Friday, November 28, 2014

The Incredible Comeback



Like many other Americans, one of my most cherished Thanksgiving traditions is watching football.

And what happened 40 years ago is as vivid in my memory as anything that happened five minutes ago — because it was the fulfillment of every young boy's fantasy, and I was a young boy.

The Dallas Cowboys have been playing home football games on Thanksgiving since the '60s. On this day in 1974, they had been doing it for less than a decade. In 1974, they had a really special matchup planned — with the Washington Redskins, a rival and the NFC's representative in the Super Bowl two years earlier.

There have been some great games played on Thanksgiving, but none had such an improbable story line.

The Cowboys were losing to the Redskins, 16–3, when quarterback Roger Staubach was knocked out of the game in the third quarter, and Clint Longley, a rookie, was summoned off the bench to fill in.

That particular Thanksgiving, my parents had invited some friends of theirs to come to our house in the country. They came, along with their son who was a few years older than I was. After we all ate dinner, the men gathered in front of the TV to watch the Cowboys and Redskins. I wasn't a Cowboys fan, but I was a Staubach fan as was our visitors' son.

However, when Staubach was knocked from the game and an unknown rookie was called in to run the offense, we lost interest and excused ourselves. I think we went outside to shoot some baskets, but we were soon drawn back inside by the sound of our fathers whooping. Clint Longley was leading a comeback.

He threw a 35–yard TD pass to tight end Billy Joe Dupree to cut the deficit to six points, then Walt Garrison's one–yard TD run gave the Cowboys a one–point lead going into the fourth quarter.

Ex–Cowboy Duane Thomas scored his second touchdown of the game, giving the Redskins the lead again, then Longley connected with Drew Pearson for a 50–yard TD pass to win the game.

It was probably the best Thanksgiving a rookie quarterback ever had.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

The College Season Shifts to the Postseason



Thanksgiving is rivalry weekend in college football.

It once was even better than it is today — when Oklahoma played Nebraska and Texas played Texas A&M, but those rivalries appear to be history now.

Still, it ain't bad these days, with Alabama–Auburn, Mississippi State–Ole Miss and Clemson–South Carolina as well as traditional rivalries that are fun to watch, regardless of the records — Florida–Florida State, Michigan–Ohio State, Georgia–Georgia Tech.

The conference championship games and a few final regular–season clashes are on the agenda next week, then it's bowl season.

Idle: #20 Oklahoma

Thursday
  • #6 TCU at Texas, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on FS1: Not so long ago, Texas played Texas A&M on Thanksgiving, but that tradition ended when the Aggies bolted for the SEC a few years ago.

    TCU–Texas doesn't seem like the long–term answer. Few teams have been dominated by another the way TCU has been dominated by Texas. Between 1968 and 1991, the Longhorns played the Frogs every year and never lost to TCU. Actually, most of the Frogs' wins in the series came in the 1930s and 1940s.

    But it's a new day for Frog fans. TCU has a legitimate shot at being in the first–ever NCAA Division I football tournament, and it needs to beat Texas on Thanksgiving night to remain in the running.

    I'm thinking TCU will do what it hasn't done since the '60s — win in back–to–back trips to Austin.
Friday
  • Stanford at #9 UCLA, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: Stanford has won the last six games between the schools.

    And Stanford has the sixth–best defense in the nation. Now, I guess it goes without saying that Stanford has the highest–ranked defense in the Pac–12. If there was another Pac–12 school with a Top 10 defense — let alone Top Five even though that is what would be necessary to overtake Stanford — that would indicate a seismic shift in that conference's priorities.

    It is eye–popping offense that matters in the Pac–12, and UCLA has a huge advantage over Stanford in that department with QB Brett Hundley (sixth in passing efficiency) and RB Paul Perkins (averaging 115 yards per game).

    I pick UCLA to end Stanford's streak.
  • #13 Arizona State at #12 Arizona, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: This will be the 78th meeting in this series, and it is all tied up.

    That's right, they've played 77 times and the series is tied. How is that possible? Well, back in 1987, before college football changed the rules to include a provision for overtime, thus eliminating ties, they fought to a 24–24 tie.

    If that rule had been in effect in 1987, someone would be leading the series today but only by a single game. It's remarkable that the series is as close as it is. After all, the teams have faced off every year since the end of World War II.

    To be fair, the series has gone through its lopsided periods, when one school or the other would dominate for years at a time, but since that tie 27 years ago, neither school has won more than three in a row against the other.

    Arizona State has won the last two games so a Sun Devils win would not alter that trend in the series.

    Does home field make a difference in this series? Maybe a modest one, but it's almost dead even in games played on each campus.

    Statistically, both offenses are much better than the defenses — and, of the two, Arizona's has been better this season.

    Should be good. I'll take Arizona.
  • Arkansas at #17 Missouri, 1:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: This series isn't very extensive — only five games so far — but the pattern is that the teams take turns winning. Missouri won the last meeting — in the 2008 Cotton Bowl — so logic suggests Arkansas should win this one, the teams' first meeting in Columbia, Mo., in 108 years.

    The Razorbacks became bowl eligible with last week's 30–0 win over Ole Miss.

    The teams are just about even on defense — Missouri is ranked #23, Arkansas is #24. On offense, though, Arkansas has a clear edge, even though neither offense has really distinguished itself. Arkansas is ranked #52 and Missouri is #101.

    I'll pick Arkansas to win.
  • Western Kentucky at #19 Marshall, 11 a.m. (Central) on FS1: Folks who tune in to this game will get to see the nation's second–ranked offense.

    I am speaking of Marshall, of course, but Western Kentucky's offense is pretty good, too — #11 in the country.

    Marshall also has one of the best defenses in the country (ranked #14) while Western Kentucky has often struggled on defense.

    With its defense shutting down Western Kentucky, I'll pick Marshall to finish the season unbeaten.
  • #21 Colorado State at Air Force, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBSSN: Historically, Air Force leads the series and had won seven straight before losing to the Rams last season.

    The 8–3 Falcons dropped to 2–10 last year, but they're going bowling this year and a win over Colorado State would be a great launch. Being at home probably will help. The Falcons have won their last five against the Rams there.

