Since this is essentially the end of the regular season, this will be our last look at top 25 games to watch. Worry not, though – we’ll find lots of (hopefully) interesting ways to fill the space.
The biggest problem this week has is that a few games that would other wise be interesting are meaningless. I would have loved, for example, to see what Cincinnati could do against a weak Syracuse team. Cincinnati’s BCS bid has been secured, though, so the intensity won’t be there – staying healthy is the priority. Kansas at Missouri is a game that could have been good but is also absolutely meaningless. There are still plenty of gems, though:
Auburn at Alabama – The Tide obviously need a win to stay undefeated and atop the BCS. They also need to sharpen up for Florida. Auburn needs to do something to salvage their pride, and a win here in this big rivalry would be a perfect way to do that. I will be watching Alabama closely to see if they are really for real and ready for a huge challenge next week.
Texas Tech at Baylor – The Red Raiders should come out and kick the ever-loving crap out of Baylor. If they don’t then there are bigger problems in Lubbock than we guessed.
Florida at Florida State – Florida needs a big win to get ready for Alabama and to secure their BCS standing. Florida State just wants to play spoiler against a bitter rival.
Oregon at Oregon State – The Civil War is perhaps the most under-appreciated rivalry in the country (except maybe the Holy War). These teams really, really hate each other. The stakes are huge here. Oregon State goes to the BCS with a win, but they have to do it without Jaquizz Rodgers. Oregon can spoil it for the Beavers, and that would make them very happy. Pete Carroll probably called Oregon to help with game-planning. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on Oregon’s sideline – he sure doesn’t need to be there for the Notre Dame game.
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State – Bedlam is going to be, well, bedlam. Oklahoma needs a huge win. Oklahoma State is dying to play spoiler again, as they have twice already this decade.
