Football Future-see 2013: Week Fourteen

RECORD

Week 1	8-2
Week 2	4-1
Week 3	4-1
Week 4	5-0
Week 5	5-0
Week 6	3-2
Week 7	2-3
Week 8	1-4
Week 9	4-1
Week 10	4-1
Week 11	4-1
Week 12	3-2
Week 13	4-1
Week 14	7-3
Champ Week
Bowl Week
Total	58-22	.725

51-19 on the year. Not too bad going into Week 14, but it could be better. Georgia lost yet another player. Florida lost yet another game. Baylor’s offense never showed up against Oklahoma State. And Oregon inexplicably found itself on the receiving end of a beatdown at the hands of Arizona. All in all, Alabama and Florida State held course. The biggest threat to Alabama is this week’s match up at Auburn. Florida State is nervously awaiting the news on QB Jameis Winston’s sex scandal. Meanwhile, Ohio State is quietly sneaking into the National Championship picture, poised to pounce should either top two team falter.

On to the picks… (All games on Saturday unless otherwise noted. All times Eastern Standard.)

Arkansas at 17 LSU (Friday 2:30pm, CBS).....CORRECT

This is usually a fun game. LSU has been a tad streaky this year, with an on-again-off-again defense, but they’re coming off a win over Johnny Football, which is a momentum builder any way you slice it. Arkansas is finishing out season one under former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema. A win here would do wonders for the program, but I don’t see it happening. LSU wins going away.

Final Score: LSU 34, Arkansas 14

Oregon State at 13 Oregon (Friday 7:00pm, FoxSports1).....CORRECT

Oregon may want to spray paint the phrase “42-16” on the wall of their locker room. Losing that badly to Arizona is shocking, and the Ducks are crazy if they don’t use it as a moment of soul-searching to determine just what kind of team they are. At the same time, Oregon State is coming up from Corvallis in what may be an ill-timed journey to Eugene for the Civil War. Much hinges on the status of Marcus Mariota, the Oregon QB, who took a knee to the head in the loss to Arizona. If he’s healthy, Oregon State better watch out. Ducks roll.

Final Score: Oregon 38, Oregon State 17

2 Florida State at Florida (12:00pm, ESPN).....CORRECT

The Gators have lost seven straight games. Their streak of bowl game appearances is over. In fact, Florida is coming off a loss to an FCS-opponent: Georgia Southern. So the Gators should be mad. In truth, Florida is so beat up that they likely won’t be able to muster much of anything against a high-octane offense like the Seminoles. The trick to this game is the Jameis Winston’s legal status. If the FSU QB is arrested in what is turning into a rather convoluted sex scandal case, then it might open the door for Florida, but I find that unlikely, given Florida’s injury situation. FSU wins.

Final Score: Florida State 42, Florida 14

3 Ohio State at Michigan (12:00pm, ABC).....CORRECT

The Big House should be rocking for this one, but there is a pretty vast gulf between these two teams. Ohio State is on the verge of their second consecutive undefeated season (ineligible for a bowl last year), and Michigan is just trying not to fall further down the rankings than they already are. The Buckeyes got a reprieve last weekend, as Baylor stumbled in Stillwater. Now the Wolverines host their rivals and the only thing it can gain Michigan is a bit of respect for the season. You can bet the Buckeyes will have one eye on the scoreboard all game long, watching to see what happens to Florida State and Alabama. That distraction will let Michigan keep it close, but the Buckeyes will still win.

Final Score: Ohio State 31, Michigan 24

1 Alabama at 4 Auburn (3:30pm, CBS).....INCORRECT

Arguably the biggest game of the season to date. Auburn has executed an incredible turnaround of fortunes. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is 0-5 when facing Auburn teams that go on to win 9 games or more. Auburn already has 9 wins this season. The Tigers required a miracle play against Georgia to reach that record, but it’s recorded as a win in the record book. This year’s Iron Bowl will feature probably the best two teams the SEC has to offer. Alabama is looking to once more win a National Championship. Auburn is looking for that chance. Right now, ‘Bama has the better shot, as Auburn would possibly need Ohio State or Florida State to lose one of their next two games. It’s possible, though, that the voters would elevate one-loss Auburn over undefeated Ohio State, if Auburn knocks off Alabama. Imagine the outcry from Big Ten country then…still, I think ‘Bama wins a close game.

