With a win, Leach and Harrell can clinch the Big 12 South.After passing off the most boring slate of football to Jason last week, this coming weekend will begin to decide where teams will end up in the bowls.
The television gods have given us a full day of games, starting with The Game at noon.
I don't recall an Ohio State/Michigan game that has drawn less hype, but it is still the ninth straight season where this game has at least one team that could win a share of the Big Ten title with a victory.
No matter how low RichRod has taken that program, they still have a chance to rise up and knock OSU from a possible BCS game and fourth straight conference title.
National Games
#9 Boise State at Nevada, 4:05PM - No National TV
The Broncos close out the season with this visit to Reno and a home tilt against Fresno State. These two teams played to a 69-67 overtime thriller last year and Nevada lost to Texas Tech 35-19 at home earlier this season, so this game could swing either way. Something tells me though, the BCS is hoping for a Boise loss.
#17 BYU at #8 Utah, 6:00PM - The Mtn. Network
The battle of Mormons takes place in Salt Lake City and will decide the winner of the Mountain West conference. Of course the Utes are looking for an undefeated regular season and a berth in the BCS. BYU lost to TCU in week seven, being held to 7 points, but have still managed to score 400 on the season, while Utah has gone for 401. Each team has won 6 times in their last 12 meetings, with 10 of those games being decided by a touchdown or less.
#18 Oregon State at Arizona, 7:00PM - FOX Sports Regional
Can the Beavers really pull off the PAC 10 title? This is their last road trip, before taking part in the Civil War at home next weekend. Freshman sensation, Jacquizz Rogers leads the conference in rushing and is ninth in the country with 1,233 yards. The Beavers have won 8 of the last 9, but 'Zona is 4-1 at home, with their only loss coming at the hands of USC, 17-10.
#20 Pittsburgh at #19 Cincinnati, 7:15 - ESPN2
The winner of this game will control their own destiny in the battle for an automatic BCS bid. The Bearcats have played 5 of their last 7 on the road and will close out the season hosting Syracuse and traveling out to Hawaii. This could be the final run for Brian Kelly at Cincy, as he most certainly will be coaching at a larger school next year.
The Stache has his troops positioned for another Big East title, but with games left against West Virginia and UConn, there is little doubt they won't be there in the end. They do have history on their side though, beating Cincy all seven times they have played, including three inside the Big East.
#1 Texas Tech at #5 Oklahoma, 8:00PM - ABC
Be sure not to get too drunk during the day or plan for a nap, because you obviously don't want to miss this one. I love Big Ten football, but watching this Big 12 South shake out over the last few weeks has been a treat.
Oklahoma comes in averaging 51.2 points per game, while TT is scoring 47.9. If for some crazy reason you have not seen Graham Harrell play, please set aside some time to watch him. Over the last month, against three ranked opponents, the Heisman front runner has gone 110 for 145 (76%), for 1,316 yards, 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Not to be outdone, Sam Bradford has thrown for 3,406 yards, 38 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season. The Sooners have failed to score 45 or more points only once this year and have gone for 58,62 and 66 points in their last three games. Will they continue the trend and reach 70 Saturday? It just may take that many points to take down the Red Raiders.
Big Ten Games
#14 Michigan State at #7 Penn State, 3:30PM - ABC
The Big Ten title will be decided in Happy Valley, as a victory for Penn State sends them to the Rose Bowl and will give MSU their 11th straight loss against a ranked opponent. A win by Sparty and the Buckeyes will be making their second trip out west this year.
How much juice does Javon Ringer have left? MSU has played one ranked team (OSU) this year and it was the only time Ringer failed to get at least 21 rushing attempts. His 353 carries leads the nation by 77 and his 20 touchdowns also ranks at the top.
Penn State will look to send JoePa off to his hip replacement surgery with his third Big Ten title. The Nittany Lions have only given up 91 points in conference play and the original white out will be in full effect at Beaver Stadium. For my money, Penn State's defense was the best OSU has faced all year and if the Bucks shut down Ringer, I don't see why that would be any different for PSU on Saturday.
Iowa at Minnesota, 7:05PM - BTN
The Floyd of Rosedale trophy is up for grabs, as the Gophers will play their last game in the Metrodome. After going winless last year within the conference, Minny has a chance to finish .500 and could end up with 8 wins, but come into the contest having lost three straight.
Minnesota will have to shut down Shonn Greene if they have any shot of winning. Greene ran for 211 yards against Purdue last week and incredibly is looking to run for 100+ yards in every game this season. His 1585 yards lead the nation and the Gophers yield a 140 rushing yards per game, so the Hawkeyes should be able to roll to their 8th win.