    Both defenses have played poorly so I have to give a huge edge to the better offense — and that belongs to Colorado State although Air Force's offense is good if not great.

    I'll take Colorado State.
Saturday
  • Florida at #1 Florida State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Florida State has won three of the last four games with Florida. The exception was Florida's win at Tallahassee in 2012.

    Fact is, Florida has fared pretty well on Florida State's turf. As is so often the case in these rivalry games, there is no home field advantage.

    Florida has a decisive advantage on defense. The Gators are ranked #11; the Seminoles are ranked #54.

    Florida State has the better offense (#37); Florida's offense (#82) has been its weakness this season.

    I will pick Florida State to win this game. I still think the Seminoles will lose in the postseason — whether it will be to Georgia Tech in next week's ACC championship game or the college football playoff, I can't say. I just don't think the Seminoles will repeat.
  • #15 Auburn at #2 Alabama, 6:45 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Alabama comes into this game with the fifth–best defense in the country. Seems like old times.

    It's an old grudge match, the "Iron Bowl," and it would mean a lot even if a spot in the national championship tournament in January wasn't (apparently) hanging in the balance. It's a classic.

    For many years, it was played in neutral Birmingham — but, really, is any place in Alabama neutral? Nearly 70% of the games played in the series have been played in Birmingham, but every game played since 1999 has been played on one of the campuses. This year, it is Alabama's turn to host the game, and the teams are even, 5–5, in games played in Tuscaloosa.

    If that is good news for Auburn, it is tempered by the fact that Alabama is rated higher in both offense and defense. That disparity is particularly pronounced on defense, where Alabama is ranked #5 and Auburn is ranked #52. Alabama leads in offense, too, but the margin is closer — Alabama is #20 and Auburn is #22.

    Alabama has been playing better, and the Crimson Tide almost never loses at home. The last time was more than two years ago — to Texas A&M during Johnny Manziel's Heisman season. Usually you have to be an LSU or an Auburn to pull it off.

    Well, Auburn is the foe this weekend. Any chance the Tigers will win? I don't think so. I'll pick Alabama.
  • #3 Oregon at Oregon State, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: As if Oregon didn't have enough advantages in this game, the Ducks have won their last six games with the Beavers — and, historically, the Ducks have a winning record on the Beavers' turf.

    Both defenses have more holes than Swiss cheese, but Oregon has the fifth–best offense in the country with Heisman prospect Marcus Mariota at the controls.

    I think Oregon will overwhelm Oregon State.
  • #4 Mississippi State at #18 Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: Like the Auburn–Alabama rivalry, fans of Ole Miss and Mississippi State don't need any special reason to want to beat the other. It probably helps Ole Miss' motivation, though, to know the Rebels could deprive the Bulldogs of that coveted fourth slot.

    The best moments should come when Mississippi State's ninth–ranked offense takes the field against Ole Miss' 10th–ranked defense.

    Ole Miss should have the edge when the Rebels have the ball, but both units have been prone to make careless mistakes this year. Ole Miss' offense is ranked 44th, and Mississippi State's defense is ranked 68th.

    Ole Miss leads the all–time series, but Mississippi State has won six of the last nine games. However, the Bulldogs have only won once in the last seven games played at Ole Miss. Can they buck the trend?

    In an upset special, I'm going to take Ole Miss.
  • #5 Baylor at Texas Tech, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC or ESPN: I guess everyone knows that Baylor is trying to win a spot in college football's Final Four in January. A victory over Texas Tech would also even the all–time series between these two schools.

    Both schools would still retain their sizable leads at home, but the series, which goes back to 1929, would be all tied up.

    Baylor's top–ranked offense is likely to give Tech's defense — one of the worst in the country — fits.

    Texas Tech's offense, ranked 18th in the nation, is pretty good, too, but it won't catch a break against Baylor's defense, also ranked 18th.

    In a game that might be a little more defensive than most people probably expect, I pick Baylor to win its fourth in a row against Tech.
  • Michigan at #7 Ohio State, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC or ESPN: It's been a rough season for Michigan. Every program goes through it at some time, even the ones that have enjoyed a lot of success.

    Even so, Michigan (5–6) has a mathematical chance of becoming bowl eligible if the Wolverines can somehow beat Ohio State in Columbus. Is it possible?

    Well, in a series that dates to the 19th century, Michigan has winning records against Ohio State at home and on the road. To be sure, the Wolverines' edge in Columbus is narrow — a single game, in fact — but Ohio State has won the last six games played there.

    Michigan has the ninth–ranked defense, and it will have the challenge of facing the 10th–ranked offense. Should be interesting.

    Michigan's great weakness has been its offense (ranked #114th) and looks like it will be spinning its wheels against Ohio State's defense (#19 in the land). I have to take Ohio State.
  • #16 Georgia Tech at #8 Georgia, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Georgia Tech has only beaten Georgia once in the last 13 encounters. Is there any reason to expect a different outcome this time?

    Well, Georgia's defense is ranked 13th, and Georgia Tech's is ranked 61st. Georgia Tech has a slight edge on offense (#24 to #26). Along with the home field advantage (where Georgia beats Georgia Tech nearly two–thirds of the time), I expect Georgia to win.
  • #10 Michigan State at Penn State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC or ESPN: Did you know Penn State's defense is ranked third in the country?

    I didn't. The Nittany Lions were once known as "Linebacker U," but they haven't had that reputation in recent years.

    This season, though, they have been quietly assembling a defensive resume. Only one team has managed to score 30 points or more against Penn State, and that team needed overtime to do it. The Nittany Lions have held seven of their remaining nine opponents to less than 20 points.

    Should be interesting when Michigan State's seventh–ranked offense takes the field.

    Speaking of offense, it is a wretched one (ranked #113th) that has been Penn State's Achilles' heel — and it figures to struggle against Michigan State's defense, which is also in the national Top 10 (#8).

    Recent history has been against Michigan State. The Spartans have lost eight of their last 11 games with the Nittany Lions, but this time I see Michigan State winning.
  • Kansas at #11 Kansas State, 3 p.m. (Central) on FS1: Kansas leads the all–time series, but the recent advantage belongs to Kansas State, winner of the last five straight.

