Cram Session - Week 12

The slate of games this weekend are underwhelming to say the least. No games between powerhouses like we have seen for the past month. However, for Notre Dame this weekend is huge. Not only might they be playing for head coach Charlie Weis' job, they also are looking to start a new streak of dominance over Navy.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Notre Dame (5-4) at Navy (6-3)

Last year was a horrible season for the Irish. The lowest point came when Notre Dame's streak of 43 straight years of beating Navy came to an end. This season started off better, a 5-2 start had some people even talking potential BCS bowl for the Irish. Two straight losses, including an embarrassing shutout at Boston College has changed that talk to should Charlie Weis be fired. I have been a firm supporter of Charlie but unless the Irish make a BCS bowl next year I think he should be gone. If they lose to Navy this weekend, I might want him gone by Sunday. Don't think that will happen though, Irish win and guarantee themselves a chance at ending their 15 year bowl losing streak.

Prediction: Notre Dame 28, Navy 24

Nebraska (6-4, 3-3) at Kansas State (4-6, 1-5)

Nebraska got an impressive win at home against Kansas and continued their dominance of the Jayhawks in Lincoln. The defense played well enough and the offense continued to pile up yards. An 8-4 season is within reach for the Huskers, which would be a great start for Coach Pelini. Kansas State is in turmoil right now with the mess of their coach Ron Prince resigning and the Huskers must take advantage.

Prediction: Nebraska 38, Kansas State 27

Top 25

Mississippi State (3-6, 1-4) at #1 Alabama (10-0, 6-0)

Everyone is already anointing Florida as the best team, and basically assuming they will beat the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship. Not a good thing for the Gators. Alabama ends a 2 year losing streak to the Bulldogs in impressive fashion.

Prediction: Alabama 31, Mississippi State 13

#3 Texas (9-1, 5-1) at Kansas (6-4, 3-3)

Kansas sucks again, all is right in the Big 12.

Prediction: Texas 42, Kansas 21

#25 South Carolina (7-3, 4-3) at #4 Florida (8-1, 6-1)

This is the only game this weekend between ranked teams, as the Ol Ball coach comes back to his old stomping grounds. Two years ago when Florida won the national title the Gamecocks nearly knocked them off at the Swamp. I think this one will be closer than the experts think.

Prediction: Florida 35, South Carolina 26

#6 USC (8-1, 6-1) at Stanford (5-5, 4-3)

Last year Stanford shocked USC at the Coliseum despite being over 40 point underdogs. Not going to happen this year.

Prediction: USC 28, Stanford 10

#7 Utah (10-0, 6-0) at San Diego State (1-9, 0-6)

The Utes will cruise before their last test against BYU.

Prediction: Utah 30, San Diego State 12

Indiana (3-7, 1-5) at #8 Penn State (9-1, 5-1)

Indiana is going to get the beat down from a disappointed Nittany Lions team.

Prediction: Penn State 51, Indiana 14

#9 Boise State (9-0, 5-0) at Idaho (2-8, 1-5)

Easy win for the Broncos.

Prediction: Boise State 44, Idaho 8

#10 Georgia (8-2, 5-2) at Auburn (5-5, 2-4)

If Auburn could score points I might pick the upset as Georgia has been unimpressive the last few weeks. But they can't so I won't.

Prediction: Georgia 27, Auburn 14

#11 Ohio State (8-2, 5-1) at Illinois (5-5, 3-3)

The running theme for this weekend seems to be teams looking for revenge for upset losses from last year. Ohio State, much like Notre Dame and USC will get their revenge.

Prediction: Ohio State 45, Illinois 21

#12 Missouri (8-2, 4-2) at Iowa State (2-8, 0-6)

Boring.

Prediction: Missouri 37, Iowa State 20

#13 Oklahoma State (8-2, 4-2) at Colorado (5-5, 2-4)

Cowboys recover from blowout loss at Texas Tech by stomping the Buffaloes.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 47, Colorado 23

#16 North Carolina (7-2, 3-2) at Maryland (6-3, 3-2)

The key to winning in the ACC, unless you are NC State is to be the home team. Maryland will use that to their advantage Saturday.

Prediction: Maryland 28, North Carolina 25

#17 BYU (9-1, 5-1) at Air Force (8-2, 5-1)

Since losing to Navy, Air Force has won 5 in a row. They make it 6 and upset the Cougars.

Prediction: Air Force 31, BYU 24

Boston College (6-3, 2-3) at #19 Florida State (7-2, 4-2)

ACC = home team wins.

Prediction: Florida State 38, Boston College 17

Troy (6-3) at #20 LSU (6-3)

Been a while since LSU was this low in the rankings. That will happen when your QB keeps throwing pick sixes.

Prediction: LSU 30, Troy 17

#22 Cincinnati (7-2, 3-1) at Louisville (5-4, 1-3)

The Bearcats nearly blew an 11 point lead in about 1 minute. Louisville pulls off the Friday night upset, proving that no one wants to win the Big East.

Prediction: Louisville 31, Cincinnati 28

#23 Tulsa (8-1, 5-0) at Houston (5-4, 4-1)

Tulsa lost to Arkansas, had a bye, then found themselves back in the Top 25. I like Houston to win at home.

Prediction: Houston 44, Tulsa 41

#24 Wake Forest (6-3, 4-2) at North Carolina State (3-6, 1-4)

As stated above, NC State is immune to the rules of the ACC because they suck.

Prediction: Wake Forest 28, North Carolina State 20

Last Week: 17-4
Overall: 101-36