College Football Rivalry Week Predictions: OSU/Mich, Oreg.St/Ore, Kan St/Iowa.st, Minn/Wisc, UNC/NC St

College Football Rivalry Week Predictions

Week 12 belonged to Washington, Texas, New Mexico, and New Mexico State. Week 13 is rivalry week with the most important matchups from a national perspective residing in the Big-10 and Pac-12. Washington finally moved up along with FSU moving down a notch after a heartbreaking injury to the Seminoles signal caller. Still can’t believe 5 unbeaten teams exist with just two weeks left in the season along with those same 4 one-loss teams

Marquee Matchup

#2 Ohio State vs. #3 Michigan: This will be the 119th meeting between these two bitter rivals with the Wolverines leading the series 60-52-6. After 8 straight years of Ohio State dominating the series Michigan has won back to back years. Obviously UM won’t have their head honcho on the sidelines while he serves the last of a 3 game suspension. Both teams have elite level defenses so it will be interesting to see which offense can do any damage in the redzone. Michigan QB JJ McCarthy has the experience advantage on OSU QB Kyle McCord and both teams can run the ball with the edge going to the Wolverines with their 1-2 punch. All-world WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best player on either roster but can his QB deliver the ball consistently to him? Whichever squad has the ball last, whether needing to score late or in a victory formation, will win the game.

The Pick: Michigan -3

Under The Radar

#6 Oregon vs. #16 Oregon State: The fourth most contested rivalry in the country at 127 has another layer to it given to Ducks need to stay alive looking outside the Top-4 spots not to mention a trip to the league title game on the line. QB Bo Nix’s stellar year continues as Oregon has looked to be a better team after losing to Washington. Those pesky Beavers although not a home like last week versus the Huskies won’t be an easy out having nothing to lose. RB Damien Martinez will need to play a huge role if Oregon State wants to win this one. Also the Beavers defense must clean up their missed tackles given the plethora of skilled players on the Ducks roster. The Ducks won’t drop this important and sadly last meeting for a while anyway on their home field but the spread is likely a bit wide.

The Pick: Oregon wins but +13.5 

#19 Kansas State vs. Iowa State: K-State came back on Kansas in week 12 and now need to protect their home field on Saturday. Iowa State fought hard against Texas but weren’t able to get the job done. The Cyclones tend to knock off a ranked team or two every year but that generally happens in Ames. Even if the Wildcats struggle they should be able to get over the hump in this still important spot. Kansas State and Iowa State are pretty good on defense but it’s the Wildcats explosiveness on offense in both the run and pass that will be the difference.

The Pick: Kansas State -10

Saturday Upset Special

Rutgers as a slight home dog +1 beats Maryland.

Florida becomes bowl eligible spoiling FSU’s perfect record as a +6.5 home dog.

Hardcore Barnburners

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin: This border battle is the longest running rivalry in the FBS with Saturday’s game being the 133th meeting, 75th with Paul Bunyan’s axe on the line. PJ Fleck is looking to make it 3 in a row a feat for the Gophers that hasn’t happen since 1967-69. The Badgers have a better passing attack and that could be the difference beyond turnover margin.

The Pick: Wisconsin -2 

#22 NC State vs. North Carolina: The Wolfpack snuck into the Top-25 as the Tarheels were booted from a loss to Clemson. Offense versus Defense and the NC State crowd are the contest’s key. UNC has been barely getting by even in their late wins whereas NC State is hot currently on a 4-game winning streak. Keep an eye on this one in the 2nd half because it has all the ingredients of a razor-close finish.

The Pick: North Carolina -2.5

Against The Spread

Washington State +16.5 versus #4 Washington

Oregon State +13.5 versus #6 Oregon

Boston College +10.5 versus Miami

PODCAST LINK: http://tobtr.com/12290226

Quick Hits Recap & My Top-4 Plus 2 More!

-My Top 6: Georgia, Washington, Ohio State, Michigan, FSU, & Oregon.

-This will be the 3rd time Michigan and Ohio State meet as Top-3 ranked programs.

-Rumors swirl pertaining to Texas A&M willing to offer Kirby Smart 20-30 millions dollars per year to take over the duties of Aggies main man.

-LSU QB Jayden Daniels accounted for 8 touchdowns in a blowout over Georgia State.

-New Mexico earned their first win at Fresno State dating all the way back to 1984.

-With that upset by New Mexico the Mountain West is still up for grabs making the matchups even bigger between UNLV vs. SJSU and Boise State vs. Air Force.

-New Mexico State stunned Auburn 31-10 making it 7 straight wins for the Aggies. NMST outgained the Tigers 414-213.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio & Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio