This is conference championship weekend. These games will help decide who plays in the BCS bowls. Here are my previews and predictions for my Top Five:
5. #24 Southern Miss @ #6 Houston - 12:00 PM EST, ABC
The University of Houston's football team has convincingly kept doing one thing all season. That is winning football games. The Cougars are looking for their thirteenth win and a perfect regular season. They get to play Southern Miss at home in the Conference USA Championship. After finishing a disappointing 5-7 last season, Houston is one win away from their first ever BCS bowl game bid and would become the first ever Conference USA team to play in the Bowl Championship Series. The Cougars' potent offense is led at quarterback by Heisman candidate Case Keenum. The Cougars' defense has also steadily improved throughout the season. The Southern Miss offense is led by quarterback Austin Davis and running back Jamal Woodyard. The Golden Eagles are going to need to get these two guys to play stellar games in order to have a shot at the upset win. Prediction: Houston 52 Southern Miss 31
4. #15 Wisconsin vs. #13 Michigan State - 8:17 PM EST, FOX
If the inaugural Big Ten Championship is anything like the first matchup of these two teams, this game is going to be stellar. On October 22, Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins completed a 44-yard Hail Mary pass to Keith Nichol as time expired. Both teams come into tomorrow's game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on a four-game winning streak. Michigan State's offense will center around Cousins once again. You should keep an eye on his favorite target, wide receiver B.J. Cunningham, as well. Wisconsin's dual-threat offense hasn't scored less than 28 points in any game this season. Quarterback Russell Wilson has been extremely efficient on the season, but two of his three interceptions on the season came against the Spartans earlier this season. Running back Montee Ball is playing like a beast. He had four rushing touchdowns against Penn State last week. We also can't forget about these two defenses. The Spartans and Badgers have two of the top six scoring defenses in the country. The winner of this game gets the automatic bid to the Rose Bowl. Prediction: Wisconsin 31 Michigan State 20
3. #5 Virginia Tech vs. #20 Clemson - 8:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN3
Way back on October 1, Clemson did what few teams do to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. They beat them handily, 23-3. Since that game, these have been two completely different teams. Clemson was in the top ten in the polls with a record of 8-0. Then, they dropped three out of their last four and should have lost the one game they won. Conversely, Virginia Tech has been on a mission. Sophomore quarterback Logan Thomas has improved greatly since the loss. As for the Hokies defense and special teams, they just look like another great version of head coach Frank Beamer's staple crop. Virginia Tech is hungry for revenge. The winner of this game, played in Charlotte, goes to the Orange Bowl. Prediction: Virginia Tech 41 Clemson 6
2. #14 Georgia vs. #1 LSU - 4:00 PM EST, CBS
Many experts say this game is just one more hump for LSU to get over before going to the BCS National Championship game. However, I would caution the Tigers to not take this game lightly. The game is being played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. While this is not officially a home game for the University of Georgia, the Bulldogs well definitely feel comfortable playing there and should have the edge in the crowd. Additionally, the Dawgs come in on a ten game winning streak of their own. After being down 14-0, LSU went on to dismantle then #3 Arkansas 41-17 last week. Everyone talks about the Tigers outstanding defense, but it is also important to consider the improved play of quarterback Jordan Jefferson. For Georgia to have a chance to win this game, the Bulldogs need quarterback Aaron Murray to play effectively and efficiently. Prediction: LSU 31 Georgia 21
1. #10 Oklahoma @ #3 Oklahoma State - 8:00 PM EST, ABC
Oklahoma State needs this win to win their first ever Big 12 Championship and try and prove that they deserve to play in the BCS National Championship Game. Their in-state rival and nemesis, the University of Oklahoma, stands in their way. The Sooners have won the last eight Bedlam matchups against the Cowboys. Oklahoma bounced back from their second loss of the season to Baylor with a win 26-6 over Iowa State. Iowa State is the team that ended Oklahoma State's perfect season 37-31 in 2OT. The Cowboys are coming off a bye last week. Oklahoma State is of course known by their potent offense, featuring their Heisman candidate quarterback Brandon Weeden and explosive wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones has struggled the past two weeks, failing to throw a passing touchdown in both games. He had thrown at least one in 24 straight games before that. He is expected to get back one of his favorite targets, wide receiver Jaz Reynolds, from injury. The winner will most likely head to the Fiesta Bowl. Prediction: Oklahoma State 45 Oklahoma 41
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