Final Score: Alabama 30, Auburn 27

Georgia at Georgia Tech(3:30pm, ABC).....CORRECT

Georgia’s season continues to deteriorate, as QB Aaron Murray became the latest in a long line of Dawgs to suffer a knee injury this year. Replacement QB Hutson Mason, though, did a fantastic job guiding the Dawgs the rest of the way in their 59-17 win over Kentucky. That’s the most points Georgia has scored in a game since November 5, 2011. Now they face in-state rival Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson’s “run-run-run-maybe-pass-run” offense. The Dawgs will look to dominate early, stifling the run (don’t look now, but Georgia’s run defense has been one of the brightest spots for their young “D” all season) and forcing the Yellow Jackets to pass, which is definitely not their strong suit. Georgia wins.

Final Score: Georgia 35, Georgia Tech 17

6 Clemson at 10 South Carolina (7:00pm, ESPN2).....CORRECT

The Gamecocks of South Carolina can do nothing about reaching the SEC Championship Game. It’s out of their hands. They need Missouri to stumble against Texas A&M. Since they can do nothing to help or hurt that game, the best thing for Spurrier’s Gamecocks is to take to the field and take care of business against in-state rival Clemson. The Tigers have climbed back into the Top Ten, after being as high as #3 at one time. A devastating loss to Florida State removed Clemson from national title competition, but the Tigers still have their sights set on a BCS bowl. They must first dispatch South Carolina, which is no easy task. The Gamecocks are playing their best football of the year, and with their sights set on Atlanta, they should be able to play free and loose in this game. Clemson is a tough team, but at the end of the day, I like South Carolina to win at home in a close game.

Final Score: South Carolina 28, Clemson 26

25 Notre Dame at 8 Stanford (7:00pm, FOX).....CORRECT

The Fighting Irish have bounced around the polls this year, but we’ve known since the National Championship Game last season that Notre Dame was not as good as advertised. The Irish travel this week, heading out to Palo Alto for a meeting with Stanford on Saturday night. The Cardinal lost to USC recently, and USC lost to Notre Dame earlier this year. By the transitive property, Notre Dame should beat Stanford…don’t hold your breath waiting for it. Stanford’s front seven will confound the Notre Dame offense, and the Irish defense won’t have enough to stop Stanford from pulling away in the second half. Cardinal win.

Final Score: Stanford 32, Notre Dame 20

21 Texas A&M at 5 Missouri (7:45pm, ESPN).....INCORRECT

The Tigers of Missouri need only win and they claim a spot in the SEC Championship game in only their second year in the league. Standing in their way is fellow expansion member Texas A&M, the Flying Johnny Footballs. Missouri has been forced to play every game as though it were a playoff game, basically because they are. Just one conference loss would’ve sent Missouri home and allowed South Carolina into the SEC Championship Game. But Mizzou has so far held up their end of the deal, winning the necessary games, including going on the road to Ole Miss last week. Now, though, they welcome a dangerous team to Columbia. The Aggies are making a final bid to get BCS eligible (which will take some work, but never count out the voters). A win over Missouri, at Missouri, would be huge in that respect. I look for a big game from Johnny Manziel. Aggies score the upset.

Final Score: Texas A&M 31, Missouri 28

22 UCLA at 23 USC (8:00pm, ABC).....INCORRECT

There’s something to be said for rivalry games, in how they bring out the best in certain teams. It’s truly been a rollercoaster year for the Trojans of USC. The Down: Going on the road and getting annihilated at Arizona State, a beating so bad it caused the AD to fire Lane Kiffin before he even got on the plane to go home. The Up: Handing the reins to Ed Orgeron, who took over and turned the team around, even upsetting then-No.5 Stanford. Now people are clamoring for USC to make Orgeron the full-time head coach. UCLA, on the other hand, is 1-3 versus ranked teams this year, beating then-No.23 Nebraska in week two, but since losing to Stanford, Oregon, and Arizona State. The Bruins represent only the second ranked team that USC has played this season (at the time of the game [Notre Dame and Arizona State are now ranked]). The Trojans lost to Arizona State 62-41, leading to the Kiffin Firing Fiasco, and they lost to Notre Dame 14-10. Both games were on the road. This time, USC gets to play a home game against a ranked foe. I expect a close game, back and forth action all evening, but the Trojans have the momentum right now. USC wins.

