The Little Caesars Pizza Bowl will start things off when Purdue (6-6) tries to avoid having a losing record on the season going against Western Michigan (7-5). After that game, the Belk Bowl gets under way with Louisville (7-5) and North Carolina State (7-5) looking to get their eighth wins of the season.

Here is a preview of both of today’s bowl games.

LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA BOWL: PURDUE v WESTERN MICHIGAN

• When: December 27, 4:30 PM EST
• Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
• TV: ESPN/ESPN3
• Line: Purdue -2.5

This bowl game features Purdue from the Big Ten going against Western Michigan from MAC.  Western Michigan will be looking to prove themselves against a team from one of the power conferences and will extremely motivated for this game.  The Broncos have the nations eighth best passing attack and are led by quarterback Alex Carder (3,434 YDS, 67 CMP%, 28 TD and 10 INT).

* – Purdue Western Michigan photo credit: via ESPN

Purdue also comes into this game with a lot to prove and will be trying avoid their fourth losing season in a row with a win.  Purdue’s offense has struggled a bit this season scoring points and are averaging 26.1 points per game which ranks 67^th in college football.  Their offense will get a boost in this game because the Broncos have the 78^th ranked scoring defense giving up 28 points per game.

Western Michigan has scored at least 38 points seven times this season and Purdue has given up more than 30 points four times this season which have all come in losses.

BELK BOWL: LOUISVILLE v NORTH CAROLINA STATE

• When: December 27, 8:00 PM EST
• Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
• TV: ESPN/ESPN3
• Line: North Carolina State -1.5

This game features North Carolina State from the ACC going against Louisville from the Big East and both of these teams have 7-5 records.  Louisville has won 5 of their last 6 games and it is because quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (1,855 YDS, 66 CMP%, 12TD and 9 INT) became a more efficient passer.  In his last 6 games, Bridgewater threw 8 touchdown passes and only 4 interceptions.

* – Belk Bowl photo credit: via Belk Bowl

North Carolina State has won 3 of their last 4 including a 37-13 blowout victory over then #13 Clemson.  Wolfpack quarterback Mike Glennon (2,790 YDS, 62.4 CMP%, 28 YD and 11 INT) comes into this game on a hot streak throwing 8 touchdown passes in his last two games.

North Carolina State might have an advantage in this game on defense because they been very good at creating turnovers this season and their 28 interceptions are the most in college football.

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These two teams are not playing for a chance to be in a bowl game as they unfortunately have losing records but instead are playing for the pride of their branch of service.  In this game you won’t find any players that will be climbing up NFL Draft boards because these players have chosen their career path…and that is to serve this country.

There is always a lot riding on this game no matter what their records are as both teams want to win the bragging rights for their branch of the military.

All of these players are headed for a military career once they have completed their schooling from their respective service academy.  Here is a look at some the careers that some of these players will begin once their football days are over, which has been provided by USA Today.

• Army linebacker Steven Erzinger, has been assigned to armor.
• Leading receiver Davyd Brooks will handle field artillery.
• Backup quarterback Max Jenkins will join the infantry.
• Navy quarterback Kriss Proctor will be a naval flight officer.
• Nose guard Jared Marks is going to the Marines.
• Fullback Alexander Teich will be a Navy SEAL

ARMY-NAVY OFFENSES

When these two teams take the field on Saturday, don’t expect to see a lot of passes thrown as each team averages less than 100 passing yards per game.  Army is ranked last in college football in passing attempts and Navy is ranked second to last.  These two teams are also last and second to last in passing yards as Army has only thrown for 528 yards while Navy has only thrown for 1,016 yards on the season.

What you can expect from these teams on offense is a whole lot of running the ball as both Army and Navy run a similar triple option style rushing attack.  Each team ranks in the top 5 in college football in rushing yards per game.  Army leads the nation in rushing yards averaging 350.9 yards per game while Navy ranks 5th in the nation in rushing yards averaging 313.7 yards per game.

ARMY-NAVY DEFENSES

As good as these teams have been running the ball, the same cannot be said about their defenses as they have struggled all season long.  These teams give up a lot of points, and teams are averaging over 28 points per game against them.

If any team has momentum coming into this game on the defensive side of the ball, it would be navy because in their last game they held San Jose State to only 27 points in a loss.  Army’s defense did not do quite as well in their last game against Temple and gave up 42 points in blowout defeat.

ARMY-NAVY PREDICTION

This series has been one sided lately as the Midshipmen have won 9 straight over the Black Knights.  Army will come into this game motivated to end Navy’s winning streak and I think this is the year they get it done.  Army wins 35-31.

