Predictions for games and/or player performance

Here is my week 5 predictions:
Auburn vs Florida

Auburn is coming off their first win of the season and visits the Swamp in week 5 looking to keep the magic coming. The Gators are angry over their loss to Alabama in week 4 and will be chomping at the bit to get back in the winning column.

Gators -10 Auburn 10 Florida 20

Penn State vs Maryland

All of Penn State's games have been close this year with the largest margin being a 5 point win over Illinois. The Cardiac Kids go to Maryland in week 5 hoping to be able to get a break. Maryland has had trouble moving the ball but their defense has been able to keep teams pretty close in games against unranked opponents. Get the paddles ready.

Penn State -2 Penn State 12 Maryland 10

Nebraska vs LSU
After a disastrous 44-0 loss to Missouri in week 1, LSU has found their mojo and has reeled off 3 straight wins including previously #3 Mississippi State in week 2. The Tiger D has held opponents to under ten points in each of their wins. 1-3 Nebraska has struggled offensively all season unable to score ten points all season, The trip to Baton Rouge could be a little different.

LSU -7 Nebraska 10 LSU 17

Ole Miss vs Arkansas
Arkansas was able to pull of a win against Ole Miss in week 1. The Hogs took sole possession of the SEC South last week, They will look to pull away when the Rebels come to town. Ole Miss, on the other hand, was shutout against #2 Indiana in week 4 and the offense has been struggling to find points in the other 3 games as well.

Arkansas -16 Ole Miss 7 Arkansas 23

Illinois vs Indiana

Indiana has been unstoppable this season led by their defense which has yet to allow the ball to cross the pylons. The offense has been playing at a superior level also scoring no less than 16 points in any contest. Illinois has been struggling all year long save the 24-12 W against Ohio State in week 3. Crossing the state line to get to Bloomington will be the only lines they cross in week 5

Indiana -14 Illinois 6 Indiana 20

Rutgers vs Iowa

Rutgers has struggled in all three phases of the game all year long. In week 4 the Knights became the favorites to get the number 1 pick in the 2025 draft. Since a week 1 victory over Wisconsin, Iowa hasn't been able to find a way to leave the field with another W. This week they will double their win column.

Iowa -11 Rutgers 7 Iowa 18

Oregon vs Wisconsin
The Ducks has played good this year showing consistency on both sides of the ball save the 13-0 loss to Florida in week 3 They fly to Madison to take on a Badger team that has reeled off 3 straight wins in convincing fashion outscoring opponents 68-6 in those games. This week the Ducks' wings will be clipped as they get badgered by Wisconsin's defense.

Wisconsin -7 Oregon 7 Wisconsin 14

Minnesota vs Michigan

Minnesota has played well defensively all year long. They Gopher defense has kept Minnesota in every game and, despite the record, has been one of the league's best at not allowing a bunch of points on the board. The Wolverines defense can boast the same thing. Michigan lost to bitter rival and division leader Michigan State last week to fall to 2-2. Another loss will put the Wolverines in a hole that will more than relegate them to a contending for a WC spot the rest of the year.

Michigan -6 Minnesota 8 Michigan 14

Texas A&M vs Tennessee

No doubt the Aggies have struggled offensively all year long, scoring double digits only once in a game this season. But the D has kept them in enough games that the Aggies sport a 2-2 record. They travel to Knoxville to face a Tennessee team that has played in their fair share of close games, but have yet to come off the field victors. A defensive battle will set the tone for a Volunteer win.

Tennessee -3 A&M 9 Tennessee 12

Oklahoma vs Missouri

This top ten matchup will take place in Columbia, MO. The Sooners are coming off a a loss to Mississippi State in a tough defensive game where the only TD in the game was given up by the offense. Missouri's offense has not been consistent so far, scoring 44 and 23 points in odd weeks and 7 and 6 in even weeks. Both teams will want to keep a second blemish off their record and take an early lead in the division. Luckily for Missouri this is an odd week.

