The Game’ highlights NCAA slate
November 17, 2009
Zach Anderson
The season is wrapping up, and rivalry games will determine conference finishes. TCU remained undefeated and increased its chances of going to a BCS bowl game or the national title game if Florida, Alabama or Texas lose. The Horned Frogs face Wyoming and New Mexico, who have a combined 5-15 record in their final two games.
No. 9 Ohio State vs. Michigan
Michigan is 5-6 and has lost six of its last seven games (63-6 win over Delaware State). Ohio State is coming off a 27-24 overtime victory over Iowa that booked the Buckeyes a trip to the Rose Bowl. This rivalry is one of college football’s best, with Ohio State winning the last five contests in a row. The teams have met 105 times, with Michigan owning the series lead 57-42-6. In the final game of the season, Michigan needs a win to become bowl eligible.
Pick: Michigan will play their hearts out, but to say they have any chance of winning would be a lie. The game is in Ann Arbor, but Ohio State has way too much talent for Michigan to pull off an upset. Ohio State wins by 17.
No. 10 LSU vs. Mississippi
Ole Miss came into the season as a team that could win the SEC West Division. Three losses later and poor quarterback play by Jevan Snead have many critics calling the team a bust, with their best victories coming over Tennessee and Arkansas. Ole Miss has won two straight (38-14 over Northern Arizona, 42-17 over Tennessee), but will have their hands full with LSU. The Tigers’ only two losses are to No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Alabama.
Pick: Unless the Rebels can get another “out-of-this-world” performance from senior receiver Dexter McCluster, they will lose. LSU’s offense is finding its rhythm, and the defense is suffocating. LSU wins by 14.