ARMY-NAVY GAME INFO

• Army-Navy  Date: Saturday, December 10^th
• Army-Navy  Date Kickoff Time: 2:30 PM ET
• Army-Navy  TV: CBS
• Army-Navy  Point Spread: Navy -7

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* – Army-Navy Game photo credit: via The Redskins Blog

This week we have a number of important matchups that will help determine who goes BCS bowling after the season. So settle down, relax, and get ready for another great weekend of college football.

As always, we begin with some of the marquee games to pay attention to this week and then the entire rundown of the college football TV schedule and point spreads for Week 13.

College Football TV Schedule and Point Spreads for Week 13

Marquee Games for Thanksgiving Week – Saturday, November 26th

No.3 Arkansas at No. 1 LSU

• Arkansas-LSU Date: Friday, November 25th
• Arkansas-LSU Kickoff Time: 2:30pm
• Arkansas-LSU TV: CBS
• Arkansas-LSU SpreadL: LSU -11.5

I’ve worked retail, and as someone who has seen both sides of the chaos known as “Black Friday” I can tell you that there are few places I’d rather avoid than the massive lines and crowds of deal-obsessed customers in stores this weekend.  Instead, I’ll be plopped on my couch watching some of the interesting matchups the NCAA has to offer as the conference races wind down.

Here is a look at every nationally televised game we’ll have to watch, starting with the hugely consequential Arkansas-LSU game and then going in chronological order of kickoff time.

Black Friday College Football Schedule

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#3 Arkansas at #1 LSU

• Arkansas-LSU Date: Friday, November 25th
• Arkansas-LSU Kickoff Time: 2:30 PM EST
• Arkansas-LSU TV: CBS
• Arkansas-LSU Point Spread: LSU -13
• Arkansas-LSUOver/Under: 52

Arkansas-LSU Preview:

Now this is what I’m talking about.

As a midwesterner (hence my writing for Midwest Sports Fans), I do get sick of the domination of the SEC in football, but this game has potential to be great. Most media members have assumed LSU’s ticket to the national championship game is a foregone conclusion, but Arkansas presents a solid challenge.

Averaging nearly 40 points per game, and with a loss to Alabama in Tuscaloosa as their only blemish, Bobby Petrino’s dynamic Razorbacks will attempt to unseat the top-ranked Tigers.

Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson has thrown for 3,215 yards and 21 touchdowns to lead the pass-heavy Arkansas offense.  He will certainly face a test and the freakish LSU defense will be in his face all afternoon Friday.

With one of the toughest, most hostile home fields in all of sports, it wil be fun to watch the Tigers try to cement their status further as the nation’s best team.

Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois

• Eastern Michigan-Northern Illinois Date: Friday, November 25th
• Eastern Michigan-Northern Illinois Kickoff Time: 11:00 AM EST
• Eastern Michigan-Northern Illinois TV: ESPNU
• Eastern Michigan-Northern Illinois Point Spread: Northern Illinois -19.5
• Eastern Michigan-Northern Illinois Over/Under: 64.5

Eastern Michigan-Northern Illinois Preview:

This game has MAC championship implications as NIU (8-3, 6-1 MAC) enters tied with Toledo for tops in the MAC West.  NIU will bring their high-powered offense (41.5 points per game, 9th in FBS) into this one, and former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English, now the head coach at Eastern Michigan, will have his hands full trying to stop it.

NIU’s Jasmin Hopkins needs just 159 yards to join Huskies quarterback Chandler Harnish in the 1000-yard club this season.

Louisville at South Florida

• Louisville-South Florida Date: Friday, November 25th
• Lousiville-South Florida Kickoff Time: 11:00 AM EST
• Lousiville-South Florida TV: ESPN2
• Lousiville-South Florida Point Spread: South Florida -3
• Louisville-SouthFlorida Over/Under: 43

Louisville-South Florida Preview:

Despite being only 6-5 overall and 4-2 in Big East play, Louisville is still in the thick of the race for the Big East title.  They have allowed over 30 points only once this season (35 to West Virginia), so they will lean on their defense on the road in this one.

If South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels can’t play due to a right shoulder injury, the Cardinals will have a good chance to pull the (slight) road upset.

Lousiville hasn’t won in South Florida in their last 4 trips.

Iowa at #21 Nebraska

• Iowa-Nebraska Date: Friday, November 25th
• Iowa-Nebraska Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM EST
• Iowa-Nebraska TV: ABC
• Iowa-Nebraska Point Spread: Nebraska -9.5
• Iowa-Nebraska Over/Under: 53.5

Iowa-Nebraska Preview:

Nebraska will be happy to be back in Lincoln after getting pummeled 45-17 in Ann Arbor.  The Huskers are eliminated from the Big Ten championship race, but they still have bowl position to play for.

Iowa will try to win their third straight game, as they have beaten Purdue and Michigan the last two weeks.