Missouri -10 Oklahoma 8 Missouri 18

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt

In a game where the winner will take sole possession of the division lead, the Wildcats will turn to their offense to try to take advantage of a suspect Commodore defense. Of course the same could be said about Vandy also. In what is expected to be a pretty high scoring game in Nashville, look for Vandy to win the shootout.

Vandy -3 Kentucy 16 Vanderbilt 19

Mississippi State vs South Carolina

Mississippi State has played a very tough schedule this year facing 3 top ten and the fourth currently ranked inside the top 15. Though the defense has played well enough for this team to be 4-0 this year, the offense has been very inconsistent leading to the Bulldogs 2-2 record. South Carolina will invite the Bulldogs to town in week 5. Unfortunately for the Gamecocks,
their offense and defense has been very consistent scoring little if at all while allowing 33+ points in 3 of the 4 games. State will use this game as a prep for the rematch against Arkansas in week 6.

State -11 State 23 South Carolina 12

Ohio State vs Texas

OSU's defense hasn't allowed more than 6 points a game in 3 of the 4 weeks so far. The offense has scored only 22 points in three of the 4 games, but were able to double that amount in a week 2 victory over Nebraska. Texas has slowly been creeping up the rankings and have been very consistent on both sides of the ball following their week 1 loss to Oklahoma. The trend will continue for Texas in week 5.

Texas -11 Ohio State 9 Texas 20

Michigan State vs UCLA

The Spartans have been able to march up the rankings throughout the the starting at 7 and are sitting at 4. One of only 4 teams to amass 500 poll points or higher. They will go to LA to face an UCLA team that has found themselves out of the rankings after starting the season at 8. The Bruins will look to stop the freefall with an upset win.

UCLA -2 Michigan State 15 UCLA 17

Alabama vs USC

Alabama took sole possession of the SEC East after a 20-15 win over Florida in week 4. The Tide offense has been able to roll up the points while the defense has held opponents to a FG in half the games. USC has yet to score a W and it has been a team effort in the 0 for. Alabama should be able take advantage of a weak Trojan team and make ground up on the top two in the polls.

Alabama -7 Alabama 21 USC

Washington vs Georgia

The Huskies dropped a spot after their second loss of the season, a 6-3 decision to Oregon in week 4. They will look to get the offense back up an running again against a tough Georgia team that is trying to stay within earshot of Alabama in the division standings. Georgia will look for a rebound on their own as they lost a 23-7 decision to UCLA in week 4. Both teams have a lot to play for and because of this, this is my game of the week. Could we see our first tie?

Pick Em Washington 13 Georgia 13

Good afternoon football fans. This week promises to have plenty of exciting games and could either provide more clarity to a few divisions, or it could make things more murky. In the mean time, here is how our writers see how things go in week 6:

Kentucky at Michigan State -14

Michigan State has been on a mission since the season kicked off going undefeated thus far and have been a staple in the top ten. Week 6 the Spartans welcome Kentucky who has struggle to score points and keeping points off the board against the better teams. Though Vegas thinks this game is going to be a two TD game, we think that a Spartan victory is eminate, but 14 may be too high.

Kentucky 9 Michigan State 21

Wisconsin -10 at Minnesota

With the exception of a week 1 loss, Wisconsin has been on a roll on both sides of the ball outscoring opponents 75-8. Minnesota, has been consistent on both sides of the ball of late, scoring and avg of 11 points a game the past three games while allowing an average of 7. In a game where the teams are playing on different of the spectrum, it will be Wisconsin to pull out the W, but not by 10 points.

Wisconsin 13 Minnesota 10

Auburn at UCLA -8

Auburn is traveling to LA in hopes that the lights and glimmer will give them some hope in doubling their win column. UCLA will be looking to find the .500 mark and gain ground on the hallowed top ten. Auburn will show up to play, but will not be able to find any momentum on the west coast, UCLA wins going away.

Auburn 9 UCLA 20

Maryland -3 at USC

Maryland is another team to help keep the airlines in LA busy as they travel from coast to coast to play USC. USC is still looking for their first victory and is best at home when playing teams having to cross time zones. The Terps have enjoyed home field a big portion of the early season as this is just their second trip outside the state. Jetlag will be a factor, but it won't be a miracle worker. Maryland wins a nailbiter.

