Thankful for College Football.

This weekend is known as rivalry weekend.   Also known as a college football lovers Thanksgiving smorgasbord of good games.  We are winding down toward the end of the season when The Heisman Trophy contest starts to solidify, and rankings move like the thermometer at this time of year.

Brian Kelly: Notre Dame coach - AKA Captain Kirk

#1 Notre Dame v. USC: This one shouldn’t be a contest.   The Catholics should take this one easily.   However, it is on the road and USC always seems to have some shady trick up their sleeve.   For example, during the USC v Oregon warm up the USC manager “accidentally” provided warm up football that were partially filled with air.   And Notre Dame was featured on Sports Illustrated this week which is always a curse.   I still like the Lame Damers.

#4 Florida v. #10 Florida State:  This is a state rivalry that is getting some renewed steam, plus throw in the SEC v. the ACC part of this game – it all adds up to some fun.   On paper Florida should handle this one easily.   But, I always like to buck convention.   I like the fact this one is held in Tallahassee home of the Florida State Seminoles.   I’ll take FSU

#5 Oregon v. #15 Oregon State:  This is another instate contest dubbed “The Civil War”.  Oregon goes on the road to Eugene to try and skin the OSU Beavers.    I have liked both these teams all year.   Both clubs have had solid seasons.   But, I really like Oregon after coming off a close loss to Stanford last weekend.   Oregon will have much to prove.  Oregon without much concern in this one. 

#8 Stanford v. #17 UCLA:  This more in-state madness – The Brains versus the Brahn.  Even though both are ranked and the game is being held in Los Angeles.   This really shouldn’t be much of a contest, which is always risky for prognosticators.    I like Stanford even though I hated them last weekend for upsetting Oregon and Alabama sneak back into the National Championship race.

#12 South Carolina v. #11 Clemson:   It is like an in-state weekend of Hatfield and McCoy’s.   I don’t know much about Clemson.   I haven’t followed them this year.   But, I’ll go with the ranks and I like that it will be a home game for Clemson.   Clemson for the win.

#21 Oklahoma State v. #13 Oklahoma:  OK-State on the road versus Oklahoma.  Oklahoma State had their dream season last year.   Their time has come and gone for major national attention.   I expect Oklahoma to win this one easily.   But, I thought the same thing last week when OU played WVU.  OU squeaked out a point win 50-49 to maintain a #13 ranking.  I will stick with Oklahoma. 

#19 Michigan v. Ohio State:  Not as much attention on this game this year.   I’m covering because it is one of the nation’s strongest rivalries.   No contest Ohio State wins this one going away.   This will create some controversy because Ohio State will be undefeated and only one of two teams in college football .  But, they are ineligible due to NCAA violations.  

Paul Rhoads Look A Like

Featured Game of the Week:

West Virginia v. Iowa State

Commish: What do you have to say about the game this weekend?

Rhoads:  After the Kansas win we began watching film and almost puked.   Tavon Austin was used for the first time at Running back he amassed 344 rushing yards and a Big 12 record 572 all-purpose yards.   Austin is currently averaging 231 all-purpose yards on the season. 

Commish:  What about the Mountaineers Defense?

Rhoads:  The Mountaineers field the nation’s lowest-rated pass defense, which yields an average of 364.6 aerial yards per game.  WVU defense is currently listed as 123 in scoring defense nationally.   Our offense had struggled coming into last week’s game, but we were able to make some plays.  We should be able to move the ball

Commish: Who will start the game at Quarterback?

Rhoads: Whoever warms up the strongest. 

Commish:  What did you like the best about Sam Richardson’s performance.  

Rhoads:  Sam made some very good reads.  But, I really like the way we move the ball around.   We actually got the ball to our tight ends and moved it around nicely. 

Commish: Thanks coach.   The Mountaineers currently have 5 wins.   If West Virginia misses a bowl game.  The last time WVU did not make a bowl game was in 2001.   Another odd stat: the last five players to win the Big XII Offensive Player of the Week Award played against WVU the week they won.