Final Score: USC 27, UCLA 21

The Right Wing Top Ten (RWT10)

Week Seven of the Right Wing Top Ten. The teams, they go a tumblin’.

In this week: South Carolina, Wisconsin

Out this week: Baylor, Oregon

10. Wisconsin Badgers

I’m higher than most on Wisconsin, but this is a really good football team.

9. South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina is playing good football at the right time. A Saturday date with Clemson looms large.

8. Michigan State Spartans

Sparty claimed a berth in the Big Ten Championship, and now can look forward to meeting Ohio State for the conference title.

7. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State smothered Baylor, holding the Bears to season-lows in many offensive categories.

6. Clemson Tigers

Clemson crushed Citadel in a tune-up game for the battle with South Carolina for state supremacy.

5. Auburn Tigers

The Iron Bowl takes on great significance, as the winner will play for the SEC Championship.

4. Missouri Tigers

Missouri won at Ole Miss, and now needs only win at home against the Aggies to claim the SEC East’s spot in the SEC Championship Game.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

Alright, fine, I’ll move Ohio State to third. Jeez, Baylor, you had one job...

2. Florida State Seminoles

The annual Florida-Florida State game is upon us, but let’s be honest…does anyone think Florida has a chance? Much depends on the Jameis Winston situation.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Basically, all that stands between Alabama and a BCS National Championship Game berth is Auburn.

If the Playoff began today…

This is how I see the playoff shaping up, if it were to start today. Please note this does not necessarily reflect the RWT10 or the BCS Standings. This is how I think the committee would select. For the first time, I think a single conference gets two teams in. For the SEC haters, at least one of them would be eliminated after the semifinals.

#1	Alabama	vs	#4	Auburn
#2	Florida State	vs	#3	Ohio State

Bowl Projections

Here’s how I envision the bowl picture shaking out. Several changes this week, as losses (both of games and of players) ripple across the landscape.

Chick-fil-A Bowl: LSU vs Miami

LSU may end up being the fourth SEC West team chosen for a bowl game. Imagine that. The Tigers coming to Atlanta is usually good for business. Matching them with a bit of a hobbled team in Miami would provide an interesting game.

Capital One Bowl: South Carolina vs Michigan State

South Carolina just hung 70 on an inferior opponent. They could still reach the SEC Championship Game. Michigan State is already playing for the Big Ten Title. I think a match-up of these two teams would provide a great game.

Gator Bowl: Michigan vs Georgia

Georgia just lost star QB Aaron Murray to a torn ACL (who hasn’t torn their ACL for the Dawgs this year?), but I think they still end up in the Gator. Georgia and Michigan haven’t played since 1965…sounds like a good time to meet again.

Outback Bowl: Ole Miss vs Minnesota

Ole Miss is playing slightly ahead of schedule, I think, but it should be enough for a berth in the Outback. Minnesota has been the pleasant surprise of the Big Ten (or B1G, or Big 14, or whatever they’re doing now…)

Cotton Bowl: Texas vs Auburn

Texas would bring the fans to the Cotton Bowl. Auburn will bring the fans, as well. Let’s play this one.

Orange Bowl: Clemson (BCS at-large) vs Wisconsin (BCS at-large)

Clemson now slots into the Orange Bowl with FSU gone to the Title Game. The Orange Bowl has first crack at the at-large teams this year, and will likely lock down Wisconsin. The Badgers are playing great football and seeing them against Clemson would be a fantastic way to start the new year.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State (Big Ten Champ) vs Stanford (PAC-12 Champ)

In the Tradition-Is-The-Only-Thing-That-Matters Bowl, we have Ohio State and Stanford. Ohio State may be undefeated, but Stanford’s front seven may give them more than they can handle.

