Preview and predictions for this weekend’s big games.
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
With the college football season in full swing and the bowl games just around the corner to finish up the year, each and every team is fighting for its rightful place in the BCS standings. These last games are considered by many to be the most important of the season, and many teams are facing bitter rivalries within their conference in order to maintain their position in the college football world.
Oklahoma vs. Nebraska (Big 12 Championship)
One of the biggest rivalries of all time between two powerhouses of college football is the game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Oklahoma Sooners. These two teams have a lot of history together, and are at the peak of their game at this point in the season. The Huskers come into this game with a record of 10-2 and a current BCS ranking of #13. The Sooners also have a 10-2 record, but a higher BCS ranking sitting in the top 10 at #9. This looks to be like a “clash of the titans” game as both teams are in great form coming off of big wins against conference opponents. I think OU has the edge in this game, however, as they are coming off of a huge win in the Bedlam series game against Oklahoma State which showed their great offensive talent and defensive prowess. Don’t get me wrong, the Huskers are a very talented football team and will give the Sooners a good fight. But in the end, the tough running of DeMarco Murray and the relentless pass rush of Jeremy Beal (leads BIG 12 with nine sacks and 18 tackles for losses) will be too much for the Huskers to handle. My prediction for the game will be a high scoring shootout with an OU victory and a final score of 34-28.
Oregon vs. Oregon State
Another big game in the upcoming weekend will be the Pac-10 rivalry game between the #2 ranked Oregon Ducks and the unranked – but still not to be underestimated – Oregon State Beavers. Oregon comes into the game with a perfect 11-0 record and an expected appearance in the national championship game. However, the Beavers look to rain on the Duck’s national title parade with a stunner of an upset. Both being in the Pac-10, these two teams have a long history with each other and have always gone back a forth with upsets and underdog victories. The Ducks should be cautious to not come into the game too confident and need to keep their eyes set on the current game rather than looking too far into the national title game if they want to win. However, I think the Ducks are just too talented to let something like this happen to ruin their hopes of greatness for the season. With the dynamic running game of Hesiman hopeful LaMichael James (who has over 1,500 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns), I predict the Oregon Ducks will roll over the Oregon State Beavers with a final score of 28-18.
Auburn vs. South Carolina (SEC Championship)
The last but certainly not least on my list of college football games to watch this weekend is the SEC championship game between the #1 Auburn Tigers and the #19 South Carolina Gamecocks. This will be a great game between the best of the south and will be a battle between the two high power offenses. Auburn is looking better than it has in years, and with the national title game just on the horizon, they will be looking to put this game in their rear view mirror and move on to their true test of the season. However, South Carolina is not to be looked over as they have a very impressive record against tough teams and are known for their upset fashioned wins, as seen in the game against Alabama earlier in the season. Coming off of a momentum building win against conference rival the Alabama Crimson Tide, I think the Auburn Tigers will ride this wave on the shoulders of Quarterback (and projected Heisman trophy winner) Cam Newton past the Gamecocks and onto the national championship. My prediction for the final in this one will be an outstanding offensive performance by Newton and a dominant win by Auburn with a score of 45-10.
