A few predictions here...
1. Texas beats TCU. It's a home game for Texas after a week off for both teams. It's a Thursday night - which tends to favor the home teams. Texas has had some cold spots this year - against Kansas State and BYU, notably. But their defense has been good in the latter half of the season allowing 23, 13, 16, and 7 points. The only team that TCU has held to fewer than 23 points was Oklahoma State (9 points) - who Texas held to fewer. I think defense wins this one. Texas wins, I'll say 31-24.
2. Ohio State wins out.
3. Florida State loses to Florida. Teams tend to do well in final games under coaches that are well-liked - it seems to be an emotionally driven game where the team will give 100%. Florida seems to really like Muschamp. It's a heated rivalry with a chance to knock that rival off their perch. FSU has obviously had weak spots in every single game in the second half of the season. Believe it or not, Florida is actually the highest rated team on FSU's schedule according to Sagarin.
4. Missouri beats Arkansas, therefore they will be going to the SEC Championship. Again, this is a home game for Mizzou. Arkansas has played well two weeks in a row, but those have been home games against teams with injuries and broken spirits. Mizzou will come in tough and win a close game.
Final four going to the playoff - I've held pretty constant the past few weeks: Alabama, Oregon, Mississippi State, and Ohio State.
1. Texas beats TCU. It's a home game for Texas after a week off for both teams. It's a Thursday night - which tends to favor the home teams. Texas has had some cold spots this year - against Kansas State and BYU, notably. But their defense has been good in the latter half of the season allowing 23, 13, 16, and 7 points. The only team that TCU has held to fewer than 23 points was Oklahoma State (9 points) - who Texas held to fewer. I think defense wins this one. Texas wins, I'll say 31-24.
2. Ohio State wins out.
3. Florida State loses to Florida. Teams tend to do well in final games under coaches that are well-liked - it seems to be an emotionally driven game where the team will give 100%. Florida seems to really like Muschamp. It's a heated rivalry with a chance to knock that rival off their perch. FSU has obviously had weak spots in every single game in the second half of the season. Believe it or not, Florida is actually the highest rated team on FSU's schedule according to Sagarin.
4. Missouri beats Arkansas, therefore they will be going to the SEC Championship. Again, this is a home game for Mizzou. Arkansas has played well two weeks in a row, but those have been home games against teams with injuries and broken spirits. Mizzou will come in tough and win a close game.
Final four going to the playoff - I've held pretty constant the past few weeks: Alabama, Oregon, Mississippi State, and Ohio State.