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State (Big XII Champ) vs Northern Illinois (BCS at-large)

Oklahoma State will play in the Fiesta, as beating Baylor hands them the Big XII Title. Northern Illinois has jumped Fresno State in the BCS standings, so slotting them in here makes a degree of sense.

Sugar Bowl: Texas A&M (BCS at-large) vs UCF (AAC Champ)

I still think the Sugar Bowl would love to have Johnny Manziel’s last collegiate game. The trick is, the Sugar likely gets stuck with the AAC Champion, Central Florida. (This assumes the voters pick A&M high enough to grant them BCS eligibility.)

BCS National Championship Game: Alabama (BCS #1 / SEC Champ) vs Florida State (BCS #2 / ACC Champ)

The Crimson Tide and the Seminoles appear to be on a collision course for the National Championship Game.

Football Future-see 2013: Week Thirteen

RECORD

Week 1	8-2
Week 2	4-1
Week 3	4-1
Week 4	5-0
Week 5	5-0
Week 6	3-2
Week 7	2-3
Week 8	1-4
Week 9	4-1
Week 10	4-1
Week 11	4-1
Week 12	3-2
Week 13
Week 14
Total	47-18	.723

Can there be a more heart-breaking loss than the one Georgia suffered on the Plains in Auburn? I can’t stand Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson (the CBS announce team for the game), but they made a pretty accurate statement in saying that even the forces of nature had aligned against Georgia this year. So I missed on that upset, and I missed on Texas knocking off Oklahoma State. I did, however, correctly pick USC to take down Stanford, and I feel pretty good about that one.

This week we’ve got three SEC conference games, one of which features ZERO ranked teams. We’ve also got a Big Ten match-up and a Big XII match-up. On to the picks…

19 Wisconsin at 25 Minnesota (3:30pm, ESPN).....CORRECT

The Golden Gophers of Minnesota are playing very well, and doing all they can to position themselves for one of the New Year’s Day bowl games in Florida. But they need to keep winning in order to pad their resume. So now is not a good time to be playing Wisconsin. The Badgers are playing their best football of the year at the right time. Since the Debacle in the Desert and the close loss to Ohio State, Wisconsin has been nothing short of dominant. They’ll look to continue that run, and make the case for an at-large BCS berth. I think Wisconsin wins, but Minnesota will keep this game a lot closer than the Badgers want it to be.

Final Score: Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 24

12 Texas A&M at 22 LSU (3:30pm, CBS).....CORRECT

It’s looking more and more like the Sugar Bowl will pass on Auburn and take Texas A&M, especially if the Aggie win out. The trick is that certain analysts from certain acronym networks also think the Sugar would pass on Alabama, should the Tide falter, in order to secure what is likely Johnny Manziel’s final collegiate game. Meanwhile, LSU is just trying to reach the finish this year. Injuries have started to mount for the Tigers, and QB Zach Mettenberger has, in a way, come back down to Earth after a sensational start. A&M wraps up with a road trip to Missouri, and it’s entirely possible that the Aggies get caught looking ahead. I like LSU in an upset here.

Final Score: LSU 34, Texas A&M 31

Kentucky at Georgia (7:00pm, ESPNU).....CORRECT

The Georgia-Auburn game will live in infamy. A phantom fumble recovery by Auburn, a probable non-touchdown by Aaron Murray, and the “Prayer in Jordan-Hare” catch on 4th-and-18 to give Auburn the win…It’s enough to make anyone a bit angry. And Mark Richt finally let it fly. On the fumble mentioned just moments ago, the Auburn player had the ball cradled behind his knee with one hand barely touching the ball. The Georgia defender had both hands on the ball and came away from the pile with the ball. The officials awarded the ball to Auburn…and Mark Richt snapped, drawing an unsportmanlike conduct penalty. I’d hate to be Kentucky this week, seeing as Georgia is angry, and is now healthier than they’ve been since the Tennessee game. Aaron Murray has a big day in his last home game as a Dawg. Georgia wins, handily.

