This Week in College Town

This upcoming week there are a few huge matchups on the college gridiron:


#19 Wisconsin vs. #25 Minnesota: Saturday at 3:30 PM

 While this match up won't receive as much national attention as others this week, the game could potentially be very intriguing. Minnesota comes off a bye week after previously beating Penn State 24-10 at home. Minnesota proved in that win that their rushing offense is a force to be reckoned with as they piled up 195 rushing yards and managed to hold the ball for eleven more minutes than Penn State.  Wisconsin on the other hand comes into the game on a five game winning streak. In their last game, they dominated Indiana 51-3 proving they are a true threat. They hope that they can jump spots in the BCS rankings and play in a BCS bowl game. Their rushing attack is very potent similar to Minnesota's's, as they currently have the sixth best rushing attack in the country.

Prediction: This game will come down to who can find ways to make big plays. In a matchup of two great rushing attacks, the quarterback play for both teams is key. In the end, I believe Wisconsin's defense will prevail.

Wisconsin: 31
Minnesota: 14


#12 Texas A&M vs #22 LSU Saturday at 3:30

This game features two flashy SEC teams with great track records. While LSU has big wins vs Florida, TCU and Auburn, they are coming off a loss to Alabama (38-17 loss). A big win at home could bolster their resume and bump them into a higher bowl. Their 38th ranked defense will have their hands full against Texas A&M's fantastic offense. The Aggies have averaged 49.2 points per game and have the fifth best pass offense thanks to their Heisman winning quarterback Johnny Manziel. The Tigers must contain him if they hope to win out home.

Prediction: This an intriguing matchup and it should be exciting watching Mike Evans battle a tough LSU secondary. LSU and A&M have both lost games against legitimate contenders in high scoring games, but I believe A&M's potent offense will overpower LSU's.

Texas A&M: 43
LSU: 39

#4 Baylor vs #10 Oklahoma State Saturday at  8:00

Similar to the game above, this game has two potent offenses. Oklahoma State has a good balance between the run and pass. Also, their defense come up big when necessary (13 points allowed vs Texas, 34 points vs top-ranked pass offense Texas Tech). On the other hand, Baylor has blown past everyone they have played, by averaging a margin of victory of 43 points. Quarterback Bryce Petty has led Baylor to and undefeated season thus far. The Bears have the 3rd best passing attack, ninth best running game, most points per game and seventh best points against per game.

Prediction: Oklahoma State has played well against good teams, but Baylor is a whole new class. Containing Bryce Petty and his weapons will be difficult. The cowboys will have success on the offensive side, but the defense will wear out over time.

Baylor: 51
Oklahoma State: 37