Maryland 16 USC 14

Alabama at Washington -3

Alabama travels to play Washington in a battle of top 5 teams. The Huskies have two losses of 3 points each but has played well enough to be at #5. Alabama has stayed in the top 4 all year long and will need a W to gain some ground on the two teams ahead of them. Washington won't make it easy on them as they will need a W to move into the top 4. Take Washington straight up in this one

Alabama 14 Washington 17

Georgia at Oregon -14

Georgia is looking to put the skids on their two game losing streak against a tough Oregon team. A 13-2 setback against Wisconsin in week 5 have the Ducks reeling a bit but a big win at home should start a good streak as they don't see a ranked team until Washington, a team they beat earlier this season, in week 8. Barring any surprises, Georgia will keep the game within reach, but Oregon pulls out the W.

Georgia 9 Oregon 13

Michigan -11 at Tennessee

Tennessee has yet to put up a win this season, but they have been able to keep all the games close with the largest differential being 4 points until a 10-2 set back in week 5 against Texas A&M. Michigan is looking for some consistency this season and could find it in Neyland Stadium. This will be the closest games of the week, so take the points in this toss up.

Tennessee 8 Michigan 8

Vanderbilt at Florida -5

Vandy travels to the Swamp to face one the toughest games on the schedule when they play the Gators. The last time the Dores played a ranked team on the road they got the upset. Florida will be playing to keep pace with Alabama in the SEC East. The good news for the Gators is they have only two losses and both are against ranked teams. Vandy isn't ranked this week. Lay the points.

Vanderbilt 12 Florida 21

South Carolina at Texas -14

South Carolina has yet to find their......well anything. Texas on the other hand has played outstanding this year aside from their week 1 against arch rival Oklahoma. The last three games the Longhorns have not allowed any more, or any less, than 3 points in a game. Not many times I say this, but lay the 14 points and sleep well on this one.

South Carolina 8 Texas 31

Texas A&M at Missouri -12

A&M travels to Columbia to face Missouri in a game where both teams are trying to keep pace with the two leaders of the division. In a division where all four teams are ranked in the top 12 every win is important. The Aggies welcome a new owner to College Station and hopes to make him undefeated. Missouri needs a win to remain in the top ten and needs help to get out of the gatekeepers position. Missouri gets the home victory but A&M should cover.

A&M 8 Missouri 17

Oklahoma at LSU -5

The Sooners feel disrespected when Vegas opened them up as 5 point underdogs. They travel to LSU to battle the Bayou Bengals. LSU is needing a win to gain ground on the top ten and is hoping home field advantage will make it possible. The Sooners needs a victory to keep pace with the Longhorns in the division. In what is our game of the week the Sooners will not only cover but come away with a close victory.

Oklahoma 14 LSU 13

Indiana -4 at Penn State

Penn State has not found any consistency this season winning every other game this season, they lost last week. Indiana, on the other hand has been the most consistent team on defense and even better offensively. The Hoosiers has been eyeing the #1 spot for sometime now and will try to use a W to catapult them to the top. Indiana wins and covers in this one.

Indiana 15 Penn State 8

Ohio State -2 at Rutgers

Though this game doesn't mean much for the polls, it means a lot for the Buckeyes if they want to have any hope of making the first ever post season. They are on a two game skid and can't afford to make it 3. Rutgers isn't just looking for their first win, but they are also looking to score their first TD. Ohio State ends the skid and Rutgers finally crosses the endzone in this one.

Ohio State 14 Rutgers 12

Mississippi State at Arkansas -6

Last week Arkansas completed the season sweep of Ole Miss in convincing fashion. The Hogs are favored to do the same to the Rebels arch rival Mississippi State in week 6. Since the last minute FG loss to Arkansas in week 3, State has reeled of two consecutive wins and will look to make it 3. A win for the Dogs will put them in the race for the division and set them up for a good run the rest of the season. A Hogs win will all but eliminate the Dogs from the divisional chase and barring a surprising twist will keep them at P1 in the polls. A late State score makes this one look closer than it was.

