Week 12: Games of the Week

It may not be rivalry weekend quite yet, but this weekends games have all the feel of a weekend packed with games between schools that know each other inside and out. Some may say that's just another weekend in college football, but this one has all the makings of a rivalry. Teams that don't like each other. Games that will decide conference championships, and perhaps the national championship picture as well.

Friday Night Football!

Fresno State @ Boise State
Talk about two teams with a lot of history. Early in the decade it was Fresno that could contend for a national title in the WAC. Now it's Boise's turn to take a shot at the big game. Add in conference championship, and BCS implications and you have a game with all the flash. Even in the WAC Conference on a Friday night.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:
You have to like the Broncos to prevail in this one. With one of the nations best rushing defense Boise State should have no problem taking down the Bulldogs. Add in the fact that the game is going to be played on the blue turf and this should be a lock for Boise. Even though Fresno State only lost by a point to Nevada last weekend the Bulldogs will be no match for Boise State. The Broncos win a tough one, but the big battle will be in Reno next Friday. Stay tuned for that one.

Showdown in the Big House!

Wisconsin @ Michigan
The Badgers have not won at Michigan since 1994, and the Wolverines have struggled against the Badgers in recent years. If you don't count the 19-0 comeback in 2008 that is. Regardless of the history between the two this one has all the makings of a classic. Wisconsin's all around offense against a Michigan defense that has struggled at times, but looked better last week. (All be it against Purdue.) Add in a playmaker like Michigan's Denard Robinson, and a powerful offense and you've got one for the ages. Sure to be the best of the early games. Set the alarm clock....

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:
Defense wins championships, and the Badgers have the better defense of the two. This one will most likely be a battle between two good offenses, and the one that makes the fewest mistakes will prevail. Michigan has been turnover happy at times this season, and the Badgers have been creating more turnovers as of late. If Michigan can hold onto the ball, and keep Wisconsin's offense on the sideline they stand a shot, but don't count on it with that defense. Especially against a ball control offense like Wisconsin.

Best Big Ten Battle!

Ohio State @ Iowa
If you looked at the schedule before the season started you would have thought this one may determine the Big Ten champion, and perhaps a spot in the BCS National Championship. Well that's why they play the games. Iowa is reeling from a stunning loss against Northwestern, and Ohio State is looking to stay alive in the Big Ten chase. A game that pits two solid defenses, and two offenses that at times look like one of the best in the country should make for a classic.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:
The Hawkeyes have not looked like the team that we thought they were going to be this season. At least at times. On the other hand they do respond from their losses. After losing to Arizona they returned home to stomp Ball State. Then after losing to Wisconsin they destroyed Michigan State at home. But this week will not be a repeat of those performances. The Buckeyes pack a better defense, and a better offense than the rest of the competition. Not to mention a team that shouldn't be bothered by playing in Kinnick Stadium. Buckeyes win this one, but it will be closer than some may lead you to believe.

Grits, and Football!

Arkansas @ Mississippi State
This one may not mean much in terms of the BCS or the SEC championship, but it should be entertaining to say the least. Arkansas packs an offense that can rival anyone in the country, and a defense that can dominate at times. Mississippi State on the other hand has improved throughout the season, and even challenged Auburn at one time. Add in the fact that this one is in Starksville, and you've got a game that is as good as southern home cookin'.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:
The veteran leadership of the Hogs wins out in this one. Arkansas at times this season has looked like a complete team. Just ask South Carolina to back that fact up. The defense is solid, and the offense is dominant. Mississippi State may be improving, but they aren't there yet. The offense is not well rounded, and that will hurt them against Arkansas. In order to hang with the Hogs they need to have an offense that can score. Even with a great defense. Arkansas wins this one, but they pull it out late on the arm of Ryan Mallett.

The ACC Atlantic Mess!

Florida State @ Maryland
If you follow the ACC you know how much of a mess the Atlantic division is. Three teams tied at the top, and one tie breaker already decided. At least until this game is over. A Florida State win will propel them right to the top of the Atlantic, and perhaps bump them to the conference championship game. A Maryland win puts them in control with a game against NC State the following week. This one will either make or break someones season, and move someone else closer to Charlotte.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:
In terms of offenses these two seem pretty much even. The defenses will be the key in this one. (Seems to be a pattern this weekend, huh?) If you just look at the numbers you would think that the Seminoles would have the better defense, and thus will be the ones that prevail in this one. Right? Wrong. Turnovers will be the key in this game, and the Terps are great at creating them. So far this season Maryland has forced 21 turnovers while only giving up the ball eight times. That's a whopping +13 in turnover margin. Against a quarterback like Chris Ponder who has thrown seven this year, and is prone to making mistakes at inopportune times will be the difference. Maryland wins and takes control of the ACC Atlantic.

Other Great Games!

Nebraska @ Texas A&M
Bo Polini is in a bit of trouble for picking on the "12th man" which is not a wise decision before paying "him"(or her) a visit. This one could be a shoot out but Nebraska should win. All though everybody thought that about Oklahoma's trip to College Station too....

Oklahoma @ Baylor
The Bears at one time were the surprise team of the season. Until recently that is. This matchup features two teams that at one time had a dream season going, and now have nothing going. Still a great match-up, and one that could have the Bears beating Oklahoma for the first time ever. Stick with history and the Sooners though.

San Jose State @ Hawaii
A game that only matters in Madison, but could be a late one worth staying awake for. (Or sober depending on how you spend your Saturday nights.) The Spartans have had a hard season to say the least. Having only a record of 1-9, and losing two close games in recent weeks. The Spartans need a victory, and with the BCS becoming more and more a factor in Wisconsin's Rose Bowl hopes a win by San Jose State can only help the Badgers. Not much but it would help.