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2023-11-22 14:45

The domino stones do fall, slowly. Only a few spots in the Championship-games are open, the AAC, the BIG 12 and the MWC are still completely open, BIG 10, PAC 12 and Sun Belt have still one spot open.

Shortly after I did post my week 12 blog entry the 1st coach position was filled for NEXT season, when Northwestern did decide to scratch the 'interim' tag from title of their current HC, David Braun. Braun did work his way up in the FCS, was the DC of North Dakota State 2019 to 2022 and won as such the National Championship 2 times in 4 years.
He was then hired as DC of Northwestern for 2023, but when then HC Pat Fitzgerald was suspended in July (later fired), Braun was named interim HC. After last weeks win against Wisconsin on the road, then at a 5-5 record, he was named permanent HC. This week, the team did win another game to become bowl eligible, a status the team did not have since 2020.

The 1st HC on the chop block this week was Dino Babers, HC of Syracuse. Babers was the HC of the Orange for almost 8 seasons, his best record was a 10-3 record in 2018, including a bowl win. The teams performance did then drop, including a 1-10 season in 2020, but since last year the axe was in the air and waited to fall.
In 2022 it did look so good, the team started 6-0, but lost 5 in a row, won the last game and lost the bowl.
This season the team started 4-0, then lost 5 in a row, won 1, lost last week and the Axe did fall.
The chatter is, he did recruit good, the team had a lot of talent, but LEFT regularly to other teams, often to other conferences, even KNOWING they would play LESS and Babers was unable to stop that drain. Sure, that is a challenging environment, but as administrative board in that case you HAVE to act.
Whoever comes as new HC has a mess to fix.

So far, Babers is the only coach fired. Likely after this weekend the list will get much longer.
Arkansas did announce the will keep their HC, despite a 4-7 record, a decline from 9-4 in 2021 and 7-6 in 2022.

Let's look at the BLOCK OF GRANITE TOP GAMES FOR WEEK 12

Sat. Nov 18
#5 Washington @ #11 Oregon State
Oregon State has really problems to cover the Huskies on defense, who used a good 2nd quarter to build up a lead, they were able to defend until the end.
The Huskies did lead 22:10 at the half.
Then the Beaver did slowly close the gap, but thanks to some errors, the scored only a TD in the 3rd and a FG in the 4th.
When they got the ball mid of the 4th quarter, they had all the time to march over the field, trailing only by 2.
But on 4th and 5 at roughly mid-field, the pass went incomplete, and the Huskies did run down the clock to win the game and to win a spot in the PAC-12 Championship game.
Oregon State is out of contention but can kick out Oregon next week and can also look for a higher profile bowl, I think.
#5 Washington 22 @ #11 Oregon State 20 -> Jacks TOP GAMES Score: 26-11

#21 Kansas State @ #25 Kansas
This was a bit disappointing, at least for me.
Kansas did lead 20:16 at the half, were able to keep KSU in check in the 3rd quarter and lost the lead early in the 4th.
They got the ball, came to the Wildcats 11-yard line and threw a pick.
Still 5:30 left to play.
And then the team was unable to stop the Wildcats from making 1st downs.
In total 3 times did KSU get a 1st down and burned the clock down.
Result, Kansas State is still in the mix for a Conference Championship spot and Kansas is not.
#21 Kansas State 31 @ #25 Kansas 27 -> Jacks TOP GAMES Score: 26-12

#10 Louisville @ Miami
This was a thriller.
Both teams did play very well, Miami lead by 1 point at the half.
Louisville managed to get a field goal in the 3rd, Miami a Touchdown.
Then, staring the 4th quarter, the Cardinals did score a TD and Miami scored a FG on their next drive to tie the game.
With roughly 5:30 left, Louisville did then take the ball, needed only a few plays and scored another TD to take the lead.
Miami in need for a Touchdown did march over the whole field, came to the Louisville 3 yard line and on 4th and goal, the pass fell to the ground.
Louisville did try to seal the game, but had to punt with 30 ticks left, Miami got the ball, made 2 plays and with 3 ticks left they did throw the ball deep, but it was caught on the 5 yard line to end the game.
Louisville did get the Championship game spot against Florida State.
Miami did get nothing, beside another loss on the record.
They are already at 6 wins, so not that bad, but still the expectations and the results did differ a lot.
That was very much recognizable in the stadium, which was only 2/3 full.
#10 Louisville 38 @ Miami 31 -> Jacks TOP GAMES Score: 27-12

