First and HATE: Recapping week 12
Top-10 Bold Prediction: West Virginia defeats Stoops' squad
WVU just had excessive self-inflicted wounds that essentially ended this one early. Between the red zone turnovers, costly penalties, and defensive breakdowns, they let the Sooners build a big lead and could never catch up. Perhaps it was the pressure of the national spotlight, or they were just outplayed (or both), but the loss took West Virginia out of the playoff picture while leaving hope for the Sooners.
B1G Bold Prediction: TTUN loses again
No, but it was a closer result than a lot of people expected. Their offense sputtered a bit with O'Korn under center, as I guessed would happen. But their defense was up to the task and played well enough to secure the win, setting up a huge clash with the Buckeyes this week. The question throughout this week is whether it will be O'Korn or Speight starting in the Shoe, as there are reports now that Speight is practicing. Were the Wolverines downplaying the injury originally or are they being deceptively hopeful now? Either way, it appears there is a bit of trickery afoot.
Buckeye Bold Prediction: Spartans stay within one score into 4th quarter
It played out how I thought it would, with Ohio State clinging to a touchdown lead heading into the final quarter, although the final score was even closer than I expected. Dantonio rolled the dice by going for two late, and it didn't work out for the Spartans. But now the Buckeyes turn their attention to their hated archrivals as they face off with playoff hopes of both schools on the line.
Why-not Bold Prediction: Cowboys easily beat Horned Frogs
As I said last week, TCU is bad.
Not-so-bold Bold Prediction: Wolverines learn how to tackle properly
I guess they did, since they held the Hoosiers to only 10 points.
Week 12 record: 3 - 2
2016 record: 27 - 33
Second and HATE: Predicting the future!
Top-10 Bold Prediction: Tigers take down Tide
Anything can happen in the Iron Bowl (and it has). However, the interesting thing is, even if Saban loses, his squad can still probably get into the playoffs with a win over Florida to clinch the SEC title. Perhaps Auburn can win, 33 - 30.
B1G Bold Prediction: Iowa defeats Nebraska
The Hawkeyes have surely gained confidence after upsetting the Wolverines and shutting out the Illini. I think they take care of business in Iowa city with a big win over the Cornhuskers, 27 - 21.
Buckeye Bold Prediction: OSU racks up 200+ on the ground vs TTUN
Ohio State ranks 8th in the country in rushing offense, with 2894 yards over 11 contests, while their rivals to the north are 10th best in stopping the run, allowing only 1195 yards over that stretch. It sounds cliche, but this one will likely be decided in the trenches. The Buckeye O-line has been inconsistent this year but they will be laser focused for this one. Fueled by hate and led by Weber, the Bucks will run around, over, and through the Wolverines, en route to a 35 - 24 victory.
Why-not Bold Prediction: Florida knocks off FSU
The Gators were left for dead in the playoff race not long ago. But what would happen if they were to beat Florida State and then win the SEC? It would not be unreasonable to picture an 11-2 SEC winner in the playoff, but where would that leave the Tide if they are 12-1? Things could get interesting, but first things first - the Gators have to take on the Noles. I think Florida's defense will terrorize the FSU offensive line which has been sketchy all year. The Noles have won 5 of the last 6 vs the Gators and have the edge with regard to overall talent and coaching, but Florida sneaks away with this one by forcing a few costly turnovers, 22 - 20.
Not-so-bold Bold Prediction: I avoid the use of the 13th letter in this post
I've gone this far without using it (did you notice?), just a little further and I'll start this week 1-0.
Third and HATE: This is war
Forget the playoffs. Forget Big Ten titles. Forget division titles. Forget wins and losses. There is only one thing now.
BEAT TTUN
Fourth down
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