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Unlike the last couple of weeks, there are some games with major national championship implications. Let’s start with the biggest.
(10) Clemson at (4) Florida State. All the attention will be on the skill players involved in this game — players like Sammy Watkins, EJ Manuel, Tajh Boyd and Chris Thompson. However, this game will be determined in the trenches where the Seminoles hold a big edge. It will be a close game until midway through the third quarter when the Seminoles will have worn down the Tigers. Florida State 35, Clemson 20.
(15) Kansas State at (6) Oklahoma. Oklahoma has more talent in this game, but the match-up is bad for the Sooners. Kansas State puts pressure on the quarterback with the best of them. The Wildcats lead the Big Twelve Conference in sacks, and Oklahoma’s offensive line has been very bad protecting the passer, giving up five sacks against mighty Florida A&M and three more to UTEP. Big plays by the Kansas State defense will make a big difference in this game. Kansas State 31, Oklahoma 28
(18) Michigan at (11) Notre Dame. Notre Dame has been very impressive so far in 2012, but the key on Saturday is going to be whether or not they can contain Denard Robinson. Notre Dame hasn’t seen Robinson’s speed this season, and they will be tested. Certainly, Robinson will make some big plays, but Notre Dame should be able to limit them. *Notre Dame 34, Michigan 21.Missouri at (7) South Carolina. The Gamecocks should be on upset alert in this game. Missouri is fast and athletic, but South Carolina is very physical, and Marcus Lattimore should be able to have success against the Missouri run defense. The match-up of the night will be Missouri’s potent run game against the stout South Carolina run defense. I’m picking the Gamecocks to pull away late after a physical battle. South Carolina 31, Missouri 21.*
(22) Arizona at (3) Oregon. Arizona’s magic should run out as it finally faces an offense that will keep up with it. Arizona will also be facing a good defense for the first time this season. The Wildcats are overhyped at this point, and they should get exposed in Eugene Saturday. Oregon 45, Arizona 28.
Cal at (13) USC. This is a dangerous game for the Trojans. Cal is fast, and the Trojans are coming off being upset by Stanford. After all the hype and the hope in Los Angeles this summer, the tower may come tumbling down. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Trojans come out and lay an egg against Cal, but the talent is just too much for the Golden Bears. USC 32, Cal 21.
Utah at Arizona State. This is not a good match-up for the Utes. The Sun Devils have more raw talent than Utah, and their strengths match up well with Utah’s weaknesses. The biggest match-up advantage is the Sun Devils' ability to put pressure on the quarterback and the Utes' inability to protect the quarterback. The Utes’ defense will keep them in this game, but it will be hard for the offense to get off the ground. Arizona State 24, Utah 14.
Trevor Amicone is the founder of byutahinsiders.com, which covers BYU, Utah and national college football with weekly polls, bowl projections, opinions and analysis. Follow its brand new Twitter page at @BYUtahInsiders and Trevor's at @TrevorAmicone.