And some other interesting games:

Sat. Nov 18
SMU @ Memphis
Ok, Memphis did try to win this, but at the end, their will to win came to late.
They did score a TD with less than a minute left, but did still trail by 4, failed the onside kick and SMU did run down the clock to win 38:34.
By that, SMU is in a group of 3 teams still unbeaten inside the conference for 2 spots in the Championship game.
Memphis can plan for a bow trip, but their last chance to eventually slip into a championship game spot is gone.
Jacks interesting games Score: 25-15

Illinois @ 16 Iowa
In Germany we have a phrase saying 'Not gegen Elend', which is translated eventually into 'destitution vs misery', but the main intention on the phrase is 'bad playing team vs bad playing team and I really don't know, which did play worse, it was just a horror to watch, and it was not worth watching'.
OK, THIS game here could get that phrase.
Illinois got the ball after a punt on the 1st Iowa drive and were brought down in their own endzone after a few plays.
Iowa got the 2 points and the ball, came close the scoring range and missed a field goal.
Then it did get a bit better, and Illinois did lead 10:9 at the half.
A scoreless 3rd quarter was for sure fun and when took the lead in the 4th, the 60+K fans of Iowa were happy.
Lucky them did Iowa get one decent drive together and scored a TD to win the game 15:13 and to get also a spot in the BIG 10 Championship game.
Illinois still waits for their 6th win to get a bowl spot.
PS: I know, this was likely NOT such a bad game, but defense battle are so boring ....
Jacks interesting games Score: 26-15

#7 Texas @ Iowa State
Another defense driven game. Tied at 3! at the half it became a bit more exciting in the 2nd half.
Unfortune for the Cyclones did Texas pull away and won finally 26:16.
Iowa State had some chances, but their defense was at the end not strong enough to keep the Longhorns away from their endzone.
Jacks interesting games Score: 26-15

Other results, only the odd one:

Arizona did beat Utah, 42:18. The Wildcats with a big win to stay in the contender race for a Championship game spot, which is a big surprise. Utah will play a bowl and has of course one game left to boost the record.
Army did beat Coastal Carolina, 28:21. Now the Army - Navy game has bowl impacts, since Army could get their sixth win of the season against the Midshipmen. Navy is 5-5 but could get the bowl ticket next week against SMU. If they would lose, the winner of Army - Navy would for sure get in the bowl mix. Tricky.
Michigan State did win against Indiana, 24:21. That's the 4th win by the Spartans this season, Indiana stays at 3 wins and a coaching change becomes more and more likely.
Northwestern did win against Purdue, 23:15. By that did the Wildcats become bowl eligible as written above.
Appalachian State did win against James Madison, 26:23 (OT), which is the 1st loss of JMU in the seasons and that helps the Mountaineers a lot, since all other competitors did lose against the Dukes. Now the Dukes could actually kick out competitor CCU by a win against those and if App State win their game, App State will play for the Championship.
Virginia won against Duke, 30:27. No major impact for both teams, Virginia is far from having a chance on a bowl spot and Duke already has 6 wins.
UCLA did win the 'Battle for LA' against USC, 38:20. I think both teams are far away from the expected results, but this loss is bitter for USC.
UNLV won against Air Force, 31:27. By that did UNLV claim the top spot in the conference but has yet to secure a championship game spot.
Upset of the week for me, New Mexico State did beat Auburn at home 31:10. Impact on the standings, irrelevant, since it is an inter-conference-game, but the prestige is big and the embarrassment for Auburn is bigger. That's the 1st win against a SEC team for NMSU. Auburn will face Alabama the upcoming week, at home, and with THAT performance it will be a massacre.
South Carolina did win against Kentucky, 17:14. Big win for the Gamecocks, still with a chance to get into a bowl.

That's that.