Final Score: Georgia 41, Kentucky 17

8 Missouri at 24 Ole Miss (7:45pm, ESPN).....CORRECT

Ole Miss is, I still think, about a year ahead of schedule. They probably shouldn’t have beaten Texas this year, but then again, I called them to upset Texas last year and Texas blew them out. Ole Miss will only get better, as the Hugh Freeze recruiting classes take root. Missouri has finally learned the secret to SEC-football, which is conditioning. The Tigers last year simply were not conditioned to playing the hard 60 minutes that the SEC plays. They’ve learned, and because they’ve stayed healthier, by and large, than everyone else, they’ve also gained the advantage in the SEC East. Going on the road to Oxford is no easy task, but I think Missouri is up to it. Tigers win.

Final Score: Missouri 34, Ole Miss 24

4 Baylor at 10 Oklahoma State (8:00pm, ABC).....INCORRECT

The Baylor Bears are one of those teams that you keep watching to see when they’re going to trip up. But I’m not sure they will. The Bears offense is nigh-unstoppable. Their game against Texas Tech started with the Red Raiders putting up the first 14 points of the game. The next thing I knew, Baylor was up 28-14 and never looked back. Baylor is in the hardest stretch of their schedule, and it looks like it will pay dividends in the end. Win out, Bears, and you’ll jump Ohio State and be primed for jumping into the National Championship Game, should #1 or #2 falter. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, just knocked off Texas and claimed a top ten spot in the current BCS rankings. Even though the Cowboys currently sit tenth, no one is mentioning them as a potential at-large team. That could put a chip on their shoulder, but either way, it’ll be tough to beat Baylor. Bears win.

Final Score: Baylor 42, Oklahoma State 30

The Right Wing Top Ten (RWT10)

Week Six of the Right Wing Top Ten. Cardinal out; Sparty in.

In this week: Michigan State

Out this week: Stanford

10. Michigan State Spartans

The Spartan defense is the best in the nation. They can shut down just about anyone..

9. Auburn Tigers

The “Prayer in Jordan-Hare” keeps Auburn in the Top Ten.

8. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State resoundingly took down Texas, but they now face the best team in the Big XII, as Baylor comes to town.

7. Missouri Tigers

Mizzou goes to Ole Miss this week with a chance to further lock down their claim on the SEC East.

6. Oregon Ducks

Oregon took down the team that took down Stanford, and so they begin to climb once again.

5. Clemson Tigers

Clemson thrashed Georgia Tech and looks to continue solidifying its spot as the ACC’s fall-back team for the BCS (assuming FSU plays ‘Bama for the title).

4. Ohio State Buckeyes

Sorry, OSU, but so long as Baylor keeps winning, I’m keeping them ahead of you. It’s not that I think you’re not a good team, because you are. It’s just your schedule… c’mon, man.

3. Baylor Bears

Baylor was down 14-0 to Texas Tech. Then I blinked. When I opened my eyes again it was 28-14 Baylor and the rout was on.

2. Florida State Seminoles

FSU could’ve named their score against Syracuse. If they play ‘Bama for the National Championship, you better believe it’ll be a heck of a game.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Basically, all that stands between Alabama and a BCS National Championship Game berth is Auburn.

If the Playoff began today…

This is how I see the playoff shaping up, if it were to start today. Please note this does not reflect the RWT10 or the BCS Standings. This is how I think the committee would select. And Baylor would now be in, thanks to USC clearing that one-loss roadblock from our path. I think the voters will respect Baylor’s schedule over Ohio State’s, thus affording the Bears the #3 slot instead of #4.

#1	Alabama	vs	#4	Ohio State
#2	Florida State	vs	#3	Baylor

Bowl Projections

Here’s how I envision the bowl picture shaking out. These bowl projections account mainly for the BCS and mostly bowls associated with the SEC. Lots of change going on in the bowl projections this week. Stanford’s loss and some Sugar-speculation lead to big changes throughout.

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Auburn vs Miami

With the Sugar Bowl passing on Auburn, the Tigers look likely to tumble. The Chick-fil-A Bowl would be waiting with open-arms, especially if they could match them up against Miami.

