After a quiet weekend, the college football scene heats up this week with the main event taking place in Oklahoma.

(17) MICHIGAN STATE
(7) PENN STATE

For Penn State, a Rose Bowl appearance is on the line in this one. A win and they’re in, while their foe Michigan State also has a chance to crash Pasadena with a win and a little help from their in-state rival Wolverines.

Michigan State is fresh off a bye, but comes in with a 3-game winning streak. The program seems to be on the verge of being a national contender with losses to California and Ohio State as the only blemishes on its record.

However, one of those losses was a 45-7 defeat at home to Ohio State. For them to be a contender, they have to hang with the big guys.

Penn State certainly registers, as an upset loss to Iowa is all that keeps them from the National Championship game. Many regard Penn State as the best all-around team in the nation with an offense that is split 50/50 on the ground and in the air for the 443 total yards of offense, and a defense that has allowed just 15 touchdowns through 11 games.

Look for Penn State to come out smelling like roses, as they finish strong against a much-improved team in a triumph by double-digits.

(16) BYU
(8) UTAH

Now to the Mountain West, and we’ve got a good one as Utah hopes to show that their undefeated record is legit as they take on just their second ranked opponent all season.

The Utes are a balanced offense with Brian Johnson earning the label of clutch with some sharp performances this season. On defense, Paul Kruger has evolved as one of the best ends in the nation. He’s got solid athleticism and seems to always be at the right place.

For BYU, the offense is always there thanks to the arm of Max Hall, who has 34 touchdowns, compared to 8 interceptions. As for its defense, it comes and goes. What they lack in consistency, they do have in talent, and if the chips align, they could make a splash. Nonetheless, no upset here for me, I’m thinking Utah in a high-scoring game.

(2) TEXAS TECH
(5) OKLAHOMA

Looks like we saved the best for last. Two incredible offenses, but they are as different as they are similar. The Red Raiders keep it spread out, and put the trust in the wide outs getting open and Graham Harrell picking his targets. The defense is much improved with Oklahoma State the latest victim as they were limited to 20 points, as the Red Raiders outscored them by 56.

Likely Heisman winner Harrell has had himself a year with 36 touchdowns compared to 5 interceptions while averaging 408 passing yards per game.

The Sooners can also move the ball, but they feature more of a standard play-action offense. Regardless, if Sam Bradford can outplay Harrell in this one, he could land the Heisman himself.

On the ground, it’s a two headed backfield with Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray getting the carries. On defense, the last time the Sooners kept a team to fewer than 28 points was October 4th against Baylor.

Expect a shootout, it should be a blast, but I’m going to continue the ride with the Texas Tech Red Raiders to the BCS Championship game.

UPSETS:

MISSISSIPPI
(18) LSU

If you’re looking for an upset, check out Baton Rouge. The Tigers have struggled recently, while Ole Miss has been heating up. Remember, the Rebels did knock off the Gators at the Swamp earlier this season. Expect them to improve to 7-4, while LSU falls to third place in their Division.

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