2008 Week 15 College Football Picks and Predictions
YTD Record: 201-56 (78%)
(12) Ball St at Buffalo:
The Cardinals look to cap a perfect regular season this week as they square off against Buffalo in the MAC Championship. The Bulls had won five consecutive outings prior to a 24-21 loss against Kent St a week ago. Buffalo’s defense is allowing 400 yards per game and will have its hands full against a Ball St offense racking up 456 yards per contest. Look for the Cardinals to wrap-up a perfect season with their 13th win of the year.
Prediction: Ball St 38 Buffalo 21
(1) Alabama at (4) Florida:
The winner of this game will all but lock up a spot in the BCS title game while the loser will earn an at-large berth as a consolation. Florida has been dominating its competition of late and is outscoring the opposition by an average of 46-12. They Gators’ offense will face their toughest task of the season, up against an Alabama defense allowing 249 yards per contest. While the Crimson Tide has enjoyed a terrific season, Florida will continue to roll and play for the national championship.
Prediction: Florida 31 Alabama 20
(20) Missouri at (2) Oklahoma:
The Sooners won a tie-breaker against Texas and Texas Tech find themselves one game away from a shot at the national title. Like Florida, Oklahoma has been obliterating everyone in its path. The Sooners are racking up over 550 yards of offense and are scoring 53 points per game. Meanwhile, Missouri is no slouch on offense and is averaging 509 yards per contest. Oklahoma dominated the Tigers in last year’s Big 12 Championship and will repeat that effort as they prevail.
Prediction: Oklahoma 49 Missouri 28
(5) USC at UCLA:
The Trojans need a win to secure a berth in the Rose Bowl and will take their frustrations out on the Bruins after being held out of the national title picture. USC is compiling over 450 yards per game on offense while limiting its opponents to just 211 yards per contest. UCLA will find little success on offense as they’ve managed a mere 295 yards per game on offense. Look for that trend to continue as the Trojans dominate on both sides of the ball en route to an easy win.
Prediction: USC 42 UCLA 7
(13) Cincinnati at Hawaii:
After locking up the Big East title and a spot in the BCS, the Bearcats travel to take on Hawaii. Cincinnati will need to regain its focus in order to avoid the upset on the island. The Bearcats haven’t overwhelmed their competition on offense, averaging 380 yards per game. Once again, the Rainbow Warriors have been outstanding on their own turf with a 5-1 record at home. While Cincinnati’s postseason fate has already been decided, look for their lapse in concentration lead to a Hawaii upset.
Prediction: Hawaii 28 Cincinnati 27
(17) Boston College at (25) Virginia Tech:
The Eagles won the regular-season matchup between the two in a 28-23 victory earlier this year. Both offenses have struggled with Boston College averaging 320 yards per game and the Hokies managing just 302 yards per contest. Conversely, both defenses have been tremendous allowing well under 300 yards per outing. Although the Eagles won the initial matchup this season, look for Virginia Tech to avenge the loss as they win the ACC and clinch a spot in a BCS bowl.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 23 Boston College 20
(23) Pittsburgh at Connecticut:
Big East foes jockey for bowl position this week as the Huskies host Pittsburgh on Saturday. Connecticut has been outstanding on defense, limiting its opponents to just 286 yards per game. Pittsburgh has also been adequate on the defensive side of the ball, allowing 322 yards per contest. The team that can muster up the most offense will likely come out on top. The Huskies have won the last two games in the series and will make it three straight with another win.
Prediction: Connecticut 24 Pittsburgh 21
