Week 13 predictions (including the big I-AA games)
Week 13 predictions
Pitt at Cincinnati: Cincinnati can take a big step toward claiming its first Big East championship by beating the Panthers. The Bearcats also have the added incentive never having beaten Pitt in seven previous tries. Pitt’s defense will keep it close, but the Bearcats will win, 21-17.
Penn State vs. Michigan State: The Spartans are the only obstacle between Penn State and its first Rose Bowl since 1994. If Darryl Clark can manage the game and not turn the ball over, the Lions will be on their way to Pasadena. Pack your bags, Penn State fans. The Spartans will make it interesting, but the Lions will prevail, 28-24.
West Virginia at Louisville: These two teams have played some classic games over the past few years, but this year’s contest doesn’t figure to live up to past ones. The Mountaineers and Cardinals are both experiencing down years, but the boys from Morgantown still have something to play for. Hey, it’s the Big East! WVU keeps its Big East title hopes alive, 27-21.
Michigan at Ohio State: They say you throw the record book in this game, but Rich Rodriguez would like to throw out some of his players. The Wolverines are not going to a bowl game for the first time in 33 years and will have a losing season for the first time since 1967. No matter what the emotions are for this game, I don’t see Michigan having enough to make this game close. I like the Buckeyes in a romp, 42-10.
BYU at Utah: Utah can clinch a second BCS berth in five years by beating the Cougars. The Utes have had the good fortune of playing all of their difficult games at home. They beat Oregon State and TCU by field goals. Now they’ll do the same to BYU, 24-21.
Texas Tech at Oklahoma: Get ready for another Big 12 shootout. The Sooners are averaging 51.4 points per game and the Red Raiders 47.9 per game. Oklahoma’s only loss came when Colt McCoy was able to take advantage of the Oklahoma defense. Texas Tech can do the same, but I’ll take the Sooners because they’re at home, 49-42.
Holy Cross at Colgate: Holy Cross has not won a Patriot League championship since 1991. That was the last great Crusaders team. They finished 11-0 and ranked No. 3 in the final Division I-AA poll that season, but they didn’t get to compete in the Division I-AA playoffs because the Patriot League did not allow its teams to take part at that time. Now the Patriot League champ gets an automatic bid. Look for HC quarterback Dominic Randolph to pass the Crusaders back to glory, 31-28.
Yale at Harvard: Another big Division I-AA game. Harvard can clinch at least a share of the Ivy League title with a victory. The Crimson’s only loss came at Brown back in September. Look for Harvard to pull it out at home, 24-17.