For Nebraska, watch for Rex Burkhead (1108 yards, 14 touchdowns) to try to get back on track after struggling last week.  For Iowa, expect steady doses of Marcus Coker (1297 yards, 14 touchdowns) and receiver Marvin McNutt (1240 yards and 12 touchdowns).  Coker and McNutt are among the most talented rushing/receiving combos in the Big Ten.

Boston College at Miami

• Boston College-Miami Date: Friday, November 25th
• Boston College-Miami Kickoff Time: 3:30 PM EST
• Boston College-Miami TV: ABC
• Boston College-Miami Point Spread: Miami -14.5
• Boston College-Miami Over/Under: 44

Boston College-Miami Preview:

If you’re in the mood for some mediocre ACC football, this game is right up your alley. Miami, plagued by off the field issues and under a self-imposed bowl ban, will host the Eagles, who have struggled mightily on offense this season.

Miami senior quarterback Jacory Harris will lead the Hurricanes in the final home game for the recruiting class of 2008.  That class, under then-head coach Randy Shannon, was considered one of the best in the nation, but the Canes have largely underachieved during that span, with Shannon being fired and replaced by Al Golden as head coach.

Pittsburgh at West Virginia

• Pittsburgh-West Virginia Date: Friday, November 25th
• Pittsburgh-West Virginia Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM EST
• Pittsburgh-West Virginia TV: ESPN
• Pittsburgh-West Virginia Point Spread: West Virginia -7
• Pittsburgh-West Virginia Over/Under: 57

Pittsburgh-West Virginia Preview:

West Virginia will already know their Big East chances by the time the game starts, as they need a Louisville loss to South Florida to be able to win the conference.  They hold the advantage over Rutgers and Cincinnati by virtue of head-to-head wins over both, but their loss to Louisville has them unable to fully control their own destiny.

For Pittsburgh, this game will be tough.  They lost starting running back Ray Graham to a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago.  They will now rely on Zach Brown (269 yards, 4 touchdowns) to lead their offense, along with quarterback Tino Sunseri (2037 yards, 9 touchdowns passing).

The Mountaineers have been fantastic on offense, with quarterback Geno Smith tallying 3497 yards and 24 touchdowns so far.  West Virginia averages nearly 40 points per game, so Pittsburgh will have a tough time slowing them down.

This game will be extremely interesting if South Florida handles Lousiville early in the day.

California at Arizona State

• Cal-Arizona State Date: Friday, November 25th
• Cal-Arizona State Kickoff Time: 10:15 PM EST
• Cal-Arizona State TV: ESPN
• Cal-Arizona State Point Spread: Arizona State -5.5
• Cal-Arizona State Over/Under: 53.5

Cal-Arizona State Preview:

To finish out a long day of college football, we have a matchup between two middle of the pack, yet bowl-eligible Pac-12 programs.

The Golden Bears come into this one having narrowly lost to #9 Stanford last week.  Cal’s Isi Sofele (1121 yards, 8 touchdowns) will try to chew up the clock and keep Arizona State’s potent passing offense, led by Brock Osweiler (3377 yards, 21 touchdowns) off the field.  Arizona State, meanwhile, will try to snap a 3-game losing streak and finish the regular season on a positive note.

So, there you have it.  If you’re not out shopping this Friday, you know what your football viewing options are.

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Follow me on Twitter @keithmullett

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Image credits: thekartel.com, kansas.com, seattletimes.com, draftpartyblog.com, zimbio.com

This is one of the oldest and most renowned rivalries in college football, and it is going to go by the wayside due to conference realignment once this season is over.  Texas A&M will make the jump next season to the SEC, and with Texas’ non-conference schedule full until 2017 it could be a long time before they meet again.  Neither one of these teams wants to lose the final game in this series as conference opponents, so look for emotions to be running high on both sides.

Here is what you can expect from these teams in this heated rivalry.

TEXAS-TEXAS A&M: WHEN TEXAS IS ON OFFENSE

Texas’ offense has been the biggest detriment to this team all season long. If they could even get mediocre play from one their quarterbacks they could be contending for a Big 12 title.   The Longhorns are only averaging 181.6 yards per game through the air, which ranks 96^th in college football.

The Longhorns have used a two quarterback system all season long between David Ash (937 YDS, 3 TD, 8 INT and 105.1 RTG) and Case McCoy (568 YDS, 4 TD, 0 INT and 139.6 RTG).  McCoy should start this game after going in for Ash last week, after Ash was not performing well against Kansas State.

If there has been one bright spot for this Texas offense, it is the production they are getting from their ground game.  The Longhorns’ rushing attack is averaging 223.8 rushing yards per game which ranks 15^th in college football.

TEXAS-TEXAS A&M: WHEN TEXAS A&M IS ON OFFENSE

Unlike Texas, the Aggies’ biggest team strength this season has been their offense, which has a very balanced attack.  Texas A&M is averaging 293.7 passing yards per game and 218.6 rushing yards per game, which both rank in the top 20.  They are averaging 40.9 points per game this season, which ranks 10^th in college football.

