SouthernCollegeSports.com

SCS.com The pressure heats up with the realization that the college football season is coming to a close, and the dreams of many teams are within their reach. Ohio State and Michigan were caught looking ahead, as they both struggled to beat lesser opponents. OSU was up 17-0 at the end of the 1st half against Illinois, and head coach Jim Tressel admittedly shut down the offense as Tory Smith's Heisman aspirations took a small hit. However, a big game against Michigan, and the trophy should be his.

Michigan had a 31-12 lead against Ball State in the 3rd quarter before BSU made it 34-26 late in the 4th. Ball State had the ball inside the Michigan 10, but failed to score. Florida also barely squeaked by their opponent, managing to beat Vanderbilt 25-19 after recovering the attempted onside kick late in the game.

Northwestern and Indiana, meanwhile better watch out. I know Coach Jim Tressel and Coach Lloyd Carr will not let their teams look ahead this week, which would blow the opportunity of an undefeated matchup on November 18th. Florida has already punched its ticket to the SEC Title game, but needs to improve its play before they take on Arkansas or Auburn in the Georgia Dome. Florida needs to win out if they want a spot in the national championship.

I also have to mention some surprising ACC teams. If you picked either of these teams to win the ACC, then you need to be working for the CIA because you knew something no one else did. Who would have thought that the Wake Forest vs. Maryland game on November 25th could decide the Atlantic division in the ACC? However, they have to survive their remaining schedules, which won't be easy. Wake Forest still has Florida State and Virginia Tech left, while Maryland has Miami and Boston College. Still, I give credit to Coach Jim Grobe and Coach Ralph Friedgen for turning their respective teams around.

DATE BOWL MATCHUP

Dec. 19 Poinsettia Utah vs. Kansas

Dec. 21 Las Vegas Oregon State vs. BYU

Dec. 22 New Orleans UTEP vs. Middle Tennessee State

Dec. 23 New Mexico New Mexico vs. San Jose State

Dec. 23 Birmingham East Carolina vs. Pittsburgh

Dec. 23 Armed Forces TCU vs. Tulsa

Dec. 24 Hawaii Hawaii vs. Arizona State

Dec. 26 Motor City Western Michigan vs. Cincinnati

Dec. 27 Emerald Oregon vs. Clemson

Dec. 27 Independence Texas Tech vs. Kentucky

Dec. 28 Holiday Oklahoma vs. Southern California

Dec. 28 Texas Oklahoma State vs. Rutgers

Dec. 28 MPC Computers Nevada vs. Florida State

Dec. 29 Champs Sports Virginia Tech vs. Iowa

Dec. 29 Music City Alabama vs. Miami (FL)

Dec. 29 Sun Washington State vs. Missouri

Dec. 29 Insight Indiana vs. Kansas State

Dec. 30 Alamo Purdue vs. Texas A&M

Dec. 30 Liberty Houston vs. Georgia

Dec. 30 Meineke Car Care Maryland vs. Navy

Dec. 30 Chick-fil-A South Carolina vs. Boston College

Jan. 1 Gator Wake Forest vs. West Virginia

Jan. 1 Cotton Nebraska vs. Tennessee

Jan. 1 Outback Penn State vs. LSU

Jan. 1 Capital One Arkansas vs. Wisconsin

Jan. 1 Rose [BCS] Michigan vs. California

Jan. 1 Fiesta [BCS] Boise State vs. Texas

Jan. 2 Orange [BCS] Auburn vs. Georgia Tech

Jan. 3 Sugar [BCS] Florida vs. Notre Dame

Jan. 6 International Central Michigan vs. USF

Jan. 7 GMAC Southern Miss vs. Ohio

Jan. 8 *BCS TITLE* Ohio State vs Louisville

WHO'S HOT

Louisville - Louisville's win over West Virginia puts them in the driver's seat to the national championship game opposite of the OSU/UM winner. UL still has Rutgers, USF, Pittsburgh, and UConn left on the schedule, meaning there is still work to be done.

Oklahoma - Allen Patrick has gained over 100 yards in his last 3 games, or since star running back Adrian Peterson injured his collarbone. Oklahoma has a chance to finish the season 10-2, even though they should have the chance to go 11-1. Thank you replay officials!

Brigham Young - BYU is an impressive 7-2 and is in complete control of the Mountain West Conference. They rank 7th nationally in total offense, and quarterback John Beck is ranked 4th in passing efficiency. They should win out and find themselves in a quality bowl game.

LSU - LSU finally won a road game as they beat Tennessee 28-24. Their only other road games were losses against Auburn and Florida. The talented Tigers are not out of the SEC West chase yet, but they need a lot of help. Auburn would have to lose to Georgia and Alabama, while Arkansas would have to lose to Tennessee and the Tigers in the season finale.

Hawaii - Colt Brennan threw for six touchdowns against Utah State in a 63-10 win. He now has 39 scores on the year. Hawaii has accepted an invitation to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, which is played on December 24th in Honolulu.

WHO'S NOT

Washington State - I gave the Cougars props last week and said they had a chance to finish with a surprising nine wins. Then they play Arizona at home, and find a way to lose 27-17. This team is bi-polar and unpredictable, so I will stop trying.

Missouri - After starting 6-0, Missouri has lost 3 of its last 4 games. Not only did they lose 3 games, but they lost crucial games that have crushed their chances of playing in the Big 12 title game. QB Chase Daniel has lost his touch over the past two games, throwing five interceptions and only two touchdowns.

Miami - Larry Coker can kiss his job goodbye. Two weeks ago, Miami had a chance at winning the ACC. After losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, they are just trying to get bowl eligible. Kyle Wright has only thrown 8 touchdowns this year and needs to finish the season strong because his starting job is also insecure.

Kent State - Kent State was in control of the MAC at 5-2, but they have now lost two games in a row, the latest loss coming to bottom-dweller Buffalo. They need Ohio to lose twice if they want any chance of getting to the MAC title game.

North Carolina State - At one point during this year, Coach Chuck Amato's job actually looked secure. Now his team has lost four in a row. The Wolfpack will likely miss a bowl game, and Amato may be shown the door before the start of next year. However, the wins over Florida State and Boston College may keep him around for one more year.

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