    Kansas State also has huge advantages on both sides of the ball. I see no way the Jayhawks can win. I pick Kansas State.
  • #22 Minnesota at #14 Wisconsin, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: Minnesota has been getting a lot of ink lately, but Wisconsin is the one that brings the second–ranked defense into this game. Common sense says the Badgers' D will have lots of fun with Minnesota's 98th–ranked offense.

    For that matter, Wisconsin's offense is ranked 18th but should find it problematic to function against Minnesota's #34 defense. Still, the edge on both sides of the ball belongs to Wisconsin.

    Recent history also favors Wisconsin. The Badgers have beaten Minnesota 10 straight times, and Minnesota hasn't won in Minnesota in 20 years.

    However ...

    The winner of this game will win the Big Ten's West Division and face #7 Ohio State in next week's conference championship game.

    That seems to be plenty of motivation. Will it be enough to lift Minnesota? I don't think so. I pick Wisconsin.
  • South Carolina at #23 Clemson, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: If you tune in to this game, you'll get to see the top–ranked defense in the land — Clemson's.

    South Carolina's defense hasn't played up to its usual standards this season and is currently ranked 93rd.

    Carolina has the edge on offense (#26 to #61).

    Historically, Clemson has beaten South Carolina 60% of the time. South Carolina has been a thorn in Clemson's side in recent years, though. The Tigers only lost four games in 2012 and 2013, but half of them were to South Carolina. In fact, the Gamecocks have beaten the Tigers five straight times.

    Today may be Clemson's payback — or, at least, the first installment.

    Defense really is king in the South, and I think Clemson's will be the difference in this game.
  • Kentucky at #24 Louisville, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN2: It has only been in the last couple of years that the football games between these two schools have been of interest to anyone outside the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

    And, as far as University of Kentucky alumni are concerned, a win on the gridiron still probably doesn't mean as much as a basketball victory would, but it's different when you're ranked and the prestige of the bowl to which you are assigned could be riding on every game you play.

    I'm inclined to think defense will be the decisive factor in this game. Offensively, Kentucky is ranked #72, and Louisville is ranked #73 so it's pretty much a draw there.

    But Louisville actually has a Top 10 defense (#7). Kentucky's defense is ranked 70th.

    I'll take Louisville.
  • Utah State at #25 Boise State, 9:15 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: Most of the numbers favor Boise State.

    Historically, Boise State beats Utah State nearly 80% of the time. Boise State has won the last 11 in a row and hasn't lost at home to Utah State in nearly 20 years.

    Boise State's offense is ranked eighth in the nation. Utah State's defense is ranked 32nd and should have its moments, but my guess is that Boise State will eventually wear Utah State down.

    Boise State's defense is average (48th) but should have the advantage against Utah State's offense (#71).

    I should be all set to pick Boise State, right? Well, Utah State hasn't lost since mid–October. A win could secure a share of the Mountain West's Mountain Division title. Of course, the same could be said for Boise State. Whether the winner earns a share of the title or wins it outright will depend on what #21 Colorado State does against Air Force.

    So, shall I take Utah State to pull off the upset? Nah, I'll go with Boise State.

Last week: 18–3

Season: 186–43

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Doug Flutie's Impossible Dream of a Play



I will always remember this day in 1984, the day that Doug Flutie threw a desperation prayer into the sky, and it was caught for a game–winning touchdown.

I was working on the Arkansas Gazette sports copy desk. It was the day after Thanksgiving. We didn't have a TV in the newsroom in those days, but one of the staffers brought in a portable TV so we could follow the football games that are always televised during that four–day holiday. One of the games being shown 30 years ago today was between Boston College and Miami (Florida) in the Orange Bowl stadium.

I didn't get to see the dramatic finish. I was busy working on the next morning's paper, but I could hear what the announcers were saying, and I could hear what my colleagues in the newsroom were saying as the teams lined up to run the play. And, when the final play happened, and the unimaginable had occurred, I could tell that something remarkable had happened simply from the sounds I heard from the TV and the folks who had gathered around the TV to watch.

That doesn't mean, of course, that I wouldn't have liked to see it. Fact is, I have seen it — several times. I just didn't see it when it happened.

Now, the game would have been exciting enough even without the last–second heroics. Miami was the defending national champion, having beaten Nebraska in the Orange Bowl the previous January. Miami's quarterback, Bernie Kosar, set a school record for passing yardage. His teammate, Mel Bratton, ran for four touchdowns.

For his part, Flutie finished the day with 472 yards passing and four touchdown passes, making him the first quarterback to pass for 10,000 yards in his collegiate career. Ever.

But all that had gone before was forgotten after the final play of the game.

Boston College trailed, 45–41, with six seconds remaining, and BC had possession of the ball at Miami's 48. It seemed like an impossible task, and it became even more impossible as the final play unfolded. Flutie, who, at 5'9" was short by NFL standards, needed a touchdown. He scrambled to his right, managing to avoid a sack, but he had been driven back about 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Now, this undersized quarterback who had already thrown 45 passes that day had to fling one more pass at least 63 yards into 30 mph winds and hope that someone would catch it.

I suppose, if Flutie had had the luxury of time to stop and contemplate the enormity of the task before him, he would have been sorely tempted to just give up. It was a thoroughly improbable, impossible dream of a play.

The Miami defenders obviously didn't think he could do it because they virtually ignored wide receiver Gerard Phelan, who raced toward the end zone. Flutie's pass to Phelan threaded the needle between two Miami defenders and was complete for the game–winning strike. There was no margin for error. Everything had to go just right.

Shortly thereafter, Flutie won the Heisman Trophy. I don't remember hearing his name mentioned in connection with the Heisman before "The Pass," as Flutie's "Hail Mary" came to be known.

But I heard it a lot after that.

His professional career never really lived up to his collegiate achievement 30 years ago today. He started out in the short–lived USFL, then bounced around from NFL team to NFL team, gravitating to the Canadian Football League for several years before ending his career in the NFL.

He never played in a Super Bowl, but he did win a couple of the CFL's Grey Cups.