BUBBLEWATCH

Please note, that the standings are prior the next MAC-games, which did already start on Tuesday evening.

American Athletics

Team	Conference	Overall	Ranking	Comment
Tulane	7-0	10-1	#23	A win against FAU keeps the streak alive. Now the game against UTSA is a semi finale for a Championship game spot.
SMU	7-0	9-2		The game against Memphis was close, but they did win and stay in the top 3. The game against Navy will be crucial, a loss will very likely mean they do not play in the Championship game.
UTSA	7-0	8-3		With a big win against South Florida did the team keep their hopes alive. The game against Tulane will decide the Championship game spot.

Memphis is out of contention. The last 3 teams will play it out next week. Just as spoiler, the AAC tie breaker is a mess.
Right now, Tulane looks like the best bet for a BIG new year’s bowl, but they do look beatable, and we might see them fall fast.

ACC
The Championship game setup is clear.
Florida State vs Louisville on neutral site.
FSU is still the best bet for a Playoff spot, but they need to win the ACC. A 1-loss Louisville champ could maybe make it, but I doubt it right now. Depends on the other conferences.

BIG10
East Division

Team	Conference	Overall	Ranking	Comment
Michigan	8-0	11-0	#3	The HC did accept the suspension, which means he will not be on the sideline for THE GAME. Winner takes it all.
Ohio State	8-0	11-0	#2	They have right now the best chance to win THE GAME with the suspended HC. What a mess.

West Division

Team	Conference	Overall	Ranking	Comment
Iowa	6-2	9-2	#17	They will play Nebraska the upcoming week, but the spot is already secured.

No change, only the secured Championship game spot for Iowa.
Whoever wins the East is expected to win the conference and getting a playoff spot. We might see a 2nd team from the BIG10 to emerge, if the only loss was against the later BIG10-Champ in a close game.

BIG 12

Team	Conference	Overall	Ranking	Comment
Texas	7-1	10-1	#7	The game against Iowa State was close, but never looked like Texas would lose this. Against Texas Tech the Longhorns are for sure favored to win and get in the Championship game.
Oklahoma State	6-2	8-3	#20	The Cowboys did win against Houston and will now face BYU. A win would very likely mean they will play for the Championship, if the tie breaker has no strange rulings in it.
Oklahoma	6-2	9-2	#13	A win against TCU will keep them hoping, but I think they need an Oklahoma State or a Texas loss to get into the Championship game.
Kansas State	7-2	8-3	#19	The win against Kansas did keep them in the hunt, but they need more than a win, they need a lot of losses from the other teams also.
Iowa State	5-3	6-5		I have to admit, I don't know, whether the still have a small chance. They need to win (against Kansas State on the road), for sure, but likely also OSU and OU have to lose also and then some luck on the tie-breaker.
West Virginia	5-3	7-4		This seems even more unlikely. They need to win (Baylor) and also a lot of losses. But Cyclones play Wildcats, so one of those will win. If KSU wins, no chance, so ISU needs to win and then the tie-breaker-gods need to be Mountaineer fan.
Texas Tech	5-3	6-5		They need to win against Texas, and a Iowa State win and the Oklahoma teams to lose and then a lot of luck.

Kansas did drop out with the loss against their rival KSU. Still, it seems a lot of teams can get into the Championship game spot, which is good for the fans.
Now it seems Texas has the best chance to sneak into the playoffs, if they win the conference. The rest is under normal conditions already toast.

Conference USA
The Championship game is already set.
New Mexico State @Liberty

MAC
The Championship game is set.
Miami vs Toledo on neutral site.
Toledo could become interesting for a BIG new year’s bowl, if Tulane suffers a loss at some point.

Mountain West

Team	Conference	Overall	Ranking	Comment
UNLV	6-1	9-2		The win against the Falcons did elevate the team almost for sure into the Championship game. But San Jose State is waiting and the tie breaker might send the team packing.
Air Force	5-2	8-3		The Falcons dropped a bit, and will face Boise State on the smurf turf this weekend. The bright season might end in the dark, if they lose this game and some other teams win.
Boise State	5-2	6-5		Looks like the HC firing did not mean much for the Broncos, they won on the road against Utah State and got at least a bowl spot. But if they win against Air Force, the price is likely much juicier, to play for a Championship (the team was favored to win at the start of the season).
San Jose State	5-2	6-5		The win against the Aztecs did lift the team into a bowl and they are also in the mix for one of the 2 Championship game spots. Since the tie breaker rules of the conferences are weird at best, I can't tell you, what happens if … but one think is sure, they better beat UNLV on the road this weekend.