Mississippi State 13 Arkansas 23

Illinois at Iowa -7

Illinois was unable to put anything together in their week 5 36-3 loss to Indiana. Iowa was able to handle their business at home against Rutgers last week and will look to remain in playoff contention with a win in week 6. With the lone exception being Ohio State, Illinois has not scored more than 6 points in any game. In a low scoring game, take Iowa and lay the points.

Illinois 10 Iowa 18

Nebraska -1 at Ole Miss

Nebraska will travel to Ole Miss to take on the Rebels in Vegas' game of the week. Both teams will be needing a win here to turn their season around and stay within reach of a playoff spot. Ole Miss is the underdog in this one, but will play with their season on the line. Take Ole Miss straight up.

Nebraska 10 Ole Miss 14

Week 11 is expected to be a big week for some of our teams as some will play for playoff positioning, and some will be playing for confidence for next season.

Missouri at Oklahoma (-6)

In this divisional rivalry, Missouri will travel to Norman to attempt to avoid the season sweep against the Sooners. A win will put the Tigers in a tie for the #1 SEC WC spot as well as keep their hopes for a division championship alive. A loss to the Sooners could put the Tigers into a fight the rest of the season for the final WC spot. An Oklahoma win will keep the SEC WC1 in Norman for now and could push the Sooners back into a half game lead on their division. As their name depicts, Oklahoma would rather settle a WC spot sooner than later, but Missouri will cover.

Missouri 12 Oklahoma 17

LSU at Texas (-13)

The Longhorns have quietly put together a very solid season as they sit at #4 and sit atop the SEC West. They currently hold on to the number two playoff spot and is slated to take on division rival Missouri in the first round of the playoffs heading into this week. But first they must deal with another set of Tigers as they welcome LSU to Austin. A Texas win will keep them in the lead, however a loss will muddie not only the division race but could put them in position to miss the playoffs althogether as they still face 3 ranked teams in the final 5 games, including arch rival Oklahoma and #1 Arkansas. LSU has been streaky this season, winning 4 in a row after losing game 1, then losing next 4 before defeating Texas A&M last week. Offensively points have been at a premium for this team being shutout 3 times and scoring only 10 in two others. To be fair they have played the second toughest schedule going into week 11. Take Texas in this one.

LSU 9 Texas 26

Oregon at Alabama (-12)

Alabama welcomes the Ducks to town in hopes to improve or at least maintain their number 4 ranking and the #3 playoff spot. The Tide has been on a hot streak since their home loss to arch rival Auburn outscoring opponents 81-15. A Tide W and some help could move the Tide to the #2 spot in the SEC. A loss could put them in a position where they will have to win out just to make the playoffs. Oregon on the other hand, is needing a win here to remain in WC contention. An upset win could potentially put them in WC3 in the B1G, A loss will make it very tough for the Ducks to fly into the playoffs in season 1. Take the Tide for the win, but expect it to be closer than Vegas is saying.

Oregon 10 Alabama 19

Rutgers at Penn State (-4)

The Nittany Lions are playing for their playoff lives going into week 11. Penn State is needing a win here in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, this has been the case for the past couple games and they have came out on top. This week they face a Rutgers team that has scored the 2nd fewest points in the league (54). They have been almost as consistent defensively as they have allowed to 4th most points this season (179), Luckily, the pressure is off of them as they have effectively been eliminated from playoff contention as they will have to win out and need a lot of help. The Lions will put the Knights out of their misery this week.

Rutgers 9 Penn State 16

Iowa at Nebraska (even)

Though this is predicted to be the Vegas game of the week, there is another game we are showcasing this week. Both of these teams are hanging on to a thread if they want to take a WC spot. Both are sitting 3-7 and a loss will be catastrophic to their playoff hopes. A win and some help and they could be in the middle of a battle. Statistically both teams mirror each other though Nebraska is ranked in the bottom 3 they seemed to have been a bit better tested so far in season one. They will play like tested vets against the Hawkeyes and take a close W in week 11.

