College Football Notebook: Week Thirteen

In August I wrote, "December is when champions are made." I was off by a week.

What were the odds of Oklahoma and Nebraska losing in the same weekend? With BCS title shots on the line?

To be honest, the Nebraska loss was not surprising. I had predicted that in my preview. Colorado has developed, just as expected. The magnitude of the win was unexpected as they seemed to own the Nebraska defensive line.

The big upset was the Oklahoma game. Some of us had started to wonder when the lack of offense for the Sooners would catch up with them. They had managed to scrape by the entire season. But, they couldn't hide Hybl against the Cowboys.

Another stat jumped out at me. Oklahoma State had two drives of over 65 yards. The Oklahoma defense just doesn't allow that to second tier offenses.

So Florida, Texas, and Oregon jump back into the hunt for the BCS championship game hunt...well maybe.

The Gators are definitely in the hunt. But let's not forget about the Cornhuskers even though their season is over. Take out the voters polls and Nebraska is the number two team. That's right. What that means is that the Cornhuskers are not in the championship drivers seat because they lost after Florida did.

It also set up a possible very interesting situation. If Texas and Oregon lose this weekend, Nebraska should move up to number three in polls (keep in mind either Tennessee or Florida will lose on Saturday). That would make that final poll VERY interesting and very close.

In fact, I would bet that if Florida loses against Tennessee, only one of the other three teams would have to lose to put them in the championship game against Miami.

That's assuming Miami wins, which is a whole other can of beans. In my August preview, I said an undefeated Miami team would come to Blacksburg and get beat. Don't kid yourselves, Virginia Tech is an extremely dangerous team, much more so than the Washington team I have tried to expose all year.

Does anyone else think that Florida State playing in the Gator Bowl is just a little ironic?

Has Ohio State offered Jim Tressel a lifetime contract yet?

I don't hear anyone saying Joe Paterno is over the hill or the game has passed him by anymore. It's a shame that people are so quick to judge and then change their mind. For the last time: Paterno should coach until he says he has had enough. If any of you think you know how to evaluate his status better then he does, well... you're wrong.

Previews (Last Week 4-2, Season 21-12)

Tennessee at Florida - If this game was played when scheduled there is no doubt in my mind that Florida would have won it. The Volunteers have matured into a solid football team and have won big games on the road this year. I have seen where the Gators are favored by 17 points. They should win, but not by that much. Florida 31-21.

Texas vs Colorado (Big XII Championship in Dallas) - Did the oddmakers not see the 41-7 shellacking Texas put on the Buffaloes a little over a month ago? How did they make Colorado a nine point favorite? This is Chris Simms chance to shine: national audience, a chance (albeit small) to go to the National Championship game, and team he has beaten. He won't even get close. This is not the same Colorado team they faced a month ago. Colorado 35-17 (Simms gets picked three times)

Oregon State at Oregon - Oregon managed to fight its way through and despite the lack of consistent attention, Heisman Harrington may actually be the favorite at this point. Oregon State would love to knock a rival out of the BCS title race again, but once (Washington) will have to do this year. Oregon 43 - 21.

Auburn at LSU - I had a feeling this would happen. I told my dad two weeks ago that I thought this would be the game for the SEC West championship. I also told him this is a game LSU would win. I can't change my mind now. LSU 33 - 14.

Southern Miss at Alabama - Coach Fran has done it. It looks like he has finally gotten to his players. Whatever sanctions they get will put them back for a few years, but this is going to be a good team for a long time. Alabama 26-17.

BYU at Mississippi State - if they had played this game earlier we wouldn't have these stupid questions about an unbeaten BYU team. Bulldogs 33-27.

Penn State at Virginia - Anyone not pulling for Penn State to complete this wonderful turn around? I didn't think so. With Zack Mills they are a solid football team. Penn State 44-21.

Georgia Tech at Florida State - Who? 7-4 at 6-4. Who'da thunk it? It's now just a game for pride. As much as I would like to see Bobby Bowden at 6-5, I think FSU wins this game. Seminoles 45-35.

Miami at Virginia Tech - In my preview I went with VA Tech, I'm gonna do it now. A road game against a good team is a dangerous thing, especially when the other team has nothing to lose (the Hokies are going to the Gator Bowl to face FSU). I think the Hokies do it and beat Miami 34-23.

Army at Navy - In my book, they are all winners. God Bless.

Later...