Capital One Bowl: South Carolina vs Michigan State

Sparty versus Spurrier? That should be fun…

Gator Bowl: Michigan vs Georgia

Bowls tend to try and avoid having the same team over and over, but the chance to match-up Georgia and Michigan might be too much for the Gator Bowl to pass up. Yes, Georgia has four losses…but UGA travels well, and that counts when making bowl match-ups.

Outback Bowl: Ole Miss vs Minnesota

Ole Miss is playing slightly ahead of schedule, I think, but it should be enough for a berth in the Outback. Minnesota has been the pleasant surprise of the Big Ten (or B1G, or Big 14, or whatever they’re doing now…)

Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs LSU

Oklahoma State looks a better representative here than Oklahoma. Now that Texas A&M is in the Sugar, we might as well put LSU here. The only other option for the Cotton would be Auburn.

Orange Bowl: Clemson (BCS at-large) vs Wisconsin (BCS at-large)

Clemson now slots into the Orange Bowl with FSU gone to the Title Game. The Orange Bowl has first crack at the at-large teams this year, and will likely lock down Wisconsin. The Badgers are playing great football and seeing them against Clemson would be a fantastic way to start the new year.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State (Big Ten Champ) vs Oregon (BCS at-large)

Oregon and Ohio State in the Tradition-Is-The-Only-Thing-That-Matters Bowl. Ohio State may be undefeated, but I think Oregon would simply run over them.

Fiesta Bowl: Baylor (Big XII Champ) vs Fresno State (BCS at-large)

Baylor will play in the Fiesta, as I think they’ll win the Big XII outright. Fresno State, the highest-ranked non-AQ, will play them, which is easier travel for Fresno State fans. Baylor would probably win this one handily.

Sugar Bowl: Texas A&M (BCS at-large) vs UCF (AAC Champ)

Big changes here. I’ve now got Texas A&M in this game, because you have to believe the Sugar would want Johnny Manziel’s last college game. Matching them with UCF makes sense, because the Aggies don’t play defense, which would make this more of a game. If Alabama or Auburn winds up here instead of A&M, the beating they hand to UCF would be biblical.

BCS National Championship Game: Alabama (BCS #1 / SEC Champ) vs Florida State (BCS #2 / ACC Champ)

The Crimson Tide and the Seminoles appear to be on a collision course for the National Championship Game.

Football Future-see 2013: Week Twelve

RECORD

Week 1	8-2
Week 2	4-1
Week 3	4-1
Week 4	5-0
Week 5	5-0
Week 6	3-2
Week 7	2-3
Week 8	1-4
Week 9	4-1
Week 10	4-1
Week 11	4-1
Week 12	3-2
Week 13
Week 14
Total	47-18	.723

Back-to-back-to-back 4-1 weeks will make a game-predictor very happy. Of course, that’s only predicting game correctly at an 80% clip, which, while better than my overall .733, is still not great (considering I was pushing 87% correct through the first five weeks). Anyway, I suppose I could’ve picked some easy games this week in order to pad my stats…but that’s just not my style. In fact, I’m going with a couple of upsets that could really burn me. Of the five games on the slate, I’m taking the underdog in three of them. This is how you make a name for yourself in picking games, right?

This week we’ve got an ACC match-up on Thursday night, two Big XII games, a PAC-12 game, and the usual Georgia match (I know, only one SEC game this week…how weird is that?). On to the picks…

Georgia Tech at 8 Clemson (Thursday 7:30pm, ESPN)....CORRECT

Clemson has been on the slow-but-steady climb since being thrashed by Florida State. At this point in the season (with 4-5 weeks left, depending on your conference) several one-loss teams are still in the discussion for potential national championship game berths. Clemson needs a lot of help, though, as their one loss is a doozy. Georgia Tech is just playing out the season at this point. Tech has the same record as in-state rival Georgia, but has not played anywhere near the same level of competition. Georgia played more ranked teams in their first two games than Tech has played all year (to this point). I can’t see the Yellow Jackets going in to Death Valley and winning. Clemson keeps their dreams alive.