Iowa 10 Nebraska 13

Minnesota at Wisconsin (-14)

Wisconsin has been lurking in and around the top ten almost all season and has shown just how good this team is in recent weeks. They hold on to WC1 for the B1G at 7-3, with two of the losses being to undefeated Michigan State, A win here will put the Badgers in great position to lock up the WC1 as they hold a two game advantage the WC2 leader. Minnesota goes into the matchup looking for revenge on the Badgers who defeated Minnesota in Minneapolis in week 6. A Gopher win will keep hopes alive, while a loss will put Minnesota in a lose and out situation. With games against Michigan State, Washington, and a scrappy Vandy team down the road, a win is essential. The Badgers will pull this one out, but Minnesota will keep it close til the end.

Minnesota 10 Wisconsin 18

Indiana at Arkansas (-6)

This is a game where the only thing for certain is someone's winning streak will be over, if not both streaks. Both teams have mirrored each other all season right down to the team colors. Arkansas holds a 7 point advantage in points scored (267) while Indiana holds a 4 point advantage defensively (46). Both teams even have the same closest margin of victory (2 pts) to the same team (Miss. St) and yes even by the same score (19-17). The only thing different with these two teams is that Indiana isn't from Fayetteville AR and that will be the difference in our game of the week.

Indiana 16 Arkansas 18

Illinois at Ole Miss (-4)

Playoff hopes are on the line when Illinois travels to the state of MIssissippi to take on the Rebels. A loss for Ole Miss will make it almost impossible for the Rebels to overcome the odds as they have only one game left against a team out of playoff contention. A win, however, will keep their hopes alive and in the middle of the hunt. the Fighting Illini are fighting to hold on their WC3. Vegas currently have them in as 6 seed, but a loss to Michigan in game 1 will put them at 7 seed if the season were to end today. A win will go a long way to secure either one of the spots for Illinois while a loss could have them outside looking in. In a close game, the Rebels will hold their homefield.

Illinois 12 Ole Miss 14

Michigan (-2) at UCLA

Michigan travels to LA to take on UCLA. Both teams are sitting 5-5 and will battle it out for a WC spot. With a win and some help, the Bruins could get into a tie for the B1G West division which could boost their confidence if they can hold it to the playoffs. A loss will put them in a position where a divisional championship will be the only way they make the playoffs. The Wolverines currently are in the playoffs but have a pack on their heels including the aformentioned Bruins. A win will give them a little breathing room, but will need some help in order to feel comfortable in this race. In a game where so much is on the line, Michigan walks off the victors, but not by much.

MIchigan 17 UCLA 14

Washington (-12) at USC

Los Angeles will be a busy city in week 11 as Washington will also travel to LA to face USC. After peaking at P4 the Huskies enter the game sitting inside the top ten but on a 2 game slide. A third straight loss could find Washington struggling to stay in the top ten and even the playoff race. Washington holds a slim one game lead for the division but will have to play 2nd place UCLA twice in 5 games. A win will not only stop the losing streak, but could move them to 3 seed in the B1G playoffs. USC will host the Huskies looking for payback after getting blown out 25-7 earlier in the season. Unfortunately, that and the #1 overall pick is about all they are looking for in this game. USC is able to cover, but revenge will have to wait til next year.

Washington 19 USC 12

South Carolina at Michigan State (-14)

MIchigan State is one of three undefeateds this season and unless they can't avoid the upset this week, they should be one of two undefeated teams. The Spartans have only played 3 top ten teams this season, but have taken care of business throughout the season. They will face a South Carolina team, that has been one of the worst teams in the league, especially early on. They have been able to get a few wins this season, but have dug themselves in too big a hole at the start. A Gamecocks loss will essentially take away any playoff dreams they might have, while a win will keep those slim hopes alive, especially if they can get some help in other games. It's not very often that we agree with what Vegas says, but this is one that we do.