In America, I suppose, he will always be remembered for "The Pass."

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

College Football Playoff Field Isn't Adequate



Last week was easily my worst week for predictions this season. Lots of upsets. I picked some of them, missed most of them.

I don't know if my picking Alabama over Mississippi State really qualified as an upset, except from the perspective of the AP rankings — which is what I follow. I believe Alabama was the favorite going into that game even though Mississippi State was ranked #1.

As a graduate of the University of Arkansas, I was, of course, pleased to see the Hogs beat LSU, even if I didn't predict it. The Razorbacks will be bowl eligible if they beat Ole Miss this weekend.

There are some real mismatches this weekend, but there are also some intriguing clashes and some old–fashioned rivalries. And there are games with implications for the national championship playoff.

According to the selection committee, Alabama has moved into the top spot following its victory over Mississippi State. Oregon is second. Florida State is third. Barring an unexpected upset or two, those three seem to be headed for the national championship playoffs. But who will be the final member of college football's first Final Four?

Depending upon how games this weekend and the two weekends after that turn out, that fourth team could be Mississippi State or TCU. Or it could be Ohio State or Baylor. Actually, it supports what I have been saying all along — that a national championship tournament in college football needs at least eight teams.

But that is just my opinion.

Idle: #5 TCU, #17 Georgia Tech

Thursday
  • #12 Kansas State at West Virginia, 6 p.m. (Central) on FS1: Kansas State has beaten West Virginia in both of their meetings since West Virginia joined the Big 12.

    West Virginia's offense (#12 in the nation) has been better than Kansas State's (#54), but Kansas State's defense (#30 in the nation) has been better than West Virginia's (#56).

    Perhaps no other college football season in my memory has had so many beneficiaries of the proverbial "any given Saturday."

    Anyway, I'm going to pick West Virginia. The way things have gone in the Big 12 this year, it makes sense, doesn't it?
  • North Carolina at #25 Duke, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Between 1990 and 2011, North Carolina only lost once to Duke. But Duke has beaten North Carolina in the last two meetings — first time that has happened in a quarter of a century.

    North Carolina has the better offense, Duke the better defense.

    The Tar Heels lost four straight games, but they have bounced back and need only one more win to be bowl eligible for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.

    I'll take North Carolina.
Saturday
  • Boston College at #1 Florida State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC and ESPN2: Florida State has won the last four meetings with Boston College. Historically, Florida State wins two–thirds of the time in this series.

    Boston College boasts the 16th best defense in the nation (FSU's is #57). Florida State has the statistical advantage on offense, #40 to #65.

    It really ought to be a pretty good game. It also ought to be fairly easy to catch Florida State napping. The 10–0 Seminoles have overcome every obstacle this season — and that impresses me because I have always believed that it is more challenging to repeat as champion than it is to win the championship the first time.

    I don't think Florida State will be undefeated when the season is over. They might lose the ACC championship game (their likely opponent will be #17 Georgia Tech or #25 Duke), or they might lose in the national championship playoffs.

    But I don't think they will lose to Florida next week, although you never know about those rivalry games — and I really don't think they will lose to Boston College. But it might be close.

    I'll take Florida State.
  • Western Carolina at #2 Alabama, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: This is one of a handful of mismatches on this weekend's schedule.

    There is simply no way Western Carolina will win this game. I pick Alabama.
  • Colorado at #3 Oregon, 3:30 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: Oregon hasn't lost to Colorado since the Aloha Classic on Christmas Day 1998. They have played four times since then, and Oregon has won all four.

    Colorado has the #5 offense in the land with the nation's best QB, Marcus Mariota and running back Royce Freeman. To be fair, Colorado has the #29 offense — and neither defense has accomplished much this season.

    I'll go with Oregon. The Ducks have only lost four times at home since 2008.
  • Vanderbilt at #4 Mississippi State, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN or SEC Network: Mississippi State needs to shake off last weekend's loss to Alabama. Ole Miss is coming up.

    Actually, Vanderbilt might be just the tonic the Bulldogs need. Mississippi State has won 12 of its last 15 games against Vandy and hasn't lost at home to the Commodores since 1971.

    The numbers from this season clearly favor Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are in the Top 10 in both offense and defense. Vanderbilt's offense is one of the worst in the country. The defense is better but not in Mississippi State's league.

    I pick Mississippi State.
  • Oklahoma State at #6 Baylor, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: Oklahoma State has won seven of its last eight meetings with Baylor but lost the last time the teams played in Waco.

    Statistically, Baylor has huge advantages on both sides of the ball. With QB Bryce Petty, running back Shock Linwood and receiver Antwan Goodley running the nation's 1 offense, it is hard to imagine Oklahoma State's defense keeping up beyond halftime.

    I pick Baylor.
  • Indiana at #7 Ohio State, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: In 21 games played between these schools since 1989, the closest that Indiana has come to winning was a 27–27 tie in 1990 — and the Hoosiers had the home field advantage in that one. The Hoosiers have lost 11 in a row in Columbus, with their last road victory in the series coming in 1987.

    That would be enough of a reason to pick the Buckeyes, but wait, there's more. Ohio State has been better on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes have the #10 offense (featuring QB J.T. Barrett and RB Ezekiel Elliott) and the #17 defense.

    I pick Ohio State.
  • #8 Ole Miss at Arkansas, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: To me, Ole Miss–Arkansas always seemed like a natural border rivalry, but the two teams didn't meet during the regular season for 20 years, then revived the series about a decade before Ole Miss and Arkansas became conference rivals.

    The Razorbacks lead the all–time series, but the Rebels have been gaining on them with four victories in the last six years.

    Arkansas has the #22 defense in the nation. That could make for some fireworks when Ole Miss has the nation's #38 offense on the field. Arkansas' offense is ranked 47th — and probably will have problems against the 10th–best defense in the nation.

    As much as I want to see Arkansas become eligible for a bowl, I have to pick Ole Miss to win this one.
  • Charlotte Southern at #9 Georgia, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Here's another mismatch. I'm sorry that Todd Gurley is out for the season, but he won't be necessary for victory this week.

