2020 CFB Conference Championship Primer

It's the most wonderful time of year, as the song goes, but this year is quite different from most. And that unusualness extends to the fields and meeting rooms of college football. In a normal year, the regular season would be over and bowl season would be upon us. Instead, it's conference championship weekend. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused dozens of postponements and schedule adjustments in college football, which in turn has led to some hot topic debates that wouldn't occur in a usual season. How many games is enough of a sample size? How do you compare teams from different conferences when there have been few non-conference games? Do mullets tangibly make a football team better?

I can't answer those questions, and I won't try to. What I will do is briefly lay out every conference championship game taking place this weekend and explain the playoff implications and possibilities.

Conference USA Championship

UAB (5-3, 3-1 Conference) @ Marshall (7-1, 4-1 Conference)

Friday, 7:00 PM, CBSSN

Spread: MARSH -4.5   Over/Under: 44

Both of these teams' most recent game came against Rice (the team, not the seed). Marshall had its immaculate season derailed by the Owls two weeks ago in a 20-0 clunker. UAB fended off Rice last week, winning 21-16. Despite their results versus the common opponent, I think Marshall is the better team here and its loss two weeks ago was an anomaly. As cool as Dragons are, I'm going to go with the Thundering Herd in this one.

Prediction: Marshall 28, UAB 17

MAC Championship

Ball State (5-1, 5-1) vs Buffalo (5-0, 5-0)

Friday, 7:30 PM, ESPN

Spread: BUFF -13   Over/Under: 69.5

We didn't get as much MACtion as usual this year, but some MACtion is better than no MACtion. The abbreviated season still gave us the same kind of ridiculousness we've come to love from the Mid-American Conference, including a game in which Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson tied the FBS record for rushing touchdowns in a game (eight). Ball State is a bad interception against Miami (OH) away from potentially being unbeaten, but Buffalo is clearly the class of the MAC.

Prediction: Buffalo 38, Ball State 24   

Pac-12 Championship

Oregon (3-2, 3-2) vs #13 USC (5-0, 5-0)

Friday, 8:00 PM, FOX

Spread: USC -3  Over/Under: 64.5

The Pac-12 was the last FBS conference to get started this fall, severely limiting the playoff chances of a league that has gotten left out of three of the five College Football Playoffs. It appears that number will be four out of six after this season, but unbeaten USC does still have an outside shot. Oregon is always among the pacific elite, but the Ducks have struggled, losing their last two games. I think the Nike Ninjas will keep it close, but I expect sophomore QB Kedon Slovis to lead the Trojans to victory.

Prediction: USC 34, Oregon 32

Big Ten Championship

#14 Northwestern (6-1, 6-1) vs #4 Ohio State (5-0, 5-0)

Saturday, Noon, FOX

Spread: OSU -18.5  Over/Under: 55.5

The Big Ten, like the world in general, has been a bit of a mess this year. The conference started late, left itself little flexibility, created a rule mandating that teams must play at least six games to be eligible for the championship game, then scrapped that rule after its best team failed to reach the six-game plateau. I think the final decision was the correct one, as Ohio State is the league's only road to the Playoff. The Buckeyes should cruise against a Wildcat team that lost to Michigan State.

Prediction: Ohio State 42, Northwestern 21

Big 12 Championship

#10 Oklahoma (7-2, 6-2) vs #6 Iowa State (8-2, 8-1)

Saturday, Noon, ABC

Spread: OU -6  Over/Under: 58

The Big 12 has seemingly once again cannibalized itself out of a playoff spot, yet one of these two teams could somehow still sneak in if all hell breaks loose. If not for Florida, Iowa State would probably be the most overrated team in the country. Yes, the Cyclones squeaked by Oklahoma and Texas, but they also lost two games, including a 17-point defeat to the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. I think Oklahoma's the better team, and I think the Sooners will get their revenge.

Prediction: Oklahoma 30, Iowa State 27

Sun Belt Championship

#19 Louisiana (9-1, 7-1) @ #12 Coastal Carolina (11-0, 8-0)

The Sun Belt Championship was canceled due to a positive Covid test

ACC Championship

#3 Clemson (9-1, 8-1) vs #2 Notre Dame (10-0, 9-0)

Saturday, 4:00 PM, ABC

Spread: CLEM -10.5  Over/Under: 60

This championship will be another rematch of a regular season game, with one small difference between the first and second meeting. This time, potential first overall pick Trevor Lawrence will start at quarterback for Clemson. Lawrence was out for the last matchup due to Covid protocols, and Notre Dame took advantage, winning in overtime. The Irish are probably firmly in the Playoff, win or lose. The Tigers are definitely in with a win. With Lawrence, I think Clemson wins relatively easily here. 

Prediction: Clemson 35, Notre Dame 24

Mountain West Championship

Boise State (5-1, 5-0) vs #24 San Jose State (6-0, 6-0)

Saturday, 4:15 PM, FOX

Spread: BSU -6.5  Over/Under: 55.5

These mountainous western teams come in to Saturday's MWC championship with a combined one loss, and that loss was a Boise State beating at the hands of BYU in which the Broncos were playing their third-string quarterback. BSU will have starter Hank Bachmeier for this one, and I think he and the Blue Field Broncos will prove too talented for the Spartans of San Jose State.

Prediction: Boise State 38, San Jose State 20

SEC Championship

#1 Alabama (10-0, 10-0) vs #7 Florida (8-2, 8-2)

Saturday, 8:00 PM, CBS

Spread: ALA -17  Over/Under: 74

As usual, Alabama finds itself at the top. Even if the Crimson Tide lose by 50 points, they will likely still be put in the Playoff (now, if they lose by 51 points, that's a different story). Bama should have little trouble with a Florida team that somehow only dropped one spot in the rankings following a loss to 5-loss LSU last week. 

Prediction: Alabama 48, Florida 27

American Championship

#23 Tulsa (6-1, 6-0) @ #9 Cincinnati (8-0, 6-0)

Saturday, 8:00 PM, ABC     

Spread: UC -14.5  Over/Under: 45

Conference championship weekend wraps up with the SEC and AAC Saturday night. This one pits the Green Wave (which I've always assumed is just a big wave with a lot of algae in it) against the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Bearcats, who were at one point ranked seventh, dropped another spot in the rankings after having another game canceled due to Covid. UC probably won't crash the Playoff party, but the team will likely be the one to represent the non-Power 5 conferences in a New Year's 6 bowl.

