Week 13 College Football Preview

We are winding nearer to the end of the season and the contenders are starting to separate as the conference title games could decide a lot.

Recap of last week: On Wednesday night, both Buffalo and Central Michigan had little trouble blowing out Miami (OH) and Ball State, respectively, on the road. Oklahoma State were down early, but rallied in the fourth quarter to keep themselves in the Big 12 hunt and also the BCS hunt. Great play by a back up in this one for Oklahoma State. Bowling Green continued their fairly strong season with a win over Akron. While Toledo and Boise State routed Eastern Michigan and Utah State, respectively. Boise State remains unbeaten and on course for a BCS game. Both Alabama and Florida survived another week with comfortable wins. Texas kept their national title game and Big 12 title game hopes alive with a very nice win over a Kansas team on the decline. TCU continued their dominance this year with another win. Clemson got by Virginia and now has a great chance to be in a BCS bowl as they have gotten themselves in the ACC title game. HB C.J. Spiller for Clemson has been one of the best all around talents this year. Utah bounced back nicely with a convincing win.

In terms of my top 5 matchups picks, I went 4-1 this past week and after twelve weeks I'm 44-16 on the year. North Carolina manhandled Boston College in what should have been a much more competitive ACC conference game. The Tar Heels jumped out to a 21-0 and never looked back from there and capped on a few more points in the 4th quarter to seal the win and knock Boston College out of playing for the ACC title. North Carolina has looked very impressive under Butch Davis for the most part this year. They might not be too far off from being a complete and dangerous team. Nebraska sealed their Big 12 North title with a convincing defensive effort over Kansas State. If they play that good in the title game, they could be headed to a big game this year and complete most of their return to greatness. Oregon and Arizona fought back and forth in going to two overtimes. Oregon tied the game in the waning seconds and then delivered a touchdown in the second overtime to lift themselves over the Wildcats and now control their Rose Bowl destiny. This team has truly turned it around from the low they were at to the start the season with the opening loss and the disruptions that followed.

The reason for Oregon controlling its destiny is largely due to California downing Stanford. Stanford battled back close to tying it, but would fall short in a close battle in the Pac-10. California had big hopes to start the season and have shown glimpses of that including this big win. And what usually is a big game, Ohio State continued their dominance over a weaker Michigan squad. QB Tate Forcier of Michigan turned the ball over a bunch of times and that only aided the Buckeyes as they slowly dissected the Wolverines. Ohio State now plans for a Rose Bowl appearance, where they look to have a better game than some of their past BCS games.

Now turning to this week's slate of games that might be worth watching/feature a team or teams with something on the line:

Tuesday Night: Ball State at Western Michigan: Not much excitement here. A little warm up I guess before the Thanksgiving weekend.

Thursday Night (Thanksgiving): Texas at Texas A&M: This game has been no gimme for Texas as they head down their stretch. Expect Texas A&M to give the Longhorns a good fight and make it a little interesting. A good end to a Thanksgiving day of football.

Friday: Rutgers at Louisville: The game that us one of the biggest shockers of the last few years has now become just another game. Rutgers should have little trouble, but Louisville could keep it close in the first half.

Temple at Ohio: This one is for a spot in the MAC title game. Both have been surprises this year. Who takes their season an extra further?

Illinois at Cincinnati: Cincinnati has a nice out of conference matchup to get themselves ready for a big time Big East battle with Pittsburgh next week.

Northern Illinois at Central Michigan: Central Michigan has a potent offensive and their QB is worth watching.

Toledo at Bowling Green: Bowling Green is having a nice season and this might be a back and forth battle.

Nebraska at Colorado: These two teams have had some classic battles, but not too sure if they will deliver completely. Nebraska has a game changing defense led by DT Ndamukong Suh.

Nevada at Boise State: Its all about Boise State and staying unbeaten.

Saturday: 18 Clemson at South Carolina: This one has the potential to be a back and forth battle with South Carolina pride. Expect some big plays and a lot points.

Florida State at Florida: This one of coach Bobby Bowden's last games possibly hopefully he can keep it close. Florida is prepping for a big show down with Alabama.

17 Miami (FL) at South Florida: South Florida is looking to gain some respect in Florida. A win over a resurgent Miami (FL) would do that.

Arkansas at 15 LSU: This one has SEC and OT written all over it for some reason. This one might be closer than some might expect.

Georgia at 7 Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech has been explosive on offense and needs to avoid overlooking a dangerous Georgia team.

UCLA at 20 USC: The battle for LA has a little bit less steam this year, but because USC has struggled makes this one a little more interesting.

Now my top 5 matchups for Week 13:

5) Notre Dame at Stanford: This one is big for both. Stanford suffered a setback last week, yet can still find themselves in the Rose Bowl. Notre Dame started well, but as slowly faltered and knows that every loss is one too many for coach Charlie Weis. Expect HB Toby Geirhart to be the x-factor. Pick: Stanford

4) 2 Alabama at Auburn: The Iron Bowl. For that reason, this one will be close despite Alabama being the better team. Expect a physical one decided late. Pick: Alabama

3) Friday: 9 Pittsburgh at West Virginia: The backyard brawl has a lot on the line. Pittsburgh is fighting for the Big East while West Virginia is just about out of the picture. A couple years ago Pittsburgh knocked off West Virginia and ended their possible national title dreams. West Virginia will look to do the same to Pittsburgh. Pick: Pittsburgh

2) 21 Utah at 19 BYU: This is another big time battle between two schools outside of the big conferences. A lot of offense and some big play might ensue in this one. Pick: Utah

1) 12 Oklahoma State at Oklahoma: Bedlam in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has struggled without their stars, but will bring a lot to this one because its for bragging rights. Oklahoma State has been in close ones and survived. Expect another close one for them. Pick: Oklahoma

We are on the cusp of the end of the season and several teams have a lot on the line.