No. 10 Oklahoma State at No. 9 Oklahoma
Sports editor Brian Scott Rippee: The Big 12 is suffering due to the lack of a conference title game, and a lot of down programs across the league, none more glaringly than Texas. Mike Gundy’s squad should be a one-loss team right now if not for how the officials handled their game against Central Michigan. Oklahoma has looked great over the last month of the season. Sooners win by two scores, but it won’t be enough to give them a serious playoff look, no matter what happens.
Assistant sports editor Sam Harres: Oklahoma State has looked dangerous all season, and this weekend shouldn’t be an exception. While the Big 12 isn’t what it used to be, the Cowboys should put up a good fight, but expect a gritty win for the Sooners.
No. 1 Alabama versus No. 15 Florida
BSR: If Florida slows the tempo and is able to run the ball, they could keep this respectable. Those are two huge “ifs.” Tide wins big.
SH: Alabama wins. Next.
No. 3 Clemson versus No. 23 Virginia Tech
BSR: Justin Fuente has wasted no time getting started in Blacksburg. The Hokies have a chance to win 10 games in his first season, and I think this could be a little tricky for Clemson. But too much Deshaun Watson in the end. Clemson wins a close game.
SH: Deshaun Watson is a game changer, beginning and end of story. Virginia Tech has shown a lot of promise this season, but Clemson’s high-powered offense should be too much to handle for the Hokies. Clemson wins comfortably.
No. 6 Wisconsin versus No. 7 Penn State
BSR: For as much emphasis as the committee has put on conference championships the first two years of this circus, they’ve seemingly gone the opposite way, and part of that is because of how good the Big 10 has been this year. I think the winner of this game should make the playoff, but I’m not foolish enough to think that will happen. Penn State wins this one and adds further madness to this equation.
SH: Wisconsin is going to push the run hard, and it’s got the talent to do so effectively. Penn State, on the other hand, is currently shuffling its offense around in response to a number of injuries. If there is any saving grace for the Nittany Lions, it’s that their defense has been and will be rock solid. Wisconsin eventually pulls out the win, but Penn keeps it close all game.
No. 8 Colorado versus No. 4 Washington
BSR: Mike Macintyre has created the story of the college football season. What a turnaround in Boulder. If Washington loses this game, the selection committee will have an absolute mess on its hands trying to select the fourth team. I think it’s going to happen. Buffs win by a touchdown.
SH: This game feels about as evenly matched as it gets. Washington is a known quantity, but at the moment, Colorado might be one of the hottest teams in college football. Washington needs this win to secure a spot in the postseason. For that reason, they’ll find a way to pull out a win. Huskies win a close one.
Temple at No. 19 Navy
BSR: Navy could quite literally freeze college football in terms of bowl alignment. If the Midshipmen win, they’d be in line for a birth in a New Year’s six bowl game, but wouldn’t know for sure until after the Army-Navy game. For the sake of anyone in media relations and travel coordination, Temple better win this thing. Owls win by a field goal.
SH: Temple has shown a few flashes this season, but issues with injuries have left the team in a pickle. The Midshipmen have no shortage of dynamic scoring options, and I fully expect Navy to not only win but also put the selection committee in a very tough position.
