Now that conference play is in full swing, we are getting a much better slate of games. This week we have a solid group of games and there were probably one or two that could be on this list that couldn’t make the cut. Last week I had another 3-2 week bringing my season record to 24-7. Lets get to it.
5) #9 Texas A&M Aggies at Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels comes into this game reeling after dropping two straight conference games. Linebacker Serderius Bryant admits the team got complacent after the 3-0 start which is a sign of a young team that got its first taste of success. The problem is, they now run in a Texas A&M team that is quietly lurking in the shadows with their great offense. Johnny Manziel has this offense humming and the defense is getting its guys back from suspension. I think the home crowd helps Ole Miss start fast but A&M will weather that early storm and beat the Rebels in Oxford by 17.
4) #19 Northwestern Wildcats at Wisconsin Badgers
This is a huge game for Northwestern. They have been close to getting signature wins the last two seasons against Nebraska, Michigan, and last week Ohio State but unable to seal the deal. A loss here will cement the label that they can be average teams but no one good. Wisconsin is an interesting team. They still have the same potent rushing attack but have dropped 2 close games to ASU and OSU. It will be difficult to see Northwestern going into Camp Randall and winning. This one comes down to who makes the big mistake and I don’t see UW making it even though the Wildcats lead the conference in forced turnovers. The Badgers will a close one behind Melvin Gordon on the ground.
3) #2 Oregon Ducks at #16 Washington Huskies
The site of College Gameday will be rocking when the Huskies host the high flying Ducks. Oregon has won 17 straight road games and beaten Washington 9 straight times. With the heartbreaking loss to Stanford last week, this game has trouble written all over it for the Huskies. They are a physical football team which gives Oregon trouble, however I just don’t think they have the talent to keep up with the Ducks. My Heisman front-runner Marcus Mariota hasn’t even played a full game yet because the team is winning by an average of 47 points. Even without RB De’Anthony Thomas I think Washington keeps it close in the first half, then Oregon pulls away winning by double digits.
2) #17 Florida Gators at #10 LSU Tigers
We have high stakes in this one. The loser of this game is out of National Championship contention. If Florida wins, they have to be considered the favorites in the SEC East with all the injuries for UGA. This game will be no easy task though. The Gators have to go to Death Valley to face and LSU team that finally has an offense. This one comes down to which is for real: Florida’s defense that hasn’t played good competition in conference or LSU’s offense that has played pretty good competition? I say Zach Mettenberger shows this offense is for real at home and the Tigers win by 10.
1) #12 Oklahoma Sooners vs Texas Longhorns
As one of the best rivalries in college football, the Red River Rivalry earns the top spot in my top 5. Last year OU won 63-21 over the Longhorns. Defense has been the issue for Texas this season and they won’t get any relief from an OU team that has averaged 54 points against them the last two years. The Sooners are averaging 246 rushing yards per game behind QB Blake Bell and the UT run defense has been awful this year. The biggest question about this game is if Bob Stoops will run it up bad enough for Mack Brown to get the Lane Kiffin treatment? Still, it should be a fun game because of the rivalry. Sooners win big, nailing the final nail in Mack Browns coffin.