FanNation - The Republic of Sport

     If events unfold in a manner anywhere near predictable (which, of course, they won't), this will be the week that decides the biggest pieces of the national championship puzzle. Texas faces its last true Big 12 test against Texas Tech and a loss hereafter before the Big 12 championship game would be jaw droppingly surprising.

     I think 'center court' belongs to the SEC, though, where Florida and Georgia play to see who meets Alabama for the SEC title game. 'Bama would have to lose two games this month to miss the opportunity and at this point the possibility seems unthinkable,

Florida and Georgia are both playing well after letting one game slip away early. The Bulldogs are home team. Florida has a Heisman winner at the helm but Stafford is leading statistically at this point. The two teams are the best offenses in the SEC but Florida has a fairly big edge on defense other than in the rushing yards category. Of course stats are just stats and what happens Saturday will truly shape our opinions and expectations regarding these teams. It'll probably come down to Georgia trying to run at Florida using Moreno to keep Florida's offense off the field while Florida will struggle running and Tebow will try to open the game with his more than capable passing abilities. I've liked Florida a little better all season but lately the gap has closed as Georgia has gotten on track. I'll still take Florida by 3.

    Texas is scoring over 45 points per game and only ranks 4th in the Big 12, unbelievable. Number two in the list is the Red Raiders. Tech didn't go out of their way to schedule high profile non- conference opponents this year, but then either did Texas. Because of that the Red Raiders are a bit of a mystery coming in. They stomped Kansas last week but really this is the first week we get to know what they are all about. They have the second ranked defense in the Big 12, Texas is #1. I'll stick with the Horns, they've played better opponents and this game should look a lot like the Texas/Missouri matchup. I doubt the Longhorns will start it off 35 - 0 but the playing styles seem similar. If Texas starts turning the ball over, though, look out. This is one area where Texas Tech excells.

    Elsewhere, Oklahoma plays Nebraska in a game they should dominate. The rivalry aspect has dimmed over the past two decades and OU is at home. I doubt the Huskers will pull off an upset this time.

    Alabama and USC probably just need to show up against Arkansas State and Washington respectively. Ark State is most likely a tougher challenge but neither game should be close.

     Most of the lower ranked teams are playing soft opponents this week and should rise to fill gaps left by the losers of the Longhorns/Raiders and Bulldogs/Gators games. Florida State might end up in a struggle against Georgia Tech. If they can't win somewhat convincingly it's further proof that there is no stand out team in the ACC. 

    Should be a fun weekend watching the big games, maybe the biggest of the season. Enjoy...            Bones