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It looks like a pretty decent-looking weekend of college football in front of us. It’s already started out well (if you like chaos, hate the ACC, Louisville, or Bobby Petrino) as Louisville was POUNDED last night by Greg Ward and the Houston Cougars 36-
Louisville is now out of playoff contention; the Cardinal loss may open the way for two Big Ten teams.
Look at how well this day is starting!
#11 Oklahoma State at TCU (11:00 am, Fox Sports 1)
You watch this game to see if the Cowboys can continue to control their own destiny. If Oklahoma State beats TCU, then beats Oklahoma next week in the Bedlam game, they win the big 12 conference. They’re most likely out of the college football playoff, but they get a conference title and probably a pretty darn good bowl game because of it.
TCU is favored slightly, and the Horned Frogs did slaughter Baylor last week.
#2 Ohio State at Michigan State (11:00 am, ESPN)
I’d watch this game for about 5 to 10 minutes because I don’t have a lot of faith in the Spartans to keep up with Ohio State. This is a revenge game and it should be over fairly quickly.
#23 Florida at #16 LSU (Noon, SEC Network)
This game was supposed to be played back in early October, but was rescheduled due to Hurricane Matthew. LSU is a double-digit favorite, largely because the Gators are struggling on offense and because the game is in Baton Rouge.
This is a continuation of the series where we wonder whether Ed Orgeron can remove the “interim” from his title and finally get his dream job. Plus, you don’t really want to root for Florida team do you?
#22 Washington State at #10 Colorado (2:30 pm, Fox)
What the hell is Colorado doing ranked #10 in the nation? Well, the Buffs have the ninth-best scoring defense in the nation, and their pass defense is tenth nationally. That puts them in a decent position to shut down a hot Cougar team that’s won eight straight although those wins have come against some pretty suspect competition.
#9 Oklahoma at #14 West Virginia (7:00 pm, ABC)
If Oklahoma State loses earlier in the day, then this game is basically for the Big 12 championship. There is a slight chance that if Oklahoma wins this game they can work themselves back into the college football playoff picture and a win over the Mountaineers would certainly help their resume.
The Mountaineers have the top scoring defense in the Big 12 conference, but they are 19th nationally. They’re 18th nationally in total offense. Oklahoma is third in total offense nationally, but 81st in total defense.
Bottom line – this will be a fun game with lots of scoring, scoring, and more scoring. In other words, a typical big 12 matchup.
#13 USC at UCLA (9:30 pm, ESPN)
You watch this game because it’s a rivalry game, it involves beautiful cheerleaders, and it is #PAC12AfterDark. UCLA’s season certainly hasn’t gone the way they intended. They are 4-6 and still looking to get bowl eligible.
UCLA quarterback Seth Rosen missed several games with a shoulder injury and won’t play again this year. USC knocked off highly-ranked Washington last week, and this looks like it has the potential to be a runaway - the Trojans efficient offense and ball-hawking defense against a Bruins team that appears to be pretty mediocre at both.
Still, what you going to do late at night, college football fan?
NEWS
Adam Carriker has his prediction for Nebraska - Maryland! He thinks the game will be closer than most, and discusses Tommy Armstrong's importance and a couple surprising stats.
If You’re Wondering Where the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy Is
This is a link to Reddit. If you’ve never used Reddit before, a word of caution. You can get sucked into that site and waste your entire life there without ever realizing it.
No, that’s not a good thing.
New formations, Aussie invasion make returning punts tough
For weeks, Nebraska coach Mike Riley has been lamenting his team's inability to consistently return punts. He's not the only coach with that problem as the punting game undergoes a dramatic transformation, with different kinds of formations and Australian kickers seemingly everywhere.
Head Coach Mike Riley addressed the media after practice and first discussed injuries. At this point, Tommy Armstrong Jr. has not practiced but coaching staff will still be checking on how he is feeling tomorrow as well as before the game on Saturday. "Obviously the other part is we have prepared with Ryker (Fyfe) and Zack Darlington," Coach Mike Riley said. "Patrick O'Brien will be the third guy we hope we don't play."
Big Ten
Week 12 Big Ten Football Preview in MS Paint Infographics - Off Tackle Empire
Previewing Week 12 for those of you who don’t like to read
Interviews from Outside Nittany Nation: Rutgers Edition - Black Shoe Diaries
Rutgers, Rutgers, Rutgers.
Minnesota Football: 1944 vs Northwestern A Tie and Beautiful Photo #tbt - The Daily Gopher
Normally I wouldn’t focus one of my articles on a tie. After-all, Minnesota has 52 wins against Northwestern to pick from. However I love this photograph.
Interviews with the Enemy: A Q&A with B5Q - Hammer and Rails
We sit down with the editor of Bucky’s 5th Quarter to preview Saturday’s game.
Ohio State should beat Michigan State, but a blowout is unlikely - Land-Grant Holy Land
Michigan State won't go bowling this year, and their advanced stats reflect that. But standard downs run defense and a bad day from Ohio State's offense could be what the Spartans need for an upset.
Fee Fi Foe Film: Indiana Offense | mgoblog
just the usual 270-pound freshman RB taking a direct snap and running a read-option with the backup QB wait what Today's film post is brought to you by Theraflu. In related news, tomorrow's will be brought to you by Seth.
Where We Be, What We Be Drinking: Week 12 - Off Tackle Empire
It’s been a long season, and you’ve been reading this every week. And every week you are disappointed that no one talks about boiled peanuts. NOT THIS WEEK! Boiled peanuts are discussed and it is great.
I don’t believe I’ve ever had boiled peanuts. I’m not sure why I would, although I’m usually open to trying new things especially if they involve food.
Penn State @ Rutgers Game Preview - On the Banks
If we win this, everything will seem so much better
The Only Questions: Q&A with Land-Grant Holy Land - The Only Colors
The #2 Buckeyes come to East Lansing looking for revenge
Elsewhere
WSU vs. Colorado: Q&A with Ralphie Report - CougCenter
We had questions. They had answers.
We’ll update this schedule all weekend long as final scores pop up. Second-to-last week of the regular season!
On the road, on Thursday night, against a defensive line that was after it all game, Lamar Jackson had his worst game of the season, amassing only 244 yards of total offense in a 36-10 loss to Houston.
The dream dies: Houston stomps Louisville, 36-10 - Card Chronicle
Damn.
Then There's This
The Butterball Turkey Text Line Answers Your Most Absurd Thanksgiving Questions - Eater
Yes, you can put edible glitter on your turkey