Fresno State did lose and drops out, since it cannot get a spot with 3 losses. The top 4 teams do play against each other and either we have one 2-loss team as #2 or 2 2-loss teams as #1 and #2.
I don't think any conference team will get an invite on the new year’s bowl, but season is not over, yet.

PAC-12

Team	Conference	Overall	Ranking	Comment
Washington	8-0	11-0	#4	The win against Oregon State did give the Huskies the spot in the Championship game. The APPLE CUP does only have pride and playoff implications.
Oregon	7-1	10-1	#6	The goal is clear, win the CIVIL WAR and play for a Championship. A loss will open up the chances for Arizona, who would only need to win their game.
Arizona	6-2	8-3	#15	The TERRITORIAL CUP has to be won and Oregon has to lose. Then automatically, since the tie breaker would take the a beavers game as selector, Arizona would jump the Ducks, since Ducks lost against the Beavers and the Wildcats won.

Oregon State did fought hard, but lost to Washington and dropped out. Washington is set for a Championship game spot.
Right now, Washington is the top contender for a playoff spot, but Oregon has also a good chance. The rest, even with a PAC-12 Championship, would not make it, I think.

SEC
The SEC Championship game is set, both favorites did win their divisions the last gameday.
Georgia vs Alabama on neutral site.
Both teams do have a major shot at a playoff spot, if Georgia win the SEC, all fine, but Alabama out, if Alabama wins, nobody knows whether 1 or 2 will make the playoffs.

Sun Belt
East Division

Team	Conference	Overall	Ranking	Comment
James Madison	6-1	10-1		JMU won at least a share of the division already, but is not eligible to play for the Championship. They play CCU for the last game, which has impact on the team send to the Championship game.
Coastal Carolina	5-2	7-4		If they win against JMU, they play for a Championship. They won against Appalachian State, so that compare is theirs.
Appalachian State	5-2	7-4		They won against JMU, but still have to win against Georgia Southern and have to hope for a CCU loss against JMU.
Old Dominion	4-3	5-6		They won against Georgia Southern and kept that way their dream alive, at least for a bowl spot. I think they are already out of contention for a Championship spot, even if CCU and App State would lose, CCU has won against App State and Old Dominion and should win the tie breaker in a 3-team-tie, but maybe I miss something.

West Division

Team	Conference	Overall	Ranking	Comment
Troy	5-1	8-2		Secured the division title (at least a share) and a spot in the Championship game.

Georgia Southern is out, by losing against Old Dominion. Troy is set as Championship game participant.
I think no chance for a playoff spot.

The playoff race has 3 weeks left, 2 regular season gamedays and the championship games a week later, and it all can turn into shit, in that last week.
I think it safe to say, that the SEC Champ will get a spot, likely also the PAC-12-Champ. But then there are a lot uncertainties.
If the more-losses-team of each conference would win the championship game, the rankings will turn upside down and it will be totally unclear, who gains a spot and who deserves a spot.

But it makes no sense to speculate, since those frontrunners still have to win their remaining games and then some, so a lot of stuff can happen.

The playoff rankings did change a bit, TOP 4 are Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan and new Washington (was 5 so far) and Florida State did drop to 5.
But that's all irrelevant, since there are still deciding gamedays, this week with the most of the last regular season games, and next week with the Championship games.
AFTER that the rankings will be important and will change, depended on the results.