Texas A&M senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill (3,191 YDS, 26 TD, 11 INT and 138.7 RTG) is having an outstanding season and has emerged as a strong NFL prospect.  Tannehill has thrown for over 200 yards in every game but one this season. Look for him to have a big game.

Texas A&M’s ground game might not be as effective this week due to injuries to their top running backs Christine Michael and Cyrus Gray.  This might cause the Aggies to be a bit one dimensional in this game, so look for them to throw the ball more than normal.

TEXAS-TEXAS A&M: WHEN TEXAS IS ON DEFENSE

Texas has one of the best defenses in all of college football, and if they got any help from their offense they would be guiding this team to a conference championship.  Last week they held Kansas State to only 121 yards, yet their offense still couldn’t manage to get enough points to win.

The Longhorn defense has been very stingy and teams are only averaging 20.6 points per game against them, which ranks 26^th in college football.  In their last 4 games they have held their opponent to 20 points or less and had a shutout against Kansas during that stretch.

TEXAS-TEXAS A&M: WHEN TEXAS A&M IS ON DEFENSE

Defense is not the Aggies’ strong point and it is the reason why this team has five losses this season.  Texas A&M allows the opposition to score a lot and teams are averaging 28.8 points per game against them, which ranks 78^th in college football.

The reason the Aggies have struggled on defense is that teams are torching their secondary in the passing game.  The Aggies are allowing teams to average close to 300 yards a game in the air against them, which is third to last in the Big 12 conference.

TEXAS-TEXAS A&M KEYS TO VICTORY

• TEXAS: They need to get some production from the quarterback position and score more than 20 points in this game to win.
• TEXAS A&M: They need to stop the run and force the Longhorns to throw the ball because Texas has proven they can’t beat teams with the pass.  

TEXAS-TEXAS A&M PREDICTION

I give the edge to Texas A&M because they are at home, but expect both teams to play very well.  Texas loses their third in a row in this one 28-14.

What do you think?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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Don’t forget about our friends at Daily Joust.

For the college football fans, there are a number of fun tournaments going this weekend. For the NFL fans, they are hosting a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Shootout that uses only players playing on Thanksgiving Day in the player pool, has a $5 entry free, and $300 guaranteed prize pool. Plus, not only is it a Super Joust Qualifier, but you can submit multiple entries.

Texas v Texas A&m Game Info:

• Texas-Texas A&M Date: Thursday, November 24
• Texas-Texas A&M Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Texas-Texas A&M TV: ESPN
• Texas-Texas A&M Point Spread: Texas A&M -7.5

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* – Texas-Texas A&M photo credit: via Sports Illustrated 

#7 Oregon heads to Palo Alto, California to take on #4 Stanford in a game that will spotlight two of the best offenses in college football.  Unlike last week’s 9-6 game between LSU and Alabama, this game should see both teams break the plane of the end zone many times.  These offenses are very explosive but are completely different from one another and should make for a very entertaining game.

Here is what you can expect from these two elite teams in the Pac-12.

STANFORD-OREGON: WHEN OREGON IS ON OFFENSE

Oregon is a team that runs a fast paced spread-option offense that relies heavily on the run.  Their offense is headlined by star running back LaMichael James (1061 YDS, 8.0 AVG, 10 TD’s) whose speed can create big plays at anytime during a game.  James had three straight games of over 200 yards rushing and last week he ran for 156 yards.

Oregon doesn’t try to beat teams with the pass but still has a very effective quarterback in Darron Thomas (1549 YDS, 19 TD, and 5 INT’s).  Oregon won’t pass a whole lot in this game, and Thomas hasn’t thrown more than 25 passes in a game since week 1 against LSU.

Oregon is averaging 46 points per game, which ranks 5^th in college football, and only once this season have they been held under 35 points.

STANFORD-OREGON: WHEN STANFORD IS ON OFFENSE

Andrew Luck (2424 YDS, 26 TD, 5 INT) is one of the best quarterbacks in college football and will be the number 1 pick in next year’s NFL draft.  What makes Luck an outstanding quarterback is that he is very accurate, and this season he is completing 71.3% of his passes.

Stanford will not only beat teams through the air but can also win games on the ground if opposing defenses focus on just stopping the pass.  Earlier this season, against Washington, the Cardinal rushed for 446 yards en route to scoring 65 points.

Stanford is averaging 48.2 points per game this season, which ranks third in college football, and they have scored more than 35 points in every game.

STANFORD-OREGON: WHEN OREGON IS ON DEFENSE

Oregon’s defense has been good at stopping teams from scoring, and they are holding teams to an average of 20.8 points per game.  This is even more impressive when you consider that their defense is on the field a lot because their ability on offense to make a lot of big plays.