Prediction: Cincinnati 35, Tulsa 21

Lines via OddsShark.com

Lines as of Friday Afternoon

To stay up to date on the newest Head in the Game articles (and general sports commentary), follow @headingameblog on Twitter. You can also find us on Twitter @T_RoyStory (Troy) and @G_Tingley (Grant)

 

Bowl Games, Ranked Only by Name

There are just some things that are staples of the holiday season. Christmas carols being played everywhere you go. Houses lit up with lights. Shopping malls filled up with hurried people looking for a gift for that special someone. Random college football games scattered throughout the week.

That's right, the arrival of the holiday season also marks the arrival of bowl game season. Bowl games feel like novelties. There are currently 40 in total, and each one is unique in its own special way. Some have conference tie ins. Some have team tie-ins. Some are grand events, paired with parades and celebrations. Others are just excuses for a quick vacation. Yes, most of them are glorified exhibition games, and yes, the main purpose of them is to generate as much money as possible for the evil empire that is the NCAA, but if we look past that, we can appreciate the weirdness and wackiness of bowl season.

One of the weirdest and wackiest things about bowl season are the bowl game names. The combination of the word "Bowl" with plants, foods, or other things, along with an obscure sponsor, can make for some silly-sounding names. There have been dozens and dozens of different bowl names throughout the century-plus history of college football, and some have had more staying power than others. Since I like to play games, let's play a quick round of "Which List is Real". I will give a list of words that were real bowl game monikers at some point or another. I will also give a list of bowl game names I just made up. It's up to you to discern which is which.

List A:

• Galleryfurniture.com Bowl
• Poulan Weed-Eater Independence Bowl
• Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl
• Blockbuster Bowl
• Papajohns.com Bowl

List B:

• Salad Bowl
• Gotham Bowl
• Raisin Bowl
• Aloha Bowl
• Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Presented by Bridgestone

Were you able to figure out which list of bowl games is real, and which is not. It's difficult, but there are some tell-tale signs... okay, I tricked you. All the names on the lists were names of real-life bowl games. But that just goes to show how ridiculous some of these names are. So ridiculous that fellow Head In The Gamer Troy Lehman and I decided to rank this year's bowl games solely based on name.

1. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 3

Not only is it the Potato Bowl, it's the Idaho Potato Bowl. Not only is it the Idaho Potato Bowl, it's the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Potatoes are such a versatile food. They're great baked, cooked, fried, sliced, diced, salted, or cheesed. But not sweet or mashed. 

Troy's Ranking: 1

If you look up perfect bowl name in some weirdly specific dictionary that exists, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is right next to it. Here's a couple of things that make me really like a bowl name: First is that the "base name" has something to do with the location without being the actual location. Second is a sponsor that actually makes sense for the game. Both are true with the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. 

2. Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 1

Behold this wondrous bowl game name in all of its glory. Bad Boy Mowers? Best name for a bowl game sponsor. Gasparilla? I don't know what it is or means, but it sounds pretty dope. Put those together and that's a fine-lookin' bowl game name.

Troy's Ranking: 6

The name Gasparilla derives from pirate legend José Gaspar, who supposedly mostly resided in the Tampa Bay area. If you name something after a pirate, I'm likely to like it.

3. Celebration Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 4

Troy's Ranking: 4

Celebrate good times come on!

4. Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual

Grant's Ranking: 9

You know it's a serious bowl game when it includes "Presented by". And "The Grandaddy of Them All" is a serious bowl game . However, there are better-sounding insurance companies for a bowl game to be presented by. Imagine the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Lemonade (which is apparently the name of a real insurance company).

Troy's Ranking: 3

The classic of all classic bowl games. The Rose Bowl is simple and elegant-sounding. Plus it's probably the most historic bowl game and never bows down to a sponsor, hence the phrasing "presented by". 

5. Walk-On's Independence Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 13

I have some questions here. To whom is "Walk-On" referring to? And what does it mean by "Walk-on's Independence". Are we celebrating this walk-on's independence? Is this walk-on fighting for his/her independence? I need answers.

Troy's Ranking: 2

Many a walk-on has laid down their lives in the great Independence War of 1987. This bowl game is in remembrance of them. 

6. Camellia Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 12

I initially didn't know what a camellia was. Turns out it's a pretty flower, which compelled me to move this bowl up in my rankings despite still not knowing for sure whether it's pronounced "camellia" or "camellia".

Troy's Ranking: 5

There's not anything too much to why this bowl is ranked so high. I think it just sounds nice and is a sort of interesting sounding word. Also, I looked up camellia and it's a very nice looking flower. 

7. TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 7

I just love that this bowl name features the words "Tax", "Slayer" and "Gator" consecutively. The only other place I would expect to see those words together is in a Florida newspaper article...

A Florida man was arrested Thursday afternoon at a local Wal-Mart. The man got visibly upset after an employee refused to take the sales tax off of his purchase. He claimed that, as a "Gator Slayer", he should be tax-exempt. After being asked to leave by the manager, he returned naked and carrying the head of an alligator in his hand. It was then that police were called. 

Troy's Ranking: 14

This is the bowl game featuring the greatest team in the state of Indiana (Notre Dame is its own city-state and does not show up on state maps). Less importantly, it sounds like the most possible Florida bowl game name.

8. Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 11

These are just three fun words to say (and "bowl", which is just okay). Apparently, Cheribundi is a tart cherry drink that claims to have "the highest antioxidant strength of any super fruit juice", so they have that going for them too. Also, Boca Raton is the hometown of pop superstar Ariana Grande.

Troy's Ranking: 11

This is just so fun sounding. I'm not sure what Cheribundi is but I'm just going to assume it's a small mammal native to Australia. Boca Raton is the bowl location that sounds the most like it is from Star Wars. By the way, my on the record opinion of The Rise of Skywalker is that it is a very good movie.

T-9. Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Grant's Ranking: 8

This name exudes confidence. Not only does it include a company that makes tires (which are necessary for driving) and a fabric that can be made into clothing (which is necessary for a lot of things), it also forgoes "Bowl" for the more elegant "Classic".

Troy's Ranking: 15

The sponsorship isn't overpowering the base name of the bowl game and Cotton is something that goes with the location of the game. Overall it's just a solid bowl name. 

T-9. Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman

Grant's Ranking: 10

This may not be as serious as the Rose Bowl, but it's still a serious bowl game, as evidenced by the "Presented by". I have no idea who Northrop Grumman is, but kudos to him (or her) for supporting our troops.

Troy's Ranking: 13

I mean obviously, I'm going to support this bowl name. The sponsorship doesn't shadow the great base name of the Military Bowl. 

