FINISH STRONG

We got clobbered last week.

No way to sugar coat it. Pretending otherwise would not be right.

We went 2-6 last weekend in which several games were decided late (e.g. 7 OT loss by LSU), and others were decided early. Like Michigan getting pummeled by Ohio State, 62-39. So much for having the best defense in America.

There are a few large match ups this weekend including several involving conference championships along with CFP rankings. And we're looking for redemption...and some money, too.

Let’s get to it.

The GREAT EIGHT for WEEK FOURTEEN

#1 ALABAMA vs #4 GEORGIA…the table is set for the SEC Championship Game along with a ton of storylines. Teacher vs Pupil. Rematch of  2017. East vs West. And, of course, CFP ramifications. Georgia must win or they drop out of the CFP. But even if an undefeated Bama were to lose, the Tide may very well stay in the top four team set. Obviously, a lot is at stake. But as we have said before, until someone knocks off Alabama, our money runs with the Tide. And so far, no one has come close to beating Saban’s squad. Take the Tide over the pups.

#2 CLEMSON vs PITTSBURGH…somehow a 7-5 Pitt team has stumbled into the ACC Chmpionship game, after getting ripped by Miami last weekend. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Clemson is loaded and knows that securing a top spot in the CFP is one win away. No contest here. Tigers claw the Panthers.

#12 WASHINGTON vs #19 UTAH…unlike last season, the Huskies are not pushing for a seat at the CFP table. But the pooches still have a lot to play for. Like a berth in the Rose Bowl. The key to a Washington win: Myles Gaskin. This kid can run the ball. He’s the first player in Pac 12 history to post four consecutive 1000 yard seasons. He’ll run through and over the Utes tomorrow night. Huskies howl in Santa Clara.

OKLAHOMA vs  #11 TEXAS…the second time could be a charm for the Longhorns as they face the Sooners for the second time this season after beating Oklahoma in October. While Sooner qb Kyler Murray is getting all the pre-game hype, look for qb Same Ehlinger to pick apart a faltering Sooner defense that has one of the worst passing defenses in America. Longhorns stick the Sooners.

#20 NORTHWESTERN vs #5 OHIO STATE…this is a David versus Goliath contest. The Wildcats are a hungry bunch with their very first trip to the Big Ten Championship game. And they will bring a ton of fans to Indianapolis. Menawhile the Buckeyes are coming off a huge 62-XX beat down of Michigan. And they’re ready for more. It won’t be pretty. Brutus brutalizes the ‘Cats.

#8 CENTRAL FLORIDA vs MEMPHIS….this is a rematch of last year’s American Athletic Conference Championship game. A New Year’s Bowl game along with their 24 game winning streak is on the line for the Knights. And there are playing without the qb star, McKenzie Milton. Memphis came close in October to beating UCF, 31-30. Can they win a rematch?  We think so. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Tigers bite the Knights.

JAMES MADISON vs COLGATE…we’ve been quietly following the JMU Dukes this season and, as usual, they are poised for a deep run on the FCS playoffs. But first they need to get by the Colgate Raiders, a team that beat JMU in 2015 second round. Colgate is number one in scoring defense so it’s going to be tough sledding for the Dukes. A possible distraction is the rumored leaving of their head coach, Mike Houston (37-5 in 3 seasons) to Charlotte. Despite that, we’re putting our chips on the Dukes.

#22 FRESNO STATE vs #21 BOISE STATE…this is another title game clash for the Mountain West Conference championship. This is the fourth time in two seasons that the two schools are playing each other, so familiarity is there. The key to the game is Fresno State’s ability to contain Bronco rb Alexander Mattison. He’s been red hot down the stretch, compiling 799 rushing yards and 10 TDs in the last six games. He can scorch the Smurf Turf. Put your bucks on the Broncos.

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