My Crystal Ball Says...

...that I know what will happen in this week's key games. Always remember that I'm right, and your team sucks.

Michigan @ #10 Ohio State
In case you’re wondering why you should care about this game, I can’t think of a good reason. Unless you’re a Buckeye fan. As irrelevant as they now seem in the national picture, they can still win the Big 10 and a place in a BCS bowl game with a win over Michigan combined with a Michigan State win over Penn State. Michigan leads the overall series, 57-41-6, but Ohio State has a chance to win five in a row over the Wolverines for the first time ever. The fact that Michigan QB Steven Threet is injured doesn’t help. Ohio State
is a very average team. But they are still better than Michigan.

#15 Michigan State @ #8 Penn State
Michigan State is one of those teams that can’t quite get over the hump. Despite a 9-2 record, they’ve lost to the only decent teams they’ve played – California and Ohio State – and they’ve lost 10 in a row to ranked opponents. An Ohio State win over Michigan, combined with a Michigan State upset of Penn State would put the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. Let’s hope Penn State pulls this one off at home.

#14 BYU @ #7 Utah
This has quietly turned into a very interesting rivalry. These two teams have played 89 times dating back to 1896. Each team has won an even 6 of the last 12 meetings, and 10 of the last 11 have been decided by 7 points or less. BYU’s only loss was at TCU in September. Utah is unbeaten, and playing for the right to play in a BCS bowl. Both teams can pile up the yardage on offense, and both play better defense than you might think. Utah is a touchdown favorite at home, and I like their chances to repeat their BCS-busting performance of 2004.

#21 Oregon State @ Arizona
By virtue of their late September win over USC, Oregon State can win the Pac 10 with wins at Arizona and at home against Oregon to finish the season. You think it’s a big deal to them? Probably. The Beavers haven’t been to the Rose Bowl in 44 years. The problem is – Arizona plays well in Tucson. And, while Oregon State is playing for all the Roses, Arizona, bowl eligible at 6-4, is playing to improve their bowl status. The Beavers have won 8 of the last 9 over the Wildcats, for what it’s worth, but Arizona is a field goal favorite at home. I think Orgeon State may be a team on a mission, and I’ll take them in a slight upset. Plus, you have to like any team called the Beavers.

#2 Texas Tech @ #5 Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 59-2 at home under Bob Stoops, and they are a somewhat surprising 7 point favorite in this game. Both teams have been rolling up the yardage and scoring at an amazing rate. And both teams have a respectable ground attack to complement the passing game. But here’s what I think. Every team that makes it to the BCS championship game needs a little luck. Things have to fall into line for you in just the right way, and that has happened for Texas Tech. They beat Nebraska in overtime in early October, and Texas on the game’s last play three weeks ago. They’ve survived the close ones, and, although I think the teams will combine to score 100 or more points, I think the Red Raiders will survive another one.

The Citadel @ #4 Florida
I don’t think there is much suspense here, but, as a Gator fan, I always pick their games. So… I’ll go out on a limb and take Florida.