And we have RIVALRY WEEK on the last gameday. Those did make the BLOCK OF GRANITE TOP GAMES FOR WEEK 13

Fri. Nov 24
#16 Oregon State @ #6 Oregon
The rivalry, which was named until 2020 the CIVIL WAR.
The schools did drop the name, in the wake of the Georg Floyd protests, but I doubt it will not stick to NOT call it that way.
Interesting fun fact, the winner of the game was awarded the Platypus Trophy (as the perfect mix between a duck and a beaver ...), but the trophy went missing since 1961 for 40+ years and was found in 2007. Now the alumni organization of the winning schools get the trophy each year.
Oregon leads the series 67–49–10, Oregon State won last year.
It's now the 2nd time in a row this game features ranked vs ranked, which did, as far as I could research it, never before.
And this game as instant playoff and PAC 12 Championship implications.
For the Beavers, the road is closed, except a high-profile bowl spot.
For the Ducks, they NEED the win, if they don't want to lose the spot in the Championship game (if on top Arizona wins also, see below) and a loss would also push them into the same area as the Beavers, high profile bowl land, far far away from a playoff spot.
The Ducks are favored to win at home by 13.5 points, which seems OK.
Don't underestimate Oregon State, they did almost win against Washington, but playing on the road after such a game against Washington ... I have doubts they will have the energy to challenge the Ducks over the whole game and win it.
Ducks win.

Sat. Nov 25
#2 Ohio State @ #3 Michigan
It's THE GAME, again.
The rivalry game is regularly upon the most important and most anticipated rivalry games of all season.
Michigan leads the series 60–51–6 and has won the last 2 games.
The Wolverines are also the 1st time favored (by 3.0 points) to win the game, since 5 years.
This could have been a lot of fun, if not that stupid sign-stealing-so-called-scandal would have disrupted the season and had as effect that the HC of Michigan will be not at the sideline for THE GAME.
I don't want to go deeper into this whole stuff of the scandal, since the dimension and responsible persons are not even fully known.
So it's a bit strange the BIG 10 did already suspend the HC, while it's not clear, he was involved or not.
But OK, can't change it and he did accept the 3-game-suspension, hence the interims HC has to deal with the Buckeyes.
I think this season the Buckeyes will win, based on 2 factors.
Factor 1, the HC is missing and it did show that the team is not that sharp in the past 2 weeks then, and that was against weaker opponents.
Factor 2, Ohio State is loaded and really good this season.
If Factor 1 would not be, I would have picked Michigan, but that way, even on the road, ....
Buckeyes win.

San José State @ UNLV
No rivalry game, just good old win-and-you-are-in-situation.
UNLV is 1 game ahead of all other contenders.
They are favored to win this, by just 3.0 points.
If they win, they play for the Mountain West Championship against the winner of Air Force vs Boise State.
If they lose, there will be a 3-way-tie between the winner of Falcons-Broncos, UNLV and San Jose State.
Right now I can't tell you, who would be #1 and #2.
But I can tell you, I believe in UNLV at home, they won every game so far at home.
And I don't believe in the Spartans on the road, since they lost 3 games on the road so far (plus home losses).
Sure SJSU CAN win here, but that would surprise me, seriously.
Rebels win.

And some other interesting games (monster XXL):

Thur. Nov 23
#12 Ole Miss @ Mississippi State
The so-called EGG BOWL.
Ole Miss leads the series, 64–46–6, with Mississippi State having won last year on the road.
This season, Ole Miss is very sharpe, 9-2 record, only 2 losses against very good teams, while the Bulldogs have a 5-6 record, an interims HC and the need to win this game to get to a bowl game.
Vegas line is Ole Miss -10.0, which is from my point of view still a nice one.
I think Ole Miss will destroy the Bulldogs this year.
Rebels win.

Fri. Nov 24
UTSA @ #23 Tulane
It's ball-out-time for both teams.
The winner will play for a Championship, the loser very likely not.
Tulane is favored by 3.5 points, at home. Not much, but UTSA did not show much flaws since their loss against Army in September.
Expect a close game and I do pick ...
Green Wave win.