11. Allstate Sugar Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 17

I enjoy sugar. One might even say I am addicted to sugar. I like sugary foods and sugary drinks. The more sugar, the better. however, a bowl of sugar does not sound appetizing to me, especially one sponsored by an insurance company.

Troy's Ranking: 8

Again, I like it when the sponsor doesn't get in the way of the true bowl name, and "Sugar" goes well with a game played in the South. It's a classic name that doesn't try to be anything silly. 

T-12. Vrbo Citrus Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 19

Citrus is cool. My issue is with the first "word" in this name. It has three consonants back-to-back, and only one vowel. That is an uneven consonant-to-vowel ratio. On the other hand, it still sounds cool, and it apparently helps you find places to stay when going on vacation.

Troy's Ranking: 7

Unlike the Orange Bowl, this bowl decided to include all the fruits of the citrus because we gotta support our lemon and lime-loving friends. 

T-12. PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 16

This is a fine name for a bowl. But it pales in comparison to its predecessor. "Tostitos Fiesta Bowl" just fit so well. Nothing against PlayStation, but when I think "fiesta" (or "bowl", for that matter), I think "tortilla chips" long before I think "video game console". 

Troy's Ranking: 10

The name would've been higher back when it was the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl because tortilla chips go more hand and hand with a fiesta. On the other hand, I'm on team Sony, so as long as it's not the X-Box Bowl it'll stay high. 

T-14. Capital One Orange Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 18

Another fine bowl game name. Just fine. If we were judging bowl games based on trophies, this would be higher, but since this is solely based on the name. a fruit-flavored bowl sponsored by a credit card company is slightly above average.

Troy's Ranking: 9

I like how this bowl has had a consistent sponsor for a long time. To go along with it, if you think about the positive things associated with Florida - difficult I know - oranges are usually near the top.  

T-14. Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 15

I've looked over Chick-fil-a's menu and I have not found any peaches. This is a case of two things that are good on their own not quite fitting when combined. That being said, I love chicken as much as I love sugar, so this is a top-15 bowl game name for me. 

Troy's Ranking: 12

I would like to correct Grant's misinformation. Chick-fil-a has had a peach milkshake on its menu. That being said, two things that get associated with Atlanta are the chicken restaurant and peaches. The combo makes for a good bowl name. 

16. Outback Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 14

The "Outback" here is obviously referring to Outback Steakhouse, but it also sounds like it could be a football game played in the middle of the desert by kangaroos. That image alone puts this name up this high, even if it's really just a bowl sponsored by a steakhouse.

Troy's Ranking: 17

Here's where I start to get into my personal philosophy about bowl names; if the bowl name is only a sponsor with nothing else, it's a bad name. That being said, the Outback Bowl is the best of the sponsor only names. 

17. Belk Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 6

Alliteration is always a good thing when it comes to bowl game names. Also, I like the simplicity here. Two words, two syllables. There is often beauty in simplicity. Another plus is the fact that this is the only bowl game I follow on Twitter.

Troy's Ranking: 26

Remember what I just said about sponsor only bowls? Well, that comes up again. Sure, Belk Bowl is fun to say, but for the love of all branding add in something else, otherwise once you inevitably change the sponsor no one will know what bowl you're talking about. 

18. Cheez-It Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 5

I'm all for bowl games named after snack foods. Give me the Cheeto Bowl, the Dorito Bowl, the Peanut-Butter Pretzel Bowl (which would be number one in my rankings), etc. Sure, it sounds kind of silly, but that's exactly what bowl season is.

Troy's Ranking: 29

This is a bad bowl name, I'm not going to sugar coat it. It's sponsor only, which is terrible, and it's a sponsor that makes it sound super cheesy, pun intended. Also, I'm a Ritz Bitz kind of guy. 

19. Valero Alamo Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 20

The Alamo Bowl is not quite as memorable as the actual Alamo. It's a solidly-named bowl, but I don't know how I feel about the back-to-back words ending in "o".

Troy's Ranking: 16

This is the bowl name you most need to remember. 

20. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 2

This sounds like some kind of fancy drink at Starbucks. But it sounds like a fancy drink I would definitely order. 

Troy's Ranking: 36

I haven't disagreed with Grant this much since hearing his terrible take on ice cream. This bowl game is five words long. It's a corny sponsor name that has nothing to do with Frisco, Texas. All around it's just terrible. 

T-21. AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 23

As the well-know phrase from the Declaration of Independence reads, "Life, the Liberty Bowl, and the pursuit of auto parts". At least, I'm pretty sure that's how it goes. Anyway, I appreciate this bowl celebrating America's freedom, but I don't think there's anything free at AutoZone.

Troy's Ranking: 18

Give me Liberty Bowl or give me motor oil!

T-21. TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 21

This name gets points for alliteration, but loses points because the word(s) "TicketSmarter" is thrown in front. Luckily, the name still has some flow to it despite the inclusion of Ticketmaster's little brother.

Troy's Ranking: 20

I mean it's just whatever. Whoever decided on the company of TicketSmarter shouldn't be naming things, but the bowl name is far from the worst. 

23. Quick Lane Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 22

This is a nice, short, clean bowl game name. No, it's not flashy, and yes, it's sponsored by a place that changes oil, but the three one-syllable words add a succinctness to it.

Troy's Ranking: 22

I don't like sponsor only bowl names as previously established. It also reminds me that this used to be the Motor City Bowl, which is a phenomenal bowl name. 

T-24. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 27

I like the name "Music City Bowl". It's a lot better than just calling it the "Memphis Bowl". But then they had to go and ruin it by putting "Franklin American Mortgage" in front. Now the bowl game name is too many syllables. Points for the little alliteration in the middle, though.

Troy's Ranking: 19

Music City Bowl is a very good name for a bowl. The problem is that Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl is such a long name that it probably won't fit on a standard tee-shirt. 

T-24. San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 25

Speaking of bowl game names with too many syllables, this Boxing Day bowl sponsored by a city's credit union is a classic. But despite being too long, it is based in San Diego (which I've heard is a beautiful city) and does include the word "Holiday", so it's not a horrible name.

Troy's Ranking: 21

Once again the name is just too long. The Holiday Bowl is a well known bowl name but the sponsor hurts a lot more than it helps. 

26. SoFi Hawai'i Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 24

If you like words doing things that words don't usually do, then this bowl is for you. The first word has a capital letter in the middle of it, and the second word has an apostrophe between two i's. If only they didn't pair a beautiful batch of islands with a loan refinancing company.

Troy's Ranking: 24

I honestly don't remember why I ranked this one so low. It kind of flows but is nothing special. 

27. SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 28

OH, SO YOU THINK YOU'RE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVERYONE ELSE BECAUSE YOU'RE IN ALL CAPS?? WELL, YOU'RE NOT!! However, first responders are incredibly important and I want to thank them for their service.

Troy's Ranking: 23

WHY IS THE SPONSOR YELLING AT ME?!? PLEASE MAKE IT STOP! I'M GETTING SCARED.

28. New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 26

There is only so much excitement that can be had regarding a bowl named after a fabric design and a brand of hat. If a bowl chooses to go that route, I would rather see it be named something like "59Fifty Polka-Dot Bowl". But maybe that's just me. 

Troy's Ranking: 27

I mean I kind of like that everything has to do with it being in a baseball stadium, especially the Yankee stadium. At the same time, why are they playing a football game in Yankee Stadium? Why is NYCFC playing in Yankee Stadium? Could we please start only playing baseball in Yankee Stadium?

29. New Mexico Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 32

Not much to discuss here. It's a bowl game named for the state that it takes place in. So here are some fun facts about New Mexico:

• New Mexico has the highest number of PhDs per capita of any state
• Santa Fe, NM is the oldest capital city in the United States. It was established in 1610. It is also the highest capital in America, at 7,000 feet above sea level
• There probably aren't aliens in New Mexico, but there might be buried treasure.

Troy's Ranking: 25

I mean it's just nothing special. I do kind of want to go to New Mexico though, it seems like a funky place to be, plus I could see some aliens. 

30. Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 30

I should have ranked this one higher. This is a weird bowl game name that makes me appreciate the unnecessarily large number of bowl game. But it also makes no sense. I do not believe a "tiger sun" is a thing, and I'm pretty sure Tony cannot claim ownership of the Sun.

Troy's Ranking: 28

Can we just not call it this? Could we all decide as a community to not call it the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl?

31. Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 29

This isn't even the best military-related bowl game. I do prefer the name "Armed Forces Bowl" to "Military Bowl", but instead of being "presented by" a guy with an interesting name, they just put the interesting name of a guy in front of the bowl name.

Troy's Ranking: 30

This is like when someone names their youngest kid something that's super close to the older kid, like if it's Molly and Milly. 

32. Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 31

With the right sponsor, the Bahamas Bowl has the potential to be a great bowl game name. This is not the right sponsor. This is literally an advertisement for an industrial park in Illinois, which sounds like the opposite of the Bahamas.

Troy's Ranking: 31

It's just not interesting. I mean you probably don't need a stellar sponsor to convince teams to come play in the Bahamas, but still. 

T-33. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 34

I'd love to visit New Orleans some day. I've heard that it's a fun city. To create this bowl game name, they put a fun city with the name of a freight shipping company. I shouldn't have had to look that up, because "R+L Carriers" sounds exactly like the name of a freight shipping company.

Troy's Ranking: 32

I have no real rhyme or reason, this is just a bad sounding name. 

T-33. Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 33

Like New Orleans, Las Vegas is a fun city I'd love to visit. I equate the "City of Sin" with many things, but a Japanese car manufacturer is not one of those things. Even the alliteration can't save this name.

Troy's Ranking: 33

Call it the Sin City Bowl and all your problems are solved. 

35. FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 35

I was wondering what the bowl was trying to cure (or if it was sponsored by the band "The Cure"), so I looked it up. It turns out that this bowl is named this way as a way to raise awareness for breast cancer, so kudos to them for that. As sweet as the sentiment is, however, it's a below-average name, especially with its new sponsor. 

Troy's Ranking: 34

Is this bowl trying to cure mortgages? I'm not really sure what that means but I guess we have to run in a 5K to raise money. 

36. NOVA Home Loans Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 37

This is literally a bowl game named after a mortgage company. Not just an existing bowl that's sponsored by a mortgage company (like the Cure Bowl), but a bowl game for a mortgage company. Because nothing says football like debt (well, maybe college football...).

Troy's Ranking: 35

This is both a sponsor only bowl and a bowl with a boring sponsor. That combo equals a bad name. 

37. LendingTree Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 36

Speaking of debt...

Troy's Ranking: 37

See the NOVA Home Loans Bowl. 

38. Redbox Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 38

I didn't know Redbox was still a thing. People still rent physical copies of movies? With the amount of streaming options popping up these days, they probably won't much longer. Redbox is an endangered species in my eyes.

Troy's Ranking: 38

Do people still use Redbox? You can find basically every movie known to man on some streaming service and if not you could probably rent it on Amazon for an extra dollar. 

39. Camping World Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 39

Wait, there is a game called the World Bowl, and it's sponsored by camping? Oh, it's just a bowl sponsored by a place called Camping World? That's disappointing. I would much rather have an international bowl sponsored by the act of camping. 

Troy's Ranking: 39

Sponsor-only so it's getting a thumbs down. 

40. Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 40

Look, there are no bowl game names I truly hate. There are just some I think sound worse than others. This bowl has multiple components of a worse-sounding name, including being too long, being named after the state it takes place in, and being overshadowed by the name of the sponsor.

Troy's Ranking: 40

This is gross. It sounds so bad. Whoever decided to let this happen deserves to have a bad Tuesday.



Follow Troy on Twitter @T_RoyStory and Grant on Twitter @G_Tingley 

Championship Week Primer

It feels good to be back. After starting my first real adult job, I took a break from my weekly football previews. This was mostly because I now work for most of the day Monday-Friday, and I have much less time and energy to do a preview every week. But this is Championship Week.

PAC-12 Championship

#5 Utah vs. #13 Oregon

Where: Santa Clara, CA

When: Friday, 8:00 PM

TV: ABC

Line: UT -6.5   O/U: 45.5

Who to Watch For: Oregon QB Justin Herbert entered the season as one of the favorites to be the first quarterback taken in next year's NFL Draft. Although that no longer looks to be the case (thanks to the play of Joe Burrow), Herbert, who has thrown for 3140 yards, 31 touchdowns and five interceptions this season, will still be one of the first signal-callers taken next April.

While Oregon has ridden Herbert's arm this season, Utah has ridden the legs of Zack Moss. Moss has toted the rock 200 times this year, rushing for 1246 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is also a good argument for Utah's inclusion in the Playoff. He got injured in the first half and did not return in Utah's lone defeat (a 30-23 loss at USC), meaning the team's only blemish came largely without the services of its best player. Luckily, his services will be available Friday night.

Playoff Implications: The PAC-12's hopes of being represented in the College Football Playoff for the first time since the inaugural CFP in 2015 rest on the shoulders of Utah. If the one-loss Utes take care of Oregon Friday night and Georgia loses to LSU Saturday, they will likely be the fourth and final Playoff team.