Final Score: Clemson 35, Georgia Tech 20

12 Oklahoma State at 24 Texas (3:30pm, FOX)....INCORRECT

The first of three upsets on the board this week (based on ranking alone). I think Texas will win this game, and here’s why… Texas is actually playing pretty good football right now. After stunning losses to BYU and Ole Miss, the Longhorns rebounded with a win over archrival Oklahoma. For all the talk of hot seats earlier this year, it appears as though Mack Brown might be safe, especially with Texas in the thick of the Big XII Title chase. Oklahoma State, however, is still really searching for that signature win of 2013. It’s not coming here. With this game being in Austin, I think that gives Texas just enough of an advantage to hold off the Cowboys.

Final Score: Texas 31, Oklahoma State 28

25 Georgia at 7 Auburn (3:30pm, CBS)....INCORRECT

This will be the 117th playing of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. The series record is tied 54-54-8. Georgia has won the last two meetings, including a 38-0 drubbing last season. The aggregate score for the previous 116 games is Georgia 1882, Auburn 1772. Last week, Georgia led Appalachian State 14-6 at halftime last week. After the break, the Dawgs poured it on, scoring 17 in the third and 14 in the fourth in route to a 45-6 Homecoming win. Auburn, meanwhile, hung 55 on Tennessee in Knoxville. Auburn’s only loss came at LSU in their fourth game. Since that time they’ve beaten Ole Miss at home, and gone on the road to topple Texas A&M, Arkansas, and the aforementioned Volunteers. After this game, the Tigers have two weeks to prep for the Iron Bowl, so it’s possible they’ll be caught looking ahead. Georgia is slowly getting healthier, but the injuries are simply too much to overcome this year. That said, funny things happen in this series. Thanks to the revised scheduling brought about by the SEC’s expansion, Georgia travels to Auburn for the second consecutive year. Road teams have won 31 of the 56 non-neutral-site games in this series (excluding the 8 ties). All that said, the head says Auburn wins. But I’m going with the heart on this one. Georgia in an upset.

Final Score: Georgia 30, Auburn 28

Texas Tech at 5 Baylor (7:00pm, FOX)....CORRECT

Baylor proved they were for real by dismantling Oklahoma last week, but it took the Bears a few minutes to really get going. For a while the Bears actually trailed 5-3. Texas Tech, meanwhile, has hit a rough patch. Personally, I think the Red Raiders are actually about a year ahead of schedule. For that reason, I can’t see them posing any particular threat to Baylor, especially in Waco. Texas Tech has a good offense, run by a particularly potent quarterback. It just won’t be enough this time. Baylor wins.

Final Score: Baylor 51, Texas Tech 31

4 Stanford at USC (8:00pm, ABC)....CORRECT

The latest game on our slate is also the game from which ESPN’s College GameDay will originate. This marks the third time in 2013 that GameDay has ventured to the West Coast. Stanford is coming off an emotional high, having taken down Oregon. Their reward for once again toppling the Ducks? A trip to LA to face the resurgent Men of Troy. USC recently hung 62 on Cal. Now, I know, it’s Cal, but hanging 62 on anyone is impressive. Stanford’s front seven on defense, though, can hang with anybody. I expect a close game (I wouldn’t be surprised if it took overtime), and I think USC can win. So, yeah, I’m calling for yet another upset.

Final Score: USC 24, Stanford 21

The Right Wing Top Ten (RWT10)

Week Six of the Right Wing Top Ten. Big time changes at the top.

In this week: n/a

Out this week: n/a

10. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State gets a tougher tests that previously imagined this week, as Texas has rebounded nicely from losses to Ole Miss and BYU.

9. Auburn Tigers

Auburn thrashed Tennessee and so they hold steady.

8. Oregon Ducks

Oregon once again lost to Stanford. It’s like that goofy tree is kryptonite to the Oregon super Duck.

7. Missouri Tigers

Missouri waltzed over Kentucky. A game at Ole Miss and a visit from Texas A&M stand between them and Atlanta in December.