    Georgia will win.
  • Rutgers at #10 Michigan State, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: The history of this series has been that the winner of the last encounter loses the next one.

    Of course, only five games have been played between these two teams since 1988 so I suppose you can't derive much from that. Still ...

    Michigan State has been much better on both sides of the ball. The Spartans are in the Top 10 in both offense and defense. They're playing at home.

    I have to pick Michigan State.
  • #24 Southern Cal at #11 UCLA, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: I remember watching this rivalry game when I was a child. I lived two time zones away so I had no rooting interest in the game. I just enjoyed the color. It was like the Rose Bowl, which was always the most colorful bowl, no matter who was playing in it.

    UCLA has had the upper hand in the last two meetings, but Southern Cal has dominated the series, especially in recent years.

    UCLA has the #17 offense, and Southern Cal has the #32 offense. Neither defense has played particularly well so it is a matter of which offense is more capable.

    I'll pick UCLA.
  • Washington State at #13 Arizona State, noon (Central) on Pac–12 Network: Arizona State has dominated this series, especially the games that have been played in Tempe. Washington State has lost the last five games played there.

    The marquee unit in this game, though, is Washington State's offense — currently ranked sixth in the nation. Arizona State's offense is pretty good, too (#27 in the nation). As neither defense has been very impressive, I have to think this will be an offensive game, and the best offense (statistically, anyway) plays for Washington State.

    Washington State really is an enigma to me. The Cougars are 3–7. They got eliminated from bowl eligibility a couple of weeks ago so they went out and beat an Oregon State team that proceeded to beat Arizona State (8–2) last week.

    Comparing scores against mutual opponents can be inconclusive, though. Both of these teams have played Stanford this season. Arizona State won by 16; Washington State lost by 17.

    I'll go with Arizona State at home.
  • #14 Wisconsin at Iowa, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC and ESPN2: This will be the 88th time these teams have faced each other — in a series that dates back to the 19th century. In a series that old, there are bound to have been several patterns, and the most obvious one lately has been that one team wins two in a row, then the other team wins two in a row, then the first team wins two in a row again and so on.

    If that pattern holds true this year, it is Iowa's turn to win. Wisconsin beat Iowa in 2012 and 2013.

    But wait a minute. Wisconsin (8–2) is rated higher on both sides of the ball than Iowa (7–3). Wisconsin has the best defense in the nation (Iowa's ain't bad — #18).

    True, but Wisconsin could experience a letdown after last week's victory over Nebraska. Could Iowa pull off the upset?

    Maybe, but I just think Wisconsin will find a way to win.
  • #15 Arizona at #20 Utah, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: This could be an important game in the Pac–12's South Division. If Southern Cal beats UCLA, the Trojans probably will win the division. But if UCLA wins, that opens the door for the Arizona schools as well as UCLA.

    The Arizona–Utah series has been a close one. Arizona has won the last two meetings and will even up the series with a win in Salt Lake City.

    Arizona brings the better offense into the game, but Utah has the better defense. I would consider those to be offsetting factors anywhere outside the Pac–12. But this is a Pac–12 game, and offense is more highly valued than defense. For that reason, I have to go with Arizona.
  • Samford at #16 Auburn, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: And yet another mismatch.

    Frankly, I can't understand why anyone would pay to see this game — unless it is to scout the youngsters when they come in to mop up in the second quarter.

    Auburn will win.
  • #18 Marshall at Alabama–Birmingham, 11 a.m. (Central) on American Sports Network: Marshall leads the all–time series, 7–2, but lost the last time the teams played in Birmingham.

    Marshall has the second–best offense in the country, thoroughly capable of grinding through UAB's defense. And Marshall's Top 20 defense should be able to stop UAB's offense — most of the time.

    I'll take Marshall.
  • #19 Missouri at Tennessee, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network or ESPN: These two have only been playing each other since Missouri joined the SEC in 2012. Tennessee hasn't been up to its usual historical standards in the last few years so, of course, Missouri has won both encounters.

    Can we expect anything different this time? Missouri won a shootout the last time the Tigers came to Knoxville, 51–48.

    Well, actually, I expect a much lower score. Neither offense has been particularly strong. Tennessee does have a pretty good defense, but Missouri's is better.

    A couple of touchdowns might be enough to win this one. I pick Missouri.
  • Minnesota at #21 Nebraska, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: This series goes back to 1900 — and Minnesota actually leads it. The Golden Gophers piled up early wins over the Cornhuskers, losing only five times in the first half of the century. Since the midpoint of the 20th century, the Gophers have only managed to win five times against Nebraska.

    One of those Minnesota victories came last year. It snapped a 16–game winning streak for the Cornhuskers, who haven't lost to Minnesota in Lincoln since September 1960.

    Minnesota (7–3) has the better defense, Nebraska (8–2) has the better offense. It's shaping up to be a duel of running backs — Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah vs. Minnesota's David Cobb.

    This could be one of the best games of the day. In the end, though, I think Nebraska will win.
  • New Mexico at #22 Colorado State, 12:30 p.m. (Central) on ROOT Network: Colorado State has won four straight in this series and three straight at home.

    Neither team has been impressive on defense so my thinking is that it will come down to a battle of offenses — and, for that, Colorado State is better equipped with the 19th–best offense in the country. New Mexico's offense is #62, not bad and certainly capable of outplaying Colorado State's defense (#85), but New Mexico's defense is one of the worst in the country.

    I think Colorado State will win a shootout.
  • Kansas at #23 Oklahoma, 11 a.m. (Central) on FS1: The Sooners have dominated this series, and they have won the last nine meetings. Kansas hasn't won in Norman since 1996.

    The numbers don't favor Kansas. Oklahoma ranks higher on both sides of the ball than Kansas. The Sooner defense isn't what it used to be, but Oklahoma's offense is ranked 20th in the nation while KU's is 100th.

    I can't see Kansas winning this one. Have to go with Oklahoma.

Last week: 8–7

Season: 168–40

Friday, November 14, 2014

Crunch Time for College Football



It's coming down to crunch time in college football. Who will survive to play for the national title in January?

