By Reid Stuart
Game of the Week: Ohio State at Iowa
Keys to the Game: With three teams in the Big Ten with 5-1 conference scores, every game is important for those trying to win the conference. Iowa unfortunately is not one of those teams, but Ohio State is and is looking to make it 6-1 against a good Iowa team at home. Ohio State has a great record and is a good team, but they haven’t been tested very much this season, especially on the road. The one big game on the road they had (Wisconsin), they lost. On the other Hand Iowa has played some big games this season, and while they haven’t won them all, they played well and their defense is no joke.
The Pick: Iowa 31 Ohio State 24
Iowa’s defense and home field advantage are going to be the biggest factors in this upset, Iowa will not completely shut down a player like Terrelle Pryor, but they will make enough of a difference as to give their offense a chance to win the game.
Arkansas at Miss St
Keys to the Game: Obviously neither of these teams will win the west at this point, but what is at stake is pride and the chance for a better bowl game. Both teams are coached by offensive gurus in Dan Mullen and Bobby Petrino so this game should be a complete shootout. Arkansas pass heavy offense (3rd in the nation in passing yards), against Miss St’s running based offense (18th in rushing yards).
The Pick: Arkansas 38 Miss St 24
In a shootout, Arkansas has the advantage because they have been in these types of games all season long and their offense is designed to put up points and put them up quickly, even with the injury problems they have had this season, Arkansas picks up this win on the road.
Nebraska at Texas A&M
Keys to the Game: Nebraska is trying to hold onto its lead in the Big 12, and Texas A&M is trying to work out a miracle and hoping and praying that Oklahoma St. will lose so they have a shot at the Big 12 Title game. The striking thing about this game is the difference in how each team has performed in their “big games” this season. Nebraska has proven they can win the big games but has also proven the can look past what they consider and “inferior” opponent and lose (A.K.A. Texas). TAMU’s claim to fame is the Oklahoma game, but the two other big games on their schedule they have lost, which shows they are unpredictable when it comes to the big game scenario.
The Pick: Nebraska 41 TAMU 28
Nebraska plays like they do in the big games and picks up on the win on the road to seal the deal on their Big 12 title game.
Georgia St. at Alabama
Keys to the Game: This game really nothing more than a speed bump on the way to the iron bowl, but should be taken seriously nonetheless. Alabama’s offense should come out showing some fire we haven’t seen in a while, and the defense should have a good day, building confidence for the Iron Bowl. While the offense will have a great day, Backup Quarterback AJ McCarron will undoubtedly get his share of snaps and Eddie Lacy will get some playing time in as well once this one starts to get out of hand.
The Pick: Alabama 42 Georgia St. 10
Alabama picks up an easy win on the way to the Iron Bowl.