Since my last post Notre Dame has hired Marcus Freeman (so Fickell will likely be staying put) and Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall has decided to step away after this season.
There are fewer games this weekend, but they are all ranked matchups so quality>>quantity.
The Playoff picture is far from set. There are many possible scenarios that could come out of this weekend, making these games extremely important.
Playoff Predictions:
Georgia
Michigan
Oklahoma State
UC
My Heisman Candidates:
Kenneth Walker III MSU RB
Kenny Picket Pitt QB
Aiden Hutchinson Michigan DE
NOT Bryce Young
My Picks:
Last week I was 8/11
(1)Georgia vs (4)Alabama: The Dawgs need to get an early lead and never let it go. Years of bent up frustration for Georgia fans of being second fiddle to Bama will likely come into play. After Alabama’s last two games, I don’t see any way the Tide can win. They are not strong at the line of scrimmage at all. Georgia should be able to completely dominate them there. The Georgia defense is so strong, I wonder how low they will keep Alabama's score. The only issue could be UGA’s offense, but Stetson Bennet is actually not that bad, and WR George Pickens has returned from his ACL injury. I think Georgia will finally overcome Alabama and continue on their way to a likely national title.
(2)Michigan vs (15)Iowa: Iowa is essentially a worse version of Michigan. Both teams are dominated by their defense and rely heavily on the run game. However, Iowa has a far less capable offense than Michigan. Both defenses are allowing an average of 17 points per game, but in the past weeks the Wolverine’s have been destroying opponents' offenses. Defensive End Aiden Hutchinson has racked up 13 sacks and is projected to be a top 5 pick in the draft. I think this game could start out scrappy, especially with Michigan coming off the high of beating OSU. However, in the second half Michigan should pull away to win the Big 10 and secure their first ever Playoff bid.
(3)UC vs. (16)Houston: While UC has received all the media attention for the group of 5 this season, Houston has quietly won 11 straight games, with an offense in the top ten of scoring. They are averaging around 37 points per game, but I doubt they will be putting up that high of a number against UC’s dominant defensive unit. This will be the best team the Bearcats have played since Notre Dame. UC needs to make sure they limit their turnovers and play clean football. UC has so much on the line, they need to stay calm under the pressure. I think the Bearcasts will barely survive, but will do just enough to grab a Playoff spot, a historical moment.
(5)Oklahoma State vs (9)Baylor: If there’s going to be an upset this weekend, I think this will be the game. I was all ready to pick Baylor to upset because I don’t trust the Oklahoma State offense, but then I discovered that Baylor’s quarterback situation is still uncertain. Their starter tweaked his hamstring two weeks ago and has been out since. Dave Aranda has yet to say who will be starting in Dallas. Oklahoma State does not have an explosive offense, but their defense is strong. However, I am a little surprised by how easily they let the Oklahoma offense score during Bedlam. Baylor running back Abram Smith has put up big numbers, so the Cowboys will need to shut him down. Ultimately I think this game will end very similarly to the first time these teams met earlier this season. It will be a tight game with Oklahoma State pulling away at the end.
(17)Pitt vs (18)Wake Forest: The most fun, high scoring game will likely take place in Charlotte. Pitt and Wake are both led by great quarterbacks, and if Pitt qb Kenny Pickets plays lights out and other players struggle, he could make it to New York for the Heismen ceremony. In its last seven games, Wake has only scored less than 40 points once. Pitt has the weapons to keep right up with them. Pitt has a more capable defense than Wake, which isn’t saying much, but in this shootout, could make all the difference. I think Pitt will come away with a stop or two and win the ACC.
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