South Carolina 10 MIchigan State 24

Auburn at Georgia (-4)

In the first installment of the South's oldest Rivalry, Auburn will go between the hedges to face the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tigers are finding themselves out of the playoffs looking in and will need to win out and get some help in order to have any chance of a getting a post season game. Georgia, while also outside looking in, does have a little more control. A win here will keep them in the middle of a cluttered field for the SEC WC3 spot. However, they will still need some losses near the top in order to get a WC, but the W will keep them in reach of a divisional championship. Take the Bulldogs and lay the points in this one.

Auburn 11 Georgia 17

Mississippi State (-6) at Texas A&M

The Aggies started the season as a contender, but have gone winless since week 5. The struggling Aggies have now found themselves out of the playoffs with only a little hope of reaching the postseason. That's the bad news, the good news is they have faced the third toughest schedule so far which means the schedule can only get easier for them. Mississippi State, is sitting pretty comfortably in the playoffs and will go into week 11 looking for placement there. the 6-4 Bulldogs have played the toughest schedule so far this season so the young team has been well tested. If the youth has learned anything this season this should be a big win. If not, then A&M will put an end to their losing streak. Look for the Dogs to win, but 6 points is a little too much.

Mississippi State 16 Texas A&M 13

Tennessee at Florida (-10)

The Volunteers will travel to the sunshine state looking for some sort hope for, well anything. Florida is looking to take a playoff spot, or even a chance at the division championship iv one of the top teams were to fall. A win will be that much closer to putting their fate in their own hands, while a loss to the Vols could put the playoff dreams on hold for another year. Keep doing the Gator Chomp fans Florida covers in this one

Tennessee 10 Florida 21

Vanderbilt (-3) at Kentucky

The Commodores have felt disrespected all year long going 7-3 and still outside the top ten. However, they have taken the respect from anyone they have played on the field thus far. A win against the Wildcats in week 11 could sew up the division for this group and make them the first team to have a little letter by their name. A loss though would hurt, but they have enough breathing room so as to not have to sweat it too much. Kentucky is going into the week 11 matchup holding on to their slim playoff hopes and will need a win (along with 5 more) to have a chance at a 500 record at the end of the season. The Dores will not only win this game and cover, but they will seal up the division this week.

Vanderbilt 17 Kentucky 13

Maryland at Ohio State (-11)

Maryland goes to Ohio looking for just their 3rd win of the season. They have had a tough time this season, losing to the only two ranked teams they've played by a total of 66-3. Points have been few and far between for the Terps as they have been shutout twice this season. That's as many times as they have scored double digits. Ohio State is sitting at 6-4 and with a win will be on the verge of making the playoffs. Look for the Buckeyes to win going away in this one.

Maryland 8 Ohio State 16

Week 13 is here and the playoff picture is becoming more and more clear every week. This week features 3 top ten matchups and a 4th top 11 matchup. We have some teams that have seen their playoff dreams come crashing down while other are holding on to hope, while others yet are playing for positioning in the playoffs. With that being said let's look at what the numbers have to say about this week's games.

22 LSU (-2) at 16 Georgia

LSU goes into Georgia needing a win and some help in the form of Oklahoma, Florida, Mississippi State, Missouri and Ol Miss all losing in order for the Tigers playoff hopes to still be alive after week 13. One of those teams will lose this week but an LSU loss or a win by any of the other above teams will see the end of their hopes. Georgia isn't sitting a whole lot better needing to win out and a lot of help in the coming weeks in order to stay in the hunt. Long story short, one of these teams will be out of the hunt if not both by the time the clock hits triple 0s in this one. Take UGA straight up.

LSU 13 Georgia 21

24 Minnesota at 28 Kentucky (Even)

In one of two games that Vegas has a pick em game, the Gophers will travel to Lexington to take on Kentucky. Kentucky's playoff hopes ended last week and they will be playing for positioning, just draft positioning. A win here could see the Wildcats picking outside the top 5 in next years draft. Minnesota on the other hand will likely see their playoff dreams dashed win or lose as they are needing a win and pretty much the rest of the B1G to lose in order to remain in the hunt. In a game where only the fans of these teams or gamblers in Vegas will have anything to gain or lose, take Minnesota.