Fun(?) Facts: Utah's team name is the Utes. "Utes" are a segment of Native Americans who reside in Utah and Nevada. The Utes once had a head coach whose nickname was "Cactus". I'm assuming this was because he had a prickly personality and didn't drink a lot of water.

Oregon's team name is the Ducks. The team was known as the Webfoots (which is just a sillier way to say Ducks) until the 1960's. The Webfoots had several nickname-laden head coaches, including "Cap", "Doc", "Prink" (no, I have no idea what that means), and "Tex".

Pick: Utah 28, Oregon 24

Big 12 Championship

#7 Baylor @ #6 Oklahoma

Where: Arlington, TX

When: Saturday, Noon

TV: ABC

Line: OU -9   O/U: 65

Who to Watch For: Joe Burrow may be the clear favorite to win the Heisman Trophy now, but back in Week 1, it looked like Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts might run away with the award following a six-touchdown performance in his Sooner debut. The Hurts Heisman buzz has faded a bit since then, but his performance hasn't. The former Alabama starter has 4564 total yards and 49 total touchdowns this season, and he and receiver CeeDee Lamb (14 TD) are one of the most electrifying pairings in college football.

On the Baylor side, I could go with WR Denzel Mims or QB Charlie Brewer, but I would be remiss if I didn't highlight junior defensive tackle James Lynch, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Lynch has registered 10.5 sacks on the season (tied for 13th-most in the nation) and is Baylor's all-time leader in career sacks with 19. He is part of the reason Baylor had the best scoring defense in the Big 12 this season (18.4 points allowed per game).

Playoff Implications: Both teams still have a shot at making the Playoff, but they'll need some outside help to sneak in. The winner of this game will need two of the following things to happen: A Georgia loss to LSU, a Utah loss to Oregon, a Clemson loss to Virginia. The chances may not be all that high, but it's definitely possible.

Fun(?) Facts: Here's a fact(?) straight off of Wikipedia: "The Big 12 conference is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in Delaware", a state nowhere near any Big 12 school.

Also, the Big 12 currently has 10 teams, while the Big Ten currently has 14 teams. At least the Pac-12 (formerly the Big Five, Big Six, Pac-8, and Pac-10) has stayed up-to-date.

Pick: Oklahoma 38, Baylor 31

Sun Belt Championship

Louisiana @ #21 Appalachian State

Where: Boone, NC

When: Saturday, Noon

TV: ESPN

Line: APP -6.5   O/U: 57.5

Who to Watch For: App State's high-scoring offense (38.9 points per game, 11th in the nation) is led by junior running back Darrynton Evans. The Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year has scored 20 total touchdowns this season (19 rushing, three receiving and one on a kick return). Against Charlotte on September 7, Evans ran for 234 yards and three touchdowns, and he added a kickoff return for a touchdown. He is the only player this century to have at least 200 yards rushing, three rushing touchdowns and a kick return touchdown in a single game.

Although Louisiana did not have any offensive players make the All-Sun Belt First Team, the Ragin' Cajuns actually led the conference in total offense (500.3 yards per game, eighth in the nation). A large part of that powerful offensive attack is senior wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley, who has recorded 48 receptions this season, totaling 760 yards and seven touchdowns.

Playoff Implications: There are no College Football Playoff implications here. There aren't even any New Year's Six implications here, since the winner of the Memphis - Cincinnati game will represent the Group of Five over Appalachian State.

Fun(?) Facts: Louisiana (AKA the University of Louisiana Lafayette) is known as the Ragin' Cajuns. According to Wikipedia, "Ragin' Cajun" is also a nickname given to political consultant James Carville, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Russel Honore, former wrestler and current cartoonist John LeRoux, "racing driver" (Wikipedia's term, not mine) Hal Martin, and FIDDLER Doug Kershaw. That is probably one of the few things that could tie together a political consultant, a pro wrestler-turned-cartoonist, an army general, a race car driver, and a fiddle player.

Pick: Appalachian State 35, Louisiana 28

MAC Championship

Miami (OH) vs. Central Michigan

Where: Detroit, MI

When: Saturday, Noon

TV: ESPN2

Line: CMU -6.5   O/U: 55

Who to Watch For: Miami's freshman quarterback has a name that may sound familiar to football fans. Brett Gabbert is the younger brother of NFL (is he still in the NFL? I'm honestly not sure.) quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Brett won the MAC's Freshman of the Year award, throwing for 1967 yards and 10 touchdowns (along with eight interceptions).

Central Michigan's offense has been more productive than Miami's, and that offense is highlighted by the MAC's leading receiver, Kalil Pimpleton. The sophomore has caught 73 passes for 771 yards and six touchdowns this season. He also has 20 punt returns totaling 180 yards. He also has a fun name.

Playoff Implications: I love the MAC and all the weird moments it has produced, but I doubt there will ever be a Mid-American Conference game with College Football Playoff implications.

Fun(?) Facts: First off, shout out to college football blogger Spencer Hall (@edsbs on Twitter) for giving us the term "#MACtion". He may not have invented the term, but he at least popularized it.

Secondly, the MAC has had one team make a "major" bowl game: Northern Illinois in 2012, when the 15th-ranked Wolfpack played Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

Pick: Central Michigan 41, Miami (OH) 28

Conference USA Championship

UAB @ Florida Atlantic

Where: Boca Raton, FL

When: Saturday, 1:30 PM

TV: CBSSN

Line: FAU -8.5   O/U: 49.5

Who to Watch For: Florida Atlantic had the second-best offense in Conference USA this season (431.2 yards per game), thanks to a passing offense highlighted by senior Harrison Bryant. Bryant has caught 61 passes this year for 965 yards and six touchdowns, and he's a finalist for the John Mackey Award, which is given to the nation's top tight end. 

While UAB isn't as productive on the offensive side of the ball, the Dragons do possess the best defense in the conference. A key cog in that defense is sophomore linebacker Jordan Smith, who has registered 10 sacks this season (tied for 15th nationally) and forced four fumbles. Smith and the rest of the defense will be paramount to UAB pulling off an upset.

Playoff Implications: No, there are no College Football Playoff implications here, and, as with the MAC, there will probably never be a Conference USA Championship game with Playoff implications.

Fun(?) Facts: Due to insufficient funds to build new facilities, the UAB football program was shut down after the 2014 season. The next year, it was announced that the program would return in 2017. In the nearly three seasons since coming back to life, the Dragons are a combined 28-10.