6. Clemson Tigers

Clemson prepares for Georgia Tech Thursday night in Death Valley.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes

Sorry, OSU, but so long as Baylor keeps winning, I’m keeping them ahead of you. It’s not that I think you’re not a good team, because you are. It’s just your schedule… c’mon, man. Stanford honestly has a better resume to this point than you, even with the loss to Utah.

4. Stanford Cardinal

Stanford once again took down Oregon, and they get the #4 spot because of it. They’d be higher, but Baylor jumped them. Still first in line of the one-loss teams is a good place to be this time of year.

3. Baylor Bears

This may seem high for Baylor, but they are undefeated and they just dominated Oklahoma. They still have Texas and Oklahoma State on the schedule, though.

2. Florida State Seminoles

A 56-point margin of victory over a Wake Forest team that recently took Miami to the brink solidifies FSU’s hold on Spot #2.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Tide rolled over LSU rather easily. All that stands in their way now is the Iron Bowl in Auburn and the SEC Championship Game.

If the Playoff began today…

This is how I see the playoff shaping up, if it were to start today. Please note this does not reflect the RWT10 or the BCS Standings. This is how I think the committee would select, which is a sad reflection on our college football culture… So even though I think Baylor should be in, I really think the selection committee would take one-loss Stanford over undefeated Baylor right now.

#1	Alabama	vs	#4	Stanford
#2	Florida State	vs	#3	Ohio State

Bowl Projections

Here’s how I envision the bowl picture shaking out. These bowl projections account mainly for the BCS and mostly bowls associated with the SEC. The bowls mostly hold steady, especially for the BCS. The lower-tier bowls see some changes, though.

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Texas A&M vs Miami

Admit it, you would like to see this game…we all would. The chance to watch the Flying Johnny Footballs run roughshod over the ‘Canes…bring it on.

Capital One Bowl: South Carolina vs Michigan State

Sparty versus Spurrier? That should be fun…

Gator Bowl: Michigan vs Georgia

Bowls tend to try and avoid having the same team over and over, but the chance to match-up Georgia and Michigan might be too much for the Gator to pass up.

Outback Bowl: Ole Miss vs Minnesota

Ole Miss is playing slightly ahead of schedule, I think, but it should be enough for a berth in the Outback. Minnesota has been the pleasant surprise of the Big Ten (or B1G, or Big 14, or whatever they’re doing now…)

Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs LSU

Oklahoma State looks a better representative here than Oklahoma. Now that Auburn is in the Sugar, we might as well put LSU here.

Orange Bowl: Clemson (BCS at-large) vs Oregon (BCS at-large)

Clemson now slots into the Orange Bowl with FSU gone to the Title Game. The Orange Bowl has first crack at the at-large teams this year, and will likely lock down Oregon. Still, the Ducks vs Tigers would draw a lot of fans.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State (Big Ten Champ) vs Stanford (BCS at-large)

Stanford and Ohio State in the Tradition-Is-The-Only-Thing-That-Matters Bowl. Ohio State may be undefeated, but I think Stanford would give them all they could handle and then some.

Fiesta Bowl: Central Florida (AAC Champ) vs Baylor (Big XII Champ)

Baylor will play in the Fiesta, as I think they’ll win the Big XII outright. Their opponent is likely to be Central Florida, as the Fiesta is last in line of the at-large picking bowls. Baylor, for all their hopes and dreams, even if they go undefeated, is likely to only go as high as the Fiesta Bowl. Baylor still has dreams of bigger things, and those things could come to pass.

Sugar Bowl: Auburn (BCS at-large) vs Wisconsin (BCS at-large)

Wisconsin is a one-loss team. Don’t let their record fool you. That other loss is the result of shady PAC-12 officiating securing a win for their own conference. This would be a very good game. Unlike last week, I’m now projecting Auburn in the Sugar Bowl instead of Missouri.

BCS National Championship Game: Alabama (BCS #1 / SEC Champ) vs Florida State (BCS #2 / ACC Champ)

Alabama held up their end of the bargain and beat LSU. Oregon fell, so Florida State moves up. The Seminoles offense would love the chance to get their hands on ‘Bama. But, Notre Dame wanted ‘Bama, Texas wanted ‘Bama, several teams have wanted ‘Bama, only to be humbled at season’s end.