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| Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o will have to lead the Fighting Irish as they look to stop Oklahoma. ( Matt Cashore) |
This is a huge Legends Division matchup with important Big Ten and ultimately Rose Bowl implications. Nebraska's offense that leads the Big Ten in rushing (279.0 yards per game) and scoring (41.6 points per game) will go up against the Big Ten's top defense in the Michigan Wolverines. This game also features two of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country in Nebraska's Taylor Martinez and Michigan's Denard Robinson. I believe that whichever quarterback is able to make the imperative plays will likely win the football game.
Prediction: Michigan 24 Nebraska 20
4. #14 Texas Tech (6-1) @ #3 Kansas State (7-0) - 3:30 PM EST, FOX
West Virginia looked like the cream of the crop in the Big 12 early in the season. Two weeks ago, the Mountaineers were blown out at Texas Tech. They returned last week to host Kansas State, but were blown out again. Now, the Red Raiders and Wildcats are among the favorites to win the Big 12. The two sides square off on Saturday. Texas Tech's senior quarterback Seth Doege has improved drastically over the course of the season. His counterpart, Kansas State's Collin Klein. After scoring a combined seven touchdowns against the Mountaineers last weekend, he has emerged as the Heisman favorite.
Prediction: Kansas State 34 Texas Tech 24
3. #11 Mississippi State (7-0) @ #1 Alabama (7-0) - 8:30 PM EST, ESPN/Watch ESPN
While this may be a matchup of unbeatens, most experts are predicting it will be another blowout win for Alabama. The nation's top ranked team boasts a steady offense and rock solid on defense as well. The Crimson Tide should be able to use their huge advantage in the trenches to affect their play on both sides of the football. Mississippi State will need a nearly perfect game out of junior quarterback Tyler Russell have a shot at pulling the upset. On the season, he has a 15-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Russell will look to continue that trend against the Crimson Tide defense on Saturday. He must quick reads, wise decisions, and be able to deliver the big play when needed.
Prediction: Alabama 38 Mississippi State 10
2. #2 Florida (7-0) vs. # 10 Georgia (6-1) - 3:30 PM EST, CBS
This game has big SEC championship game and BCS bowl implications. If Florida beats Georgia, they are in the SEC championship game for the first time since 2009. A Georgia win would mean that the Bulldogs completely control the SEC East. Sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel and senior running back Mike Gillislee lead the way for the Gators explosive offense. The Bulldogs will be led on defense by junior outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. He is coming off an ankle injury, but is one of the best in the nation when fully healthy. On offense, junior quarterback Aaron Murray must be wise with the football and limit his mistakes.
Prediction: Florida 30 Georgia 24
1. #5 Notre Dame (7-0) @ #8 Oklahoma (5-1)- 8:00 PM EST, ABC
Notre Dame is undefeated this late in the season for the first time in a decade, but they definitely know there is still more work to be done in order for them to remain as a BCS contender. One cannot talk about the Fighting Irish without mentioning their leader and one of the best players in all of college football, senior linebacker Manti Te'o. On offense, they expect to have sophomore quarterback Everett Golson back from injury and ready to start. He will be aided by a superb trio of running backs in Theo Riddick, Cierre Wood and George Atkinson III. Oklahoma uses a balanced offense to bring about success. Senior quarterback Landry Jones has looked much more comfortable as a passer recently. The Sooners also like to power rush the football. Their two main weapons here are junior tailback Damien Williams and sophomore quarterback Blake Bell.
Prediction: Notre Dame 24 Oklahoma 20
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