Pick: Florida Atlantic 34, UAB 21

American Athletic Conference Championship

#20 Cincinnati @ #17 Memphis

Where: Memphis, TN

When: Saturday, 3:30 PM

TV: ABC

Line: MEM -9.5   O/U: 57.5

Who to Watch For: Memphis has one of the most productive running backs in the country, and he's only a freshman. Kenneth Gainwell, the American's Freshman of the Year, has racked up 1381 rushing yards (11th in the nation) and 12 touchdowns (tied-20th) on 204 carries (tied-27th), averaging 6.8 yards per carry (14th). Watch out for this guy the next few years.

Cincinnati has the best scoring defense in the conference (21.1 points allowed per game), and it's hard to highlight just one player. Five Bearcat defenders made the all-conference first team: lineman Elijah Ponder, linebackers Bryan Wright and Perry Young, corner Ahmad Gardner, and junior safety Darrick Forrest, who has racked up a team-leading 52 tackles, along with three interceptions.

Playoff Implications: There are no playoff implications in this game, but there are New Year's Six implications. Every year, the highest-ranked champion from the Group of Five conferences (American, Sun Belt, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West) gets a spot in either the Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, or Peach Bowl. This year, that team will be Memphis if the Tigers win this game. If Cincinnati wins, it will either be the Bearcats or Boise State.

Fun(?) Facts: The AAC (American Athletic Conference) is the newest major college football conference. It formed in 2013 from the rubble of the old Big East, although the conference still claims 1979 (the year the Big East formed) as its inception date. The conference spreads as far northeast as Connecticut, as far south as (South) Florida, and as far west as (Houston) Texas. In that sense, I guess it is the most "American" conference.

Pick: Cincinnati 35, Memphis 34

SEC Championship

#4 Georgia vs. #2 LSU

Where: Atlanta, GA

When: Saturday, 4:00 PM

TV: CBS

Line: LSU -7   O/U: 56

Who to Watch For: LSU has the second-best offense in the country (560.4 yards per game), and the Tigers have stars at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. With all due respect to Clyde Edwards-Helaire (1233 yards rushing, 16 TD) and Ja'Marr Chase (1457 yards receiving, 17 TD), I can't not highlight the likely Heisman winner, senior QB Joe Burrow. The former Ohio State backup has torn up opposing defenses this season to the tune of 4366 yards and 44 touchdowns, both second-best in the nation. He's also the top QB draft prospect.

Georgia has not had the offensive success LSU has, but when the Bulldogs do have success, it's often due to junior running back D'Andre Swift. Swift has rushed for 1203 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He is listed as questionable for this game with a shoulder injury, but he's expected to play.

Playoff Implications: The implications are pretty simple in this game. Win or lose, LSU likely gets into the playoff. If Georgia wins, the Bulldogs are in. If they lose, they are out.

Fun(?) Facts: Bulldogs are called bulldogs because they used to be used to herd bulls. Tigers have never herded Bulls, but they are extremely dangerous animals. I think of bulldogs as dogs with ugly faces, and I think of tigers as beardless lions. I don't know which animal would win in a fight (probably the tiger), but it would be a battle.

Pick: LSU 42, Georgia 21

Mountain West Championship

Hawai'i @ #19 Boise State

Where: Boise, ID

When: Saturday, 4:00 PM

TV: ESPN

Line: BSU -14   O/U: 64.5

Who to Watch For: The Blue Field Broncos are led defensively by junior linebacker Curtis Weaver. The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year has 13.5 sacks on the season, good for fifth in the nation. His four sacks against Portland State tied a school record. He also has an interception and a forced fumble this season.

The Island Rainbow Warriors are led offensively by junior quarterback Cole McDonald. McDonald is among the nation's leaders in passing yards (3401, eighth in the country) and touchdowns (29, tied for 13th in the country). The California native also has great hair.

Playoff Implications: No Playoff implications to be found out west Saturday afternoon, but, as is the case with the American Championship, there are New Year's Six implications. If Boise State wins and Memphis loses to Cincinnati, it will either be the Broncos or Bearcats representing the Group of Five in a New Year's Six bowl game.

Fun(?) Fact: The University of Hawai'i was founded in 1907 as the College of Hawai'i. Two years later, the college's football team played its first game. Back then, they were know as the "Fighting Deans", which I'm assuming means they were somehow able to field an entire football team made up of people named Dean. 

In 1923, a rainbow appeared over the field during a 7-0 Hawai'i win over Oregon State. After that, reporters started calling the university's sports teams the "Rainbows". The Rainbow Warriors dropped the Rainbow from 2000-2013, then brought the Rainbow back after realizing that football teams can like rainbows too.

Pick: Boise State 35, Hawai'i 28

ACC Championship

#23 Virginia vs. #3 Clemson

Where: Charlotte, NC

When: Saturday, 7:30 PM

TV: ABC

Line: CLEM -28.5   O/U: 57.5

Who to Watch For: You can't talk about Clemson without mentioning Trevor Lawrence and Tee Higgins, but the engine that really makes this offense go is junior running back Travis Etienne. Etienne has run for 1386 yards this season (10th in the nation) and 16 touchdowns (tied-9th). His yards per carry average of 8.3 ranks second in the nation. He has found the end zone in all but one game (a blowout over Charlotte), and will likely find the promised land again Saturday night.

Any hope Virginia has of pulling off the upset starts with senior quarterback Bryce Perkins. The dual-threat signal-caller has thrown for 2949 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, and has added 687 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. That running ability will play a vital role in any potential upset bid by the Cavaliers.

Playoff Implications: If Clemson wins (as expected), the Tigers are in. If Clemson loses, the Tigers could be left out in favor of one-loss teams with stronger schedules (like Utah and Oklahoma).

Fun(?) Fact: This past Spring, the Virginia basketball team became the first NCAA Tournament team ever to win the championship a year after losing to a 16 seed. In the Spring of 2018, the Cavaliers became the first NCAA Tournament team to ever lose to a 16 seed.

Pick: Clemson 34, Virginia 21

Big Ten Championship

#1 Ohio State vs. #8 Wisconsin

Where: Indianapolis, IN

When: Saturday, 8:00 PM

TV: FOX

Line: OSU -16   O/U: 57

Who to Watch For: When you talk about Wisconsin, you talk about Jonathan Taylor. The junior running back has carried the ball 279 times this season, fourth-most in the country. He's turned those carries into 1761 yards (2nd in the country) and 20 touchdowns (4th). His 5932 career rushing yards currently rank seventh in FBS history, and are the most by a player through his junior season. Taylor also holds the record for most 200-yard games in a career with 12. Whether Taylor returns for his senior season or departs for the NFL, he'll go down as one of the greatest college football running backs of all-time.