Minnesota 18 Kentucky 16

8 Oklahoma (-11) at 32 Rutgers

Despite being a streaky team this season, the Sooners have found themselves a heavy favorite to make the playoffs this season. Carrying an 8-4 record to New Jersey to face a hapless Rutgers team should be nothing more than a formality for the Sooners to see a little letter by their name indicating a playoff spot being secured. However, although Rutgers is ranked dead last in our polls, the Scarlet Knights have been able to put up a couple of wins and have shown that they are not (that) scared of what's on the side of a helmet. They will show up for the game this week but it will be over with after kickoff as the only thing they are playing for is a top 5 draft position. A couple of late scores make this one look closer than the game actually was.

Oklahoma 20 Rutgers 10

11 Missouri at 9 Mississippi State (-7)

Both of these teams are holding onto an SEC WC spot and will face each other looking for positioning and a little breathing room as 3 other teams are within 2 games of them. A loss by Missouri could see them outside looking in if Florida can pull off an upset (we'll get to that one later). Mississippi State has a little more give with them as they have a 1.5 game lead over the Gators for the coveted spot, but with injuries to 80% of their offensive production, the Dogs can not afford a loss here. We have State winning the game, but 7 points is a little much.

Missouri 17 Mississippi State 20

2 Michigan State (-9) at 18 Oregon

The Spartans have marched through the season unscathed and have locked in the division championship in year one barring a long list of what ifs coming to fruition. They will look to get the conference regular season championship and the first round bye in the playoffs when they travel to Eugene to play the Ducks. Oregon has spent the year hovering between 15-20 in our rankings but still have a chance to see their names in the playoff bracket when the regular season comes to a close. In order for that happen they will need to win out and see several teams lose 2 out of three. Though possible, it is highly improbable that the Ducks will be able to complete the first task. The Spartans will march on and will celebrate this week.

Michigan State 20 Oregon 14

21 Illinois at 27 Nebraska (-2)

In another game where playoff hopes are on the line, Illinois will travel to Nebraska. These two divisional rivals played earlier in the season with the Fightin Illini shutting out Nebraska 19-0. A Cornhusker revenge could be on the horizon. The fans should show up for this close game, but regardless of who wins this one, both teams will need to win out and need plenty of help to get a little x by their name. The numbers say Nebraska wins, but both teams will be eliminated by the time it's over with.

Illinois 14 Nebraska 16

10 Wisconsin at 6 Washington (-3)

In our first top ten matchup, Wisconsin will travel across two time zones to face Washington in Seattle. While Wisconsin has a playoff spot locked up, Washington is still playing for their playoff lives. The Badgers are sitting 9-3 with two losses being to their division leader Michigan State and have already locked up a playoff spot. A win here could secure the 5th seed for Wisconsin and will allow them to rest some starters for the playoff run. Even though Washington is ranked 6 and is leading their division, all of that could come crashing down with a loss this week. They can lock up a playoff spot this week with a win and Penn State loss. Look for Washington to do their share this week.

Wisconsin 14 Washington 17

25 Auburn at 12 Vanderbilt (-11)

Auburn makes their way up I65 to Nashville this weekend to face an angry Vandy team that lost a 15-10 shocker to South Carolina. Even with the upset last week, Vanderbilt has all but sealed the division championship needing 1 win or a South Carolina loss in the last four games. Auburn will be looking to be the spoiler in this affair, but could have a top 10 pick on their minds if they lose out. Vanderbilt will be celebrating a playoff berth and be SEC North's first division championship after this one.

Auburn 12 Vanderbilt 23

26 Tennessee at 29 South Carolina (-6)

The Gamecocks have shown some fight as of late showing they can play with some of better teams, but it has come a little too late. Though mathematically still in the playoff race, it won't take much before the numbers will go against them. They will host a Volunteer team that was able to put up 1 of their 2 wins against SC. Tennessee hasn't been able to put together consecutive successful drives much less games all season. They were eliminated from the playoffs a couple of weeks ago and are now looking for a top 3-5 pick in next year's draft. in what we have as the closest game of the week look for both teams to win this week. The Gamecocks will win the game and Tennessee will win a good draft pick.

