Here is what's up for this weekend's action:
- Notre Dame @ Arizona State (Elimination Game) – This is only the 3rd time this year that Notre Dame has had to play a game away from South Bend. Despite being on the road, this is the biggest toss up game of the day. The Irish are just 1-1 vs Top 25 teams, having narrowly beaten Stanford at home and narrowly lost to Florida State on the road. Arizona State is 3-1 vs Top 25 teams including close wins over Utah and Southern Cal. Their only blemish was that route at the hands of UCLA. The Notre Dame defense has faltered of late, giving up nearly 38 points per game in their last three games. As for the Sun Devils, their d is improving – 12 points per game in last 3.
- #7 Kansas State @ #6 TCU. (Elimination game) This is the best polar opposite game of the day. K-State is the primary keeper of defensive play in the Big 12, as they are 12th in the country in points allowed. But they are a middle of the road offensive team as they rank 50th in passing yards and 58th in rushing yards…despite that they are scoring 38 points per game. TCU has been a guaranteed 30 points each weekend, their point totals at home have been: 48, 30, 37, 42, and 82. But injuries will be huge, as TCU’s starting running back and both receivers are dealing with injuries that could keep them out of this game.
- Michigan State @ Ohio State (Elimination game) The Big 10 is so spare right now, that basically this conference has become Sparty and Buckeye…and then everyone else. Michigan State heads to Columbus having not lost to a Big 10 team since November of 2012. Their last two losses dating back to 2012 are to Oregon and Notre Dame, that’s it.
- Oregon @ Utah: The last regular season hurdle for Oregon that we’ve been pointing at is this ball game. Utah has proven to be a good home team since October began. The Utes have surrendered an average of 20 points a game over the last three games and has given up a maximum at home of 27 points. Oregon is a better ball club, but weird things tend to happen when Utah gets a team at home.
- (11) – The view with fans around the league is that the NFC is a bear when it comes to their playoff teams. With Seattle, San Francisco, Carolina, New Orleans, and Green Bay last year that makes a lot of sense. But let’s clarify, the NFC is top heavy. And it is again this year. Last year 7 NFC teams were over .500, there are 6 this year. In the AFC, 11 teams are currently over .500. The AFC is going to be just as big of a bear to get through this year in the playoffs.