Oregon’s biggest weakness on defense is defending against the pass, and their secondary is going to have to play their best game if they want to slow down Andrew Luck.  The Ducks rank in lower half (71st) in college football in stopping the pass, with teams averaging 234 YPG against them through the air.

STANFORD-OREGON: WHEN STANFORD IS ON DEFENSE

Stanford’s defense has held teams to 21 points or less in every game this season except for a triple overtime win against USC.  Teams are only averaging 16.6 points per game against them which ranks 11^th in college football.

Their defense has excelled at getting pressure on the quarterback, and this season they lead the Pac-12 in sacks with 28.  They use many different looks to confuse teams, and they are going to have to get of a lot of pressure on Oregon’s offense to slow down their rhythm.

STANFORD-OREGON KEYS TO VICTORY

• OREGON:  They need to make Andrew Luck uncomfortable in the pocket and force him into throwing bad passes.
• STANFORD:  They need to stop LaMichael James from having a huge day and in Oregon’s only loss he was held to only 54 rushing yards.

STANFORD-OREGON PREDICTION

This game is going to be a shoot-out with a lot of points being scored and I think Oregon wins on the road in a close one 49-45.

What do you think will happen?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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Make sure you take a few minutes to sign up for one of this weekend’s fantasy college football and basketball tournaments from our friends at Daily Joust. After all, it is the best alternative to fantasy sports and sports betting…ever.

Stanford v Oregon Game Info:

• Stanford-Oregon Date: Saturday, November 12
• Stanford-Oregon Date Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Stanford-Oregon TV: ABC
• Stanford-Oregon Point Spread: Stanford -3

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* – Andrew Luck and LaMichael James  photo credit: via Oregon Live

This week we have some more great top 25 action, the highlights of which are broken down here by Robert Crowe. We also encourage you to indulge your college football love with a fun weekly fantasy college football challenge at Daily Joust.

Settle down, relax, and get ready for another great weekend of college football.

As always, we begin with some of the marquee games to pay attention to this week and then the entire rundown of the college football TV schedule and point spreads for Week 11.

No.  17 Michigan State at Iowa

• Michigan State-Iowa Date: Saturday, November 12th
• Michigan State-Iowa Kickoff Time: 12pm
• Michigan State-Iowa TV: ESPN 2
• Michigan State-Iowa Spread: Michigan State -3

No. 10 Virginia Tech at No. 21 Georgia Tech

• Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech Date: Thursday, November 10th
• Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech Kickoff Time: 8pm
• Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech TV:ESPN
• Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech Spread: Virginia Tech -1

No. 24 Michigan at Illinois

• Michigan-Illinois Date: Saturday, November 12th
• Michigan-Illinois Kickoff Time: 3:30pm
• Michigan-Illinois TV: ESPN, ABC
• Michigan-Illinois Spread: Michigan -1

No. 7 Oregon and No. 4 Stanford

• Oregon-Stanford Date: Saturday, November 12th
• Oregon-Stanford Kickoff Time: 8pm
• Oregon-Stanford TV: ABC
• Oregon-Stanford Spread: Stanford -3.5

Complete College Football TV Schedule and Point Spreads

Not since 2006, has the number one and number two ranked teams in the nation played each other in the regular season (excludes conference championship games), so this type of game doesn’t happen often.  The 2006 game lived up to all the hype when #1 Ohio State defeated #2 Michigan 42-39, and hopefully this game will be just as compelling.

The winner of this game will be favorite to win the national championship. Here is what you can expect from the two best teams in the country.

Click to read arguments for and against an LSU-Alabama BCS Title game rematch.

LSU-ALABAMA: WHEN ALABAMA IS ON OFFENSE

The Crimson Tide has one of the best of rushing attacks in college football, averaging over 200 yards per game.  Trent Richardson (149 car, 989 YDS, 17 TDs) is one of the best running backs in the country and is one of the top contenders to win Heisman Trophy.  Richardson will get a bunch of carries in this game, and with his 6.6 average yards per carry he will be very tough for the LSU defense to stop.

The Tide’s offense is best known for their ground game, but sophomore quarterback A.J. McCarron (134-200, 1664 YDS, 10 TDs) has been very efficient this season.  All they ask of McCarron is to manage the game, and so far he has excelled in this role.  McCarron has been very good at protecting the ball and last week he threw his first interception since throwing two in week one.

LSU-ALABAMA: WHEN LSU IS ON OFFENSE

Quarterback Jarrett Lee (98-155, 1250 YDS, 13 TDs) has been better than expected since he took over the starting quarterback role after Jordan Jefferson got suspended.  Just like McCarron for Alabama, Lee has been very good at protecting the ball and has only thrown one interception this season.  He will need to continue not throwing interceptions if LSU wants stay ranked number one.