Tomorrow's Mississippi State–Alabama game will go a long way toward deciding that. So could the Florida State–Miami game, even though Miami isn't in the Top 25 (although that could change if the Hurricanes beat the Seminoles).

Auburn was dealt what many thought was a fatal blow to the Tigers' national title aspirations when Texas A&M upended them last week.

Idle: #3 Oregon, #6 Baylor, #10 Ole Miss, #13 Kansas State, #14 UCLA, #23 Colorado State

Saturday
  • #1 Mississippi State at #4 Alabama, 2:30 p.m. (CST) on CBS: Alabama has won 12 of the last 15 games with Mississippi State — and that winning percentage is actually below Alabama's all–time winning percentage in this series.

    Historically, the scores haven't been high. 'Bama usually wins by a couple of touchdowns. That suggests a setting that is favorable for defense.

    Alabama's defense is ranked fourth in the country, which should make it interesting when Mississippi State (#6 in offense) has the ball. Alabama's offense (#19) should have an easier time against Mississippi State's defense (#89 in the nation).

    The Crimson Tide is far more acclimated to the spotlight than the Bulldogs. I'll take Alabama at home.
  • #2 Florida State at Miami (Fla.), 7 p.m. (CST) on ABC: There have been some great games between these two programs over the years. Miami has fallen on rather hard times, but back in the day ...

    Florida State comes in riding a four–game winning streak that has brought the Seminoles within two wins of tying the all–time series.

    This is one of those series in which the visiting team has tended to be the winner, and the Seminoles have won nearly 55% of the time in Miami. Can they do it this time?

    Well, Florida State has a narrow advantage in the offensive rankings, but Miami has the 11th–best defense in the nation while Florida State's is ranked 50th.

    Some folks will think this is an upset, given that Florida State has the defending Heisman winner on its roster, but I'm going to pick Miami to win the game.
  • #5 TCU at Kansas, 2 p.m. (Central) on FS1: TCU has won both of its games with Kansas since joining the Big 12, but that is nothing new. The series with Kansas is one series the TCU football program has dominated from the start (a 41–6 win in 1942).

    This season, TCU has been far better on both sides of the ball than Kansas. In fact, TCU will bring the #3 offense in the nation to Lawrence. Lest you think that is almost entirely due to the game in which TCU scored 58 points in a losing cause against Baylor, let me remind you that the Frogs scored 82 points against Texas Tech and scored at least 41 points in four other games. They haven't scored fewer than 30 points in a game all season.

    For that matter, the Horned Frogs are entertaining thoughts of being in the national championship playoff. All that remains on TCU's schedule after the Kansas game are a trip to Texas (5–5) and a season finale at home against Iowa State (2–7).

    Unless the Frogs get distracted, TCU should win this one.
  • #7 Arizona State at Oregon State, 9:45 p.m. (CST) on ESPN: Historically, Arizona State has dominated Oregon State, but not so much in recent years. Oregon State has won four of the last six meetings and has won four straight at home. This won't be a gimme for the Sun Devils.

    Still Arizona State has the superior offense. Oregon State has a higher–ranked defense, but not by much, and its offense has struggled. I pick Arizona State to end its skid in Corvallis.
  • #8 Ohio State at Minnesota, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC: How dominant has Ohio State been against Minnesota?

    The Buckeyes have won 24 of their last 25 meetings.

    The Buckeyes haven't lost at Minnesota since 1981. That's 12 straight road wins for Ohio State.

    Statistically, Ohio State is in the Top 20 in both offense (#10) and defense (#17). Minnesota's defense isn't bad (#21), but its offense is atrocious (#96).

    I expect the defense to set up enough scoring opportunities to help a Buckeye offense that might just find Minnesota to be more of a challenge than it has faced so far this season. I pick Ohio State.
  • #9 Auburn at #16 Georgia, 6:15 p.m. (CST) on ESPN: The Southeastern Conference is an interesting thing, full of apparent contradictions. Defense has always been what mattered most in the SEC, but there has been enough offense to produce several Heisman Trophy winners over the years.

    And, although the SEC has been dodging the bullet, it has long been said that there was so much talent in the SEC that almost no one can go through a season undefeated. It would even be difficult, most observers said, to get through a season with only one loss.

    Well, the SEC's luck may have run out. It is still possible for an SEC champion to emerge undefeated or with only one loss this season, but it will have to be unbeaten Mississippi State or once–beaten Alabama, who face each other tomorrow, or once–beaten Missouri.

    Auburn became the latest SEC team to lose its second game last week when the Tigers lost to Texas A&M.

    Now that the Tigers are probably out of the running for the national championship playoff, they face the challenge of Georgia tomorrow and Alabama in two weeks. Can they bounce back?

    This is the 110th meeting between these schools in a series that dates back to 1902. Georgia leads the series, 52–51–6, and has won two–thirds of the last 12 meetings, but Auburn actually leads in games played in Athens — although the Tigers haven't won there since 2005.

    Georgia has the higher–ranked defense by a slim margin, and Auburn has the higher–ranked offense by a wider margin.

    I will take Auburn to shake off last week's loss and get back on the winning track in Athens.
  • #11 Nebraska at #22 Wisconsin, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: The all–time series between these two is all knotted up, 4–4. But, for a long time, most people — certainly all Cornhusker fans — will remember the 2012 Big Ten championship game between the two. Wisconsin handed Nebraska its greatest margin of defeat, at least in recent memory, 70–31.

    That was the only game played on a neutral site. Otherwise, the home team almost always wins this game — the sole exception to that rule was a Nebraska victory at Wisconsin in 1966.

    Nebraska has a narrow edge on offense. The Cornhuskers are ranked #17, the Badgers are ranked #24. Wisconsin has the top–ranked defense in the land. Nebraska hasn't been too shabby (#25), either.

    I think it will be a really good game, and I'll pick Wisconsin by a field goal.
  • #12 Michigan State at Maryland, 7 p.m. (CST) on Big Ten Network: The only time Michigan State visited Maryland, Michigan State won 8–0.

    Of course, you can't take much from the history of this series. It covers only five games, and Michigan State's last trip to Maryland was 70 years ago. In fact, the schools haven't faced each other at all since 1950.

