Too Much Food, But Never Enough Football

Ooooops, my bad.

Thought the "Civil War" (#12 Oregon vs. Oregon State) was today (Saturday), only to realize I missed an exciting comeback victory by the Quackers.  Texas stays alive in the Big 12 with a convincing win over Texas Tech, while both #15 LSU and #17 UCF escape close games.  But #16 Fresno State suffers its first loss, and likely any shot at being invited to a BCS bowl as an at-large team.  Unranked Nebraska falls in a big way to Iowa, giving rise to mumbles about head coach Bo Pelini's job security.

Missing this action is what comes with having five straight days off.  At least our piano has been moved and the living room rearranged.  Several other items on today's punch list, including the following college football:

Action from a previous Haskell Bowl

Air Force (2-9) at Colorado State (6-6).  Sorry to disappoint you Falcon faithbul, but Air Force is about to go winless in the Mountain West Conference for the first time ever.  Expect Ram RB Capri Bibbs to challenge the banged-up and undersized Air Force run defense.  On the other side of the ball, look for the hosts' defense to be all over QB Nate Romine, disrupting whatever momentum usually comes from the option attack.  Afraid the Fightin' Haskells take this one.  But it's only point-five.  PICK:  Colorado State.

Army (3-7) at Hawaii (0-11).  Will the Rainbows turn a six-hour time difference into a victory against the Black Knights?  Given the last two weeks' performances, I'd say it's a strong possibility.  Hawaii took both San Jose State and Wyoming to overtime before succumbing.  In the Wyoming game, the 'Bows scored 56 points in a losing effort.  Where Hawaii is most vulnerable is the pass, but Army is the #1 rushing team in the country.  Behind QB Sean Schroeder, Hawaii has the 19th-ranked passing game.  Expect a lot of yards out of both teams, with the difference coming in red zone efficiency.  Army?  Looking ahead.  Hawaii?  Playing at home.  Makes just that much difference.  PICK:  Hawaii.

Navy (idle); next 12/14 vs. Army.  Another bye week?  Really?

Think if we all dress differently...?

BYU (7-4) at Nevada (4-7).  This might be the game of the day, as both teams have double-threat QBs in the Cougars' Taysom Hill and the Wolf Pack's Cody Fajardo.  Perhaps the most significant impact will be the absence of longtime Nevada head coach Chris Ault, who gave way to Brian Polian this season.  UNR is capable of putting up big numbers, but will have trouble keeping the BYU offense off the field.  Expect a Cougar win, but for the Wolf Pack to put up a great fight.  PICK:  BYU.

#23 USC vs. #22 UCLA.  With the fortunes of these cross-town rivals seemingly taking opposite directions, it's hard to believe that UCLA is still ranked ahead of USC.  Such is the state of Pac-12 football this season, although the outcome of this game will have no bearing on the conference championship.  Injuries have riddled the Bruin offense, with WR Devin Fuller and a host of running backs have missed time, impacting the ability to move the football against the likes of Arizona State, Oregon, and Stanford.  With a healthy Fuller back in the lineup, QB Brett Hundley should keep the Trojan secondary busy all day.  If the USC defensive line can pressure Hundley and contain the run, that will allow their offense to stay on the field.  Unfortunately, with backfield injuries of their own, and an inconsistent offense, that may not be enough for USC.  This is one of those games where home field advantage may mean something, so I'll take the Trojans at home in the Coliseum.  PICK:  USC.

Boston College (7-4) at Syracuse (5-6).  Another potentially good game, another matchup between teams going in opposite direction.  Can playing at the Carrier Dome offset the current road rage being demonstrated by the Eagles?  The 'Cuse simply allows too many yards, and you better believe that RB Andre Williams, now being mentioned as a Heisman candidate, will take advantage of a defense ranked in the bottom half of the ACC.  The Orange offense has been stagnant as of late, only nineteen points in the last two games.  It will take a final game miracle recovery by Syracuse to offset all the strengths the Eagles bring to the table this weekend.  PICK:  Boston College.

"Guys, I'm beggin' ya...we're 0-11."

Georgia State (0-11) vs. South Alabama (4-6).  I really don't care that the Jaguars are a two-touchdown fave.  It's time for a Georgia State win, and since this is the final game of the season, I'm taking the Panthers.  Don't try to talk me out of it.  Stop, I said.  Cut it out.  Leave me alone.  PICK:  Georgia State.