Ohio State has three legitimate Heisman Trophy candidates in Justin Fields, J.K. Dobbins and Chase Young. Although Joe Burrow may beat them all out for the Heisman, at least one (if not two) of the three will be in New York as a finalist. Young is arguably the best player in the country, but Fields is arguably Ohio State's most important player. The sophomore quarterback and former Georgia backup has the third-most touchdowns passes (37) in the nation and the least interceptions (1) among qualified players. Fields has also displayed running ability and toughness.

Playoff Implications: If Ohio State wins, the Buckeyes will almost certainly be the number one seed in the College Football Playoff. If the Buckeyes lose, they will probably still get into the Playoff, but it'd be less certain. I don't want to say Wisconsin has a zero percent chance of getting in, but the Badgers have less than a one percent chance.

Fun(?) Fact: How about some badger facts? Badgers are nocturnal, meaning Wisconsin has a better chance in this game since it's being played at night. They live in holes and tunnels that they did, and sleep on grass and leaves. There are tunnels in Lucas Oil Stadium, but the grass is artificial. It's a good thing Wisconsin isn't playing a team named the Dachshunds, because Dachsund is German for "badger hound".

Pick: Ohio State 41, Wisconsin 24

College Football 2019: Week 9

Every week of the 2019 college football season so far has brought us ridiculous plays, surprising outcomes and hilarious events. But Week 8 was the wildest one yet. So much happened last week (both football-related and not). I don't know where to begin. I suppose I'll begin at the beginning.

• Former Oregon Star Stops Gunman - Ex-Oregon receiver Keanon Lowe, a football and track coach at Parkrose High School in Portland, was credited with tackling an armed student after footage was released on Friday showing him disarming a man a few months ago, preventing potential injuries and/or deaths. Lowe played for the Ducks from 2011-2014, but his efforts at Oregon pale in comparison to his heroic effort in May.

• Worst Fake Punt of All-Time? - Before Saturday, it was clear that the Indianapolis Colts held the title of "Worst Fake Punt of All-Time". But Arkansas decided to take a shot at that title last weekend, and the Razorbacks may have done enough to snatch the belt. Down 17-0 to Auburn in the second quarter, Arkansas decided to try a fake punt on 4th-and-11 from its own 41-yard-line. Punter Sam Loy acted like he was going to punt, then tried the "Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway" throwing strategy, which resulted in an easy Auburn interception. The Tigers went on to win, 51-10.

• Sooner Schooner Stumbles - During a break in Saturday's West Virginia-Oklahoma game, Oklahoma's famous horse-drawn carriage, the Sooner Schooner, went out onto the field. As it was turning around, it took a spill. Luckily, nobody was hurt. Unluckily, the Sooner Schooner will be retired for the remainder of the season due to the incident. I should've taken the crash as a sign of how my picks against the spread were going to go this weekend.

• Long Live Lovie - Week 7 gave us the first big upset of the 2019 college football season. Week 8 saw Week 7 and said, "Hold my beer". Illinois, one of the worst teams in the Big Ten, was a 30-point underdog against a Wisconsin team that had looked unstoppable in the first seven weeks of the season. Somehow, the Fighting Illini came back and beat the Badgers, 24-23, on a game-winning field goal as time expired. This was a big win for Illinois head coach Lovie Smith, who looks like he could be either 50 years old or 200 years old.

• Trouble with Tua? - Tennessee hung with the first-ranked Crimson Tide for a half Saturday night, but Alabama pulled away and won easily. The biggest story was Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered a high ankle sprain during the game and could be out a few weeks. The Tide play second-ranked LSU in two weeks. It remains to be seen whether Tua will be back for the big SEC matchup. If he's not, Bama will count on backup Mac Jones, who does have a history of success coaching women's intramural flag football teams.

• Sports are Often Bad, but They're also Often Good - There was nothing inherently exciting about the Rutgers-Minnesota game last Saturday. Any game featuring Rutgers is not inherently exciting. But something noteworthy did happen during the game. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck sent out walk-on placeholder Casey O'Brien to hold the snap on an extra point early in the fourth quarter. O'Brien got the hold down, and the extra point went through the uprights to make it 28-0, Minnesota. Why am I talking about this seemingly insignificant moment? Well, Casey O'Brien is a four-time cancer survivor. He finally got into a game last weekend, and it was such an emotional moment that it had his head coach was in tears on the sideline. 

Week 8 Superlatives

Best Performance: Shane Buechele, QB, SMU (30-53, 457 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT)

The SMU quarterback had a day in a 45-21 win over Temple, throwing for 457 yards (250 of them to receiver Reggie Roberson Jr.) and six touchdowns (three of them to Roberson Jr.) to propel the Mustangs to 7-0.

Best Play: Using Your (or Someone Else's) Head

It is extremely difficult to execute a successful onside kick. Ohio kicker Michael Farkas managed to do it Saturday in the second quarter of a game against Kent State. Farkas kicked the ball right off the helmet of Kent State up-man Isaac Vance. It bounced off the helmet and back to the Bobcats. That's how you execute a successful onside kick. Ohio went on to win, 45-38.

Best Gameday Sign: Jim Harbaugh gets the Dinkleburg Treatment

Yes, I know this is the second time I have changed this superlative. But I think I've settled on highlighting the best College Gameday sign each week. Last weekend, Gameday was in State College, PA, for Penn State-Michigan. Most of the signs I saw made fun of Jim Harbaugh and/or Michigan's ineffective offense in some way, including this Fairly OddParents-inspired one.

Week 9 Picks

Thursday

#16 SMU @ Houston

(7:30 PM, ESPN)

The highest-ranked Group of Five team at the end of the season gets an automatic berth in a New Year's Six bowl, and right now, SMU is that team. The Mustangs have scored over 40 points in every game this season. No reason to think that won't continue against 3-4 Houston.

Spread: SMU -14  Over/Under: Over 65.5

Prediction: SMU 45, Houston 21

Saturday

#13 Wisconsin @ #3 Ohio State

(Noon, FOX)

This Big Ten battle lost a little luster when Wisconsin fell to Illinois, but it's still a matchup between two of the most talented teams in the country. I wouldn't be surprised if the Badgers make it a close game, but Illinois exposed weaknesses last week, and Ohio State is a whole lot better than Illinois.