    Michigan State has decisive advantages on both sides of the ball. It shouldn't be much of a contest. I'll take Michigan State.
  • Northwestern at #15 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC: The schools haven't faced each other since 1995, the year Northwestern won its first Big Ten title since 1936. Northwestern's season–opening 17–15 victory over Notre Dame established the tone for that season.

    That win also broke a 14–game losing streak to the Irish, who have only lost to Northwestern four times in 27 previous meetings in South Bend.

    Statistically, the teams are pretty close on defense. It is on offense where the Irish enjoy a huge advantage.

    And that, I believe, will lift Notre Dame to victory in this one.
  • Washington at #17 Arizona, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: The pattern in eight of the last 10 meetings between these schools is for the home team to win. That favors the Wildcats because they're the ones eating home cookin' this year.

    Then there is the statistical aspect. Offense is the coin of the realm in the Pac–12, and Arizona's offense is ranked 14th in the land; meanwhile, Washington's offense has been weak by national standards, which are considerably lower than the Pac–12's.

    Neither defense has been impressive. I'll take Arizona.
  • #18 Clemson at #24 Georgia Tech, 11 a.m. (CST) on ESPN: Clemson has won three of its last four games with Georgia Tech, but that has been a rare stretch of success for Clemson in this series. Georgia Tech has won twice as many times as Clemson has; in a series in which 77 games have been played, that can be summed up in one word — domination.

    Clemson brings the nation's #2 defense into the contest; Georgia Tech has been mediocre on defense. Georgia Tech has been better than Clemson on offense — but not that much better. I'll pick Clemson.
  • Virginia Tech at #19 Duke, 11 a.m. (CST) on ESPNU: Duke snapped a 12–game losing streak to Virginia Tech last season. The last Duke victory predated the time when these two became conference rivals; in fact, it was Duke's first win over Virginia Tech in the state of Virginia in more than half a century.

    It hasn't been quite that long since Duke last beat Virginia Tech in Durham, N.C., where this week's game is being played, but it's still been awhile. Virginia Tech has won the last five times it has traveled to Duke. The Blue Devils' last home victory over Virginia Tech was in 1981.

    Statistically, Duke has the advantage on offense, although neither team has been overly impressive. On defense, the advantage clearly belongs with Virginia Tech (#31 nationally).

    I'm taking Virginia Tech in an upset special.
  • #20 LSU at Arkansas, 7 p.m. (CST) on ESPN2: This has become known as the Battle for the Golden Boot — so named because the trophy that goes to the winner, shaped like a geographical representation of the border states, resembles a boot.

    LSU has won the last three battles, but, if Arkansas has an historical advantage against LSU anywhere, it is in the state of Arkansas. The Hogs trail the series at home, 9–8, but that's better than their record in Baton Rouge, where the Hogs have only won twice in 15 visits.

    But that is what has happened in the past. This year, Arkansas has the higher–ranked offense, and LSU has the higher–ranked defense. In spite of all the Heisman winners in the SEC in recent years, defense is still the name of the game. Consequently, I'll pick LSU.
  • Rice at #21 Marshall, 1:30 p.m. (Central) on FSN: This is a rematch of last year's Conference USA championship game, which Rice won, 41–24.

    They have played five times since 2007, and they've built a reputation for putting points on the board when they meet. No 9–6 scores in this series. Two years ago, Marshall beat Rice, 54–51.

    Marshall looks capable of putting up those kind of numbers again with the second–best offense in the land. Rice's offense, on the other hand, has struggled this year.

    If it becomes a matter of which defense is able to stop the opposing offense, my money is on Marshall with the #22 defense in the country. (Rice's is good, ranked #38, just not good enough.)
  • #25 Utah at Stanford, 5 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12: Historically, Utah is 2–1 as Stanford's guest. That's the good news.

    The bad news is that it's been nearly 20 years since Stanford has hosted Utah.

    Statistically, Stanford is better on both sides of the ball. In fact, Stanford has the fifth–best defense in the country. Utah's offense, meanwhile, is ranked #82. Hardly seems like a match.

    The magic number for Stanford this season appears to be 20. Stanford wins if it scores 20 or more, which it has done five times. When Stanford scores less than 20, which it has done four times this season, it loses.

    This will probably be regarded as an upset, but I'll pick Stanford to win.

Last week: 15–3

Season: 160–33

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Gettin' the Job Done



One of the marks of a champion is that he gets the job done, sometimes in spite of himself.

Such was the case with Mississippi State last weekend. The Bulldogs were hosting my alma mater, the Arkansas Razorbacks, in Starkville. It was the Bulldogs' first home game since being voted #1 in the nation, and they experienced something of a letdown.

But once they got their engines going, they were able to prevail, 17–10. That is what it will take to get into this year's college football playoff.

Idle: #15 Nebraska

Thursday
  • #19 Clemson at Wake Forest, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: If you tune in to this game, you'll get to see the nation's second–ranked defense (Clemson). Well, Clemson does have an offense — it's ranked 48th in the land. QB Deshaun Watson is ranked second in passing efficiency with a 67% completion rate and six TD passes for every interception. His favorite receiver, Artavis Scott, has three TD receptions so far.

    Wake Forest doesn't seem likely to challenge Clemson. The Demon Deacons' offense is dead last in the national rankings. But Wake Forest does have a decent defense, ranked 40th in the country. It might make things competitive when Clemson has the ball.

    Historically, Clemson has thoroughly dominated Wake Forest, winning 16 of the last 20 (80%) and nearly 78% of all the games in the series.

    It might be interesting for awhile, but, barring something unforeseen, I really expect Clemson to win.
Saturday
  • UT–Martin at #1 Mississippi State, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: You know, I could go through all sort of stats and such to logically pick the winner, but it comes down to a few points: (1) Mississippi State is ranked #1; (2) Mississippi State is at home; (3) Mississippi State hasn't lost a home game to a nonconference opponent since Oct. 10, 2009, when the Bulldogs lost to Houston, and (4) UT–Martin just isn't good enough to be the one to break that streak. Never mind the names of UT–Martin's previous opponents. As a fellow I used to work with would say, only their relatives would recognize them.