Tennessee 17 South Carolina 18

30 Maryland at 20 Penn State (-8)

While the Terrapins defense has played pretty good at times, their offense has been stagnant most of the year. Aside from a 16-3 win over Rutgers and a 17-13 loss to Iowa Maryland has failed to reach double digits on the score board. Penn State will be playing to stay within reach of one of two playoff spots by the time kickoff comes around. Two of their 7 losses have come to Nebraska and this same Maryland team, while the other 5 have come to teams that have either sealed a playoff spot or should after this week. Look for Penn State to hang around for another week.

Maryland 10 Penn State 17

3 Indiana (-11) at 14 UCLA

After going 10-0, Indiana has hit a wall staying at 10 wins after the last two games. A 9-6 loss to Arkansas in what has been pegged as the game of the year by some fans, seems to have busted the Hoosiers bubble. Even with those two losses, they are the B1G South Champions and will look to stop their losing skid and secure the second seed with a win this week. UCLA has failed to show consistency this year beating a couple top ten teams then losing to some of the lower ranked teams, Nevertheless, the have remained inside the top 15 and will look to keep their playoff hopes alive against this juggernaut of an opponent. An upset here should instill confidence in this Bruins team and help get them closer to a WC spot. This will be a closer game than Vegas is predicting.

Indiana 21 UCLA 14

13 Ohio State at 19 Iowa (even)

In Vegas's game of the week the Buckeyes will travel to Iowa to take on the Hawkeyes. Ohio State will be fighting for the division championship and seal at least a 3rd seed in the playoffs while Iowa will be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. A win for the Bucks and they will hoist the divisional trophy. Iowa will need to win this week and need some help if they want to move their way up the board and into playoff contention. Ohio State will need to keep the champaign on ice for another week.

Ohio State 15 Iowa 16

31 USC at 15 Michigan (-14)

In what Vegas is predicting to be the biggest blowout of the week, Michigan will go into the game looking to take advantage of their one game lead for the final playoff spot. Luckily they host an USC team that has gone winless since their 10-3 victory over Maryland way back in week 6. The Trojans holds the number 1 overall pick going into this week and it looks like they will keep it going into next week.

USC 13 Michigan 24

7 Florida at 5 Alabama (-8)

In our second top ten matchup, the Gators will travel north to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama. Florida is in the middle of a jumbled up playoff race, 1 behind the 3 current WC holders, and sits 2 games behind the Tide in the divisional race. A win here could go a long ways toward their goal of making the playoffs and if they win out and Alabama slips up in another game, could make the playoffs via divisional champions. Alabama has held steady all year long with the exception of their two game slide. Since those games, the Tide has found their mojo, and confidence, in going 5-0 and holding opponents to a field goal in 4 of the 5 games. A win here and they will hold the SEC East trophy.

Florida 17 Alabama 23

23 Texas A&M at 17 Ole Miss (-7)

The number 17 Rebels take the field this week against 23rd ranked A&M hoping to be able to get within a game of the WC race. With a win and losses to Georgia and Florida, the Rebels could find themselves right there. Texas A&M has gone on a losing streak and has been stuck at 3 wins since going 3-2 in the first 5 games. The streak has relegated the Aggies to looking for a top ten pick at the season. Look for the Rebels to help Texas A&M with that after this week.

Texas A&M 10 Ole Miss 17

4 Texas at 1 Arkansas (-7)

Since Vegas won't say it I will. This is the game of the week. Though Arkansas doesn't have much to play for (they have the division locked up, a loss won't hurt their ranking), they can capture the regular season conference title and the first round bye that comes with it if they can remain undefeated. Texas will go to Arkansas hoping to seal up their own division title and put themselves in a position to win the #2 seed in the SEC. While Arkansas' defense has been amazing this season, allowing 56 points all year long, their offense hasn't been to shabby scoring 296 points. The Longhorns will bring with them the leagues leading scoring offense 331, and a defense that has only allowed 96 points all year long. This will be a barn burner, a second in three weeks for this Razorback team, when these two take the field.

Texas 20 Arkasas 23