LSU does have a very effective ground game as well, which makes their offense very balanced.  LSU is a run-first team that averages 189 yards per game on the ground, and they have two running backs that they will use throughout the game.  Spencer Ware (128 CAR, 512 YDS, 6 TDs) leads LSU In rushing, but they will also use Michael Ford (79 CAR, 441 YDS, 6 TDs).

LSU-ALABAMA: WHEN ALABAMA IS ON DEFENSE

Alabama has the number one defense in the country and leads the nation in scoring defense.   Teams are averaging less than 7 points per game against them and they have only given up six touchdowns this season.  Their run defense has been so good this season that in eight games they have only given up 359 yards on the ground.

Alabama’s defense is loaded at all positions, and their Linebackers are the best in the nation with three All-American candidates (Dont’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw and Nico Johnson).  Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw are among the 12 semifinalists for the 2011 Lombardi Award.

LSU-ALABAMA: WHEN LSU IS ON DEFENSE

LSU’s defense has been just as dominant this season, and they have the second rank defense in the country.  Teams are only averaging 11.5 points per game against them this season, which is very impressive because they have played against some very good offenses.

LSU has arguably the best secondary in the country, and with 11 interceptions they have done an outstanding job of getting turnovers.  This unit is headlined by cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, whoc in two seasons has forced nine fumbles – an LSU record.  So far this season Mathieu has five turnovers (two interceptions, three fumble recoveries) and his 42 tackles is third on the team.

LSU-ALABAMA KEYS TO VICTORY

• ALABAMA: LSU has forced a lot of turnovers this season, and if Alabama wants to be number one in the polls after Saturday night then they are going to have to protect the ball.
• LSU: Alabama is going to run the ball with Trent Richardso,n and if LSU wants to win this game they are going to have to stop him and force A.J. McCarron to beat them with the pass.

LSU-ALABAMA PREDICTION

These teams are very evenly matched, and trying to predict a winner is extremely difficult.  I give the slight edge to Alabama because they are at home.  Alabama wins 17-14 in a low scoring game.

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LSU v Alabama Game Info:

• LSU-Alabama Date: Saturday, November 5
• LSU-Alabama Date Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET
• LSU-Alabama TV: CBS
• LSU-Alabama Point Spread: Alabama -4.5

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* – LSU Alabama photo credit: via Nola.com

This week we have some more great top 25 action, with the best of the best being, of course, the LSU-Alabama showdown on Saturday night. So settle down, relax, and get ready for another great weekend of college football.

Before we get to this week’s schedule, indulge us in a quick suggestion that you check out the weekly fantasy college football challenge offered by our friends at Daily Joust (which one esteemed writer already called “the best alternative to fantasy sports and gambling“.)

As always, we begin with some of the marquee games to pay attention to this week (have you heard? LSU is playing Alabama!) and then the entire college football TV schedule and point spreads rundown for Week 10.

College Football TV Schedule and Point Spreads

Marquee Games for This Week – Saturday, November 5th

 No. 15 Michigan at Iowa

• Michigan-Iowa Date: Saturday November 5th
• Michigan-Iowa Kickoff Time: 12pm
• Michigan-Iowa TV: ESPN
• Michigan-Iowa Spread: Michigan -4

No. 9 South Carolina at No. 7 Arkansas

• South Carolina-Arkansas Date: Saturday November 5th
• South Carolina-Arkansas Kickoff Time: 7:15pm
• South Carolina-Arkansas TV: ESPN
• South Carolina-Arkansas Spread: Arkansas -5

No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama

• LSU-Alabama Date: Saturday, November 5th
• LSU-Alabama Kickoff Time: 8pm
• LSU-Alabama TV: CBS
• LSU-Alabama Spread: Alabama -5

No. 19 Arizona State at UCLA

• Arizona State-UCLA Date: Saturday, November 5th
• Arizona State Kickoff Time: 7:30pm
• Arizona State TV: Versus
• Arizona State Spread: Arizona State -10

College Football TV Schedule and Point Spreads

Complete TV Schedule and All Spreads

Before last week, many people thought that these two teams would be undefeated heading into this game, but Oklahoma didn’t live up to their end of the bargain.  At this point in the season, both teams have a legit shot at making a BCS Bowl game, and a lot will be riding on this game.  Oklahoma has not lost two games in a row in thirteen years, so Kansas State has a major challenge ahead of them.

Here is what you can expect in this game.

WHEN KANSAS STATE IS ON OFFENSE

Kansas State is a very physical team that is run-first, and it all starts at the quarterback position with Collin Klein.  The Wildcats are 19^th in the nation in rushing, averaging 213.9 yards per game on the ground.  Klein’s 670 rushing yards leads the team and so far this season, and he has three games with over 100 yards rushing.

