Week 11 College Football Preview
by Jonathan Gillespie, GGR College Football Correspondent This is weekend is my birthday. I know how exactly I plan to spend it: I will be sitting quite relaxed in my favorite chair, eating snacks, a cold drink in my hand, as I watch college football all day long. My wife is on board with my plan however, I am not sure if my 8 month old son will be as accommodating to my wishes. We all know he is the actual boss of the house at this point. If it’s all good with my son here are the games that I will be watching this weekend.
TCU vs #9 West Virginia
Big 12, I apologize. I barely watched any of your conferences games. I am not sure why, maybe it’s the complete lack of defense or knowing there isn’t a real conference championship game. I will watch a Big 12 game this week because as it stands, West Virginia is your best chance of having a team in the college playoffs. I do have WVU winning this game and in support I will be playing “Country Roads” before the game.
Wisconsin vs #20 Penn State
Penn State has had an underwhelming season. The College Playoff and the Big Ten Championship are out of reach for them. I know what you are thinking Nittany Lion fans, “Jonathan why do you have to kick us when we are down?” Because one thing I have grown to love about your fan base is you are a very loyal and committed group. I know for a fact that this team will continue to play hard and will finish strong because the fans will still be there cheering the team on to victory. Yes, things haven’t gone the way you wanted but you can still win out and get in to a great bowl game. I’m taking the Nittany Lions.
North Carolina vs Duke
In basketball season, this would be a match-up that ESPN would be going nuts over. Dick Vitale would be going insane over how he loves the game. Sorry Dickie V, we are still in football season. Both teams are not having the best of seasons in the ACC. Then again, what team other than Clemson is having a good season in the ACC? With the coastal division being the mess that is, Duke could still have a chance to be in the conference championship. So Tarheels: do me a huge favor. Go ahead and prevent Duke from doing that by beating them.
Liberty at UVA
Ok, full disclosure: I will not actually be watching much of this game. One, because it comes on during the Virginia Tech game and two, it’s not that compelling of a match up. That being said, a Liberty upset over UVA will definitely add to my birthday celebrations.
#16 Mississippi State vs #1 Alabama
Alabama wins. That is all.
#2 Clemson vs #17 Boston College
I am seriously conflicted about this game. I love upsets, but right now the ACC looks bad. Clemson is the only bright spot in the conference. If Boston College wins then that will really hurt the ACC’s chances of having a representative in the College Playoff. I really don’t want two members of the SEC there, which could happen if Clemson loses. I don’t think it will happen though. Clemson will win and things will be the way they should be.
Virginia Tech vs Pitt
Hokies fans: believe it or not, Virginia Tech could still win the Coastal Division. Now, that’s because the whole Coastal Division has been awful, but a conference title is a conference title. In order to have a shot at the the crown, they have to win this game. In my opinion, other than ODU and Georgia Tech, the Hokies have only beaten themselves this year. Lack of converting turnovers into points and stupid penalties have been their downfall. Well, that was the past. Right now, all the Hokies need to do is focus on the present. Be the Hokies that shut down the opposing offense and score points when the chance presents itself. The Hokies need to put their heels in the turf and say enough is enough, let’s go win this. I have full confidence in them because that is what the team needs, not doubt and complaints. Belief and support, that is how a team wins. GO HOKIES BEAT PITT!
Everybody have a good time this weekend. If you love college football, I hope you can spend a day similar to mine. If you don’t, then take an opportunity to do what you love. If you love playing banjo, then play the hell out of that banjo this Saturday. Life is more fun when you can take time to enjoy the simple pleasures.