College Football Rivalry Weekend Picks

This is the best weekend in college football I have seen in years. In addition to these 6 ranked vs ranked  match ups, this saturday is full of contests with plenty of conference and BCS implications. Sit back, grab some turkey and enjoy what promises to be an awesome weekend of college football.

#3 Ohio State (11-0) @ Michigan (7-4)
As much as I hate Ohio State, there is no way this Michigan team tops this Ohio State team. Note, this is the Buckeyes hardest road game they've played all season and their performance in this game could dictate their BCS future. A matchup with a Michigan State team that boasts the best defense in the country is on the horizon, meaning Braxton Miller and this Buckeyes offense need to ensure they work at peak efficiency in preparation for next week. I like the Buckeyes (38-24).

#21 Texas A&M (8-3) @ #5 Missouri (10-1)
Johnny Manziel has a combined 18 touchdowns in games after suffering a loss. He's never lost two games in a row. That being said, this is a damn good Missouri Tigers team. They are averaging close to 40 points per contest and are allowing a mere 19.7 points per game. If we are being completely honest, this Tigers team should be undefeated. With two games left in the season, the Tigers are still in the Title
hunt. If they can win this week, they will move up to at least #4 in the standings and will have a face off against either Bama or Auburn. Either Ohio State or FSU will most likely need to fall, and I know it might sound like a lot needs to happen, but it's college football, it's pure insanity. I think Missouri wins, but I never bet against Johnny Manziel, Aggies (47-41).

#6 Clemson (10-1) @ #10 South Carolina (9-2)
South Carolina can still go to the SEC championship game with a Missouri loss, so in terms of going to the conference championship this game has no meaning. But it's South Carolina Clemson, so it's kinda a big deal. The question is can the Gamecocks defense halt the high-powered Tigers offense, as Boyd and the Tigers are averaging 51.5 points per game in their last 4 contests. I got to see the Tigers play a few weeks ago and they are a completely different team since their loss to FSU, I like the Tigers to squeak out a (38-35) win.

#25 Notre Dame (8-3) @ #8 Stanford (9-2)
The Irish are going to get beat up by this Stanford front 7. I like Stanford (31-13).

#22 UCLA (8-3) @ #22 USC (9-3)
Despite the success of both these teams this season, ASU has already clinched the PAC-12 South and this one purely for pride. USC interim Coach Ed Orgeron has the opportunity to possibly remove the interim title from his position with a win here. Trojans QB Cody Kessler has been great as of late, and the chess match between Kessler and the talented core of linebackers the Bruins will be the matchup to watch. I like how the Trojans are playing as of late, and I think they snag a (24-19) victory.

#1 Alabama (11-0) @ #4 Auburn (11-1)
This might be the biggest Iron Bowl of all time. The SEC West crown, bragging rights, and most importantly a trip to the national title (in my opinion) for the winner. Say what you want about how good Alabama is on both sides of the ball, how well coached they are, how many questions we have about Nick Marshall at QB and his ability to pass the ball for the Tigers, but I said it after the Georgia game, the Tigers feel like a team of destiny. I don't know how or why, but I think we are in for another miracle at Jordan-Aire. Auburn (27-24).-Josh Neighbors
Photo credit: ESPN.com, SI.com, Touchdown Alabama Magazine