Pick Six Rivalry Edition: 6 Storylines to follow into Week 13

I think Week 12 really set up the gates for the Playoff. This is in the sense that the pretenders were taken down and the contenders showed off their skill. Also, we got some hearty upsets and games that went the distance to overtime. And as the season’s end nears us, we better enjoy all we can before we get there. Lets get into what’s important to look for this week:

The Placement Game

“First Down Ohio State!” We all remember that game whether we cared to watch it or not. However, things have changed up this year. Michigan is sitting over Ohio State looking to put its rival in the ground to make a Big Ten Championship appearance. Michigan comes off a sluggish game against Indiana, a game that they should have dominated on both sides. But in the scheme of things, they won. And for Ohio State, they had to drag Maryland to overtime, where a bad pass by the Maryland QB on a 2-point conversion had the Buckeyes saved. It will be a battle in Columbus for both of these teams in a game that will have HUGE implications on the College Football Playoff. Make sure you tune in for “The Game”.

Sticky Big 12

Lets get this right. Texas gets in if West Virginia loses, but they don’t make it if they lose. Essentially this whole Big 12 conundrum relies on Oklahoma and West Virginia to give his a non-complicated result. Personally, I want the chaos (that’s how I get content to write about). Regardless of the result, I am looking at a game in that I don’t like either to give me the projected result. In the Big 12, it is a true flip of the coin to decide who wins. All if Will Grier or Kyler Murray decide to have Heisman level playing. Make sure to watch this showdown, that can ultimately be the Big 12 Championship.

Apple Cup Showdown

I think for the first time in many years, this year’s PAC-12 North Champion will be crowned Saturday. This has been in tough competition for years between Stanford, Oregon, Washington, and Washington State. Now we get to see first-hand which of the two in the Apple Cup Rivalry want it more. Washington State is on a roll with Heisman-hopeful, Gardner Minshew who will give it his all to bump his Heisman stock. The Cougars have had great wins over Oregon, Utah, and Stanford. Look for Washington State to give their all to protect their home stadium. And for the competitor, we have a thriving Washington team who was predicted to win the North in the preseason. This Washington team has been on the bad side of some very close games that have set them up in their position. Look for Washington to try to erase their past and for Washington State to boost their CFP stock.

Jeweled Playoff Shillelagh 

It seems to be quite basic for Notre Dame for what they need to do to make the College Football Playoff: Beat USC. This looks like an easy task for a Notre Dame that beat No. 13 Syracuse 36-3. However, the Irish have been known to trip up against USC in the past. This can either be through delivery of blowout or a last minute score. And to add some more heat around the game this year, USC must win to become bowl-eligible on the season. Whether or not this storied rivalry lives up to the hype it can live up to this year, it’s going to be a historic one.

Mountain Battle

After almost tripping up against Colorado State last week, Utah State must maintain their focus to take on the Broncos from Boise. The No. 21 ranked Utah State Aggies and have been on top of the game, ever since their loss to Michigan State early on. Utah State would like to make a higher up bowl, but may be over shadowed by UCF or other “better” Group of 5 teams. And for the Broncos, who have only dropped to Oklahoma State and San Diego State in their two losses. Other than that, the Broncos have been in control of their fate. Now they must do it to the highest level they can and beat Utah State to claim the MWC Mountain Division. Watch for this one to be one of the best games in Mountain West history.

Bowl Streaks Ending?

Florida State has the largest bowl streak with 36 and Virginia Tech has the largest bowl streak recognized by the NCAA with 24. Both will have to defend those streaks at home to keep them going. Florida State takes on in-state rival, Florida, in a matchup that doesn’t seemed favorable for the Seminoles. Although the Seminoles have won 6 straight over the Gators, records and stats will lay a different narrative this weekend. The Gators are favored by 7-points and if you add the given 3-points at home, it would be around a 10-point win by the Gators. And for Virginia Tech, we have a Commonwealth Cup showdown. The Hokies have won 14 straight against the Cavaliers of Virginia. However, Virginia has a better record than the Hokies by 3 games. Will we see these streaks in both rivalry games and bowl streaks end this weekend?

Photo Credits: https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2018/11/michigan_wolverines_vs_ohio_st.html