Air Force @ Boise State
The 1st showdown on the Mountain West. The loser is out of contention.
The winner is very likely in the Championship game, but tie breakers are suckers.
Boise is favored at home by 6.5 points, which is a bit surprising, since they do play at home as 6-5 team under interims management against an 8-3 team.
Likely the 3 losses in a row did not help Air Force and it would a bit of a pity, if they lose 4 in a row and the best start of the academy ends in a pity bowl, instead at least in a chance to win a championship.
But playing on the smurf turf will be hard.
Not sure what to make out of that losing steak, looks like the teams learned how to stop the Falcons.
Overall I think it will come down to preparation and motivation.
*thinking*
Boise State win.

Sat. Nov 25
Kentucky @ #10 Louisville
Here the teams will fight for 'The Governor's Cup'.
It's not one of those everlasting games, basically started back in 1912, took a break from 1925 to 1993 and since 1994 it's played annually.
Kentucky lead the series 19–15 and has a 4 game winning streak.
This season the situation has changed, Louisville is a contender in the ACC and Kentucky has a bit of a down season.
Louisville plays at home as 7.0-point favorite to win this.
I like what I did see so far from the Cardinals, I expect both teams to fight a close game, but I expect Louisville to stop the Kentucky winning streak.
Cardinals win.

UL Monroe @ Louisiana
The 'Battle on the Bayou' is this season again not that interesting.
Louisiana leads the series 31–26, but ULM did win last year.
This season the Warhawks have a very bad season (again, but the worst under the current HC) at 2-9, losing 9 in a row now, while Louisiana stays more or less on the level of last year and is only 5-6 right now.
Louisiana needs the win to get to a bowl, so they will play, at home, like hell.
They are favored by 13.0 points.
Ragin' Cajuns win.

#8 Alabama @ Auburn
The most anticipated rivalry game off all, at least for many, is this season likely a cupcake game.
Alabama is favored by 14.5 points, the only thing which makes the IRON BOWL interesting is, sometimes shit happens.
Alabama leads the series 49–37–1, won the last 3.
I doubt something bad will happen and I think the Tide will wash the Tigers just out of the stadium, but you never know.
Crimson Tide win.

#17 Arizona @ Arizona State
The 'Duel in the Desert' winner get the Territorial Cup.
The Wildcats are favored by 10.5 points on the road and would also have the chance to get into the PAC 12 Championship game.
The Oregon games result will either lift the motivation or not.
If Oregon loses on Friday, Arizona gets in with a win, if they Ducks win, Arizona can only play to extend the winning streak on the series to 2 and to add a win to the current lead of the series at 50–45–1.
What I did see from Arizona is great, I think they can do it.
Wildcats win.

Wisconsin @ Minnesota
The game for 'Paul Bunyan's Axe' is on again.
Wisconsin leads the series 45–27–3, but Minnesota has won 2 in a row in the last 2 years.
Played in Gopher-County, the Badgers are favored to win by 2.5 points.
It will be cold, and it will be in Minnesotas interest to win again, since they need 1 win to get to a bowl.
Will that be enough?
Not sure.
The Gophers lost 3 in a row, but at home against the hated rival ...
Golden Gophers win.

Virginia Tech @ Virginia
The Commonwealth Cup is awarded to the winner here.
Virginia Tech leads the series 60–38–5, but inside the ACC did Virginia win only 1 time (2019) out of 18 meetings.
This season VT is not good, 5-6 right now, but Virginia is bad 3-8.
Still VT is only favored by 2.5 points, which is not much.
We might see an upset here, since the Cavaliers did show some spirit last week against Duke and won at home.
Do I believe that ... let's say, I hope for that.
Cavaliers win.

James Madison @ Coastal Carolina
The game which will decide the Sun Belt East division.
JMU is not allowed to play in the Championship game, but did win all games, except last week against App State.
Coastal Carolina needs the win to stay ahead of App State, JMU needs the win to cash in the division alone and to brag 'you might have won the conference, but only because we were not allowed to play for it'.
James Madison is favored by 9.0 points, which does not surprise me.
We might see an upset, but I doubt it.
A CCU loss will not automatically mean they are out, but they then need a Mountaineer loss on top.
Dukes win.

Washington State @ #4 Washington
The so called 'APPLE CUP'.
The Huskies lead the series, 75–33–6 and won last year.
The Cougars do need the win for a bowl ticket, but that's very unlikely this season.
Washington is favored by 16.5 points and everything beside a win would be a catastrophe for them.
Huskies win.