To compliment Collin Klein in the running game is sophomore running back John Hubert who has been very solid this season averaging 5.2 yards per carry.  Hubert’s breakout game this season came against Miami; in that game he rushed for 166 yards.

Kansas State is not of much of passing team and Collin Klein has never thrown the ball more than thirty times in a game this season.

WHEN OKLAHOMA IS ON OFFENSE

It is no secret what Oklahoma wants to do on offense, and that is throw the ball all over the field.  Oklahoma is averaging 379 yards per game through the air, which ranks 4^th in nation.  Landry Jones is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and last week he threw for 5 touchdowns in their loss.

Oklahoma has some very talented wide receivers that are headlined by senior Ryan Broyles.  Broyles has had a truly remarkable college career and barring injury is going to go over 1,000 yards receiving for a third straight season.   In a conference full of great receivers, Broyles is leading the Big 12 in both receptions (67) and in receiving yards (899).

Oklahoma’s offense is getting a little better this week with the return of running back Dominique Whaley.  Whaley missed last weeks game because of illness and is averaging 5.5 yards per carry to go along with 9 touchdowns.

WHEN KANSAS STATE IS ON DEFENSE

Kansas State has been able to stay undefeated because they have the number one defense in the Big 12.  Kansas State is only giving up 337.1 yards per game and last week held Kansas to 286 yards of total offense.

Kansas State is one of the best at stopping at the run and teams are averaging less than 100 yards rushing against them.

One thing that could hurt Kansas State in this game is that they can give up big plays in the passing game.   Baylor’s RG3 completed 22-of-31 for 346 yards and five touchdowns against the Wildcats earlier this season.

WHEN OKLAHOMA IS ON DEFENSE

The good news for the Sooner defense is that they are facing a team that is not good at passing the ball.  In their loss last week to Texas Tech, Oklahoma had no answer for Seth Doege as he threw for 441 yards.

Oklahoma has been very good at stopping the run and they are going to have to continue this if they want to win this game.  The Sooner defense ranks third in the Big 12 in run defense and has only given up 6 rushing touchdowns all season.

KANSAS STATE KEY TO VICTORY

It is simple for Kansas State and that is stop Oklahoma from throwing the ball all over the field.  With all the success that Baylor had throwing the ball against them, you got to believe that Bob Stoops is going to throw it as much as possible in this game.

OKLAHOMA KEY TO VICTORY

Stop the run. That is what Kansas State is best at and if they can make Collin Klein throw the ball than they will have a great chance of winning.

PREDICTION

I want to say that Oklahoma is going to win this game, but it has very hard to pick against Bill Snyder, especially since his team is at home.  The Wildcats are on an incredible run right now and I like them to continue to shock the nation.  Kansas State wins 31-28.

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Oklahoma v Kansas State Game Info:

• Oklahoma-Kansas State Date: Saturday, October 29
• Oklahoma-Kansas State Kickoff Time: 3:30 PM ET
• Oklahoma-Kansas State TV: ESPN
• Oklahoma-Kansas State Point Spread: Oklahoma -14

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 * – Ryan Broyles photo credit: via News OK

So settle down, relax, and get ready for another great weekend of college football.

As always, here are some of the marquee games to pay attention to this week and then the entire college football TV schedule and point spreads rundown for Week 9, plus another suggestion that you check out the weekly fantasy college football challenge offered by our friends at Daily Joust.

College Football TV Schedule and Point Spreads

Marquee Games for This Week – Saturday, October 29th

No. 11 Michigan State at No.14 Nebraska

• Michigan State-Nebraska Date: Saturday, October 29th
• Michigan State-Nebraska Kickoff Time:12pm
• Michigan State-Nebraska TV: ESPN
• Michigan State-Nebraska Spread: Nebraska -4.5

Illinois at No. 19 Penn State

• Illinois-Penn State Date: Saturday, October 29th
• Illinois-Penn State Kickoff Time: 3:30pm
• Illinois-Penn State TV: ABC
• Illinois-Penn State Spread: Penn State -4.5

No. 6 Stanford at USC

• Stanford-USC Date: Saturday, October 29th
• Illinois-Penn State Kickoff Time: 8pm
• Illinois-Penn State TV: ABC
• Illinois-Penn State Spread: Stanford -7

No. 13 South Carolina at Tennessee 

• South Carolina-Tennessee Date: Saturday, October 29th
• South Carolina-Tennessee  Kickoff Time: 7:15pm
• South Carolina-Tennessee Tv: ESPN 2
• South Carolina-Tennessee  Spread: South Carolina -4

No.8 Oklahoma State at No. 9 Kansas State

• Oklahoma State-Kansas State  Date: Saturday, October 29th
• Oklahoma State-Kansas State  Kickoff Time: 3:30pm
• Oklahoma State-Kansas State  TV: ESPN
• Oklahoma State-Kansas State  Spread: Oklahoma State -13.5

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College Football TV Schedule and Point Spreads

All Games for This Week – Saturday, October 29th

So settle down, relax, and get ready for another great weekend of college football. As always, here are some of the marquee games to pay attention to this week and then the entire college football TV schedule for Week 7.

