College Football Quick Picks: Week 12 – Rivalry Week, Part I
by Anthony Della Calce
November 17, 2006
Quick Picks had its third straight nine-win week in week 11. Its overall record now stands at 62-25 as the college football season head into the homestretch. Many teams finish their regular season campaigns this weekend, which means there are several rivalry games on the schedules. Quick Picks has predicted all of them as well as its usual games from the ACC and around the country.
Each rivalry game is labeled. Most of the games have a special name or trophy associated with them, which is mentioned below the match-up. (Please note that the least important rivalry games are only predicted and not analyzed). Let’s see which teams will earn bragging rights over their rivals.
ACC Action:
Saturday
Rivalry: N. C. State (3-7) at North Carolina (1-9) – Noon, RAY/LFS-TV
Trophy/Game: None
Two pathetic teams mean this match-up could be the worst of all the rivalry games this weekend. The Wolfpack will earn bragging rights over UNC but both of these teams have nothing to brag about this season.
Prediction – N. C. State 6, North Carolina 3
Miami (5-5) at Virginia (4-6) – Noon, RAY/LFS-TV
Sooner or later, the ‘Canes are going to win a game.
Prediction – Miami 13, Virginia 10
#21 Maryland (8-2) at #20 Boston College (8-2) – Noon, ESPN
Slow and steady wins the race, even on the road.
Prediction – Maryland 17, Boston College 14
Duke (0-10) at #18 Georgia Tech (8-2) – 1:30 p.m.
This isn’t a prediction; it’s a future statement of fact. The only question is will the score be right.
Prediction – Georgia Tech 29, Duke 0
Western Michigan (7-3) at Florida State (5-5) – 2 p.m.
Jeff Bowden or no Jeff Bowden, there are more things wrong with the Seminoles’ offense than just the offensive coordinator.
Prediction – Western Michigan 20, Florida State 12
Around the Country - Quick Picks:
Saturday
Rivalry: Iowa (6-5) at Minnesota (5-6) – Noon
Trophy: Floyd of Rosedale
Prediction – Minnesota 28, Iowa 24
Rivalry: Indiana (5-6) at Purdue (7-4) – Noon, ESPN Classic
Trophy: The Old Oaken Bucket
Prediction – Purdue 35, Indiana 28
Rivalry: Michigan State (4-7) at Penn State (7-4) – Noon, ESPN2
Trophy: The Land Grant Trophy
Prediction – Penn State 27, Michigan State 17
Rivalry: #22 Tennessee (7-3) at Vanderbilt (4-7) – 12:30 p.m.
Trophy/Game: None
Despite their injuries, there is no chance the Volunteers will lose to the Commodores two years in a row, which hasn’t happened since 1925-26.
Prediction – Tennessee 26, Vanderbilt 20
Rivalry: Illinois (2-9) at Northwestern (3-8) – 1 p.m., ESPN 360
Trophy: Sweet Sioux Tomahawk
Prediction – Illinois 31, Northwestern 30
Rivalry: #2 Michigan (11-0) at #1 Ohio State (11-0) – 3:30 p.m., ABC
Trophy/Game: None
For the first time in its illustrious history, one of the best rivalries in college football matches up the two top-ranked teams in the country. This is probably the only time the media can’t over-hype a sporting event. By the end of the game, someone in Columbus will be a loser but college football fans everywhere will be winners. With that said, Quick Picks is taking the Buckeyes.
Prediction – Ohio State 24, Michigan 23
Rivalry: #15 Auburn (9-2) at Alabama (6-5) – 3:30 p.m., CBS
Game: Iron Bowl
Saying these teams don’t like each other is an understatement. It’s more like they loathe each and every little thing about each other. Quick Picks says bring the smelling salts to this one because there will be ample opportunities to see players get “Jacked Up.” And the team that hits the hardest will win.
Prediction – Alabama 16, Auburn 13
Rivalry: Kansas State (7-4) at Kansas (5-5) – 3:30 p.m.
Trophy: Governor’s Cup
Prediction – Kansas State 34, Kansas 20
Rivalry: Washington (4-7) at Washington State (6-5) – 6:45 p.m., FSN
Game: Apple Cup
Prediction – Washington 19, Washington State 17
South Florida (7-3) at #10 Louisville (8-1) – 7:30 p.m., ESPNU
Can Louisville rebound from its loss to Rutgers? A better-than-you-think South Florida team will make things difficult for the Cardinals. But a late-game special delivery from QB Brian Brohm will help Louisville pull it out at Papa John’s Stadium.
Prediction – Louisville 27, South Florida 24
#7 Rutgers (9-0) at Cincinnati (5-5) – 7:45 p.m., ESPN
The Bearcats will succumb to Scarlet fever, just like the rest of Rutgers’ opponents have this season.
Prediction – Rutgers 24, Cincinnati 16
#17 California (8-2) at #4 Southern Cal (8-1) – 8 p.m., ABC
Geography suggests this match-up should by a rivalry game but it’s not. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking these teams are just friendly foes. Both sides will have plenty on the line in this one, including the lead in the Pac-10. But, USC has a second chance at the National Championship game on the line as well. The Trojans won’t let it slip away.
Prediction – Southern Cal 32, California 29
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