    Let's move on, shall we? I pick Mississippi State.
  • Virginia at #2 Florida State, 5:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Statistically, Florida State hasn't really played up to expectations. The Seminoles have a better offense, but the Cavaliers have the better defense — and plenty of motivation. This will be their 18th meeting, but Virginia has only won three times.

    They did win their last meeting, back in 2011 — but, historically, the Cavaliers have never beaten the Seminoles in consecutive meetings.

    This is the kind of game a champion must win — and I think Florida State will.
  • Texas A&M at #3 Auburn, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: Texas A&M began the season in what looked like a powerful way, but the Aggies have slid from the Top 25 with lackluster performances.

    The opponent and setting are not good for reversing the trend.

    Nevertheless, both teams have Top 25 offenses, and they are pretty close on defense, too. I think it should be a fun game to watch. I pick Auburn to win it in the final minutes.
  • #4 Alabama at #14 LSU, 7 p.m. (Central) on CBS: Two of the top 15 defenses in the country will be on display in this game. 'Bama is ranked fourth, LSU is ranked #15.

    Not too long ago, this would have been the game of the year in the SEC. More likely, that designation goes to Alabama's upcoming clash with Mississippi State — assuming the Crimson Tide wins this game.

    And I do believe Alabama will win.
  • #5 Oregon at #20 Utah, 9 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: QB Marcus Mariota and the nation's fifth–best offense should be quite a challenge for Utah's defense (57th in the nation).

    Should be a good game, but I pick Oregon.
  • #9 Kansas State at #6 TCU, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: TCU's offense is ranked third in the nation. K–State's defense is ranked is ranked 16th. I expect fireworks when TCU has the ball.

    It shouldn't be quite as lively when K–State has the ball. Once again, TCU looks to have the edge — albeit a slight one — with a defense that is ranked 48th facing an offense that is ranked 56th.

    Should be a good one. I'll take TCU at home.
  • #13 Ohio State at #7 Michigan State, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: A lot of good defenses are featured in games this weekend, but this might be the best match of the bunch. Michigan State's defense is ranked fifth, Ohio State's is ranked eighth.

    The offenses are pretty good, too. Michigan State's is ninth in the nation, and Ohio State's is tied for 14th.

    Historically, Ohio State has dominated this series. In fact, the Buckeyes have won four in a row on the Spartans' turf.

    But change is in the air this week. I pick Michigan State to snap the skid.
  • #8 Notre Dame at #11 Arizona State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: In three previous meetings, Notre Dame has won all three by a margin averaging 17 points.

    Statistically, they seem to be evenly matched. Arizona State has the higher–ranked offense, and Notre Dame has the higher–ranked defense — although neither is too far behind the other in either category.

    At the end of the day, though, I expect Arizona State to prevail.
  • #10 Baylor at #16 Oklahoma, 11 a.m. (Central) on FS1: The Bears' greatest foe in this game is history. Baylor is winless in 11 trips to Norman.

    The weak spot in this matchup is Oklahoma's defense (ranked 57th in the nation). It's obvious. Both of the Sooners' losses were games in which they gave up more than 30 points (to TCU and Kansas State). The OU offense kept both games close, but, in the end, it just couldn't score enough to overcome either team (both of whom are in the Top 10 today).

    Both offenses are very good — Baylor's is the best in the country, and OU's is ranked 18th. On defense, Baylor is ranked 17th.

    I'll go with Baylor in what might be the most entertaining game of the week.
  • Presbyterian at #12 Ole Miss, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Like Mississippi State's mismatch with UT–Martin, I see no point in going through all sorts of stats to support my pick in this one. I'll go with Ole Miss.
  • #17 Georgia at Kentucky, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: Since 1997, Georgia is 15–2 against Kentucky, and that is fairly representative of the whole series, in which Georgia has been the winner more than 80% of the time.

    Georgia has been better on both sides of the ball, especially on defense, and should win its 16th out of the last 18 against Kentucky.
  • #18 UCLA at Washington, 6 p.m. (Central) on FS1: UCLA has won 12 of the last 15 meetings with Washington, and the Bruins have a decisive advantage on offense, which is the name of the game in the Pac–12.

    Washington has the better defense, but that isn't saying much. I'll go with UCLA.
  • Colorado at #21 Arizona, 7 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: The defenses are about the same — mediocre — but both offenses are pretty good, especially Arizona's (13th in the nation).

    I pick Arizona.
  • #22 Duke at Syracuse, 11:30 a.m. (Central) on ACC Network: Duke is 2–0 all time against Syracuse, but here's the catch: The last time they played, "Gone With the Wind" was two months from its grand premiere in Atlanta. That was 75 years ago.

    These days, this would probably be a darn good basketball matchup. In football, Duke (7–1) has the better offense, Syracuse (3–6) has the better defense.

    I pick Duke to remain unbeaten against Syracuse.
  • #23 Marshall at Southern Miss, 6 p.m. (Central) on Sinclair and ASN: It may be the quality of the opposition's defenses, but Marshall has the second–best offense in the country.

    How good does it have to be against 3–6 Southern Miss? I'll go with Marshall.
  • #24 West Virginia at Texas, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on FS1: In three previous meetings between these schools, the visiting team has won every time. That's good news for West Virginia.

    West Virginia's offense is ranked 12th; Texas' is 99th. Texas has the higher–ranked defense (#37 to #62), but West Virginia's offense can score and Texas' offense can't. Well, it can, but not enough. Certainly not against a good team, and West Virginia has demonstrated, in its wins over Baylor and Oklahoma State and its narrow loss last week to TCU, that it is a good team. I pick West Virginia.
  • #25 Wisconsin at Purdue, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPNU: Wisconsin has an eight–game winning streak against Purdue and has won five in a row on Purdue's home turf.

    The nation's top–ranked defense will be featured when Purdue has the ball, but Purdue's offense is ranked 101st in the nation so I wouldn't expect too much from that. Wisconsin's offense, ranked 24th in the country, should be up to the challenge of Purdue's #77 defense.

    I'll take Wisconsin.

Last week: 13–3

Season: 145–30