Spread: OSU -14  Over/Under: Over 49.5

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Wisconsin 21

#5 Oklahoma @ Kansas State

(Noon, ABC)

Although their literal wagon crashed last week, The metaphorical Sooner Schooner continued to roll on. Oklahoma has only scored less than 48 points in just one of its seven games this season. In three Big 12 games, Kansas State has scored a total of 49 points. The Wildcats won't be able to keep up.

Spread: OKLA -23.5  Over/Under: Over 57.5

Prediction: Oklahoma 48, Kansas State 21

#20 Iowa @ Northwestern

(Noon, ESPN2)

Speaking of Oklahoma, this is the opposite of an Oklahoma game. Both of these teams struggle offensively and don't give up a lot of points defensively. The Wildcats will be lucky to score more than two touchdowns on the Hawkeyes, though it's worth noting that Iowa is 2-5 against the spread.

Spread: NW +10  Over/Under: Under 37.5

Prediction: Iowa 21, Northwestern 13

#21 Appalachian State @ South Alabama

(Noon, ESPNU)

App State is among the three teams vying for the Group of Five spot in a New Year's Six bowl, behind SMU and Cincinnati. All the Mountaineers can do is just keep winning, and they will win this Saturday against 1-6 South Alabama, the second-most embarrassing USA team right now.

Spread: APP -26  Over/Under: Over 52

Prediction: Appalachian State 42, South Alabama 13

#9 Auburn @ #2 LSU

(3:30 PM, CBS)

After a nice bye week... I mean, win over Mississippi State... LSU goes back at it against a top team. Auburn has wins over Oregon and Texas A&M, but couldn't do anything against Florida the week before LSU beat the Gators. I think the Tigers will win by double digits (and show less skin).

Spread: LSU -10.5  Over/Under: Under 58.5

Prediction: LSU 35, Auburn 21

#6 Penn State @ Michigan State

(3:30 PM, ABC)

Penn State dispatched of Michigan last Saturday night to remain unbeaten, although the Wolverines made it closer than a lot of people thought. After scoring a combined 10 points against Ohio State and Wisconsin, the Spartans will have a hard time putting points on the board against the Nittany Lions.

Spread: PSU -6.5  Over/Under: Under 44.5

Prediction: Penn State 30, Michigan State 13

#15 Texas @ TCU

(3:30 PM, FOX)

Texas almost lost to Kansas (again) last week. But the important thing is that Texas didn't lose to Kansas last week. The Longhorns will have to play a lot better on the road against TCU, especially on defense (they gave up 48 points to Kansas). I think they will.

Spread: TEX -1.5  Over/Under: Over 59

Prediction: Texas 38, TCU 24

Maryland @ #17 Minnesota

(3:30 PM, ESPN)

PJ Fleck's team continues to row the undefeated boat. Maryland couldn't beat IU last week and got destroyed by Purdue the week before. The good news is that this week's opponent is not from the state of Indiana. But that's the only good news.

Spread: MINN -16.5  Over/Under: Under 57

Prediction: Minnesota 35, Maryland 17

Oklahoma State @ #23 Iowa State

(3:30 PM, FS1)

Two weeks ago, Oklahoma State was a ranked one-loss team, with that one loss coming by six points to Texas. Now the Cowboys are on a two-game losing streak that will likely turn into a three-game losing streak on the road against a hot Iowa State team. Life comes at you fast.

Spread: OSU +10.5  Over/Under: Over 63.5 

Prediction: Iowa State 38, Oklahoma State 28

Arkansas @ #1 Alabama

(7:00 PM, ESPN)

Alabama will not have Tua this weekend, but they won't need Tua against Arkansas. Mac Jones, Julio Jones, Jim Jones, Return of the Mack, Big Mac, Bernie Mac, Fat Mac, it don't matter, the Crimson Tide are still gonna roll at home against the Razorbacks.

Spread: ALA -31.5  Over/Under: Over 55.5

Prediction: Alabama 48, Arkansas 14


UCF @ Temple
(7:00 PM, ESPN2)

Two American teams that have spent time in the Top 25 this season meet in my Unranked Game of the Week. Both teams sit at 5-2, with both hoping for a Cincinnati slip up so they can claim a spot in the AAC championship. I'll take Central Florida in a hard-fought battle.

Spread: TEMP +10.5  Over/Under: Over 60

Prediction: UCF 35, Temple 28

Boston College @ #4 Clemson

(7:30 PM, ACCN)

Of all the teams vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff, Clemson has the easiest schedule the rest of the season. But that doesn't mean the Tigers won't get upset, especially if Trevor Lawrence continues throwing bad interceptions. I don't think they'll get upset by Boston College.

Spread: BC +34  Over/Under: Under 59

Prediction: Clemson 44, Boston College 14

#8 Notre Dame @ #19 Michigan

(7:30 PM, ABC)

This is my Game of the Week. Michigan suffered its second loss of the season last week, but they stuck with Penn State in Happy Valley. Notre Dame comes in with just one loss, a close one to Georgia. This could go either way, but I'll go with Michigan, meaning this is also my Upset Alert.

Spread: MICH +1  Over/Under: Under 51

Prediction: Michigan 24, Notre Dame 21

#24 Arizona State @ UCLA

(7:30 PM, PAC12)

After failing to get anything going against Utah last week, Arizona State travels to L.A. to face a UCLA team that blew out Stanford last week. Despite last week's vastly different results, I think ASU is the better team, and I think the Sun Devils will win behind their defense.

Spread: ASU -3.5  Over/Under: Under 55.5

Prediction: Arizona State 30, UCLA 21

California @ #12 Utah

(10:00 PM, FS1)

Speaking of the Utes, they also play a California team this weekend, but they do so at home. The Golden Bears have lost three straight, including last week against Oregon State, which had just been killed by Utah. Utah should beat Cal, but it could be a low-scoring game.

Spread: CAL +21.5  Over/Under: Over 37.5

Prediction: Utah 28, California 13

Washington State @ #11 Oregon

(10:30 PM, ESPN)

Washington State ended a three-game losing skid last week with a rout of Colorado. The one-game winning streak will probably end this week against the Ducks, who have won six straight since an opening loss to Auburn, including last week on the road against Washington.

Spread: WSU +14  Over/Under: Under 65

Prediction: Oregon 35, Washington State 24

Last Week: 18-4  vs. Spread: 9-13  Over/Under: 8-14

Season: 134-36  vs. Spread: 74-94-2  Over/Under: 86-83-1

Stats and info via ESPN.com, BleacherReport.com, Twitter.com, SportingNews.com, OddsShark.com, and CBSSports.com

Lines via OddsShark.com

Lines as of Wednesday evening