And don’t forget to leverage your college football passion and knowledge over at Daily Joust, where they host weekly fantasy college football contests for free or for cash money prizes. Click and check ‘em out.

No. 11 Michigan at No. 23 Michigan State

• Michigan-Michigan State Date: Saturday, October 15th
• Michigan-Michigan State Kickoff Time: 12pm
• Michigan-Michigan State TV: ESPN
• Michigan-Michigan State Spread: Michigan State -2

Last week saw Arkansas scrap out a victory over Texas A&M, Illinois escape a scare from Northwestern, Pittsburgh destroy ranked South Florida, Air Force win in OT over Navy, and Oklahoma narrowly beat my Ball State Cardinals…62-6.

This week more exciting and entertaining college football games are on their way. Oklahoma and Texas meet up in the Red River Rivalry in Dallas, Florida travels to Baton Rouge to take on LSU, and Ohio State and Nebraska both try to rebound against eachother Saturday night.

So settle down, relax, set your fantasy college football rosters (yeah, that’s right), and get ready for another great weekend of college football. As always, here are some of the marquee games to pay attention to this week, then the entire college football TV schedule for week 6.

No. 3 Oklahoma v No. 11 Texas (played in Dallas)

• Oklahoma-Texas Date: Saturday, October 8th
• Oklahoma-Texas Kickoff Time: 12:00 pm
• Oklahoma-Texas TV: ABC
• Oklahoma-Texas Spread: Oklahoma -10

No. 17 Florida at No. 1 LSU

• Florida-LSU Date: Saturday, October 8th
• Florida-LSU Kickoff Time: 3:30 pm
• Florida-LSU TV: CBS
• Florida-LSU Spread: LSU -13.5

Missouri at N0. 20 Kansas State

• Missouri-Kansas State Date: Saturday, October 8th
• Missouri-Kansas State Kickoff Time: 3:30 pm
• Missouri-Kansas State TV: NBC
• Missouri-Kansas State Spread: Missouri -3

Last week we saw Oklahoma State narrowly beat Texas A&M, Clemson pull an upset over Florida State, Illinois escape an upset, and LSU take the No. 1 ranking away from Oklahoma. This week more exciting and entertaining college football games are on their way, so settle down, relax, and enjoy your weekend.

Here are some of the marquee games to pay attention to this week (with additional spreads and picks here), then the entire college football TV schedule for week 5.

No. 15 Baylor at Kansas State

• Baylor-Kansas State Date: Saturday, October 1st
• Baylor-Kansas State Kickoff Time: 3:30pm
• Baylor-Kansas State  TV: ESPN 3
• Baylor-Kansas State  Spread: Baylor -3.5

No. 13 Clemson at No. 11 Virginia Tech

• Clemson-Virginia Tech Date: Saturday, October 1st
• Clemson-Virginia Tech Kickoff Time: 6pm
• Clemson-Virginia Tech TV: ESPN 2
• Clemson-Virginia Tech Spread: Virginia Tech -7

No. 3 Alabama at No. 12 Florida

• Alabama-Florida Date: Saturday, October 1st
• Alabama-Florida Kickoff Time: 8pm
• Alabama-Florida TV: CBS
• Alabama-Florida Spread: -3.5

No. 8 Nebraska at No. 7 Wisconsin

• Nebraska-Wisconsin Date: Saturday, October 1st
• Nebraska-Wisconsin Kickoff Time: 8pm
• Nebraska-Wisconsin TV: ABC
• Nebraska-Wisconsin Spread: Wisconsin -9.5

College Football Week 5 TV Schedule and Point Spreads

Last week we saw LSU narrowly beat Mississippi State, the Fighting Irish notched their first win of the season, and we got to enjoy a showdown between Oklahoma and Florida State. There are even more ranked teams playing ranked teams this week, so expect many more good games for your viewing pleasure as you settle in on Saturday.

Here are some of the marquee games to pay attention to this week (with additional spreads and picks here), then the entire college football TV schedule for week 4.

No. 7 Oklahoma State at No. 8 Texas A&M

• Oklahoma State-Texas A&M Date: Saturday, September 24th
• Oklahoma State-Texas A&M Time: 3:30pm
• Oklahoma State-Texas A&M TV: ABC
• Oklahoma State-Texas A&M Spread: Texas A&M -4.5

No. 11 Florida State at No. 21 Clemson