1. Miami knocks off Florida State
I've said it before and I still believe it: Florida State will lose one before the end of the season. But, they've proven me wrong up to this point, so my stubbornness might be my downfall on this one. Jameis Winston may be the Seminoles' most valuable asset and at the same time their biggest weakness. The 2013 Heisman winner has thrown 6 interceptions over the past 3 games, but has come through in the clutch when it really matters. The pattern appears to continue this Saturday, as first-half turnovers give the Hurricanes an early lead and Seminoles try to rally after halftime. But the dynamic Miami offense makes the difference in this one as they continue to score to hold off the Florida State rally. Miami wins, 41 - 37.
2. Alabama holds Mississippi State to 20 points or fewer
Something's got to give in this match-up featuring the nation's second-best defense vs the twelfth-best offense. The Crimson Tide are allowing just shy of 14 points per game, while the Bulldogs are posting almost 40 points per game. At home, eyeing a SEC championship and playoff spot, I give the edge to Nick Saban's squad who haven't surrendered more than 23 points in a game all season. Alabama takes control of the SEC West with a staunch defensive performance, winning 30 - 20.
3. Buckeye's trounce Gophers by margin of 30+ points
This match-up in Minneapolis is the definition of a trap game for Ohio State. The Bucks are coming off their biggest win of the season and now have the inside track for a division title, a shot at a B1G Championship, and possibly a playoff spot. Meyer has reiterated that the focus will still be there, though, and I believe it. This is a critical game for Ohio State, as the Gophers serve as a common opponent between the Buckeyes and TCU, a team also right in the playoff mix. The Horned Frogs beat Minnesota 30 - 7, so a big blowout win will help Ohio State's playoff argument, while a closer game or upset will obviously work in TCU's favor. Meyer knows this and will have his team ready. Minnesota just blew out rival Iowa and might be the second best team Ohio State will face in the regular season, but they don't match up well in this game against a hungry Buckeye team. OSU dominates in all stages of the game as they roll over Minnesota, 47 - 16.
4. Michigan State suffers letdown loss against Maryland
Motivation may be an issue for the Spartans after the disappointing loss to Ohio State, as any playoff hopes and conference championship dreams are likely out of reach now. Michigan State could still make one of the major bowls if they win out from here and get some help, but even that is a far cry from the goals set by the up-and-coming program at the beginning of the season. Maryland, on the other hand, had a bye week after their big win over Penn State and look to improve their bowl standing and make some more noise in the Big Ten with another win. Michigan State comes out sluggish, giving the Terrapins a sizable first half lead. Spartans rally in the second half but can't overcome the deficit in a 30 - 27 loss.
5. Florida State players involved in so-called hit-and-run accident don't miss any playing time on Saturday
P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby, starting cornerbacks for the Florida State Seminoles, are the latest targets of too-early, unsubstantiated accusations. On Friday, The New York Times released
a report indicating the two were involved in a "hit-and-run" accident back in October (so long ago, right? Why are we still talking about this?) but were only given a couple traffic tickets. The author made claims that the players received special treatment because of their status on the football team. But where is the proof? The Tallahassee police did not charge Williams with a hit-and-run, so that means it wasn't a hit-and-run, right? Why should these young men face any kind of consequences, when we all make mistakes (and then flee the scene). Plus it's just too early to really know what happened, and none of us were there, so who are we to judge? FSU coach Jimbo Fisher understands all of this, and that's why he won't wrongly condemn these poor victims when all they want to do is play football (and commit the occasional criminal act). So, I think they will (and should) play on Saturday. Fisher will remind us that we should not jump to conclusions or make accusations until after all the facts are known, everything is sorted out in an untimely matter, and any possible football championships are won.
P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby, starting cornerbacks for the Florida State Seminoles, are the latest targets of too-early, unsubstantiated accusations. On Friday, The New York Times released a report indicating the two were involved in a "hit-and-run" accident back in October (so long ago, right? Why are we still talking about this?) but were only given a couple traffic tickets. The author made claims that the players received special treatment because of their status on the football team. But where is the proof? The Tallahassee police did not charge Williams with a hit-and-run, so that means it wasn't a hit-and-run, right? Why should these young men face any kind of consequences, when we all make mistakes (and then flee the scene). Plus it's just too early to really know what happened, and none of us were there, so who are we to judge? FSU coach Jimbo Fisher understands all of this, and that's why he won't wrongly condemn these poor victims when all they want to do is play football (and commit the occasional criminal act). So, I think they will (and should) play on Saturday. Fisher will remind us that we should not jump to conclusions or make accusations until after all the facts are known, everything is sorted out in an untimely matter, and any possible football championships are won.
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