Forecaster Frank NCAA Six Pack Week 13
Florida 27 Florida State 20
Everything is on the line for Florida State as their 35-year bowl streak is on the line. Thanks to an upset win over Boston College, the Seminoles still have hopes of getting their bowl eligible but need a win over archrival Florida. The Gators who had a disappointing season last year have bounced back nicely in 2018 at 8-3, nothing would delight their fans more than bouncing the 5-6 Seminoles from the bowl season. The Gators defense is strong and will create problems all day for the FSU offensive line and that has been their issue all season. That is why the Gators will get the win.
Ohio State 37 Michigan 34
This might be the biggest game of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan, as the Wolverines can punch a ticket to the Big Ten Championship and end a six-game losing streak to Ohio State at the same time. Ohio State comes in playing shaky football as their defense has been terrible as of late, as they suffered a loss to Purdue and barely beat Nebraska and Maryland. Michigan meanwhile had played well on offense with Shea Patterson leading the way. Michigan may be the better team, but they have not won in Columbus since 2000. With all the momentum building for a playoff appearance, this one will hurt, as Ohio State continues its mastery against the team up north.
Alabama 47 Auburn 3
In the last three seasons, the only regular-season loss that was against Auburn in last year’s Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide have had a year to stew over that loss, which cost them the SEC Championship. Alabama did recover and got in the playoffs last year on the way to winning the National Championship. That one loss though bothered them and in perhaps their best season would love nothing more than humiliating Auburn. The Tigers have been up and down this season and are a younger team. This one has blowout written all over it.
Texas A&M 20 LSU 17
LSU had a terrific season at 9-2, only losing to Florida in the Swamp and Alabama. Texas A&M quietly has also had a solid year, facing one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Two of the Aggies four losses are against the top two teams in the nation. Texas A&M played well in both their losses to Clemson and Alabama but need a signature win to really have a satisfying season. This is their chance to get that win. Texas A&M has a strong defense that will give the Bayou Bengals fits. Look for this to come down to controlling the line of scrimmage, which Texas A&M will do to get the win.
Notre Dame 31 USC 10
For Notre Dame the math is simple, win and they are in the College Football Playoff. The third-ranked Irish enter the game 11-0 and just need to win in Los Angeles to finish 12-0, which will lock up one of the four playoff spots. USC meanwhile needs to win just to get to 6-6 and become bowl eligible. Notre Dame will hold the edge on both sides of the ball, as the Trojans offense has been inconsistent all season. Notre Dame has been extra impressive the last two weeks rolling over Florida State and Syracuse. This will be the Super Bowl for USC, and they will bring their best effort, but unless Notre Dame is off their game, they should win the easily.
Boise State 30 Utah State 20
A trip to the Mountain West Championship game is on the line, as Utah State face Boise State on the blue turf at Albertson’s Stadium. The Aggies have not lost since opening the season with a back and forth battle with Michigan State. The Broncos are also going strong, winning their last six games. Boise State had their struggles early in the season, but have their offense clicking on all cylinders as of late. Their defense has also been strong and will provide an extra physical presence that will present problems for Utah State, who is not used to this stage. Boise State is always in the picture for the Mountain West title and that edge plus a fired up home crowd will make the difference.