#5 Florida State @ Florida
There were times, this 'Sunshine Showdown' did decide National Championships.
I remember in the 90s there was at least one season the newspapers did declare WAR prior the game (I think that was 1996, when #1 did play #2 here).
Overall, Florida leads the series 37–27–2, but FSU did win last year.
This season it's strange setup.
FSU is so far undefeated, ranked at #5, has a shot at the ACC Championship and the playoffs, but lost their starting QB last week in a cupcake game.
Florida on the other hand is 5-6, lost 4 in a row (3 of those were ranked) and needs that win to get to a bowl.
They are 6.5-point underdog, at home.
But ... that lost starting QB ... not sure how the team will tuck that away.
I think they are overall stronger than Florida, so I will pick the Seminoles, but I would not be surprised, if this will become a thriller and the Gators get their 6th win.
Seminoles win.

#1 Georgia @ Georgia Tech
And we have the 'Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate' between the Bulldogs and the Yellow Jackets.
Georgia leads the series 70–41–5 and if you are fair, since say mid-60s is Georgia running the table.
The Bulldogs have a 5-game winning streak, which nobody expects to end on that gameday.
Georgia comes to town as 24.0-point favorite, nothing except the playoff spot on the line.
GT has already a bowl spot secured, but of course would love to spit the Bulldogs into their feeding bowl.
Highly unlikely.
Bulldogs win.

#24 Clemson @ South Carolina
And another quite one-sided rivalry, the 'Palmetto Bowl'.
Clemson leads the series 72–43–4, but South Carolina did snap a 7-game losing streak last year and won.
This season, South Carolina is OK, but Clemson did gain some strength back.
Hence, they are 7.0-point favorite as visiting team.
The Gamecocks need another win to get a bowl spot, but I doubt that will happen.
Tigers win.

North Carolina @ #22 NC State
And at last, don't know, why I came to the conclusion so many games could be fun (at least writing is getting boring slowly), but I hope you have fun, the last rival game I have on the list.
It's the fancy 'North Carolina–NC State football rivalry' with no better name and no fancy trophy, only the most anticipated football match in North Carolina (since Duke does usually not play well, that rivalry is only hot in Basketball. Try to make sense out of that).
North Carolina leads the series 68–38–6, but NC State has won 2 in a row in the last 2 seasons.
This year the odds are in favor of the Tar Heels, but only by 2.5 points.
Played in Raleigh, I think the Wolfpack has a good chance to beat UNC.
The Tar Heels did struggle recently, but of course in a rivalry game, everything can be different.
Still ...
Wolfpack win.

I did likely miss some rivalry games and apologies to the fans, looking for a preview, but did not find it.
There are way too many games and way to many rivalries.
Michigan State–Penn State with the Land Grant Trophy, Old Oaken Bucket between Purdue and Indiana, Illinois–Northwestern with the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk, Iowa–Nebraska as THE HEROS GAME, Texas–Texas Tech with the Battle For The Chancellor's Spurs, The Farmageddon between Iowa State–Kansas State, The Red Bird Rivalry between Miami (OH) and Ball State, The Fresno State–San Diego State game for the Oil Can, The Rumble in the Rockies between Utah and Colorado, The Bear Bowl between California–UCLA, the Notre Dame–Stanford for the legends Trophy, the Battle Line Rivalry between Arkansas and Missouri, the Tennessee–Vanderbilt rivalry, the LSU–Texas A&M football rivalry, the Appalachian State–Georgia Southern rivalry and the UConn–UMass rivalry, all on top on this weekend.

As additional note, the BIG 12 is a mess regarding the standing and the potential results for the 2 Championship game spots. The BIG 12 was asked to clarify this a bit but did only address the most likely cases. If the many-loss-teams will win and the not-so-many-losses-teams will lose, it will become funny. And unfortune for the BIG 12 there were no 'semi-finale'-like games this weekend, so it was hard to s e l e c t the essential games on top of the rivalries.
Hence, no BIG 12 games covered this weekend.

That's it for this week.

'Til next time
Jack6 on BLOCK OF GRANITE

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