference this past weekend. Auburn took the week off to relax and revel in their inner-state rival's troubles. With the game at home and playing much better football of late than the Tide, I look for the Tigers to win the Iron Bowl in another hard fought, low-scoring affair.
Auburn 20 Alabama 10
Auburn 17 Alabama 10 (36-9)

TCU at San Diego State: After struggling off and on through the majority of the season, I look for Gary Patterson's Horned Frogs to end the year on a two game winning streak en route to a 7-5 regular season campaign.
TCU 27 San Diego State 13
TCU 45 San Diego State 33 (37-9)

Missouri vs. Kansas: The mysteries surrounding these two clubs far surpass the absolutes. Neither club has faced too many worthwhile opponents throughout the course of the season. Kansas' most impressive win may be that against 6-5 Oklahoma State or 6-5 Texas A&M. Missouri's has to be their season-opening victory against now 9-3 Illinois. As is true in most games, but especially in this one with two high-powered offenses going head-to-head, the key in this game will be turnover margin and ill-timed penalties. With Chase Daniel and some very speedy receivers to throw to, especially in the case of Jeremy Maclin, I look for them to take advantage of the KU secondary, which has been shaky at times this season (just ask Nebraska). Kansas will score some points on Mizzou's bend, but don't break-style of defense, but not enough to catapult them to 12-0 with a chance at an undefeated season. Missouri faces off with Oklahoma in the Big XII Title game.
Missouri 45 Kansas 38
Missouri 36 Kansas 28 (38-9)

Ineligible Games
Texas Southern at Houston

Week 13 Record: 38-9 (.809)
Overall Record: 435-186 (.700)